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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Thunderstorms and cool foggy mornings hit Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather forecast cautioning residents in South Thailand of thunderstorms and high seas, while the upper regions of Thailand will experience cool mornings with fog and hot afternoons. The forecast predicts a weak high-pressure system will cover the northeastern areas and the South China Sea, causing the upper regions to be cool in the…
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High drama: Cannabis inferno leaves Pattaya in fits of giggles
Chaos and laughter erupted in Pattaya last night after a serious blaze at a cannabis cultivation centre left residents and tourists feeling a little dazed. Yesterday, February 13, the Land Disaster Relief Radio Centre was alerted to a fire tearing through a residential building on Soi Welcome Jomtien, Nongprue. Quick as a flash, Pattaya City police, Jomtien Disaster Relief officers,…
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Valentine’s Day sees surge in LGBTQ+ marriage registrations
The government anticipates a significant number of LGBTQ+ couples will register their marriages today in celebration of Valentine’s Day, according to deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan. Sasikarn mentioned that numerous events are planned to support same-sex marriages across district offices nationwide on Valentine’s Day. In Bangkok’s Bang Rak district, renowned for Valentine’s marriage registrations, the district office will provide services…
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Nok Air turbulence: Pilot lawsuit leaves airline flying on fumes
Nok Air has come out swinging against allegations that it forced junior pilots to pay for their training as a prerequisite for employment, denying any involvement amidst a high-flying lawsuit. The airline finds itself in hot water after Teerawat Angkasakulkiat, President of the Thai Pilots Association, revealed that 13 pilots have taken legal action against the carrier. Back in 2018,…
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Gun’s the word: Thailand aims to shoot down violence with new ban
In a bold move to combat rising gun crimes, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul have pulled the trigger on a one-year freeze on gun carry permits, starting today, February 14. This decisive order, unveiled by Deputy Government Spokesperson Traisulee Traisoranakul and published in the Royal Gazette yesterday, February 13, comes into force immediately. The suspension…
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Pattaya police kick the habit: Drug raids clean up city streets
Over 500 officers from Pattaya City police, Chon Buri Immigration, and other agencies swooped on the underbelly of Pattaya in a sweeping anti-drug crackdown. Revellers and residents alike were left reeling as the government’s ambitious campaign zeroed in on two notorious hotspots, leaving no stone unturned. The first target, a bustling commercial building on Soi Pattaya Klang 16, saw six…
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French tourist’s trip to Koh Tao turns into cabbage truck chaos
A French tourist’s dream trip to Koh Tao in Surat Thani took an unexpected turn when he ended up stranded in Doi Tao, Chiang Mai, due to a miscommunication. His misadventure didn’t end there, while hitchhiking south he lost his wallet in Suphan Buri. But thanks to kind locals and police, he was able to recover it and continue his…
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Sky-high thieves on the rise: Minister demands tighter flight security
A wave of in-flight thefts targeting unsuspecting passengers sparked urgent action from Thai police after reports revealed that criminals stole valuables worth 19 million baht on flights to Hong Kong last year. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong has now called on airlines to step up cabin inspections and warn passengers to safeguard their belongings. Several airlines have already tightened…
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Political chaos: Charter debate stalls as Pheu Thai blocks vote
Thailand’s charter amendment debate descended into chaos as the joint sitting of MPs and senators was abruptly adjourned due to a lack of quorum. The Pheu Thai Party strategically withheld participation to prevent the bill’s rejection, while a senator pushed for a Constitutional Court ruling on the process. The session began at 9.30am today, February 13, but was called off…
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Gold prices soar as traders sparkle after latest hike
The Gold Traders Association (GTA) announced a fresh hike in gold prices today, following a flurry of adjustments yesterday. As of today, February 13, the price of gold jewellery climbed to 47,250 baht per baht weight, marking a 100 baht rise since the closing figures of the previous day. According to the GTA’s latest update at 9.03am, gold bars in…
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Thailand hotel room rates soar by 15% amid travel demand surge
Hotel room rates in Thailand increased by an average of 15% from 2023, as reported by SiteMinder, an e-commerce platform assisting hotels with direct and third-party bookings. This growth distinguishes Thailand as the only country with double-digit expansion. The Hotel Booking Trends report from SiteMinder, which analysed over 125 million reservations, indicates that the average daily rate (ADR) in Thailand…
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Banking on success: Line BK logs in for double-digit loan growth
In a bold move against economic headwinds, Line BK, the social banking brainchild of Kasikornbank (KBank) and Line Corp, is setting its sights on a double-digit loan growth surge this year, powered by cutting-edge technology. Eyeing a hefty 3-4 billion baht boost in new loans, Line BK is steering towards a 13-18% growth, up from last year’s 22 billion baht…
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Fuelling the future: PTT Oil shifts gears for a brighter 2025
PTT Oil and Retail Plc (OR) is revving up for a sunnier financial forecast this year, aiming to bounce back after last year’s revenue slip. The secret sauce? A Thailand infused with tourism and investment buzz, according to OR chief Peekthong Thongyai. Thanks to a tourism surge, Thailand’s economic prospects are looking rosier than ever. Back in 2019, the country…
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Helmet heist: Elderly man caught on CCTV stealing in Pattaya
An elderly man wearing a motorcycle taxi vest was caught on CCTV brazenly stealing a helmet outside a company on Soi Naklua 16, Wong Amat in Pattaya on Tuesday, February 11 at around 11.25am. The incident has ignited a firestorm on social media, with many questioning whether the suspect is a legitimate motorbike taxi driver. Online commenters pointed out that…
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Full steam ahead: SRT fast-tracks freight boost to cut costs
In a bid to slash transport costs for import and export businesses, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is all set to turbocharge freight services between Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri and Bangkok. SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala and his team, yesterday, February 12, descended on the deep-sea port and the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district,…
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Fatal fall: Loei hole takes motorcyclist’s life after tumble
A 41 year old motorcyclist died after falling into a 2-metre deep hole on a construction site in Mueang district, Loei province. The accident occurred last night, February 12, when the victim, Adisak, fell into a pit dug for sewer installation near a petrol station. Witnesses immediately contacted rescue volunteers from the Ruamjai Rescuers Association in Loei, who arrived at…
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Pattaya cracks down on homelessness amid public safety concerns
Pattaya is stepping up efforts to tackle homelessness and improve public safety along Sukhumvit Road and the beach, responding to growing concerns about crime and disorder. Local officials are rolling out new measures to clean up the streets, provide support for the homeless, and clamp down on illegal activities. Residents have voiced strong opinions on the issue, with many calling…
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High-speed chase in Bangkok: Suspect escapes after collisions (video)
A man involved in a high-speed chase with police, which resulted in multiple collisions with civilian vehicles, managed to escape after abandoning his car. Yesterday, February 12, a viral clip from the อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 page showed police surrounding a grey pickup truck reversing to evade capture on Pracharat Road, near Taopoon Market, before colliding with civilian vehicles. On…
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Ex-minister’s son pulled off Bangkok flight over ‘kidnapping’ alert
A chartered flight carrying India’s former Maharashtra minister Tanaji Sawant’s son, Rishiraj Sawant, and two friends was recalled to Pune under extraordinary circumstances. Police ordered the abrupt diversion after an anonymous tip-off claimed Rishiraj had been kidnapped, triggering an urgent police response. The private jet, which took off for Bangkok on Monday, February 10, was redirected after aviation officials verified…
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Crowds seek blessings at Kham Chanod on Magha Puja Day
Visitors flocked to Kham Chanod yesterday, February 12, to seek blessings from the revered spirits, Por Pu Si Sutho and Mae Ya Sri Pathumma, coinciding with the Buddhist holiday, Magha Puja Day. The island, located in Ban Muang, Ban Dung district, Udon Thani province, was bustling with activity as worshippers gathered to make offerings and pray for luck and fortune…
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Thai security operation rescues 261 from Myanmar call centre
A Thai security operation successfully received 261 foreign nationals who were previously lured by a call centre scam in Myanmar. The operation yesterday, February 12, at 4.10pm, involved the Ratchamanu Task Force, Border Patrol Police, and local administrative officials in Tak province. At 4pm, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) handed over 221 men and 39 women from 20 different…
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Single Thais impact wedding industry with shifting social values
A growing number of Thais are opting to stay single, with reasons cited including evolving social values, financial constraints, and mismatched expectations. This trend is impacting businesses associated with romance, such as wedding planners and florists. In 2023, a survey by the National Statistical Office found that one-fifth of Thais were single. Within the reproductive age group of 15 to…
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South Korean fraud suspect arrested in Pattaya for visa overstay
A coordinated effort yesterday led by Police Major General Chairit Anurit, Commander of Immigration Bureau Division 3, alongside Police Colonel Plearn Klinpayom, Deputy Commander of the same division, culminated in the apprehension of a 41 year old South Korean national. The South Korean, Jiyong Ki, was taken into custody in a room located in North Pattaya, yesterday, February 12, at…
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Thai DSI targets Karen leader in global call centre scam
The issue of call centre scams is a significant concern in the Southeast Asia region, following revelations by Rangsiman Rome, an MP from the People’s Party. The MP exposed a fraudulent network causing distress for many. Rangsiman recently posted an image of an arrest warrant for Mong Chittu, leader of the Border Guard Force (BGF), alleging that the high-ranking officer is…
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Shocking discovery: Thai man found dead in Phuket resort room
Police are investigating the mysterious death of a 59 year old Thai man whose lifeless body was discovered in a Phuket resort room last night, February 12. The cause of death remains unknown, with no immediate signs of foul play. The police were alerted at around 9.30pm and arrived at the Kamala resort with a medical examiner from Vachira Phuket…
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PM hosts first mobile Cabinet meeting in Songkhla to boost southern development
The Government of Thailand is set to conduct its inaugural mobile Cabinet meeting of the year in Songkhla next Tuesday, with discussions centred on developing the southern east coast region and the Sadao border trade gateway with Malaysia. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub stated yesterday, February 12, that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, accompanied by the Cabinet, will travel to Phatthalung and…
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Urgent healthcare support needed in Thai refugee shelters
The Ministry of Public Health has been advised to enhance healthcare support in temporary shelters, incorporating permanent healthcare facilities and refugee health volunteers. Former chairperson of the subcommittee on ethnic human rights, Surapong Kongchantuk, emphasised the urgency of the situation following the US government’s withdrawal of support. Surapong, who has worked with stateless individuals, migrant workers, and displaced persons, advised…
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Bangkok taxi driver arrested for targeting intoxicated passengers
Police in Bangkok arrested a 46 year old taxi driver accused of stealing from passengers who were intoxicated and abandoning them en route. The arrest followed the attachment of a GPS tracker to his vehicle. The driver, Sawat was apprehended yesterday, February 12, in Soi Chok Chai 4, Soi 69, Lat Phrao district, Bangkok, acting under a warrant from the Criminal Court…
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Teenage girl seeks temple refuge after uncle’s alleged assault
A teenage girl, referred to as A, has accused her uncle of sexual assault and her aunt of physical abuse, prompting her to seek refuge in a temple. Yesterday, February 12, the 16 year old girl, accompanied by Chaiyanat Yamasamit, a 36 year old assistant village headman from Ao Noi subdistrict in Mueang district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, reported the incidents…
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Tak immigration chief reassigned amid trafficking concerns
The Immigration Bureau has transferred the superintendent of Tak Immigration to a different post following reports of foreign nationals disappearing after being deceived into entering Thailand. The incident is suspected to be linked to human trafficking activities in Tak province. Police Major General Prashaya Prasansuk, the Acting Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, signed an order (No. 24/2025, dated February 12)…
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