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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Pathum Thani shop offers splash of petrol to locals, free of charge
A motorcycle shop owner in Pathum Thani has generously offered free petrol to locals, leading to long queues of motorbikes stretching over 500 metres. This gesture, not tied to any festival or condition, aims to alleviate financial burdens. Residents, motorcycle taxi drivers, and delivery riders gathered in front of the Nuanakorn Motorcycles shop on the road alongside Klong Sam to…
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Twenty years on, waves of Tsunami trauma still echoes in Phang Nga
Twenty years after the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, survivors in Thailand’s Ban Nam Khem village in Phan Nga province still carry vivid memories of that fateful December morning. For Neungduangjai Sritrakarn, then a 20 year old college freshman, the day began with her mother’s urgent warning to evacuate their seaside home. Sensing danger from unusual whitecaps on the Andaman…
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Alcohol sale breaks record on Air India Express’s inaugural flight to Bangkok
Air India Express marked the launch of its new direct route from Surat in India to Bangkok with an unforgettable incident as passengers reportedly consumed the entire alcohol supply, valued at around 70,000 baht, before landing. The Indian low-cost airline announced in November that it would begin direct flights in December from Surat and Pune to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport,…
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Thailand video news | Thai taxi driver assaulted by foreigner in Pattaya, Malaysia to resume search for missing flight MH370
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay deliver a roundup of gripping stories from Thailand and beyond. From a Pattaya court sentencing three individuals for the shocking murder of a German businessman to a devastating three-vehicle collision in Nong Bua Lamphu, the headlines cover a spectrum of impactful events. They also highlight Phuket’s historic upcoming same-sex marriage ceremony, a…
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Dutch tourist allegedly escapes bills and steals from many Phuket hotels
A Dutch tourist reportedly evaded paying bills and stole room keys, along with other items, from several hotels in Phuket but remains at large. The Facebook page Phuket Times reported on Saturday, December 21, issuing a warning to hotels in Phuket… “Naughty tourist! He stayed at multiple hotels in Phuket and left without paying. He even stole the room key…
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Udon Thani officers suspended over allegations of traffic bribes
Eighteen traffic police officers in Udon Thani are facing suspension due to allegations of accepting bribes for traffic tickets. This development arose after a video was shared on a popular Thai Facebook page, depicting officers providing motorists with a choice: pay on the spot or receive a ticket. Public outcry ensued, with many criticising the practice. The incident occurred yesterday,…
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Japan dethrones Thailand as top tourist spot
Japan’s rise as a favoured tourist destination over Thailand is attributed to a weaker currency and its preparedness to welcome independent travellers. In response, tourism operators in Thailand are urging the government to enhance attractions and improve service quality to achieve the target of 40 million visitors. For the first eleven months of this year, Japan received over 33.3 million…
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Irishman denies involvement in Thai girlfriend’s death in Pattaya
An Irishman denied any knowledge of his Thai girlfriend’s death after reportedly staying with her body for three days in an apartment in Pattaya before other residents noticed the unpleasant odour. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station were called to the five-storey apartment in Banglamung district, Pattaya, to investigate the mysterious death of 45 year old Thai woman Duangta. Police, accompanied…
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Thai weather: Cool mornings, thunderstorms, and changing temps
Severe weather conditions are expected in various regions of Thailand today, December 23, as the Meteorological Department (TMD) issues warnings for freezing temperatures and thunderstorms covering 20% of certain areas. Despite a slight rise in temperatures across northern Thailand, mountainous areas remain extremely cold. TMD attributes the fluctuating weather to a weakening high-pressure system over the upper parts of Thailand,…
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This Christmas, give the gift of health: essential options for expats in Thailand
The holiday season is here, bringing warmth, joy, and a chance to reflect on the year gone by. As an expat in Thailand, this Christmas is a great time to invest in something that truly matters: health. Whether for you or your loved ones, prioritising health ensures security and peace of mind in the long run. In Thailand, medical costs…
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Rare serow surprises tourists at Khao Yai National Park
A rare sighting of a two year old male serow has delighted tourists at Khao Yai National Park. The friendly mammal, often elusive due to its habitat in steep mountainous regions, casually approached visitors at a campsite, allowing for close interactions and selfies. Khao Yai National Park, located at the junction of Nakhon Nayok and Pak Chong in Nakhon Ratchasima,…
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Foreign women begging in Pattaya raise concerns over enforcement
Foreign women accompanied by young children were witnessed begging on the bustling streets of Pattaya, reigniting concerns about the city’s reputation and the effectiveness of law enforcement. These women, previously apprehended and deported for similar offences, were observed once again soliciting donations from passersby, highlighting a persistent issue that locals believe requires more stringent measures. Yesterday, December 21, at 8.06pm,…
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Pipe bomb attack injures four officers at Narathiwat base
A brazen attack occurred yesterday, December 21, as assailants hurled a pipe bomb at the Border Patrol Police base in Narathiwat, leaving four officers with minor injuries. The incident, captured on CCTV, has prompted a manhunt ordered by local police. At approximately 6.37pm, the incident unfolded at the Border Patrol Police Operation Base 934, located in Bura Pue, Kokkien subdistrict,…
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Dutch tourist fined 3000 baht for stunts on Koh Samui
A Dutch tourist found himself in trouble after being caught performing dangerous stunts on a motorcycle in Koh Samui. His actions, including popping wheelies and revving loudly, drew the attention of local police, who were not amused by his claim of ignorance regarding Thai laws. The incident came to light following a Facebook post in a group dedicated to Samui…
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Phuket mayors face charges in major corruption scandal
Three mayors in Phuket—Aroon Solos of Rawai, Panya Samphaorat of Pa Khlok, and Juta Dumlak from Kamala Tambon Administrative Organisation—are embroiled in legal battles over corruption charges. Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri confirmed these proceedings, emphasising a broader push against corruption in the province. Panya Samphaorat faces charges from the Phuket branch of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for neglecting…
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Thailand strengthens efforts to combat PM2.5 pollution crisis
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has mobilised multiple government agencies to address Thailand’s PM2.5 air pollution crisis, with a focus on key ministries such as Natural Resources and Environment, Agriculture, Interior, and Transport. The Royal Thai Police are also involved in this coordinated effort, aiming to tackle pollution from agricultural burning, vehicle emissions, and industrial activities. These measures are designed to…
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Intoxicated tourist with knife causes uproar in Pattaya condominium
Police in Pattaya took swift action after receiving reports of a foreign tourist causing a disturbance at a condominium on Jomtien Second Road yesterday, December 21. At 1am, officers responded to residents’ calls regarding a man armed with a knife, creating a scene by knocking on doors. Residents, clearly alarmed, recounted how the man, wearing a black T-shirt and black…
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Nationwide elections set for February 1, excluding 29 provinces
Nationwide elections for provincial administrative organisation presidents and councillors are scheduled for February 1, as confirmed by the Office of Election Commission. The registration for candidacy is open from December 23 to December 27. In 29 provinces, however, elections for PAO presidents will not occur on that day because these presidents vacated their positions before the end of their terms…
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Taxi driver arrested after fleeing petrol station in Chaiyaphum
A dramatic chase unfolded in Chaiyaphum when a Bangkok-registered taxi collided with both a truck and a police vehicle after its driver fled from a petrol station without settling the fuel bill. The incident, which took place on Chaiyaphum-Bua Yai Road in Mueang district, resulted in the arrest of the 36 year old taxi driver, yesterday morning. The sequence of…
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Don Mueang Airport expects 13% flight rise over new year
Anticipating a significant upswing in travel activity, Airports of Thailand (AoT) forecasts a 13.32% increase in flights at Don Mueang Airport during the new year period, with approximately 717,002 passengers expected to pass through its gates. This surge signifies an 88.62% recovery in flight numbers compared to pre-Covid-19 figures, according to AoT president Kerati Kijmanawat. The passenger count reflects a…
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Shirtless tourist swallows traffic ticket in Pattaya police standoff
A peculiar scene unfolded in Pattaya when a foreign visitor was apprehended after an unusual attempt to dispose of a traffic ticket. This muscular traveller, who was riding a motorcycle shirtless and without a helmet, was stopped by police at a checkpoint situated in front of the Pattaya police station. Upon being asked to present his driving licence, the visitor…
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Sisaket: Man hides in neighbour’s urn after stabbing father (video)
A distressing incident unfolded yesterday, December 20, in Kanthararom district, Sisaket province, where a young man, allegedly under the influence of drugs, stabbed his father before fleeing and hiding in a neighbour’s urn. Police at Kanthararom station received a report at 5.30pm yesterday about a son attacking his father at a residence in Ban Ko, Phak Phrao subdistrict. Upon their…
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Transwoman arrested for explicit online content in Korat
Police have apprehended a transwoman involved in producing and distributing explicit content online, following a discovery of over 120 illicit clips. The operation, led by high-ranking officials, targeted a transgender individual identified as 37 year old Natthakan, accused of creating and circulating pornographic material and uploading it to a computer system. The arrest took place at a residence in the…
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Hong Kong man arrested in Pattaya for illegal e-cigarette trade
A Hong Kong man has been apprehended in a luxury hotel in Central Pattaya for producing and selling electronic cigarettes. A significant haul of e-cigarette components was seized, including empty e-cigarette pods and e-liquid. The arrest took place yesterday when police officers, led by Navin Teerawit, Pattaya City Police Station Superintendent, and his team, detained 28 year old Hing Ping…
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Girl killed in Chon Buri hit-and-run sparks search for dark vehicle
A tragic accident in Chon Buri has spurred an online search for a dark vehicle involved in a hit-and-run that claimed the life of a young girl and left her mother severely injured. The accident occurred when a motorcycle sidecar was struck, causing the child to be thrown from the vehicle. The event unfolded yesterday on Route 344, near kilometre…
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Bangkok bust: 6 Chinese arrested with 200k SIM cards
Police in Bangkok have dismantled a major call centre gang, arresting six Chinese nationals who had set up their operations in a luxury condominium in the heart of the city. The suspects were found with an astonishing 208,652 SIM cards and 286 SIM boxes, alongside other electronic equipment. Entering Thailand on student and tourist visas, the group had been operating…
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Thailand eyes Phuket for bitcoin sandbox experiment
Thailand is edging closer to cryptocurrency adoption, with Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira dropping hints about extending the bitcoin sandbox experiment in Phuket. This bold move could position Thailand as a regional leader in digital currency innovation. “We are not suggesting replacing existing currencies with bitcoin.” Pichai emphasised the controlled nature of the trial. Under the sandbox model, bitcoin would be…
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Udon Thani: Sports shoes blunder leaves seller with 80k baht loss
An incident involving a misunderstanding over second-hand shoes seemingly abandoned in a park in Udon Thani province has left a resident of Ang Thong distraught after a social media post led to the unintended distribution of her merchandise. A Facebook user shared an image of locals selecting second-hand shoes, mistakenly suggesting they were free for the taking. This post resulted…
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Three sentenced to death for German’s murder in Pattaya
The Pattaya Provincial Court has delivered a verdict in a high-profile murder case, sentencing three people to death for the murder and dismemberment of Hans Peter Ralter Mack, a 62 year old German real estate businessman. The crime, which took place in Pattaya on July 5 last year, shocked the local and international communities due to its gruesome nature. Police…
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Phuket welcomes tourists on first Bucharest flight
Phuket rolled out the red carpet for the first-ever direct charter flight from Bucharest, Romania, marking a new milestone in Thai tourism. Operated by Romania’s HiSky airline in collaboration with top tour operators Dertour and Karpaten, the inaugural flight, H4 7467, landed at Phuket International Airport on Thursday, December 19. Passengers were greeted with a warm ceremony hosted by the…
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