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.
-
Sponsored Living on a budget in Thailand? Here’s how to stay healthy without breaking the bank
Thailand is a popular place for people who want to enjoy a good life at a lower cost or even on a budget. Many expats, retirees, and digital nomads choose to live here because daily expenses are cheaper than in...
-
Phuket set for alcohol-free Songkran festival to boost tourism
Phuket will host its annual alcohol-free Songkran festival next Sunday, April 13, featuring traditional activities, cultural performances, live music, and a family-friendly environment. This event celebrates Songkran’s cultural significance while promoting tourism and local business. Phuket Deputy Governor Samawit Suphanphai recently shared details of the 11th annual Songkran No Alcohol Festival Phuket 2025. The festival involves the Phuket Provincial Administrative…
-
Storm warning: April showers bring flood horrors to Thailand
Thailand’s weather chiefs have issued a dire warning as a monster storm threatens to drench the nation. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) sounded the alarm today, April 2, forecasting torrential downpours and fierce winds across 30 provinces, including Bangkok. The deluge could trigger flash floods and deadly forest runoff, turning roads into rivers and homes into waterlogged disaster zones. Residents…
-
Scrap metal heist ends in deadly drop for ex-con in Pattaya
A bungling thief met a grim end when he plunged to his death while trying to nick scrap metal from an abandoned condo in Sattahip, just days after being released from prison. Police were called to the derelict eight-storey building in Moo 2, Na Jomtien, on March 30 after a grim discovery. Lying lifeless on the second floor was 50…
-
Fake videos of Myanmar earthquake rack up millions of views
In the aftermath of the deadly earthquake that struck Myanmar and parts of Thailand, fake videos purporting to show the devastation have been spreading like wildfire across social media, racking up millions of views. But these clips are far from real, they’re generated using artificial intelligence (AI), and they’re fooling unsuspecting users worldwide. A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit central Myanmar…
-
Thai government reassures safety after Bangkok building collapse
The Thai government is ramping up efforts to bolster international confidence in the country following March 28 earthquake, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. During her remarks at the Thailand Investment and Expat Services Centre opening ceremony in One Bangkok, the Thai premier addressed concerns about the collapse of the newly constructed State Audit Office building. The 38 year old…
-
No boots for blisters: Thai military service exemptions updated
In a move that’s shaking up the conscription rules, Thailand’s Defence Ministry added three more medical conditions to the list of diseases that exempt young men from compulsory military service — and they’re anything but ordinary. A directive signed by Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was published in the Royal Gazette on March 25 and took…
-
Thai woman dies after swallowing denture at Lampang market
A Thai woman accidentally swallowed her dentures yesterday, which blocked her windpipe and led to her death at a fresh market in the northern province of Lampang. Vendors and shoppers at the market sought assistance from a rescue team for the 67 year old woman, Moi, yesterday, March 31. She was seen suddenly losing consciousness after using a bathroom within…
-
Pregnant woman saved from quake rubble in Myanmar
A story of hope for the family and friends of those trapped beneath the rubble of a Bangkok building emerged today from Myanmar’s capital, when a 63 year old woman was rescued 91 hours after she became trapped beneath the wreckage of her building. Emergency workers carefully extracted her after tirelessly digging through debris, marking one of the most extraordinary…
-
TV blackout fears rise over NBTC frequency plan
A storm is brewing in Thailand’s media industry as leading digital TV broadcasters warn that the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s (NBTC) latest move could trigger mass TV blackouts and potentially collapse the nation’s digital television industry. The controversy erupted after the NBTC held a public hearing on its proposal to auction off the 3500 MHz frequency band, a spectrum…
-
OBEC reschedules exams after earthquake, safety checks underway
The Office of Basic Education Commission (OBEC) is working to establish new dates for the entrance exams for Matthayom 1 and 4 (equivalent to Years 7 and 10) admissions, following a postponement due to an earthquake. Originally planned for April 5 at schools affiliated with the OBEC for the 2025 academic year, the nationwide exams have been delayed. OBEC’s Secretary…
-
Bangkok and Airbnb team up for free quake accommodation
Bangkok is collaborating with Airbnb.org to provide free accommodation for those affected by an earthquake in the city, including rescue workers and volunteers. According to a Facebook post by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) yesterday, March 31, the initiative aims to assist those unable to return to their homes due to the earthquake. The partnership offers temporary housing at no…
-
3 Chinese nationals in Pattaya arrested for selling zombie e-cigarettes
Police arrested three Chinese nationals in Pattaya for selling zombie e-cigarettes via the Telegram application. The suspects reportedly earned over 2 million baht per day. Police officers posed as customers and ordered e-cigarette juice containing etomidate from the three Chinese nationals after receiving a tip-off about their criminal activity. E-cigarettes containing etomidate are referred to as Pod K or zombie e-cigarettes.…
-
Thai cyber cops bust illegal gun man in Bangkok condo raid
Cyber police apprehended a man involved in illegal gun trading on Facebook, found assembling firearms in a condominium. Upon their arrival, the suspect attempted to dispose of evidence but was unsuccessful. Police seized three firearms and various components. Yesterday, March 31, Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwpan, head of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, instructed Police Major General Suphakorn Phiwon, commander…
-
Hero dogs sniff for life after Bangkok skyscraper collapse (videos)
Amid the twisted wreckage of a collapsed 33-storey skyscraper in quake-struck Bangkok, a brave dogged team of four-legged heroes is stealing hearts and saving lives. As rescue workers race against time to find survivors, Thailand’s K9 USAR rescue dogs are tirelessly sniffing through the rubble, bringing hope to a city gripped by tragedy. At least 13 people have been confirmed…
-
Man attacked with gun handle in Pattaya, police hunt suspect
A 39 year old man was reportedly attacked by an armed man between 35 and 40 years old who pistol whipped him in Chon Buri. The incident occurred yesterday, March 31 at about 11am, resulting in the victim, Sunthorn Klonklang, requiring eight stitches for injuries to his left cheek and behind his ear. The incident took place outside a restaurant…
-
Thai tomboy allegedly raped and left lying naked in Lampang
A Thai mother was shocked to discover her tomboy daughter lying naked near the railway in the northern province of Lampang and suspected that a man, who was found half-naked at the scene, raped her. The 53 year old Thai mother filed a complaint against a Thai man, whose identity remains undisclosed, at Mueang Lampang Police Station at 3am yesterday,…
-
Briefs encounter: Thief knicks knickers driven by ‘brief’ madness
A kinky underwear thief reportedly driven by a psychological disorder stole an entire collection of a restaurant PR worker’s underwear. The incident occurred in Mueang district, Samut Songkhram province, and was captured on CCTV. The footage shows a man circling the victim’s house on a motorcycle before committing the theft. On Sunday, 30 year old Jariya, a PR worker at a…
-
Phuket mayoral election sees fierce competition
Registration for mayoral and municipal council candidates in Phuket opened yesterday with an energetic and competitive atmosphere as multiple teams vied for leadership positions. The registration period will continue until April 4, with many candidates eager to secure their place on the ballot. Two prominent teams arrived at the Phuket City Municipality before the official opening at 8.30am, yesterday, March…
-
Tragic hotel incident in Uthai Thani leaves two dead
A tragic incident occurred yesterday resulting in the deaths of two people at a hotel in Uthai Thani province. The altercation, involving a stabbing, ended with a man ingesting pills to end his life. Upon receiving the report, yesterday, March 31, at 4.10pm, Police Lieutenant Phuwanate Suphawut, deputy inspector of Sawang Arom Police Station, along with other police personnel, a…
-
Tourism sector urges Thai government to ensure hotel safety
Private sector organisations are urging the government to issue safety certifications for hotels and lift the disaster area declaration to restore confidence in tourism. Tourism and Sports Minister Suwang Theinthong discussed the impact of recent earthquakes on tourism with various stakeholders, expressing concern over potential declines in tourist numbers. Efforts are underway to communicate that Bangkok is the only truly…
-
Khon Kaen man accused of fatal assault at village event
A 53 year old man from Khon Kaen province has been accused of assaulting a fellow villager, resulting in the latter’s death. The incident occurred at Wat Pho Ngam on March 30, where Thanin Saenbut allegedly attacked 50 year old Thewa, his neighbour, causing serious injuries that led to his death in hospital. Thida, the daughter of Thewa, recounted that…
-
Holiday horror: Speedboat explosion off Phuket injures tourists
Holidaymakers were left terrified and injured when a speedboat burst into flames and exploded near Koh Mai Thon off the coast of Phuket this morning, April 1, turning a tropical escape into a scene of chaos and panic. The explosion injured six people, including three foreign tourists, a tour guide, and two crew members, one of them the boat’s captain.…
-
22-wheel truck crash in Buriram leaves six injured
A 22-wheel truck carrying a load of stones experienced brake failure and collided with seven stationary vehicles at a red light, resulting in numerous injuries. The driver suggested the incident could have been more severe if he hadn’t swerved. Yesterday, March 31, at approximately 8.20am, Police Lieutenant Porachat Raksawong, a deputy inspector at Mueang Buriram Police Station, was informed of…
-
Casino bill faces backlash over rushed approval without study
Opponents of the casino-entertainment complex have raised concerns about the government’s approach to advancing the project, suggesting it is being expedited without adequate public examination or a comprehensive feasibility study. Their comments yesterday followed remarks by chief government whip Wisut Chainarun, who indicated that the entertainment complex bill, which received Cabinet approval on March 27, is expected to be reviewed…
-
Street vendor loses bag with 100,000 baht near Mo Chit, Bangkok
A street vendor reported a theft after forgetting a bag containing over 100,000 baht at her shop. Upon realising and returning, the bag was gone. The incident occurred yesterday, March 31, at 3pm, according to 29 year old Jeeranan (surname withheld), who sells fried pork rice. She reported the theft to Police Lieutenant Suphat Hemachinda, an investigator at Bang Sue…
-
Rented and dented: Thai cops put brakes on cross-border car scam
A devious car-rental scam has been brought to a screeching halt after police arrested two suspects accused of stealing a vehicle and smuggling it across the border for sale. In a dramatic takedown, officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Crime Suppression Division (CSD) nabbed Sakthanan in front of a house in Soi Khlong Thanon, Nonthaburi, and Khemanan at…
-
Thai police inspector arrested for trafficking two million meth pills
Officers in northeast Thailand arrested a police inspector involved in a drug trafficking operation transporting two million methamphetamine pills. The inspector claimed it was his first offence. He attempted to negotiate his release upon arrest, but his efforts were unsuccessful. Yesterday, March 31, police investigators from Region 3 pursued a drug trafficking gang along Route 24 in Nong Bunnak district, Nakhon…
-
Biker clears road for ambulance during Thailand earthquake (video)
In the middle of earthquake chaos and gridlocked traffic, a lone cyclist became an unexpected hero – risking his life to guide a private ambulance through congested streets and potentially saving the life of a critically ill patient. The remarkable act of kindness was shared on Facebook by 23 year old ambulance driver Phasawit Karated, who posted a heartfelt message…
-
Bangkok governor lifts disaster status after quake chaos eases
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has officially called off the city’s disaster zone status following last Friday’s quake scare, declaring the situation “back to normal” just days after panic swept through the capital. Yesterday, March 31, the 58 year old city chief signed an order cancelling the March 28 declaration by the Bangkok Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Centre, which had…
-
Pavement pirates spark outrage in Pattaya as officials fail to act
Fed-up locals are fuming as Pattaya’s pavements vanish beneath a sea of parked cars and motorbikes, with lawbreakers treating footpaths like private driveways and officials doing little to stop it. Residents across the city are slamming the lack of enforcement over illegal parking, which has turned once-walkable pavements into motorbike showrooms and car parks. From zebra crossings to pedestrian walkways, no…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.