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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Smooth travel to Belgium and the Netherlands: Visa tips & tricks!
Make Belgium and the Netherlands your next destination with the right visa in hand. Explore the iconic tulip fields, cruise through Amsterdam’s scenic canals, or stroll through the historic streets of Bruges. Don’t forget to enjoy some authentic Belgian chocolate...
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Thai farmers receive 20 billion baht in government aid
The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) has disbursed 20 billion baht over the past three days to 2.6 million farmers as part of a government initiative aimed at supporting rice producers. The goal is to benefit 4.6 million households with a total budget of 37.4 billion baht. Chatchai Sirilai, Manager of BAAC, announced the progress of the financial…
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Thailand health ministry warns of new year disease risks
The Ministry of Public Health issued a warning about diseases to watch out for during the new year, particularly influenza and sudden hearing loss. They urged travellers to monitor their health upon returning from trips abroad. With the weather cooling down and many people travelling internationally, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) has updated its list of diseases with potential…
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Revenue department sees 2.1% rise in revenue collection
Collection by the Revenue Department has shown a notable increase in the first two months of fiscal 2025, with a 2.1% year-on-year growth. The surge is largely credited to initiatives aimed at integrating individuals outside the tax system into compliance, along with intensified measures against tax evasion. Director General Pinsai Suraswadi reported that in October, the department successfully collected 146…
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Norovirus outbreak in Rayong prompts health guidelines
The Department of Health issued guidelines for preventing the spread of Norovirus following a significant outbreak affecting 1,436 individuals, including students and school personnel in Klaeng district, Rayong province. The outbreak is attributed to contaminated water and ice consumed during a school sports event. Norovirus, a highly communicable virus, primarily affects children with lower immunity and is prevalent during the…
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Meth-induced man defacates, wields knife in police standoff
Police officers in Samut Songkhram successfully subdued a 50 year old local man wielding a long knife in a pomelo orchard. The incident occurred yesterday, December 18, behind Wat Worapoom Health Promotion Hospital, with officers employing negotiation tactics to defuse the situation. The Samut Songkhram Police Station received reports of a man, identified only as Yod, brandishing a 2-foot-long sword…
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Cambodian call centre scammer nabbed after raping victim’s girlfriend
Police delivered justice to a Thai man tricked by a call centre scam gang in Cambodia after the leader also raped the victim’s girlfriend. The Thai couple was reunited after being separated after falling victim to a call centre scam and human trafficking gang. Together, they sought help from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive to ensure all relevant suspects were brought…
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French Bulldog missing in Uthai Thani, reward offered (video)
A search is underway for a four year old male French Bulldog called Peter, who has been missing since yesterday. His owner, from Uthai Thani province, is offering a reward of 2 salungs (7.5 grammes) of gold for Peter’s safe return. Wachirawit shared that Peter went missing after an unexpected visit from a monk on a walking pilgrimage. It was an…
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Naval officer accused of lewd acts with 18 cadets under investigation
A naval officer, working as a physiotherapist, is under investigation for allegedly committing lewd acts against 18 cadets at a military prep school. The school has promptly set up a committee to thoroughly investigate the claims made by the students’ parents, assuring them of a fair process and appropriate action if misconduct is confirmed. The troubling incident was reported after…
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Myanmar cops rescue kidnapped businessman after deadly shootout
Police in Myanmar successfully rescued a 78 year old businessman who had been abducted outside a currency exchange shop. The dramatic operation resulted in a shootout, leaving six suspects dead and significant evidence uncovered. The victim, who had not eaten since his capture, was found safe. The incident occurred at 6am on December 13, when Yan Tin Chan was kidnapped…
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Police officer cites Buddhism in rejecting promotion
A police officer from Lamae Police Station in Chumphon province caused a stir by formally requesting not to be considered for a higher-ranking position. The officer, Pisan, provided a philosophical reasoning drawn from Buddhist teachings to support this unusual decision. Pisan, who serves as an inspector at Lamae Police Station, officially sent his request to the Chumphon Provincial Police Commander.…
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Thai woman exposes employer’s lewd advances, explicit messages
A Thai woman took to social media to expose her employer, a restaurant owner in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen, for sexually harassing her by sending lewd messages and pictures, including an image of his penis. The 30 year old victim, Nat, resigned from the restaurant and filed a complaint against the owner at Mueang Khon Kaen Police Station.…
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Illegal foreign tour guides threaten Thailand’s tourism industry
The growing issue of illegal foreign tour guides in Thailand, exacerbated by extended visa-free stays and lax enforcement, is concerning industry experts. The Professional Tourist Guides Association of Thailand has raised alarms about foreigners illegally managing both tour companies and guide services in major tourist destinations. Recent social media reports highlighted an incident involving an unauthorised Russian guide leading a…
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Thailand targets US$308bn exports by 2025 amid trade optimism
The Commerce Ministry has ambitious plans to boost Thailand’s export sector, setting a target of 2% to 3% growth for 2025. The goal, projected to bring in US$305 to US$308 billion, follows a robust performance in 2024, where export growth is expected to reach 5%, generating a record US$300 billion. These figures reflect optimism driven by the electronics, agricultural, and…
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Chiang Mai fraud suspect arrested for bamboo blind scam
A significant fraud case involving over 50 victims duped into paying for bamboo blinds they never received has culminated in the arrest of the alleged perpetrator. Since 2018, numerous complaints have been filed, with victims coming forward to report being scammed by a Facebook page with a misleading name. The accused, who had been evading the police, was finally apprehended…
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Thailand seeks family of woman found in Germany 35 years ago
The Mirror Foundation of Thailand are looking for the family of a Thai woman found dead in Germany 35 years ago so they can identify her. The foundation posted the details on its official Facebook page yesterday, December 18, along with an artist’s simulation of her appearance and an image of the clothing she was wearing when discovered. The details…
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2 million baht in valuables stolen from secure apartment in Pattaya
A shocking burglary took place yesterday at an apartment in Pattaya, leaving a woman stunned as thieves managed to infiltrate her room and break into a safe hidden within a storage cabinet. The thieves made off with nearly 2 million baht worth of valuables, including gold jewellery and cash. There were no signs of forced entry into the room, leading…
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Thailand’s power plan may see revisions for climate goals
Thailand’s 2024 power development plan (PDP) may undergo significant revisions to enhance the management of the nation’s long-term energy supply and bolster efforts against global warming. This was suggested by Energy Ministry Permanent Secretary Prasert Sinsukprasertas after he highlighted the need for adaptation in response to evolving energy concerns. The Energy Policy and Planning Office is currently evaluating the PDP. Once…
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Tragic accident on Lopburi site as truck hits worker
A tragic accident occurred yesterday when a truck driver failed to notice a colleague standing in front of the vehicle, resulting in a fatal incident on a construction site in Lopburi. The victim was struck and run over by the large truck, leading to his death. Officer Pariya Saengwarach, from Khok Tum Police Station, was alerted to the tragic event…
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Phuket plans major disaster drill for flood preparedness
Phuket is set to enhance its disaster preparedness with an integrated exercise aimed at tackling potential floods and mudslides. Scheduled for January 16, 2025, the event is designed to boost the island’s readiness and response capabilities in the face of such emergencies. A significant planning session took place recently at the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket).…
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Chinese man arrested in 70 million baht heroin bust in Nong Khai
Police in Nong Khai apprehended a Chinese national involved in a transnational drug trafficking operation. The suspect allegedly concealed 120 kilogrammes of heroin within car batteries, claiming he was merely hired to manage logistics and inspect the parcels. Yesterday, December 18, Police officials, including Piratch Udompisutikun, Yutthana Ngamchat, Rattasart Chidchu, and Suchart Thonmanee, collaborated with various police and military units…
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3 Thai girls fake forest blackout after resort stay with man
Three Thai girls, initially reported missing, confessed to going to a resort with a man they met on a dating app after lying to their parents that they fainted in an abandoned house in a deep forest for a night. Three families filed missing persons reports to Thamenchai Police Station officers in the Isaan province of Buriram after three girls,…
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Leopard sighting amazes tourists at Kaeng Krachan National Park
A rare sighting of a leopard calmly sitting on a road in Kaeng Krachan National Park left tourists in awe as the big cat appeared unbothered and at ease. The encounter, which occurred yesterday, December 19 at around 6.50am, was recounted by Mongkol Chaiphakdee, head of the national park located in Phetchaburi province. Kritsiphong Ngamjing, a tourist, was fortunate enough…
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Landslides devastate Huai Kaeo, isolating communities in Nakhon Si Thammarat
Landslides have ravaged the Huai Kaeo community in Si Chon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, leaving homes in ruins and cutting off communication. Local officials urgently seek help as 23 districts report damage, with 10 fatalities confirmed. Heavy rain has caused severe landslides across Nakhon Si Thammarat, particularly affecting the Huai Kaeo village in the Si Chon district. The village, located in…
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Thailand video news | Thailand’s new E-Visa simplifies travel, U.S. repatriates Guantanamo detainees to Malaysia
In today’s Southeast Asia news roundup, Alex highlights major developments across the region. From Thailand’s groundbreaking E-Visa launch and its renewed focus on attracting foreign filmmakers to a British mother’s heartfelt warning about drug dangers, these stories reveal the country’s evolving travel, legal, and social landscape. Additional updates include Bangkok’s ambitious plans to host its first Formula One race, Gordon…
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Young man arrested after fatal knife attack in Samut Prakan
A 21 year old man was taken into custody following a fatal altercation with a 16 year old. The incident, which involved a knife attack, occurred after a confrontation over perceived hostility. The suspect expressed remorse and apologised to the victim’s family. The tragic event unfolded yesterday, December 18, at 9.46pm when police in Samut Prakan received a report of…
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Highway rescue worker killed in Prachuap Khiri Khan lorry collision
A tragic accident occurred when a car collided with a lorry in Prachuap Khiri Khan, resulting in the death of a 39 year old municipal worker from Thap Sakae. The crash, taking place at a U-turn on Phetkasem Road, raised questions about visibility issues due to the sun’s glare. The accident unfolded around 2pm yesterday, December 18. Supalak Wanwacha, a…
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Love struck Thai teen ignores injuries to save girlfriend’s sandals
In a heart-stopping dramatic scene that unfolded yesterday afternoon, a love struck teen ignored his own well-being and injuries following a violent collision with a pickup truck to save a treasured gift from his girlfriend. The 17 year old motorcyclist, affectionately known as Off, had a brush with disaster yesterday, December 18, in front of a school on Road 3371…
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2 foreigners caught pulling police-seized motorcycle in Phuket (video)
A viral video surfaced yesterday showing two foreigners ignoring a Thai police wheel clamp and legal consequences, as they pulled a police-seized motorcycle along a road in Phuket. The video, shared on Facebook by a Thai man named Somsak Lerchai, quickly gained attention. In his caption, Somsak sarcastically remarked, “Wheel lock doesn’t work with Grade A tourists. #OneDayButThousandsSituations.” In the…
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Khlong Toei residents unite to control fire in Bangkok village
A fire erupted in the Khlong Toei community in Bangkok, specifically in the 70 Rai Village, where residents joined forces to extinguish the flames. The fire was brought under control by 10.41pm yesterday, December 18 after a quick response from local firefighters. The Rama Radio Centre received a report via hotline 199 about a blaze affecting residential homes in the…
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12 year old girl freed from sexual assaults by uncle, grandfather
The non-profit organisation Be One rescued a 12 year old Thai girl in the central province of Kanchanaburi who had been a victim of sexual assaults by her uncle and grandfather. Her father claimed he was too embarrassed to take legal action. Be One President Wanna “Ton Or” Palamart and her team members visited a school in the Tha Mueang…
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