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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Unidentified foreign woman’s body found on Phuket beach
In Phuket, a foreign woman’s body was discovered floating in the waters off Freedom Beach yesterday. Karon police received word of the grim find around 2.45pm. A subsequent recovery mission was swiftly assembled, with Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers utilising a rubber dinghy to retrieve the body and transport it ashore near Nong Harn Lake in Karon. The deceased is thought…
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Russian man found dead in Bangkok canal with multiple cuts
Locals discovered the dead body of a Russian man in the Hua Lamphong Canal in Bangkok yesterday. He bore more than 10 cut wounds on his wrists. Officers from the Bangrak Police Station investigated the body of the Russian man at around 8am yesterday. Locals in the area spotted the body in the Hua Lamphong Canal near Soi Santiphap in…
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Thai tourism industry supports reintroduction of 300 baht tourist fee
Tourism industry stakeholders in Thailand voiced their support for the reintroduction of a 300 baht fee for incoming tourists, viewing it as crucial for generating funds for tourism development. The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) intends to discuss the project’s necessity with Sermsak Pongpanich, the incoming tourism minister. Surawat Akaraworamat, TCT’s Vice President, said that the Thai Chamber of Commerce…
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American YouTuber swings from fame to shame in Thailand
Police arrested an American YouTuber at his home in Pattaya yesterday after he physically assaulted his Thai girlfriend by hitting her with a golf club. The man claimed the attack was staged for a video on his YouTube channel. The Thai woman, 20 year old Kanittha, and her younger sister sought assistance from a 55 year old maid named Anchulee…
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Northern Thailand braces for severe summer storms
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) announced severe summer storms are set to strike northern Thailand. The storms are expected to impact the region from tomorrow, May 3 to May 7, bringing heavy rains, hail in some areas, and strong gusts of wind. Residents are urged to be cautious and avoid open spaces, large trees, weak structures, and billboards that may…
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Thailand’s govt backs AI industry and boosts digital infrastructure
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that the government is ready to support the AI industry and enhance the country’s digital infrastructure. The statement was made at the Microsoft Build: AI Day Event at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, where he welcomed around 2,000 developers and business and technology leaders. “AI has changed many aspects of our lives, workplaces, and business…
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Influenza outbreak in Thailand prison infects over 3,000 inmates
A devastating influenza outbreak at Nakhon Si Thammarat prison in Thailand has infected almost 3,500 inmates, leading to two fatalities, as reported by public health officials. The prison in Phra Phom district was inspected by a team led by Dr Kittisak Aksornwong, the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Health, who confirmed the outbreak. From April 19 to April 28, 3,442…
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Phuket tourism industry hit by escalating water shortage
Phuket‘s tourism sector is grappling with an escalating water shortage crisis, as hotel operators face rising costs due to the scarcity. Thanet Tantipiriyakit, the Phuket Tourist Association President, yesterday, May 1, called on the government for a sustainable solution to the annual water deficits. He cited that the primary reservoirs, Bang Wad, Klong Kata, and Bang Neow Dum, are currently…
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Impersonator accused of extorting 15,000 baht from migrants
An alleged highway police impersonator in Chon Buri has been accused of extorting 15,000 baht from three migrant workers for not carrying their passports. The incident, which was captured in a video clip and shared on Facebook, reveals a man dressed like a police officer demanding the sum from the workers, threatening legal action that could result in a fine…
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Ayutthaya chemical fire leads to Phachi Hospital shutdown
A chemical warehouse fire in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province caused widespread chaos, leading to the temporary closure of Phachi Hospital and the establishment of an emergency field hospital and evacuation centre. The fire, which was brought under control at 10pm yesterday, May 1, forced locals to flee their homes and seek temporary shelter. The fire broke out in a…
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Chon Buri manhunt for suspects in sexual assault of two sisters
Two men have been accused of a heinous crime involving a sexual assault on two underage sisters, aged 14 and 16, in Chon Buri province, as reported yesterday, May 1. The 35 year old mother of the victims, identified by the pseudonym A, has lodged a formal complaint with the police, alleging that her daughters were lured and subsequently assaulted…
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Ex-executive kicks police officer’s face during DUI arrest in Thailand
In a highly publicised incident, an intoxicated former female executive was arrested for driving under the influence and assaulting a deputy police commander during her apprehension. This confrontation, involving high-profile individuals and captured on video, has sparked a media frenzy and intense public debate over issues of conduct and law enforcement in Thailand. The former executive, known as Khun Meow,…
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Beach peace patrol: Police unite to silence the noise after shooting
In a collaborative effort to maintain peace and tranquillity, officials from Banglamung and Pattaya police conducted an inspection of Jomtien Beach in the early hours of today. Responding to the residents’ complaints about noise and fireworks, this initiative was also a reaction to a shooting incident that took place on the night of April 25, which stirred panic among tourists.…
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Tiny salmon bento box stirs big waves online, priced at 35 baht
Social media recently buzzed with a viral photo of a bento box from Japan, showcasing a minuscule piece of salmon on a bed of rice, reminiscent of a single bite of sushi. Capturing the attention of online communities worldwide, this image from a Japanese supermarket, priced at 150 yen (approximately 35 baht), sparked a wave of comments and shares across…
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Family seeks truth over Thai woman’s mysterious death in Malaysia
The tragic death of a 26 year old Thai woman in Malaysia has galvanised a family to seek justice amidst mysterious circumstances. The 25 year old deceased’s husband and her 49 year old mother have come forward with concerns over the unclear causes of her untimely demise. On a recent afternoon at the Paweena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women…
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Thailand shuts down illegal Bitcoin mine worth 70 million baht
A major illegal Bitcoin mining operation was dismantled yesterday when police and the Provincial Electricity Authority raided an abandoned ice factory in Samut Sakhon, Thailand, seizing equipment worth over 70 million baht. A Myanmar national was found guarding the facility, which is believed to have caused the state a loss of 10 million baht per month in electricity. At 11am…
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Ex-Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao receives four-month sentence
The former CEO of Binance and once a dominant figure in the cryptocurrency industry, Changpeng Zhao, was given a four-month prison sentence yesterday after admitting to violating anti-money laundering laws in the United States. The sentencing of Changpeng, commonly known as CZ, marks a landmark moment in the crypto industry, with two major figures now having been imprisoned. The sentence,…
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Woman sentenced for abducting child as future bride in China
A shocking scheme in Liupanshui, Guizhou Province, in China, where a woman named Yang abducted an 11 year old girl to groom her as a future bride for her eldest son, has led to prison sentences for both mother and son. The unusual case, which has sparked a furore on Chinese social media, underscores the enduring issue of child brides…
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Actress Aom Sakaojai files police complaint against cyberbully
Renowned Thai actress Aom Sakaojai reported a case of severe online harassment to the police, triggered by explicit and threatening comments on one of her Facebook posts. Today, May 1, at 10am, Aom approached Deputy Inspector Chalerm Noppakarn of RomKlao Police Station to take legal action against the cyberbully identified by the Facebook name Nui Yabot. The incident began on…
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Bangkok police bust couple for covert online ammo sales
In a major crackdown on the illegal arms trade, the Thai police arrested a couple for selling ammunition online. Yesterday, April 30, law enforcement officers apprehended 29 year old Sarawut, and his 19 year old girlfriend Nariporn, for their involvement in an illicit online ammunition business. Operating under the guise of selling film cameras, they cleverly masked their trade on…
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Thai lottery hopefuls dissect past May 2 draws for winning edge
Aspiring fortune-seekers keenly analyse historical lottery results, anticipating patterns that may predict future winnings. This analysis hones in on the statistics of the Thai Government Lottery, particularly for the upcoming draw, which is of significant interest as players strategize their next move in the hope of hitting the jackpot. Over the past ten years, the lottery numbers drawn on May…
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AoT tee up 3 billion baht compensation swing for RTAF
Thailand’s Defense Ministry spokesperson, Jirayu Houngsub, revealed yesterday that the Airports of Thailand (AoT) could be liable for a compensation payment of at least 3 billion baht to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). This potential payment is in relation to the Kantarat Golf Course, a property currently owned by the RTAF, which the AoT is considering repurposing. Previously, the…
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Thai police dismantle major illegal online gambling rings
Thai police delivered a significant blow to the online gambling industry with the dismantling of two major illegal betting websites. The operation, dubbed ZERO BET, saw the seizure of nearly 10 million baht (US$270,000) in cash and luxury assets, including high-end vehicles like Lamborghinis and BMWs, totalling over 60 million baht (US$1.6 million) in value. The investigation revealed an annual…
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Thammasat University appoints new rector
One of Thailand’s most prestigious educational institutions, Thammasat University, has announced the appointment of Professor Supasawad Chardchawarn as its new rector. He replaces Associate Professor Gasinee Witoonchart, who has held the role since 2018. This significant development was revealed yesterday at 9am during the University Council’s final selection round, as reported by the Thammasat University Student Union (TUSU) on their…
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Nakhon Phanom pub bust reveals drugs, minors and indecent acts
Police in Nakhon Phanom arrested the operators of a well-known pub for a series of legal infractions, including allowing minors on the premises and indecent performances, amid revelations of drug use among patrons. The establishment, known as AEC Nakhon Phanom, was also found to be operating beyond legally allowed hours, causing disturbances to nearby residents. The crackdown, led by Nakhon…
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Citi expands medium-sized business operations in Thailand, Asia
International bank Citi is set to aid the expansion of medium-sized businesses in Thailand and Asia. The move comes as economies in these regions experience high growth rates, presenting lucrative opportunities for companies to penetrate overseas markets. The managing director and head of Citi Commercial Bank (CCB) for Asia North, Australia, and Asia South, Gunjan Kalra, highlighted Asia’s rapid economic…
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Laotian tourist’s 80,000 baht gold necklace stolen in Pattaya
Emerging from the nocturnal charm of Pattaya, an intriguing tale of a Laotian tourist and a vanished 80,000 baht (US$2,150) gold necklace has surfaced. The unfortunate incident unfolded early this morning, May 1, along the bustling Sukhumvit Road in the Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. The victim, Detnakhon Inthakoummane, a 37 year old Laotian national, recounted his ordeal…
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Kasikornbank and SUN group fund Thai solar startup Ion Energy
Kasikornbank’s subsidiary Beacon Venture Capital has collaborated with Indonesia’s Solar United Network (SUN) Group to complete a Series A funding round for Ion Energy, a solar energy startup based in Thailand. The funding round closed at US$3 million. Ion Energy offers affordable, clean energy solutions to both residential and commercial sectors within Thailand. Beacon Venture Capital Managing Director Thanapong Na…
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British tourist detained in Phuket for assaulting tuk tuk driver
Police in Phuket have detained a British national following an altercation involving a tuk tuk driver, where the foreigner was accused of physically assaulting the driver over a fare dispute. The incident, which was captured on CCTV footage, garnered significant attention on social media, leading to a swift police response. The confrontation took place on the evening of April 26,…
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SET extends deadline due to few presidential applicants
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has delayed the application deadline for its presidential role until May 15, following a lack of applicants. The present president, Pakorn Peetathawatchai, is due to step down in September. The SET chairman role also remains unfilled after Pichai Chunhavajira’s recent resignation. The exchange is seeking candidates who can support its vision of making the…
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