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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Sponsored Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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Thunderstorm warning for 42 provinces: Thai it down
Hold onto your brollies, folks, the Thai Meteorological Department has sounded the alarm today, predicting a deluge of thunderstorms across a whopping 42 provinces, including bustling Bangkok. Down south, it’s even more dramatic, with heavy rain set to drench 70% of the area, whipped up by fierce gusts. Residents are being urged to stay vigilant and brace for a soggy…
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Booze clues: Underage drinking promos soak Songkran spirit
Songkran’s splashy celebrations may have cooled the crowds but things are heating up for Thailand’s booze industry after a leading watchdog exposed widespread law-breaking underage alcohol drinking over the holiday. Teera Watcharapranee, director of the StopDrink Network, claims major alcohol brands brazenly flouted the law with flashy promotions and events in more than 137 locations nationwide. “Among these, 42 were…
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Fake monk caught soliciting donations during Nakhon Pathom Songkran
Residents in Nakhon Pathom raised concerns about a man impersonating a monk to solicit donations during the Songkran festival. Today, April 15, the incident was reported to Phra Khru Phalat Sitthiwat, also known as Luang Pi Namfon, who chairs the committee addressing complaints within the monastic community of Region 14. The man, suspected of being a fake monk, was seen…
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Stabbing incident in Bangkok leaves man critically injured
Today, April 15, in Bangkok’s Yan Nawa district, a violent altercation led to a severe stabbing incident. The conflict arose between a former couple, culminating in one person sustaining critical injuries. The police were promptly notified and dispatched to the scene alongside emergency services. At the scene, the police discovered a man, identified only as A, suffering from a severe…
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Cattle dispute leads to fatal shooting in Chon Buri
A group linked to a cattle dispute has been apprehended after a deadly shooting incident. The confrontation left 53 year old cattle farm owner Sompong (surname withheld) dead at his farm in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. The incident arose from a misunderstanding over stolen cattle, leading to an altercation followed by the shooting. Police captured 40…
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Teen arrested for brandishing modified BB gun at Korat festival (video)
A 19 year old man was apprehended after brandishing a modified BB gun during a Songkran water festival in Korat. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, showed the young man threatening a group of rivals on a public street. The video depicts the youth, dressed in a white shirt and patterned shorts, pointing a weapon…
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Myanmar worker fatally stabbed during Songkran festival
A violent altercation among Myanmar workers during the Songkran festival in Mueang Samut Sakhon district resulted in the fatal stabbing of a 25 year old, Zay Ya Kyaw. The suspect managed to flee amidst the chaos of the water festival celebrations. Police Colonel Pichetphong Jangkaikom, along with other officers from the Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station, investigated the incident at…
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Man attacks woman, damages cars during Songkran in Nakhon Ratchasima
A man wielding a baseball bat attacked a woman and damaged two cars, stealing car keys in the process, during the Songkran festival in Nakhon Ratchasima. The incident, which occurred today, April 15, left several people injured and has prompted a public call for the man’s capture. Facebook user จรรยาพร เสาโร shared photos and videos of the assault, describing how…
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Chiang Mai lottery sales surge during Songkran festival
In Chiang Mai, lottery ticket sales are thriving during the Songkran festival, with locals eagerly purchasing tickets from various stalls around the city, including areas like Chiang Mai Gate, Chang Phueak Gate, Mahidol Road, Mueang district, the railway station, and morning markets. Tickets are priced at 100 baht (US$3) each, with sets of two selling for 200 baht (US$6), three…
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Welsh traveller goes missing in Thailand, family appeals for help
A 26 year old Welsh traveller has gone missing in Thailand, prompting concern from his family and friends who haven’t heard from him in over four weeks. Daniel Davies, from Llanelli, was last in contact with his family on March 13 while staying at the Hangover Hostel in Bangkok. He was later seen on the island of Koh Phi Phi, a…
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Small earthquake strikes Krabi, no tsunami risk reported
An earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale occurred in Krabi province, with the epicentre located in Khlong Khama subdistrict, Nuea Khlong district. The event, which was felt by locals, took place at 2.27pm yesterday, April 14. The Thai Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Surveillance Division reported the quake’s depth at 2 kilometres. At 2.42pm, the Thai Meteorological Department issued a statement…
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Pickup truck ploughs into Songkran crowd, injuring 12 in Thailand
A pickup truck drove into a group of Songkran festival celebrants, injuring 12, with six in serious condition, prompting a chaotic scene as bystanders pulled the driver from the vehicle. Police have since charged the driver, who was found to be over the legal alcohol limit, with related offences. Yesterday, April 14, at 7.05pm, a pickup truck crashed into people…
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PM Paetongtarn invites tourists to Chiang Mai’s vibrant cultural fest
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has encouraged both Thais and tourists to partake in the Pee Mai Mueang San Kamphaeng event, highlighting the enchanting Lhong Him Khao community in Chiang Mai. Lhong Him Khao, located in the San Kamphaeng district, is a vibrant community celebrated for its traditional Lanna arts, crafts, and cultural expressions. Residents have transformed their homes into cafes,…
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Heavy rain forecasted for Bangkok and 33 provinces post-Songkran
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasted heavy rain across 33 provinces, including Bangkok, as the Songkran festival comes to an end. The weather is expected to include thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible lightning today, April 15. The upper regions of Thailand will experience rising temperatures, with hot weather prevailing in central areas, Bangkok, and surrounding vicinities, as well as the…
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Death toll hits 41 after State Audit Office collapse in Thailand
The discovery of four more bodies, comprising both male and female people, was made under the rubble of the collapsed State Audit Office building. Identification of some remains is ongoing, with scattered human body parts found in zone C. The death toll has now reached 41, with 53 people still missing. By 10am today, April 14, the site of the…
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Buriram man wanted for fatal Songkran shooting over drugs
Police in Buriram have issued an arrest warrant for a man accused of fatally shooting his friend in a dispute over drugs during a Songkran celebration. The suspect, a 27 year old named Rakkiat, remains in denial despite witness testimony and evidence linking him to the crime. The incident occurred on April 12, near the victim’s hut in Non Sawan…
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Gas station cashier killed in Chon Buri robbery
A male gas station employee allegedly stabbed a female cashier to death before fleeing with her wallet at a gas station in Mueang district, Chon Buri province. The incident occurred at 11.20pm yesterday, April 13. Police Lieutenant Ratchaphon Ratchawakan, a deputy investigation officer at Don Hua Lo Police Station in Chon Buri, received a report of a serious stabbing at…
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Phuket woman dies after brutal assault by partner
A tragic incident unfolded at a rental room in the Mueang district of Phuket, where a woman succumbed to injuries following a violent altercation with her partner. Police apprehended the suspect, who later confessed to the assault. At approximately 10.45pm yesterday, April 13, Police Lieutenant Wutthichai Chanpai, Deputy Inspector of Wichit Police Station, was alerted to a domestic dispute resulting…
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Fatal stabbing cancels Charming Maha Songkran event in Trang
A fatal stabbing incident occurred during the Charming Maha Songkran event, leading organisers to immediately cancel the event and pursue legal action against the perpetrators. A 21 year old woman was also injured by a stray bullet. The incident unfolded around 1.15am yesterday, April 13, when Police Lieutenant Pandhiwat Phetloh of the Huai Yot Police Station in Trang province was…
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Child rescued from flip-flop mishap during Songkran in Phayao
On April 13, a young child experienced distress during Songkran festivities in Phayao province when a flip-flop shoe became stuck on their foot. The incident occurred near a water tunnel behind a concert stage, where the child was enjoying the water play among tourists, including both teenagers and children. Attempts were made to remove the shoe by pouring water over…
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Fire in Ban Pong destroys over 20 rooms, no injuries reported
A fire broke out in the Rong Thoop community in Ban Pong, Ratchaburi province, destroying over 20 rooms. The incident occurred at 1.40pm yesterday, April 13 and involved several fire engines mobilised to extinguish the blaze. Police Lieutenant Colonel Surachai Boonin of Ban Pong Police Station received the report and notified Police Colonel Kobchoke Lektragul, the station chief, before heading…
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Man arrested for fatal knife attack on ex-wife in Phetchabun
A 39 year old man has been detained after allegedly fatally attacking his former wife with a knife in Phetchabun province. The incident occurred on April 12, when 43 year old Somkit was found with severe neck injuries in her home in Pak Chong subdistrict, Lom Sak district. The suspect, her ex-husband, Sombat, allegedly confessed to having taken five methamphetamine pills…
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Teenagers arrested for murder of student in Pathum Thani
Three teenagers, between 16 and 18 years old, have been apprehended for the murder of a 26 year old engineering student, Thanat Somsakul, from Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi. The incident occurred yesterday, April 13, in Pathum Thani province. The suspects allegedly attacked the student under a footbridge in the Prachathipat subdistrict, following a confrontation that began when their motorcycles…
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Songkran boosts Thai regional airport traffic with celebrations
Regional airports across Thailand are experiencing a surge in both domestic and international travellers as the nation celebrates the Songkran festival. Yesterday, April 13, the first day of Songkran, cities like Phuket, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla, and Khon Kaen hosted their events, attracting thousands eager to join the annual celebrations. In Phuket, Patong Beach became a hub of activity…
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Thailand waives park fees for Family Day celebration
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation will waive entrance fees to all national parks, botanical gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation sites in Thailand today in celebration of Family Day, observed annually on April 14. According to Attapol Charoenshunsa, the director-general of the department, this initiative is part of an effort to promote visits to the country’s lesser-known…
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TMD warns of summer storms in 33 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued warnings concerning summer storms affecting the northern and central regions, impacting 33 provinces with thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, and potential lightning. The advisory is valid today, April 14. A moderate high-pressure system or cold air mass from China is influencing the northeastern region of Thailand and the South China Sea. This results in…
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Songkran drink-driving cases top 1,300 in two days
The Department of Probation has released statistics revealing that drink-driving cases remain high during the Songkran festival, accumulating over 1,300 cases in two days. Today, April 13, Police Lieutenant Colonel Suriya Singhakamol, Director-General of the Department of Probation, reported on cases entering probation yesterday, marking the second day of stringent measures. A total of 1,037 cases were recorded, with six…
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Myanmar earthquake tremors reach northern Thailand cities
An earthquake measuring 5.9 magnitude in Myanmar was felt in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. This tremor, occurring at 9.24am today, April 13, was attributed to the movement of the Sagaing Fault. The Earthquake Observation Division of the Thai Meteorological Department reported that the earthquake struck on land at a depth of 10 kilometres, approximately 271 kilometres…
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Man found dead after fall in Phuket’s Wichit district
A 44 year old man was found dead after falling from an abandoned building in the Wichit district, Phuket. Before the incident, he had a dispute with his wife and left on a motorcycle. The police are investigating the cause of death. At 8.50pm yesterday, April 12, Police Lieutenant Colonel Fonthip Kaewsaen, Deputy Inspector of Wichit Police Station, was informed…
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Bangkok raid seizes illicit goods worth over 845 million baht
A joint operation between the Metropolitan Police and the Department of Excise led to the arrest of a 37 year old Chinese national and the seizure of 668,407 packs of illicit cigarettes and 23,721 bottles of illegal liquor. The operation took place across seven locations, with a significant raid conducted at a residence in the Ekkamai-Ram Inthra area of Bangkok on…
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