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 Answers to the most common questions about international health insurance
If you’ve been thinking of staying in Thailand long-term, you’ve probably already asked the big question, “Do I actually need international health insurance?” It’s a question that often comes up among expats, digital nomads, retirees, and even frequent travellers. Sure,...
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Reckless Chinese man hits the brakes on safety in Pattaya
Carnage unfolded on Thepprasit Road as a reckless Chinese man unleashed mayhem in a high-speed horror crash, leaving several injured and claiming at least one life. The catastrophe struck at 9.06pm, yesterday, December 5, prompting a swift response from authorities led by Police Lieutenant Sanan Kotanon and emergency crews from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya City. On arrival, officers were greeted…
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Paradise to Pattaya peril: Canadian’s vacation takes deadly dive
A Canadian tourist’s dream getaway to a plush resort near Jomtien Beach in Pattaya turned into a nightmare after a fatal fall. The Canadian, Gilbert Giroud, met his tragic end when he slipped and suffered fatal injuries, leaving holiday heaven in heartbreak. In a regular afternoon turning to chaos, patrolling police got the alarming call at 3.34pm, yesterday, December 5.…
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Loei police seize 90 bikes in street racing crackdown
Police in Loei province swooped on illegal street racing gang over a nine-day operation, seizing nearly 100 modified motorcycles and issuing numerous legal actions against offenders. The operation aimed to curb the public nuisance and safety hazards posed by these activities. Police in Loei province, including the Provincial Governor Chaipoj Jarunpong and Police Major General Phongpipat Siripornviwat, held a press…
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Gunfire attack at Thai office linked to youth gang
A brazen attack unfolded at the administrative office of Wang Taku subdistrict, Nakhon Pathom, when unknown assailants opened fire, causing significant damage with 17 bullet holes in the building. Police suspect a youth gang may be behind this act of violence. At approximately 8.30am yesterday, December 4, investigation officer Kritnai Ngenyuang from Nakhon Pathom City Police Station received a report…
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Thai industry urges delay on 400 baht minimum wage increase
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) is set to appeal to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra tomorrow, urging a postponement of the upcoming increase in the daily minimum wage to 400 baht, scheduled for January 1 next year. This request arises from the current economic challenges businesses are facing. Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of…
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Terror threat won’t deter Israeli tourists from Phuket, says PTA
Israel’s recent warning of a terrorist threat in Southeast Asia, following the murder of an Israeli rabbi in the United Arab Emirates, is not expected to impact Phuket, according to the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA). Despite the alert, Phuket remains a popular destination for Israeli tourists, with enhanced safety measures in place to ensure visitor security. The National Council of…
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Family dispute turns deadly as man shoots uncle in Nonthaburi
A 25 year old man, Chakraphan, fatally shot his uncle, 34 year old Chakrawat, in a heated altercation during a mealtime gathering. The incident unfolded late last night in front of a construction workers’ dormitory in Ban Mai, Bang Yai, Nonthaburi. Police from Bang Mae Nang swiftly apprehended Chakraphan after the shooting yesterday, December 4. Chakraphan’s mother, 50 year old…
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Cyber police raid Chiang Mai resort, bust illegal call centre
Cyber police and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) carried out a raid on a luxurious resort in Chiang Mai, uncovering a Chinese gang operating an illegal call centre targeting Thai victims. The operation, which involved over 20 officers, took place yesterday afternoon, leading to the arrest of several individuals and the seizure of numerous illegal telecommunications devices. The…
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Australian man arrested after chaotic naked rampage in Pattaya
In a striking incident near Pattaya, an Australian man caused chaos in a luxury village by running unclothed, setting his residence ablaze, and damaging vehicles. The event unfolded yesterday, December 4, at 8.30am when Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, Nattakon Chanlod, received a report concerning a foreign individual behaving erratically in Nongprue. The man, identified as 38 year old Andrew, was…
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‘Fast Eddie’ Davenport fights closure of 652 million baht London mansion amid controversy
Notorious fraudster Edward “Fast Eddie” Davenport has returned to the UK from Thailand to contest a police order to shut down his £15 million (652 million baht) in Marylebone, London. The 58 year old, known for hosting raucous sex parties at the lavish property, is challenging a closure notice issued by the Metropolitan Police under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and…
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Thailand cuts car taxes to boost electric vehicle production
Thailand’s National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee has approved a revamped car tax structure to bolster the production of hybrid vehicles and transition from internal combustion engines to electric power. Chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the committee aims to position Thailand as a leading hub for electric vehicle (EV) and electric motorcycle production in Southeast Asia. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, the Secretary-General…
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Thailand expands free essential medicines list, saving 170 million baht
The National Drug System Development Committee expanded the national list of essential medicines, ensuring that patients can access these drugs at no cost. This decision is set to improve healthcare accessibility for many in Thailand, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong yesterday, December 4. The committee has now made over 20 new drugs available on this national list.…
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Bangkok arrests three African nationals in human trafficking crackdown
Three individuals from Africa have been apprehended in connection with a notorious human trafficking ring in Bangkok. The gang, known as madam, is accused of luring women from Africa into prostitution in Thailand’s capital city. Police from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) initiated the crackdown with the arrest of a Malian man, identified only as Baba, in Nong Khai…
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Over 1,000 detained in Thai nominee crackdown on foreign businesses
Police intensified their crackdown on the use of Thai nominees by foreign businesses, resulting in the detention of over 1,000 individuals over recent weeks. This sweeping operation was a joint effort by police and the Ministry of Commerce, targeting companies engaging in illicit business practices. Investigations focused on 442 companies, collectively handling over 3.6 billion baht (US$105 million), across 46…
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1 dead, 3 seriously injured in Bangkok lift tragedy
A tragic accident occurred when an outdated lift at an air conditioning equipment store in the Taling Chan area of Bangkok malfunctioned, leading to one fatality and three serious injuries. The lift, unable to support more than 300 kilogrammes, resulted in a deadly fall. The incident took place at a five-storey building on Ratchaphruek Road, where the company sells home…
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Chaos on the Chao Phraya: Tugboat smashes into 6 tour boats
Tourists and locals were left stunned this morning when a heavily laden tugboat ploughed into six moored tour boats on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, sinking one and injuring a woman. The dramatic accident unfolded just before 11am near Krung Thep Bridge in the Bang Kholaem district, as the tug struggled against a strong current while hauling barges filled with sand.…
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Bangkok hospital debunks ‘incomplete blood’ myths
Claims that feeling sleepy and bloated after meals is common in individuals with “incomplete blood” have been debunked by medical authorities. Rajavithi Hospital, under Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, clarified that such claims are false. A recent online post suggested that symptoms like a taut stomach, droopy eyelids, and post-meal drowsiness are indicative of “incomplete blood.” However, Rajavithi Hospital’s investigation…
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Former bank officer arrested in Nakhon Sawan for 500k fraud
The Anti-Corruption Division of the police, in collaboration with the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, apprehended a former state bank officer involved in defrauding locals of half a million baht. The suspect faces charges at the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 6 today, December 4. Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), and…
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Brew-haha: Coffee shop clash near Chanthaburi temple boils over
A dispute over the ownership of a coffee shop near a temple in Chanthaburi province escalated into a chaotic confrontation, with people vandalising property and engaging in public altercations. The incident at Ko Proet Temple in Laem Sing district saw a group of people demolishing a wall and removing signage, all of which was captured by CCTV cameras. This conflict…
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Bangkok traffic cop under fire for fine collection via tuk tuk driver
Concerns over corruption arose after a Bangkok traffic police officer was caught in a viral video instructing a motorist to pay a fine through the bank account of a tuk tuk driver. The alleged misconduct came to light after a TikTok account, Talk with the Police, shared a video of the questionable incident at the end of November. The caption…
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Thailand proposes VAT hike, cuts income tax to boost economy
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has proposed a shift in Thailand’s tax strategy to bolster state revenue and enhance the nation’s economic standing. The plan includes raising the value-added tax (VAT) while reducing corporate and personal income tax rates. This approach aims to drive national development, increase competitiveness, and address domestic disparities. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development recently set…
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Phuket Red Cross urges blood donations as tourist season begins
The Phuket branch of the Red Cross Society and Vachira Phuket Hospital have made an urgent appeal for blood donations, particularly as the tourist High Season begins. With the approach of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday, which is also observed as Thailand National Day and Father’s Day, special blood donation events are planned for tomorrow, December 5. This date holds significant…
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Man in Bang Bua Thong accused of sexually assaulting young girl
A deeply disturbing incident unfolded in Bang Bua Thong where a 50 year old man allegedly lured a 13 year old girl into his home under the pretext of playing with his cats before attempting to sexually assault her. The distressing event came to light when the girl’s blind grandmother, along with a neighbour, reported the matter to the local police.…
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Ready for takeoff: Thai SmartLynx poised to shake up Thai skies
Thailand’s aviation industry is about to soar with the arrival of Thai SmartLynx Airlines, set to launch operations in January 2025. Its inaugural aircraft, an Airbus A320, is currently undergoing meticulous engine inspections in Bali, preparing to meet the country’s growing demand for air travel as tourism rebounds. With tourism projected to bring in 40 million visitors in 2025, Thai…
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Airbus partnership aims to turn Thailand into aviation powerhouse
Thailand is gearing up to soar as the region’s top aviation hub, thanks to a high-flying partnership with European aerospace giant Airbus. In a bid to revolutionise the nation’s aviation infrastructure and safety standards, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit met Airbus Asia-Pacific president Anand Stanley in Bangkok yesterday, December 3, to map out ambitious plans. The partnership focuses on transforming Thailand…
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Foreign driver at large after hit-and-run and chase in Bangkok (video)
A foreign driver managed to flee following a hit-and-run in the On Nut area of Bangkok and a high-speed chase with Thai motorcycle taxi riders. An app-based motorcycle taxi rider shared a video of the incident on his TikTok account, tukgii3, on Monday, 2 December, with the caption: “On Nut is very thrilling. #HitAndRun #OutsideBigCOnNut.” The video showed a red…
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Chinese man arrested in Bangkok for alleged rape of Thai student
A 33 year old Chinese man has been apprehended by police in Bangkok following allegations of rape involving an 18 year old university student. The incident, which was reportedly filmed by the suspect, raised significant concerns about the safety of young women in the capital city. The victim recounted to police that she encountered the suspect, identified as Su Xing…
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Smoke signals: Dad’s bad habits lights way for Thai teens to vape
Nearly 40% of fathers in Thailand are smokers, a habit significantly impacting their children as the trend of vaping among youth rises, with the average age of vapers decreasing yearly. Survey findings reveal these insights, highlighting concerns over the influence of paternal smoking on the younger generation. A recent survey, encompassing 1,159 fathers and other male figures involved in child-rearing…
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Four Thai nationals safe after Myanmar sea detainment
Four Thai nationals detained in Myanmar are reportedly safe after their boat allegedly entered Myanmar waters in the Andaman Sea over the weekend. The government reported this information yesterday, December 3, following an incident where Myanmar navy vessels reportedly opened fire on some of the 15 Thai fishing boats that strayed 6 to 7 kilometres into Myanmar waters on November…
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Thai social security wage ceiling set to increase by 2026
The Thai Social Security Office (SSO) is set to revise its wage ceiling, planning an increase to between 17,500 and 23,000 baht. This change aims to enhance pensions and compensation benefits for insured individuals under Section 33, with implementation expected by January 2026. The SSO of the Ministry of Labour opened a public consultation recently to gather opinions on a…
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