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 Limited-time deal: Save 20% on Cigna's expat health plans forever
Starting a new life abroad is exciting—new culture, new lifestyle, and new chances to grow. But living far from home also means taking steps to protect your health in unfamiliar surroundings. Without the right coverage, even small health issues can...
-
Senior cop denies links to iCon Group after video surfaces (video)
The Deputy Commander of Saraburi Provincial Police denied involvement with the iCon Group after a video of him speaking on the company’s stage circulated on Thai social media. Esor News 3 shared a video of the police officer speaking on the iCon Group stage about his career and journey in the direct selling business, which was his part-time job. The…
-
Thailand plans 71.6 kilometres expressway connecting Samut Sakhon and Samut Prakan
Thailand’s Expressway Authority (EXAT) is planning a new expressway spanning 71.6 kilometres to connect Samut Sakhon and Samut Prakan, aiming to significantly improve the transport infrastructure between these two provinces. The proposed project, named the Samut Sakhon-Samut Prakan Riviera, was disclosed by a source familiar with the matter. The project, with an estimated budget of 109.25 billion baht (US$3.2 billion),…
-
Former Thai soldier found dead in canal after eerie premonition
A flashing light provided an eerie premonition for a wife worried about her husband, a former special forces soldier who went fishing overnight. His body was eventually found floating in a canal near his motorcycle. At 11am yesterday, October 24, Deputy Inspector Danai Dech Kannarick received a report from 64 year old Bua Ban, who had discovered her husband’s Honda…
-
Thailand to build own trains, expand rail network to 7,500 km
Thailand is set to advance its railway technology with a government directive for the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the National Research and Development Institute of Rail Technology (NRDIT) to produce their locomotives and trains. This initiative aims to expand the country’s rail network from its current 4,044 kilometres to 7,500 kilometres in the future. Director of the NRDIT,…
-
Buriram gears up for MotoGP 2024 with travel incentives
Buriram is set to host the prestigious MotoGP event, PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2024, from today, October 25 to 27, at Chang International Circuit. Atthawit Rakjamroon, acting managing director of Transport Company Limited (BorKorSor), announced initiatives to boost travel and attendance for the event. In conjunction with the MotoGP event, BorKorSor introduced a campaign titled Register for Souvenirs… Get…
-
Decapitated body of missing teen found in Mukdahan pond
The decapitated body of a 15 year old teenager was found floating in a neighbour’s pond, sparking concerns among relatives about the cause of death. The body, discovered yesterday in Mukdahan, was identified as that of a boy who had recently argued with his mother before disappearing from home. Yesterday, October 24, police and rescue teams received a report of…
-
Jealous Thai husband kills wife over alleged fraud and affair
A jealous Thai man stabbed his wife to death in their apartment in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, yesterday, October 24, claiming she defrauded him and spent all of his money on her lover. The 65 year old Thai man, Karim Susaree, called officers from Rattanathibet Police Station to report the death of his 54 year old wife, Raenu Nikoratha, and…
-
Police set up centre for victims of 7 million baht iCon Group scam
Police in Suphan Buri has established a complaint centre to assist victims of The iCon Group investment scam, which has led to 30 complaints and a total financial loss exceeding 7 million baht. Police are now expediting the investigation by gathering documents and evidence to submit to the Consumer Protection Police Division. Suphan Buri Provincial Police, under the direction of…
-
Mother of online gambling suspect detained by Thai police
Police detained the mother of a serial illegal gambling operator in Thailand and transferred her to a women’s correctional facility after no relatives or lawyers submitted a bail request. She faces charges of promoting online gambling and money laundering. Investigators from Division 1 of the Central Investigation Bureau brought 51 year old Banyen Channara to the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road.…
-
Bail granted to Big Joke’s wife amidst theft and affair accusation
Phra Khanong Police Station officers granted bail to the wife of former police chief, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, after four hours of questioning regarding a theft accusation yesterday, October 24. The wife of a police officer, 50 year old Thanattha, filed a complaint against Big Joke’s wife, Sirinatda Hakparn, accusing her of stealing valuables worth approximately 5.7 million baht from…
-
Thailand’s vehicle production hits the brakes in a sharp downturn
The automotive industry in Thailand has experienced a significant downturn in vehicle production, with September 2024 seeing a total of 122,277 units produced, marking a 25.48% decrease from the same period last year. This decline reflects a 15.78% reduction in vehicles manufactured for export, totalling 87,666 units, and a 42.31% drop in vehicles produced for domestic sales, amounting to 34,611…
-
Rain check: Bangkok drizzles, South Thailand braces for downpour
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather warning, highlighting light rain in Bangkok and its vicinity, the central region, and the east, while the south braces for heavy rainfall affecting 60% of the area. The TMD forecasts the next 24 hours, noting that the high-pressure area or cold air mass covering the upper northern and northeastern regions has weakened.…
-
Phuket faces a splash of chaos as waterworks fixes leak
Phuket Waterworks Authority (PWA) announced urgent repairs on a leaking water pipe at the notorious three-way intersection in front of Wat Patong, scheduled for tomorrow. The work, which will run from 1am to 6pm, tomorrow, Saturday, October 26, will force the closure of one westbound lane on Phra Baramee Road. Traffic chaos is expected to spill over into the surrounding…
-
Architectural visionary Mario Kleff unveils new luxury villas in Pattaya
Mario Kleff, a celebrated figure in Pattaya’s architectural scene, has made a striking comeback with his latest project, Bamboo Luxury Villa. This exclusive development, set on over 4.5 rai of land in the tranquil suburb of Huai Yai, showcases Kleff’s distinctive approach to modern architecture, blending bold design with functionality and sustainability. Best known for his groundbreaking contributions to Pattaya’s…
-
Finance Ministry unveils 2025 State Welfare Card for low-income boost
The Ministry of Finance has just rolled out brand-new registrations for the 2025 State Welfare Card, aiming to wrap up all the eligibility checks by March 31, next year. That’s right, a fresh round of financial lifelines is coming with 1,545 baht heading straight into the pockets of those who qualify. The buzz kick-started today, October 24, when it was…
-
DSI criticised for seizing fake luxury watches from iCon Group CEO
Netizens and watch experts criticised the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for being deceived by the iCon Group CEO into seizing fake luxury watches from a rented room near the company office in the Bang Khen district of Bangkok. Following the arrest of iCon Group CEO Waratphol “Paul” Waratworakul and 17 other leading members, the DSI investigated each suspect’s assets…
-
Golden glow fades: Thailand’s gold prices take a baht-tle dive
After a dazzling run, gold prices have taken a nosedive in Thailand, with gold ornaments now pegged at 44,100 baht per baht weight. The Gold Traders Association (GTA) reports a 300 baht drop from yesterday, October 23, putting an end to the recent upward streak. As of 9.06am today, gold bullion is fetching 43,500 baht to buy and 43,600 baht…
-
Thai man kills former mother-in-law over financial help refusal
Police yesterday arrested a Thai man for the murder of his former mother-in-law at her home in the central province of Phetchaburi. The 69 year old woman, Pranee Wadprawate, was found lifeless in her home in Phetchaburi province at around 5am on October 17. She was only wearing underwear, with her sarong found near her body. A computer, gun, camera, and…
-
Forging chaos: Blacksmith turns village night into tail of terror
A tranquil Thai village turned into a night of horror as a local blacksmith, identified as Adirek, unleashed mayhem in Cha-uat, Nakhon Si Thammarat, by poisoning three loyal dogs and savagely attacking a father and son duo. Police were alerted to the bloody clash late last night, rushing to a home in Moo 2, Tha Samet, only to find pools…
-
Drunk motorcyclist crashes into Pattaya repair shop
An allegedly drunk motorcyclist lost control and crashed his motorcycle into a repair shop in Pattaya, resulting in serious injuries. This incident took place early today, October 24, on Pattaya Central Road near Soi 8/1. Pattaya police received reports of the accident at 1.30am. Following this, they coordinated with the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Foundation and a medical team from Bangkok…
-
Big Joke’s on her: Police wife caught in affair and burglary storm
The wife of former Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, has surrendered to Phra Kanong Police Station following allegations of an affair and the theft of 5.7 million baht. These allegations, concerning an extramarital affair and the theft of valuables worth approximately 5.7 million baht, surfaced after a complaint was filed with the police on…
-
Thai police arrest YouTuber for illegal firearm sales
Thai police arrested a young delivery rider who illegally manufactured and sold firearms through YouTube to earn extra income. Police detained 25 year old Wongsakorn in his fourth-floor apartment in Din Daeng, Bangkok, after discovering various homemade firearms and ammunition. The operation, led by Police Colonel Santi Kornkasem and his team, followed a tip-off from an informant about illegal gun…
-
Stamp out the fraud: Uzbek man licked at Phuket Airport
Immigration officers at Phuket International Airport apprehended a 35 year old Uzbek man on allegations of using forged stamps. The arrest occurred at the international arrivals hall around 9pm yesterday, October 23. A team from the Phuket Immigration Bureau, acting on the orders of Police Major General Chengron Rimphidi, Commander of Immigration Bureau 2, carried out the operation, according to an…
-
Man arrested for murder and robbery of former village head’s wife
Police in Phetchaburi Province arrested a 41 year old Thai man in connection with the murder and robbery of a former village head’s wife. The family suspected foul play, prompting them to exhume her body for a forensic examination. The tragic incident occurred earlier this month when the former village head’s wife, Pranee, was found dead in her home. Initially,…
-
Thailand’s 300-baht travel tax takes off with air passengers first
Collection of the 300-baht travel tax could initially target air passengers, with the system needing at least six months to become operational, as stated by the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced that the ministry is currently revising the details of the programme and plans to submit it for Cabinet approval in January. Despite the…
-
Bond voyage: Political risks drive foreign exodus from Thai bonds
Increased political risks and the central bank’s reluctance to further cut interest rates are prompting the selling of Thai government bonds. Foreign investors have withdrawn over US$850 million from baht bonds this month, marking the largest monthly outflow since August last year, according to the Thai Bond Market Association. This trend is expected to continue, with investment firm Abrdn plc…
-
Stuck in neutral: Loan rejections stall Thailand’s used car market
Thailand’s used car market is set to experience continued sluggish sales due to frequent loan rejections faced by prospective buyers, according to the Association of Used Cars. Earlier forecasts by the association anticipated an improvement in used car sales in the latter half of 2024, driven by expectations that financial service providers would relax their lending criteria. Nonetheless, financial institutions…
-
Lands scam: Woman shocked by 6 million baht ‘official’ con job
A woman was left in shock after losing over 6 million baht to a scam involving people impersonating officials from the Department of Lands. Despite her initial scepticism, the fraudsters managed to deceive her into installing a fake application, leading to the theft. Police recently apprehended 25 year old Waranuch under a warrant issued by the Pathum Thani Provincial Court…
-
Thailand casino draft law ready to hit the jackpot in Cabinet review
The draft law on entertainment complexes and casinos in Thailand is anticipated to reach the Cabinet for consideration later this year, as announced by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. Upon receiving Cabinet approval, the administration plans to forward the draft law to Parliament for further deliberation. The House of Representatives is scheduled to reconvene for a regular session from mid-December…
-
Grain wreck: Rice spills in 3-truck collision causing major roadblock
A collision involving three trucks caused major disruption on a road in Nonthaburi, with one truck overturning and spilling rice across the road. The incident resulted in injuries and took over three hours to clear the scene. The accident occurred yesterday, October 23, at 9.30pm on the inbound Kanchanaphisek Road from Bang Bua Thong to Bang Yai, near the Phra…
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.