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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Multiple locals injured in shooting during dinner in Narathiwat
An unidentified number of gunmen opened fire on a group of locals dining outdoors in Thailand’s southern province of Narathiwat yesterday, leaving several people injured. Officers from Waeng Police Station were alerted to the shooting at a house in Waeng district at around 7.15pm, yesterday, on April 20. Police responded to the scene along with an emergency team from Waeng…
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Boob job and Thailand: Kerry Katona’s big move unveiled (video)
Former Atomic Kitten star Kerry Katona vowed to quit England for Thailand and to get her boobs done after naming the Land of Smiles as her “happy place.” The ex-singer, reality TV star, and OnlyFans creator, shared an emotional video in which she spoke about her desire to move her five children to Asia, swap catfights for cannabis retreats and…
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Cabinet reshuffle expected by July, economic affairs focus
A Cabinet reshuffle is anticipated before July, with political analysts predicting changes within the economic affairs ministerial positions. Despite anticipated adjustments, the Bhumjaithai Party is expected to remain in the ruling coalition, which is vital for the government’s stability. Yutthaporn Issarachai, a political science lecturer at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, indicated to the Bangkok Post that this reshuffle would likely…
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Teenager surrenders after fatal stabbing in Phuket
A 19 year old man has turned himself in to the police following the fatal stabbing of a 59 year old man in Phuket. The stabbing victim, identified as Chatuchok, was found unconscious with a knife wound to his abdomen near a grocery store in Soi Hon Saithong, Mueang district. Emergency services transported him to the hospital, but he later…
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Thunderstorms set to rock Thailand, 28 provinces warned
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a stormy forecast for today, April 21, predicting sizzling heat, thunderous storms, and fierce winds across upper Thailand. A whopping 28 provinces are set to feel the full force of Mother Nature’s wrath! Locals are urged to batten down the hatches and brace themselves for wild weather. With the mercury soaring, it’s crucial to…
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Fake motorbike taxi driver terrorises tourists in two-alley stick-up
A bogus biker posing as a motorbike taxi driver turned a quiet Pattaya night into a scene of panic, pulling a gun on terrified women, including a mum with her toddler in tow. At 8.46pm, yesterday, April 20, Pattaya police were scrambled after a masked motorbike maniac armed with a gun targeted tourists in a brazen double robbery in Soi…
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Songkran sham: Pattaya slashers rob tourists in beach bag blag
What was meant to be a splash-tastic celebration turned into a soggy Songkran nightmare for dozens of tourists in Pattaya, after crafty crooks dipped their fingers into more than just water buckets. Over 20 foreign tourists were left high and dry after falling victim to a wave of pickpockets and bag slashers during the wild Songkran water festivities along Central…
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Monk severely injured in Buriram over fictitious debt
A 70 year old monk was severely injured after being attacked in his quarters in Buriram province. The attacker is suspected of having assaulted the monk over a fictitious debt of 2 million baht. The father of the alleged 34 year old attacker claims mental instability, stating his son has been talking to himself for about a year. At 7.30am today,…
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Chiang Mai election campaign attacked by village head
A violent altercation occurred during an election campaign in San Phi Suea subdistrict, Mueang district, Chiang Mai province. The village head of Tha Duea yesterday, April 19, reportedly drove a vehicle into a campaign assistant before attacking the team with a stick, causing injuries. Pawit Boonchala, a candidate for municipal mayor, explained that the incident happened at 5.45pm while his…
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Thailand pushes for streamlined durian export process to China
Thailand aims to enhance durian exports to China, its largest market, with the Commerce Ministry urging Chinese officials to ease chemical screening procedures for Thai durians. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan met with Wu Zhiwu, Consul-General of China, and Zhang Xiaoxiao, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy’s Economic and Commercial Office, in a bid to facilitate this process. During the meeting, Pichai…
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Police arrest motorcycle theft gang in Samut Prakan
Police have apprehended a motorcycle theft gang in Samut Prakan, seizing vehicles and parts intended for resale. One victim, who had purchased their motorcycle just four months ago, was left distressed after discovering only the vehicle’s frame remained. Yesterday, April 19, at Bang Phli Police Station, Police Colonel Phairoj Petchploy and an investigative team announced the arrest of 22 year…
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Man shot dead after argument with tattoo artist in Samut Sakhon
A man was fatally shot after a dispute with his tattoo artist yesterday, April 19, at 9pm. The incident occurred on a road in Mueang Samut Sakhon district, Samut Sakhon province, after which the suspect fled the scene on a motorcycle. Police Lieutenant Samart Tingwang, deputy inspector at Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station, was alerted to the shooting and coordinated…
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Phuket landslide probe delayed due to missing evidence
The investigation into the fatal landslide in Kata, Phuket, which occurred last August and resulted in 13 deaths and numerous injuries, has been delayed as Karon Police are awaiting further documentation to confirm whether construction was a contributing factor. The questioning of victims has been concluded, but additional documents are needed, according to Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekkasak Kwanwan, Senior Inspector…
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Fire devastates Ayutthaya home, numerous pets lost
A fire engulfed a single-storey house in Mueang Lam Ta Sao, Wang Noi district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province yesterday, April 19, resulting in extensive damage and the deaths of numerous pets. The owner attempted to rescue his animals but was restrained by emergency services. The incident was reported at 10.31pm yesterday, Police Lieutenant Phuriwat Pansrikaeng from Wang Noi Police…
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Rescue elephants aid storm recovery in Chiang Mai
Two specially trained rescue elephants, Plai Valentine and Plai Saenchamp, have been deployed to assist officials in clearing areas devastated by a summer storm in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai province. The storm caused significant damage, toppling century-old trees onto shops and homes, obstructing routes, and posing dangers to several subdistrict communities. Yesterday, April 19, a combined team of rescue…
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Thai cyber police bust gambling ring fronting as farm firm
The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has detained six Thai individuals accused of establishing a fictitious agricultural trading company as a front for a significant gambling ring website, which had over 3.2 billion baht in circulation. During operations in Bangkok and Songkhla, five men and one woman were apprehended in connection with the operation, according to CCIB Chief, Police Lieutenant…
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Thailand’s Songkran festival sees 8% drop in fatalities
Thailand reported a notable decrease in accidents and casualties during the seven dangerous days of the Songkran festival, with figures significantly lower than previous years. Jirayu Huangsub, an advisor to the prime minister, stated that injuries related to accidents decreased by more than 27%. In comparison, fatalities dropped by 8% compared to the average figures from the last three Songkran…
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Bangkok to receive 500 electric buses in clean energy transition
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) plans to replace its natural gas-powered (NGV) buses with an all-new lineup of electric-powered (EV) air-conditioned buses, beginning with a delivery of 500 EV buses this year. BMTA Director Kittikan Chomdoung Charuworapolkul provided an update on the agency’s progress in leasing electric buses, marking a transition from NGV buses to cleaner energy alternatives. The…
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Thailand weather: Heavy rain and storms hit 42 provinces
The Meteorological Department of Thailand issued a warning for severe weather conditions today, April 20. The forecast indicates heavy rains and thunderstorms in 42 provinces, including Bangkok. Residents are advised to be cautious of strong winds and thunderstorms, as well as potential health impacts from the heat. In the upper regions of Thailand, hot weather is prevalent, with some areas experiencing…
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Escalators in Thailand to follow new earthquake safety standards
The Office of Industrial Product Standards is set to classify escalators and moving walkways as controlled products, ensuring they meet safety standards, including earthquake resistance. This new regulation is expected to take effect in October 2025, with non-compliance resulting in legal consequences. Escalators and moving walkways, commonly found in public spaces such as shopping malls, airports, and train stations, are…
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Pattaya ramps up security with 750 cops and drones for Songkran
Pattaya is turning into a high-tech fortress this Songkran, as police brace for massive crowds and potential mayhem at Thailand’s wildest water fight. Yesterday, April 18, Police Lieutenant General Yingyot Thepjamnong, Commander of Provincial Police Region 2, led a full-scale inspection at Pattaya City Police Station to assess security and traffic readiness ahead of the Pattaya Water Festival today, April…
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Officials probe illegal land grabs in Phuket wildlife zone
Phuket’s lush green hills are fast becoming battlegrounds in a land war fuelled by booming tourism, high-end development, and shady deals — and now, investigators are closing in. Officials launched a fresh investigation into suspected illegal land grabs within a protected wildlife reserve in Wichit, Phuket, raising alarm over how the island’s natural beauty is being sacrificed for profit. “Phuket’s…
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Tourist egged in Hua Hin taxi turf war but still loves Thailand
A dream getaway turned into a gooey nightmare for one Mauritian tourist after she was pelted with eggs in Hua Hin — all for using a ride-hailing app. Banita Gopal Periah, a visitor from Mauritius, shared her shocking experience yesterday, April 18, in a popular Hua Hin Facebook group used by expats and travellers to discuss local tips and advice.…
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Chon Buri councillor accused of assaulting journalist
A Chon Buri provincial council member is alleged to have assaulted 36 year old local journalist at a restaurant, reportedly over a story involving claw machines. The journalist, Nanthaphon, sustained facial and neck injuries and is experiencing dizziness. Nanthaphon revealed he has known the council member, identified as B, for over 10 years, dating back to the tenure of B’s…
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Motorcycle rider killed in Nakhon Ratchasima road accident
A tragic accident occurred on Mittraphap Road yesterday, April 18 when a motorcycle collided with a pickup truck and was subsequently struck by a trailer truck, resulting in the death of the rider. Police Colonel Anon Sajanthuek, an investigator with the Pho Klang Police Station, received a report of the accident near the entrance to Ther Thai Market in Suranaree…
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Phuket hospital seeks donations to build operating rooms
A Phuket hospital is making a desperate plea for public donations to build its own operating rooms, after receiving woefully insufficient funding from the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). Chalong Hospital, which serves more than 160,000 patients a year across the Rawai, Karon and Chalong areas, is in urgent need of six modern operating theatres — but only has a…
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Thai sailors battle for glory in Sattahip showdown
Thailand’s future Olympians are making serious waves off the coast of Chon Buri, as the Thailand National Sailing Championship 2025 enters its penultimate day with thrilling performances, tight finishes, and international rivalry on the high seas. Yesterday, April 18, the fifth day of the prestigious regatta, 229 athletes battled across multiple classes under near-perfect sailing conditions. With clear skies, moderate…
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Dust levels at Chatuchak building site exceed safety limits
The Department of Health has reported that tests on the site of the collapsed SAO building show levels of heavy metals and asbestos within the normal range, but PM10 dust levels exceed standards, potentially requiring long-term monitoring. Yesterday, April 18, Dr Amporn Benjapolpitak, Director-General of the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, revealed that a team from SEhRT was…
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Bangkok tests mobile alert system for emergency warnings
Telecom operators and regulators successfully tested a comprehensive virtual cell broadcast entity (CBE) mobile emergency alert system in Bangkok. The test involved Advanced Info Service (AIS), True Corp, and the state-owned National Telecom, alongside staff from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). It confirmed that alerts could be sent to both Android and iOS smartphones, following Apple’s inclusion of…
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Khon Kaen ICU called ‘slaughterhouse’, complaint filed
Mancha Khiri Hospital in Khon Kaen province has requested police intervention after a man expressed his frustration towards nurses in the intensive care unit, referring to the facility as a “slaughterhouse.” The hospital director, Pornpol Laowithaya, stated yesterday, April 18, that a formal complaint had been lodged with Mancha Khiri police against 45 year old Anucha Chuenjai, accusing him of…
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