News

Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. The Thaiger delivers the latest national news that matters.

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    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...

  • Phuket tragedy: US man electrocuted near restaurant

    Phuket tragedy: US man electrocuted near restaurant

    A tragic incident unfolded in Phuket as a long-separated couple, having reunited after years apart, faced an unimaginable misfortune. A man, who had travelled from the United States to meet his partner, tragically lost his life after being electrocuted. The tragic event occurred yesterday, December 5, at approximately 9.30pm near a grilled fish restaurant on Don Jomthao Road, Thepkasattri subdistrict,…

  • Reckless Chinese man hits the brakes on safety in Pattaya

    Reckless Chinese man hits the brakes on safety in Pattaya

    Carnage unfolded on Thepprasit Road as a reckless Chinese man unleashed mayhem in a high-speed horror crash, leaving several injured and claiming at least one life. The catastrophe struck at 9.06pm, yesterday, December 5, prompting a swift response from authorities led by Police Lieutenant Sanan Kotanon and emergency crews from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya City. On arrival, officers were greeted…

  • Paradise to Pattaya peril: Canadian’s vacation takes deadly dive

    Paradise to Pattaya peril: Canadian’s vacation takes deadly dive

    A Canadian tourist’s dream getaway to a plush resort near Jomtien Beach in Pattaya turned into a nightmare after a fatal fall. The Canadian, Gilbert Giroud, met his tragic end when he slipped and suffered fatal injuries, leaving holiday heaven in heartbreak. In a regular afternoon turning to chaos, patrolling police got the alarming call at 3.34pm, yesterday, December 5.…

  • Loei police seize 90 bikes in street racing crackdown

    Loei police seize 90 bikes in street racing crackdown

    Police in Loei province swooped on illegal street racing gang over a nine-day operation, seizing nearly 100 modified motorcycles and issuing numerous legal actions against offenders. The operation aimed to curb the public nuisance and safety hazards posed by these activities. Police in Loei province, including the Provincial Governor Chaipoj Jarunpong and Police Major General Phongpipat Siripornviwat, held a press…

  • Thailand’s 2024 inflation forecast set between 0.2% and 0.8%

    Thailand’s 2024 inflation forecast set between 0.2% and 0.8%

    The Commerce Ministry has forecasted that Thailand’s headline inflation for 2024 will range from 0.2% to 0.8%, settling at a midpoint of 0.5%. This projection is part of a broader economic outlook that anticipates a range of factors influencing price changes in the coming years. In 2025, headline inflation is expected to be slightly higher, between 0.3% and 1.3%, driven…

  • Thai industry urges delay on 400 baht minimum wage increase

    Thai industry urges delay on 400 baht minimum wage increase

    The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) is set to appeal to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra tomorrow, urging a postponement of the upcoming increase in the daily minimum wage to 400 baht, scheduled for January 1 next year. This request arises from the current economic challenges businesses are facing. Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of…

  • Terror threat won’t deter Israeli tourists from Phuket, says PTA

    Terror threat won’t deter Israeli tourists from Phuket, says PTA

    Israel’s recent warning of a terrorist threat in Southeast Asia, following the murder of an Israeli rabbi in the United Arab Emirates, is not expected to impact Phuket, according to the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA). Despite the alert, Phuket remains a popular destination for Israeli tourists, with enhanced safety measures in place to ensure visitor security. The National Council of…

  • Family dispute turns deadly as man shoots uncle in Nonthaburi

    Family dispute turns deadly as man shoots uncle in Nonthaburi

    A 25 year old man, Chakraphan, fatally shot his uncle, 34 year old Chakrawat, in a heated altercation during a mealtime gathering. The incident unfolded late last night in front of a construction workers’ dormitory in Ban Mai, Bang Yai, Nonthaburi. Police from Bang Mae Nang swiftly apprehended Chakraphan after the shooting yesterday, December 4. Chakraphan’s mother, 50 year old…

  • Heavy rain warnings and flash flood risks in nine Thai provinces

    Heavy rain warnings and flash flood risks in nine Thai provinces

    Heavy rain warnings have been issued for nine provinces in Thailand, with risks of flash floods, forest runoff, and overflowing rivers. Coastal areas are also facing 2 metre high waves, while Bangkok experiences morning fog and cooler temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius. A moderate northeast monsoon currently affects the Gulf of Thailand and the southern regions, combined with a low-pressure…

  • Australian man arrested after chaotic naked rampage in Pattaya

    Australian man arrested after chaotic naked rampage in Pattaya

    In a striking incident near Pattaya, an Australian man caused chaos in a luxury village by running unclothed, setting his residence ablaze, and damaging vehicles. The event unfolded yesterday, December 4, at 8.30am when Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, Nattakon Chanlod, received a report concerning a foreign individual behaving erratically in Nongprue. The man, identified as 38 year old Andrew, was…

  • ‘Fast Eddie’ Davenport fights closure of 652 million baht London mansion amid controversy

    ‘Fast Eddie’ Davenport fights closure of 652 million baht London mansion amid controversy

    Notorious fraudster Edward “Fast Eddie” Davenport has returned to the UK from Thailand to contest a police order to shut down his £15 million (652 million baht) in Marylebone, London. The 58 year old, known for hosting raucous sex parties at the lavish property, is challenging a closure notice issued by the Metropolitan Police under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and…

  • Thailand cuts car taxes to boost electric vehicle production

    Thailand cuts car taxes to boost electric vehicle production

    Thailand’s National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee has approved a revamped car tax structure to bolster the production of hybrid vehicles and transition from internal combustion engines to electric power. Chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the committee aims to position Thailand as a leading hub for electric vehicle (EV) and electric motorcycle production in Southeast Asia. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, the Secretary-General…

  • New M9 motorway to connect Bangkok districts in 2029

    New M9 motorway to connect Bangkok districts in 2029

    The Cabinet has given the green light for a significant new infrastructure project: a 35-kilometre M9 motorway aiming to connect Bangkok’s Bang Khunthian district with Bang Bua Thong district in Nonthaburi. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced this development, highlighting its potential to alleviate traffic congestion on Kanchanaphisek Road’s western side and enhance connectivity with Bangkok’s network of outer ring roads.…

  • Bangkok arrests three African nationals in human trafficking crackdown

    Bangkok arrests three African nationals in human trafficking crackdown

    Three individuals from Africa have been apprehended in connection with a notorious human trafficking ring in Bangkok. The gang, known as madam, is accused of luring women from Africa into prostitution in Thailand’s capital city. Police from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) initiated the crackdown with the arrest of a Malian man, identified only as Baba, in Nong Khai…

  • Over 1,000 detained in Thai nominee crackdown on foreign businesses

    Over 1,000 detained in Thai nominee crackdown on foreign businesses

    Police intensified their crackdown on the use of Thai nominees by foreign businesses, resulting in the detention of over 1,000 individuals over recent weeks. This sweeping operation was a joint effort by police and the Ministry of Commerce, targeting companies engaging in illicit business practices. Investigations focused on 442 companies, collectively handling over 3.6 billion baht (US$105 million), across 46…

  • 1 dead, 3 seriously injured in Bangkok lift tragedy

    1 dead, 3 seriously injured in Bangkok lift tragedy

    A tragic accident occurred when an outdated lift at an air conditioning equipment store in the Taling Chan area of Bangkok malfunctioned, leading to one fatality and three serious injuries. The lift, unable to support more than 300 kilogrammes, resulted in a deadly fall. The incident took place at a five-storey building on Ratchaphruek Road, where the company sells home…

  • Pen gun blunder: Thai man’s bathroom mishap writes tragic end

    Pen gun blunder: Thai man’s bathroom mishap writes tragic end

    A Thai man accidentally shot himself dead on December 3 with a pen gun while using the bathroom at a stranger’s house in the Isaan province of Roi Et. Officers from Suwannaphum Police Station and medical workers were called to the house in the Ban Nong Jarn Community in Suwannaphum district to investigate the death of the 45 year old…

  • Bangkok hospital debunks ‘incomplete blood’ myths

    Bangkok hospital debunks ‘incomplete blood’ myths

    Claims that feeling sleepy and bloated after meals is common in individuals with “incomplete blood” have been debunked by medical authorities. Rajavithi Hospital, under Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, clarified that such claims are false. A recent online post suggested that symptoms like a taut stomach, droopy eyelids, and post-meal drowsiness are indicative of “incomplete blood.” However, Rajavithi Hospital’s investigation…

  • Former bank officer arrested in Nakhon Sawan for 500k fraud

    Former bank officer arrested in Nakhon Sawan for 500k fraud

    The Anti-Corruption Division of the police, in collaboration with the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, apprehended a former state bank officer involved in defrauding locals of half a million baht. The suspect faces charges at the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 6 today, December 4. Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), and…

  • Brew-haha: Coffee shop clash near Chanthaburi temple boils over

    Brew-haha: Coffee shop clash near Chanthaburi temple boils over

    A dispute over the ownership of a coffee shop near a temple in Chanthaburi province escalated into a chaotic confrontation, with people vandalising property and engaging in public altercations. The incident at Ko Proet Temple in Laem Sing district saw a group of people demolishing a wall and removing signage, all of which was captured by CCTV cameras. This conflict…

  • Phuket and the Netherlands strengthen ties over tourism and traffic

    Phuket and the Netherlands strengthen ties over tourism and traffic

    H.E. Remco van Wijngaarden, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Thailand, met with Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai at Phuket Provincial Hall, alongside Sven Smolders, Honorary Consul for the Netherlands in southern Thailand. The gathering highlighted a shared commitment to bolstering ties through tourism, infrastructure development, and citizen welfare. With 500 Dutch nationals residing in Phuket and over 250,000 Dutch tourists…

  • Thailand proposes VAT hike, cuts income tax to boost economy

    Thailand proposes VAT hike, cuts income tax to boost economy

    Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has proposed a shift in Thailand’s tax strategy to bolster state revenue and enhance the nation’s economic standing. The plan includes raising the value-added tax (VAT) while reducing corporate and personal income tax rates. This approach aims to drive national development, increase competitiveness, and address domestic disparities. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development recently set…

  • Phuket Red Cross urges blood donations as tourist season begins

    Phuket Red Cross urges blood donations as tourist season begins

    The Phuket branch of the Red Cross Society and Vachira Phuket Hospital have made an urgent appeal for blood donations, particularly as the tourist High Season begins. With the approach of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday, which is also observed as Thailand National Day and Father’s Day, special blood donation events are planned for tomorrow, December 5. This date holds significant…

  • Man in Bang Bua Thong accused of sexually assaulting young girl

    Man in Bang Bua Thong accused of sexually assaulting young girl

    A deeply disturbing incident unfolded in Bang Bua Thong where a 50 year old man allegedly lured a 13 year old girl into his home under the pretext of playing with his cats before attempting to sexually assault her. The distressing event came to light when the girl’s blind grandmother, along with a neighbour, reported the matter to the local police.…

  • Man arrested for naked stroll in Samut Prakan village

    Man arrested for naked stroll in Samut Prakan village

    A 25 year old man from Pathum Thani was apprehended for wandering around a village in Samut Prakan late at night without any clothes on. Footage from CCTV cameras captured his actions. He confessed to doing so out of excitement and recklessness. The incident occurred in a village in Bang Kaeo, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, where residents reported seeing a…

  • Airbus partnership aims to turn Thailand into aviation powerhouse

    Airbus partnership aims to turn Thailand into aviation powerhouse

    Thailand is gearing up to soar as the region’s top aviation hub, thanks to a high-flying partnership with European aerospace giant Airbus. In a bid to revolutionise the nation’s aviation infrastructure and safety standards, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit met Airbus Asia-Pacific president Anand Stanley in Bangkok yesterday, December 3, to map out ambitious plans. The partnership focuses on transforming Thailand…

  • Foreign driver at large after hit-and-run and chase in Bangkok (video)

    Foreign driver at large after hit-and-run and chase in Bangkok (video)

    A foreign driver managed to flee following a hit-and-run in the On Nut area of Bangkok and a high-speed chase with Thai motorcycle taxi riders. An app-based motorcycle taxi rider shared a video of the incident on his TikTok account, tukgii3, on Monday, 2 December, with the caption: “On Nut is very thrilling. #HitAndRun #OutsideBigCOnNut.” The video showed a red…

  • Chinese man arrested in Bangkok for alleged rape of Thai student

    Chinese man arrested in Bangkok for alleged rape of Thai student

    A 33 year old Chinese man has been apprehended by police in Bangkok following allegations of rape involving an 18 year old university student. The incident, which was reportedly filmed by the suspect, raised significant concerns about the safety of young women in the capital city. The victim recounted to police that she encountered the suspect, identified as Su Xing…

  • Thai man arrested for driving into wife outside police station (video)

    Thai man arrested for driving into wife outside police station (video)

    Police in the southern province of Krabi yesterday arrested a Thai man after he drove his pickup into his wife and her family outside a police station in Nakhon Si Thammarat on November 20. The domestic violence case initially went largely unnoticed despite occurring over two weeks ago. However, it gained public attention after officers apprehended the suspect yesterday, December…

  • Four Thai nationals safe after Myanmar sea detainment

    Four Thai nationals safe after Myanmar sea detainment

    Four Thai nationals detained in Myanmar are reportedly safe after their boat allegedly entered Myanmar waters in the Andaman Sea over the weekend. The government reported this information yesterday, December 3, following an incident where Myanmar navy vessels reportedly opened fire on some of the 15 Thai fishing boats that strayed 6 to 7 kilometres into Myanmar waters on November…