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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Sponsored How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Skyfall at Cha-am: Four dead as police plane plunges into sea
A routine morning turned tragic at Cha-am Beach today as a small aircraft, believed to be a police plane, crashed into the sea, leaving four dead and one injured. The incident adds to a growing list of aviation tragedies in Thailand in recent years. At approximately 8.15am, today, April 25, emergency services in Phetchaburi province received reports of a plane…
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Thai and mighty: Exports soar to 3-year high despite tariff troubles
Thai exports are firing on all cylinders, with shipments rocketing to their highest level in three years, defying fears over punishing US tariffs and giving the economy a hefty shot in the arm. Thai exports surged for the ninth straight month in March, jumping 17.8% year-on-year to a record-breaking US$29.5 billion, or around 1 trillion baht, according to the Commerce Ministry.…
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Thailand snuffs out 80% of e-cigarettes in teen vape clampdown
Vaping in Thailand has taken a sharp nosedive, with an eye-watering 80% drop in sales and usage in just two months, as the government lights a fire under its anti-e-cigarette campaign. Deputy Government Spokesman Anukool Pruksanusak announced the dramatic plunge, crediting a no-nonsense crackdown ordered by the Prime Minister amid mounting concern over teen vaping. “The number of young users…
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Political hurdles threaten Thailand’s casino legislation
Thailand’s bold proposal to legalise integrated casino resorts is facing growing resistance from both political circles and the public. The Entertainment Complex Bill, which aims to establish five destination resorts across key tourist hubs, has been delayed due to internal disagreements within the ruling coalition and protests from opposition parties. If the bill passes, many Thai players would be able…
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Star voyager cruise docks in Pattaya for the first time
Thailand just got a massive upgrade on the luxury travel map — and it’s coming by sea. For the first time ever, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) teamed up with StarDream Cruises to welcome the Star Voyager to Thai shores, marking a milestone moment in the kingdom’s cruise tourism ambitions. The sleek, high-end cruise ship officially launched operations from…
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4 Indians caught smuggling hydroponic weed from Bangkok
It was anything but a smooth landing for four passengers flying in from Bangkok, as Indian Customs officials at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport uncovered a staggering 20 Indian crores (around 78.4 million baht) worth of hydroponic weed in a series of busts that spanned three separate cases. Acting on specific intelligence, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Customs…
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Husband’s sign warns thief after wife’s undergarments stolen twice
A husband has resorted to putting up a sign to deter an intruder who has twice stolen his wife’s undergarments. The thief was captured on CCTV, clearly showing the perpetrator in action. This incident was reported by a local Facebook page, which shared footage of the thief taking underwear from a clothesline. The CCTV footage shows the culprit, a man…
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UNICEF sounds alarm on Thailand’s rising child obesity
Thailand once made huge strides in improving children’s nutrition but now a new health crisis is growing — and it’s expanding waistlines. UNICEF Thailand has launched a powerful new campaign called Kin Rai Dee (What’s Good to Eat) in response to rising childhood obesity rates and stagnant progress on tackling undernutrition in parts of the country, particularly the southern border provinces,…
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Chinese steel fails second safety test in Thai collapse probe
The steel scandal behind the collapse of Thailand’s State Audit Office (SAO) building has deepened after fresh test results revealed another failure by Chinese manufacturer Xin Ke Yuan Steel — marking the second time its materials have failed to meet Thai industrial standards. Yesterday, April 23, Industry Minister Akanat Promphan confirmed the findings, citing results from the Iron and Steel…
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Residents flock to Phetchabun temple for lottery blessings
At Wat Rat Pradit Wararam in Ban Hin Ngon, Phetchabun province, residents gather to seek blessings from the revered Luang Pho Thanjai, a uniquely beautiful Burmese-style Buddha statue. Known for its strikingly feminine features, the statue has previously granted fortune to worshippers, even leading some to win the first prize in the lottery. Nestled in the heart of Ban Hin…
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Russian tour guides busted in Phuket crackdown
Thailand’s sun-soaked tourist trails turned tense this week as Phuket Tourist Police swooped in on illegal tour guide operations, arresting two Russian nationals and fining two tour companies in a coordinated sting targeting unlicensed tourism activity. The crackdown, conducted yesterday, April 23, was spearheaded by Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekkachai Siri and involved officers from multiple police units and the Southern…
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Suspect arrested after attempted gold shop robbery in Yasothon
A suspect identified has been arrested following an attempted robbery at a gold shop in Mueang district, Yasothon province. The incident occurred on April 21 when the suspect, 29 year old Yotthana, also known as Sam Hongthong, disguised with a helmet and face covering, used an object resembling a firearm to threaten the shop owner. However, the owner resisted, preventing…
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Teenage boy at large after filming Thai woman in condo bathroom
A Thai woman called for a swifter investigation by police after a teenage boy filmed her in a condominium bathroom in Bangkok. The case has made no progress after eight months. The victim, identified only as Jane, contacted news agencies in a plea for justice after her complaint remained unresolved for over eight months. The incident occurred at a luxury condominium…
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Bug in the eye sparks bike smash in East Pattaya
A routine evening ride turned into chaos in East Pattaya after a bizarre bug-related mishap led to a crash between two motorbikes, leaving both riders injured. The collision happened around 9pm on Tuesday, April 22 along the Huay Kai Nao – Ban Dan Phajon Road in the Khao Mai Kaew subdistrict. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Pattaya City Rescue…
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Man arrested in Bangkok for child pornography ring
The Combating Human Trafficking Division arrested a 22 year old man accused of producing and distributing child pornography and enticing minors into inappropriate behaviour. The arrest of the suspect, Nakharin, took place yesterday, April 23, in the Pravet district of Bangkok. Police were alerted by an account named S0PIDA_Nam with over 44,000 followers, which was posting advertisements for more than 100…
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Phuket to stage tsunami drill at Kamala Beach
Sun, surf… and sirens? Tourists and locals on Phuket’s Kamala Beach are set to witness a full-scale tsunami emergency drill as Thailand prepares for the worst with one of its biggest disaster response simulations to date. From June 24 to 27, the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket) will take part in the Crisis Management Exercise: C-MEX…
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Samut Sakhon man arrested after Songkran shooting incident
A 20 year old man from Samut Sakhon has been arrested following a shooting incident during the Songkran festival. He claims to have been provoked by the victim, who allegedly rode a motorcycle to cut in front of him. The suspect, recently released from prison for a theft conviction, was taken into custody yesterday, April 23. Police Major General Khomsit…
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2 foreign tourists found dead in Phuket hotels
A holiday in paradise ended in tragedy yesterday after a 52 year old Swedish tourist was found dead in his hotel room in Patong, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his sudden death. Patong police were alerted to the incident at approximately 12.58pm yesterday, April 23. Officers quickly responded to the scene on Thaweewong Road, along with emergency…
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Thai university professor blames AI for nude pre-dick-ament
A Thai university professor blamed an artificial intelligence (AI) photo editor for a nude image of himself that circulated on social media platforms. The Facebook news page Big Kren recently reported on a group, known as OutdoorHDY, who are allegedly involved in outdoor sexual activities and produced pornographic videos at several public locations in the southern province of Songkhla. The group…
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Busted! Pakistani man lived ‘life after death’ with dead Thai’s ID
A crafty Pakistani conman has been cuffed after living in Thailand for over a decade, using the stolen identity of a dead man to travel in and out of the country more than 100 times. The 41 year old Pakistan national has been arrested in Bangkok for living a double life, quite literally, after police uncovered a jaw-dropping identity scam…
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Massive fire devastates Phanom Sarakham market, destroying 12 homes
A fire broke out at the old market in Phanom Sarakham, Chachoengsao province requiring 30 fire trucks to contain the blaze. The fire yesterday, April 23, at 11.30pm, resulted in the destruction of 12 homes, but no injuries or fatalities have been reported. Rescue teams in Phanom Sarakham were alerted by locals about the fire, which occurred on Sukhaphiban 5…
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Phuket Airport baggage belt still broken amid repairs
Holidaymakers flying out of Phuket are being urged to stay calm, despite ongoing baggage belt breakdowns that continue to cause delays at Thailand’s second-busiest international gateway. Yesterday, April 23, Phuket International Airport (HKT) confirmed that one of its four main baggage conveyor belts in the international terminal remains out of action, while three lines have been repaired and are back…
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Foreign man causes scene at Bangkok hotel over deposit dispute
A foreign man caused a commotion at a hotel in Bangkok, accusing the Thai staff of cheating him and his family by charging them extra. The bedlam was caused after the staff requested a deposit for the rooms they had booked. The TikTok user Stantheman705 shared a video of the foreign family arguing with Thai hotel staff on Sunday, April…
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Chinese tourist’s joyride ends in horror crash on Pattaya street
A Chinese tourist’s midnight thrill ride turned into a nightmare after he slammed his high-powered motorcycle into a utility pole in Pattaya, leaving him fighting for his life. The horrific crash occurred at 5.16am yesterday, April 23, in Soi Chaloem Phrakiat 3. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre rushed to the scene, joined by Police Lieutenant Anand…
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Search is on for Thailand’s next global goodwill heroes
Think you, or someone you know, has what it takes to put Thailand on the global map? The search is on for the next generation of Thailand’s goodwill ambassadors, as nominations open for the fourth annual Thailand Public Diplomacy Awards. Launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Thailand Foundation, the prestigious awards recognise individuals, groups, and organisations whose efforts have…
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Suspect arrested in Songkhla monk shooting
Police have apprehended a suspect in the shooting of a novice monk collecting alms in Saba Yoi district, Songkhla province. The weapon used in the crime was reportedly stolen from a police officer in Na Pradu Police Station. The suspect, identified as Nasri (surname withheld), was captured at his residence following tips from residents and evidence from CCTV footage and…
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Thailand’s war on cyber fraud gets a major upgrade
Thailand is beefing up its fight against online scams in a big way — and it’s coming for the fraudsters faster than ever. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) is set to transform its Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre into a fully-fledged department, following the implementation of a powerful new emergency decree that came into effect on April 13.…
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Homeless man arrested for filming volunteer in Bangkok toilet
A homeless man was apprehended after secretly filming a female volunteer bathing in a portable toilet near the site of a collapsed building in Bangkok. The incident occurred early today, April 24, when the victim reported the invasion of privacy to the police at 12.30am. Somchai Chomchat, a committee member of the Sai Mai District Civil Protection Volunteer Centre, recounted…
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Thai woman’s devotion to Buriram cult blamed for husband’s death
A strong belief in a cult by a Thai woman in the Isaan province of Buriram allegedly led to the death of her husband, who suffered from tuberculosis (TB) and severe malnutrition. A photograph of the home of the 59 year old woman, Boonrian, was shared on social media, eliciting sympathy from the public. The house is without walls or…
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Panic button: Thailand to blast phones with emergency alert tests
Don’t panic if your phone suddenly screams at you in May — it’s not the end of the world, just a test. Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has announced a nationwide test of its emergency Cell Broadcast alert system, with thousands of phones set to blare warnings across selected locations. The staged tests are scheduled for May…
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