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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Foreign restaurateurs accused of stealing menu from Bangkok eatery
A Thai restaurant in the Central Embassy shopping mall in Bangkok exposed the actions of a foreign couple who stole two menu books on April 29, reportedly intending to copy them to operate a restaurant in their home country. The well-known restaurant, Kaithong Original, shared CCTV screenshots of the couple on its official page on May 1, accompanied by a…
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Thai parliament’s renovation plan criticised amid economic strain
Thai Parliament faces criticism after requesting an additional budget of hundreds of millions of baht for renovations amidst economic challenges for many Thais. The budget would fund a 4D cinema and refurbish the seldom-used Sala Kaeo pavilion, a proposal widely condemned as frivolous by critics, including MPs from the People’s Party. The plan allocates 113 million baht to refurbish Sala…
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Thai motocross rider dies in cliff fall after fleeing wasps
A Thai motocross rider lost his life after falling from a cliff in the central province of Saraburi while fleeing a swarm of wasps on Friday, May 2. A group of more than 10 motocross riders sought help from the Ruam Katanyu Rescue Foundation after one of their friends, 38 year old Noppadon Nakyot, went missing in the forest on…
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Bangkok police seize 34,000 counterfeit perfumes worth 4.3m
The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) carried out a recent operation in Bangkok, leading to the seizure of over 34,000 counterfeit branded perfumes smuggled from China, valued at 4.3 million baht. Commander Pattanasak Bupphasuwan of the CPPD announced that the May 3 raids focused on suspected storage hubs in Rat Burana and Bukkhalo districts. During these coordinated searches, 34,806 fake…
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Stake F1 team Kick Sauber unveils art-inspired livery for Miami Grand Prix
Miami Grand Prix was the venue at which much of the F1 giants decided to enter the race with their new livery. Fair play to all participants, but the start of the night was definitely Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber. The inspiration for Sauber’s latest livery was Miami’s vibrant art scene, and you could tell from the first look. As…
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Man detained for throwing concrete at vehicles on Bang Na-Trat Road
Police from Bang Na station detained a man accused of hurling concrete debris at vehicles in the Bang Na-Trat area, staging a reconstruction of the incident. The suspect, who has a history of similar actions, vowed to cease his behaviour. Yesterday, May 3, Police Colonel Surapong Sukyaem and his team from Bang Na Police Station arrested 32 year old Chalad…
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Thailand promotes Muay Thai as soft power in Europe and China
The Department of International Trade Promotion, under the Ministry of Commerce, has unveiled a strategic plan to promote Muay Thai as a soft power in Europe and China. This initiative aims to expand the market for related products and services by leveraging the global popularity of Muay Thai, thereby generating revenue across various industries. The strategy focuses on three main…
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Surat Thani arrests: youth-targeted online gambling busted
In the southern province of Surat Thani, three people in their 20s were apprehended on allegations of hosting online football gambling activities that particularly attracted young participants. The arrests, which took place in Mueang district, were carried out by police and administrative officials. Surat Thani governor, Theeroot Supawibulpol, revealed that the arrests occurred yesterday, May 3, following the discovery of…
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Thailand, Malaysia to enhance cross-border transport links
The Thai government is working towards enhanced collaboration with Malaysia to improve infrastructure and cross-border connectivity, with a focus on connecting roads and railways. Transport Minister Suriya Juengrunreangkit hosted Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke in Bangkok on May 2, where both parties discussed improving transport networks for faster and safer travel and freight between the two countries. Key outcomes from…
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Bee attack at Nakhon Ratchasima temple injures over 30 people
A ceremony at Wat Bandai Ma in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, was disrupted after a swarm of bees attacked attendees, resulting in injuries to over 30 people, including one severe case. The incident occurred yesterday, May 3, around 12.54pm during a monk ordination for Theeraphat Harnkhokkruad, also known as Ohm, when a child’s balloon accidentally struck a large…
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Thai man dies in lightning strike while on motorcycle
A 61 year old man from Mueang district, Buriram province, Amnat, tragically died after being struck by lightning while riding his motorcycle with a sidecar to inspect his sugarcane field. The incident occurred yesterday, May 3, at approximately 8am. Police found only a mobile phone on his body. His wife disclosed that despite her warnings against leaving due to the…
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Man arrested after fatal sickle attack over neighbour dispute
A 40 year old man was arrested for fatally attacking his 64 year old neighbour with a sickle in Mueang Phra Phloeng, Khao Chakan district, Sa Kaeo province. The incident occurred on May 2, with the suspect claiming provocation due to harassment of his wife and ongoing disputes. Yesterday, May 3, Police Colonel Montri Chuying, acting as superintendent of Khao…
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Man surrenders after viral Pattaya traffic altercation
A man involved in a heated incident in Pattaya, Chon Buri, has surrendered to the police. The altercation, which gained significant attention online, involved him jumping on and kicking a white Mazda car due to frustration over a traffic disagreement. Identified as 40 year old Chai, the man attempted to drive against the flow of traffic and became agitated when…
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Friend arrested for fatal shooting of bank worker in Nonthaburi
A close friend has been apprehended after pursuing and fatally shooting a 39 year old bank employee, Weerawat, in a shocking incident in Nonthaburi province. The suspect, 41 year old Sitthipong, was arrested near a resort in Suphan Buri and faces three serious charges. The tragic event unfolded yesterday, May 3, at 1am, when Sitthipong allegedly fired nearly 20 shots…
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Violence in Narathiwat claims lives, sparking urgent security measures
A recent spate of violence in Narathiwat province has led to the tragic deaths of a nine year old girl and a blind elderly woman. Regional Army Commander Paisal Nusang condemned these acts as inhumane. The incidents were reported on May 3 at the Office of the Islamic Committee in Pattani province. On May 2, unidentified assailants on three motorcycles…
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Two students found dead after Pattani flash flood tragedy
Two female students who were swept away by a flash flood while exploring Sai Khao Waterfall in Pattani province have been found dead. Their bodies were discovered a kilometre apart despite challenging search conditions. Emergency services resorted to rappelling and drone technology in the search effort. The incident occurred yesterday, May 3, at 3.15pm, as officials from Na Pradu in…
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Heavy rain warning issued for Thailand with potential flash floods
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning of heavy rainfall across most of Thailand, cautioning against potential flash floods and forest runoffs, especially in foothill areas. As of 5pm yesterday, May 3, the TMD forecast severe weather conditions over the next 24 hours, with southern regions experiencing significant rainfall. Residents in these areas are advised to be cautious…
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Pattaya police bust illegal gambling ring, 10 arrested
A midday raid in Pattaya uncovered a group of gamblers caught red-handed playing Thai gambling card game Pok Deng at a local restaurant. But what seemed like a harmless card game quickly escalated into a major bust, with police seizing cash and cards, and 10 suspects arrested. On Thursday, May 1 at 12.30pm, Pattaya City Police received a tip-off from…
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Thailand urged to adopt single cigarette tax rate to boost revenue
Thailand’s current tiered tax system on cigarettes has been criticised by academics, who urge the government to switch to a single excise tax rate as advised by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The existing system is said to neither reduce illegal cigarette sales nor increase state revenue or deter new smokers. Dr Roengrudee Patanavanich from Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine…
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Thailand reports first anthrax death in 30 years, health alert issued
Thailand has experienced its first anthrax-related death in 30 years, resulting in a public health alert after hundreds in Mukdahan province were possibly exposed to the bacteria. A 53 year old man from Mukdahan passed away on Wednesday, April 30, after contracting anthrax. A second confirmed case and three additional suspected cases are also being investigated in the same province,…
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Jackpot! Sisaket couple clears debt with Thai lottery win
A couple from Sisaket province experienced a life-changing event after winning 6 million baht in the latest lottery draw. At their residence in Lin Fa subdistrict, Yang Chum Noi district, family and locals gathered yesterday, May 2, to congratulate 58 year old Lamphong and his 56 year old wife, Kanokwan, who won the first prize in the Thai Government Lottery…
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400 shark fins seized in major smuggling bust at Bangkok airport
Thai Customs seized over 400 shark fins in a major bust. The fins were on their way to China, but thanks to a swift operation, their illegal journey has been stopped. Thailand’s Customs Department, in collaboration with Chinese authorities, successfully intercepted more than 400 shark fins in a significant smuggling operation aimed at curbing illegal wildlife trafficking. The 402 fins,…
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Fatal fall: Polish tourist plunges to his death from Phuket condo
A Polish tourist fell to his death from a fifth-floor condo in Kathu district, Phuket, while his wife witnessed the incident. The 34 year old man, identified as Swalomir, lost his balance after standing up and toppled over the balcony. This was confirmed by his wife, who was present at the time. The incident occurred at 12.13am today, May 3.…
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Pattaya gang attacks security guards over loud music in Jomtien
A violent encounter in Na Jomtien has left two security guards injured after they tried to intervene in a heated dispute between youths. Armed with knives and sticks, a gang of teenagers launched a brutal attack, leaving the guards with destroyed property and serious concerns over the lawlessness in the area. Yesterday, May 2, two security guards from Na Jomtien…
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Patong brawl: Ladyboys wreak havoc again on Soi Bangla (video)
A video of a ladyboy brawl in Patong’s Soi Bangla has gone viral, sparking heated online discussions. Netizens expressed concern over the incident damaging Phuket’s image as a tourist destination. Calls for stricter law enforcement have emerged, while others stress the importance of addressing the behaviour without targeting a community. The โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต Facebook page shared a disturbing video of a…
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Dealers resist arrest in violent drug bust in Pattaya’s Jomtien
A chaotic scene unfolded in Jomtien in Pattaya as police raided a drug operation after reports of a man attacking civilians and claiming his father was a police officer. The arrest quickly turned violent, with one dealer injuring an officer, but both suspects were captured, revealing a major meth operation in the area. Yesterday, May 2 at 4.36pm, Lieutenant Colonel…
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Phuket labour day funds cancer centre amid workers’ struggles
Phuket provincial officials marked National Labour Day 2025 with the event Labourers for the Light on Thursday, raising more than 150,000 baht to support the construction of the province’s first government cancer centre at Vachira Phuket Hospital. The event, which took place at Bang Wad Dam, was presided over by Phuket Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam and brought together over 900…
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Pattaya driver vanishes after brutal crash, leaving car wrecked
Villagers in Soi 1, South Pattaya, were jolted awake in the middle of the night by the deafening screech of brakes, followed by a loud crash as a car ploughed into an electric pole. Rushing out of their homes to investigate, they were met with a bewildering scene. The sedan, its front end completely wrecked and the bumper lying in…
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Heavy rain lashes 43 provinces, Bangkok braces for floods
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts heavy rain across 43 provinces today, with significant impact expected in the South and 60% of Bangkok. Residents are advised to be cautious of potential flash floods and forest run-off, particularly in areas near water flows or low-lying regions. The forecast for today, May 3, indicates that the South will experience increased rainfall with…
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Thai engineer loses over 8 million baht to call centre scam
A Thai engineer lost more than 8 million baht to call centre scammers after being deceived into speaking with them on the phone for seven consecutive days. The 32 year old victim, Siwat, sought help from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive yesterday, May 1, after going bankrupt and being forced to close his restaurant in the Khlong Sam neighbourhood of…
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