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.
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Sponsored Moving to Thailand? Here are the health documents you should prepare before you go
The Thaiger key takeaways Valid passport, visa documents, health certificate, and vaccination records are essential for immigration and medical care in Thailand. Health insurance that meets visa requirements, like Cigna, provides protection, direct billing, and access to a wide hospital...
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Chinese tourist attacked in Pattaya after alleged snarky bar comment
A Chinese tourist was hospitalised after being struck on the head with a bottle during a late-night altercation in Pattaya early yesterday morning, September 28. The incident took place on Chaloem Phrakiat 25 Road in South Pattaya, prompting an immediate response from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Unit and Pattaya City Police. Emergency responders arrived to find a 29 year old…
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Thailand braces for heavy rain and flash floods in 42 provinces
Today, September 29, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather warning for 42 provinces across Thailand, highlighting the risk of heavy rain and potential flash floods and landslides. Bangkok and its surrounding areas are also included in this alert, with the possibility of strong waves in the sea. The forecast for the next 24 hours indicates severe rainfall in…
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Phuket ice cream vendor sparks debate with free ride for foreign tourists
Thai netizens are left divided after an ice cream vendor in Phuket allowed two foreign men a free ride on his ice cream cart. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Thaiger (@thethaigerofficial) A Thai motorcyclist encountered the two men on the cart and shared a video of them on his TikTok account, @lionqueenzyy, on…
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Man’s kidney sale for iPhone leaves him disabled at 31
The story of a Chinese man who once sold a kidney to purchase an iPhone 4 and iPad 2 has resurfaced, highlighting his current life at 31 years old. He is now permanently disabled, unable to work, and requires lifelong dialysis, serving as a stark lesson about the consequences of a hasty decision made at 17. In 2010, the iPhone…
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Transport pioneer Je Kiew dies at 88, leaves billion-baht legacy
The passing of Suchinda Chirdchai, fondly known as “Jae Kiew,” marks the end of an era for Thailand’s transportation industry. The 88 year old businesswoman, who founded the Cherdchai Tour and Cherdchai Industry, built a multi-billion-baht empire from humble beginnings. Suchinda was born on March 20, 1937, in Nakhon Ratchasima province, the sixth child in an ordinary family. Despite completing…
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Thai minister accuses Cambodia of violating ceasefire at UN assembly
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow addressed the United Nations General Assembly, accusing Cambodia of provocative actions and breaching a ceasefire agreement with Thailand. His remarks were a response to Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sokhonn Prak, who claimed Cambodian civilians had faced eviction and an unprovoked attack. The Cambodian official was likely referencing Thailand’s efforts to reclaim parts of Ban Nong…
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Bangkok sinkhole repairs on track for October 8 completion
Repairs to the large sinkhole in front of Vajira Hospital in Bangkok’s Dusit district are proceeding well, with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) aiming for completion by October 8. Gardphajon Udomdhammabhakdi, the MRTA governor, stated that workers commenced pouring reinforced concrete on Friday night, September 26, continuing into Saturday with pauses for the material to set. By early…
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MG sedan crashes into Chiang Mai shop, narrowly missing tourists
A red MG sedan crashed into a popular Mala shop in Chang Phueak, Chiang Mai district, narrowly missing two foreign tourists and other patrons. Police are investigating the incident that occurred yesterday, September 27. Surveillance footage captured the moment the vehicle collided with the shop, where both local and international tourists were dining. The tourists fled in panic, with one…
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Malaysia strengthens halal economy through digital ecosystem and partnerships
Malaysia has positioned itself as a major force in the global halal economy by building a strong digital halal ecosystem that provides financing, advisory services, and business intelligence to help local SMEs expand abroad. This model, which underpins Malaysia’s success in exporting halal products, is now being adapted to support neighbouring Thailand in strengthening its own halal sector. Malaysia and…
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Military crackdown at Sa Kaeo border nabs 19 in trafficking bust
Military forces from the Eastern Border Special Task Force arrested 19 individuals in connection with an international human trafficking network at the border region of Ban Non Khilek, Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province. The operation, carried out today, September 28, also uncovered illegal substances on the group’s leader. The operation was led by Colonel Chainarong Kasee, commander of the Aranyaprathet…
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Father admits to shooting son over violent behaviour in Udon Thani
A father, unable to endure his drug-addicted son’s violent behaviour any longer, fatally shot him in front of their home in Udon Thani. The 63 year old admitted he reached his limit and was unafraid of prison. The incident occurred at 8pm yesterday, September 27, at a house in Ban Non Yang, Mueang district. Police Colonel Ratchapol Morarat of Na…
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Lawyers in Thailand accused of faking papers to steal estate
Heirs in Thailand filed a complaint against lawyers who allegedly forged documents to seize assets in a case now under investigation by legal authorities. A representative of a deceased estate has filed a formal complaint against several lawyers, accusing them of conspiring to forge legal documents and unlawfully seize assets worth over 57 million baht. Yesterday, September 26, Chanwut Mekraksawanit,…
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Bags of cannabis dumped outside Udon Thani home baffle locals
Villagers in Udon Thani were shocked when sealed bags of cannabis were found dumped outside a house, prompting a police investigation into the source. Residents of Ban Si Wilai in Mueang district, Udon Thani, were left both alarmed and confused after discovering 16 bags of dried cannabis dumped outside a home yesterday, September 26. The incident was reported to local…
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Intoxicated man rescued after sprinting into Jomtien sea
A man was rescued from the sea at Jomtien Beach after running into the water while intoxicated, prompting an emergency response late at night. Emergency services in Pattaya were called into action after a 36 year old man had to be rescued from the sea at Jomtien Beach, near Dongtan Curve, late on Thursday, September 25. The incident occurred around…
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AOT pushes for new global flight routes at Hong Kong forum
The Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) engaged global airlines at a major aviation forum in Hong Kong to expand flight routes and boost international travel. The AOT ramped up efforts to transform Thailand into a leading aviation hub by participating in the 30th World Route Development Forum, or Routes World 2025, held from September 24 to 26 at…
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Lotto hopefuls flock to Ang Thong’s 200 year old ‘lucky tree’
Locals in Ang Thong province, central Thailand, gathered at a revered temple tree, hoping to uncover lucky numbers as the next lottery draw approaches, continuing a long-held tradition. As lottery fever grips Thailand once again, residents of Pho Thong district in Ang Thong are heading to Chulamuni Temple, hoping to uncover lucky numbers from the famed Mae Ya Sroi Thong…
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Teen futsal player dies in motorbike crash on Bangkok bridge
A teenage futsal player died and his friend was injured when their motorbike crashed into a truck on a Bangkok bridge during the early morning hours. The incident occurred around 1am today, September 27, on Bang Khun Si Bridge, a four-lane bridge heading towards Ratchaphruek Road. The grey Yamaha NMAX, registered in Bangkok, was found overturned at the scene with…
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Californian man found dead in Patong hotel room
An American tourist was found dead in his Patong hotel room, prompting police to launch an investigation into the cause of death. Police have launched an investigation after a 31 year old American man was found dead in his hotel room on Nanai Road in Patong, Phuket. The tourist, who had travelled from California and checked into the hotel alone,…
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Chinese man caught posing as tour guide at Pattaya pier
A Chinese national was arrested in Pattaya after being caught guiding tourists without a licence, prompting legal action by tourism officials and police. The man was apprehended at Laem Bali Hai Pier. The operation was led by Jaturon Phakdeewanich, Director-General of the Department of Tourism, and Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueak-am, Commander of the Tourist Police Bureau. The crackdown focused…
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More Thai women opting out of motherhood, survey shows
A nationwide survey conducted by the Thai Health Department has revealed that only 63% of Thai women aged 19 to 49 wish to have children, raising concerns about future birth rates and the need for stronger state support around reproductive health. The study, which included 404 women with an average age of 34.2, also found that just 53% possessed sufficient…
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Bangkok hosts ASEAN’s biggest sustainability expo
Southeast Asia’s largest sustainability expo kicked off in Bangkok, bringing together global changemakers to tackle health, food, and housing challenges. The Sustainability Expo 2025 (SX2025), the largest sustainability event in Southeast Asia, opened its doors yesterday, September 26, at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. The 10-day event, running until October 5, serves as a regional platform for innovation, inspiration,…
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Chon Buri truck crash kills woman, injures 5 in pile-up
A fatal crash occurred when a truck overturned on a Chon Buri highway, triggering a multi-vehicle collision that left one person dead and several injured. The crash rocked Highway 331 in the early hours of yesterday, September 26, after an 18-wheeler lost control and triggered a four-vehicle pile-up in Khao Mai Kaew, Chon Buri. The incident occurred at 1.06am on…
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Thailand braces for Bualoy storm chaos with heavy floods ahead
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued the second warning regarding Tropical Storm Bualoy, forecasting heavy rainfall across regions in Thailand, including Bangkok, with an 80% chance of precipitation. Affected today, September 27, are 47 provinces, with intense rain expected in the northeast and eastern regions, particularly in provinces such as Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, Khon…
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‘Eel of fortune’ has locals hooked on lucky lottery numbers (video)
A rare albino eel with golden markings was discovered by a villager in Phetchabun, central Thailand, sparking a local lottery frenzy as residents sought lucky numbers. The fishy phenomenon emerged yesterday, September 25, after a video clip showing the striking eel went viral on social media. Filmed by Amnat Phonok, a resident of Phu Toei village in Wichian Buri district,…
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AI crackdown launched to lure 2 million Chinese tourists to Thailand
Thailand has launched a major security upgrade using advanced technology to boost tourist safety and attract two million Chinese visitors in the coming months. The initiative was unveiled during an inter-agency meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Captain Thammanat Prompao at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The plan aims to restore Chinese tourist…
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RTAF signs mega deal for high-tech Airbus tanker jet
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has announced the purchase of an advanced Airbus 330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+) to strengthen aerial refuelling, transport, and rescue capabilities. The RTAF has taken a major leap in defence capabilities by placing an order for the A330 MRTT+, a cutting-edge refuelling and transport aircraft based on the advanced A330neo platform. The…
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Nearly 10 million smuggled cigarettes seized in Phuket sting
Phuket Airport Customs have intercepted a massive haul of illegal cigarettes worth more than 71 million baht in what is being hailed as one of the island’s largest-ever anti-smuggling operations. The seizure, confirmed by customs officials, involved a total of 9.57 million contraband cigarettes and was made as part of a national crackdown targeting violations of customs and intellectual property…
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Old woman saved after being left to scavenge for food in Bangkok condo
A non-profit organisation, Be One, rescued an elderly woman who had been abandoned to live alone in a Bangkok condominium and was forced to search for scraps of food in rubbish bins. A 35 year old resident of the same condominium, identified only as A, reported the matter to Be One in the hope of finding a solution. A explained…
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100000 baht missing following suspicious house fire in Phrae
A Thai man is suspected of theft after a fire broke out in his room in Phrae province, and 100,000 baht in cash he had hidden behind a picture disappeared. Officers from Phra That Cho Hae Police Station received an alert about the fire at 9.10am yesterday, September 25, and rushed to the scene, a house in the Bang Pa…
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Thai government pushes capital shake-up to win back investors
Thailand’s new government has unveiled plans to overhaul capital market regulations in a bid to restore investor confidence and boost economic growth. The newly installed administration has pledged to roll out urgent capital market reforms ahead of the next election in a bid to boost investor sentiment and economic momentum. At the centre of the plan is a sweeping regulatory…
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