Hot News
Thailand hot news, breaking stories, crime, politics, tourism, and business—stay updated with in-depth reports and exclusive interviews on the latest events across the country. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted Thailand news source.
-
Sponsored 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
-
Where to see the iconic Squid Game ‘Gogowa’ Doll in Bangkok
Netflix Thailand is launching “Squid Game” Season 2 with a grand event in Bangkok. The event features the world’s largest “Gogowa” doll sailing along the Chao Phraya River. The iconic “Gogowa” doll, known as “Younghee” from the series, appears at key landmarks along the river. Where to see the Squid Game Doll? The sailing schedule is as follows: 11.30am –…
-
Bangkok: Car and pickup plunge into canal, five injured
A dramatic accident occurred when a car and a pickup truck plunged into a drainage canal beside a road in Bangkok, submerging both vehicles and leaving five people injured from water inhalation. Rescuers promptly assisted and transported the injured to hospital for urgent care. Ekphop Painuea, a police inspector from Chokchai Station, received a report at 12.10am today of a…
-
Thailand to revise minimum wage across provinces from January
Thailand is set to implement a new minimum wage structure across its 77 provinces from January 1, 2025. The decision was made following an extensive meeting led by Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour. The meeting, which took place yesterday, December 23 and lasted over five hours, resulted in a unanimous agreement on the new wage rates,…
-
Pattaya crackdown: over 50 arrested in major anti-drug operation
Police in Pattaya have executed a large-scale operation resulting in the arrest of over 50 individuals as part of a concerted effort to combat drug use and criminal activity in the Jomtien area. The operation, named Parasite Clean-up Part 2, was led by Police Major General Thawatchakrit Jindakwanasong, Chief of Chon Buri Provincial Police, and took place in the early…
-
Pattaya Beach bags world-class glory with safety and eco awards
Pattaya has officially cemented its place as a top-tier beach destination after snagging three prestigious certifications for safety, cleanliness, and eco-friendliness. The big announcement was made by Pattaya Mayor, Poramet Ngampichet, who proudly declared, “This certification is a proud achievement for Pattaya and its people.” The accolades come after a rigorous evaluation process under the ISO 13009 standard—a globally recognised…
-
Everything you need to know about SMART Visa in Thailand
If you’re thinking about working, starting a business, or simply enjoying the perks of living in Thailand, the SMART Visa might be the golden ticket you’ve been searching for. Designed for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors, the SMART Visa makes it easier for foreigners to live and work in Thailand while contributing to the country’s growing economy. The SMART Visa…
-
Pattaya guesthouse horror: Foreign man found with decomposing body
A troubling discovery unfolded in Pattaya as a foreign man was found living in a guesthouse with his partner’s decomposing body for over three days. Police were alerted to the situation when police were called shortly after 11.30am on December 22. The grim find was made in a room on the fifth floor of a guesthouse located at Soi Somprasong…
-
Russian tourist’s gold necklace stolen by trans duo in Pattaya
A Russian visitor in Pattaya reported a theft involving his gold necklace, allegedly stolen by two transgender individuals. The incident unfolded in the early hours of December 22, when police received a report at 3.19am about a tourist being pickpocketed in a hotel parking lot on Soi Wong Amat, Pattaya-Naklua Road. Upon reaching the location, officers encountered Andrei, a tourist…
-
Phuket’s traffic revolution: New roads to transform island travel
Phuket is gearing up for a major infrastructure facelift with a slew of secondary road developments aimed at easing traffic woes and boosting tourism. Officials unveiled the ambitious plan at a press conference chaired by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwanarat at Provincial Hall on Friday, December 20, showcasing a roadmap for smoother travel and economic growth. Jakkrapong Thamuntree, Director of Phuket’s…
-
Thailand braces for cold spell and stormy weather
Today’s weather forecast from the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) highlights the ongoing cold spell across the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand, with thunderstorms expected in some southern areas. A moderate northeastern monsoon affects the Gulf of Thailand and southern regions, while tropical storm Pabuk is anticipated to approach Vietnam’s eastern coast. The high-pressure system continues to dominate the upper…
-
PM Paetongtarn embraces political moniker amid press scrutiny
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been nicknamed “Paetongphoey” by Government House reporters, as part of their tradition of assigning monikers to senior officials at the year’s end. The nickname combines the first two syllables of her name with the Thai word “phoey,” meaning “script,” referencing her reliance on prepared speeches during significant events. When asked about the nickname, the 38…
-
Thai father allegedly kidnaps 11 year old daughter for begging
A Thai man allegedly kidnapped his young daughter from her aunt’s home in Bangkok for begging. The man is expected to be hiding in Chachoengsao province near Bangkok. The aunt of the missing girl, Na, filed a complaint at Romklao Police Station yesterday, December 22, that her older brother Phon took her 11 year old niece named C (pseudonym) away…
-
Thai teen pregnancy leads to clash between families at hospital
An unplanned pregnancy of a 15 year old Thai girl led to a clash between her mother and her boyfriend’s older sister at a hospital in the northern province of Nakhon Sawan on December 20. A viral video showed two women, 42 year old Phatcharee and 28 year old On-anong, fighting in a hospital, later reported to be Nakhon Sawan…
-
Thai police collaborate with UK to improve detainee conditions
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has joined forces with the United Kingdom to enhance custody procedures and improve the living conditions for detainees at police stations across Thailand. This collaborative project aims to adopt a UK-based model to uplift safety standards and quality of life for those held in custody. Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, the inspector-general of the RTP, recently…
-
Thailand’s massage therapist shortage outlined by Health Ministry
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry has unveiled plans to train 7,000 new massage therapists, addressing a significant workforce shortage in an industry worth 200 billion baht annually. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin announced the initiative yesterday, December 22, emphasising the goal of elevating Thai traditional massage as a complementary treatment alongside conventional medicine. The programme will focus on developing specialists who…
-
Shots fired at cockfighting arena after million baht bet (video)
Shots rang out at a cockfighting arena in Nakhon Pathom as a group reportedly lost a high-stakes bet of around a million baht. Law enforcement launched a manhunt for three armed suspects involved in the incident. Two suspects have already been detained, with police vowing to bring the remaining perpetrators to justice. The incident, which occurred when a group lost…
-
MPs urged to prioritise urgent bills in packed Parliamentary session
Chief government whip Wisut Chainarun is optimistic that the House will successfully scrutinise approximately 20 urgent bills during the current Parliamentary session. This session, which commenced yesterday, December 22, has a packed agenda with bills of significant economic and social impact awaiting approval. The urgent bills include legislation on fisheries, aimed at tackling industry challenges, and a bill to introduce…
-
Thai woman arrested for fatally shooting girlfriend, ending 12-year relationship
Police arrested a Thai woman for fatally shooting her girlfriend at a house in the central province of Pathum Thani on Saturday, December 21, marking the tragic end of their 12-year relationship. The fatal shooting occurred at the victim’s home in the Pruksa D Village in Pathum Thani at approximately 7.50am on Saturday. The ground floor of the property was…
-
Crackdown in Jomtien, Pattaya, nabs over 50 for drug offences
A major crackdown operation dubbed Purge the Parasites Part 2 was conducted in Jomtien, Pattaya, targeting crime and drug-related offences. Over 50 individuals involved in drug possession and consumption were apprehended during the raid, which took place yesterday, December 22. The operation was spearheaded by Tawatchai Jindakawornsanong, the Chon Buri Provincial Police Commander. The operation involved a massive deployment of over 900…
-
Jealous husband shoots wife over infidelity suspicions
A tragic domestic incident unfolded yesterday, December 22, in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, where a jealous husband used his stepson to lure his wife into opening a bedroom door before fatally shooting her. The woman, identified as 38 year old Dusadee was found critically injured in her home and later succumbed to her injuries at Chonprathan Hospital Pak Kret. The incident occurred…
-
Dutch tourist allegedly escapes bills and steals from many Phuket hotels
A Dutch tourist reportedly evaded paying bills and stole room keys, along with other items, from several hotels in Phuket but remains at large. The Facebook page Phuket Times reported on Saturday, December 21, issuing a warning to hotels in Phuket… “Naughty tourist! He stayed at multiple hotels in Phuket and left without paying. He even stole the room key…
-
Udon Thani officers suspended over allegations of traffic bribes
Eighteen traffic police officers in Udon Thani are facing suspension due to allegations of accepting bribes for traffic tickets. This development arose after a video was shared on a popular Thai Facebook page, depicting officers providing motorists with a choice: pay on the spot or receive a ticket. Public outcry ensued, with many criticising the practice. The incident occurred yesterday,…
-
Japan dethrones Thailand as top tourist spot
Japan’s rise as a favoured tourist destination over Thailand is attributed to a weaker currency and its preparedness to welcome independent travellers. In response, tourism operators in Thailand are urging the government to enhance attractions and improve service quality to achieve the target of 40 million visitors. For the first eleven months of this year, Japan received over 33.3 million…
-
Irishman denies involvement in Thai girlfriend’s death in Pattaya
An Irishman denied any knowledge of his Thai girlfriend’s death after reportedly staying with her body for three days in an apartment in Pattaya before other residents noticed the unpleasant odour. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station were called to the five-storey apartment in Banglamung district, Pattaya, to investigate the mysterious death of 45 year old Thai woman Duangta. Police, accompanied…
-
This Christmas, give the gift of health: essential options for expats in Thailand
The holiday season is here, bringing warmth, joy, and a chance to reflect on the year gone by. As an expat in Thailand, this Christmas is a great time to invest in something that truly matters: health. Whether for you or your loved ones, prioritising health ensures security and peace of mind in the long run. In Thailand, medical costs…
-
Where to celebrate Christmas in Koh Samui 2024
How do you imagine Christmas in Koh Samui? Tropical breezes, turquoise waters, and an ocean view that makes even the best snow globes jealous? You’re absolutely right. But don’t think for a second you’ll have to sacrifice the festive cheer. Twinkling fairy lights, grand feasts, and all the holiday magic you’d expect back home are right here, too, just swapped…
-
Foreign women begging in Pattaya raise concerns over enforcement
Foreign women accompanied by young children were witnessed begging on the bustling streets of Pattaya, reigniting concerns about the city’s reputation and the effectiveness of law enforcement. These women, previously apprehended and deported for similar offences, were observed once again soliciting donations from passersby, highlighting a persistent issue that locals believe requires more stringent measures. Yesterday, December 21, at 8.06pm,…
-
Pipe bomb attack injures four officers at Narathiwat base
A brazen attack occurred yesterday, December 21, as assailants hurled a pipe bomb at the Border Patrol Police base in Narathiwat, leaving four officers with minor injuries. The incident, captured on CCTV, has prompted a manhunt ordered by local police. At approximately 6.37pm, the incident unfolded at the Border Patrol Police Operation Base 934, located in Bura Pue, Kokkien subdistrict,…
-
Phuket mayors face charges in major corruption scandal
Three mayors in Phuket—Aroon Solos of Rawai, Panya Samphaorat of Pa Khlok, and Juta Dumlak from Kamala Tambon Administrative Organisation—are embroiled in legal battles over corruption charges. Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri confirmed these proceedings, emphasising a broader push against corruption in the province. Panya Samphaorat faces charges from the Phuket branch of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for neglecting…
-
Thai police arrest six Chinese nationals in call centre fraud bust
Thai police have taken decisive action against an international call centre fraud operation by arresting six Chinese nationals in Bangkok. The operation, which was uncovered in a luxury condominium on Ratchadapisek Road, Huai Khwang, involved a sophisticated network of equipment, including 286 Sim Boxes, 208,652 SIM cards, and 636 mobile phones. The arrested individuals, identified as Fengran Wen, Zhang Jun,…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.