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 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...
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Foreign man slaps Phuket taxi driver and rams van in separate incidents
Local news agencies and residents in Phuket are demanding police action against a foreign man who was caught on a viral video slapping a Thai taxi driver in the face in the middle of the road. A Thai motorist shared dashcam footage of the incident with the Facebook news page Phuket Times, yesterday, May 4. The assault reportedly occurred on…
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Australian man arrested in Thailand over armed robbery charges
Thai immigration officers apprehended an Australian man linked to an armed robbery at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, according to official sources. The Aussie was detained on May 3 after arriving from Bali on Thai Airways flight TG432. He was intercepted while attempting to travel to Phuket on a connecting flight. The Immigration Bureau reported that biometric checks flagged him as banned…
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Former village head arrested for fatal shooting in Samut Prakan
A former village head in Samut Prakan was apprehended following an incident where he shot his nephew and niece-in-law. The shooting took place in Samut Prakan, and the gunman was detained in Chon Buri. The incident occurred at the couple’s residence on Soi Boonthanom, Samrong subdistrict, Phra Pradaeng district, where a dispute over a planned modification of a shared wall…
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Foreign restaurateurs accused of stealing menu from Bangkok eatery
A Thai restaurant in the Central Embassy shopping mall in Bangkok exposed the actions of a foreign couple who stole two menu books on April 29, reportedly intending to copy them to operate a restaurant in their home country. The well-known restaurant, Kaithong Original, shared CCTV screenshots of the couple on its official page on May 1, accompanied by a…
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Thai motocross rider dies in cliff fall after fleeing wasps
A Thai motocross rider lost his life after falling from a cliff in the central province of Saraburi while fleeing a swarm of wasps on Friday, May 2. A group of more than 10 motocross riders sought help from the Ruam Katanyu Rescue Foundation after one of their friends, 38 year old Noppadon Nakyot, went missing in the forest on…
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Bangkok police seize 34,000 counterfeit perfumes worth 4.3m
The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) carried out a recent operation in Bangkok, leading to the seizure of over 34,000 counterfeit branded perfumes smuggled from China, valued at 4.3 million baht. Commander Pattanasak Bupphasuwan of the CPPD announced that the May 3 raids focused on suspected storage hubs in Rat Burana and Bukkhalo districts. During these coordinated searches, 34,806 fake…
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Bomb in Narathiwat kills police officer during murder investigation
A police officer tragically passed away following a bomb explosion at a lamppost in Narathiwat province. The explosion occurred as the police officer was retrieving evidence from a CCTV camera during an investigation into the fatal shooting of a blind elderly woman and her son on May 2. The explosion took place yesterday, May 4, at 1.30pm in the Chang…
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Stake F1 team Kick Sauber unveils art-inspired livery for Miami Grand Prix
Miami Grand Prix was the venue at which much of the F1 giants decided to enter the race with their new livery. Fair play to all participants, but the start of the night was definitely Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber. The inspiration for Sauber’s latest livery was Miami’s vibrant art scene, and you could tell from the first look. As…
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Thailand promotes Muay Thai as soft power in Europe and China
The Department of International Trade Promotion, under the Ministry of Commerce, has unveiled a strategic plan to promote Muay Thai as a soft power in Europe and China. This initiative aims to expand the market for related products and services by leveraging the global popularity of Muay Thai, thereby generating revenue across various industries. The strategy focuses on three main…
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Surat Thani arrests: youth-targeted online gambling busted
In the southern province of Surat Thani, three people in their 20s were apprehended on allegations of hosting online football gambling activities that particularly attracted young participants. The arrests, which took place in Mueang district, were carried out by police and administrative officials. Surat Thani governor, Theeroot Supawibulpol, revealed that the arrests occurred yesterday, May 3, following the discovery of…
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Police dismantle online prostitution ring, arrest 10 in Thailand
Police have dismantled an online prostitution ring operating through a prominent platform, arresting 10 women involved in the operation. The raid took place at two locations, a condominium and an apartment, situated in the Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani districts. Legal action is being pursued against the platform administrators. Yesterday, May 3, Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwpan, alongside Police Major General…
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Thailand, Malaysia to enhance cross-border transport links
The Thai government is working towards enhanced collaboration with Malaysia to improve infrastructure and cross-border connectivity, with a focus on connecting roads and railways. Transport Minister Suriya Juengrunreangkit hosted Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke in Bangkok on May 2, where both parties discussed improving transport networks for faster and safer travel and freight between the two countries. Key outcomes from…
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Thai man dies in lightning strike while on motorcycle
A 61 year old man from Mueang district, Buriram province, Amnat, tragically died after being struck by lightning while riding his motorcycle with a sidecar to inspect his sugarcane field. The incident occurred yesterday, May 3, at approximately 8am. Police found only a mobile phone on his body. His wife disclosed that despite her warnings against leaving due to the…
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Man arrested after fatal sickle attack over neighbour dispute
A 40 year old man was arrested for fatally attacking his 64 year old neighbour with a sickle in Mueang Phra Phloeng, Khao Chakan district, Sa Kaeo province. The incident occurred on May 2, with the suspect claiming provocation due to harassment of his wife and ongoing disputes. Yesterday, May 3, Police Colonel Montri Chuying, acting as superintendent of Khao…
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Former abbot in Si Racha faces indecent conduct charges
A former abbot from a temple in Si Racha district, Chon Buri, has been defrocked and is facing accusations of indecent conduct involving a 13 year old girl. The case has expanded with a new victim, a 16 year old boy, who was allegedly abused and paid a small amount of money. The boy’s mother expressed concerns about the police…
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Man surrenders after viral Pattaya traffic altercation
A man involved in a heated incident in Pattaya, Chon Buri, has surrendered to the police. The altercation, which gained significant attention online, involved him jumping on and kicking a white Mazda car due to frustration over a traffic disagreement. Identified as 40 year old Chai, the man attempted to drive against the flow of traffic and became agitated when…
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Violence in Narathiwat claims lives, sparking urgent security measures
A recent spate of violence in Narathiwat province has led to the tragic deaths of a nine year old girl and a blind elderly woman. Regional Army Commander Paisal Nusang condemned these acts as inhumane. The incidents were reported on May 3 at the Office of the Islamic Committee in Pattani province. On May 2, unidentified assailants on three motorcycles…
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Two students found dead after Pattani flash flood tragedy
Two female students who were swept away by a flash flood while exploring Sai Khao Waterfall in Pattani province have been found dead. Their bodies were discovered a kilometre apart despite challenging search conditions. Emergency services resorted to rappelling and drone technology in the search effort. The incident occurred yesterday, May 3, at 3.15pm, as officials from Na Pradu in…
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Fire erupts on yacht off Na Jomtien coast, no casualties reported
In Chon Buri’s Sattahip district, a fire broke out on a yacht off the coast of Na Jomtien yesterday morning, May 3, with no reported casualties. The incident occurred at approximately 6.20am, prompting a quick response from the Na Jomtien disaster prevention and mitigation office. Initially moored at Ao Ban Amphur, the yacht was attended to by small boats from…
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Heavy rain warning issued for Thailand with potential flash floods
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning of heavy rainfall across most of Thailand, cautioning against potential flash floods and forest runoffs, especially in foothill areas. As of 5pm yesterday, May 3, the TMD forecast severe weather conditions over the next 24 hours, with southern regions experiencing significant rainfall. Residents in these areas are advised to be cautious…
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Thailand urged to adopt single cigarette tax rate to boost revenue
Thailand’s current tiered tax system on cigarettes has been criticised by academics, who urge the government to switch to a single excise tax rate as advised by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The existing system is said to neither reduce illegal cigarette sales nor increase state revenue or deter new smokers. Dr Roengrudee Patanavanich from Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine…
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Thailand reports first anthrax death in 30 years, health alert issued
Thailand has experienced its first anthrax-related death in 30 years, resulting in a public health alert after hundreds in Mukdahan province were possibly exposed to the bacteria. A 53 year old man from Mukdahan passed away on Wednesday, April 30, after contracting anthrax. A second confirmed case and three additional suspected cases are also being investigated in the same province,…
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Thailand hotel prices soar, low season sparks price war fears
Room rates experienced a significant rise during the recent tourism High Season, drawing criticism from travellers who perceived Thai hotels as more costly than those in neighbouring countries. As the low season now takes hold, some hoteliers express concerns over potential price wars due to reduced arrivals. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, the president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), reported that the…
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Jackpot! Sisaket couple clears debt with Thai lottery win
A couple from Sisaket province experienced a life-changing event after winning 6 million baht in the latest lottery draw. At their residence in Lin Fa subdistrict, Yang Chum Noi district, family and locals gathered yesterday, May 2, to congratulate 58 year old Lamphong and his 56 year old wife, Kanokwan, who won the first prize in the Thai Government Lottery…
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Fatal fall: Polish tourist plunges to his death from Phuket condo
A Polish tourist fell to his death from a fifth-floor condo in Kathu district, Phuket, while his wife witnessed the incident. The 34 year old man, identified as Swalomir, lost his balance after standing up and toppled over the balcony. This was confirmed by his wife, who was present at the time. The incident occurred at 12.13am today, May 3.…
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Pattaya gang attacks security guards over loud music in Jomtien
A violent encounter in Na Jomtien has left two security guards injured after they tried to intervene in a heated dispute between youths. Armed with knives and sticks, a gang of teenagers launched a brutal attack, leaving the guards with destroyed property and serious concerns over the lawlessness in the area. Yesterday, May 2, two security guards from Na Jomtien…
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No plans to quit: Roi Et man wins 12 million baht, keeps working
In the northeastern province of Roi Et, a 45 year old department store employee experienced a significant change in fortune after winning 12 million baht from two first-prize lottery tickets. Despite his newfound wealth, he plans to continue working. Yesterday, May 2, Vilai Phakacherd visited Roi Et Police Station to register his lottery win as evidence before claiming his prize…
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Patong brawl: Ladyboys wreak havoc again on Soi Bangla (video)
A video of a ladyboy brawl in Patong’s Soi Bangla has gone viral, sparking heated online discussions. Netizens expressed concern over the incident damaging Phuket’s image as a tourist destination. Calls for stricter law enforcement have emerged, while others stress the importance of addressing the behaviour without targeting a community. The โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต Facebook page shared a disturbing video of a…
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Phuket labour day funds cancer centre amid workers’ struggles
Phuket provincial officials marked National Labour Day 2025 with the event Labourers for the Light on Thursday, raising more than 150,000 baht to support the construction of the province’s first government cancer centre at Vachira Phuket Hospital. The event, which took place at Bang Wad Dam, was presided over by Phuket Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam and brought together over 900…
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Pattaya driver vanishes after brutal crash, leaving car wrecked
Villagers in Soi 1, South Pattaya, were jolted awake in the middle of the night by the deafening screech of brakes, followed by a loud crash as a car ploughed into an electric pole. Rushing out of their homes to investigate, they were met with a bewildering scene. The sedan, its front end completely wrecked and the bumper lying in…
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