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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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  • ‘Keep your krathongs on land,’ says Patong Mayor in eco-plea

    ‘Keep your krathongs on land,’ says Patong Mayor in eco-plea

    As Loy Krathong celebrations light up Patong Beach tonight, Patong Municipality is urging revellers to keep their lanterns (krathongs) out of the sea. Every year, thousands descend on the beach, offering decorated krathongs to the water goddess to cast away bad luck and ask for blessings. Yet, while the gestures float away, the krathongs often come back, with the tide…

  • Thai police capture fugitive ex-husband after fatal stabbing in Phang Nga

    Thai police capture fugitive ex-husband after fatal stabbing in Phang Nga

    A 38 year old man has been apprehended by Thai police after a manhunt following the fatal stabbing of his ex-wife in Phang Nga’s Takua Pa district. Police discovered Ekkarat yesterday, hiding in a forest in Chana district, Songkhla province, after he had been on the run since early this month. Ekkarat Priappan’s arrest follows a concerted effort by the…

  • Thailand’s Marriage Equality Bill to boost GDP and tourism

    Thailand’s Marriage Equality Bill to boost GDP and tourism

    Thailand’s historic decision to legalise same-sex marriage, starting January 2025, is set to supercharge its tourism industry, drawing in millions of visitors and billions in revenue. According to a new study by digital travel platform Agoda, this legislative move is projected to bring in 4 million additional international visitors each year, driving up tourism revenues by an impressive US$2 billion…

  • Frenchman faces legal action for unlawful macaque possession in Bangkok

    Frenchman faces legal action for unlawful macaque possession in Bangkok

    A French national has found himself facing legal action for allegedly keeping four young macaques unlawfully after showcasing them on social media. This incident unfolded when officials from the Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, along with police from the Natural Resources and Environment Crime Division, executed a search at the individual’s residence in Bangkok. Department representative, Naruphon Thipmontha,…

  • High ambitions: Suvarnabhumi aims to triple transit traffic by 2030

    High ambitions: Suvarnabhumi aims to triple transit traffic by 2030

    Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand’s busiest international gateway, is gearing up for a major transformation to become Southeast Asia’s ultimate transit hub. Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to raise the airport’s transit flights from a mere 4% to a soaring 20% as part of an ambitious master plan to rank among the world’s top 20 airports by 2030. This bold goal is…

  • Thailand celebrates return of ancient artefacts from US

    Thailand celebrates return of ancient artefacts from US

    Thailand welcomed back four ancient Ban Chiang artefacts yesterday, repatriated from the United States, in a gesture marking the International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property. The return ceremony, held at the Issara Vinijchai Throne Hall within Bangkok’s National Museum, underscored the commitment to preserving cultural heritage. The US Ambassador, Robert Godec, revealed that these artefacts had been gifted…

  • Chiang Mai’s Doi Inthanon draws tourists with frosty scenic views

    Chiang Mai’s Doi Inthanon draws tourists with frosty scenic views

    Cold temperatures on Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai have attracted tourists eager to experience the chill and witness the stunning frost formations on grass and wildflowers. As of today, the temperature on the summit dropped to 9°C, creating a picturesque scene that drew many visitors to the national park. There is great anticipation for the occurrence of Maei Khap frost,…

  • Russian man confirmed dead after fatal fall in Phuket hotel

    Russian man confirmed dead after fatal fall in Phuket hotel

    A tragic incident unfolded in Phuket as police have confirmed the identity of a 37 year old Russian man who is believed to have fatally jumped from a hotel in Soi Paradise, Patong. The event took place on November 13 night, leaving police and locals in shock. Police received a call to the hotel early yesterday, November 14, at approximately…

  • Mitsubishi Pajero crash in Prachinburi leaves one dead, one injured

    Mitsubishi Pajero crash in Prachinburi leaves one dead, one injured

    A tragic accident unfolded when a Mitsubishi Pajero lost control, hitting a utility pole before spinning across lanes and violently colliding with a pink taxi. The crash resulted in a fatality and a serious injury, leaving bystanders and those involved in shock. The incident occurred early today, November 15, at 12.30am, on the 304 Road near the U-turn at Ban…

  • Bangkok braces for rising pollution as air quality worsens

    Bangkok braces for rising pollution as air quality worsens

    Bangkok’s air quality has significantly deteriorated, with 28 areas submerged in PM2.5 dust particles. Officials issued warnings, anticipating a spike in pollution levels between this Sunday, November 17 and next Tuesday, November 19. Residents are advised to take precautions to protect their health. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) reported on the air quality status in Bangkok and its surrounding areas,…

  • Cyber police arrest scammer who defrauded politician’s daughter of 650,000 baht

    Cyber police arrest scammer who defrauded politician’s daughter of 650,000 baht

    Cyber police apprehended a key player in a call centre scam that deceived the daughter of a Democrat Party deputy leader out of over 650,000 baht by impersonating officials from the Department of Special Investigation. Police from Technology Crime Suppression Division 5 reported the arrest of 55 year old Suthep near a house in Wang Sala, Tha Muang district, Kanchanaburi.…

  • Police in Thailand to receive increased allowances this year

    Police in Thailand to receive increased allowances this year

    Police officers across Thailand are set to receive increased allowances this year, following a directive signed by Kittirat Phanpetch, the National Police Chief. The directive, dated Tuesday, November 12, emphasises the need for efficient budget management and cautions against any misallocation of funds. Kittirat issued the directive to various police divisions, including the Metropolitan Police Bureau and Provincial Police Regions…

  • Udon Thani: Image of revered monk in the sky sparks lottery frenzy

    Udon Thani: Image of revered monk in the sky sparks lottery frenzy

    A miraculous event unfolded yesterday, November 14, at Wat Mai Burapharam in Udon Thani, captivating locals during a religious ceremony. Clouds formed into the likeness of the seated monk, prompting a fervent rush for lottery tickets bearing the number 652. During the ceremony, led by the well-known monk Phra Achan Pornsak, the sky offered a mystical spectacle. As he chanted…

  • Police ‘sidecar’ into bust: Drug suspect nabbed in undercover sting

    Police ‘sidecar’ into bust: Drug suspect nabbed in undercover sting

    Police officers in disguise successfully apprehended a major drug suspect by blending seamlessly into the local community. Disguised as locals, they rode a sidecar motorcycle to the suspect’s home, where they arrested him without raising suspicion. Officers from the Elephant Warriors unit of the 434th Border Patrol Police Company in Phatthalung, led by Yothaphon Rungsawat, orchestrated the arrest. The team…

  • Police arrest Sisaket man for firearms and drugs possession

    Police arrest Sisaket man for firearms and drugs possession

    Police successfully conducted a crime crackdown during the Loy Krathong festival, seizing firearms and ammunition. On the day of the operation, officers arrested a 45 year old Thai man, at his residence in Huai Chan subdistrict, Khun Han district, Sisaket province. The operation was spearheaded by Chayaphon Namsuwan, a senior investigator at Khun Han Police Station, and supported by Wanchai…

  • Tragic road accident claims two lives in Rayong

    Tragic road accident claims two lives in Rayong

    A tragic accident resulted in the deaths of two people on a road in Pluak Daeng, Rayong when a black saloon car veered across lanes and collided with a pickup truck. The crash left the saloon car torn into two parts, with the driver ejected and killed instantly. The incident, which also involved a white delivery pickup, has raised questions…

  • British expats uncovered in Thailand as UK probes pension fraud

    British expats uncovered in Thailand as UK probes pension fraud

    In a fresh twist for British expats soaking up the sun abroad, the cloak of UK banking secrecy is about to be lifted if there’s a whiff of state pension fraud. The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, currently being dissected in the House of Lords, is pegged to hit the legal books in early 2025. This new legislation will…

  • Thai police ‘tweet’ out arrests in illegal bird trade bust

    Thai police ‘tweet’ out arrests in illegal bird trade bust

    Thai police have swooped on a major illegal bird trade operation in southern Thailand, arresting two people involved in selling protected Bulbul birds via Facebook. The suspects admitted to selling thousands of birds over the past year. Police officers from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division conducted raids on the homes of two individuals, known by their Facebook…

  • Thailand consumer confidence rises for first time in eight months

    Thailand consumer confidence rises for first time in eight months

    Consumer confidence in Thailand saw its first improvement in eight months this October, driven by reduced concerns over recent floods and improved economic conditions influenced by government policies. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) reported a rise in the consumer confidence index to 56, up from 55.3 in September. The consumer confidence index, which measures consumers’ outlook…

  • Motorbike bomb attack injures five police officers in Pattani

    Motorbike bomb attack injures five police officers in Pattani

    An explosive attack targeted a police truck in Pattani yesterday, injuring five officers when a bomb planted on a motorcycle was detonated remotely. The incident occurred at 2.40pm, yesterday, November 14, near the Tanyong Dalo Bridge in Yaring district. Police Colonel Teerapot Yindi, head of Yaring Police Station in Pattani, was alerted to the attack, which left the police truck…

  • Chon Buri police arrest three for trafficking 10 year old Burmese girl

    Chon Buri police arrest three for trafficking 10 year old Burmese girl

    Police in Chon Buri apprehended two Thai individuals and a Myanmar citizen, accusing them of trafficking a young girl from Myanmar to work under exploitative conditions. The arrests, executed by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) and the local office of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), followed court-issued warrants. The Thai nationals involved were identified as…

  • Villagers find beheaded dugong in Phuket, sparking marine safety concerns

    Villagers find beheaded dugong in Phuket, sparking marine safety concerns

    A grim discovery unfolded when villagers found a beheaded dugong floating near the shores of Baan Bang Rong, Phuket. Officials were promptly called to investigate the incident, which has sparked concerns about marine life safety and illegal poaching activities. The report of the gruesome find reached the local police station yesterday, November 14. Nopadol Tonmanee, an investigator at Thalang Police…

  • Thailand video news | Indian tourist injured in Pattaya convenience store assault, Phuket tourists criticised for risky tuk-tuk behaviour  

    Thailand video news | Indian tourist injured in Pattaya convenience store assault, Phuket tourists criticised for risky tuk-tuk behaviour  

    Today on Thailand Video News, hosts Alex and Jay bring viewers up to date on significant stories from Thailand and beyond. The coverage includes an assault on an Indian tourist in Pattaya, highlighting safety concerns ahead of Thailand’s festival season, and a public health alert regarding Thailand’s diabetes crisis, affecting over 6.5 million citizens. Additional stories explore the crackdown on…

  • Constitutional amendment: PP proposes Senate removal in process

    Constitutional amendment: PP proposes Senate removal in process

    The People’s Party (PP) yesterday submitted a proposal aiming to remove the Senate from the constitutional amendment process, according to the House of Representatives’ secretariat. This is one of the 17 proposals put forth by the PP, targeting specific sections of the constitution for amendment. A central focus of these proposals is Section 256, which requires that any charter amendment…

  • TMD sounds the ‘rain’ alarm as monsoon hits 28 provinces

    TMD sounds the ‘rain’ alarm as monsoon hits 28 provinces

    The latest weather conditions have prompted the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) to issue a warning for severe monsoon rains affecting 28 provinces across Thailand, including Bangkok. The capital is expected to experience intense rainfall covering 40% of the area, requiring residents to exercise caution. Throughout the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand, cooler temperatures and morning fog are anticipated. Residents…

  • PM Paetongtarn to visit Malaysia for trade and border security talks

    PM Paetongtarn to visit Malaysia for trade and border security talks

    Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra plans to visit Malaysia next month to enhance bilateral ties, focusing on trade and border security improvements. This announcement follows Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s meeting with Malaysian Ambassador Datuk Jojie Samuel during his farewell visit, where they discussed pressing issues along the southern border that necessitate increased collaboration. Anutin highlighted that PM Paetongtarn’s December…

  • Bangkok Motor Expo shifts into high gear to rev up bookings

    Bangkok Motor Expo shifts into high gear to rev up bookings

    Buckle up, folks! The 41st Bangkok International Motor Expo is zooming into town tomorrow, and car distributors are hoping for a much-needed boost in bookings, despite the market feeling like it’s stuck in first gear. Last year saw a whopping 53,248 bookings, and this time around, organisers are revved up to beat that record this year. Kwanchai Paphatphong, the man…

  • Thailand explores nuclear energy amid gas supply concerns

    Thailand explores nuclear energy amid gas supply concerns

    The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is gearing up for a deep dive into the legalities of a new small modular reactor (SMR) project right here in Thailand. The nation is at a crossroads, and embracing nuclear energy could be its ticket to a future-proof power grid. Why now, you ask? The country’s domestic gas supplies are drying up, and talks…

  • Blaze destroys pickup in Bangkok condo car park

    Blaze destroys pickup in Bangkok condo car park

    A fire broke out in the underground car park of a condominium in the Chokchai 4 area, causing a pickup truck to be completely destroyed and two other vehicles to suffer damage. Police suspect the blaze originated from a pile of rubbish. The incident occurred around midnight today when Chokchai Police Station received a report about a vehicle fire within…

  • Thai Airways cash turbulence: Will shareholders give a capital lift-off?

    Thai Airways cash turbulence: Will shareholders give a capital lift-off?

    In a dramatic twist, shareholders of Thai Airways International (THAI) are in a heated debate over whether to pump more cash into the airline, despite its recent financial turnaround. With a shiny rehabilitation plan in place, which includes a bold proposal for capital injection, the airline’s comeback story is under the microscope. Central to this saga is the question of…