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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5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Body found in Phuket sea believed to be missing American woman
Thai fishermen yesterday discovered the body of a foreigner floating between Koh Racha Yai and Koh He in Phuket province. The foreigner is suspected to be the missing American woman. Officers from the Phuket Tourist Assistance Centre (Khai Mook Centre) investigated the floating body at around 8.20am, yesterday, March 16, after being notified by a local fishing boat. The body…
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Last call: Drunk man’s tragic death in a Khlong Tan police cell
A 55 year old man died in a detention cell at Khlong Tan Police Station after being arrested for disorderly conduct while drunk. His family revealed he had a heart condition and a history of drug use. The incident involved a man, Pairoh, whose surname is withheld, causing a disturbance in Soi Phatthanakan 10 Intersection 1. Police from Khlong Tan…
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Grey matters! Labour Ministry’s age-raising proposal stirs debate
The Labour Ministry of Thailand is controversially considering raising the retirement age from 55 to 65, while also encouraging voluntary retirement, in a bid to bolster the financial stability of the Social Security Fund (SSF) as the nation braces for an ageing population boom. Government spokesperson Phumphat Muanchan revealed that Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is keen on ensuring the SSF…
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Two Thais become millionaires in 60 million baht lottery win
The latest lottery draw has turned two people into millionaires with a total prize of 60 million baht. A 48 million baht prize went to one winner, while the other claimed 12 million baht. Phanawat “Nott” Nakwisut, CEO of Lottery Plus, selected the winning tickets, drawing gratitude from the winners. The announcement was made at 4pm yesterday, March 16, following…
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Thailand offers free HPV vaccines for girls and young women
The Government of Thailand is offering free cervical cancer vaccinations to girls and young women aged 11 to 20 until the end of April, part of an initiative supported by the Ministry of Public Health. Cervical cancer, described by Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan as a silent disease, results in numerous fatalities annually in Thailand. The vaccine protects against the…
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Bugged out! Mosquito bite leaves British dad in Tourette’s grip
A British father’s dream holiday in Thailand took a nightmarish twist after a vicious mosquito bite not only gave him Tourette’s syndrome, but set off a series of bizarre, life-altering health issues. Ross Constable returned from a family holiday to Phuket, never expecting a simple insect bite to transform his life in the most shocking way. The 48 year old…
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Storm set to rain on 25 provinces, Bangkok in the splash zone
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for a summer storm affecting 25 provinces, including Bangkok, predicting heavy rain in 40% of the area. Strong winds and hail are also expected, with a subsequent drop in temperatures today, March 17. A high-pressure system from China is currently affecting the upper northeastern region, anticipated to expand to cover the…
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Chiang Mai air quality ranks worst globally due to regional fires
Burning activities in Myanmar and Laos have significantly contributed to the poor air quality in Chiang Mai, which has been ranked as having the worst air quality in the world. Today, March 16, 17 provinces in Thailand reported PM2.5 levels exceeding safety standards. Associate Professor Doctor Wisanu Arthawanich from the Faculty of Economics at Kasetsart University highlighted the situation on…
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Thailand seeks private investment for Phuket expressway project
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is seeking private sector involvement in the Phuket Expressway Project to enhance road infrastructure, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve connectivity for both locals and tourists. On March 7, a public hearing took place at the Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit, where private investors were invited to share their views on the project’s feasibility and investment…
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Major e-cigarette distributor arrested in Thailand crackdown
A significant arrest was made involving a major distributor of electronic cigarettes who distributed products to various branches. The 56 year old suspect previously served over 11 years in prison but claimed to be only a coordinator rather than the owner. Today, March 16, Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, along with other senior officials from the Metropolitan…
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Police raid illegal gambling den in Suthisan, arrest 19 people
Thai metropolitan police raided an illegal gambling den in the Suthisan area, arresting 19 people, including the organiser, and seizing five items of evidence. The incident occurred yesterday, March 15, at around 10.50pm, in a rented room on Suthisan Winitchai Road. The operation was led by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, with support from…
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Drug-influenced man kills one, injures another in Chaiyaphum attack
A 26 year old man, reportedly under the influence of drugs, attacked his neighbours in Chaiyaphum province, resulting in one death and one serious injury. Following the incident, he fled and was later apprehended at a temple, where he confessed his actions. Today, March 16, Police Lieutenant Witoon Phaphong-ngarm from Nong Bua Daeng district Police Station was informed of an…
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Tragic accident in Bang Pa Han: Man killed by lawnmower blade
A 58 year old man tragically died after a lawnmower blade broke off and struck his leg while he was working in a field in Bang Pa Han district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. The incident was reported yesterday, March 15. Relatives had planned to celebrate his birthday but instead found themselves organising a funeral. Police Lieutenant Colonel Piyapong Sirichanyatham from…
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South Korean tourist found dead in Phuket luxury spa sauna
A South Korean tourist was found dead in a sauna room at a luxury spa in Phuket. His wife revealed that he had entered the facility before losing consciousness. Attempts to revive him with CPR were unsuccessful. Police are set to investigate the cause of death. Today, March 16, reports emerged that yesterday, March 15 at 6.30pm, Police Captain Yutthaphon…
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Regulatory loophole enables illegal land sales in eastern regions
The National Land Policy Committee (NLPC) has identified a regulatory loophole leading to unlawful land transfers, particularly in regions designated for the underprivileged. This issue affects land sold to investors in the eastern region and requires additional cooperation for resolution, according to the director of the NLPC. NLPC chief Rawiwan Phuridej recently revealed that an initial probe uncovered illegal sales…
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Fifteen Thai nationals charged for online gambling in Cambodia
Arrest warrants have been issued for 15 Thai nationals repatriated from Poipet, Cambodia, over allegations of organising online gambling operations. The action follows a crackdown by Cambodian officials on scammers in the border town last month, resulting in the arrest and deportation of 119 Thais for investigation in Thailand, according to Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiewphan, head of the Cyber…
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Nigerian man arrested for motorcycle theft in Chumphon disturbance
A Nigerian man suspected of motorcycle theft was apprehended after causing a disturbance outside a convenience store in the Muang district of Chumphon yesterday morning, according to police reports. Tourist Police responded to an incident at the Home Fresh store in tambon Na Thung after receiving reports of a foreign tourist creating disorder and damaging property, stated Police Lieutenant Colonel…
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Three missing found after Rama 2 overpass collapse tragedy
Three missing people from the Rama 2 overpass collapse have been located after an extensive search. The incident occurred on the Rama 3 – Dao Khanong – Outer Ring Road construction project, which is situated over the Rama 2 expressway. The collapse resulted in five fatalities and numerous injuries. As of 3.20pm yesterday, March 15, emergency services reported discovering two…
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Thai weather warning: 49 provinces to face severe storms
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its fourth warning concerning severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and significant temperature drops of up to 8 degrees Celsius. Residents in 49 provinces, including Bangkok and its vicinity, are advised to exercise caution from March 16 to March 20. From March 16 to March 17, upper Thailand will experience thunderstorms, strong winds, hail,…
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Thailand tourism surges with visa-free policy, Phuket leads
Following the easing of Covid-19, global tourism has experienced a resurgence, bolstered by the Thai government’s visa-free policy. This has led to a continuous increase in tourists visiting Thailand. Recent data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports revealed that between January and March, the number of tourists reached 7,021,344, marking a 5.91% increase compared to the same period last…
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Uthai Thani locals flock to ancient tree for lottery luck
As the lottery draw approaches, residents in Uthai Thani’s Mueang district have flocked to seek lucky numbers from a century-old Takian tree. It is believed that 12 spirit guardians, known as Mae Takian, reside within the tree, offering fortune to visitors. Located in Ban Huai Rang, Village 2, Rabam subdistrict, the revered Takian tree stands by a busy road, drawing…
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Indian tourists held over alleged assault at Koh Pha Ngan party
Two Indian men have been detained for questioning in connection with the alleged assault of a German woman after CCTV footage implicated them. One suspect gave inconsistent statements, while the other was evasive. Police remain confident in their identification of the suspects. The incident occurred when 24 year old Salah, a German national, reported being assaulted by two men while…
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Thai man drowns on shellfish trip in Samut Songkhram canal
A Thai man searching for shellfish in a canal in Mueang district, Samut Songkhram with a group of friends drowned yesterday, March 14. Deputy Inspector Chanathip Ongkhleuab from Mueang Samut Songkhram Police Station received a report of a man, Supachip, who had drowned and disappeared in Khlong Si Suk. Rescue divers from the Sawang Benjatham Foundation were called in to assist…
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Ayutthaya hermitage draws crowds for blessings, lucky numbers
The Ruesi Cherne Thatu Phutthakhun hermitage in Ayutthaya is buzzing with visitors seeking spiritual blessings and lucky numbers ahead of the next lottery draw. This sacred site in Bang Sai district has become a magnet for those looking to boost their fortune, drawing tourists and devoted believers alike. Among the hermitage’s revered figures is the nine-faced Thao Wessuwan statue, standing…
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Ex-finance minister exposes Phuket police extortion
A former finance minister has blown the lid off corrupt police practices in Phuket, exposing a rampant extortion racket targeting tourists. Sommai Phasee took to Facebook to reveal how officers are demanding bribes of 10,000 to 20,000 baht from foreign visitors to avoid being dragged to the police station. “I can’t stand it anymore. Corruption is everywhere in Thailand—it’s a…
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PM Paetongtarn prepares for Bhutan visit to boost trade
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra engaged in discussions with Bhutan’s Ambassador to Thailand yesterday, March 14, focusing on preparations for the forthcoming state visit of the King and Queen to Bhutan. This marks Their Majesties’ initial state visit following an invitation from His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan. Paetongtarn held talks with Kinzang Dorji, the Bhutanese Ambassador to…
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Songkran to boost Thailand’s tourism by 26.5 billion baht
The Songkran festival is anticipated to generate 26.5 billion baht, attracting 476,000 international tourists and facilitating 4.4 million domestic trips, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that revenue from international markets between April 12 and 16 is projected to rise by 7% year-on-year, reaching 7.3 billion baht. Meanwhile, domestic revenue is expected…
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Phuket leads Thailand’s push for sustainable tourism
Thailand is going green in a big way, with Phuket at the forefront of a bold push to revolutionise sustainable tourism. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has launched the Green Hotel Plus Phuket Sandbox project, a key initiative to raise hotel sustainability standards to global levels. Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, who chaired the event on Thursday, March 13,…
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Horror on Rama II: Bridge collapse kills 5, injures 20
The death toll from a devastating bridge collapse on Rama II Road has climbed to five, with 20 others injured as emergency crews race to find more victims. The tragic incident, which unfolded in the early hours of today, March 15, has thrown Bangkok’s infrastructure safety into question. A loud bang shattered the silence at around 2am, sending a massive…
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‘Mum on the run’ feared dead after shocking Thai prison video
A British woman who fled the UK for a dream life in Thailand has sparked fears for her safety after shocking footage showed her detained in a grim Thai prison alongside her toddler. The woman, 32 year old Ellis Matthews, who once appeared on the reality show Judge Rinder after claiming to have blown through a £6 million (around 261…
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