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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‘Sober up or pay’: Thai govt cracks down on festive driving chaos
The Thai government is on a mission to curb the deadly spike in road accidents during new year celebrations with its Don’t Drink and Drive, Get Home Safely campaign. But will it be enough to tackle a cocktail of cultural habits, weak enforcement, and limited transport options? The initiative aims to save lives during the holiday season, notorious for a…
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Poll reveals what’s draining happiness from the Land of Smiles
It seems 2024 has been a tough year for many in Thailand, and despite its moniker, the Land of Smiles, not many are feeling the joy as economic woes, political turmoil, and cybercrime topped the list of frustrations in a new poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). The annual survey, titled What Have You Been Tired of…
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Festive crackdown: Car decked with lights halted in Bangkok
A festive spectacle on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road through Bangkok captured the attention of many, including that of law enforcement, as a car adorned with reindeer antlers, a red nose, and twinkling Christmas lights drove along the busy street. The driver, 29 year old Supattha, admitted to officers that he decorated his vehicle in collaboration with friends to attract more passengers…
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Hong Kong man restrained by taxi drivers after rampage near Phuket airport
A group of Thai taxi drivers restrained a foreign man from Hong Kong after he went on a rampage outside Phuket International Airport yesterday, December 23. The Facebook news page Phuket Times shared pictures of the man with a caption that read, “What’s happening near Phuket Airport this afternoon? It appears to be an altercation!” The photos showed the man…
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Defence Council approves plan to downsize RTA and cut costs
The Thai Defence Council has approved a significant white paper, marking a strategic shift to downsize the Royal Thai Army (RTA) and cut back on weapon expenses. This decision, made during the council’s final meeting of the year, aligns with the strategic plan for 2026 to 2037, which Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai presented to set the…
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Missing 11 year old Thai girl found after alleged abduction by father
Yesterday, December 23, police located an 11 year old girl after her aunt filed a complaint alleging that she was kidnapped by her father from Bangkok to the central province of Chachoengsao. However, the father claimed that his daughter willingly went with him. A Thai woman, identified as Na, complained to Romklao Police Station, reporting that her 11 year old niece…
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Royal milestone: Thai king celebrates with ceremony on January 14
The Thai government has scheduled a royal ceremony for Tuesday, January 14 to commemorate a significant milestone for His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. On this date, the current Thai king will have lived as long as King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri dynasty. Rama I, known formally as Phra Bat Somdet Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok Maharat, passed…
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Finding the best tailor shop in Bangkok, Class Bespoke makes the choice easy
Thailand boasts an illustrious tailoring industry, and if we were to speak of the best tailors in Bangkok for custom-made clothing for men and women, very rarely can that conversation be held without mentioning Class Bespoke Tailor. With over 25 years of experience, Class Bespoke Tailor in Thonglor remains steadfast as the go-to option for personalised garments. No matter if…
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Man arrested for defrauding tourists in Maharaj café scam
A man posing as the owner of a popular café in the Maharaj area has been arrested after deceiving a group of Chinese tourists before fleeing with their money. The suspect, 55 year old Kritsana, was apprehended by police in a fraud case, having a notorious history of similar offences. His arrest follows an incident involving eight hearing-impaired Chinese tourists…
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Cholera claims three lives, infects 450 near Thai-Myanmar border
Cholera has claimed three lives and left around 450 people infected in the Myanmar region bordering Mae Sot district in Tak province. Officals have issued warnings for increased vigilance regarding hygiene and food preparation to prevent further outbreaks. Cholera, a severe diarrhoeal disease, has caused significant health concerns in the area, with the first reports coming from the Myanmar side.…
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Illegal health products worth 220 million baht destroyed
Police have taken a significant step in the fight against illegal health products, destroying over 38,880 kilograms of unlicensed items worth more than 220 million baht (US$6.4 million). The operation, conducted at Bangpoo Industrial Estate, Samut Prakan, involved burning illicit drugs, food, cosmetics, and medical equipment. At 10am yesterday, December 23, the collaborative effort was led by senior officials from…
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Phuket tackles homelessness and begging with new initiative
Phuket officials have embarked on a significant initiative to tackle homelessness and begging in Phuket Town, with a focus on enhancing the lives of vulnerable residents. This proactive effort was spearheaded by Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai, who led a field visit to Lan Nawamin, off Phuket Road, yesterday, December 23. The visit was a collaborative endeavour involving key agencies including…
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Man dies as pickup truck plunges into Pasak River after collision
A 38 year old man tragically lost his life after his pickup truck plunged into the Pasak River, following multiple collisions with a barrier. Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing moments as efforts to rescue the driver proved unsuccessful. At 7.30pm yesterday, December 23, police received a report of a pickup truck veering off course, crashing into a barrier at a U-turn…
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Chon Buri pyramid scheme fraud costs victims 40 million baht
More than 30 victims have reported a significant fraud involving a pyramid scheme after being deceived by a group leader known as Mae May. The victims, who have suffered a total loss of 40 million baht (US$1.17 million), gathered to file complaints at Saensuk Police Station, Chon Buri, yesterday, December 23. The fraudulent activities have left many individuals in financial…
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Gold scam: Thai police and bank recover 1.8 million baht for victim
Police in Thailand have successfully collaborated with a bank to freeze and recover more than 1.8 million baht for a victim of an online gold trading scam. The victim had been deceived into making over 15 transactions. The incident unfolded when Phumiphat Phattharasriwongchai, from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, along with his team, financial institution officials, and police officers, managed…
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Surin fire leaves couple homeless, losses over 2.5 million baht
A devastating fire engulfed the home of a couple, 59 year old Yom Boonchure, and 62 year old Yee Thongmak, in Ban Sanuan, Surin province, destroying their possessions, including cash, gold, and silk, amounting to over 2.5 million baht. Yesterday, December 23, locals gathered to offer support, with efforts underway to salvage partially burnt banknotes. On the morning of December…
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Peeping Tom: Khon Kaen woman filmed in restaurant restroom
A woman in Khon Kaen recently reported an unsettling incident at a local restaurant where she was secretly filmed while using the restroom. Despite the offender’s confession, the evidence was deleted, leaving local police unable to take legal action. The incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday, December 23, prompting the victim to post a warning on social media…
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Drunk Thai man crashes car, killing police and 4 year old boy
A 75 year old drunk man crashed his vehicle into a crowd outside a school in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima yesterday, December 23, killing a traffic police officer and a four year old schoolboy and injuring more than nine others. The fatal accident occurred at about 4.15pm yesterday outside Ban Don Kwang School on Phet Ma Tu Kla…
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Thai government to launch digital wallet phase three with 10000 baht aid
The Thai government has announced the next phase of its digital wallet initiative, providing 10,000 baht to eligible citizens. This initiative, aimed at bolstering the economy, will not be distributed in cash but through a digital wallet system. The Deputy Minister of Finance, Paophum Rojanasakul, recently stated that the proposal for this distribution would be presented to the Cabinet today,…
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Motorcyclist critically injured after phone distraction leads to crash
A 30 year old motorcyclist was severely injured after crashing into the back of a parked six-wheel truck while being distracted by his mobile phone. Witnesses reported that he was on his phone throughout the journey. The incident took place at 8.45pm yesterday, Decemebr 23, on the Uthai Thani to Nong Chang road, heading towards Nong Chang. Local police from…
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Tsunami guardian: How one man guards Thailand from the waves (video)
Nearly 20 years after the devastating Boxing Day tsunami, one man in Phang Nga province has become a beacon of hope and safety for his community. Meet 59 year old Banlue Choosin, a former fisherman turned guardian of the Andaman Sea. Ban Nam Khem village, where Banlue lives, was one of the hardest-hit areas in the 2004 disaster, which claimed a…
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Husband strangles wife to death in Phuket tragedy
A tragic incident unfolded when a husband strangled his wife to death in their rented home in Pa Khlok, Thalang district, Phuket. Colleagues of the victim expressed sorrow, revealing that she had recently mentioned feeling relieved after her husband had moved out with his belongings. However, he returned and committed the heinous act early this morning, December 24, at 5.05am.…
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Thailand considers Bitcoin payment trial in Phuket for tech tourists
Thailand is considering a groundbreaking initiative proposed by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to test Bitcoin payments in Phuket, aiming to enhance the country’s appeal to technology-forward tourists. This proposal, however, requires the Bank of Thailand to conduct a detailed examination of the potential risks involved, as highlighted by Gulf Binance, the local division of the global cryptocurrency leader, Binance.…
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Phetchabun: Big bike stunt sparks online backlash (video)
A young motorcyclist’s daring stunt on a big bike in Phetchabun province has captured widespread attention on social media. The footage, showing him riding with one foot on the seat and one hand off the handlebar, sparked significant online criticism. The individual involved admitted to the act, claiming ignorance of the potential consequences. The afternoon of the same day saw…
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Bangkok: Car and pickup plunge into canal, five injured
A dramatic accident occurred when a car and a pickup truck plunged into a drainage canal beside a road in Bangkok, submerging both vehicles and leaving five people injured from water inhalation. Rescuers promptly assisted and transported the injured to hospital for urgent care. Ekphop Painuea, a police inspector from Chokchai Station, received a report at 12.10am today of a…
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Thailand to revise minimum wage across provinces from January
Thailand is set to implement a new minimum wage structure across its 77 provinces from January 1, 2025. The decision was made following an extensive meeting led by Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour. The meeting, which took place yesterday, December 23 and lasted over five hours, resulted in a unanimous agreement on the new wage rates,…
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Pattaya crackdown: over 50 arrested in major anti-drug operation
Police in Pattaya have executed a large-scale operation resulting in the arrest of over 50 individuals as part of a concerted effort to combat drug use and criminal activity in the Jomtien area. The operation, named Parasite Clean-up Part 2, was led by Police Major General Thawatchakrit Jindakwanasong, Chief of Chon Buri Provincial Police, and took place in the early…
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Foreign man assaults Pattaya transwoman over noise dispute
A foreign man physically assaulted a Thai transwoman on Sunday, December 22, following an alleged dispute over a loud noise caused by the victim in an apartment in Pattaya. A group of Thai transwomen alerted officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station to the apartment on Pattaya Sai 3 Road, Banglamung district after one of their friends was assaulted. Police arrived…
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Pattaya guesthouse horror: Foreign man found with decomposing body
A troubling discovery unfolded in Pattaya as a foreign man was found living in a guesthouse with his partner’s decomposing body for over three days. Police were alerted to the situation when police were called shortly after 11.30am on December 22. The grim find was made in a room on the fifth floor of a guesthouse located at Soi Somprasong…
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Russian tourist’s gold necklace stolen by trans duo in Pattaya
A Russian visitor in Pattaya reported a theft involving his gold necklace, allegedly stolen by two transgender individuals. The incident unfolded in the early hours of December 22, when police received a report at 3.19am about a tourist being pickpocketed in a hotel parking lot on Soi Wong Amat, Pattaya-Naklua Road. Upon reaching the location, officers encountered Andrei, a tourist…
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