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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Tragic drownings in Phuket claim lives of boy and British tourist
Two tragic incidents in Phuket resulted in the drowning deaths of a five year old Chinese boy and a 43 year old British tourist, police confirmed yesterday. Karon Police were notified by Chalong Hospital at 6.32pm, yesterday, October 22, about the drowning death of five year old Chinese tourist Zhang Zhiqjanna. Zhang had been swimming with his mother in the…
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Homemade bomb explodes in Pattani, no casualties reported
A homemade bomb exploded late last night in Mueang district, Pattani, a southern border province. The incident resulted in no casualties. The explosion occurred at Kalapo intersection in Tambon Chabang Tikor around 10pm, yesterday, October 22. Fifty-minutes later, bomb experts arrived at the scene and discovered remnants of the device, including pieces of a plastic bottle, an electronic circuit, nails,…
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iCon fraud scam hits 71 in Phuket, losses reach 19.5 million baht
Seventy-one people in Phuket have fallen victim to the iCon fraud scam, with losses amounting to 19.5 million baht (US$580,530), confirmed Phuket Provincial Police Commander Sinlert Sukhum. The number of victims has surged from 48, as announced by Sinlert on October 18. Individuals affected by the scam are still urged to report their cases to the Royal Thai Police complaints…
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Holy scam! Monk and mate nabbed for fake charity con in Rayong
Police apprehended a monk and his accomplice for fraudulently collecting donations under the guise of a religious charity in Rayong, Thailand. The offenders placed donation bins at various shops, falsely claiming to represent a defunct temple. Today, October 23, law enforcement officials responded to reports of fraudulent activity involving donation bins placed in multiple shops along the roads in Rai-Tamnanpa,…
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Intoxicated woman flips car on Pattaya overpass, claims heartache
A young woman, heavily intoxicated, lost control of her car, causing it to flip over and sustain significant damage. When confronted by police, she confidently stated, “It hurts in my heart,” while expressing confusion about how the accident occurred. At 1.16am today, October 23, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Radio Centre in Pattaya received a report of a car accident…
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Woman accuses Kamphaeng Phet headman of sexual abuse
A 21 year old woman has come forward to accuse a village headman in Kamphaeng Phet province of sexually assaulting her over a year, resulting in a sexually transmitted disease (STD). She claims the assailant threatened to kill her if she revealed the abuse. The victim, identified as A, reported the incidents to the police with the assistance of Prakakrit…
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Cooler weather in north Thailand, rain persists in Bangkok
Weather conditions in Thailand are changing, with cooler temperatures in the north and northeast, while Bangkok and the east continue to experience rain. The Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand face moderate waves. Travellers to the Philippines should check the weather before departing. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasted the next 24 hours from today, October 23, indicating that…
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Kit and run: Thief brazenly changes into stolen sports uniform in Pattaya
In a bold and shameless act, a brazen thief stole a schoolboy’s sports kit from a house in Pattaya and had the audacity to change into it right in front of a security camera! Yesterday, October 22, reporters spoke to Songwut Thiangsiri, who had taken to social media to warn locals, revealing that the crook had swiped his son’s sports…
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Thailand to open first CI centre for migrant workers in Samut Sakhon
Thailand’s Labour Ministry is set to open its first Certificate of Identity (CI) centre in Samut Sakhon next month, targeting support for migrant workers needing proof-of-status documents and aiming to maintain economic stability. The initiative, announced after a meeting of the National Committee on Migrant Workers Management, will assist labourers from Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. The CI centre will…
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Bangkok university under fire for substandard aircraft repair course
A Bangkok university is under intense scrutiny following allegations of offering a substandard aircraft repair technician course, charging nearly 1 million baht in total fees. The Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Ministry has launched a formal investigation into the matter. Supamas Isarabhakdi, the minister, directed the ministry’s permanent secretary, Supachai Pathumnakul, to establish an investigative team. This action follows…
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Police race to arrest Tak Bai massacre suspects before deadline
National police chief Kitrat Phanphet issued an urgent directive to locate all suspects involved in the 2004 Tak Bai massacre before the statute of limitations expires on October 25. Police General Kitrat provided an update on the arrest efforts, noting the critical time constraint with only two days left. More than 80 individuals lost their lives following a crackdown on…
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Andaman International Airport ready for takeoff by 2030
The House Committee for Transportation is actively monitoring the progress of Andaman International Airport‘s construction in Phang Nga, which is set to open by 2030. Committee chairman Kroomanit Sangpoom, a Pheu Thai MP for Surin, announced that panel members inspected the project site in Khok Kloi and Lo Yung sub-districts of Takua Thung district. This visit aimed to assess the…
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Thai cops race against crime to catch Chinese students kidnap gang
Thai police are urgently tracking a gang responsible for kidnapping three Chinese students from a renowned university in Thonburi, demanding a ransom of 1.5 million baht. The last known location of the students indicates they were taken across the border into Myanmar. On October 20 at 5am, a professor from the university reported the incident to the Thammasala Police Station…
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Weed out the thieves: Phuket cannabis shops on high alert after 100k baht heist
Cannabis shop owners in Phuket issued a warning regarding two foreign thieves who stole over 100,000 baht worth of cannabis from several shops across the province. The victims urged the Phuket Times to warn other cannabis shops in the province to be cautious of two young foreigners posing as customers and taking the opportunity to steal products. The page included…
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True Corporation amps up for royal spectacle along Chao Phraya
True Corporation supercharged its 5G, 4G, and WiFi networks ahead of the grand Royal Barge Procession sailing down the Chao Phraya River. This dazzling event journeys from Rama VIII Bridge to Wat Arun, promising top-notch connectivity for everyone eager to catch a glimpse. With extensive network testing already complete, True Corporation ensures they’re ready not just for the recent rehearsal…
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Banking on gains: Thai banks ‘interest’ed in profit uptick for 2024
Thai banking sector profits have seen a modest uptick for the first nine months of 2024, buoyed by rising interest and fee incomes. Yet, the backdrop of swirling economic uncertainties has kept banks on their toes, continuing to stash away hefty reserves for potential loan losses. The pack of 10 Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) listed banks and their subsidiaries…
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Thai man steals from friend to buy ring to win back ex-wife
A Thai man surrendered to the police after stealing more than 100,000 baht worth of valuables from his friend‘s home in Chon Buri province, allegedly to buy a gold ring to win back his ex-wife. The victim, 42 year old Tharathep, filed a complaint at Na Jomtien Police Station after catching his former colleague and neighbour, 44 year old Bandit,…
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Iranian man caught impersonating police to rob tourists in Bangkok
Officers in Bang Rak apprehended an Iranian man impersonating a police officer to search tourists’ bags and steal cash. The suspect was finally caught at the Sadao checkpoint while attempting to flee to Malaysia. Police Major General Samart Phromchat, with local officers and immigration police, arrested 53 year old Ghiasi Arefhossein on charges of theft by impersonation. The arrest was…
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Andaman Riviera set to ‘pave’ the way with final report in February
The ambitious Andaman Riviera project, a 50 billion baht (US$1.5 billion) initiative to construct over 600 kilometres of new roads along Thailand’s Andaman coast, is set to see its final report completed in February. The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OPT) confirmed the development yesterday, October 21. Chaiwat Sangkhaphak, OTP Division Director for Transport and Traffic System…
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Sky’s the limit: Mysterious pillar ‘clouds’ over Ubon Ratchathani
A mysterious pillar, or column, rising from rainbow-hued clouds has enchanted the skies above Ubon Ratchathani, capturing the attention and imaginations of residents alike. The striking phenomenon, immortalised in a photograph shared on the Facebook page มีด่าน อุบลราชธานี, sparked a flurry of intrigue and speculation about its origins. “What’s this pillar? Yesterday, October 21, at 5.35pm on Ubon Khueang Nai…
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Lucky seven ‘float’ to safety after Phuket longtail capsizes
All seven passengers were plucked to safety after a longtail boat capsized near Koh Rang Yai, just off Phuket’s east coast, late yesterday afternoon. The alarm was raised at 5.20pm yesterday, October 21, a mere ten-minute boat ride from the shore, and police dashed to the scene. Rescue teams sprang into action, racing from AA Marina Pier in Rassada, while…
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ICONSIAM propels Thailand to the forefront of global destinations
ICONSIAM, the global landmark on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, is employing an Experiential Marketing strategy aimed at creating exceptional experiences and reaffirming its status as a must-visit global destination. In collaboration with partners from all sectors, ICONSIAM is investing up to 300 million baht to launch over 60 marketing campaigns throughout the final quarter of the year, culminating…
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Political unrest impacts Thailand’s stock market performance
Political turbulence, both on the domestic and international fronts, is tempering the growth prospects of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), despite the Thai index briefly surpassing the 1,500-point mark. Analysts note that the Election Commission’s (EC) recent decision to investigate Thaksin Shinawatra for potentially exerting undue influence over the ruling Pheu Thai Party is a significant factor. The political…
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Thai husband forgives wife in monk-y business affair scandal
A Thai husband in the Isaan province of Buriram is ready to forgive his wife after discovering she was having an affair with a drug-addicted monk. Unfortunately, his wife chased him out of their home and attempted to bail the monk out of detention. The husband, 31 year old Tone, filed a complaint against 37 year old monk Ek after…
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Drug-addicted Peeping Tom takes a ‘bake’ fall during rooftop escape
A drug-addicted Peeping Tom fell from the roof of a cake shop in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok while trying to evade arrest. Officers found 184 methamphetamine pills, also known as Yaba, in his possession. The staff of a cake shop, called Cake Foo, contacted officers from the Chaiyaphruek Police Station at about 10pm after a female worker noticed a man peeping…
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Three arrested in Bangkok for 28 million baht tax evasion
Three company directors were arrested for tax evasion by issuing fake invoices and evading VAT, causing over 28 million baht in damages to the Revenue Department. The arrests, which took place yesterday, October 21, were conducted by the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD). Police Major General Phutthidet Boonkrapue ordered the operation, with Police Colonel Chatchawan Chuchaiyarit, Police Lieutenant Colonel Watit…
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Filipino pickpockets in Bangkok get ‘Thai’d up by the cops
Thai police apprehended a group of Filipino pickpockets targeting tourists in a prominent hotel in the Phaya Thai area of Bangkok. The suspects are now facing charges for their night-time theft activities. The arrest occurred yesterday, October 21 at approximately 4pm, led by Police Major General Witwat Chinkam, along with other high-ranking officials from Thonglor Police Station. Seven Filipino suspects,…
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FTI calls for fair e-commerce platform playing field
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is urging the government to enforce stricter regulations on foreign e-commerce platforms and control the influx of low-cost products into Thailand. This call to action comes after a recent survey revealed that 35.1% of local entrepreneurs experienced a decline in sales due to inexpensive imports sold online. Vice-Chairman of the FTI, Peekthong Thongyai spoke…
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Join the epic ‘Pool Party Bar Takeover’ at Meliá Chiang Mai
Meliá Chiang Mai is set to host an unforgettable evening of entertainment with the ‘Pool Party Bar Takeover’ on November 1, featuring an exciting mix of guest bartenders, live music, drag performances, DJs, and more. Located on Charoen Prathet Road, near the scenic Ping River and the bustling Night Bazaar, the urban hotel will transform its poolside area into a…
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Thai activist accused of 10 million baht extortion linked to iCon Group
The CEO of the iCon Group, Waratphol “Paul” Waratworakul, accused a female activist of extorting more than 10 million baht from him by threatening to allege that his company was running a Ponzi scheme. Paul and 17 other leading members of the iCon Group are being detained at Bangkok Remand Prison and the Central Women’s Correctional Institution after being charged…
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