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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Bangkok man arrested after deadly dispute over motorcycle noise
A 29 year old man was apprehended at the emergency room of Bhumibol Hospital in Bangkok after fatally stabbing his 64 year old neighbour. The incident stemmed from a heated argument over motorcycle noise. The suspect, Jeerapat also known as Beer, claimed the engine was stalling, necessitating constant revving. Yesterday, April 23, around 8pm, police received reports of a violent…
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Phumtham denies visa scandal derailed US trade talks
Rumours are swirling about US visa sanctions throwing a spanner in Thailand’s trade negotiations but Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai says it’s all smoke and no fire. In a press briefing yesterday, April 23, Phumtham hit back at claims that visa bans, imposed over Thailand’s controversial deportation of Uyghur refugees to China in February, had sidelined key Thai negotiators from upcoming…
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South Korean man injured in restaurant bill dispute with Pattaya women
A South Korean man sustained a cut wound to his hand after attempting to wrest a knife from a Thai woman during a dispute over a restaurant bill in Pattaya. Rescuers from the Sawang Borriboon Dhammasathan Foundation were dispatched to a small alley near Pattaya Walking Street at around 9am, yesterday, April 23, to provide first aid to the 32…
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Brother fatally shot after knife attack attempt in Phayao
A man was fatally shot in the head by his brother following a knife attack attempt. The incident occurred yesterday, April 23, at 10.30am in Mueang Phayao district, where the older brother awaited police to surrender after the shooting. Police Colonel Wirote Krokamp, deputy inspector at Chun Police Station, received a report from Huai Yang Kham subdistrict patrol about a…
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Love-sick monk shoots foreigner’s wife then kills himself in Thailand
A love-sick monk disrobed to go in search of a Norwegian man’s wife but when she rejected him he shot her before turning the gun on himself in a grisly murder–suicide attempt in southern Thailand. Officers in Nakhon Si Thammarat were called to a luxury two-storey home in Village 12, Klai Subdistrict, at around 4am, today, April 24, after neighbours…
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Thai coral recovery: over 60% of bleached reefs saved
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has successfully rescued over 60% of the coral affected by bleaching since last year. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director General of the DMCR, reported that since April last year, approximately 60-80% of coral in Thailand’s waters experienced bleaching. Of these, 60% have been successfully revived, while the remainder perished. The bleaching was attributed to…
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Thai pharmacist praised for offering free medicine to struggling family
A Thai father and his daughter returned to a pharmacy in the central province of Samut Sakhon to express their gratitude after free medicine from the shop helped the girl recover from an illness. The owner and pharmacist of the Baan Look Moo Drug Store in Samut Sakhon, Aoffy, shared the heartwarming story via a video on her TikTok account,…
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Severe heat and storms to impact 34 provinces in Thailand
Weather conditions in Thailand are expected to be extremely hot with sudden rain and strong winds affecting 34 provinces, including Bangkok. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecast thunderstorms in 20% of the area today, with a hot storm approaching today, April 24. Over the next 24 hours, Thailand will generally experience hot weather, with severe heat in certain areas…
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Miss Universe strips Thai beauty pageant of title after controversy
Thailand’s beauty pageant scene has been rocked by a shocking decision from the Miss Universe Organisation, which has officially stripped Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri of her third runner-up title following her participation in the Miss World Thailand event. The controversy began when Opal appeared at a business announcement for the Miss World 2025 competition, violating her contract by participating in another…
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Thailand scraps mandatory scout uniforms, ease parents’ burden
Parents across Thailand are breathing a collective sigh of relief as the Ministry of Education announces a major change in school regulations. The compulsory wearing of full scout uniforms will be scrapped, offering much-needed financial respite to families as the new school term approaches. Deputy Education Minister Surasak Phancharoenworrakul made the announcement during a meeting with senior officials today, April…
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Thailand’s 3.78 trillion baht budget faces US tariff concerns
The Thai Parliament will hold a special session next month to debate the government’s proposed 3.78-trillion-baht budget for the 2026 fiscal year, as concerns over a potential trade war with the United States loom large. With Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government seeking to minimise the economic impact of looming US tariffs, the upcoming session promises to be a pivotal moment…
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Thai PM urged by Human Rights Watch on Cambodia repression
As Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares for her visit to Phnom Penh today, April 23, and tomorrow, April 24, Human Rights Watch is calling on her to raise pressing human rights concerns with Cambodian leaders. The visit, which marks the 75th anniversary of Thai-Cambodian diplomatic relations, will see the 38 year old PM meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun…
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Fire destroys Thai museum warehouse, millions in sculptures lost
A devastating fire ravaged the three-storey warehouse of the Thai Human Imagery Museum in Nakhon Chaisri district, Nakhon Pathom province, causing substantial damage estimated at over 10 million baht. The fire, which broke out today, April 23, destroyed the warehouse, although the museum’s exhibition space, featuring lifelike sculptures of Buddhist monks, former kings, and scenes from Thailand’s past, remained unharmed.…
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Phayao park renovation abandoned, 9.6 million baht project in disarray
In Phayao province, a public park renovation project valued at 9.6 million baht remains unfinished as the contractor has abandoned the work. The project site is now deteriorating, with building materials damaged, overgrown grass, and sunken roads. Officials assure that they are actively addressing the issue. Yesterday, April 22, a journalist from the Phayao province examined the Chalerm Phra Kiat…
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Thaksin’s hospitalisation defended amid ombudsman review
Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong has downplayed concerns surrounding the Ombudsman’s review of Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospitalisation, calling it legally justified. The former prime minister’s six-month stay at Police General Hospital (PGH) sparked controversy, with critics questioning whether it constituted privileged treatment. However, the justice minister remains unfazed, stating the arrangement complied with legal standards. In a statement yesterday, April…
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Man caught stealing from Buddhist donation tree in Phuket
A man has been captured on CCTV stealing money from a Kathin offerings tree at a shop on Bangkok Road in Phuket Town, inciting anger among residents. The footage, shared online, depicts a grey-haired man in an orange motorcycle taxi vest entering the shop and lingering near the counter. Once confident no one was watching, he approached the Kathin offerings…
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Finance Ministry confirms 10,000 baht digital currency distribution
The Finance Ministry has confirmed the distribution of 10,000 baht in digital currency for phase three during the second quarter. The application is ready, with only integration with banks remaining. The release date for phase four has also been announced. Deputy Finance Minister Chulapan Amornvivat yesterday, April 22, stated that the ministry remains committed to its schedule for the economic…
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Bangkok’s new law: Register and microchip pets by January 2026
From January 10 next year, Bangkok residents will be required to register and microchip their cats and dogs under a new city law aimed at tackling the growing problem of stray animals. The bold new regulation, announced by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), will impose strict requirements on pet ownership, including limits on the number of pets allowed in certain living…
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Saraburi firm probed over Chinese workforce, only 13 found violating laws
The Immigration Bureau Commissioner has ordered an investigation into a construction company in Saraburi following complaints of an entirely Chinese workforce. Of the 250 workers checked, only 13 were found to violate the law. Yesterday, April 22, Police Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonyaluck, alongside Police Major General Phanthana Nuchanarot and Police Major General Chairit On-orat, directed a search team led by…
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Thailand’s visa-free scheme under scrutiny for overstays
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has raised serious concerns about the misuse of Thailand’s visa-free entry scheme, following a noticeable increase in visa overstays, illegal employment, and other breaches of the programme. The scheme, which allows eligible foreign nationals to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days without a visa, has been a cornerstone of the country’s tourism success. However,…
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Phuket urges residents to save water as dry season drags on
As Phuket approaches the final leg of the dry season, the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) is ramping up calls for water conservation across the island. Marking Earth Day yesterday, April 22, the PWA issued a public plea urging residents to adopt mindful water-use habits and report any burst pipes immediately, reinforcing that every drop counts in the battle against dwindling…
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Perverted panty thief caught after mum lends undies in saucy sting
A perverted panty thief who swiped a Thai woman’s underwear straight off the washing line has been exposed in a cheeky sting, thanks to a mum who lent her daughter her own knickers to lure the knicker-nicking creep. A woman in Nonthaburi was left red-faced, and nearly bare-bottomed, after a serial knicker thief stole nearly all her underwear, forcing her…
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Passenger numbers soar at Thai airports during Songkran festival
Airports of Thailand (AOT) reported that passenger numbers over the Songkran festival period exceeded 2.6 million, marking a 4.3% increase. Some 16,064 flights were operated. AOT chief Kirati Kitmanawat shared insights into this growth during the Songkran festival from April 11 to April 17. The six airports under AOT’s management, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang…
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World Bank backs Thailand’s retirement lottery to boost savings
Thailand’s retirement lottery has received international acclaim, with the World Bank calling it a “remarkable innovation” for boosting retirement savings. The scheme, which cleverly combines the public’s love for gambling with the need for financial security, has sparked significant interest at the World Bank-International Monetary Fund (WB-IMF) Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. The World Bank has expressed strong interest in…
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Vacuum cleaners and air purifiers controlled to combat PM2.5
To combat the dangers of PM2.5 pollution and protect consumers from inflated prices, the Thai Cabinet has officially classified vacuum cleaners and air purifiers as controlled goods. This new regulation follows a recommendation by the Ministry of Commerce, which highlighted the essential role these devices play in mitigating the effects of harmful air pollution in homes. According to Commerce Minister…
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Pork chop: Police sizzle illegal slaughterhouse in Bangkok bust
Police and the Department of Livestock Development launched an operation to dismantle an illegal pig slaughterhouse in Bangkok’s Bang Sue district. The operation resulted in the seizure of 1.8 tonnes of unapproved pig carcasses. Police Major General Wacharin Poosit, commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, directed the operation yesterday, April 22, along with other officials. They arrested…
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Foodpanda to bow out of Thailand next month
Foodpanda announced it will cease operations in Thailand, with the delivery giant confirming that its services will end on May 23. The shocking decision marks the end of an era for the popular food delivery platform, which has served millions of Thai customers since its launch. In a statement released today, April 23, via their official fan page, Foodpanda Thailand…
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Thailand to honour Pope Francis with 3 days of mourning
In a heartfelt gesture of respect and mourning, the Thai government ordered all government agencies and state enterprises to fly their flags at half-mast for three days in tribute to Pope Francis. The mourning period began today, April 23, and runs through to Friday, April 25, following the death of the beloved pontiff at the age of 88. Prime Minister…
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Pattaya beauty clinic busted for illegal medical practices
Police raided a beauty clinic in Soi Kor Phai, off Thepprasit Road in Pattaya following complaints about unlicensed operations and unqualified staff performing medical procedures. The clinic, which promised beauty enhancement services, was caught red-handed today, April 23, operating without the proper legal permits and medical certifications. Police Major General Teerachai Chamnarnmor, Commander of the Region 2 Investigation Division, led…
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Ancient Takian tree unearthed in Phetchabun sparks lottery frenzy
A giant ancient Takian tree, estimated to be over 1,000 years old, was unearthed by an excavator in Phetchabun province during the expansion of a large water reservoir. The discovery attracted significant local interest, with a medium conducting a ceremonial invitation, naming the tree spirit Chao Mae Ngam Thong, and sparking a search for lucky numbers. Yesterday, April 22, villagers…
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