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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Thailand student loan defaulters face 3,000 baht salary cuts
Thousands of student loan borrowers are in for a financial shock as the Student Loan Fund (SLF) prepares to slash an extra 3,000 baht from monthly salaries — and it’s all starting this month. The move has sparked a storm of confusion and concern among debtors, many of whom claim they’ve been making payments regularly. But according to the SLF,…
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Fizzy drink giants face sugar tax squeeze as sweet crackdown kicks in
Thailand’s fizzy favourites are feeling the pinch as a new sugar tax kicks in, forcing beverage makers to cut the sweet stuff or cough up more cash. Beverage chiefs and sweet drink producers have been slapped with a sour surprise as the Finance Ministry rolls out the latest phase of Thailand’s sugar tax crackdown, pushing firms to trim the sugar…
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Horny Chinese couple arrested for filming public sex in Pattaya
Police yesterday arrested a horny Chinese couple for engaging in public sex and filming pornographic content on a footpath near Pattaya Walking Street. The Chinese exhibitionists claimed to have done this in several other countries previously. A security guard sought assistance from Mueang Pattaya Police Station after witnessing the lascivious foreign couple having sex on the footpath in southern Pattaya.…
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Ex-police officer arrested for indecent acts with child in Krabi
A 70 year old former police officer has been arrested for allegedly luring a seven year old girl to buy toys before committing indecent acts. The man was previously dismissed from service for similar offences. Yesterday, April 9, Police Major General Wichaya Sriprasertphap directed Police Colonel Phatarawut Onchuay and Police Lieutenant Colonel Kittibodin Kimsea to apprehend Thongdee (surname withheld) under a…
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Phuket faces water crisis as reservoirs run dry
Warning bells are ringing in Phuket as reservoir levels plunge and fears of severe drought grip the island. Officials scramble to prevent a looming water crisis before the taps run dry. Phuket chief Sophon Suwannarat and top provincial officials joined a high-level video conference on April 8 to strategise urgent drought mitigation measures. The session, chaired by Minister of Interior…
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Malaysian armed robber arrested in Bangkok after gold heist
A notorious on-the-run Malaysian armed robber who stole gold accessories worth over 6.9 million baht from a shop in the southern province of Songkhla was arrested at a Bangkok bus terminal. The Malaysian national, 61 year old Yee Boon Long, stole 57 gold items from the Thai Udom Gold store on Montri 1 Road in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province,…
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US academic granted bail but remains behind bars
An American academic accused of royal defamation remains locked up despite a court granting him bail, as Thai Immigration drags its feet on his release. Dr Paul Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University’s ASEAN Community Studies Institute, was granted bail by the Court of Appeals Region 6. But the saga is far from over. His lawyer must convince the Immigration…
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Pattaya pensioner cheats death after motorbike skids under lorry
There was a near miss of nightmare proportions in Bang Lamung this week, after a Pattaya pensioner lost control of his motorbike and almost ended up under the wheels of an articulated lorry. The heart-stopping incident unfolded at around 10am, yesterday, April 9, when Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre received an emergency call reporting a motorcycle crash on Highway 331, near…
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Air India in hot water again after Bangkok in-flight pee incident
Business class on an Air India flight to Bangkok turned into a piddle palace after a sozzled passenger allegedly whipped it out to pee on a fellow traveller mid-flight, despite the loos being in full working order. The Air India high-flyer is now being probed by police after taking the pee, literally, on a fellow business class passenger just before…
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Brace for a wild Thai-m: Storms set to reign over 45 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its first warning of summer storm forecast, predicting thunderstorms and strong winds affecting 45 provinces, including Bangkok. The weather conditions are expected to intensify from April 12 to April 14. Over the next 24 hours, upper Thailand will experience hot weather, with particularly high temperatures in the north and central regions. Thunderstorms and gusty winds…
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PM Paetongtarn defends entertainment complex bill amid casino claims
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has hit back at critics who claim the Entertainment Complex Bill is a thinly veiled attempt to turn Thailand into a casino destination. She’s made it clear: the bill isn’t about casinos, but about creating economic opportunities and boosting tourism. The 38 year old PM addressed the growing controversy surrounding the Entertainment Complex Bill, dismissing claims…
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Thai commuters must register for 20-baht electric rail fare in August
Big news for Bangkok commuters! Starting September 30, Thai residents will be able to travel on the electric rail system for just 20 baht per trip. But don’t expect to pay cash or get the discount if you’re a tourist—here’s what you need to know. Thai commuters in Bangkok and surrounding provinces will soon be able to enjoy a massive…
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Phuket launches gateway project to boost tourism and conservation
Phuket unveiled a new initiative designed to boost local tourism, support community businesses, and protect the island’s environment. The Phuket Gateway project, launched by the Governor of Phuket, aims to connect tourists with authentic local experiences while focusing on ecological sustainability. Naraphat Plodthong, the Governor of Phuket, presided over the official launch of the Phuket Gateway ceremony, marking the beginning…
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Miss Universe and Miss Grand to star in Pattaya’s Wan Lai Festival (video)
Pattaya is all set to celebrate its vibrant Wan Lai tradition with an exciting lineup of events, including star-studded parades and sacred ceremonies. Three major cable TV stations have teamed up to promote the festivities, ensuring that locals and tourists can enjoy a safe and spectacular celebration. Today, April 9, at Pattaya City Hall, representatives from three major cable TV…
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Soaked and secure: Phuket gears up for a safe splash this Songkran
With Songkran just around the corner, Phuket is ramping up its efforts to ensure safety during the festival. A major new operation centre has been launched to prevent road and marine accidents, as the island prepares for an influx of tourists and local festivities. Today, April 9, at 9.30am, Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat officially opened the Road and Marine Accident…
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Woman found unconscious in Pattaya with gold and cash
A glamorous night out took a worrying turn in Pattaya when a well-dressed woman was found unconscious and heavily intoxicated at a restaurant, surrounded by valuables. Police had to step in to protect her, and her jewellery, from potential danger. Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Dusadee, Inspector at Pattaya City Police Station, told reporters that he received a call from a…
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American lecturer’s Thai visa revoked over lese majeste charge
The American lecturer facing up to 15 years behind bars if convicted for defaming the Thai royal family, today had his visa revoked. Paul Chambers, an academic based at Naresuan University’s ASEAN Community Studies Institute, was officially arrested yesterday, April 8 at Phitsanulok City Police Station. Accompanied by officials from the US Embassy in Thailand, interpreters, and lawyers from the…
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Earthquake assessment reveals 60 buildings closed in Bangkok
Over the past 12 days, the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning assessed 7,649 buildings affected by the recent earthquake that hit Bangkok. Of these, 7,200 are safe for use, 389 have moderate damage, and 60 have been closed due to significant structural issues. Today, April 9, the Department’s Damage Assessment Centre, in conjunction with engineering organisations and…
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Pattaya construction site sees arrest of illegal Chinese worker
In a crackdown on illegal foreign workers, Na Jomtien Police arrested a 50 year old Chinese national who was caught overseeing a construction site without a valid work permit. The arrest comes as officials continue to tighten regulations on foreign workers in Thailand. Na Jomtien Police, in collaboration with Immigration Division 3, arrested Chen Gaofeng, a 50 year old Chinese…
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Teen found dead in Chiang Mai after swallowing ping pong bomb
A tragic incident occurred today at a residence in Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai province, when a 17 year old boy was found dead after swallowing a ping pong bomb. The victim, who suffered from depression and was known for spending long hours in his room, was discovered following a reported explosion at 3.19am today, April 9. Police Lieutenant Sumerng…
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Newborn abandoned in pickup truck in Phuket, rescued
A chilling discovery in Phuket has left locals shaken after a newborn baby was found abandoned in the back of a pickup truck. The infant, still with the umbilical cord attached, was miraculously alive and is now in hospital receiving care. Today, April 9 at 10.30am, Police Lieutenant Colonel Khajornkiat Khamwichairat, Deputy Inspector of Investigation at Cherng Talay Police Station,…
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Elderly man arrested for alleged assault of granddaughter in Phatthalung
An 83 year old man has been arrested at his home in Pa Phayom district, Phatthalung province, following allegations of repeatedly assaulting his 15 year old granddaughter. The arrest of the old man, Somsuk, was executed by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATP), acting on a warrant issued by the Phatthalung Provincial Court dated April 3. The investigation began after the…
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Pattaya contractor fined after cement spill causes hazard
A contractor has been slapped with a 10,000 baht fine after cement spilled onto the busy streets of Pattaya, causing a major hazard for both pedestrians and motorists. The incident sparked a wave of public outrage, with many demanding stricter enforcement and accountability for construction trucks. The contractor was recently fined 10,000 baht after loose cement spilled from a truck…
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Night fire near Bangkok mall causes chaos and power cuts
A significant fire incident late last night near a popular shopping mall in Bangkok, caused widespread panic among residents and led to traffic congestion. The fire, which broke out in a large transformer at the Saen Saep substation in Din Daeng district yesterday, April 8, was quickly addressed by local fire crews. Emergency services from the Huai Khwang fire station…
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Burmese woman finds husband’s mistress after building collapse
A heartbroken Burmese woman walked for four days from Myanmar to Bangkok in a desperate search for her missing husband and son, following the collapse of a government building, only to discover her husband’s secret relationship with a Thai mistress. Locals said the woman was left “stunned and speechless” after discovering her husband had secretly started a new life behind…
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Widow loses 620,000 baht to call centre scam in Thailand
A widow with twin daughters sought help from the Pavena Foundation, claiming she was deceived into transferring over 620,000 baht by the Poipet Company. She had intended to save her late husband’s life insurance money for her daughters’ education. Yesterday, April 8, at the Pavena Foundation in Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani province, a 44 year old woman, referred to as…
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It was a glitch: AirAsia explains price hike on Songkran flights
AirAsia has addressed the recent uproar over skyrocketing ticket prices on flights from Don International Mueang to Sakon Nakhon during the Songkran festival. AirAsia responded to concerns over unusually high ticket prices on its Don Mueang-Sakon Nakhon route during the Songkran period, explaining that the issue was caused by a temporary glitch in its ticket booking system. The airline has…
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Couple arrested in Bangkok for selling drug-laced vape liquids
Police arrested a couple caught selling electronic cigarettes mixed with illicit drugs from their residence. The operation yesterday, April 8, led by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom and his team, uncovered a significant quantity of drugs and related items at their home in Sai Mai, Bangkok. The arrested suspects, 35 year old Theeraporn and 33 year old Tawiphop, were found…
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Udon Thani worker found dead amid extreme heat
In Udon Thani, amidst extreme heat, a 27 year old construction worker was found dead at a worker’s camp near a water factory. Lying beside electrical wires wrapped around him, police suspect dehydration and heatstroke, leading to heart failure. Police Lieutenant Kittikawin Umathitipong received reports of a dead worker at a construction camp in Mueang district, Udon Thani province. Upon…
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Pattaya mayor tackles water shortages with major projects
Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet is taking bold steps to tackle the city’s water supply issues. With 12 major projects underway, residents can expect improved water distribution and transparency in the coming months. Mayor Poramet has ordered relevant agencies to gather detailed information on 12 ongoing water supply extension projects within Pattaya. The goal is to submit the information to the…
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