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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Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Here’s your health checklist before the move
Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Thailand is a popular choice for retirees because of its beautiful landscapes, warm climate, and affordable living. Cities like Chiang Mai and coastal areas offer a relaxed lifestyle with friendly communities. The country also...
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Power bank explodes, sparking fire in Chachoengsao home
A power bank exploded due to extreme heat, causing a fire in a bedroom that nearly spread throughout the entire house in south central Thailand. The incident occurred at 1.15pm yesterday, April 8 in Thata Kiab district, Chachoengsao province. Police Lieutenant Taweechai Chuchom, Deputy Inspector at Thata Kiab Police Station, received the fire report. Volunteers from Thata Kiab and firefighters…
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Thailand video news | American academic denied bail under Thai royal defamation law, Vietnamese student visas to the US hit 10-year high
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover key stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. They discuss the denial of bail for American academic Dr Paul Chambers under Thailand’s royal defamation law, a sharp plunge in the Thai stock market following new US tariffs, and the arrest of a British tourist for overstaying her visa. Also featured are…
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Miracle rescue: Young girl pulled from deep sewer in Bangkok
A young girl is lucky to be alive after falling into a deep sewer near Soi Sahakarnpramoon in Bangkok. The dramatic rescue unfolded yesterday, April 8, as emergency teams rushed to save her from the perilous depths. At 5.49pm yesterday, emergency services received a distress call via hotline 199 reporting a girl trapped in a sewer near Soi Sahakarnpramoon, located…
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Russian man arrested for 332-day overstay in Phuket
Officers from the Phuket Provincial Immigration Bureau arrested a Russian man yesterday for overstaying his visa by nearly one year. Immigration officials yesterday, April 8, informed Phuket Hotnews that they were conducting a crackdown on foreign criminals in the province from April 7 to 11. The operation is targeting foreigners who are residing in the province illegally, as well as…
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Warning: Deadly mushrooms on the rise this rainy season
Health officials in Thailand have issued an urgent warning about the lethal dangers of wild mushrooms, as the rainy season spurs their rapid growth across the country. With both edible and toxic varieties sprouting, officials urge the public to exercise extreme caution when foraging, as misidentification could result in deadly consequences. Thailand’s recent rainy season has caused an explosion of…
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370 million baht approved for disaster warning system upgrade
The Thai Cabinet approved a budget of 370 million baht for the development of natural disaster warning systems, or early warning systems (EWS). The recent earthquake in Myanmar was a first-time experience for many Thai citizens. The incident sparked concerns about the public’s lack of knowledge regarding how to stay safe during a natural disaster and how to protect themselves…
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Fowl play: Bangkok woman ruffled by cyber cops in cockfighting bust
Thai cyber police arrested a 41 year old woman suspected of running an illegal online cockfighting gambling operation with daily transactions reaching hundreds of thousands of baht. The arrest followed an investigation and search at her residence in Sai Mai, Bangkok yesterday, April 8. According to Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiewphun of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, the operation was…
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Contractor claims 3.7 million baht unpaid wages in DSI probe
A construction contractor appeared before the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) officers to discuss his knowledge of those associated with China Railway Number 10 and 9 PK company, major contractors in an ongoing investigation. The meeting occurred at the DSI headquarters on Chaeng Watthana Road at 9.30am, yesterday, April 8, where Thitiphong Pothiprom was questioned for more than three hours…
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Koh Larn resort worker arrested for trespassing and assault
Police arrested a 40 year old resort employee on Koh Larn following accusations of trespassing and sexual assault made by his former girlfriend. The arrest took place yesterday, April 8, when officers from Mueang Pattaya district executed two warrants against the man, known only as Samarn, at his residence in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. The warrants, issued by…
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No grounds for panic: No coffee shortage or price hike, says DIT
The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has confirmed that there will be no shortage or price increase for a well-known coffee brand, despite rumours to the contrary. They are closely monitoring the market, ensuring retail outlets display prices clearly, with penalties for non-compliance. Witthayakorn Maneenate, Director-General of the DIT, addressed concerns over rumours suggesting a temporary halt in the supply…
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Malaysian man wanted for 6.9 million baht gold theft in Songkhla
Police are hunting for a Malaysian man who stole gold accessories worth over 6.9 million baht from a shop in the Hat Yai district of the southern province of Songkhla. The thief arrived at the gold shop on Montri 1 Road in Hat Yai district yesterday, April 8, wearing white trousers, a dark blue-grey polo shirt, and a hat. He…
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Bangkok’s Wat Arun nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status
Thailand’s iconic Wat Arun temple is one step closer to global recognition, as the Cabinet has just approved its nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. The move highlights the temple’s rich architectural history and its significance to the Rattanakosin Kingdom. In a pivotal Cabinet meeting yesterday, Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced that the Phra Prang of Wat Arun…
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British man plays Russian roulette after gas, grass binge and loses
A British man is fighting for his life after a shocking game of Russian roulette went horribly wrong in a Pattaya condo, following a heavy session involving cannabis and nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas. Police revealed the incident unfolded in the early hours of yesterday, April 8 at a high-rise flat on Soi Chaiyaphruek 1, Pattaya City, where…
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Thunderstorm warning: Thailand braced for a real down pour
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has sounded the alarm for today, warning tourists and residents to brace themselves as heavy rain is set to drench 49 provinces with thunderous booms and gusty gales, Bangkok included. Residents are urged to stay vigilant, as some areas could even see a surprise visit from hailstones. The current weather conditions are influenced by a…
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Foreigner killed in high-speed SUV crash in Rayong (video)
A foreigner drove his SUV at high speed and collided with a six-wheel truck and a motorcycle in the eastern province of Rayong. The foreign driver was killed, while the two Thai nationals involved sustained injuries. Dashcam footage from the six-wheel truck, which was shared on a news Facebook page, showed the black Ford Everest SUV travelling at high speed…
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Thailand and Bhutan sign landmark Free Trade Agreement
Thailand and Bhutan have signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), strengthening economic ties and paving the way for closer trade cooperation. The historic deal was signed during Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s visit to Bangkok last week, coinciding with the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. Bilateral trade between the two countries has already surpassed 460 million baht, and Tobgay expressed confidence…
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Thai stock market tumbles amid US tariff concerns
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) today experienced a significant drop in share prices amid concerns over a potential trade war following tariff increases by the US government. The SET Index fell by 42.30 points or 3.76%, reaching 1,082.91 shortly after opening. The Thai market resumed trading after a three-day break, while other global markets were unsettled yesterday, April 7,…
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Pattaya resort worker arrested for rape and burglary
A Pattaya resort employee has been arrested for burglary and the rape of a colleague, which has rocked the seaside resort community. At 10.30am today, April 8, Police Lieutenant Colonel Arun Saphanon, Deputy Director of Investigation at Pattaya City Police Station, along with a team of investigators, served two arrest warrants at the home of 40 year old Samart Nakthong.…
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Watt’s next: Thailand powers up for electric vehicle revolution
Thailand’s government is committed to transforming the nation into an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub, with a policy focused on stimulating demand to encourage consumer adoption. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul emphasised the importance of building a domestic EV supply to meet this demand. The government has shifted from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle production to an EV focus through…
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2 Thai teenagers drown in Suphan Buri canal while washing hair
Two Thai teenagers drowned in a canal in the central province of Suphan Buri after entering the water with a friend to wash their hair following a dyeing session. A seven year old girl ran from the Jorrakay Samphan Canal back to her community yesterday, April 7, to seek help after her two older friends, 15 year old Kate and…
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Thai Airways expands fleet with 45 Boeing dreamliners
Thai Airways International (THAI) has confirmed that fleet expansion is a key part of its strategy, with the airline set to procure 45 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners as part of a major deal to increase its aircraft numbers and strengthen ties with the United States. In a bold move aimed at both modernising its fleet and supporting Thailand’s trade negotiations with…
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Worker crushed by crane in Sisaket pleads for help
A distressing case emerged from a residence in Suk Sawat subdistrict, Phrai Bueng district, Sisaket province, as a worker claimed negligence following a severe accident. The incident involved a 55 year old man, Somboon, who is now bedridden and requires oxygen support after being crushed by a crane basket during a demolition job. The employer allegedly offered minimal financial assistance…
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Chiang Mai prepares moat for Songkran with safety upgrades
As the Songkran festival approaches, Chiang Mai is ensuring its historic moat is ready for the annual water splashing fun, with significant upgrades to water quality and safety. The city has taken crucial steps to improve both the environment and the safety of residents and tourists who flock to the moat to celebrate Thailand’s most famous water festival. Since March…
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American professor denied bail on Section 112 charges
Paul Chambers, a prominent American academic from Naresuan University, has been denied bail by Phitsanulok Court following his arrest on charges under Section 112, the lese majeste law, sparking widespread outrage over academic freedom and human rights. Dr Chambers, an expert in Southeast Asian military-civilian relations, was apprehended after an arrest warrant was issued by the Phitsanulok Provincial Court. Today,…
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Thai doctor accused of encouraging patient to die after suicide attempt
A Thai woman battling depression and bipolar disorder accused a doctor at a hospital in Udon Thani, Isaan province, of urging her to end her life. This shocking claim surfaced after she was admitted following a suicide attempt on April 3. The 24 year old woman, Chompoo, shared her story with ThaiRath, seeking justice and calling for disciplinary action against…
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New four-lane highway to boost eastern Thailand connectivity
The Songkran holiday season might be chaotic with traffic jams, but a major four-lane highway upgrade in eastern Thailand promises to ease congestion in the future. Highways 3486 and 348 are set to undergo a significant transformation with the construction of a 48-kilometre, 4-lane highway, designed to improve traffic flow and protect local wildlife. The Department of Highways (DOH) has…
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Locals slam Phuket cops for freeing thug after savage attack on foreign woman
Phuket residents criticised the police for releasing a man just two days after his arrest for an unprovoked, vicious assault on an unnamed foreign woman. The Phuket Times shared a video of the assault on April 4. The incident occurred at around 1pm on Thep Kasattri Road in the Thalang area of Phuket. The video showed the foreign victim standing…
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Quake leaves 55 Bangkok buildings unusable, inspections continue
The Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning announced the results of building inspections following a recent earthquake. Some 55 buildings have been deemed severely damaged and are prohibited from use. Meanwhile, 6,487 buildings remain operational, and 361 have moderate damage. Yesterday, April 7, the Building Damage Inspection Centre, in collaboration with various engineering bodies including the Council…
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Black leopard wonder: Feline spotted hunting in Kaeng Krachan
Tourists visiting Kaeng Krachan National Park were treated to an extraordinary spectacle when a rare black leopard was spotted preparing to hunt a southern spectacled langur. Mongkol Chaiyaphakdi, Chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park, revealed the stunning image taken along the Khao Phanom Thung route at Kilometre 19. The black leopard, a critically endangered species, was calmly observing its prey…
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