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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5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Thai man dies after falling from Khao Hua Nak Viewpoint in Chaiyaphum
A Thai man fell from the Khao Hua Nak Viewpoint in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum on Saturday and later died in hospital. Rangers from Phu Lan Kha National Park, along with rescuers from Sawang Khunnatum Chaiyaphum, were alerted to the accident at around 5pm on Saturday, December 7. The victim, later identified as 59 year old Sunan, reportedly fell…
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Thailand floods claim lives, deforestation and dams blamed
Flooding has wreaked havoc across Thailand this year, claiming more than 50 lives in the north and at least 25 in the south. While climate change plays a role, Pianporn Deetes, Southeast Asia Programme Director for the NGO International Rivers, attributes specific man-made causes to the disaster. Pianporn identified deforestation, dams, and river encroachment as three main factors exacerbating the…
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Hong Kong hotel bills pile up: Tourism takes a hit amid dollar drama
As Hong Kong’s hospitality sector braces for the new year, a perfect storm of challenges threatens to sour the city’s tourist appeal. With a new lodging tax set to dent visitors’ wallets and geopolitical tensions on the rise, thanks to Donald Trump’s upcoming presidency, the city’s once-thriving tourist industry could face an uphill battle. From January, a 3% hotel guest…
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Husband and wife arrested for brutal murder in Uthai Thani
A gruesome murder has come to light after the arrest of a husband and wife in Uthai Thani, Thailand, following the discovery of a deceased man’s body in a field. The suspects, identified as 58 year old Samrit and 32 year old Jirawan confessed to the murder of 60 year old Udom. The couple was apprehended after a public altercation…
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Man arrested at Udon Thani festival for inappropriate behaviour
A man was apprehended by police at the Thung Sri Muang festival in Udon Thani yesterday after reports surfaced on social media about his inappropriate behaviour towards women. Boonhom, who had recently sold two cows and had been spending his earnings at the festival, claims he was misunderstood. Social media posts warned women attending the Thung Sri Muang festival to…
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Thai woman faced attempted lynching after attacking boy with knife
Police yesterday intervened to prevent a lynching of a Thai woman who brutally attacked an eight year old boy with knives in her rented room in Chon Buri. Officers from Mueang Chon Buri Police Station were alerted to the knife attack in the Nong Ri sub-district of Chon Buri province at approximately 5.20pm, yesterday, December 8. They rushed to the…
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Crypto hits new heights: Bitcoin Trumps US$100k amid election buzz
In a staggering leap that has set the crypto world ablaze, bitcoin shattered the US$100,000 mark for the first time, skyrocketing from around US$69,000 just a month ago. This meteoric rise comes hot on the heels of the US presidential elections, fuelling frenzied speculation among crypto investors about the impact of Donald Trump’s return to prominence. With crypto enthusiasts on…
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Thailand police crackdown on pornographic content production
Thai police launched a new operation dubbed Rabbit Slaughter: Suppressing Sex Creators, targeting both Thai and foreign nationals involved in producing and distributing pornographic content globally. The operation seeks to dismantle a network including pornographic content involving Thai women. Police, led by Saruti Kwangsopa, initiated the crackdown, resulting in the arrest of several individuals. These include 40 year old Benjamin…
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Thailand video news | Fatal massage incidents in Thailand, Malaysia introduces digital arrival card for travellers
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex delves into a range of stories spanning Thailand and Southeast Asia. From tragic incidents highlighting safety concerns in the Thai massage industry to controversial VAT proposals stirring economic debates, the headlines reflect critical issues impacting locals and tourists alike. Other notable stories include infrastructure safety following a tourist’s electrocution, reckless tourist behaviour in Phuket,…
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Family seeks justice after prison boxing match death in Rayong
The wife and family of a 27 year old boxer are seeking justice who unexpectedly died after participating in a prison boxing match in Rayong, Thailand. The boxer’s wife, 26 year old Suchada, raised suspicions about the circumstances surrounding his death, which occurred shortly after he competed in a sports day boxing event at Rayong Central Prison. The incident took…
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British man’s Thai-high trip goes up in smoke at Manchester customs
Another British man has been nabbed in a high-stakes arrest after being caught returning through Manchester Airport customs with two suitcases full of cannabis from Thailand. The alleged British drug mule, Ahmed Sohail, who claimed he went to Thailand to lose some weight, ended up losing much more than he bargained for. Stopped by eagle-eyed Border Force officials, the 26…
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124 gay participants arrested at underwear drug party in Bangkok hotel
Officers from Thong Lo Police Station arrested 124 gay men and women, including doctors and background actors, at an underwear drug party held in a hotel room in Bangkok yesterday. Police were alerted by a witness who reported suspicious activity after observing a large number of Thai and foreign men entering a room on the 20th floor of a hotel…
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Political scandal: Former Bhumjaithai Party trio out on parole
Three former Bhumjaithai Party members, once sentenced to nine months behind bars for ethical breaches, yesterday strolled out of prison on parole. Having served part of their time, the trio is now back in the spotlight as they re-enter the world beyond bars. Among them, Natee Ratchakitprakarn, once a list MP and the wife of Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, emerged…
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Thailand pushes alternative crops to curb agricultural burning
Thailand is taking significant steps to empower farmers in addressing the persistent issue of agricultural burning, which contributes to PM2.5 dust pollution, particularly in lowland areas. By encouraging the cultivation of high-value alternative crops, the country aims to mitigate the detrimental environmental impact and enhance the sustainability of the agricultural sector. The Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, alongside international…
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Busted: Drug kingpin armed and dangerous in Thung Song swoop
Police in Thailand’s Thung Song district swooped on a suspected drug kingpin, dealing a major blow to the local narcotics trade. The 39 year old, nabbed in a sting at a rented spot in tambon Pak Phraek, was found with an arsenal fitting for an action flick: A menacing M16 assault rifle, 95 rounds of 5.56mm ammo, and a stash…
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Singaporean tourist dies allegedly due to oil massage in Phuket
A 52 year old Singaporean man died at a massage shop in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket after an oil massage. The cause of his death remains undetermined. Officers from Patong Police Station were called to Patong Hospital on Saturday, December 7, to investigate the death of the Singaporean man, identified as Lee Mun Tuck. Upon their arrival, they found…
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Thai singer dies from neck injury allegedly linked to massage in Udon Thani
A Thai female singer died yesterday morning from complications caused by a herniated cervical disc, allegedly linked to a massage at a shop in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. The singer, Chayada “Phing” Praohom, who was associated with Guitar Record, became bedridden and received intensive care at Udon Thani Hospital before her death, yesterday, December 8. Since mid-October, she has…
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Man-made moves make Thailand flood the news, says expert (video)
Pianporn “Pai” Deetes, Southeast Asia Programme Director for International Rivers, has pointed the finger of blame at human actions as major culprits of the floods that have unleashed chaos across Thailand this year. The tragic toll includes over 50 deaths in the north of Thailand earlier this year and more than 25 recently in the south of the country. Pianporn…
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PM Paetongtarn to outline key policies in public address tomorrow
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to deliver a significant public address tomorrow, December 10, where she will highlight her Cabinet’s accomplishments over the past three months and underscore the importance of the government’s key policies for the upcoming year. The address, titled 2025 Empowering Thais: A Real Possibility, will commence at 10am and will be broadcast live on NBT2HD,…
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Stigma strikes: HIV shatters career dreams of two young Thai men
In a heart-wrenching tale from Thailand, two young men, driven by noble pursuits, have seen their career dreams dashed due to the crushing stigma surrounding HIV. One man hoped to step into his late father’s shoes as a police officer in the troubled southern regions while the other longed for the skies as a 27 year old flight attendant. Both…
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What hospitals are covered by Cigna in Thailand?
Finding healthcare options as an expat in Thailand can feel overwhelming, especially with language barriers and unfamiliar systems. Fortunately, Cigna Global Health offers a range of insurance plans tailored to expats, providing access to top hospitals across the country. Here’s a guide to hospitals covered by Cigna in Thailand and tips for navigating your health needs while living here. Some…
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Four nabbed after Bangkok stabbing leaves teenager dead
Four people have been apprehended following the tragic stabbing of a 19 year old boy, known only as Ratthaphum, in Bang Kae, Bangkok. The grisly incident, which went down on Saturday, December 14, kicked off a rapid police operation. Police trawled through CCTV footage to track the suspects, eventually zeroing in on a property in the Bang Kae area. Here,…
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Naked Russian man rescued by speedboat hero near Pattaya
A naked and exhausted Russian man was dramatically rescued by a heroic speedboat driver headed to Koh Lan off the coast of Pattaya. The incident, which unfolded about six kilometres from Pattaya, grabbed headlines due to the man’s dire predicament. Pracharat Satsuk, a 34 year old speedboat operator, revealed how he stumbled upon the struggling swimmer during his regular route,…
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Young engineering student stabbed to death in Bangkok attack
A young engineering student was fatally stabbed by a gang of youths on motorcycles in Bangkok yesterday. The incident took place near the entrance of Soi Phetkasem 55/2 in Bang Khae, leaving a 19 year old dead and his friend narrowly escaping harm. Police Lieutenant Yanapol Phonyiem received reports of the fatal stabbing, with officers, forensic specialists, and a medical…
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Phuket tourist criticised for reckless behaviour near Patong Beach (video)
Tourists in Phuket are drawing criticism after a video surfaced showing a foreign male tourist standing beside a moving car while drinking beer and smoking a cigarette in Patong Beach, Kathu district. Social media users have been quick to condemn the behaviour, questioning whether the driver was aware of the actions taking place. The incident, reported yesterday, has sparked a…
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Drunk driving tragedy claims young footballers’ lives in Thailand
A tragic incident unfolded when a celebratory return journey turned fatal for a group of young footballers. Two teenagers lost their lives, and 10 others sustained injuries after a pickup truck veered off the road and collided with an electricity pole. The accident occurred as the group was heading home from a seven-a-side football championship in Kamphaeng Phet province. The…
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Drunk Thai officer’s gunfire terrorises Pattaya, subdued in standoff
A troubling incident unfolded in Pattaya when a police officer, under the influence of alcohol, fired gunshots into the air, causing alarm among locals and necessitating a large police response. Around 2.36pm yesterday, Banglamung police were alerted to gunfire in Soi Wat Boon Samphan, commonly known as Soi Khao Noi. The officer involved was identified as Police Sergeant Sunthorn Hemphan…
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Pattaya nightclub raid: 54 arrested for drug use
A significant drug bust at a Pattaya nightclub led to the arrest of 54 patrons who tested positive for illegal substances. Early this morning, at precisely 4.06am, Chon Buri’s governor initiated a comprehensive raid on Eleven Pub Pattaya, situated on South Pattaya Road. More than 100 officers, including provincial and district administrative officials as well as local police, participated in…
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Phuket residents oppose Nebu Resort over traffic and privacy concerns
Residents of the Pasak Soi 6 area in Cherng Talay, Phuket, have intensified their opposition to the proposed construction of the Nebu Resort Bangtao, a seven-storey hotel. The development has been met with significant criticism from locals who fear the influx of tourist traffic on roads too narrow for such high volumes, potentially disrupting their tranquil neighbourhood. Protests erupted at…
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Yala tackles flood crisis with dam plans and relief efforts
Yala city municipality is taking a proactive approach to combat its persistent flooding woes. The city’s mayor, Pongsak Yingchoncharoen, has put forward guidelines aimed at tackling the long-term flood issues and is revisiting plans for the construction of the Krong Pinang and Kuemeng dams as part of these efforts. Pongsak provided an update on the flood situation yesterday, December 7,…
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