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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  • Sucker punch: Pattaya nightlife bash leaves British tourist floored

    Sucker punch: Pattaya nightlife bash leaves British tourist floored

    A British tourist found himself on the receiving end of a knockout punch from a local bar security guard, leaving him bloodied and hospital-bound on Pattaya’s notorious Walking Street. The late-night altercation, recorded at around 11.30pm, yesterday, March 2, unfolded like a scene from an action-crime movie, with the aftermath turning heads and causing quite a stir. Eyewitnesses recounted the…

  • 2 foreign couples exposed for dine and dash at Phuket restaurants

    2 foreign couples exposed for dine and dash at Phuket restaurants

    Two Thai restaurant owners took to social media to expose two foreign couples for committing dine and dash offences at their establishments in Phuket last week. A female Thai restaurant owner, Narissara O OOp, shared a post on her Facebook account on February 28 condemning two foreigners for their fraudulent act and warning other restaurants to be cautious of the…

  • China defends Uyghur deportation amid international criticism

    China defends Uyghur deportation amid international criticism

    The Chinese embassy in Thailand stated that the recent deportation of 40 Uyghurs from Thailand is a standard procedure of Sino-Thai cooperation on addressing illegal immigration. The move has been met with criticism from certain countries, which the embassy accuses of applying a double standard. In response to international criticism regarding the treatment of this ethnic minority, the embassy clarified…

  • Nigerian dealer arrested on Koh Pha Ngan with 240,000 baht of cocaine

    Nigerian dealer arrested on Koh Pha Ngan with 240,000 baht of cocaine

    Police arrested a Nigerian drug dealer on Koh Pha Ngan, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani, at the weekend, and seized 240,000 baht worth of cocaine. Pha Ngan Tourist Police officers received a tip-off that a Nigerian man on the island was offering drugs to other foreign tourists in the area. He personally delivered the drugs to…

  • Thailand braces for extreme heat and thunderstorms

    Thailand braces for extreme heat and thunderstorms

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather alert for today predicting temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius across northern, northeastern, and central Thailand. Residents are advised to take precautions against the intense heat and avoid prolonged outdoor activities. Meanwhile, southern and southeast winds are bringing thunderstorms and gusty winds to lower northern, northeastern, central, and eastern regions.…

  • Khao Kheow Zoo calls on public to name newest zebra star

    Khao Kheow Zoo calls on public to name newest zebra star

    Pattaya’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo is creating quite the buzz by inviting the public to name its latest black-and-white bundle of joy: a newborn zebra foal. Khao Kheow Open Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi proudly announced the debut of a charming female zebra foal, born on November 6 last year to her 6 year old mum and 8 year old dad.…

  • Muay Thai-tanic World Championship to make waves in Pattaya

    Muay Thai-tanic World Championship to make waves in Pattaya

    Pattaya City is gearing up for a mega showdown as it hosts the 6th World Muay Thai Championship from March 9 to 17. The prestigious event is backed by the Thai and Traditional Boxing Sports Association and the spirited Father Ray Foundation, promising a knockout experience for all involved. Kicking off the fierce festivities will be the weigh-in on March…

  • Japanese man arrested with ecstasy in Bangkok shopping centre

    Japanese man arrested with ecstasy in Bangkok shopping centre

    A 31 year old Japanese national was apprehended by Thonglor police yesterday while allegedly preparing to use ecstasy in a Bangkok shopping centre. Officers discovered four ecstasy tablets in his possession during the arrest. The arrest occurred around 2am, yesterday, March 1, near the fourth-floor restroom of a building in Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana district. The Thonglor police received a…

  • Kata landslide inquiry faces delays, further interviews planned for March

    Kata landslide inquiry faces delays, further interviews planned for March

    The inquiry into the landslide in Kata that resulted in 13 fatalities and numerous injuries in August last year has encountered delays. Karon police require further interviews with victims and witnesses due to the significant damage. Officers have arranged additional questioning for March 5, with witnesses also expected to provide more statements. Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekkasak Kwanwan, Senior Inspector (Investigation)…

  • Villager killed by wild elephant in Chanthaburi forest tragedy

    Villager killed by wild elephant in Chanthaburi forest tragedy

    A villager gathering forest products in Mueang Phaya Kamphut, Chanthaburi province, was tragically killed by a wild elephant yesterday, March 1. Rescue volunteers from the Sawang Katanyu Association in Pong Nam Ron were informed of the incident, which occurred within a military area in the subdistrict of Pong Nam Ron, district of Pong Nam Ron. Following the report, local administrative…

  • Thailand cracks down on illegal foreign makeup teachers

    Thailand cracks down on illegal foreign makeup teachers

    The Department of Employment intensified its crackdown on employers and foreign workers found engaging in reserved professions, specifically targeting unauthorised makeup teacher roles. Recently, two people have been prosecuted, reinforcing the protection of Thai citizens’ right to work. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director General of the Department of Employment, stated that labour minister Pipat Ratkitprakarn has instructed officials to rigorously inspect, prevent,…

  • North Thailand resident wins 18 million baht in Lottery Plus

    North Thailand resident wins 18 million baht in Lottery Plus

    A new millionaire from north Thailand has emerged after winning 18 million baht through Lottery Plus. The fortunate person bought three tickets, all of which turned out to be winners. They are now awaiting Not Phanthawat to personally deliver the prize money to their home. Yesterday, March 1, the Government Lottery Office announced the results for the draw dated March…

  • Phuket tightens immigration checks amid illegal work, drug concerns

    Phuket tightens immigration checks amid illegal work, drug concerns

    Phuket, in collaboration with international consulates, is intensifying its immigration checks and efforts to combat illegal activities due to a rise in drug-related offences and the presence of foreigners working without proper documentation on the island. Last year, 194 foreigners had their visas revoked, and 998 faced deportation in Phuket for activities primarily linked to drugs and working without valid…

  • Korean driver dies in Nong Prue truck collision

    Korean driver dies in Nong Prue truck collision

    A Korean national tragically lost his life in a car accident involving a truck in Nong Prue during the early hours of yesterday, March 1. Emergency responders were alerted to the incident at 3.06am on Motorway 7 Section 5, which connects Bangkok to Chon Buri. Upon arrival, they discovered a damaged small car on the road. The driver, identified as…

  • Bangkok police seize illegal e-cigarettes worth 30 million baht

    Bangkok police seize illegal e-cigarettes worth 30 million baht

    Bangkok Metropolitan police, in collaboration with officers from Phetkasem Police Station, yesterday conducted a raid on an illegal e-cigarette warehouse in Bang Khae district, Bangkok, confiscating contraband valued at over 30 million baht. Acting on a search warrant issued by the Thonburi Criminal Court, the police targeted a four-story commercial building after receiving information indicating the storage of illegal items…

  • Danish tourist stabbed in Pattaya, refuses hospital treatment

    Danish tourist stabbed in Pattaya, refuses hospital treatment

    A 22 year old Danish national sustained multiple stab wounds in Pattaya on the night of February 28. The incident, which occurred at 10.36pm on Chalerm Phrakiet Road in Nongprue, Bang Lamung, remains shrouded in mystery as the victim refused to provide details, press charges, or seek hospital treatment. Emergency responders discovered the injured man, identified only as Daniel, with…

  • Suvarnabhumi Airport tightens checks amid Congo fever outbreak

    Suvarnabhumi Airport tightens checks amid Congo fever outbreak

    Heightened disease control measures have been implemented at Suvarnabhumi Airport to screen travellers arriving from high-risk countries after reports of a mysterious fever outbreak in Congo. Doctor Panumas Yanwetsakul, Director General of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), addressed reports from the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding an outbreak of an unknown illness in Congo. As of February 19, the…

  • Foreign worker healthcare costs soar to 92 billion baht in 2024

    Foreign worker healthcare costs soar to 92 billion baht in 2024

    The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) recently stood by its figures regarding healthcare costs for foreign workers, stating that the data was sourced from the Ministry of Public Health. According to NESDC’s report, there has been a notable rise in healthcare demand from foreign patients, particularly in border areas, reaching a record 3.8 million healthcare visits in the fiscal…

  • 119 Thai nationals deported from Cambodia over scam centre involvement

    119 Thai nationals deported from Cambodia over scam centre involvement

    Some 119 Thai nationals were among 230 foreigners released from a scam call centre in Poipet, Cambodia, as law enforcement continues its battle against cybercrime. Yesterday, March 1, Cambodia’s immigration department reported the deportation of 119 Thais, comprising 61 men and 58 women, who had unlawfully entered and resided in the country. The deportation took place via the Poipet border…

  • Chiang Rai police arrest 9 in crypto scam targeting US, Canada

    Chiang Rai police arrest 9 in crypto scam targeting US, Canada

    Police in Chiang Rai have arrested nine Chinese nationals involved in a significant hybrid scam operation, impersonating individuals with appealing profiles to target victims in the United States and Canada, persuading them to invest in cryptocurrency. The operation was carried out yesterday, February 28, with oversight from Police Lieutenant General Kritthaphon Yeesakorn and several other senior officers from region 5…

  • Pattaya businessman attacked in broad daylight

    Pattaya businessman attacked in broad daylight

    A prominent Pattaya businessman was brutally assaulted in broad daylight, sparking concerns over his safety and a possible real estate dispute. Thanakrit Chokmongkhonthanakul, former president of the Pattaya Taksin Lions Club and an executive of the LT Group, is demanding justice after two attackers ambushed him outside his real estate project in Nong Prue. Despite the violent nature of the…

  • Phuket to host Thailand Biennale 2025, showcasing global art

    Phuket to host Thailand Biennale 2025, showcasing global art

    Phuket is set to become a global art hotspot as the Thailand Biennale 2025 gears up to showcase a fusion of contemporary creativity and natural beauty. The Ministry of Culture officially launched the event’s first group of participating artists during a press conference at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre on Thursday, February 27. With the theme Eternity, the international…

  • Police seize 2.3 million meth pills on Mittraphap Road

    Police seize 2.3 million meth pills on Mittraphap Road

    Police in Region 3 seized 2.3 million methamphetamine tablets (meth pills) on Mittraphap Road, intended for distribution to a central investor group. The suspects confessed to being paid between 30,000 and 50,000 baht per vehicle. The operation was conducted yesterday, February 28 at the Region 3 Investigation Bureau. Police Major General Rutthaphon Naowarat, Deputy Commander of Region 3, Pol. Maj.…

  • Tourists flock to Kham Chanod Island for lottery blessings

    Tourists flock to Kham Chanod Island for lottery blessings

    Hundreds of hopeful tourists swarmed Kham Chanod Island in Udon Thani yesterday, February 28, seeking divine blessings and lucky lottery numbers ahead of the draw today, March 1. The sacred site, believed to be the mythical home of the Naga King, continues to attract fortune-seekers eager to honour deities Sri Sutho and Sri Pathumma in hopes of securing a windfall.…

  • Patong road rage: Pickup driver brutally attacks motorist

    Patong road rage: Pickup driver brutally attacks motorist

    A shocking road rage incident in Patong has sparked outrage after a viral video captured a pickup truck driver launching a brutal attack following a minor collision. Patong Police have launched an investigation after footage of the assault spread across social media, drawing widespread condemnation. The disturbing clip, shared by Facebook user Pooja Pooja, shows a white covered pickup truck…

  • Potential lucky numbers predicted for March 1 lottery draw

    Potential lucky numbers predicted for March 1 lottery draw

    The lottery draw today, March 1, is generating significant interest, with several numbers being highlighted as potentially lucky. The draw, organised by the Government Lottery Office, is set to take place in Phang Nga province at the Le Erawan Hotel in Mueang Phang Nga district. The excitement is further fuelled by recent noteworthy events that have inspired popular number predictions.…

  • Fire in Pattaya hotel causes alarm, no injuries reported

    Fire in Pattaya hotel causes alarm, no injuries reported

    A minor fire at a hotel on Soi Buakhao, Pattaya, sent Thai and foreign guests into a panic on Thursday evening, February 27. Thick smoke billowed through the building, spreading from a third-floor room to the lower levels, raising alarms among residents. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the damage was minimal. Emergency services were alerted at around 10pm, prompting…

  • Deputy PM calls for fair censure debate, no Thaksin targeting

    Deputy PM calls for fair censure debate, no Thaksin targeting

    Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai called for the opposition to engage in a constructive debate without involving former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is not part of the Cabinet. The no-confidence motion is directed at Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, raising speculation that the opposition may criticise Thaksin, her politically active father. Paetongtarn faces accusations of lacking leadership skills, knowledge, and…

  • Thai govt warns foreigners on illegal condo rentals via Airbnb

    Thai govt warns foreigners on illegal condo rentals via Airbnb

    Foreigners purchasing condominium units in Thailand and renting them out as hotels are infringing on local laws, the government announced yesterday through Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukul Prueksanusak. This warning follows reports of Chinese nationals leasing their condos to tourists via Airbnb. Residents in certain condominiums, particularly in the Sukhumvit area, have lodged complaints about disturbances caused by short-term tenants. Issues…

  • Myanmar nationals arrested for illegal business on Koh Phangan

    Myanmar nationals arrested for illegal business on Koh Phangan

    A Myanmar national operating a motorcycle rental business on Koh Phangan, earning 20,000 baht daily, was apprehended for engaging in a profession restricted to Thai citizens. His employee, also from Myanmar, faced arrest. Tourist police, immigration officers, and local officials conducted a raid at a motorcycle repair shop in Ban Hat Rin Village 6, Ban Tai subdistrict. They arrested the…