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.

  • Phuket authorities clamp down on illegal taxi practices, impose hefty fines

    Phuket authorities clamp down on illegal taxi practices, impose hefty fines

    Over the past five months, the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) has conducted an operation targeting individuals involved in illegal taxi practices. Their recent crackdown at Phuket International Airport resulted in the apprehension of two additional drivers. Led by Kornpitak Assuwan, head of the academic group at PLTO, also referred to as the policy division, officers initiated another phase of…

  • Illegal Cape Shark Villas shut down on Koh Tao Island”

    Illegal Cape Shark Villas shut down on Koh Tao Island”

    A villa constructed without permission in Cape Shark Villas has been instructed to cease operations by local authorities on Koh Tao Island. An investigation is underway to check if other villas within the resort have conformed to obligatory construction permits. The villa under investigation is strategically perched on a rocky ledge, providing direct access to the clear waters of the…

  • RTN investigates alleged corruption in 440 million baht armoured vehicle deal

    RTN investigates alleged corruption in 440 million baht armoured vehicle deal

    A thorough investigation has been initiated by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) after a social media page reported some alleged discrepancies in a recent purchase of armoured vehicles totalling over 440 million baht (US$12,480,000). The public announcement about the investigation came yesterday when Admiral Pokkrong Monthatphalin, the RTN spokesman, stated that the navy commander, Choengchai Chomchoengpaet, had ordered a probe…

  • Healing the rumor mill: Bangkok hospital denies ‘rejuvenating DNA’ trials with a dose of truth

    Healing the rumor mill: Bangkok hospital denies ‘rejuvenating DNA’ trials with a dose of truth

    King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, alongside Chulalongkorn University (CU), yesterday refuted allegations of conducting “rejuvenating DNA” trials on human subjects following a claim by someone to have undergone such treatment at their facilities. In a joint statement, both institutions clarified that the pioneering rejuvenating DNA, developed by CU’s Faculty of Medicine specialist team under the RED-GEMs (REjuvenating DNA by GEnomic Stability…

  • Shattered dreams: Disabled man in Bangkok takes his own life

    Shattered dreams: Disabled man in Bangkok takes his own life

    A dismal image of life pressures came to light recently when a disabled man, feeling the weight of his predicament, tragically ended his life. The man, once a car mechanic able to fend for his wife, sadly viewed himself as a burden on her. Found beneath their rented house, his death underscores the stark realities of life pressures and hardship…

  • Daughter’s divorce celebration with cake and fireworks in China

    Daughter’s divorce celebration with cake and fireworks in China

    In an unusual event that sparked widespread interest, a family in China held a divorce celebration for their daughter with fireworks and a cake cutting, signalling a departure from traditional norms surrounding marriage breakdowns. The changing attitudes of the modern era have lessened the stigma attached to divorce, making it now less of a daunting prospect than in the past.…

  • Triumph over adversity: Teenage Thai girl peddles to provide for family

    Triumph over adversity: Teenage Thai girl peddles to provide for family

    A 15 year old Thai girl found herself as the breadwinner of a family of three following a family accident. The girl, her grandmother, and her 8 year old sister, who is suffering from anaemia, are now living in a makeshift home on some temple premises, where the structure is on the verge of collapsing and the family is obliged…

  • Teenage intern injured in mysterious fall from six-storey building leaves questions unanswered

    Teenage intern injured in mysterious fall from six-storey building leaves questions unanswered

    A 19 year old intern yesterday was found injured in a car park, having mysteriously fallen from a six-storey building. The young man was undressed and bore injuries across his body. Rescuers from the Thamma Ratsamee Maneerat Foundation and a medical team from Chon Buri Hospital found the teenager lying on the bonnet of a damaged Toyota Yaris. His fall…

  • TikTok user documents drunk monk disrupting bus journey

    TikTok user documents drunk monk disrupting bus journey

    Engaging content emerged on TikTok yesterday capturing a drunk monk disrupting a bus. The TikTok user, @nawapornice, said the monk’s behaviour was inconveniencing other passengers, he stunk of alcohol and displayed a persistent argumentative attitude towards the bus staff. The captured footage highlighted the monk seated near the exit, disrupting the bus staff with loud arguments due to his being seated in…

  • Facebook group leader arrested for counterfeit amulet scam in southern Thailand

    Facebook group leader arrested for counterfeit amulet scam in southern Thailand

    An influential figure within the Facebook group พระใต้ สายตรง was recently apprehended for fraudulent activities involving the sale of counterfeit amulets in southern Thailand. Despite his defence, stating his lack of knowledge about the authenticity of these objects as they were procured from third parties, the charges still stand. The 53 year old suspect, Pharadon Wongwaiwit, claims he is incapable of…

  • Blade of betrayal: Estranged husband’s chilling knife attack rattles kanchanaburi

    Blade of betrayal: Estranged husband’s chilling knife attack rattles kanchanaburi

    An estranged husband yesterday turned into a knife-wielding psychopath in an attempt to murder his wife in Kanchanaburi, West Thailand. The 44 year old assailant, Sukrit Jaifuey, remains at large following the chilling assault on his estranged wife, known as ‘A,’ which occurred at her place of work. The shocking scene took place within the bustling bus station where A…

  • Trans-forming blackmail: Thai transwoman’s explicit image scam lands her behind bars

    Trans-forming blackmail: Thai transwoman’s explicit image scam lands her behind bars

    Officers from Investigation Division Metropolitan Police Bureau (IDMB) arrested a Thai transwoman who lured men into sharing explicit images of their penis and blackmailed them for money. According to the IDMB, the arrest was made on the back of another transwoman’s arrest in the central province of Nakhon Pathom in 2021. The initial case involved Piyachat, who enticed men through provocative…

  • Love’s fatal crossfire: Jealousy ignites tragic showdown in eastern Thailand

    Love’s fatal crossfire: Jealousy ignites tragic showdown in eastern Thailand

    A tragic incident gripped the community of Prajantakam, Prachinburi, in eastern Thailand after an ex-husband confronted his former wife and her new partner. His jealousy led to a violent encounter and ended in a fatal shooting. Witnesses yesterday recalled a heated spat in a rented room along Vorodom Road behind Wat Sri Prajantakam temple. The situation escalated, resulting in gunshots that…

  • Wave of disapproval: Krabi residents make waves as foreign men scale tsunami tower in unruly act

    Wave of disapproval: Krabi residents make waves as foreign men scale tsunami tower in unruly act

    Residents in the southern province of Krabi condemned two foreign men for their unruly behaviour after they put their lives in danger to climb a 16-metre tsunami warning tower on Ao Nang Beach. Witnesses speculated that the duo was under the influence of alcohol. A 25 year old Thai woman shared a video of the two foreigners with the Thai news…

  • Thai Karaoke bar owner arrested for trafficking and exploitation of minors

    Thai Karaoke bar owner arrested for trafficking and exploitation of minors

    The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) recently made a successful raid, apprehending a Thai karaoke bar owner for allegedly exploiting and trafficking girls under 18 years old in the Nakhon Ratchasima province. The operation took place on June 20, following a tip-off about illicit activities at a karaoke bar in the Chok Chai area. The 48 year old bar owner, Sreelamul,…

  • Dutch suspect arrested in Phuket Airport following Interpol red notice

    Dutch suspect arrested in Phuket Airport following Interpol red notice

    Police at Phuket Airport yesterday arrested a Dutchman wanted by the Spanish police for a number of fraudulent activities. The arrest took place in the Arrivals Hall of the airport’s International Terminal, around 9.15pm. Information concerning the arrest was released by the Phuket branch of the Immigration Bureau. However, the bureau refrained from disclosing the suspect’s name or age. There…

  • Fatal gas cylinder explosion kills student during fire drill in Bangkok

    Fatal gas cylinder explosion kills student during fire drill in Bangkok

    A terrifying gas cylinder explosion at a school in Bangkok’s Nang Loeng area during a fire drill resulted in a student’s death and the injury of several others. Despite swift medical assistance from teachers and fellow students, the severity of the event led to tragic consequences. The local authorities were alerted about the incident by the school’s security staff. The…

  • Phuket ramps up maritime safety ahead of tourist influx

    Phuket ramps up maritime safety ahead of tourist influx

    In an effort to reassure tourists and prevent local boat and ferry accidents, maritime safety and disaster officials in Phuket have initiated an intensified campaign for water transport safety. Recent visits from Phuket marine officials to scrutinise boats for safety compliance suggest a strengthened emphasis on stringent adherence to safety measures. These measures were fleshed out during a meeting presided…

  • Marine police seize Vietnamese fishing vessels in Songkhla crackdown

    Marine police seize Vietnamese fishing vessels in Songkhla crackdown

    Thailand’s southern Songkhla province witnessed a series of Marine Police actions as two Vietnamese fishing vessels were seized and their crew members detained, according to authorities. These events unfolded yesterday in the waters of the southern regions of Pattani and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Pol. Lt. Col. Nathapong Takaew, the deputy head of the Songkhla-based Marine Police Sub-division 7, reported today…

  • Worker fatality sparks investigation at Pathum Thani convenience store

    Worker fatality sparks investigation at Pathum Thani convenience store

    In a shocking incident, a 43 year old convenience store worker was found dead behind the store after an intense day of work. His co-workers, who discovered the body, state he previously complained of being tired due to his dual role as a cashier and delivery driver. The unexpected death occurred in Sam Khok, Pathum Thani, prompting a hurried investigation…

  • Phuket undeterred by Expo bid loss, invests in 5.1 billion baht project

    Phuket undeterred by Expo bid loss, invests in 5.1 billion baht project

    Phuket’s development as an International Medical Hub remains steadfast and promising following the unsuccessful bid for the World Specialised Expo 2027/28. Phuket, a top tourist destination, is undeterred and continues with its ambitious government-backed project to carve a niche as an ‘International Medical Hub’. Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri showed optimism for Phuket’s development amidst the loss, articulating gratitude on behalf…

  • Chinese fraud syndicate caught after swindling 500 million baht from Thai investors

    Chinese fraud syndicate caught after swindling 500 million baht from Thai investors

    A Chinese national believed to be at the helm of a swindling operation, was taken into custody by the Thai authorities alongside ten other members of the fraud gang. The group is accused of soliciting people to participate in a bogus gold investment scheme, alleging its connection with Thailand’s Crown Property Bureau. The illicit operation, which duped victims of around…

  • Caught in the act: Police swoop down on illegal immigration, nabbing 23 in southern Thailand sting

    Caught in the act: Police swoop down on illegal immigration, nabbing 23 in southern Thailand sting

    A swift police operation on illegal immigration yesterday resulted in the apprehension of 23 individuals in Songkhla, a province in southern Thailand. Four of them were Thai citizens acting as drivers, and the remaining 19 were Bangladeshis, who were identified as unlawful immigrants. Following an informant’s tip-off about chances of illegal immigration, the local law enforcement swung into action, anticipating…

  • Viral spectre sensation: Young girl’s chilling ghost encounter haunts the Internet with over 3 million views

    Viral spectre sensation: Young girl’s chilling ghost encounter haunts the Internet with over 3 million views

    A video capturing a young girl’s encounter with a ghost in the midst of the day has taken the Internet by storm, with views exceeding three million. The footage was posted by TikTok user @nnlsenseless and in it, the girl is seen standing on a staircase, claiming she can see a ghost. The caption of the now-viral clip says… “My…

  • Roadside cable thief snared, causing parts of Nonthaburi highway to plunge into darkness

    Roadside cable thief snared, causing parts of Nonthaburi highway to plunge into darkness

    An engineer alerted the local police to apprehend a man who was cutting power cables in the middle of a Nonthaburi highway, casting parts of it into darkness over a distance of more than 2 kilometres. At around 3.45pm yesterday, the young man, identified as 30 year old Chotipong, was caught red-handed along with the snipped aluminium power cables stretching…

  • Temple tragedy: Drug-addict murders elderly monk in Isaan province

    Temple tragedy: Drug-addict murders elderly monk in Isaan province

    A drug addict murdered a 71 year old Buddhist monk at a temple in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. The murderer allegedly said he felt no remorse for his actions because he acted in self-defence. Officers from Kumphawapi Police Station arrested the murderer, 34 year old Wuttichai Mongkhonsaen, for the murder of the 71 year old monk named Dao…

  • Thai health sector to add 175,000 jobs tackling major staffing shortage

    Thai health sector to add 175,000 jobs tackling major staffing shortage

    To combat the ever-present issue of personnel shortages within the public health sector, an agreement has been struck between the Ministry of Public Health and the Civil Service Commission (CSC), set to open numerous new positions for both doctors and nurses. There has been an increasing trend of medical practitioners leaving the state sector for greener pastures in private hospitals,…

  • Thai man murders girlfriend before committing suicide in Bangkok

    Thai man murders girlfriend before committing suicide in Bangkok

    A Thai man murdered his girlfriend at a condominium in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. He stayed with the lifeless body of his girlfriend for a night before committing suicide. A condo member of staff, Nopphachorn Vijitjariya, found the lifeless bodies of the couple yesterday at 2pm and immediately reported his discovery to officers at Rattnathibet Police Station. According to Nopphachorn, the…

  • Thai repatriation: Rescuing nationals caught in Japanese job scam

    Thai repatriation: Rescuing nationals caught in Japanese job scam

    Efforts are currently underway by the Thai foreign affairs and labour departments to assist in the safe return of six Thai nationals. The Thai nationals were deceived into travelling to Japan under the guise of a fictitious job contract, compelled to undertake illegal work, and then stranded when they declined to take part in these illicit activities. The ongoing efforts are…

  • Phayao province police bust: Pillow reveals 316 methamphetamine tablets

    Phayao province police bust: Pillow reveals 316 methamphetamine tablets

    Police in Phayao Province yesterday conducted a raid on a residential property leading to the arrest of two suspected drug users. Officers discovered five methamphetamine tablets on the premises and later found 311 more meth tablets concealed within a pillow. Investigative officers from Phayao Province Police Station detained Thawat, a 25 year old man, and Kalayanee, a 29 year old…