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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Smooth travel to Belgium and the Netherlands: Visa tips & tricks!
Make Belgium and the Netherlands your next destination with the right visa in hand. Explore the iconic tulip fields, cruise through Amsterdam’s scenic canals, or stroll through the historic streets of Bruges. Don’t forget to enjoy some authentic Belgian chocolate...
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Bangkok warehouse fire causes millions in damages
A fire engulfed a timber warehouse in the Bang Po area, causing millions in damages, with the Bang Sue district preparing a temporary shelter for affected residents. The fire broke out on January 18 at a timber facility on Pracharat Sai 1 Soi 23 in the Bang Sue district, Bangkok. Fire and rescue teams from Bang Po deployed over 10…
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Thailand tourism surges with 1.3 million visitors in early 2025
Thailand experienced a significant influx of international tourists in the first 12 days of 2025, with over 1.3 million visitors, marking a 19.89% increase compared to the same timeframe in the previous year. Government reports attribute this surge to tourism revenue amounting to 66.089 billion baht (US$1.9 billion). Key visitor origins included China, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, and India, with…
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Thai police seize 100 kilogrammes of meth worth 200 million baht
Police in Prachuap Khiri Khan discovered a significant drug haul on January 17, seizing more than 100 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine. The street value of the drugs is estimated to surpass 200 million baht (US$5.8 million). The illicit substances were concealed in foam boxes and white fertiliser sacks, left outside the train station for two days, awaiting transit to Hat…
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Swiss man detained after wife’s escape from speeding pickup
In Chumphon on January 17, a tense situation unfolded when police were alerted to a speeding black pickup truck. Inside, a woman was reportedly trying to jump out while calling for help. Witnesses claimed the driver, identified as a Swiss national, had allegedly forced his Thai wife into the vehicle against her will, raising concerns for her welfare. Their child…
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Gorilla smuggling plot uncovered after Istanbul Airport seizure
A wildlife official has acknowledged the challenges in pursuing legal action against those involved in the attempted trafficking of a baby gorilla, initially seized in Turkey and allegedly destined for Thailand. The gorilla, named Zeytin, meaning olive in Turkish, is now at a zoo in Turkey and reportedly in good health, according to Sadudee Punpugdee, director of the Wild Fauna…
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Missing Chinese model found safe in Thailand, returns home
A 25 year old Chinese model who was missing for nearly a month has been found and safely returned to China, according to Thai police. Yang Zeqi’s return was confirmed by the Chinese embassy, as stated by Police General Chatchai Pitaneelaboot, inspector-general of the Royal Thai Police Office, who was in Mae Sot district, Tak, on January 17. Yang’s father…
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Monk charged with rape at Buriram meditation retreat
Rape charges have been filed against a 59 year old monk, Wichai, following allegations of sexual assault on a woman attending a meditation retreat at his monastery in Buriram. The charges were lodged yesterday, January 18, at the Nong Song Hong police station by Chalida Palamat, chair of the Be One Foundation, who accompanied the 38 year old foreign woman,…
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Thailand braces for cold snap with frost on mountain tops
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning, predicting cold to very cold conditions, with frost on some mountaintops. Bangkok might experience a low temperature of 18 degrees Celsius, while five provinces are expected to have thunderstorms. Today, January 19, the TMD forecasted that the northern, northeastern, and central regions will continue to experience chilly to cold weather…
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Thai lottery dream leads to 24 million baht jackpot win
A new multimillionaire has emerged through Lottery Plus, with a 24 million baht jackpot win linked to a dream. The winning number for the first prize was 807779, announced at 4pm yesterday, January 17, following the Government Lottery Office (GLO)’s draw. The prize also included two sets of three-digit numbers, 961 and 699, and two sets of three-digit numbers, 448…
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Luxury watches worth 100 million baht stolen in Chon Buri heist
A luxury residence in Huai Yai, Chon Buri, owned by a Chinese businessman, was burgled, with thieves reportedly making off with luxury watches valued at over 100 million baht. The incident was reported to Huai Yai police at 1.30am on Thursday, January 16. Police officers, accompanied by forensic experts from Chon Buri Forensic Division 2, arrived at the scene, a…
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Krabi park e-ticketing system struggles to curb cash handling risks
A special task force from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) conducted an inspection yesterday, January 17, at Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park in Krabi to evaluate anti-corruption measures. The inspection followed the introduction of an e-ticketing system intended to prevent fraud in park entry fee management. Officials examined the fee collection processes at popular tourist sites such…
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Nakhon Ratchasima to launch electric rail transit after 7-year wait
The government has given the green light to a long-anticipated electric rail mass transit initiative in the city of Nakhon Ratchasima. After a seven-year wait, the northeastern province is eagerly anticipating its own mass transit system, as noted by Sarawut Choedchai, a former city mayor and member of the traffic management committee in Thailand’s third-largest city after Bangkok and Chiang…
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Thai singer demands revenue from falsely claimed song rights (video)
Min Kuntaphat, a renowned Thai singer and independent artist from Maha Sarakham province, has accused a popular influencer with nearly 3 million followers of falsely claiming ownership of his song Soi Dao. According to Min, who legally owns the song’s rights, the influencer has been collecting revenue from the song on various online platforms for almost a year, despite Min’s…
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Thai actress Tangmo’s brother questions reenactment accuracy
Daisak Dechjob, the brother of late actress Tangmo Nida, recently expressed his frustrations as he attended a reenactment of his sister’s accident. The reenactment, held at the Pibulsongkram Pier, attempted to portray the events leading to Tangmo’s fall from a boat into the Chao Phraya River on February 24, 2022, which resulted in her untimely death. The event featured contestants…
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Ex-police officer and restaurant owner win 12 million baht lottery
A former police officer sharing a lottery ticket with a restaurant owner led to an unexpected windfall as the pair won the first prize in the Thai government lottery, securing 12 million baht. The joyous occasion took place at a restaurant by the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom province, where the lucky ticket was shared. The winning lottery number 807779…
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Pollution battle: Flights fight PM2.5 pollution in Thailand
Thailand is taking its fight against air pollution to the skies, deploying special flight operations to tackle the dangerous PM2.5 dust particles. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced that the innovative operations have already improved air quality in key regions, including Bangkok, the central region, and the upper north. Launched by Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd (AEROTHAI), the mission began…
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Strategic partnership: Thailand and UK celebrate 170 years
The British Ambassador to Thailand, Mark Gooding, has announced plans to enhance bilateral relations through a series of events and activities celebrating the Thailand-UK strategic partnership. These initiatives mark the 170th anniversary of the establishment of ties between the two nations. Gooding shared this information at the 170th Anniversary Launch Party held on Thursday evening, January 16, at the Postal…
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Tourist turmoil on Koh Larn: Rough seas spark safety warnings
A dramatic video capturing tourists struggling to board boats amid powerful waves on Koh Larn, Pattaya, has gone viral, showing the island’s rough seas during the monsoon season. The footage, taken on Thursday, January 16, highlights the dangerous conditions as local staff braved the waves to assist tourists and ensure their safety. The island faced particularly strong winds and waves…
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Close call: Thai deputy PM reveals scammer encounter
Even Thailand’s top officials aren’t immune to scammer schemes. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul shared on Thursday, January 16, that he had been targeted by a call centre scam, vowing to take decisive action against these criminal operations. Speaking to reporters, Anutin recounted receiving a suspicious call claiming his credit card had maxed out. “As she had…
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Phuket honours teachers with National Teacher’s Day celebration
Phuket officials commemorated the 69th Teachers’ Day, also known as Wai Khru Day, with an event at Phuket Wittayalai School on Thursday, January 16, honouring educators for their vital role in shaping Thai education. Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai led the event, which was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Education Region 6 Office, the Culture Office of Phuket,…
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Finding the best brokers in Thailand: key features to check
To invest in Thailand’s financial markets, choosing an ideal broker for a problem-free and successful trading session is a necessity. For both new and experienced investors, a reliable broker with certain specific features can make a significant contribution in your trading session. To make a smart selection, follow these important features to choose among the best brokers in Thailand. 1.…
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Bangkok crowned second best city globally in 2025 rankings
If you’re dreaming of your next urban escape, look no further than Cape Town, crowned the world’s best city for 2025 by Time Out! From breathtaking nature to buzzing nightlife, this South African gem offers it all. “Where else can you visit a colony of African penguins, sip world-class wines, stroll pristine Blue Flag beaches, and enjoy views from one of the…
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BREAKING: Foreign man robs car at gunpoint with kids onboard
An urgent manhunt is underway in Chumphon after a foreign man brazenly stole a car at gunpoint, with a terrified Thai mother and her two children inside. Royal Thai Police (RTP) are calling on the public to be on high alert and assist in locating the suspect and vehicle. Facebook user Kraiwich Chanthra, also known as Oat Rescue Lang Suan,…
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Umbrella-clad thief climbs from ceiling to steal but only gets 100 baht
Police are searching for a thief who descended from the third floor to the ground floor of a bakeware and bakery ingredient shop in Rayong province, using an umbrella to conceal his identity before stealing from the cash register. However, he left with a minimal loot of around 100 baht. The store manager, Komprakorn, filed a complaint at Mueang Rayong…
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Borderline mystery: Chinese model’s vanishing act stuns nation
The mysterious disappearance of Chinese model Yang Zeqi near the Thai-Myanmar border has sent shockwaves throughout his home country of China and prompted his father to make a desperate plea to the Government of Thailand for help in locating his son. Accompanied by lawyer Ratchaphon Sirisakhon, Yang’s father approached Police General Kittharath Punpetch, beseeching him to assist in the search…
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CNY rush: Thai airports brace for over 4 million passengers
Thailand’s airports are gearing up for a passenger surge as the Chinese New Year festival approaches, with an expected 4.03 million foreign arrivals between January 24 and February 2. The Transport Ministry has ordered Airports of Thailand (AoT) to ensure smooth operations and safety during this 10-day travel boom. Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit revealed that Bangkok’s airports would bear the brunt…
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Pride and peril: Thai man caught ‘lion’ about cub safety rules
A Thai man is under investigation by the Department of National Parks (DPN) for transporting a lion cub without proper safety measures, a clear breach of wildlife transport laws. The man’s legal lion lapse could cost him dearly, with penalties including up to a year in prison and a hefty 100,000 baht fine. The situation roared into the spotlight after…
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Drug-addicted Thai man steals pickup to impress teen crush
A drug-addicted Thai man stole a welfare pickup from an officer of the Public Works and Town & Country Planning Department in the southern province of Chum Phon to impress a woman he had a crush on. The official, Prasart Kraiwilat, filed a complaint at Mueang Chumphon Police Station after losing the car, which belonged to his workplace, the Department…
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Call it off: Thai telecom giants reject merger offers on the line
Shareholders of Thai telecom mobile carriers, Advanced Info Service (AIS) and Thaicom, have been advised to hang up on acquisition offers from their controlling entities. The boards are urging a firm “no” to the merger plans proposed by Gulf Energy Development and Intouch Holdings. Back in July, Gulf Energy, the powerhouse investor behind Thaicom, and Intouch Holdings, which calls the…
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Father fatally stabs son in Samut Prakan after money dispute
Police officer Tosapol Yasriyai received a report of a fatal stabbing at a residential property in Phraeksa Mai, Mueang district, Samut Prakan province in the early hours of this morning. Upon arrival, officers, including Police Colonel Watchara Thepsen and forensic officers, found the body of the victim, 42 year old Parinya, at the entrance of a two-storey townhouse. He had…
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