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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Sponsored Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
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Dental assistant arrested for stealing gold in central Thailand
A 42 year old dental assistant has been arrested for allegedly stealing 16 baht weight in gold, valued at 800,000 baht, from a residence in Mueang district, Nonthaburi province. The theft led the victim, a 72 year old woman named Nuchwadi, to suffer from severe depression. The incident was first reported on April 9 when Nuchwadi informed the police at…
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Architect slams ‘botched’ Thai Parliament revamp
Thailand’s leading architect has launched a scathing attack on plans to renovate the country’s new Parliament complex, branding them “destructive” and “irreversible.” National Artist Chatree Ladalalitsakul, the chief designer of the grand riverside structure, broke a decade-long silence to condemn the proposed modifications, which he says would compromise both its artistic integrity and structural safety. “For 10 years, we have…
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Phuket nominee crackdown: 23 guilty, 60 firms busted
A massive web of illegal nominee businesses in Phuket has finally unravelled, with 23 people and more than 60 companies found guilty of using fake Thai ownership to skirt the country’s business laws. The Department of Business Development (DBD) dropped the bombshell yesterday, May 9, confirming that the Criminal Court ruled against the offenders in a major case under Red…
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Pattaya’s ‘Spider-Man’ burglar busted scaling estate wall
A wall-scaling thief dubbed the “Spider-Man” has finally been caught after terrorising a luxury Thai housing estate in Pattaya in a series of daring break-ins that left residents shaken and over a million baht out of pocket. Yesterday, May 9 at 5.30pm, security guards at Bristol Park, a gated community in Soi Thung Rahar, Huay Yai subdistrict, apprehended the slippery…
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Malaysian tourist dies after hotel balcony plunge in Patong
Holidaymakers in Phuket were left stunned when a Malaysian tourist reportedly “acting crazy” leapt from a hotel balcony in the early hours of yesterday, later dying from his injuries in hospital. The incident happened around 1.30am yesterday, May 9, when Patong Police were alerted by Patong Hospital that a foreign man had fallen from a hotel building and had tragically succumbed…
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Tour bus flips in northeast Thailand, 36 injured in midnight crash
Dozens of terrified passengers were left bloodied and bruised after a packed tour bus flipped onto its side in the dead of night in northeast Thailand — with many suspecting the driver had dozed off behind the wheel. The crash occurred around 3am yesterday, May 9, as the Chan Tour bus, en route from Rayong to Nakhon Phanom, veered off…
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Lightning alert: Severe storms to hit 55 provinces in Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for today, predicting severe storms to impact 55 provinces across Thailand. Approximately 60% of the affected areas will experience heavy rainfall, strong winds, and some hail. The northeastern region is anticipated to be hit by summer storms, characterised by thunderstorms, gusty winds, and occasional hail. Other regions will begin to experience…
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Thailand’s solar rooftop market to see growth amid falling prices
The solar rooftop market in Thailand is poised for increased competition, driven by decreasing prices, a rise in supply from manufacturers, and government initiatives to promote renewable energy. EnergyLIB, a solar energy solutions provider, has introduced a solar system for townhouses, while a consortium including German cable manufacturer Lapp Holding Asia, Hong Kong-based industrial conglomerate Jebsen and Jessen Group, and…
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Thai durians bound for China amid export scramble
Thailand’s king of fruit is rolling out in full force this season, just in time to satisfy China’s insatiable appetite for durians. But behind the scenes, officials are scrambling to iron out export wrinkles and squash safety concerns. As durian season hits its peak, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has declared Thailand is ready to meet booming demand from…
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Storms loom, but Pattaya still packs out for long weekend
Storm clouds may be looming over Thailand this weekend, but that’s not stopping waves of tourists from descending on Pattaya’s beaches. Despite unstable weather conditions forecast across large swathes of the country, the seaside city is bracing for a surge in holidaymakers from May 9 to 12, as the Royal Ploughing Ceremony and the Visakha Bucha Day substitution create a…
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Thai public slams 450m baht social security calendar
Thailand’s Social Security Office (SSO) is under fire after a public survey revealed that the majority of people don’t want its pricey annual calendar — a project that’s quietly burned through over 450 million baht in just eight years. In a growing backlash, more than 60% of respondents in a recent nationwide survey said the calendar, intended to promote awareness…
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13 foreign sex workers arrested in undercover operation in Pattaya
Police officers yesterday, May 8, arrested 13 foreign sex workers who were illegally offering services to tourists along Pattaya Beach. Some were also found to overstay their visas. More than 50 officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station, the Tourist Police, and the Immigration Bureau conducted a crackdown operation at around 7pm on Pattaya Beach, targeting illegal sex workers. The operation…
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Couple claim relatives plan their murder for 120 million baht payout
A Thai couple accused their relatives of plotting to murder them to claim an insurance payout totalling over 120 million baht. A police officer was allegedly involved in the plan. The couple, Tong and Au, sought help from the non-profit organisation Be One after Tong survived an alleged murder attempt in 2022. The couple later discovered over 50 life insurance policies…
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Thailand lowers tourist target after 30% drop in Chinese visitors
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) considers lowering its target for foreign tourists this year due to a 30% drop in Chinese visitors. As a response, TAT plans to allocate 2 billion baht for the We Travel Together campaign, which will start next month. Teerasak Thepensri, TAT’s Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning, addressed this at the third Capital Market…
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Soviet space junk could skim Thailand, experts warn
A 53 year old Soviet spacecraft is hurtling back to Earth—and while experts say Thailand is safe, eyes are still nervously watching the skies. Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) has issued a warning about the anticipated re-entry of Cosmos 482, a defunct Soviet-era spacecraft that failed its original mission to Venus. The object, or what’s left of…
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Senators oppose 956 million baht parliament renovation budget
A group of 30 senators has voiced their opposition to a proposed 956 million baht budget intended for renovations at the new parliament complex, arguing that the expenditure is excessive, poorly prioritised, and not serving the public interest. Senator Nantana Nantavaropas spearheaded the objections during a press conference yesterday, May 8, criticising the renovation plan. She pointed out the building’s…
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Cheers allowed: Buddhist holiday booze ban eased
Just after Phuket had announced a 30-hour alcohol sales ban this weekend for its upcoming municipal elections and the Visakha Bucha holiday, the Thai government officially relaxed its alcohol ban on sacred Buddhist holidays — but only under strict conditions. The Royal Gazette announced today, May 9, that the Prime Minister’s Office has revised its previous order on alcohol sales,…
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Recycling firm board member arrested for 333 million baht tax fraud
The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) police have apprehended a board member of a recycling company suspected of collaborating with a business partner to issue fraudulent tax invoices. This operation led to state losses exceeding 333 million baht. Yesterday, May 8, Police Major General Thatphum Charuphat, ECD commander, directed Police Colonel Narupon Karuna and Police Lieutenant Colonel Wannalop Rattanawong to…
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Mum and son fling onto road after Pattaya motorbike crash
A late-night ride turned into a nightmare after a mother and her young son were violently hurled from their motorbike during a high-speed crash in Pattaya. The terrifying accident occurred just after midnight yesterday, May 8, in Soi Boon Kanjanaram 8. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre rushed to the scene after reports that a motorbike had…
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Thailand SEC closes 27,000 mule accounts worth 169 million baht
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand has reported significant progress in its crackdown on digital mule accounts, having closed over 27,000 accounts valued at 169 million baht in the first four months of the year. The SEC also noted a rise in investment scam reports, with 2,735 cases identified, while the Thai ESG fund continues to grow, reaching…
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Man investigated after wife’s death in Lop Buri apartment
A 61 year old man is under investigation after his 66 year old wife was found deceased in their Lop Buri apartment. The couple had been drinking, leading to an argument and physical altercation. The husband later returned to discover her body. Today, May 9, at 12.20am, Police Lieutenant Banchachop Choptham, deputy inspector at Phatthana Nikhom Police Station, received a…
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Thailand boosts fruit distribution to counter declining prices
The Thai Commerce Ministry is tackling the issue of declining fruit prices by accelerating the distribution of 950,000 tonnes of produce both within Thailand and abroad. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan stated that the ministry is collaborating with various organisations to manage the surplus of fruit through measures encompassing production, marketing, export, processing, and trade facilitation. The aim is to distribute…
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Myanmar call centre crackdown cuts crime by 60% in three months
The government has declared the 3 Cuts strategy, aimed at disrupting call centre operations in Myanmar, a success three months after its implementation. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced yesterday, May 8, that measures initiated since February 5, targeting electricity, fuel, and internet access in five specific locations, have led to a notable decrease in call centre activities, particularly in…
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Thailand to classify gas canisters as controlled products
Thailand’s Ministry of Industry proposes categorising gas canisters as a controlled product amid rising incidents of explosions at barbecue restaurants. Minister Ekanat Prompan highlighted the increasing popularity of barbecue eateries, which often use gas canisters for grills, and noted the risks of reusing canisters, which are designed for single use only. Despite existing safety standards, consumers are urged to adhere strictly…
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Foundation opposes cable car in Phu Kradueng National Park
The Seub Nakhasathien Foundation has expressed opposition to the planned construction of a cable car system in Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei province, due to concerns over potential harm to the park’s delicate ecosystem. The foundation also questioned the project’s cost-effectiveness. These concerns follow a recent decision by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) to extend…
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Royal Ploughing Ceremony kicks off Thailand’s rice planting season
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, held at Sanam Luang today, marked the beginning of the rice planting season in Thailand. King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida presided over the annual event. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, members of the Cabinet, and diplomatic representatives were also in attendance. The ceremony, a traditional ritual promoting good fortune and agricultural prosperity, coincides with the sixth…
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Tunisian man tries to swap clamped tyre, gets caught in the act
A Tunisian man faces legal charges after parking in a restricted area in Phuket and attempting to evade a wheel clamp and a subsequent fine by swapping out the clamped tyre. Several Thai news Facebook pages shared a video of the couple on May 8. The pair were seen removing a spare tyre from their vehicle in an apparent attempt to…
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Nan hit by two tremors after Nakhon Si Thammarat quake damage
The northern province of Nan experienced two tremors early yesterday, following a previous earthquake that caused damage to a hospital in Nakhon Si Thammarat on May 7. According to the Earthquake Observation Division of the Thai Meteorological Department, the tremors in Nan registered magnitudes of 1.7 and 1.5 on the Richter scale, occurring at 4.04am and 4.52am, respectively. Local officials…
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Hailstorm wreaks havoc in Udon Thani, leaving homes damaged
Yesterday, May 8, a severe hailstorm accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain struck Udon Thani, causing significant damage to numerous houses. The storm, occurring at 1.30pm, uprooted trees and toppled high-voltage power poles, obstructing roads and disrupting power supply in multiple areas. In Baan Jeet, Moo 4, Baan Jeet subdistrict, Gu Kaew district, the storm tore off roofs from…
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Rayong MP exposes illegal Chinese lobster factory operation
Rayong MP and provincial employment officers have joined forces to dismantle a Chinese zero-dollar lobster factory that was allegedly taking jobs from locals. Rayong MP Krit Silpachai, from the People’s Party, collaborated with Sommat Anantharatrasub, the Director of Rayong Employment Office, to crack down on the operation, which reportedly employed unauthorised foreign workers. Krit shared on Facebook that social media…
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