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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Pattaya floods halt traffic amid Loy Krathong Festival preparations
Heavy rainfall swept through Pattaya, causing significant disruptions as traffic came to a standstill due to widespread flooding. As the city prepared for the Loy Krathong Festival, a severe thunderstorm struck at 5.36pm yesterday, November 15, lasting for about an hour. This deluge led to waterlogged streets, particularly in areas notorious for flooding. Khao Talo Road along the railway, Soi…
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2 students killed, 12 injured in Pattani truck collision
Tragedy struck in Pattani’s Sai Buri district when a six-wheel truck collided with a parked pickup truck carrying students, resulting in the deaths of two students and injuries to 12 others. This unfortunate incident occurred on the Pattani-Narathiwat Road at Ban Laharn village, Village 5, and was reported to police at approximately 8.10am yesterday, November 15. Upon arrival, police found…
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Thai elderly to soon receive 10,000 baht cash aid: Finance Ministry
The Ministry of Finance is poised to introduce a one-time cash payment initiative targeting the elderly, as confirmed by Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul. This proposal, amounting to 10,000 baht, will be presented during the upcoming economic stimulus policy committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 19. This new measure specifically excludes state welfare cardholders and disabled individuals who previously received…
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Gambling addict arrested for cash theft after disguising as monk
A young man addicted to gambling has been apprehended after stealing his relative’s ATM card and withdrawing nearly 500,000 baht until the account was empty. He used the money for gambling and later fled to become a monk, hoping for forgiveness. However, the relative reported the theft to the police, leading to his arrest yesterday, November 15. Phakphon Suchon, Head…
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9 students and 2 teachers injured in Surat Thani van accident
A van carrying 11 passengers, including nine students and two teachers, overturned in Kanchanadit district, Surat Thani province, following a camping trip. The accident occurred yesterday afternoon, November 15, on Highway 44, along the Krabi-Surat Thani route in Thung Rang subdistrict. Police Captain Thaweewit Kaewroy of Khunthale Police Station detailed the incident, which was reported at 2.10pm. Upon arrival, police…
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The rise of online casinos in Southeast Asia: A look at live casino trends
The online casino scene in Southeast Asia has seen tremendous growth, particularly with the rise of live casino platforms. These digital spaces offer players a unique blend of convenience and excitement, allowing them to engage in their favourite games from the comfort of their homes. As technology continues to evolve, the trends shaping the live casino experience are becoming increasingly…
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Pathum Thani police officer with health issue dies in car crash
A car crash involving a police officer who lost control and collided with a shop and utility pole resulted in his death. The incident occurred yesterday, November 14, near a residential area in Pathum Thani province. The tragic accident unfolded when police officer Settapong Songkrod, who held the position of Deputy Inspector, experienced a sudden health issue while in his…
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Tourists in Trang thrilled by rare dugong sighting near Koh Libong
Tourists in Trang were thrilled to encounter a fully grown dugong grazing on seagrass, a sight not witnessed for several months. The boat operator quickly launched a drone to capture the memorable moment, creating a buzz among the visitors. At Ban Phrang Pier in the Koh Libong area of Kantang district, Trang province, Anon Kingkoyao, a tour operator on Koh…
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Pattaya beach turns into unregulated booze and kratom market
Pattaya Beach, a once serene paradise for tourists and locals, is now teetering on the edge of chaos as unlicenced vendors run rampant. Once discreet, these sellers now brazenly set up stalls along the shoreline, peddling kratom-laced cocktails and alcoholic beverages, ignoring the law with apparent ease. Despite frequent police patrols, vendors openly resume business the moment officers leave, leaving…
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Wild elephants raid Nakhon Ratchasima farms, officials intervene
A herd of over 80 wild elephants from the Thap Lan National Park invaded local farmland in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, feasting on crops and prompting a night-long operation by officials and volunteers to drive them back into the forest. Wild elephants have been causing a stir in Nakhon Ratchasima as they forage beyond their natural habitat. Using thermal imaging drones,…
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Dog ‘adopter’ linked to Chiang Rai slaughterhouse shock
In a shocking twist, an alleged animal welfare scandal has erupted in Chiang Rai province, where a man who posed as a compassionate dog adopter is now accused of sending his “rescued” pets to an illegal slaughterhouse. Local animal welfare advocates and the Livestock Department are calling for immediate police action to bring the man, from the Akha ethnic group,…
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‘Keep your krathongs on land,’ says Patong Mayor in eco-plea
As Loy Krathong celebrations light up Patong Beach tonight, Patong Municipality is urging revellers to keep their lanterns (krathongs) out of the sea. Every year, thousands descend on the beach, offering decorated krathongs to the water goddess to cast away bad luck and ask for blessings. Yet, while the gestures float away, the krathongs often come back, with the tide…
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Thailand’s Marriage Equality Bill to boost GDP and tourism
Thailand’s historic decision to legalise same-sex marriage, starting January 2025, is set to supercharge its tourism industry, drawing in millions of visitors and billions in revenue. According to a new study by digital travel platform Agoda, this legislative move is projected to bring in 4 million additional international visitors each year, driving up tourism revenues by an impressive US$2 billion…
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Frenchman faces legal action for unlawful macaque possession in Bangkok
A French national has found himself facing legal action for allegedly keeping four young macaques unlawfully after showcasing them on social media. This incident unfolded when officials from the Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, along with police from the Natural Resources and Environment Crime Division, executed a search at the individual’s residence in Bangkok. Department representative, Naruphon Thipmontha,…
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Feline faux-paw: Empress of Ayodhaya cat drugged by amateur
In a shocking twist worthy of its own drama, fresh revelations have emerged from the set of the Thai historical series, The Empress of Ayodhaya. It’s been discovered that the mysterious black cat, who was anaesthetised during filming, was knocked out by someone with zero veterinarian credentials. The Department of Livestock Development released a bombshell report today, November 15,revealing the…
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High ambitions: Suvarnabhumi aims to triple transit traffic by 2030
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand’s busiest international gateway, is gearing up for a major transformation to become Southeast Asia’s ultimate transit hub. Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to raise the airport’s transit flights from a mere 4% to a soaring 20% as part of an ambitious master plan to rank among the world’s top 20 airports by 2030. This bold goal is…
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Chiang Mai’s Doi Inthanon draws tourists with frosty scenic views
Cold temperatures on Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai have attracted tourists eager to experience the chill and witness the stunning frost formations on grass and wildflowers. As of today, the temperature on the summit dropped to 9°C, creating a picturesque scene that drew many visitors to the national park. There is great anticipation for the occurrence of Maei Khap frost,…
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Russian man confirmed dead after fatal fall in Phuket hotel
A tragic incident unfolded in Phuket as police have confirmed the identity of a 37 year old Russian man who is believed to have fatally jumped from a hotel in Soi Paradise, Patong. The event took place on November 13 night, leaving police and locals in shock. Police received a call to the hotel early yesterday, November 14, at approximately…
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Thai singer’s fake goods hit a sour note with socialite
A prominent Thai country singer has been accused of running a fraudulent business scheme and selling counterfeit luxury goods, resulting in a loss of 8 million baht for a well-known socialite. The allegations have sparked widespread interest on social media, with many speculating about the singer’s identity and the extent of their activities. Ken Do, a public figure known for…
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Mitsubishi Pajero crash in Prachinburi leaves one dead, one injured
A tragic accident unfolded when a Mitsubishi Pajero lost control, hitting a utility pole before spinning across lanes and violently colliding with a pink taxi. The crash resulted in a fatality and a serious injury, leaving bystanders and those involved in shock. The incident occurred early today, November 15, at 12.30am, on the 304 Road near the U-turn at Ban…
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Cyber police arrest scammer who defrauded politician’s daughter of 650,000 baht
Cyber police apprehended a key player in a call centre scam that deceived the daughter of a Democrat Party deputy leader out of over 650,000 baht by impersonating officials from the Department of Special Investigation. Police from Technology Crime Suppression Division 5 reported the arrest of 55 year old Suthep near a house in Wang Sala, Tha Muang district, Kanchanaburi.…
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Police in Thailand to receive increased allowances this year
Police officers across Thailand are set to receive increased allowances this year, following a directive signed by Kittirat Phanpetch, the National Police Chief. The directive, dated Tuesday, November 12, emphasises the need for efficient budget management and cautions against any misallocation of funds. Kittirat issued the directive to various police divisions, including the Metropolitan Police Bureau and Provincial Police Regions…
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Cement mixer truck collision kills rider, injures passenger in Nonthaburi
A tragic accident occurred when a cement mixer truck collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the death of a 59 year old rider and injuries to a female student passenger. The truck driver claimed he did not see the motorcycle but CCTV footage captured the entire incident. Police officers from Bang Kruai Police Station and Ruamkatanyu Foundation personnel responded to…
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Udon Thani: Image of revered monk in the sky sparks lottery frenzy
A miraculous event unfolded yesterday, November 14, at Wat Mai Burapharam in Udon Thani, captivating locals during a religious ceremony. Clouds formed into the likeness of the seated monk, prompting a fervent rush for lottery tickets bearing the number 652. During the ceremony, led by the well-known monk Phra Achan Pornsak, the sky offered a mystical spectacle. As he chanted…
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Police arrest Sisaket man for firearms and drugs possession
Police successfully conducted a crime crackdown during the Loy Krathong festival, seizing firearms and ammunition. On the day of the operation, officers arrested a 45 year old Thai man, at his residence in Huai Chan subdistrict, Khun Han district, Sisaket province. The operation was spearheaded by Chayaphon Namsuwan, a senior investigator at Khun Han Police Station, and supported by Wanchai…
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Tragic road accident claims two lives in Rayong
A tragic accident resulted in the deaths of two people on a road in Pluak Daeng, Rayong when a black saloon car veered across lanes and collided with a pickup truck. The crash left the saloon car torn into two parts, with the driver ejected and killed instantly. The incident, which also involved a white delivery pickup, has raised questions…
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Phuket guesthouse owner reclaims heirlooms stolen by employee
The owner of a Phuket guesthouse breathed a sigh of relief after police tracked down and recovered nearly 1 million baht worth of stolen jewellery and luxury items, taken by none other than her restaurant manager, who had been drowning in online gambling debt. The shocking betrayal left 33 year old Sophia Brussaard both heartbroken and relieved when justice finally…
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British expats uncovered in Thailand as UK probes pension fraud
In a fresh twist for British expats soaking up the sun abroad, the cloak of UK banking secrecy is about to be lifted if there’s a whiff of state pension fraud. The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, currently being dissected in the House of Lords, is pegged to hit the legal books in early 2025. This new legislation will…
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Thailand consumer confidence rises for first time in eight months
Consumer confidence in Thailand saw its first improvement in eight months this October, driven by reduced concerns over recent floods and improved economic conditions influenced by government policies. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) reported a rise in the consumer confidence index to 56, up from 55.3 in September. The consumer confidence index, which measures consumers’ outlook…
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Motorbike bomb attack injures five police officers in Pattani
An explosive attack targeted a police truck in Pattani yesterday, injuring five officers when a bomb planted on a motorcycle was detonated remotely. The incident occurred at 2.40pm, yesterday, November 14, near the Tanyong Dalo Bridge in Yaring district. Police Colonel Teerapot Yindi, head of Yaring Police Station in Pattani, was alerted to the attack, which left the police truck…
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