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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Phuket sets up Nepal disaster-relief fund
PHUKET: A network of donation centers have been set up throughout Phuket to help victims of the earthquake in Nepal. Donations can be made at Phuket Provincial Hall in Phuket Town, Phuket Red Cross Center at Saphan Hin and at any government offices on the island. A 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck west of the ancient Nepali capital of Kathmandu on…
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Nepal quake: Demons on the mountain – survivors recall avalanche terror
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Nepal quake: Demons on the mountain – survivors recall avalanche terror Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: When Khile Sherpa opened his eyes, the snow around him was bright red, drenched with blood streaming from gashes in his body from the avalanche that catapulted him across Mount…
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Malaysia foils Islamic State attack amid Asean meet
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Malaysia says foils plan by suspected militants to attack capital Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Malaysian police have arrested 12 people linked to the militant group Islamic State and seized explosives, foiling a plan to attack several locations in and around the capital, which is hosting…
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World rallies to help Nepal
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community World rallies on social media to help Nepal The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that rocked Nepal’s capital Kathmandu and its surrounds on Saturday – resulting in a death toll nearing 1,900 yesterday – the assistance from countries, humanitarian organizations, companies and…
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Warrants obtained for five men over Samui car-bomb
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Warrants obtained for five men wanted over Samui car-bomb The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Police yesterday obtained arrest warrants for five suspects accused of carrying out the Central Festival car-bomb attack on Koh Samui earlier this month. The five men have been identified as Asmin…
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Nepal quake: Death toll nears 2,500
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Nepal quake: Death toll nears 2,500 Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Thousands of desperate Nepalese spent another night in the open in the early hours of Monday, terrorized by strong aftershocks that continued to shake the country two days after a massive quake struck, killing almost…
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At least four killed as 7.9 earthquake rocks Nepal
NEPAL: A 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck west of the ancient Nepali capital of Kathmandu today causing buildings to collapse, injuring many and leaving a pall of dust over the city, witnesses said. The initial unconfirmed death toll was at least four but could be expected to rise significantly as Kathmandu’s decrepit buildings, crisscrossed by narrow alleys, are home to large…
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Bomb squad diffuses cosmetics bag panic in Phuket Town
PHUKET: Fears that an abandoned bag might contain a bomb sent an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit rushing to Patiphat Road near Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket Town last night. “Phuket City Police called us after they were notified by locals who found an abandoned bag that looked like it might contain a bomb, so we went immediately to the…
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Phuket big bike rider killed in Chumphon crash
PHUKET: A big bike rider from Phuket was killed and his passenger seriously injured yesterday when he lost control of his motorcycle on a wet road and crashed into a tree in Chumphon province. Police arrived at the scene on Asia 41 Road in Lamae district to find Kathu resident Boonsong Witeewai, 52, dead on the ground and his 49-year-old…
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Phuket FC fired up for Ronin redemption
PHUKET: A disappointing 0-2 defeat to AIS Division 2 team Lampang FC bundled Phuket FC out of the 2015 Toyota League Cup last weekend. Lampang striker Jennarong Wongnoi opened the scoring in the 7th minute, and midfielder teammate Surapong Thongbua sealed the match with a goal just two minutes before the final whistle. The Ronins’ loss, however, is being used…
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Phuket police slash red tape for Phi Phi rape cases
PHUKET: A major leap forward has been taken to bring Koh Phi Phi rapists to justice, following concerns raised by the Norwegian Honorary Consul regarding jurisdiction issues which led to island rape cases failing to be fully investigated. “We want to see police treat rape as a serious crime. We want police to bring rapists to justice. We want to…
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Police, Navy teams end search for missing American
PHUKET: The Royal Thai Navy and Phuket Marine Police will no longer send out dedicated search teams to find the body of missing American Joshua Devine, who disappeared from a dive boat off the coast of Phuket on April 11 (story here), officers confirmed today. “We have searched for several days and have yet to find any sign of Mr…
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Patong teens nabbed for exchange-booth robberies
PHUKET: Two teenagers were arrested in Patong on Wednesday, and police are searching for three more, for their involvement a series of currency-exchange booth robberies and motorbike thefts. The two, who cannot be named as they are minors, were caught on Wednesday night after police identified them in CCTV footage collected from a currency-exchange booth on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road…
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Phuket officials contemplate Article 44 to clear Surin beach clubs
PHUKET: Local authorities are investigating whether or not they can use the internationally controversial Article 44 of the interim Charter to evict business operators still occupying venues along Surin Beach. Officials involved in the eviction of the beach clubs were slated to visit the business owners on Monday to confirm whether or not the appeals had been filed against eviction…
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Phuket hosts Asean and Asia Conference on Literature and Culture
PHUKET: Phuket for the first time ever is hosting the Asean and Asia Conference on Literature and Culture, which is being held at the Phuket Merlin Hotel. The conference, which aims to encourage Asian writers and help Asian people exchange culture and traditions, has drawn writers and cultural experts from 16 countries throughout the region. “We are family. We support…
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No alcohol ban on Phuket passenger, tour boats
PHUKET: The Phuket marine chief will not order a ban on the sale or consumption of alcohol on any passenger or tour boats operating to or from Phuket. The decision was made at a meeting of marine officials and more than 220 Phuket boat operators at the Katina Hotel in Phuket Town yesterday. “At this stage, we will not ban…
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Opinion: Lovin’ the python
PHUKET: I love snakes. Whenever there is a news story about snakes sneaking into houses during the southwest monsoon season – I’m clicking on it. Snake in the road? I’m getting as close as possible to get a picture – which I admit is probably not the best idea in some situations, depending on the type of snake. So, naturally,…
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Phuket’s ACYC Open Day takes sailing back to its roots
PHUKET: Sailing gets back to its roots this weekend as Alfie Rowson of the reigning national champion Platu crew on Kingdom Property is set to lead free dinghy sailing lessons for kids and adults at the Ao Chalong Yacht Club (ACYC) Open Day tomorrow. Rowson, along with fellow Phuket-based sailor Scott Duncanson and Kingdom Property crewmates Trent Pedersen and Tony…
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Golfers flock to Laguna
PHUKET: The newly re-designed Laguna Phuket Golf Club is winning the hearts of golfers with the island’s very first offer of shorter, five or 10-year memberships, Paul Wilson, the club’s director, told the Phuket Gazette. This new product sits between a lifetime membership and the one-year access card that most clubs, including Laguna, offer. The new memberships target several key…
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Business Buzz: Cashing in on Google’s greed
PHUKET: When asked what Google is, most people answer ‘where to find things’, while the more technically minded reply ‘a search engine’. Google’s own mission statement is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. What many people do not realize is the true dominance that Google already has in the online world. Put simply, Google…
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Phuket tsunami drill to be held away from tourist fleshpots
PHUKET: A full-scale tsunami evacuation and emergency-response drill will be held on Koh Sireh, on the east side of Phuket Town, on May 7. The full-scale annual drill was originally slated to be held on Christmas Day last year (story here), but was later postponed due to sensitivities over the exercise being held one day before the 10-year anniversary of…
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Ring in the rainy season at this year’s final Lighthouse Market [video]
PHUKET: The Boat Lagoon Lighthouse Market returns next month to ring in the rainy season with a three-day extravaganza of shopping, chilling and eating at Phuket’s liveliest marina. The market will be on hiatus during April, confirmed market organizer By Kanittha, as there is a high chance of stormy weather toward the end of the month. However, the market will…
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NACC accuses former ministers of fabricating G2G rice scheme
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community NACC accuses former ministers of fabricating G2G rice scheme The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Claims of rice stockpiles being sold through government-to-government (G2G) scheme by the Yingluck Shinawatra administration were “total lies”, National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) member Vicha Mahakhun told members of the National Legislative…
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Patong book place in cricket league final
PHUKET: A dominant victory over Village CC by an innings and 257 runs at the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG) in Thalang last Sunday secured Patong CC the minor premiership and place in the league final, to be played on May17. Both teams were missing many of their regular players, who were busy with work, travel commitments or out with injuries,…
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Opinion: Stop paying the power bill, Phuket
PHUKET: It’s hard to argue with the objective of the Ministry of Energy’s campaign to reduce electric power consumption on the island by 10 per cent within six months, but the Gazette hopes that more energy will be saved in the effort than calories expended. As mentioned in an announcement by Ministry of Energy Inspector Pramoul Chanpong, primary targets include…
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Heavy rain, flash flood warning issued for Phuket
PHUKET: A weather warning for heavy rains, strong winds and possible flash floods was issued by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) this morning. A prevailing strong easterly wind is expected to bring heavy rains to southern Thailand and the Andaman coast. The warning is in effect for Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun. Wind-driven waves are expected to…
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Phuket immigration 90-day check-in now online
PHUKET: An online option for 90-day immigration check-ins is now available in all provinces throughout Thailand. “We tested the system for two months [story here] before officially launching it on April 1,” Phuket Immigration Office Chief Sunchai Chokkajaykij told the Phuket Gazette. “However, it is only compatible with the Internet Explorer browser.” The same rules apply for checking in after…
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Indian tourists injured as Phuket tour bus slams into taxi
PHUKET: Three Indian tourists were injured when a tour bus slammed into a taxi and a pick-up truck south of the Heroines’ Monument on Thepkrasattri Road yesterday. The taxi, carrying an Indian family of three, and the tour bus, which had just dropped off a group of Chinese tourists at Phuket International Airport, were travelling southbound on Thepkrasattri Road when…
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Police launch probe after digging up infant corpse
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Police launch probe after digging up infant corpse The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Police have launched an investigation after discovering an infant’s corpse, covered in gold leaf and inside a glass coffin, under a Brahma shrine in Chiang Mai province. Police dug up the coffin…
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Junta agents force cancellation of event to honor late taxi driver
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Junta agents force cancellation of event to honor late taxi driver The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: A symposium and the ceremonial opening of a conference room in honor of a taxi driver who killed himself in protest against the 2006 coup was banned by the…
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