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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Pain in the neck: American kicks off outside Chiang Mai shop
An American man with a serious neck injury yesterday refused medical treatment and caused a public disturbance outside a convenience store in Chiang Mai province. A witness recorded a video of the foreign man yesterday, April 22, causing a fracas and shared it with the local news Facebook page, Guru Guroo Chiang Mai. The footage, filmed from inside the witness’s…
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Ferrari and Mercedes destroyed in fiery Bangkok crash
A collision involving three vehicles led to a fire that destroyed a Ferrari and a Mercedes-Benz, leaving only the charred remains, and resulted in one person being injured. Emergency services responded promptly to the incident, which occurred at 2.20am today, April 23, near Soi Borommaratchachonnani 76, Borommaratchachonnani Road, Sala Thammasop subdistrict, Thawi Watthana district, Bangkok. The scene involved a three-car…
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Paetongtarn denies Cabinet reshuffle amid coalition speculation
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra dismissed speculation regarding a potential Cabinet reshuffle, asserting that the government remains cohesive and unchanged. Addressing concerns about coalition tensions and calls to alter economic portfolios, she confirmed no intentions to reorganise. “Everything remains the same, and I’m aware of opinion polls and open to all views. Also, everything is impermanent, even the position of the…
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Great wall of silence: Chinese tourists ditch Thailand in travel drought
Thailand’s once-booming Chinese tourism stream has turned into a trickle, with industry chiefs warning of a full-blown crisis as daily arrivals plunge to record lows and desperate calls mount for an urgent fix to restore trust. Chinese tourist arrivals to Thailand have nosedived to their lowest point in 2025, with just 5,833 visitors recorded on April 16, a far cry…
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Chiang Mai aims for UNESCO World Heritage status by 2026
The Thai government plans to nominate Chiang Mai as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by 2026, coinciding with the northern city’s 730th anniversary. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol revealed that a government committee has prepared a nomination dossier since Chiang Mai was added to UNESCO’s tentative list this year. The nomination dossier, aimed at promoting the city as a World Heritage…
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Watts the problem? Energy chiefs say green shift won’t shock you
Energy chiefs have poured cold water on claims that Thailand’s push for more renewable power will leave households with shocking bills, insisting the green move will actually save billions in the long run. Claims that new power purchase agreements (PPAs) under the government’s 5.2-gigawatt renewable energy scheme would send electricity bills soaring have been firmly rejected by top energy officials.…
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Thai politician, linked to BMW driver, accused of brutal assault 19 years ago
A Thai man accused an influential politician, linked to a reckless BMW driver, of failing to compensate him after brutally assaulting him 19 years ago. A 28 year old candidate for the Thanya Buri Municipality Council member, Smiththipat “Peach” Leenawarat, is under public scrutiny after he deliberately crashed his white BMW into an elderly couple driving a black pickup. The…
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Thai-dal wave: Bangkok on boil as storms brew in Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) sounded the alarm today for scorching temperatures mixed with wild winds and electrifying thunderstorms set to sweep through a scorching 32 provinces. Bangkok braces for a heatwave showdown while the south gears up for a drenching, with downpours threatening 40% of the region. Thailand is generally experiencing hot weather, with particularly intense heat in the…
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Thai Cabinet approves e-renewals for driving licences without tests
In a move set to save drivers time and money, the Cabinet has approved a new draft ministerial directive that will allow eligible drivers to renew their driving licences electronically, without the hassle of physical tests. The new system, which is expected to roll out in the coming months, will make the process quicker and more efficient, marking a significant…
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Bangkok SAO building collapse death toll rises to 51
Search operations are ongoing as rescuers continue their efforts to locate 43 missing workers following the catastrophic collapse of the 30-story State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. The incident, which occurred on Friday, March 28, has now claimed 51 lives, with government officials working tirelessly to recover those still trapped beneath the rubble. Today, April 22, two…
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Thailand defends 900 million baht expo pavilion amid backlash
The Ministry of Public Health has defended its decision to spend 900 million baht on the Thailand Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka. The pavilion, which runs from April 13 to October 13, has garnered both praise and criticism, with some claiming it falls short of expectations for such a prestigious global event. Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, permanent secretary…
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Decomposed body of Thai man found in abandoned Phuket building
Authorities in Phuket are investigating the discovery of a decomposed body in an unused building located in the Kathu district, found on 21 April. Police were alerted to the scene around 5.40pm, joined by a forensic doctor from Vachira Phuket Hospital and rescue workers from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation. The body, identified as a Thai male, approximately 40 years old,…
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School hiss-teria: King cobra causes a stir in Surat Thani
Residents in Don Sak, Surat Thani, were startled when a large king cobra, referred to locally as a bong la, appeared in front of a community school. The incident, which occurred yesterday, April 21, prompted the immediate involvement of local rescue services to safely capture the snake. Facebook user Supawit Kamonbutr shared images of the rescue team from Don Sak…
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Thailand slashes 2025 tourism forecast amid global concerns
In a surprising move, Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry has revised its tourism revenue forecast for 2025 down to 3 trillion baht, citing a mix of domestic and international factors that could affect the country’s tourism industry. The new target is a significant reduction from the previous projection of 3.5 trillion baht. Permanent Secretary Nattareeya Thaweewong confirmed the updated forecast…
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AOT reports record 2.6 million passengers during Songkran festival
Airports of Thailand (AOT) has announced impressive air traffic statistics for the Songkran period, highlighting a 4.3% increase in passenger traffic across the six airports it operates, compared to last year. Dr Kerati Kijmanawat, President of AOT, revealed that from April 11 to 17, a total of 2.6 million passengers passed through Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket,…
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Grandmother seeks justice after granddaughter’s Songkran ordeal
A grandmother is devastated upon discovering the truth about her 12 year old granddaughter, who was allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted by two men. The incident came to light yesterday, April 21, after the girl confided in her grandmother. A 25 year old Good Samaritan, Saichon Nitkham, contacted the media to help the grandmother seek justice. The victim was reportedly…
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Woman seeks justice over husband’s misuse of funds and infidelity
A 55 year old woman appealed for justice at the Ubon Ratchathani provincial complaints centre, claiming her husband, a village headman, has been involved with three mistresses and used money from selling their land to build a house for one of them. Yesterday, April 21, she was accompanied by lawyer Kritsada Lohitdee, known as Lawyer Nobi, to submit a formal…
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French tourist busted in Patong for reckless riding
A thrill-seeking Frenchman landed himself in trouble after his reckless antics on Patong’s streets caught the attention of Thailand’s national immigration chief. Identified as 23 year old Ali, the tourist was arrested after CCTV footage revealed him tearing through red lights, revving up noise complaints, and riding without a helmet. The chaotic joyride didn’t go unnoticed. National Immigration Bureau Chief…
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Thai taxi driver wins lottery, gives passengers free ride and cash
A Thai taxi driver promised to offer a free ride plus 200 baht in cash to three passengers if he won a lottery ticket. Guess what? Yes, he indeed won it. A Thai woman shared a video on her TikTok account, @featployda, on Sunday, April 20, capturing the moment she, her friends, and the taxi driver awaited the lottery results…
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Microsoft launches AI programme to upskill 1 million Thais
Microsoft Thailand has launched a groundbreaking initiative, the THAI Academy: Accelerating Thailand’s AI Future, aimed at offering over 1 million Thais the chance to gain AI upskilling opportunities. Announced yesterday, April 21, the programme is part of an ongoing collaboration between Microsoft and the Thai government, supported by 35 partners from both the public and private sectors. This major step…
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Thailand aviation upgraded to category 1, opening US flights
In a major boost for Thailand’s aviation sector, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially upgraded the country’s aviation safety rating to Category 1. The Ministry of Transport announced the exciting development today, April 22, recognising that Thailand now meets international civil aviation safety standards, paving the way for Thai airlines to resume flights to the United States. This…
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400 million baht for new Rama 2 parallel route construction
The Department of Highways has allocated 400 million baht to alleviate traffic congestion on Rama 2 Road by constructing a parallel route and new bridges. Construction is expected to begin in September this year, and officials assure that it will not affect traffic on the main route. Yesterday, April 21, Apirat Chaiwongnoi, Director General of the Department of Highways, discussed…
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Thai woman throws 300k baht ring into sea after cheating prank
A woman’s online post has sparked debate after she threw her 300,000 baht wedding ring into the sea, following a prank by her husband. The couple, on a yacht trip on April 21, faced a turning point in their marriage when the husband’s joke about infidelity went awry. The 29 year old woman shared her story online, describing it as…
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Bangkok taxi driver praised for safely transporting unconscious woman to police (video)
A woman who lost consciousness was safely transported to Thong Lo Police Station, Bangkok, by a conscientious taxi driver, drawing admiration from netizens. Yesterday, April 21, a TikTok user, @kanthachok_759, who is a patrol officer at Thong Lo police Station, shared a video showing the unconscious woman lying in the backseat of a taxi. “The driver, acting responsibly, brought her…
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Drunk foreign man ends Phuket beach party with graveyard nap
Locals in the Bang Tao area of Phuket rescued a drunk foreign man who was found sleeping in a graveyard after attending a beach party. The Phuket Times shared photos of the man lying on a grassy area yesterday, April 21, with the caption: “5.20pm. A foreigner was found lying unconscious in the Bang Tao kubur (kubur means burial ground…
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Phuket probes construction site over erosion concerns
Phuket officials have launched a major investigation into a hillside construction project in Karon after public concerns over potential illegal development and environmental damage. The inspection, conducted yesterday, April 21, was led by Surasak Anusorn, Director of the Phuket Natural Resources and Environment Office, and accompanied by officers from the Phuket Provincial Public Works and Town & Country Planning Office.…
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Bangkok bungler! Ex-con caught robbing shop with a toy gun
Police last night apprehended a 29 year old man for armed robbery at a well-known convenience store in Bangkok’s Bang Bon district. The suspect, Surat, also known as M, had recently completed a sentence for theft and was unemployed before just starting a job as a security guard. The arrest occurred at approximately 10pm yesterday, April 21. Police Major General…
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Ex-attorney general gets 3 years in Red Bull heir hit-and-run case
A former deputy attorney general has been sentenced to three years in prison, while a former senior public prosecutor received two years, following their involvement in the controversial case surrounding the 2012 fatal hit-and-run involving Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya. The incident, which saw Vorayuth drive a luxury Porsche sports car into police officer Wichian Klanprasert, leading to his…
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Man arrested in stolen car with fake plates bought for 40,000 baht
Police apprehended a 49 year old man driving a luxury car adorned with red commemorative plates from a graduation event. The vehicle was found to be stolen, with the suspect, Patrawut, admitting to buying it from the black market for 40,000 baht. Yesterday, April 21, Police Major General Kongkrit Lertsitthikul, along with Police Colonel Apichat Renshana and other officers, arrested Patrawut…
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Teen monk killed in drive-by attack on police escort in Songkhla
In a shocking attack, gunmen opened fire on a police vehicle escorting monks during their morning alms round in Songkhla province. The incident, which took place today, April 22, in the Saba Yoi district, resulted in the death of a 16 year old novice monk and left another injured. Police forces are now on a manhunt for the assailants, but…
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