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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Phuket earthquake sinking rumour slammed as fake news
Rumours that Phuket could vanish beneath the waves after a major earthquake sent shockwaves across social media but officials say it’s all nonsense. The Anti-Fake News Centre stepped in yesterday, April 24, to squash a viral claim suggesting that the popular Thai island could sink into the sea following a massive tremor. The panic-inducing posts also alleged a catastrophic death…
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Thai sub-district chief allegedly asks for sex from married woman
A married Thai woman accused a sub-district chief in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima of sexually harassing her by openly asking for sex in front of others while dining at a restaurant last year. The 37 year old woman, identified only as Tuk, is seeking justice after the accused official remains in his position despite her complaint. She revealed…
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Pattaya police arrest Uzbek national with counterfeit US$3,000
A swift police operation in Pattaya led to the arrest of a 31 year old Uzbek national today. He was caught red-handed with 30 counterfeit US$100 bills, triggering a wave of concern among local businesses. “After a report from a currency exchange shop, which revealed that a foreign tourist had exchanged US$3,000 for Thai baht only to discover the bills…
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Deadly tropical sandfly behind fatal fever cases in Thailand
A rare but potentially deadly disease spread by a common sandfly has claimed two lives in Thailand this year, as health chiefs warn locals and travellers to slap on the bug spray and stay alert. Thailand has recorded over 40 cases of Leishmaniasis, a tropical disease transmitted by sandflies, with two deaths confirmed so far in 2025 – one in…
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Thai transwoman commits suicide after losing 7 million baht in scam
A Thai transwoman committed suicide in her parked car outside her barbecue restaurant in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, after reportedly losing over 7 million baht in an investment scam. A worker at the restaurant in Bang Kruai district noticed the vehicle belonging to his transgender employer, Sarut, parked outside unusually early on the morning of April 24. He became suspicious,…
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Pattaya poker faces dealt losing hand in underground bust (video)
A major crackdown on illegal gambling in Pattaya led to the arrest of 19 people, including 10 foreigners, after police raided an underground poker club. The raid on Wednesday, April 23, uncovered more than 5 million baht in gambling circulation, and the police are now pressing charges. “On Tuesday afternoon, Pol. Col. Anek Srathongyu, Superintendent of Pattaya Police Station, led…
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Phuket flyer dodges tornado terror as storm grounds landing (video)
A Thai tourist got more turbulence than he bargained for today on a family getaway to Phuket, when a tornado ripped through the skies, forcing his flight to abort landing mid-descent. Gripped by fear, the shaken passenger admitted he chanted prayers as the plane circled the island for half an hour waiting for the skies to clear. Holiday plans turned…
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20 test positive for meth in surprise Phuket drug screening
Thalang district officials uncovered a disturbing 20 cases of methamphetamine (meth) use during a surprise drug screening operation in Pa Khlok. The operation on Wednesday, April 23, part of a wider crackdown on drug abuse, involved a special operations team from the Thalang district administration, village headmen, public health volunteers, and Thalang Police. “Officers set up checkpoints in three key…
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Thai police defend probe into Chulalongkorn exam leak scandal
Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) defended its involvement in the investigation of a 2023 exam paper leak at Chulalongkorn University. The case allegedly implicates a former senior police officer who was then enrolled in a special undergraduate law programme. On Wednesday, April 23, the TCSD commissioner, Police Major General Siriwat Dipho, stressed that the investigation is being conducted impartially…
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5 dead in Cham-am plane crash tragedy after engine failure
Royal Thai Police (RTP) confirmed five passengers died in the plane crash in Cha-am this morning, with one fighting for his life in hospital. A RTP spokesperson added that the right engine failed during a test flight and revealed more details about the aircraft model, shedding light on the tragic incident. The RTP is reeling after a fatal crash involving one…
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Phuket fishing tragedy: Man dies after being swept into sea
A man tragically lost his life after being swept into the sea by a huge wave while fishing at Laem Sing Beach. The horrific incident occurred around 3.40pm, yesterday, April 24, when a foreign tourist in the area witnessed the man being knocked off the rocks and into the water at the southern tip of the beach. “Seeing him fall,…
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Thailand video news | Brit Arrested for Drugs and Overstaying in Koh Samui, Indians Caught Smuggling Hydroponic Weed from Bangkok to Mumbai
In today’s regional news update by Jay and Alex, law enforcement across Southeast Asia remains active, from drug busts in Thailand and India to visa crackdowns and safety investigations. Meanwhile, political shifts are underway in Singapore ahead of the general election, and new public health regulations are rolling out in Malaysia. Tensions surrounding foreign influence in the Philippines and infrastructure…
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Audit office blames thin elevator shafts for Bangkok collapse
The State Audit Office (SAO) released a statement addressing the decision to reduce the wall thickness of the elevator shafts in its new 30-storey building, which allegedly contributed to its collapse during an earthquake. The statement clarified that the adjustment in wall thickness was made to comply with appropriate building standards for interior architecture. The construction contract was awarded to…
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Twin tremors hit Pai as Thailand’s earthquake saga continues​
Northern Thailand was rocked late last night by a pair of earthquakes in Mae Hong Son’s picturesque Pai district, sending tremors across two provinces and adding to a growing list of seismic shocks unsettling the region in recent weeks.​ At 10.27pm, yesterday, April 24, a 3.8-magnitude earthquake struck Wiang Nuea subdistrict in Pai district, Mae Hong Son province, at a…
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DSI uncovers illegal pork import scheme with Thai, Chinese links
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) announced the discovery of illegal pork imports involving Thai and Chinese investors, along with government officials. A total of 161 containers of frozen pork were found. This announcement took place yesterday, April 24, at the DSI office in Chaeng Watthana Government Complex. Present were Somboon Muangklam, advisor to the justice minister, and several DSI…
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Talk not tariffs: ASEAN plays it cool as trade war heats up
As Washington rattles the tariff sabre, ASEAN isn’t taking the bait, instead doubling down on diplomacy and pledging to keep trade ties intact with the US, its second-biggest partner. ASEAN has made it crystal clear: it’s sticking with multilateralism and won’t retaliate against US tariff hikes. That’s the message from Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan after a special virtual summit of…
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SUV crushed between 2 trucks causes 8 deaths, 3 injuries
In a heart-wrenching accident, eight lives, including those of young children, were tragically cut short when a colossal 22-wheel truck slammed into a parked SUV and another lorry in an emergency parling area. The crash, which left three others injured, occurred on a motorway heading towards Chon Buri province. Officials from the Phranakhon Radio Centre were alerted to the fatal…
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Thai Vietjet launches summer fares from 799 baht
Thai Vietjet is turning up the heat this summer with an unbeatable promotion, offering domestic flights from just 799 baht, including taxes and fees! Whether you’re dreaming of a beach getaway to Phuket, a city escape to Chiang Mai, or a cultural trip to Hat Yai, there’s a deal waiting for you. But that’s not all – international routes are…
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Thai woman fatally shot in front of son in financial dispute
In a chilling scene straight out of Nakhon Pathom, a man fatally shot a woman right before her 11 year old son. The tragedy didn’t stop there as the suspect then took another woman hostage before police swooped in for the arrest. His motive? He accused the victim of swindling him out of cash. Officers from Mueang Nakhon Pathom Police…
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Second storm warning for upper Thailand this summer
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a second warning regarding summer storms expected to affect upper Thailand from tomorrow, April 26 to Thursday, May 1. This announcement highlights the potential for thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, and heavy rainfall in some areas. The storms are anticipated due to a moderate high-pressure system from China moving over Vietnam and the South China…
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Thai and mighty: Exports soar to 3-year high despite tariff troubles
Thai exports are firing on all cylinders, with shipments rocketing to their highest level in three years, defying fears over punishing US tariffs and giving the economy a hefty shot in the arm. Thai exports surged for the ninth straight month in March, jumping 17.8% year-on-year to a record-breaking US$29.5 billion, or around 1 trillion baht, according to the Commerce Ministry.…
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Thailand snuffs out 80% of e-cigarettes in teen vape clampdown
Vaping in Thailand has taken a sharp nosedive, with an eye-watering 80% drop in sales and usage in just two months, as the government lights a fire under its anti-e-cigarette campaign. Deputy Government Spokesman Anukool Pruksanusak announced the dramatic plunge, crediting a no-nonsense crackdown ordered by the Prime Minister amid mounting concern over teen vaping. “The number of young users…
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Thailand pushes for inclusive job market for silver age workers
Jobsdb by SEEK, Thailand’s leading job platform, is advancing the country’s labour market by supporting the Silver Age workforce, those aged 55 and above, in preparing for a future shaped by AI technology and digital tools. As of yesterday, April 23, the Silver Age group comprises over 13 million people, roughly 20% of Thailand’s workforce, with projections of the country…
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Star voyager cruise docks in Pattaya for the first time
Thailand just got a massive upgrade on the luxury travel map — and it’s coming by sea. For the first time ever, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) teamed up with StarDream Cruises to welcome the Star Voyager to Thai shores, marking a milestone moment in the kingdom’s cruise tourism ambitions. The sleek, high-end cruise ship officially launched operations from…
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Husband’s sign warns thief after wife’s undergarments stolen twice
A husband has resorted to putting up a sign to deter an intruder who has twice stolen his wife’s undergarments. The thief was captured on CCTV, clearly showing the perpetrator in action. This incident was reported by a local Facebook page, which shared footage of the thief taking underwear from a clothesline. The CCTV footage shows the culprit, a man…
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UNICEF sounds alarm on Thailand’s rising child obesity
Thailand once made huge strides in improving children’s nutrition but now a new health crisis is growing — and it’s expanding waistlines. UNICEF Thailand has launched a powerful new campaign called Kin Rai Dee (What’s Good to Eat) in response to rising childhood obesity rates and stagnant progress on tackling undernutrition in parts of the country, particularly the southern border provinces,…
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Train wreck! Biker’s reckless dash leaves wife floored by railway barrier
A Thai motorcyclist ignored a railway barrier and recklessly rode through it, causing the barrier to strike his wife on the head and knock her to the ground in Bangkok. A Facebook user, Peet Love, shared footage of the incident on Tuesday, April 22, with a caption that read, “The incident occurred this morning. The train was coming, and you…
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Chinese steel fails second safety test in Thai collapse probe
The steel scandal behind the collapse of Thailand’s State Audit Office (SAO) building has deepened after fresh test results revealed another failure by Chinese manufacturer Xin Ke Yuan Steel — marking the second time its materials have failed to meet Thai industrial standards. Yesterday, April 23, Industry Minister Akanat Promphan confirmed the findings, citing results from the Iron and Steel…
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Russian tour guides busted in Phuket crackdown
Thailand’s sun-soaked tourist trails turned tense this week as Phuket Tourist Police swooped in on illegal tour guide operations, arresting two Russian nationals and fining two tour companies in a coordinated sting targeting unlicensed tourism activity. The crackdown, conducted yesterday, April 23, was spearheaded by Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekkachai Siri and involved officers from multiple police units and the Southern…
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Suspect arrested after attempted gold shop robbery in Yasothon
A suspect identified has been arrested following an attempted robbery at a gold shop in Mueang district, Yasothon province. The incident occurred on April 21 when the suspect, 29 year old Yotthana, also known as Sam Hongthong, disguised with a helmet and face covering, used an object resembling a firearm to threaten the shop owner. However, the owner resisted, preventing…
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