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 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Thai mother and 2 children killed by drunk driver in Tak
A drunk hatchback driver crashed into a motorcycle carrying a Thai mother and her two children, killing all three of them, on a road in the northern province of Tak. A group of people rushed to assist the woman and her young children after witnessing the grey Honda Jazz hatchback collide with their motorcycle, a blue and white Honda Scoopy,…
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Bhumjaithai loses southern seat in shock Klatham upset
A dramatic political upset has rocked southern Thailand, as the rising Kla Tham Party snatched a crucial seat from the ruling Bhumjaithai Party in Sunday’s by-election. Kongkiat Ketsobat of Kla Tham unofficially clinched victory in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Constituency 8 with 38,680 votes, knocking out Bhumjaithai’s hopes of holding onto the seat. The poll was triggered by the disqualification of former MP Mukdawan…
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Phuket Airport soars as Russians jet in while China jets off
Phuket Airport is flying high despite a sharp drop in Chinese tourists, with Russian and Turkish travellers stepping in to keep the island’s tourism industry cruising toward a record-breaking 18 million passengers this year. Phuket International Airport is on course to welcome a whopping 18 million passengers in 2025, even as the number of Chinese arrivals nosedives, according to airport…
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Thailand braces for summer storms across 36 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its 12th warning regarding the severe weather forecast for today, April 30. Thirty-six provinces are expected to experience thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, and lightning. northern Thailand is anticipated to be the most affected region. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that both the northern and central regions of Thailand will continue to face…
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Luxury durian afternoon tea launched to boost Thai tourism
Durian lovers, rejoice! Thailand’s King of Fruits is getting a five-star makeover. To boost gastronomy tourism, Thailand is promoting its premium Mon Thong durian with an exclusive Durian Decadent Afternoon Tea campaign, aiming to create unforgettable travel experiences for modern, experience-seeking tourists. Launched during the summer High Season, this campaign highlights innovative culinary experiences featuring Thailand’s prized Mon Thong durian,…
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Thailand’s LGBTQIA+ boom to boost economy by 152 billion baht
Thailand’s LGBTQIA+ community is fast becoming an economic force to be reckoned with, with a new study projecting a 152 billion baht boost to the nation’s GDP this year, fuelled by local spending and a surge in LGBTQIA+ tourism. According to research from Mahidol University’s College of Management (CMMU), more than 5.9 million LGBTQIA+ persons, around 9% of Thailand’s population,…
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BMTA to launch super app for Bangkok commuters in October
Bangkok commuters may soon enjoy a smoother ride, digitally, at least. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) announced that its much-anticipated “super app” is set to launch this October, promising to simplify payments, provide route updates, and offer a digital platform for feedback and complaints. But while the promise sounds slick, there are still a few speed bumps ahead. Kittikarn…
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Shocking encounter: Man hides in Thai woman’s Japan hotel room
A solo traveller from Thailand shared a chilling experience in Japan when she discovered a man hiding under her hotel bed. Natalisi Taksisi, who had chosen Japan for its reputation for safety, was horrified to find a stranger in her room despite the hotel’s key card system. The incident, which has since gone viral, has raised concerns about hotel security and…
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Father seeks justice for daughter allegedly murdered in Amnat Charoen
In Amnat Charoen, a man’s daughter was allegedly beaten to death by her husband, a volunteer defence officer. The father, deeply affected by the incident, believes it was intentional murder and disputes claims of infidelity. He is determined to see justice served. Recently, at Wat Si Sombun in Chanuman subdistrict, Amnat Charoen province, the family held a funeral for the…
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Cement block falls onto truck, driver injured on Rama II expressway
A motorist has been injured after a large cement block fell from the construction site of the Rama II elevated expressway, smashing onto his pickup truck as he was driving beneath the ongoing project. The shocking incident occurred on Rama II Road, as the driver was heading towards Samut Sakhon. The unnamed driver told emergency medical technicians (EMTs) that he…
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Up in the air: Thailand to elevate tourism with airport upgrades
The Ministry of Transport in Thailand has allocated funds to upgrade airports in three provinces in northeastern Thailand to boost secondary city tourism. Assistant Transport Minister Manoporn Charoensri announced efforts to transform Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, and Mukdahan into year-round tourist destinations. The initiative aligns with the government’s policy under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who emphasises secondary city tourism, with…
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Pattana Pet Run 2025: Dogs and cats race for fun in Chon Buri
Pattana Sports Resort is stepping up its pet-friendly game with an exciting new event that’s sure to make tails wag! The Pattana Pet Run 2025 will take place in Chon Buri this June, offering pet parents a unique opportunity to run alongside their four-legged friends and create lasting memories together. On Thursday, April 24, a press conference for the event…
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Fake news sparks panic over Narathiwat dam collapse
In a recent case of fake news causing unnecessary panic, officials debunked claims circulating on social media that a dam in Narathiwat province is at risk of collapsing due to sea waves triggered by a recent earthquake in the United States. The Thailand Anti-Fake News Centre was quick to clarify that these rumours were false and misleading. They reassured the…
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Thai locals show compassion, aid foreign woman in roadside seizure (video)
A foreign woman experienced a seizure on the roadside, prompting immediate assistance from nearby Thais who showed great compassion. Yesterday, April 28, a TikTok user @guyslumclub posted a video capturing the incident, highlighting the kindness of Thai locals who rushed to help without hesitation. The post humorously encouraged support for the poster’s noodle shop, Ann’s Kuay Teow Khua Gai, Baanthat…
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Bangkok ranks No. 6 among world’s friendliest cities for expats
Bangkok has been named one of the world’s most expat-friendly cities, securing 6th place in the annual survey conducted by InterNations. While Malaga, Spain, clinched the top spot as the most welcoming city for expatriates, Bangkok’s high ranking highlights the city’s growing appeal to foreigners. According to the survey, expats in Bangkok reported feeling very welcomed by locals, with 67%…
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Police halt convoy disguising drug transport as family trip in Chumphon
Police intercepted a convoy attempting to transport 100 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, disguising the operation as a family trip. Yesterday, April 28, Police Major General Khongkrit Lertsitthikul directed officers to arrest four people in Chumphon province. Those arrested included 40 year old Narongsak, 43 year old Sirisak, 19 year old Pornpen, and a 17 year old referred to as A.…
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Mae Hong Son manhunt intensifies as suspect remains elusive
An uncle and his nephew were laid to rest after being fatally shot by a 37 year old man, last week. The incident occurred on April 23 in Mae Yom subdistrict, Mae Sariang district, Mae Hong Son province. The victims, 65 year old Dike Sukulkij and 41 year old Kamol Sukulkij, were allegedly killed without any clear motive by Yutthana Jatupornsivalee,…
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Defence minister sets 1 week deadline for southern unrest report
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has given security forces a week to submit a report on their efforts to address the ongoing unrest in Thailand’s southernmost provinces. Yesterday, April 28, Phumtham instructed the Royal Thai Army chief to adopt a more proactive strategy for dealing with security issues in the Deep South. The police and military have…
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Thai transport ministry fast-tracks 20 baht train fare policy
The Ministry of Transport is accelerating efforts to implement the 20 baht flat fare for electric trains policy, targeting completion by September 2025. A new draft of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand Act is slated for Cabinet consideration in May. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri highlighted that the ministry is currently detailing the draft law, aimed at modernising…
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Drunk tourist walks naked through Phuket, sparks outrage
A drunk foreign tourist was filmed walking naked through the streets of Phuket Town, prompting locals to voice concerns about the growing problem of unruly visa-free tourists. The Facebook page โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต shared a shocking video of a foreign man stumbling down Rattanakosin 200 Years Road in Talat Nuea subdistrict, Mueang district, completely naked. The man, visibly intoxicated, appeared to…
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Tragic car accident in Phayao leaves one dead, three injured
A tragic accident occurred in Phayao, where a car from Bangkok collided with a parked pickup truck, resulting in one fatality and three severe injuries. The incident, which left both vehicles severely damaged and debris scattered across the road, took place in the Mueang Phayao district, northern Thailand. On April 28, Phukamyao police received reports of a car rear-ending a…
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Heartless taxi blocks Phuket ambulance rushing patient to hospital
A green taxi is at the centre of an incident in Phuket after blocking an ambulance with a 62 year old man suffering from heart failure onboard. The patient died in the ambulance, just moments away from receiving life-saving treatment. On the morning of Sunday, April 27, a 62 year old man with a history of heart disease began feeling…
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Barely legal: Naked antics of Polish couple spark fury in Koh Pha Ngan
Thailand’s image as a tropical paradise took another hit this week after a naked Polish couple were caught hugging in the middle of a road, and later sunbathing starkers on a popular Koh Pha Ngan beach, shocking locals and sparking fresh calls for action against unruly foreign tourists. The Polish holidaymakers stunned passers-by when they were spotted standing completely nude…
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Thai police shut down illegal Myanmar-run complex in Samut Sakhon
Thai police dismantled a Myanmar-run entertainment complex in Mueang district, Samut Sakhon, revealing illegal activities including drug use and the employment of undocumented workers. The operation, conducted by over 200 officers from various agencies, was led by provincial governor Naris Niramaiwong. Working alongside government inspectors and supported by provincial police, the task force targeted a repurposed warehouse allegedly operating as…
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Thailand launches e-ticket system in marine parks
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) will officially introduce a fully operational e-ticket system on October 15 across six key marine national parks, marking the beginning of the tourist season. This pilot project aims to boost park revenue by 10% and improve transparency in collecting entrance fees. During a press conference yesterday, April 28, Director-General Attapol…
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Hot mess! Phuket nightclub and Patong market go up in smoke
Phuket was lit up for all the wrong reasons in the early hours of this morning as two separate fires broke out just hours apart, one at a buzzing nightclub and the other at a popular beachfront food market. Firefighters dashed to the Hua Pan X5 nightclub in the Phoonpon area of Phuket Town after flames erupted on the club’s…
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Illegal Chinese imports of pig intestines found in Samut Sakhon warehouse
A warehouse in Samut Sakhon was discovered storing salted pig intestines illegally imported from China. The facility, in poor condition with a pervasive foul odour, held products valued at over 10 million baht. The Chinese owner was not present at the site. Yesterday, April 28, Police Major General Thatphum Jaruprach, commander of the Economic Crime Suppression Division, instructed Police Colonel…
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Rights group demands action for detained Uyghurs in Thailand
The People’s Empowerment Foundation raised significant concerns regarding seven Uyghur people currently incarcerated in Thailand. Chalida Tajaroensuk, the chair of the civil society organisation, reported to the Bangkok Post that those detained have been split into two groups. The first group, consisting of five Uyghurs, was detained after allegedly escaping a Mukdahan detention centre in 2020. They are serving six-year…
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Heroic team rescues elderly man from locked car in Ayutthaya
A collaboration between the police, rescue workers, and a good Samaritan recently saved an elderly man found unconscious inside a locked car on Highway 340 in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. The team decided to break the car window to transport the man to a hospital. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, April 27, involved officers from Lat Bua Luang…
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Thailand video news | Chinese Man Denied Bail for Pattaya Murder, Search Continues for Missing Brit Daniel Hall
This week’s headlines from Thailand and beyond spotlight major criminal cases, public safety measures, and surprising moments across Southeast Asia. From a high-profile murder trial and a decades-old missing persons case to viral cultural misunderstandings and pension struggles, the region’s latest developments offer a vivid glimpse into its challenges and character. Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions and rare weather events are making…
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