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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.

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    How to travel around Thailand for under US$30 a day

    The Thaiger key takeaways Staying in budget hostels or guesthouses and eating street food keeps daily expenses low. Mixing buses, trains, and budget flights allows affordable travel between cities and islands. Free or cheap activities, such as temples, markets, parks,...

  • Thailand braces for severe weather as storms hit 17 provinces | Thaiger

    Thailand braces for severe weather as storms hit 17 provinces

    A powerful weather front is currently affecting Thailand, with the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issuing a severe weather warning for 17 provinces. Eastern regions are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with 30% of the area predicted to experience heavy thunderstorms, strong gusts of wind, and possible hail. The warning comes as a new high-pressure system from…

  • British man arrested for counterfeit euro scam in Phuket | Thaiger

    British man arrested for counterfeit euro scam in Phuket

    Police in Phuket apprehended a British man for his involvement in a counterfeit euro exchange scam across various locations in the province. The alleged suspect, 33 year old British national Tobias Drew was reportedly found in possession of a large sum of counterfeit currency and has been charged under Thai law. A 50 year old Thai woman, Janjira Laowlang was…

  • Thai tourism index for Q4 2023 signals risk of deflation | Thaiger

    Thai tourism index for Q4 2023 signals risk of deflation

    The Tourism Council of Thailand’s (TCT) quarterly index has reported a lower-than-normal confidence level for the fourth quarter of 2023, signalling concerns among operators about the risk of deflation and delayed fiscal budget disbursement. The Thai tourism index for the last quarter of the year scored 77, with 100 being the average; this is an increase from the third quarter’s…

  • Royal Thai Navy busts illegal oil smuggling ring in South Thailand | Thaiger

    Royal Thai Navy busts illegal oil smuggling ring in South Thailand

    The Second Naval Area Command of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) received a report about a boat allegedly involved in illicit oil smuggling to fishing vessels near Songkhla yesterday, February 8. In response, the RTN launched an investigation which uncovered a vessel specifically adapted for clandestine oil transportation, carrying an astonishing 10,000 litres of illicit oil intended for local fishermen…

  • Thai industrial authority partners with Japanese firms for green utility project | Thaiger

    Thai industrial authority partners with Japanese firms for green utility project

    The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) is collaborating with Japanese firms, IHI Corporation and IHI Asia Pacific (Thailand) Co, on a green utility project at the Smart Park Industrial Estate in Rayong. The initiative, aimed at encouraging eco-considerate manufacturing, will involve a feasibility study on the development of renewable energy and green infrastructure. The study marks the first phase…

  • Canadian man claims fear of criminal gang forced him to open plane door | Thaiger

    Canadian man claims fear of criminal gang forced him to open plane door

    The Canadian passenger, who attempted to open the door of a Thai Airways plane on February 7, claimed that he had to escape the aircraft because a criminal gang from Vietnam was after him. The foreign man was clean from drugs, and there was no mention of mental health issues. The 40 year old Canadian man, Wong Sai Heung, was…

  • Supreme court weighs in on vote buying case against PPRP candidate | Thaiger

    Supreme court weighs in on vote buying case against PPRP candidate

    The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a vote buying case brought forth by the Election Commission (EC) against a candidate from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) from Nakhon Sawan. The candidate, Pornwisit Jaemsai, is accused of vote-buying, an illegal practice that infringes the Organic Act on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives (2018). This announcement was made…

  • Methamphetamine seizures double in Thailand amid increased smuggling | Thaiger

    Methamphetamine seizures double in Thailand amid increased smuggling

    The second half of last year saw a significant spike in methamphetamine seizures in Thailand, with over 250 million pills intercepted, which is twice the quantity seized during the same period the prior year. This rise in the illegal drug trade is reportedly due to increased smuggling activities across the borders from neighbouring nations, as explained by Prime Minister Srettha…

  • Thai taxi driver threatens Japanese man for refusing his service | Thaiger

    Thai taxi driver threatens Japanese man for refusing his service

    A Thai taxi driver faces four charges for threatening a Japanese man with a knife after the foreigner refused to use his service because he would not use his meter and demanded 150 baht for a destination only 1 kilometre away. On February 5, the Japanese victim took to his Twitter account, @ginn_taro, to share his experience with a Thai…

  • Where to take your date for Valentine’s Day dinner in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Where to take your date for Valentine’s Day dinner in Bangkok

    February has arrived, and with it comes all the Valentine’s Day celebrations! Haven’t figured out your plans for this romantic occasion yet? Don’t worry! Bangkok is an amazing place to be on Valentine’s Day because it’s bursting with romantic restaurants to choose from. So, if you’re looking for the perfect spot to woo your sweetheart with a romantic dinner, here…

  • Pheu Thai Party dismisses corruption concerns on 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme | Thaiger

    Pheu Thai Party dismisses corruption concerns on 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme

    The Pheu Thai Party dismissed a warning by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) concerning the government’s proposed 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. Anusorn Iamsa-ard, a Pheu Thai list-MP, maintained that the government is open to feedback from all quarters and that the NACC’s concerns are premature as the scheme has not been implemented yet. “If the digital wallet scheme is delayed…

  • Boy, 12, killed in horrific Ayutthaya Road accident | Thaiger

    Boy, 12, killed in horrific Ayutthaya Road accident

    A tragic incident occurred in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province when a 12 year old boy lost his life in a road accident involving a motorcycle and a truck. The incident happened near a U-turn bridge on the Asia Road, heading towards Bangkok, around the 11-kilometre mark in Bang Pa-in District. At the scene, authorities discovered the body of the…

  • Elderly man alleges Chon Buri police assault after family dispute | Thaiger

    Elderly man alleges Chon Buri police assault after family dispute

    A 73 year old man brought to light a troubling incident involving Chon Buri police, claiming officers handcuffed and assaulted him in front of his daughter after a family dispute led to a report of physical assault against him. , Jamras Dokmaiwhai, residing in Chon Buri Province with his daughters and wife, expressed his desire for justice after the alleged…

  • Chamber of Thailand calls for cut in interest rates to boost recovery | Thaiger

    Chamber of Thailand calls for cut in interest rates to boost recovery

    The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) expressed its expectations for the Bank of Thailand to consider a reduction in interest rates in its forthcoming meeting. The TCC argues that although the economy is on a recovery trajectory, it remains susceptible to various challenges. Sanan Angubolkul, the chairman of the chamber, acknowledged the decisions made by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)…

  • Thai Honda forecast mild ‘declinecycle’ in domestic sales this year | Thaiger

    Thai Honda forecast mild ‘declinecycle’ in domestic sales this year

    Thai Honda Co, a leading motorcycle manufacturer and distributor, predicts a mild decline in domestic sales to around 1.7-1.75 million units this year. This anticipated dip is attributed to the newly implemented regulations aimed at managing high levels of household debt. In the previous year, Thailand recorded total motorcycle sales of 1.88 million units. For the coming year, sales of…

  • Bangkok police seize 10 million meth pills, 60kg crystal meth in major drug bust | Thaiger

    Bangkok police seize 10 million meth pills, 60kg crystal meth in major drug bust

    Following a two-month-long surveillance operation, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau of Bangkok’s Division 6 successfully dismantled three drug trafficking networks, seizing 10 million methamphetamine pills and 60 kilogrammes of crystal meth. The haul, intended for distribution in local communities, was intercepted at 1pm yesterday, February 8, at the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 6. Assistant Commissioner of the National…

  • Northern Thailand welcomes famed elephant ‘Indy Jumbo’ (video) | Thaiger

    Northern Thailand welcomes famed elephant ‘Indy Jumbo’ (video)

    An elephant known as Indy Jumbo has found a new lease on life after a viral video catapulted her to fame. The elephant, affectionately dubbed Indy Jumbo by Thai netizens, shot to stardom after a video of her leisurely beach escapade took social media by storm. The charming clip showcased her unwavering love for nature as she gazed at the…

  • Thailand suffers hazardous ultrafine dust levels in 48 provinces | Thaiger

    Thailand suffers hazardous ultrafine dust levels in 48 provinces

    Hazardous levels of ultrafine dust were recorded in 48 of Thailand’s 77 provinces this morning, with the northeast of the country being the most affected. This data was confirmed by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). GISTDA’s 10am readings revealed that 13 provinces were under the harmful influence of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter (PM2.5).…

  • Thai teacher’s ex-boyfriend surrenders after holding students hostage (video) | Thaiger

    Thai teacher’s ex-boyfriend surrenders after holding students hostage (video)

    A Thai gunman surrendered to the police after holding students and his ex-girlfriend, who is a teacher, hostage at a school in the Isaan province of Mahasarakham. Fortunately, all students and teachers emerged unharmed from the incident. The gunman, whose identity remains undisclosed, broke into Ban Kwao Tung School in the Phayakkhaphum Phisai district of Mahasarakham province at about 1.30pm…

  • Frozen accolades: Thai ice sculptors carve success at Sapporo Snow Festival | Thaiger

    Frozen accolades: Thai ice sculptors carve success at Sapporo Snow Festival

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor praised the Thai ice sculpting team for their outstanding performance at the 48th International Snow Sculpture Contest, held as part of the 74th Sapporo Snow Festival. The Thai ice sculpting team left the world in awe with their breathtaking depiction of the Naga Fireballs at the prestigious 48th International Snow Sculpture Contest, earning…

  • Taiwan halts group tours to China amid escalating tensions | Thaiger

    Taiwan halts group tours to China amid escalating tensions

    Travel agents in Taiwan have been ordered to cease organising new group tours to China as tensions between Beijing and Taipei continue to escalate. Despite China reopening its borders to other popular tourist destinations post-pandemic, Taiwan remains excluded from the list of approved destinations for Chinese nationals. Since the end of the pandemic, China has gradually allowed its citizens to…

  • Kanchanaburi court decides fate of disputed 30 million baht lottery | Thaiger

    Kanchanaburi court decides fate of disputed 30 million baht lottery

    In a high-stakes legal battle, the much-anticipated verdict in the 30 million baht lottery case was delivered yesterday at the Kanchanaburi Provincial Court. The plaintiff, retired police officer Charoon Wimol, commonly known as Uncle Charoon, filed a lawsuit against teacher Preecha Kraikruan, and his lawyer, Waryuth Boonwongsai. The dispute centred on a winning lottery ticket from the November 1, 2017…

  • Hong Kong ex-student leader clashes with court judge over political statements | Thaiger

    Hong Kong ex-student leader clashes with court judge over political statements

    A former student leader involved in the 2019 Hong Kong protests faced a dramatic courtroom clash with the judge as she attempted to make political statements during her trial for rioting. Althea Suen’s impassioned plea was repeatedly interrupted, leading to a tense showdown at the West Kowloon Law Courts Building, Hong Kong. Suen, former head of the University of Hong…

  • Jealous Thai man arrested for killing wife by slitting her throat | Thaiger

    Jealous Thai man arrested for killing wife by slitting her throat

    Police arrested a Thai man for killing his wife in a jealous rage by slitting her throat in front of her mother near their shared home in the northeastern province of Chaiyaphum. After witnessing the horrifying scene of her 38 year old son-in-law, Auphon, killing her 44 year old daughter, Ladda, on February 6, the victim’s mother, Suwan, contacted Kaset…

  • Making waves: Phuket water projects dive deep into billion-baht territory | Thaiger

    Making waves: Phuket water projects dive deep into billion-baht territory

    The Phuket Provincial Water Resources Subcommittee delved into water projects exceeding 1 billion baht yesterday and made quite a splash. The meeting, held at Phuket Provincial Hall and chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Norasak Suksombun, saw a flood of attendees from various government agencies. The discussion navigated through the island’s rainfall patterns, water levels in its three main reservoirs, water…

  • China’s warning to students: Beware of foreign spies | Thaiger

    China’s warning to students: Beware of foreign spies

    China’s Ministry of State Security sounded the alarm amidst an extensive nationwide security initiative, bringing to light a distressing narrative involving a Chinese graduate who fell prey to the intricate web of foreign espionage. In a revelation shared on the ministry’s WeChat platform, an ominous case was detailed, chronicling the exploits of a Chinese student, identified solely by the surname…

  • Fare play: Chinese man fakes theft complaint after Phuket taxi fracas | Thaiger

    Fare play: Chinese man fakes theft complaint after Phuket taxi fracas

    A Chinese man filed a fake theft complaint against a Thai motorbike taxi rider with the police in the Patong area of Phuket because he was angry over the fare he was charged by the rider. The fake Chinese victim, 38 year old Xing Jingwei, asked a local in the area to report an opportunity snatching to Patong Police Station…

  • Bangkok Metropolitan Council approves 23.4 billion baht for Green Line extension | Thaiger

    Bangkok Metropolitan Council approves 23.4 billion baht for Green Line extension

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) gave the green light for a whopping 23.4 billion baht payment to the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) for crucial electrical and mechanical (E&M) installation work and operation services for the Green Line’s second extension. This decision comes after a crucial meeting that saw high-ranking officials deliberate the fate of the city’s transportation system.…

  • Thailand’s economy set for 3.3% growth amid global uncertainties | Thaiger

    Thailand’s economy set for 3.3% growth amid global uncertainties

    Thailand’s economy is projected to grow by 3.3% this year, despite vulnerabilities from international politics, foreign wars, and unrest in neighbouring countries. These factors pose risks to the nation’s export sector. Tawee Piyapatana, the Senior Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries, expressed concerns after representing the chair at a Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB)…

  • Mentally ill Thai man stabs woman on bus in Isaan (video) | Thaiger

    Mentally ill Thai man stabs woman on bus in Isaan (video)

    A mentally ill Thai man stabbed a local woman he met on a coach bus in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen on February 6. The attacker’s mother revealed that her son had a mental illness but refused any treatment. The victim, Nittaya Pimthong, was rushed to hospital with several cut wounds on her arms. She is in stable condition…