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 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Vietnam to block Shein, Temu if unregistered by November
Vietnam announced plans to take action against Chinese online retailers Shein and Temu by blocking their Internet domains and mobile applications if they fail to register their operations with the Ministry of Industry and Trade by the end of November. This development arises from concerns over the influence of these Chinese platforms on local markets, particularly regarding their aggressive discounting…
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Bangkok to bang-bang: Thai tourist shot in escort row in India
A Thai tourist found herself in the crosshairs of danger after a heated dispute over escort services spiralled out of control, leading to her being shot in the historic city of Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. The altercation erupted at a local hotel, ultimately escalating into violence, on Saturday, November 9. The scene unfolded when four men left the woman, identified as…
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Bitcoin hits record high after Trump’s US presidential victory
Bitcoin surged past US$81,000 (2.78 million baht) today, November 11, hitting a record high, following Donald Trump’s win in the US presidential election. The victory, alongside the election of pro-crypto candidates to Congress, has fuelled speculation about a more lenient regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies. The digital currency has experienced a remarkable rise, more than doubling from its lowest point of…
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Chinese call centre scam leader surrenders after 7 months in hiding
A leading Chinese member of a call centre scam gang in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat surrendered to Thai police after seven months in hiding. The 33 year old Chinese man, Jiang Zhaitian, reached out to the Thai police via his lawyer, expressing his intent to turn himself in. Jiang was subsequently taken to the Cyber Crime Investigation…
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Canna-bust: British student’s drug-filled dreams go up in smoke
A British student’s high-flying ambitions came crashing down when his ill-fated bid to smuggle a suitcase brimming with cannabis from Thailand was thwarted. The desperate act was all in the name of funding his university education, a courtroom in Austria heard. The 29 year old mature student, travelling with his 24 year old girlfriend, was nabbed during a layover in…
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Thai police develop influencers to combat cybercrime and aid public
National police chief Kittharath Punpetch is spearheading an innovative approach to bridge the gap between the Royal Thai Police (RTP) and the public by developing police influencers. This initiative aims to establish a direct connection with the community and serve as a primary resource for crime prevention and assistance. Kittharath emphasises that RTP influencers will be accessible channels for public…
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A World Kindness Day: Spread kindness, prevent illness – Get your 10% discount
With World Kindness Day just two days away on November 13, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how empathy and care can make a real impact, not just in our relationships but in our health, too. This day is all about creating a more compassionate, understanding world, an opportunity to connect the themes of kindness and health prevention. For…
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No time to lose: Mexican tourist returns pricey watch after Bangkok airport mix-up
A Mexican woman on holiday with her family in Phuket agreed to return a luxury watch worth about 200,000 baht to a Thai woman, stating that she thought it belonged to a family member and mistakenly took it from Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok. A 21 year old Thai woman, Rachawalee, filed a complaint with Don Mueang Police Station…
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Bangkok air pollution spikes as 35 areas exceed safe PM2.5 levels
Bangkok faced a spike in PM2.5 pollution levels, with 35 areas registering unhealthy air quality, prompting swift action from City Hall. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) issued warnings to help residents mitigate health impacts from the pollutants. PM2.5, or ultra-fine dust particles, exceeded the safe threshold of 37.5 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) in several areas, according to AirBKK, BMA’s…
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4 foreigners rob Ukrainian man of 250,000 USDT in Phuket hotel
Four foreign suspects robbed a Ukrainian man of 250,000 USDT, approximately 8.5 million baht, at a hotel in the Kamala neighbourhood of Phuket on Friday evening. The 23 year old victim, Viacheslav Leibove, filed a complaint with Kamala Police Station on Saturday, November 9, reporting that he was robbed by four foreigners the previous night, November 8. The incident occurred…
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Police drug bust seizes 56kg of heroin in Nakhon Phanom
Nakhon Phanom was the scene of a blockbuster drug bust yesterday as police and local security forces joined forces to take down major drug lords, confiscating a monumental 56 kilogrammes of heroin and a mind-boggling 121,000 methamphetamine pills in the Thao Uthen district. This daring operation was set in motion after an explosive tip-off about a narcotics shipment sneaking across…
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Phuket Airport sees surge with over 30,000 passengers daily
Phuket International Airport is experiencing a significant upswing in passenger traffic this High Season, with daily figures surpassing 30,000 travellers and over 300 flights. This uptick in activity has prompted plans for an expansion of the international terminal to accommodate up to 18 million passengers annually. Monchai Tanod, the director of Phuket Airport, shared insights on the anticipated passenger numbers…
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Toxic warehouse: Cops uncover illegal operation in Chachoengsao
Police in Chachoengsao uncovered a shocking illegal operation housing hazardous chemicals within a warehouse complex in the Plang Yao district. A massive investigation launched yesterday, November 10, revealed that nine out of ten warehouses were being used for illicit factory activities, with the primary focus being the illegal recycling of hazardous materials. The probe, carried out in partnership with the…
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Thai PM Paetongtarn’s APEC visit strengthens Thailand-Peru ties
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s participation in the 31st Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, is anticipated to bolster bilateral ties between Thailand and Peru while contributing to the advancement of the APEC framework. This prediction comes from Cecilia Zunilda Galarreta Bazan, Peru’s ambassador to Thailand. This trip marks PM Paetongtarn’s inaugural visit to the Latin American continent…
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Tak Bai massacre impacts Pheu Thai ahead of Thai election
The unresolved issue of the 2004 Tak Bai massacre in Thailand’s deep south is perceived by many locals as a potential detriment to the Pheu Thai Party, as revealed by a recent opinion poll. Meanwhile, the People’s Party emerges as the preferred choice for the upcoming General Election. This survey, conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), gathered…
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Overnight phone charging sparks fire in Samut Prakan building
A mobile phone charging overnight caused a fire in Samut Prakan, leaving a father and his two sons injured due to smoke inhalation. The blaze erupted in their three-storey commercial building, prompting an urgent response from local fire services. The incident occurred today when the Samrong Nuea Police Station received a report of a fire in a commercial building within…
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Police raid exposes illegal gambling in Bangkok restaurant
Police raided a Chinese restaurant in the heart of Bangkok, disguised as a legitimate eatery, and arrested four Chinese nationals for illegal gambling. The raid, which took place yesterday, November 9, at 9.30pm, was led by Jesada Yangnok, alongside deputy officers from Wang Thonglang Police Station. This followed intelligence that the establishment was operating as a covert gambling den. Upon…
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Bangkok police nab suspects in tourist robbery with steak knife
Bangkok police recently apprehended two young men accused of robbing a Chinese tourist with a steak knife in the bustling Bang Rak district. The incident, which took place in the early hours of the morning, resulted in the suspects facing serious charges. Jetsada, a 22 year old man, and 23 year old Suradet were arrested by Bang Rak police on…
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Tattoo artist arrested for ketamine dealing in Bang Lamung
In an evening operation on November 8, Bang Lamung police arrested a young tattoo artist suspected of drug dealing. The arrest took place at a tattoo shop in the Bang Lamung district around 6pm, following a tip-off about a planned ketamine delivery intended for Pattaya’s nightlife scene. Police had set up surveillance around the shop and observed a man fitting…
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British nationals charged for reckless motorbike riding
Nine British tourists have been fined for reckless driving after locals reported their disruptive behaviour to the police. The Chalong Police received a complaint via the 191 police hotline at 1.04am on November 7, reporting a group of foreigners riding motorbikes dangerously on Khok San Road towards Saiyuan Road. Witnesses described the group revving their engines loudly and driving in…
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Chinese tourist rescued from banyan tree after Pattaya argument
A Chinese tourist found himself in a precarious situation on November 8 in Pattaya, capturing attention as he perched atop a large banyan tree in a state of distress. The incident unfolded at a parking lot in the Bang Lamung district, prompting an emergency response from Pattaya’s Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre at 10pm. Responders, including rescue volunteers, disaster prevention officers,…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport urges safety during Loy Krathong festival
Suvarnabhumi Airport issued a strong warning to the public, urging them to avoid flying lanterns or balloons, setting off fireworks, or using lasers in the vicinity of the airport on November 15 during the Loy Krathong festival. These activities are not only a potential disruption to flight operations but also pose significant threats to aviation safety, potentially resulting in accidents,…
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Thailand reaffirms sovereignty over Koh Kut amid MoU dispute
The Thai government reinforced its stance that a 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia serves as a mechanism to safeguard Thailand’s interests. Officials insist that Thailand retains sole sovereignty over Koh Kut, located in Trat province. This statement comes amidst concerns that the agreement, signed during Thaksin Shinawatra’s tenure as prime minister, could potentially affect Thailand’s sovereignty over the…
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Thailand eyes F1 event to boost economy and tourism
Thailand is gearing up for an economic boost as the government commits to bringing a Formula 1 (F1) racing event to the country. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the ambitious plan yesterday, November 9, emphasising its potential to invigorate tourism and stimulate urban development. The government is actively pursuing discussions to secure an F1 event, which is part of a…
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Thailand set to welcome two new pandas from China by 2027
Thailand is poised to welcome two new pandas from China, as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment anticipates signing a transfer agreement next year. Permanent Secretary Jatuporn Buruspat announced the ministry’s ongoing progress, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in negotiations with Chinese officials. The discussions with China aim to ensure the pandas have suitable habitats and exhibition…
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Big pay day: Thailand minimum wage to hike to 400 baht in 2025
Thai workers could be ringing in the new year with a pay boost, as the Labour Ministry announces plans to raise the minimum wage to 400 baht per day in 2025. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed the increase, calling it “a new year present” for the nation’s workforce. Initially slated for October, the raise faced delays as the national wage…
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ERC mulls 31% electricity tariff hike despite lower fuel costs
Businesses and households are facing a significant decision regarding the future of their electricity costs as the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) considers changes to the power tariff. Despite a projected decrease in fuel costs, the ERC is evaluating whether to maintain the current rate or implement an increase of 26 to 31% early next year. The existing tariff, set at…
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Cat chaos: Jomtien official abused in late-night clash
In a bizarre midnight showdown by Jomtien Beach, a city official found himself at the centre of a street-side skirmish over none other than a cat’s chair. Jomtien municipal officer Kritsana Rattanakhuen filed a formal complaint with Pattaya City Police on Thursday, November 7, after an encounter that escalated from polite request to heated confrontation. The drama unfolded around midnight…
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Loy Krathong festival to generate 6.9 billion baht tourism revenue
Thailand’s Loy Krathong festival is set to boost the economy, with an expected 6.9 billion baht in tourism revenue from 1.9 million domestic trips, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The northern region is forecasted to be the most popular destination, drawing the highest number of tourists. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool projected a 9% increase in tourist…
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French tourist severely injured after suicide attempt in Phuket hotel
A 34 year old French tourist was discovered in critical condition following a suspected suicide attempt in a hotel room located in Phuket Town yesterday, November 8. The incident unfolded at a hotel on Phuket Road, where the man was found with severe self-inflicted injuries. Phuket City Police were summoned to the scene around 5.40pm after the hotel owner expressed…
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