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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    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...

  • Thailand’s ‘Glowing Owl’ flower: A rare botanical spectacle

    Thailand’s ‘Glowing Owl’ flower: A rare botanical spectacle

    Deep in Thailand’s remote wilderness, one of nature’s rarest and strangest blooms is set to emerge from the forest floor, leaving tourists and botanists scrambling for a glimpse. The mysterious Thismia thaithongiana, also known as Phisawong Owl’s Eye, is about to make its annual appearance in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary in Tak province on Thailand’s eastern border with Myanmar. Discovered…

  • New Thai bank licences grapple with early profitability challenges

    New Thai bank licences grapple with early profitability challenges

    The winners of the Bank of Thailand’s virtual bank licences are expected to face significant challenges in achieving profitability in the initial years, as the industry typically experiences high cash burn during the first five years, according to KGI Securities. Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) is projected to benefit the least from a virtual bank licence compared to other Thai banks…

  • Thai and mighty: Airbnb reveals tourism boom in Thailand

    Thai and mighty: Airbnb reveals tourism boom in Thailand

    Thailand’s tourism industry is making a strong comeback, and Airbnb has just dropped some tantalising data showing just how much travellers are flocking to this Southeast Asian gem. With the high season fast approaching, Thailand is poised for a tourism surge, and it seems everyone – from digital nomads to family groups – wants a slice of the action. In…

  • Myanmar and China crack down on cybercrime fugitives

    Myanmar and China crack down on cybercrime fugitives

    In a major blow to online scam operations, police from Myanmar and China arrested 313 Chinese nationals, including 45 fugitives wanted for cybercrime. The arrests, part of a coordinated effort between the two countries, aim to stamp out online fraud and strengthen cross-border law enforcement. The bust took place in September, following a joint operation between Myanmar’s Ministry of Home…

  • New action plan to tackle global trade shifts and aid Thai industries

    New action plan to tackle global trade shifts and aid Thai industries

    The International Institute for Trade and Development is set to unveil an action plan designed to address shifts in global trade regulations and industry supply chains. The institute aims to present this strategic plan to the Commerce Ministry, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and the Federation of Thai Industries by November. Suphakit Chareonkul, the executive director, highlighted that recent global…

  • Lettuce pray: Market shoppers face steep prices ahead of Pattaya Vegetarian Festival

    Lettuce pray: Market shoppers face steep prices ahead of Pattaya Vegetarian Festival

    The Rai Vanasin Market in East Pattaya was buzzing with anticipation yesterday as eager shoppers scrambled to stock up on fresh produce for the upcoming Pattaya Vegetarian Festival, which kicks off today, October 2 and runs until October 12. However, as the crowds grew, so did the prices – with many vegetables seeing eye-watering surges just days before the festival…

  • Ancient bus and outdated gas tanks blamed in deadly bus blaze

    Ancient bus and outdated gas tanks blamed in deadly bus blaze

    An investigation into the bus blaze that claimed the lives of 23 people in Pathum Thani yesterday revealed that the vehicle was first registered 54 years ago and its NGV gas tanks were 15 years old. A further investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. The tragic incident, which claimed the lives of 23 students and teachers from…

  • From idol to outcast: Thaksin devotee switches allegiances

    From idol to outcast: Thaksin devotee switches allegiances

    Once a die-hard fan of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a 60 year old Thai woman went as far as travelling from Thailand to the UAE just to see her political hero during his self-imposed exile. Armed with gifts, letters, and a banner, Podjanin Towatrakool wept upon meeting Thaksin in 2009, hugging him and calling him “father.” She even…

  • BMA assesses Thon Buri historical sites to boost tourism

    BMA assesses Thon Buri historical sites to boost tourism

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) embarked on a comprehensive assessment of historical sites in Thon Buri to promote tourism and bolster the city development plan. Thaiwut Khankaew, director of the BMA’s City Planning and Development Department, stated that his team, alongside A-Seven Corporation, a consultancy firm, recently visited numerous communities and landmarks. Their objective is to enhance land use potential…

  • Boost Songkhla tourism with better rail links to Malaysia, says guide

    Boost Songkhla tourism with better rail links to Malaysia, says guide

    Promoting Songkhla province’s cultural attractions and enhancing rail connections with Malaysia could significantly boost tourism, according to the founder of the Songkhla Tour Guide Association. Wittaya Saelim addressed these suggestions in a proposal recently submitted to Senator Chaiyong Maneerungsakul in the Hat Yai district. The proposal focused on addressing the province’s trade and tourism concerns and identifying ways to increase…

  • Woman admits to 10,000 baht theft from Udon Thani disabled man

    Woman admits to 10,000 baht theft from Udon Thani disabled man

    A 34 year old Thai woman turned herself in at Na Som Police Station in Udon Thani province amidst allegations of withdrawing 10,000 baht from a disabled man’s account. She claimed she intended to share the money with him but he reported the incident first. The man, 63 year old Somdee Plangsee, reported to officers at Na Som Police Station…

  • Filler fiasco: Fake doc’s botched injections leave dentist’s family disfigured

    Filler fiasco: Fake doc’s botched injections leave dentist’s family disfigured

    A Thai dentist and her family members are seeking compensation from an illegal beauty clinic in Bangkok, owned by a fake doctor, after suffering disfigurement from filler injections. The unnamed dentist visited the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) office yesterday, October 1, together with her sister and mother, to file a complaint against the fake doctor who illegally operated a beauty…

  • Strong baht, flooding impact Thailand’s tourism market deficit with Japan

    Strong baht, flooding impact Thailand’s tourism market deficit with Japan

    The appreciation of the baht and severe flooding have emerged as pivotal factors for Thailand’s tourism industry, particularly with the High Season fast approaching. The final quarter is crucial in determining if Thailand can rebalance its tourism market deficit with Japan, which outperformed Thailand last year. By August, 706,500 Thais had visited Japan, while 668,221 Japanese tourists had travelled to…

  • Thailand welcomes 26 million tourists, earns 1.214 trillion baht

    Thailand welcomes 26 million tourists, earns 1.214 trillion baht

    Thailand welcomed over 26 million international tourists from January 1 to yesterday, October 1, generating an impressive 1.214 trillion baht in revenue. Sorawong Thienthong, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, confirmed these figures, underscoring the nation’s strong recovery as a premier global travel destination. Among the top contributing countries, China led with 5,227,573 tourists, followed by Malaysia with 3,734,847, India…

  • Pattaya mafia bully brutally assaults teen, rapes innocent woman

    Pattaya mafia bully brutally assaults teen, rapes innocent woman

    A ruthless Thai mafia enforcer unleashed a brutal assault on a 15 year old boy and raped a 20 year old woman in his rented Pattaya room, accusing them of helping his wife escape from him. Yesterday, October 1, the boy’s 32 year old mother accompanied her son, Tang, to Bang Lamung Police Station to file a complaint against the…

  • Delivery worker dies after pickup crashes into Rayong restaurant

    Delivery worker dies after pickup crashes into Rayong restaurant

    A delivery worker tragically lost his life after his pickup truck swerved and crashed into a tree before ploughing through a made-to-order restaurant in Rayong. The incident occurred at 8am yesterday, October 1, and the shop owner recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the crash. The accident took place at a made-to-order restaurant in Ban Nong Wa on Khao…

  • AoT seeks extension in 11.8 million baht corruption case

    AoT seeks extension in 11.8 million baht corruption case

    Airports of Thailand (AoT) has sought additional time to provide evidence to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) regarding allegations of corruption involving an 11.8 million baht (US$362,500) contract at Phuket International Airport. The contract, intended for posting stickers commemorating His Majesty The King, is under scrutiny for possible irregularities. The NACC’s Phuket office is examining budget allocation, median price determination,…

  • Reel trouble: Anglers cause turmoil at Chon Buri sanctuary

    Reel trouble: Anglers cause turmoil at Chon Buri sanctuary

    A major row erupted at Wat Yan Sangwararam in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, when a large group of fishermen brazenly set up their rods in the sacred sanctuary area. The incident, which took place on September 27th, prompted the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to swoop in and seize fishing equipment from a group of teenagers. But the drama didn’t end…

  • Big Pom-ise: Prawit vows to return salary and attend Parliament

    Big Pom-ise: Prawit vows to return salary and attend Parliament

    The party-list MP and leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), Prawit Wongsuwan, announced yesterday, October 1, that he intends to return his salary and related allowances to the Secretariat of the House of Representatives, and promised to attend parliamentary meetings more frequently. The Secretary-general of the PPRP, Paibun Nititawan, revealed at a press conference yesterday that the party leader,…

  • Mother seeks justice after teen daughter attacked in Phuket

    Mother seeks justice after teen daughter attacked in Phuket

    A mother has taken action after her 13 year old daughter was lured from their home and violently attacked by seven individuals in Phuket. The 40 year old mother, reported the incident to Wichit Police, detailing that it took place around 4.30pm on September 29. According to her, the daughter, Kai, was deceived by two acquaintances, identified as Fa and…

  • Thailand video news | Tragic school bus fire claiming multiple young lives, Cambodian journalist charged with incitement

    Thailand video news | Tragic school bus fire claiming multiple young lives, Cambodian journalist charged with incitement

    Thailand video news covers the various stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia countries in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. The stories include tragedy struck in Pathum Thani as a school bus fire claimed over 20 lives, while in Pattaya, a British tourist faces charges after a fatal punch killed his friend. Bad weather dampened Thailand’s anticipated surge…

  • Raid & seek: Bangkok cops bust contraband in Chinese minimarts

    Raid & seek: Bangkok cops bust contraband in Chinese minimarts

    Police in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district recently conducted a significant raid on 10 Chinese-owned minimarts, following complaints from local businesses about the influx of contraband foreign goods. Health and anti-money laundering officials, along with local police, spearheaded the operation. The Network for Thai Entrepreneur Protection had earlier lodged a complaint asserting that these convenience stores were selling smuggled consumer goods.…

  • Thailand to withdraw military from southern provinces by 2027

    Thailand to withdraw military from southern provinces by 2027

    Thailand plans to withdraw military forces from the nation’s southernmost provinces by 2027, with a focus on bolstering volunteer forces in the region. The Ministry of Interior and the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly train these volunteer forces. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Army Commander Charoenchai Hintao were present at the ceremony.…

  • Highway police seize 13 million meth pills in Prachuap Khiri Khan

    Highway police seize 13 million meth pills in Prachuap Khiri Khan

    Highway police confiscated over 13 million methamphetamine (meth) pills and apprehended two couriers in Bang Saphan district of Prachuap Khiri Khan on Monday, September 30. Officers intercepted a 22-wheel trailer truck with a Songkhla licence plate at a checkpoint located at kilometre marker 378 on Phetkasem Road. During a search, they discovered meth pills concealed in numerous plastic baskets, covered…

  • Ghosted: Spooked Chon Buri man blames ghost for KFC order

    Ghosted: Spooked Chon Buri man blames ghost for KFC order

    A food delivery rider suffered a personal nightmare when a customer refused to pay for a KFC order, claiming a ghost had placed it. The eerie incident took place in Chon Buri province, with the police stepping in to resolve the situation. Police from Don Hua Lo station in Chon Buri received a distress call yesterday, October 1 at 11.30pm from…

  • Missing Thai woman found dead off Phuket’s coast

    Missing Thai woman found dead off Phuket’s coast

    A Thai woman reported missing from Sai Kaew Beach on Phuket’s northwestern coast was found dead in the water at Tha Chatchai late yesterday afternoon. Jiraporn Onkhajorn raised the alarm to Tha Chatchai Police about her sister-in-law, Jiraporn Sararat, who had gone missing earlier in the day. Jiraporn discovered her sister-in-law’s blue Honda Scoopy motorbike, along with a pair of…

  • Residents rejoice at Chon Buri temple after lottery win

    Residents rejoice at Chon Buri temple after lottery win

    Residents celebrated their luck at Wat Huai Sup, Chon Buri province, after winning the lottery with over 100 tickets, thanks to the blessings of Luang Pho Yai. They lit 10,000 firecrackers in gratitude and plan to use the new numbers from the firecrackers for the next draw. Over 20 villagers gathered at Wat Huai Sup in Namatoom subdistrict, Phanat Nikhom…

  • Thai Cabinet levels flood compensation at 9,000 baht

    Thai Cabinet levels flood compensation at 9,000 baht

    The Thai Cabinet has revised flood victim compensation to a uniform rate of 9,000 baht per household, replacing the previous variable range of 5,000 to 9,000 baht. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the decision following a Cabinet meeting, citing the severity of the flood situation as the reason for the new compensation structure. “The government decided that all affected households…

  • Thai bus blaze driver turns himself in after fiery escape

    Thai bus blaze driver turns himself in after fiery escape

    The driver behind the wheel in yesterday’s tragic bus blaze in Pathum Thani province turned himself in after initially fleeing from the devastating fire. He sought refuge at a relative’s home. A survival teacher defended the bus driver saying he made efforts to save all the victims before fleeing in a panic. The tragic incident occurred at around 12pm yesterday, October…

  • Paetongtarn’s anti-graft lawsuit over 30% stake rocks government

    Paetongtarn’s anti-graft lawsuit over 30% stake rocks government

    In a fresh scandal targeting Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, political firebrand Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC), accusing her of violating anti-graft laws by holding a significant company stake post-election. Ruangkrai claimed that Paetongtarn retained a 30% stake in Alpine Golf and Sports Club after being appointed PM in August. According to Ruangkrai, the…