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 How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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French duo’s extortion plan fails to baguette away with it in Phuket
Two foreign men, believed to be French nationals, reportedly attempted to extort 2,000 baht from a Thai tourist in the Patong area of Phuket on Monday. The Thai victim shared his shocking experience on Monday, October 28, with Phuket Times to warn other tourists and to urge action from the local police. The victim revealed that the incident took place…
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Traffic cop sorry for punchline in Chon Buri motorcycle rev-enge
A traffic police officer in Sattahip, Chon Buri, apologised after punching a 13 year old boy who he believed purposely revved his motorcycle engine at him. The 35 year old boy’s mother has forgiven the officer but cautioned it should be the last such incident. Pornlada, took her son, referred to as A, to file a complaint with the Sattahip Police…
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Grieving Thai mum delays funeral for justice in teen’s tragic murder
A tragic incident unfolded in northeast Thailand when a 16 year old boy was fatally attacked by nine teenagers, leaving his family devastated. The victim’s mother insists that the investigation into her son’s murder is progressing slowly, and she refuses to cremate him until justice is served. Nine teenagers were involved in the attack on a 16 year old boy,…
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Phuket’s fundraising campaign hits full beam for cancer care centre
Phuket is pulling out all the stops in a monumental bid to raise a whopping 290 million baht. The cause? Building a cutting-edge cancer care centre at Vachira Phuket Hospital. This essential government-run institution is on a mission to boost cancer treatment services for Phuket’s residents and those from neighbouring provinces. Phuket’s top brass, Governor Sophon Suwannarat, announced a traditional…
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Michelin chef Jay Fai cooks up clarity: ‘I’m not closing my restaurant’ (video)
Renowned Thai chef and owner of Michelin-starred restaurant Jay Fai Pratu Phee denied rumours of her retirement, clarifying that it was a misunderstanding. The 81 year old street food legend also extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Thailand to try her food. Recently, multiple media outlets reported that Supinya Jansuta, better known as Jay Fai, planned to close…
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Thailand intensifies rescue efforts for 110 trafficking victims in Myanmar
Efforts to rescue approximately 110 trafficking victims in Myanmar are intensifying as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) collaborates with various government officials. Commander Sarut Kwaengsopha of the ATPD announced yesterday, October 29, that they are joining forces with the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Thai embassy’s police attaché in Myanmar, and the Township Border Committee chairman to devise strategies for…
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Kind Thai couple share burden with unemployed job seeker (video)
A benevolent Thai couple in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima offered help and support to an unemployed man who walked four days from his home province in search of work, even though the couple had just lost their jobs too. The Thai woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, shared the video when she and her husband met the unemployed man…
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Phuket tourism revenue poised to exceed 2019 levels
Tourism revenue in Phuket is on track to surpass the 2019 figures, with visitor numbers approaching pre-Covid-19 pandemic levels, as revealed by Thanet Tantipiriyakit, President of the Phuket Tourist Association. “Phuket has now transformed into a destination for quality tourists, as total spending of tourists has risen above the amount recorded in 2019 despite the overall number of visitors falling…
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Bangkok’s Orange Line expansion advances with overpass removals
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is accelerating discussions with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to dismantle overpasses in anticipation of the Orange Line’s expansion. This strategic move is set to facilitate the construction of the western segment of the Bang Khun Non-Min Buri rail system, aiming for completion by 2030. Vithaya Punmongkol, acting governor for the MRTA,…
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Nine injured in van and truck collision in Phuket
A dramatic head-on collision rocked Ao Po Pier Road in Pa Khlok, Phuket as a van and a small truck collided with a bang, leaving nine people nursing injuries. The crash unfolded around 5.30pm, yesterday, October 29, near Moo 9, prompting an immediate and swift reaction from local police and emergency crews. On the scene, rescue teams found two Thai…
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Phuket not: Swift owner puts the brakes on motorcycle heist
Police in Phuket detained two men following an attempted motorcycle theft in Kathu, which was thwarted by the quick actions of the vehicle’s owner. The suspects were apprehended with two stolen motorcycles after one of them tried to steal a bike left with its keys in the ignition on October 28. The incident unfolded at 8.12pm on October 28 when…
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German man dies in Koh Phayam resort, candy found during CPR
A German man died at a resort on Koh Phayam, an island in the southern province of Ranong. A piece of candy may have been spat out of his mouth during CPR but officers concluded that the cause of death was a pre-existing medical condition. Officers from Pak Nam Ranong Police Station were alerted to the death of the German national, 57…
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Battle at Jomtien Beach: Pattaya teen left reeling in sandy scuffle
In the early hours of today, chaos descended upon Jomtien Beach in Pattaya as a vicious brawl broke out, leaving one teenager with horrific injuries. At precisely 1.46am, today, October 30, Pattaya police were urgently summoned to the scene of mayhem along Jomtien Beach Road, near Jomtien Soi 12, where a gang-related altercation involving scores of youths had erupted. Upon…
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Pattaya shooting: Gunman opens fire on revellers
A terrifying shooting incident early this morning has left both locals and tourists reeling in Pattaya City. The drama unfolded at 4.06am, today, October 30, on Petchtrakul Road, right outside the Moo Krata Baek Kap Din Sam restaurant in the Nongprue subdistrict. Panic set in as police received urgent calls about the shocking event, prompting the deputy chief of Pattaya…
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Why Thai retirees are outliving their Western counterparts
Retiring in Thailand has become increasingly popular among Westerners looking for a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle. Surprisingly, retirees in Thailand often enjoy longer, healthier lives compared to their Western counterparts. This longevity isn’t just luck, it’s a mix of lifestyle, cultural attitudes, and healthcare access that makes the difference. Let’s dive into the key factors that help Thai retirees…
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Thai export extravaganza: Gold rush as figures set at US$290bn
In a dazzling economic twist, Thai exports are on track to shatter the 2% growth target, soaring to an unprecedented US$290 billion this year. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) chief, credits the surge to booming demand for all things agricultural, food-related, and electronic, thanks to the economic bounce-back in powerhouses like the United States and European…
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Ex-Russian mercenary hits a wall of ammunition trouble in Bangkok
An ex-Russian war dog found himself in the clutches of Bangkok police after a stash of ammunition was discovered in his swanky condo, along with explosive threats to take out rivals. Immigration police officers swooped on 25 year old Russian national, Milo Yanovich, at his Makkasan-area pad in the Ratchathewi district yesterday, October 28. Police Major General Phanthana Nuchanart, deputy…
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Student killed in tragic car crash at Khlong Ha intersection
A third-year engineering student from Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi was tragically killed in a car accident when his sedan crashed into the back of a waiting van at a red light, injuring two others. At 11pm yesterday, October 28, Siripong Apiwan, the Deputy Inspector (Investigation) of Thanyaburi Police Station, received a report of a collision involving injuries and fatalities.…
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Golden opportunity: Prices to sparkle amid global turmoil, US policy
Gold prices are primed for a glittering rise this week, says the Gold Research Centre (GRC). Driven by a trio of global factors, the Middle East turmoil, cues from the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) policy moves, and faltering US economic signals—this precious metal is sparking keen market interest. While most experts brace for stable or dipping gold rates, the GRC…
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Mystery surrounds woman’s body found in Hua Na forest
A shocking discovery was made when a young man, stopping by the roadside, found the body of a woman in a forest, 12 days after she had mysteriously disappeared. Her parents are questioning the circumstances of her death and have called for a thorough investigation. Police received a report from the 191 Radio Centre about a deceased woman found in…
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Gaur carcass found in Thai pineapple plantation, foul play suspected
An almost 1-tonne female gaur carcass was discovered in a pineapple plantation in Kui Buri, suspected to have been fatally injured by a male gaur. The incident occurred in a military safety zone, approximately 5 kilometres outside Kui Buri National Park. Somjet Jantana, the Director of the Phetchaburi Office of Conservation Area 3, reported that a local farmer found the…
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Ducati deception: Thai man’s home seized after lawyer advice
A Thai man accused a famous lawyer of deceiving him by hiding his Ducati motorcycle to avoid its repossession by a finance company for her gain. This alleged deception ultimately resulted in the finance company seizing his home. The 43 year old Thai man, Wisit Pinbankuay, visited the Central Investigation Bureau Complaint Centre yesterday, October 28, to file a complaint against…
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Thailand to raise inflation target range for 2025 by 0.5%
The Finance Ministry and the Bank of Thailand are preparing to set the inflation target range for 2025, with the ministry proposing a 0.5% increase over the current range. A source from the Finance Ministry, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira met with central bank chief Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput yesterday, October 28.…
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Bitcoin breaks the bank: Crypto leap sends shockwaves through markets
In a dazzling leap forward, Bitcoin smashed through the US$71,000 barrier, sending shockwaves through the financial world. This crypto milestone, unmatched since June, comes on the heels of hefty inflows into exchange-traded funds and rampant election speculation. As the clock ticked past 10.45am in Singapore, the digital asset darling rocketed over 2%, peaking at an impressive US$71,310. Not to be…
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Academy lecturer removed after lawsuit against Big Joke’s wife
There are no updates regarding the theft lawsuit filed by a police officer’s wife against the wife of former police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, but the complainant is now facing multiple criminal accusations and has just been dismissed as a lecturer at the Royal Police Cadet Academy (RPCA). The 50 year old RPCA lecturer, Thanattha Yodyiam, accused Big Joke’s…
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Fire torches Phichit warehouse, 10 million baht damage
A fire ravaged four connected buildings housing a second-hand Japanese goods warehouse in the heart of Phichit, causing 10 million baht in damages. The fire broke out around 12.30am today, October 29, with local police and emergency services scrambling to control the blaze. Police Lieutenant Natthaphon Netyim, deputy inspector of Mueang Phichit Police Station, received a report about the fire…
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Bangkok Bank’s virtual gamble: A licence to thrill in digital banking
In a bold move set to shake up the banking scene, Bangkok Bank (BBL) is betting big on bagging a coveted virtual bank licence, boasting the might of its powerhouse partners as a strategic edge. The bank is convinced that its dream team will help it emerge victorious in the bustling virtual banking battleground. Kobsak Pootrakool, BBL’s senior executive vice-president,…
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Motorcycle shooting in Samut Songkhram injures young man
A tense incident unfolded in Samut Songkhram when a young man on a motorcycle shot at a rival’s house, causing injuries but narrowly missing vital areas. Police have apprehended the suspect, who remains uncooperative. Around 9.30pm yesterday, October 28, Phonsuda, a police lieutenant at Mueang Samut Songkhram Police Station, received a report of a shooting with injuries behind Koo Thammasatit…
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Car crash in Pattaya tunnel causes severe damage, minor injuries
A car lost control and crashed into a barrier in a Pattaya tunnel, causing severe damage. The driver claims another vehicle forced him off the road. Fortunately, he sustained only minor injuries. At 10.06pm yesterday, October 28, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre in Pattaya received a report of a car accident. The incident occurred on the road through the…
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AirAsia takes off with five new international routes
AirAsia is ramping up its operations towards the end of the year with the launch of five new international routes. These include two routes from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport to Hyderabad, India, and Phu Quoc, Vietnam, and three routes from Phuket to Kolkata and Chennai in India, and Siem Reap, Cambodia. Supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Don…
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