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.
-
Sponsored Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
-
Ex-Chinese CDC head: Don’t rule out Covid lab leak theory
The possibility of the Covid virus leaking from a laboratory should not be dismissed, according to a former leading Chinese government scientist. Prof George Gao, who was once the head of China’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC), played a crucial role in the pandemic response and efforts to trace its origins. While the Chinese government denies any suggestion that the…
-
Kyiv targeted for third night as Ukraine intercepts 20+ drones
Kyiv was subjected to a third consecutive night of attacks as Russia targeted the Ukrainian capital, resulting in several buildings being set ablaze. Officials reported that falling debris caused the fires, while Ukraine’s air defences intercepted over 20 drones. At least one fatality has been reported. Ukraine claims to have downed all missiles and drones in the previous two assaults.…
-
IRA agent Stakeknife admits to killing informer in uncovered 1990 court document
A BBC investigation has revealed that Freddie Scappaticci, the man believed to have been one of the British Army’s top agents within the IRA, admitted in 1990 to shooting a suspected informer. Scappaticci, who passed away in April, consistently denied being the agent known as Stakeknife. He is suspected of being involved in over 20 murders during the Troubles in…
-
UK homeless charity St Mungo’s staff strike over pitiful 2.25% pay rise dispute
Homeless charity St Mungo’s is facing a month-long strike from its staff, beginning today, as workers protest against what they consider an insufficient pay increase. Unite union members will form picket lines outside the charity’s offices in London, Brighton, Bristol, and Oxford. According to the union, the employees are “taking a stand” following a “pitiful” offer of a 2.25% pay…
-
Bangkok bids to host World Pride 2023, promoting LGBTQ+ acceptance
Bangkok is preparing to host the highly anticipated World Pride event in 2028, with Move Forward Party (MFP) leader and deputy prime minister Pita Limjaroenrat unveiling the ‘Road to Bangkok Pride 2023’ campaign. This landmark event aims to celebrate diversity, foster equality, and establish Thailand as a premier LGBTQ+ tourism destination. After Sydney, Washington D.C., and Amsterdam, MFP leader Pita…
-
Pattaya City gears up for several exciting events
Pattaya City is gearing up for several exciting events taking place next month in June. On Saturday, June 17, there will be a thrilling lineup of activities to encourage drug-free lifestyles, particularly among youth. The festivities will kick off at 3pm near the sailing memorial across from Mike Shopping Mall and will continue until 10pm at Central Mall. The event…
-
Thailand’s Cannabis Future Network warns parties against reinstating plant as narcotic
The Cannabis Future Network in Thailand has called upon three alliance parties not to reinstate cannabis as a narcotic drug, referring to the decision as “getting the first shirt button wrong” and potentially leading to further issues. The network leader, Prasitchai Nunual, expressed his concerns on their Facebook fan page, stating that the ad-hoc committee responsible for discussing the removal…
-
China rotates crew on fully operational space station, sends first civilian
China has successfully launched three astronauts, including its first civilian scientist, to its fully operational space station as part of a crew rotation. The Shenzhou-16 spacecraft, carrying commander Jing Haipeng, engineer Zhu Yangzhu, and Beihang University professor Gui Haichao, lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert. The mission aims to conduct large-scale, in-orbit experiments, studying…
-
China aims for moon landing by 2030, expands space station
China announced plans to send astronauts to the moon before 2023 while also expanding its space station. Today, a live broadcast will cover the launch of a spacecraft at 8.31am Thai time, carrying three Chinese astronauts. Tensions between China and the United States have intensified in various spheres, among them the competitive nature of their respective space industries. The US…
-
Thai man high on Yaba mistakenly fears Burmese army invasion, kidnaps son
A Thai man reportedly under the influence of Yaba (methamphetamine) confessed to police that he had rushed to pick up his son from a school in the southern province of Chumphon due to a false belief that a Burmese army had invaded Thailand. The man, identified as 29 year old Jirapong Janthong, had taken a rifle with him into Phubodin…
-
Unemployed man found dead in vehicle amid struggle with depression
A 42 year old unemployed man was found dead in his pickup truck near Rama III Road, Soi 41, Yan Nawa district, Bangkok, reportedly suffering from depression. The initial investigation reveals he has been unemployed for almost a year and had a history of depression. At around 10pm yesterday, local authorities in the Bang Phongpang, Yannawa district received reports of…
-
Fortune teller reveals lucky lottery numbers, thrilling hopeful crowds
The Thevada Fortune Teller‘s office in Rayong held a ceremony, where locals sought blessings for luck after winning significant lottery prizes in the past. The auspicious numbers revealing event mesmerized the attendees. The ceremony took place at Thevada Fortune Teller office located along BanKhai-BanBueng road in Nong Bua, Ban Khai District, Rayong. Niruth Lamdapwong, Thevada Fortune Teller (Psychic Communicator with…
-
Tragic school knife fight claims life and leaves three injured in northeast Thailand
A devastating incident unfolded at a renowned school in Sisaket province, northeast Thailand, as a confrontation between seventh and eighth-grade students escalated into a fatal knife fight, resulting in one fatality and three injuries. The school promptly informed the police, who started an investigation to pursue legal measures. Yesterday, May 29, amidst the sombre atmosphere of grieving teenage students, a…
-
Prominent Chiang Mai abbot’s shocking crash leaves trail of carnage
A revered Chiang Mai temple abbot crashed into eight vehicles, including six cars and two motorcycles, causing carnage and prompting netizens to question why he was wearing shorts. The abbot, known as Kru Ba, was travelling to visit his younger brother but ended up in a multi-vehicle pile-up. A witness at the scene, Sakul, reported that the accident occurred around…
-
Venice’s Grand Canal turns fluorescent green, sparking health fears and mystery
Venice’s renowned Grand Canal turned bright green recently, generating concerns for residents and tourists alike. Local authorities are investigating the cause, while environmental experts conduct water testing to determine the potential harm to public health. This is not the first time the canal’s waters have changed colour, with similar incidents occurring in the past. A photograph shared by Luca Zaia,…
-
North Korea to launch military satellite amid US-South Korea drills
North Korea is set to launch its first military reconnaissance satellite in June, aiming to monitor US military activities in real-time, according to state media KCNA. Ri Pyong Chol, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers’ Party, criticised joint military exercises conducted by the United States and South Korea, describing them as displays of “reckless ambition for…
-
Nato condemns Kosovo attacks as peacekeepers clash with Serb protesters
NATO has criticised the recent attacks on its peacekeepers in Kosovo, calling them “totally unacceptable.” Clashes erupted between police, NATO troops, and Serb demonstrators in the north of the country, resulting in injuries to approximately 25 peacekeepers. The unrest is connected to the installation of ethnic Albanian mayors, which has sparked tensions in the region. In Zvecan, tear gas and…
-
Man fatally stabs himself in chest after row with girlfriend
A distressed 25 year old man fatally stabbed himself in the chest after a row with his girlfriend in Chon Buri, Thailand. Paramedics rushed to the scene, but the man’s injuries were too severe and he later died at Sattahip Naval Base Hospital. The incident took place at around 9pm yesterday in a residence located in Soi Bon Kai 16,…
-
Singapore’s private home prices soar to US$1.2 million, topping Asia Pacific cities
The median price of a private home in Singapore reached US$1.2 million in 2022, making it the highest among Asia Pacific cities, according to a report by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Asia Pacific Centre for Housing. Singapore is also ranked as the most expensive city in the region for renting a private home. The median private home price in…
-
Pattaya bar owner faces loan shark threats forcing staff to undress for debt money
A bar owner in Pattaya reported a violent debt-collecting gang to the local police after facing harassment and threats from 14 different loan providers. The 31 year old woman was forced to borrow money from various lenders for financial troubles, accumulating around 800,000 baht (US$23,100) in debt, with a daily interest payment of 30,000 baht (US$870). The bar owner, Daranee…
-
Thai man set on fire by cousin in drug-related dispute
A Thai man suffered serious injuries after his cousin intentionally set him on fire at his home in the northern province of Chaing Rai at night on May 28. The perpetrator’s girlfriend revealed that the violent act was motivated by a drug-related dispute. The incident took place in a residential area belonging to the Akha ethnic community, situated in the…
-
Maduro visits Brazil, signals ‘new era’ in relations with Lula
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has made his first visit to Brazil since being banned by former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro in 2019. Maduro was welcomed by the new president, fellow leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, ahead of a summit of Latin American leaders in Brasilia. Lula highlighted the importance of Maduro’s visit, stating it marked the beginning of his…
-
Italian intelligence agents among Lake Maggiore boat disaster victims
A tragic boating incident on Lake Maggiore in northern Italy claimed the lives of four individuals, including two Italian intelligence agents and a retired Israeli security forces member. The victims were identified as Claudio Alonzi, 62 years old, Tiziana Barnobi, 53 years old, and Shimoni Erez, 60 years old. The fourth victim was Anya Bozhkova, the 50-year-old Russian wife of…
-
Korean War hero’s remains returned to family after 73 years
After 73 years, the remains of a US soldier who perished in the Korean War have finally been returned to his family for burial. Army Cpl Luther Herschel Story was just 18 years old when he was presumed killed in action on September 1, 1950, after being wounded while covering his company’s retreat. Although his remains were found about a…
-
Ukraine military intelligence chief warns swift response to Russian missile strikes
Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, General Kyrylo Budanov, has issued a warning of a swift retaliation following a series of Russian missile attacks on Kyiv. He stated that Monday’s strikes did not intimidate the capital’s residents, who carried on with their daily lives. Officials confirmed that all missiles were intercepted, with no casualties reported. However, flaming debris from the downed missiles…
-
Russia issues arrest warrant for US Senator over edited video row
An arrest warrant has been issued by Russia for US Senator Lindsey Graham after a manipulated video appeared to show him celebrating the deaths of Russian soldiers. The edited footage, which combined two separate instances, was shared by the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after the two met in Kyiv last week. The video showed Senator Graham praising aid…
-
Biden optimistic on bipartisan deal to suspend US debt ceiling
US President Joe Biden has expressed optimism that a bipartisan agreement to temporarily suspend the nation’s debt ceiling will pass through Congress. The deal must first be approved in the closely-divided House of Representatives before proceeding to a Senate vote. Both Democrat and Republican leaders anticipate it will be passed, although some lawmakers have stated they will vote against it.…
-
Exploring South Asia’s virtual gambling revolution
Like the rest of the world, South Asia has experienced massive growth in the online gambling industry. Understanding why virtual gambling is popular is quite easy and straightforward. The online gambling industry gives those gambling junkies the ultimate entertainment and it’s just a click away. People from all over the world can enjoy the excitement that comes with casino games…
-
Rare albino panda spotted in China’s Wolong National Nature Reserve (video)
On Saturday, an infrared camera at the Wolong National Nature Reserve in China’s southwestern Sichuan province captured footage of an all-white giant panda approaching another panda and her cub. The footage, taken in late February, shows the rare albino panda interacting with the panda pair. The video reveals that the all-white panda walked straight toward the resting panda mother and…
-
Pineapple plant leaves locals pining for lottery jackpot luck
Residents marvelled at an unusual pineapple plant, featuring more than 10 two-tiered pineapple shoots, leading them to make offerings and seek lucky numbers ahead of the lottery draw on Thursday, June 1. The unusual pineapple, found in Ban Tam, Phayao province, Thailand, has drawn many residents to witness the phenomenon and seek good fortune. This unusual pineapple plant stands out…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.