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.

  • Peek performance: Students nab half-naked pervert in petrol station

    Peek performance: Students nab half-naked pervert in petrol station

    A group of Thai students last night managed to catch a half-naked pervert who fled after peeking at a woman in a bathroom at a petrol station in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum. Officers from Mueang Chaiyaphum Police Station yesterday, August 26, were called to a road outside Chaiyaphum Wanaram Temple, where the group of students caught the alleged suspect,…

  • Job jolt: Thailand’s unemployment hits two-year high at 1.07%

    Job jolt: Thailand’s unemployment hits two-year high at 1.07%

    Thailand’s unemployment rate surged to a two-year high, with 1.07% of the workforce out of a job, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) revealed. The rise marks the highest level of unemployment since the Covid-19 pandemic waned, showing a worrying trend in the nation’s job market. Danucha Pichayanan, NESDC Secretary-General, reported that the rate had climbed slightly from…

  • Most Thai listed companies report Q2 this year profits

    Most Thai listed companies report Q2 this year profits

    Thailand’s stock exchange disclosed that 819 out of 856 listed companies have submitted their second-quarter financial results for this year, with 631 reporting net profits. This represents a significant 77.05% of the companies that submitted financial statements. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has seen continuous growth in the second quarter of this year. Sales for listed companies in the…

  • Thieves strike twice on VietJet Air flights to Hong Kong

    Thieves strike twice on VietJet Air flights to Hong Kong

    An alarming crime wave has hit Hong Kong’s skies as two separate thefts from flights arriving from Vietnam made headlines. In the latest incident, a 37 year old mainland Chinese traveller reported his credit card stolen and used for fraudulent transactions totalling over 36,000 Hong Kong dollars (around 157,000 baht) while on board VietJet Air 966. The flight landed in Hong…

  • Nomad’s land: TAT’s Destination Thailand Visa leaves embassies in fog

    Nomad’s land: TAT’s Destination Thailand Visa leaves embassies in fog

    Despite the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) pushing the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) as a boon for digital nomads, the Pattaya Mail has discovered a troubling lack of clarity among Thai embassies. This long-stay visa, designed for remote workers and freelancers wishing to reside in Thailand, is meant to be straightforward, but many embassies are failing to provide adequate guidance…

  • Thai man hospitalised after eating ‘crazy eggplant’ to quit drinking

    Thai man hospitalised after eating ‘crazy eggplant’ to quit drinking

    A Thai man in the Isaan province of Mahasarakham lost consciousness after his wife forced him to consume poisonous jimsonweed believing it would help him quit drinking. Mahasarakham Hospital issued a warning to the public after the 61 year old Thai man, Thongdaeng, was admitted to the hospital after consuming the poisonous fruit. It is known among Thais as Makhuea…

  • Pattaya City officials invited to China’s Hunan for strengthened ties

    Pattaya City officials invited to China’s Hunan for strengthened ties

    Pattaya City officials received a visit from the Vice Governor of Hunan province in China, accompanied by a delegation. They extended an invitation for Pattaya officials to visit Hunan province, aiming to enhance friendship and mutual understanding between Thai and Chinese communities. The initiative seeks to promote shared prosperity through cooperation in economics, trade, tourism, science and technology, culture, education,…

  • Chinese teen risks paralysis from mobile phone use in poor posture

    Chinese teen risks paralysis from mobile phone use in poor posture

    A Chinese teen in Fuzhou, Fujian province, China, nearly faced lifelong paralysis due to his habit of using a mobile phone in a harmful posture. The 16 year old boy’s parents were shocked upon learning this from doctors, who attributed his severe condition to his mobile phone usage. The boy, referred to as Min had been experiencing back and neck…

  • Bangkok man arrested for raping 11 year old girl while drunk

    Bangkok man arrested for raping 11 year old girl while drunk

    In a disturbing incident, a 23 year old Bangkok man has been arrested for allegedly raping an 11 year old girl. The suspect lured the girl under the pretence of taking her to see her brother, who was fishing nearby, before sexually assaulting her. He later claimed that he was drunk during the incident. Yesterday, August 26, at 11am, Police…

  • Music is the food of love for TAT festival in Hat Yai this weekend

    Music is the food of love for TAT festival in Hat Yai this weekend

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is rolling out the red carpet for a spectacular celebration of art, music, and culture in southern Thailand with the HATYAI OUTLOUD festival. Scheduled from August 30 to September 1, this vibrant event will light up the Robinson Department Store parking lot and the Sino-European Building Sai 1 on Niphat Uthit 1 Road in…

  • Thailand’s household debt growth slows amid stricter loan criteria

    Thailand’s household debt growth slows amid stricter loan criteria

    Household debt growth in Thailand decelerated in the first quarter of this year, partly due to stricter loan criteria imposed by financial institutions, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) announced. The NESDC Secretary-General, Danucha Pichayanan, reported that household debt reached 16.3 trillion baht in the first quarter of 2024, marking a 2.5% increase, which is a slowdown from…

  • Saudia adds dreamliner flights to Phuket

    Saudia adds dreamliner flights to Phuket

    Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, is set to make your travel dreams come true with its latest addition to the flight network. The airline confirmed that from December 2 it will launch flights to the exotic island of Phuket, making it the second Thai city in its roster after Bangkok. This move is part of Saudia’s strategic…

  • Thai monk resigns after secret filming reveals misconduct (video)

    Thai monk resigns after secret filming reveals misconduct (video)

    A monk in Suphan Buri has been reportedly filmed engaging in behaviour contrary to Buddhist religious principles, leading to his resignation from the monastic order and departure from the province. The revelation came from a Facebook page called Humans of Suphan Buri (เล่าเรื่องเมืองสุพรรณ) which shared a video clip provided by a concerned citizen. The video allegedly shows the monk, who…

  • More heavy rain forecast for 53 provinces in Thailand

    More heavy rain forecast for 53 provinces in Thailand

    Heavy rain is expected to continue across Thailand, with 53 provinces particularly affected, including the upper northern, upper northeastern, and western southern regions. Residents in these areas should be cautious of flash floods and sudden water surges. Today, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a 24-hour weather forecast indicating increased rainfall and heavy downpours in certain areas. The upper northern…

  • Fin-ancial forecast: Pisces to swim through love but sink in expenses

    Fin-ancial forecast: Pisces to swim through love but sink in expenses

    Astrologer Tosaporn warns Pisces about significant financial burdens but highlights positive romantic developments. Tosaporn recently took to social media, alerting followers that while Pisces may experience fulfilling love lives, they should brace for unavoidable expenses. The renowned astrologer noted that this period offers Pisces the chance to enhance their romantic relationships, providing time to deepen connections and nurture bonds. However,…

  • Thailand’s new anti-smoking rule burns Thai vendors’ profits

    Thailand’s new anti-smoking rule burns Thai vendors’ profits

    Thailand is stepping up its fight against smoking with a hard-hitting new regulation that could hit vendors where it hurts—right in the wallet. Starting last Wednesday, August 21, retail sellers of cigarettes and tobacco are now required to display posters warning of the severe dangers of smoking, or they could be slapped with a fine of up to 5,000 baht.…

  • Chinese man caught red-handed running illegal tours in Thailand

    Chinese man caught red-handed running illegal tours in Thailand

    Thai police nabbed a Chinese national running an unauthorised tour business, exposing a shadowy operation exploiting Thailand’s tourism industry. The National Tourist Police, under the leadership of Police Colonel Piyapong Raksa, Deputy Superintendent of the Tourist Police Division, swooped in on Hao, a 41 year old Chinese national, at the bustling Four Regions Floating Market on Sukhumvit Road on Sunday, August…

  • Man seeks justice after wife dies from hospital’s inadequate care

    Man seeks justice after wife dies from hospital’s inadequate care

    In a heartfelt Facebook post, a Thai man expressed his grief after the sudden death of his wife, who succumbed to severe pneumonia. Anuwa Jarong detailed the ordeal at a hospital where his wife was kept waiting for nearly an hour before receiving inadequate care. Anuwa’s wife, Amina, died on Friday after battling a severe lung infection. She was 35…

  • Thailand’s BRICS ambition: Gateway to economic power?

    Thailand’s BRICS ambition: Gateway to economic power?

    As Thailand contemplates joining the BRICS economic bloc, the nation’s public and private sectors are buzzing with anticipation over the potential opportunities and benefits. The growing excitement was evident at the International Media Club of Thailand (IMCT)’s inaugural seminar in Bangkok last Thursday, August 22, where two panels dissected the pros and cons of the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and…

  • Father dies from methanol-laced alcohol, daughter seeks justice

    Father dies from methanol-laced alcohol, daughter seeks justice

    A tragic incident involving methanol-laced herbal alcohol resulted in the death of a father in the Khlong Sam Wa area of Bangkok, with his daughter now seeking justice. Three people have already died, and the number of affected individuals has risen to 31. The daughter of the deceased has taken to social media to demand accountability. She posted a heartfelt…

  • Gold shop worker steals 24 million baht after 10 years salary freeze

    Gold shop worker steals 24 million baht after 10 years salary freeze

    A Thai gold shop worker confessed to stealing 24 million baht worth of gold from a shop in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, because his salary did not increase during his 10 years of employment. The owner of the gold shop took legal action against his 40 year old employee, Phaisarn, after he was caught stealing gold accessories weighing nearly 10…

  • Chiang Mai’s explosive night: Firework blast leaves home in ruins

    Chiang Mai’s explosive night: Firework blast leaves home in ruins

    A firework explosion devastated a home in Chiang Mai, prompting an urgent investigation by multiple agencies. The incident occurred yesterday at 2.30pm in Pa Phai, San Sai district, Chiang Mai province. Police swiftly responded to the scene, including local security officials, rescue teams, and the Pa Phai subdistrict municipality. Prasit Wiriya, the village head of Moo 8 in Pa Phai,…

  • Rescue vehicle crash in northern Thailand kills one, injures two

    Rescue vehicle crash in northern Thailand kills one, injures two

    A tragic accident involving a rescue vehicle occurred early today in Phichit province, northern Thailand, resulting in one death and two injuries. The vehicle, en route to aid flood victims in Sukhothai, collided with a parked 18-wheeler after the driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel. Sutchin Kesa, an officer at Wang Sai Phun Police Station, received a report at…

  • Woman’s six-hour shower reveals 20-year struggle with OCD

    Woman’s six-hour shower reveals 20-year struggle with OCD

    A family became deeply concerned when a 60 year old Chinese woman spent six continuous hours in the shower without eating. Upon consulting a doctor, it was revealed that the woman, Wang, has been suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for over 20 years. Wang’s compulsive behaviour of prolonged bathing, often lasting several hours, has been a source of distress for…

  • Customer slaps Bangkok barber after trim turns grim (video)

    Customer slaps Bangkok barber after trim turns grim (video)

    A Thai man accused a barber in the Lat Phrao district of Bangkok of cutting his hair too short and slapped the barber on the head twice, even though the hair stylist bowed at his feet to issue an apology. The Facebook page of non-profit organisation Saimai Survive shared a video of the customer in a light blue shirt shouting…

  • Uthai Thani officer accidentally shot during argument with wife

    Uthai Thani officer accidentally shot during argument with wife

    A heated argument between a police officer and his wife in Uthai Thani province escalated, resulting in the officer being accidentally shot. He was found lying in front of a som tum shop near the traffic centre. Officers from the Khao Bang Kraek Police Station received a report yesterday, August 26, at 8.30pm about an officer who had been shot…

  • Mae Moh gets a farm makeover: Modern methods in full bloom

    Mae Moh gets a farm makeover: Modern methods in full bloom

    The Mae Moh Agricultural Community in Lampang Province is witnessing a significant transformation in its farming practices, focusing on modern and sustainable methods. Red oak, green oak, kale, cos, frisée iceberg, and other fresh vegetables are thriving in the community’s plots, ready for harvest. This shift towards a modern farming model is a step towards Smart Farming for the region.…

  • Southern Thailand court to hear Tak Bai massacre case

    Southern Thailand court to hear Tak Bai massacre case

    Narathiwat Provincial Court’s decision to hear a lawsuit against seven officials accused of murder and kidnapping during the 2004 Tak Bai massacre has been welcomed by activists. Srisompob Jitpiromsri, director of Deep South Watch, described the court’s move as a significant step toward justice and peace in the troubled region. He made these comments at a talk in Pattani‘s Mueang…

  • Family battles deceitful Thai bus owner after Nonthaburi collision

    Family battles deceitful Thai bus owner after Nonthaburi collision

    A tragic accident involving a tour bus and a van left one person dead and another permanently disabled. The victims’ family sought compensation but faced numerous challenges as the tour bus owner appeared to have transferred assets to evade legal repercussions. A Facebook post by Naphatsawan Kat Klinnin yesterday, August 26, highlighted the dire situation her family has faced since…

  • Kazakhstan airline’s new route to Phuket takes off in October

    Kazakhstan airline’s new route to Phuket takes off in October

    Kazakhstan airline Air Astana announced the launch of direct flights from Astana to Phuket, with the first flight taking off on October 26. This exciting new route adds to Air Astana’s existing Almaty-Phuket service, which is also getting a boost with daily flights starting the same day. Travellers from Astana can now look forward to jetting off to Phuket three…