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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Tourist halted from releasing sky lantern in Chiang Mai (video)
A Japanese tourist caused a commotion after being stopped from releasing a sky lantern in Chiang Mai. The incident, which occurred yesterday, December 31, at 9.40am, saw the tourist grabbing the collar of a police officer after being prevented from releasing the lantern during new year celebrations. Despite the altercation, the officer, a member of Chiang Mai’s patrol unit, remained…
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Phuket family returns home to theft of 1 million baht safe
A family in Phuket faced an unexpected start to the new year when they returned home from celebrations to discover their house had been burglarised. A safe containing 1 million baht, gold bars, gold necklaces, and passports had been stolen. Police are actively pursuing the case, aiming to recover the stolen items and apprehend the culprits. The incident was reported…
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Man missing after falling into Bang Pakong River on New Year’s
A 50 year old man disappeared after slipping into the Bang Pakong River while celebrating the new year with friends in Chachoengsao. Despite an extensive search using drones and boats, the man remains missing. Police Lieutenant Colonel Wanchai Prathom received a report of a man falling into the river near the clock tower on Maruphong Riverside Road, in the Na…
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Phitsanulok couple fatally shot by relative on New Year’s Eve
Tragedy struck on New Year’s Eve as a couple was fatally shot in the middle of a road in Phitsanulok. The suspect, recently released on bail for a previous murder case, was arrested shortly after the incident. The chilling event unfolded yesterday, December 31, when local police were alerted to a shooting on a bypass road near the Dong Pradok…
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Military officer killed in Narathiwat shooting and vehicle fire
A shocking and violent incident unfolded yesterday, December 31 in Narathiwat, when armed assailants opened fire on a military officer’s pickup truck, resulting in a tragic loss of life. The incident took place within a palm plantation in the Paluru subdistrict of Su-ngai Padi, leaving the vehicle engulfed in flames. The attack occurred at 6pm when individuals armed with firearms…
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Teenagers arrested for throwing bombs at hospital in Thailand
Two teenagers have been apprehended after they threw ping pong bombs at Khuan Khanun Hospital, causing panic among staff and patients. They admitted to the act, stating it was done on a whim after purchasing the explosives on their way to a friend’s house. The incident occurred at 12.15am yesterday, December 31, when the teenagers, riding a Honda Scoopy i motorcycle,…
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Teenager fatally stabbed in Bangkok new year’s tragedy
A tragic incident marred the New Year’s Eve celebrations when a 17 year old man was fatally stabbed by a group of teenagers. The young victim succumbed to his injuries on the stairs of an apartment building in the Charansanitwong 45 area, while four of his friends were injured. Police are actively reviewing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators. The…
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Cold weather grips Thailand, thunderstorms hit the south
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather advisory indicating that a cold air mass has enveloped upper Thailand, resulting in very cold conditions in mountainous areas. Meanwhile, the southern region is experiencing thunderstorms due to monsoons, with sea waves exceeding 2 metres. Upper Thailand, including the northeastern and northern regions, is experiencing cold to very cold weather due…
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Fireworks spark devastating blaze at Bang Saen Beach restaurant
Tourists experienced a terrifying countdown escape as fireworks ignited a blaze at a popular restaurant on Bang Saen Beach. Debris from the fireworks landed on the restaurant’s roof, causing a fire that destroyed the establishment in the early hours of today, January 1. Police from Saen Suk Station, Chon Buri province, received a report of a fire at a restaurant…
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Farmers guard crops from wild elephants near Thap Lan Park
Farmers near Thap Lan National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima are facing a challenging new year as they work tirelessly to protect their crops from wild elephants. As the rest of the nation celebrates, around 40 farmers in tambon Lampiek, Khon Buri district, are taking turns to guard their fields against the rampaging elephants. A recent incident saw elephants damaging 40…
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Korean tourist drowns after ferry capsizes off Koh Phangan coast
The body of a Korean national who tragically drowned when a long-tail ferry boat capsized was discovered floating off the coast of Koh Phangan around noon yesterday, December 31 last year. The distressing incident unfolded when a long-tail boat, carrying tourists, overturned amid high waves. A boat captain reported the grim finding to the missing persons centre on Koh Phangan…
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Swedish tourist bitten by macaque at Thai landmark
A Swedish tourist, Joel Gilbert, experienced an unexpected encounter with wildlife when he was bitten on the neck by a macaque during a visit to Phra Prang Sam Yot, a renowned landmark in Lop Buri province. Rescue workers swiftly transported him to Phra Narai Maharat Hospital for necessary treatment and vaccination. Banjerd Roisaensuk, the caretaker of Phra Prang Sam Yot,…
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Pattaya countdown 2025 carnival draws thousands to Central Beach
The Pattaya Countdown 2025: Carnival of Happiness kicked off with great enthusiasm, attracting thousands of visitors to Central Pattaya Beach. The event, which marks the beginning of a three-day celebration, captivated attendees with a vibrant array of entertainment and activities, setting the stage for an exciting start to the new year. Crowds gathered as the festivities unfolded, creating a lively…
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Gold shop owner stabbed during heist in Phra Pradaeng Market
A daring heist unfolded today, December 31, at a gold shop within Phra Pradaeng Market, Samut Prakan, when a suspect armed with a fake gun executed a robbery, stabbing the shop owner amid morning shoppers. Police are now in pursuit of the culprit. Early today, an alarming incident took place in a gold shop located within the bustling Phra Pradaeng…
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Thailand gold prices rise by 50 baht as year ends
Gold prices in Thailand have risen as the year comes to an end, setting the stage for the new year. On the last day of the year, December 31, the Gold Traders Association announced an increase in gold prices by 50 baht compared to yesterday. Today, ornamental gold is being sold at 42,800 baht per baht weight. According to the…
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Thailand’s central bank launches phase two of sustainability framework
Thailand’s central bank is advancing its commitment to sustainability with the introduction of phase two of the Thailand Taxonomy, a strategic framework designed to guide banks and local businesses towards environmentally sustainable practices. This initiative, spearheaded by the Bank of Thailand, seeks to standardise the transition to sustainable operations across various sectors. The Thailand Taxonomy Board has unveiled a draft…
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Domestic violence video sparks outrage and calls for justice
A troubling incident of domestic violence has surfaced, capturing widespread attention after a woman bravely shared a video of her husband aggressively assaulting her. The video, which depicts a man mercilessly beating his wife, has sent shockwaves through social media, prompting calls for justice. In the video, the husband can be seen physically attacking his wife with punches, kicks, and…
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Motorcyclist killed in Chachoengsao collision with Toyota Fortuner
A tragic accident occurred early today, December 31, when a 30 year old man driving a black Toyota Fortuner collided with a motorcycle at a busy intersection in Chachoengsao, resulting in the death of a female vendor. The incident unfolded around 4.30am when local police received reports of the collision at the red-light intersection near the 11th Infantry Division. Immediate…
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Thailand plans elephant contraception to curb human-wildlife conflict
Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has announced a plan to use contraceptive injections on wild elephants to manage their population and reduce human-elephant conflicts. Chalermchai Sri-on, the minister, has directed the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP), along with other relevant agencies, to implement this strategy as part of the ministry’s efforts to control the wild…
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Thailand’s submarine project to finish in six months amid delays
Thailand‘s Defence Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, has announced that the navy’s submarine procurement project, which has faced multiple delays, is expected to be completed within six months. This project had been stalled due to complications arising from changes in the engine specifications. Phumtham acknowledged pressure to expedite the completion, but he stressed the importance of careful oversight, refusing to hasten the…
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Bangkok handbag thief caught after motorcycle crash
A dramatic incident unfolded yesterday, December 30, in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district, when a 25 year old man was apprehended after a botched handbag snatching. The suspect collided with a civilian’s motorcycle during his escape, resulting in a head injury. The arrest was made near the entrance of Soi Phahonyothin 61. At approximately 1.14pm, police received a report from the…
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Prachinburi plantation owner killed in brutal attack
A tragic incident unfolded late yesterday, December 30, at a rubber plantation in Prachinburi province, as a plantation owner was brutally killed and his legs bound with a t-shirt, while an employee sustained serious injuries in the attack. The local villagers reported that a group of four to five individuals drove up to the area, leading to a confrontation that…
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Thailand braces for cold wave with thunderstorms in the south
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted a significant drop in temperature across northern and upper southern Thailand due to a cold air mass, with thunderstorms expected in several provinces in the south. Today’s weather forecast highlights that a moderate cold air mass is covering the upper part of Thailand and the upper southern regions, resulting in cold to chilly…
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Thailand to boost growth with new European trade deals
The Commerce Ministry is gearing up to enhance Thailand’s economic landscape by actively pursuing more free trade agreements (FTAs) next year, aiming for a 3% economic growth rate. This strategic move was detailed by Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan following a crucial meeting with ministry officials and Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) executives, including FTI chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul. Prime Minister Paetongtarn…
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1 million baht to compensate families of Khao San Road hotel fire victims
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports plans to compensate the families of those who died in a fire at a hotel near Khao San Road in Bangkok with 1 million baht each. Injured victims are expected to receive 500,000 baht each. Three deaths and seven injuries were reported in the fire, which broke out at The Ember Hotel in the…
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Social media pressure leads to arrest of minibus driver in rape case
A Thai minibus driver, who was arrested today, December 30, after he raped a passenger on a trip from Bangkok to the Isaan province of Surin, claimed that the 19 year old victim consented to sexual intercourse. The victim’s mother filed a complaint at Phanom Dong Rak Police Station in Surin after her 19 year old daughter was sexually assaulted by…
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Thai woman allegedly drugged and robbed by Bangkok taxi driver
A female Thai tour guide accused a taxi driver of drugging and robbing her during a trip from Soi Sukhumvit 11 to Soi Sukhumvit 81 in Bangkok on December 26. The 47 year old Thai woman, Angkana “Oil” Rungpaisarn, sought help from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after she woke up on the roadside with injuries across her body and valuables…
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NACC denies lobbying claims in Thaksin hospital case investigation
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) firmly denies any lobbying efforts aimed at altering the commissioner overseeing the investigation into former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s detention at a police hospital. Sarote Phuengramphan, the NACC secretary-general and spokesperson, refuted claims of lobbying to replace the commissioner. These allegations were brought forth by activist and former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan during a Facebook live…
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Russian man arrested for rampage and knife attack at Phuket hotel
Police arrested a Russian man who went on a violent rampage at a hotel in the Choeng Thale area of Phuket, physically assaulting other hotel guests and Thai police officers. Officers from Choeng Thale Police Station were called to the hotel to contain the situation after the Russian man, identified only as Sharapov, attacked other guests with a knife. Fortunately,…
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Giant king cobra caught in fish trap excites Songkhla locals
A giant king cobra was unexpectedly caught in a fish trap in Songkhla province, sparking a mix of excitement and tension. Residents eagerly gathered, hoping to use the incident as inspiration for the upcoming lottery draw. The event began when 28 year old Phadungsak, from Na Thawi, Songkhla, visited his rubber plantation to check on fish traps he had set.…
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