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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    Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run

    Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...

  • Suspect dies after ingesting 50 meth pills in police custody

    Suspect dies after ingesting 50 meth pills in police custody

    A man suspected of drug possession ingested approximately 50 methamphetamine pills before his arrest, eventually leading to his death after being sent to hospital. Yesterday, June 3, police received a report regarding Thiranai, a detainee in Nakhon Pathom City Police Station’s holding cell. He had collapsed and experienced convulsions for unknown reasons. Police promptly transferred him to Nakhon Pathom Central…

  • Full Moon tragedy: British tourist found dead on Koh Pha Ngan

    Full Moon tragedy: British tourist found dead on Koh Pha Ngan

    A British tourist has been found dead and half-naked on a beach just days before the island’s notorious Full Moon Party, sending shockwaves through the Thai holiday hotspot. The 54 year old was discovered face-down in the sand by a local villager at around 6.30am today, June 4, wearing nothing but an orange bra. Her underwear was later found washed…

  • 17 year old student shot dead in Bangkok motorcycle attack

    17 year old student shot dead in Bangkok motorcycle attack

    A 17 year old student was tragically shot and killed while riding as a passenger on a motorcycle driven by a friend in Bangkok. The incident occurred today, June 4, at 1.35am, near the under-construction market area by Hathaimit intersection on Hathairat Road. Police and forensic teams are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the gunman. At the scene, the body…

  • Burglar nicks bling and cash in Pattaya pool villa theft

    Burglar nicks bling and cash in Pattaya pool villa theft

    A relaxing getaway turned into a nightmare for a holidaymaker after a crook broke into her private pool villa in Pattaya and swiped gold and cash, all caught on CCTV. Thanyarat, from Prachinburi province, had checked into the Yoo Dee Pool Villa in Huai Yai on June 2 for a peaceful overnight stay. But the peace didn’t last long. The…

  • Pattaya police stunned as boy, 13, caught dealing with druggie

    Pattaya police stunned as boy, 13, caught dealing with druggie

    Pattaya police cracking down on narcotics in a seedy corner of Jomtien were left stunned when they nabbed a drug dealer, only to find a 13 year old boy helping her peddle meth. The shock bust happened yesterday, June 3 during a raid led by Chon Buri Provincial Police in Jomtien Soi 2. Officers arrested 39 year old Bang-on, also…

  • Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge repairs proposed with 50bn budget

    Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge repairs proposed with 50bn budget

    The Ministry of Transport plans to propose the commencement of repairs on the fifth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge to the Cabinet on June 4. The proposal includes a budget of 50 billion baht aimed at boosting the economy. A ministry source revealed that the economic stimulus project, with a budget framework of 157 billion baht, has been reallocated from the digital…

  • Wild elephant causes chaos in Thai shop, damages shelves

    Wild elephant causes chaos in Thai shop, damages shelves

    In Nakhon Ratchasima, a wild elephant from Khao Yai National Park surprised a local shop in Pak Chong district yesterday, June 2, causing chaos as it rummaged around for food, damaging shelves in the process. The shop, located approximately one kilometre from a park entrance in Ban Tha Maprang, tambon Mu Si, witnessed the unexpected visit of the elephant, known…

  • Phuket tiger park denies attack claims, blames false reports

    Phuket tiger park denies attack claims, blames false reports

    Operators of a tiger park in Phuket, located in Kathu, have denied claims that an Indian tourist was attacked by a tiger at their venue. They also refuted accusations of animal cruelty after reports had circulated that a tourist was mauled while attempting to take a selfie at the attraction. In a now seemingly deleted video which went viral earlier,…

  • Pattaya motorbike taxi drivers slam ‘unfair’ 2,000 baht helmet fine

    Pattaya motorbike taxi drivers slam ‘unfair’ 2,000 baht helmet fine

    Motorbike taxi drivers in Pattaya are pushing back against a new 2,000 baht fine for riding without a helmet, calling it unaffordable and a threat to their already fragile incomes. Starting June 1, the Royal Thai Police began strict enforcement of Section 122 of the Land Traffic Act. The law requires both riders and passengers on motorcycles to wear helmets,…

  • Thai Air Force tests gun-mounted drone amid border tensions

    Thai Air Force tests gun-mounted drone amid border tensions

    The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has tested a drone armed with an M4 carbine, aiming to boost surveillance and reduce troop risk along the Thai-Cambodian border. The test flight took place today, June 3, and was part of a joint development between the RTAF and the Defence Technology Institute. The drone is designed to assist ground patrol units during…

  • Tourists attacked in Patong after assaulting local woman (video)

    Tourists attacked in Patong after assaulting local woman (video)

    Two tourists were rendered unconscious following an altercation with a group of Thai men in Patong, Phuket. The incident reportedly followed an alleged assault on a local woman by the intoxicated tourists. The altercation, which was captured on video and widely circulated on social media yesterday night, June 2, took place on Bangla Road, a well-known nightlife district in Patong,…

  • Thai man jailed in Singapore for offering bribe after public urination

    Thai man jailed in Singapore for offering bribe after public urination

    A Thai man who urinated in a drain in Singapore landed himself in jail after trying to bribe two auxiliary police officers with US$7 (approx. 177 baht) to avoid a fine. The man, 54 year old Nanjaijumpa Kham-Ai, pleaded guilty to one count of offering corrupt gratification and was sentenced to 10 days in jail yesterday, June 2. A second…

  • R12, newly proposed route to boost Thailand-Vietnam trade

    R12, newly proposed route to boost Thailand-Vietnam trade

    Plans are underway for the construction of Route R12, a new trade corridor in Laos, which will connect Thailand, Vietnam, and China. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), stated that the route will begin in Thakhek, Khammouane province, Laos, 17 kilometres from Thailand’s Nakhon Phanom border checkpoint. The route will link the towns of…

  • Udon Thani couple resolve engagement dispute with 100,000 baht agreement

    Udon Thani couple resolve engagement dispute with 100,000 baht agreement

    A dispute over a postponed engagement ceremony in Udon Thani has been resolved, with both parties agreeing not to pursue financial claims further. The couple will continue residing in the family home, and the bride’s side has agreed not to make additional demands. The incident, involving 43 year old Saengduan, the groom’s mother, and a woman, A, unfolded at Saengduan’s…

  • Thailand targets 4.5 billion baht from pride month tourism

    Thailand targets 4.5 billion baht from pride month tourism

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to position Thailand as a top destination for the LGBTQ+ community, with expectations for the pride month celebrations to generate up to 4.5 billion baht in economic activity. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the Governor of TAT, highlighted that June is celebrated globally as pride month. Thailand continues to hold grand celebrations for the LGBTQ+ community,…

  • Baan Khao Din checkpoint stays open amid Cambodia closure rumours

    Baan Khao Din checkpoint stays open amid Cambodia closure rumours

    The permanent border checkpoint at Baan Khao Din, Khlong Hat district, Sa Kaeo province, remains open amidst increased security measures by immigration and military personnel. This follows rumours in Cambodia about a potential border closure on June 2. The Thai-Cambodian border trade market, known as Sri Phen Market, continues to operate with Cambodian traders arriving as usual, albeit in fewer…

  • Motorbike clash in Pattaya leads to serious assault

    Motorbike clash in Pattaya leads to serious assault

    Two women on a motorcycle allegedly exited a side street, leading to an altercation that resulted in a serious assault. The incident, which involved a man being attacked with a bottle, occurred in the early hours of June 3. Emergency services from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan in Pattaya and police from the Nong Prue station responded to the scene in Soi…

  • State Audit Office scandal: 25.8m baht contract under scrutiny

    State Audit Office scandal: 25.8m baht contract under scrutiny

    Renewed attention has focused on the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building after a recent report highlighted ongoing irregularities in its construction beginning in 2009. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) found evidence last year supporting allegations against former Auditor-General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka and others, concerning a 25.8 million baht design contract related to the project. The building was originally intended…

  • Ten injured as bus of Indian students crashes in Bangkok

    Ten injured as bus of Indian students crashes in Bangkok

    At least 10 passengers sustained injuries when a tour bus carrying Indian exchange students crashed into a roadside power pole on Phahon Yothin Road near Kor Por Aor Intersection in Bangkok. The accident occurred yesterday, June 2, at 11am on the outbound side of the road in Sai Mai district. Rescuers from Bangkhen Fire and Rescue responded swiftly to the…

  • Five arrested in Customs electronic cigarette theft investigation

    Five arrested in Customs electronic cigarette theft investigation

    The investigation into the theft of electronic cigarettes from the Customs Department is progressing, with five people arrested and one suspect still at large. Police Major General Witthawat Chinkham, commander of Division 5, confirmed that there is no police involvement, although it is suspected that insiders may have provided information regarding the stolen goods. The suspects, who all know each…

  • Tourists overpay 22,000 baht for coffee, cafe resolves issue (video)

    Tourists overpay 22,000 baht for coffee, cafe resolves issue (video)

    Two foreign tourists inadvertently paid over 22,000 baht for two coffees at a café in Nakhon Ratchasima province, but the situation was amicably resolved. A still image from the Mount Wind Tree Cafe’s Facebook page shows a foreign cyclist unintentionally overpaying by nearly 22,000 baht. This incident took place on May 31 at the Mount Wind Tree Cafe, located in…

  • Drug conspiracy arrest: aspiring Ratchaburi village headman detained

    Drug conspiracy arrest: aspiring Ratchaburi village headman detained

    A 41 year old man, aspiring to be the village headman in Bang Phae district, Ratchaburi province, was arrested at his residence. On June 1 at 3pm, police apprehended Sunan under a warrant issued by Ratchaburi Provincial Court, dated May 15, for his involvement in a drug-related conspiracy. The arrest operation was led by Police Major General Wachiraphong Amornapitak, Ratchaburi…

  • Tourism council urges PM to boost sector’s global competitiveness

    Tourism council urges PM to boost sector’s global competitiveness

    The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) is set to submit a letter to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra this week, advocating for enhancements in the tourism sector to elevate Thailand’s competitiveness on a global scale. Chai Arunanondchai, President of the TCT, emphasised the need for Thailand to evolve into a sustainable and high-quality tourism destination. According to Chai, the sector, responsible…

  • Elderly man allegedly stabs wife in Bangkok home after argument

    Elderly man allegedly stabs wife in Bangkok home after argument

    A tragic incident unfolded when an elderly couple’s argument led to a fatal stabbing in their Bangkok home. A 69 year old man, in a fit of anger, allegedly stabbed his 77 year old wife, who suffered from dementia, following a dispute in their residence on Charan Sanitwong 37 in the Bang Khun Si subdistrict. Police Lieutenant Virat Menthakul from…

  • Motorcyclist dies in tragic crash on Chon Buri U-turn bridge

    Motorcyclist dies in tragic crash on Chon Buri U-turn bridge

    A 25 year old man tragically died after his motorcycle collided with a bridge railing on a U-turn bridge in Mueang district, Chon Buri. The accident, which occurred yesterday, June 2, resulted in fatal injuries, including a skull fracture and broken neck. Police Lieutenant Chinawat Thisala from Mueang Chon Buri Police Station responded to the incident on Sukhumvit Road, inbound…

  • Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines sign joint business agreement

    Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines sign joint business agreement

    Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines have signed a Joint Business Agreement (JBA) to enhance flight services between Bangkok and Istanbul. The collaboration was formalised during the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, India, marking a significant step in strengthening relations between Thailand’s flagship carrier and Turkey’s national airline. The agreement builds upon Thai Airways’ successful launch of a…

  • Police address ceiling collapse at Immigration Bureau

    Police address ceiling collapse at Immigration Bureau

    Today, June 3, at the Royal Thai Police headquarters, Police General Kittirat Punpech addressed the collapse of the ceiling at the Immigration Bureau’s training centre. The incident was attributed to a leaking air conditioning system, not structural issues, and a thorough inspection is underway. The ceiling in the third-floor meeting room collapsed due to water accumulation from a condenser leak,…

  • 37 Thai provinces issued warning for heavy rain and storms

    37 Thai provinces issued warning for heavy rain and storms

    The Meteorological Department has announced that 37 provinces in Thailand are under a weather warning due to a moderate southwest monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Heavy rain is expected to impact 60% of Bangkok today, June 3. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours predicts thunderstorms and isolated heavy rain across several regions…

  • Man found dead in Surat Thani hot springs pool

    Man found dead in Surat Thani hot springs pool

    A 55 year old man was discovered deceased in a hot springs pool in the Phunphin district of Surat Thani early today, June 2. Police indicated that the man had a pre-existing medical condition which might have led to a loss of consciousness, resulting in drowning. Media reports identified the deceased only as Wichan from Nakhon Si Thammarat. He was…

  • Man in Khon Kaen confesses to grandmother’s murder after argument

    Man in Khon Kaen confesses to grandmother’s murder after argument

    A 49 year old man has confessed to killing his 87 year old grandmother, whom he had been caring for, following an argument. The incident occurred in Khon Kaen province, where the victim had recently adopted him as her son and left him all her property. Today, June 2, Police Colonel Chalit Morakotsriwan, along with his team and Deputy Police…