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.
-
Sponsored
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...
-
Thai police seize chemicals for illegal Etomidate e-cigarette mix
Bangkok police yesterday seized chemicals used to produce the drug Etomidate, which is being illegally mixed with e-cigarettes. This operation uncovered enough materials to create 600,000 units of the dangerous substance, capable of causing respiratory failure. The pursuit of four Chinese nationals involved is currently underway. At 1.30pm yesterday, December 12 a press conference was held at the Office of…
-
Six arrested in South Thailand for call centre scams and firearms
Police apprehended six people suspected of being involved in call centre scams and the illegal trade of firearms. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) announced the arrest on Tuesday, December 10, indicating possible connections between the suspects and insurgency financing in Thailand’s southern regions. The arrests took place on December 10 in Songkhla and Yala provinces following numerous complaints related…
-
Portuguese man missing in Koh Pha Ngan, wife fears suicide
The wife of a Portuguese man, missing from his home in Koh Pha Ngan since November 17, fears he may have taken his own life. The 38 year old half-Thai, half-American woman, Avalon Oneita Juliana, sought help from local police and the Portuguese Embassy in Thailand after her husband, 51 year old Daniel Joao D’Costa Ferreira Dos Santos, disappeared. Santos…
-
Grandmother faces arrest over mysterious death of baby Pang
Police are preparing to issue an arrest warrant for the grandmother of one month old baby Pang, who died under mysterious circumstances after being in her care for only five days. The autopsy revealed subdural hematomas on both sides of the brain and bruising on the leg. The tragic death of baby Pang has left her parents in deep sorrow…
-
PM Paetongtarn’s absence sparks debate over invasive fish issue
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s decision to skip the opening of the new House of Representatives session yesterday, December 12, sparked a contentious debate between the opposition and the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, a Bangkok representative from the opposition People’s Party (PP), voiced his frustration, expressing a desire for the prime minister to address the public on efforts…
-
Cold air mass, monsoon rains hit Thailand, affecting 14 provinces
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warned of another cold air mass approaching, causing temperatures to drop by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius. The southern region faces heavy monsoon rains impacting 14 provinces, while Bangkok will experience rain and wind. The forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that a high-pressure area or cold air mass from China is now covering…
-
Thai-German rail partnership renewed for sustainable transport
Thailand and Germany reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing rail transport systems, with a focus on efficiency and environmental sustainability. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced the renewal of the agreement in Bangkok, extending their collaboration for an additional two years. The bilateral agreement, initially signed on November 23, 2016, has been renewed twice, reflecting both nations’ dedication to advancing rail technology…
-
Illegal jet ski crackdown in Phuket sees 17 more rentals shut down
Phuket’s relentless battle against illegal jet skis has made another big splash. A daring raid led by marine officials uncovered 17 unlicensed jet skis being used for illegal tourist rentals in the popular tourist spot of Laem Nga, Ratsada. The operation also extended to the picturesque islands of Koh Mali and Koh Pae, off Phuket’s east coast. Senior officials including…
-
Thai woman glued to phone hit by electric motorcycle in Pattaya
A dramatic accident unfolded on Pattaya Beach Road in the early hours of today, leaving three people injured after a woman, distracted by her phone, was struck by an electric motorcycle. Pattaya police responded to a call about the incident at 12.10am today, December 12, quickly coordinating with rescue volunteers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan. Upon arriving at the scene, officers…
-
Thailand claims best worldwide destination at Irish Travel Awards
Thailand has once again stolen the spotlight on the global tourism stage, clinching the prestigious Best Worldwide Destination title at the Irish Travel Trade Awards (ITTN Awards) 2024. The glittering ceremony, hosted by Irish Travel Trade News, unfolded on November 29 at Dublin’s Clayton Hotel, Burlington, with over 5,000 travel agents casting their votes for excellence in travel and tourism.…
-
Thai woman caught smuggling 6 million baht of cocaine into Japan
A Thai woman was arrested at Kansai International Airport in Osaka after she smuggled 6 million baht worth of cocaine into Japan. Local news agencies in Japan recently reported that the 23 year old Thai woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, was arrested at Kansai Airport after 760 grammes of cocaine were found in her possession. The drugs were worth approximately…
-
Sizzling drama: Fire sparks chaos at Pattaya spa
A fiery drama unfolded in Pattaya yesterday morning when a blaze broke out in a popular spa on Pattaya Third Road. Thankfully, quick action by firefighters ensured no injuries occurred but the incident left staff and volunteers shaken. Pattaya’s Disaster Prevention officials, joined by local police, firefighters, and Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation volunteers, raced to the scene at the…
-
Pad Kaprao strikes back: Thailand’s favourite dishes revealed
Pad Kaprao is back on top! Foodpanda’s 2024 year-end statistics unveiled the nation’s culinary obsessions, and the spicy basil stir-fry has reclaimed its throne as Thailand’s most-ordered dish with over 800,000 orders. After losing the crown to fried rice in 2023, Pad Kaprao has made a fiery comeback, even earning international accolades as the world’s best stir-fried dish, according to…
-
Chiang Rai couple arrested for illegal online lottery operation
A couple from Chiang Rai has been apprehended by cyber police for operating an illegal online lottery and gambling website, with monthly financial transactions amounting to millions. They advertised their services via Facebook, leading to their eventual capture and subsequent legal proceedings. Today, December 12, several high-ranking officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, including Trirong Phiwpan, Wiwat Khamchanan, and…
-
Motorcyclist attacks public bus with rocks, bottles in Nonthaburi
An unidentified man driving a white motorcycle chased and attacked a public bus with rocks and bottles in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province. The event occurred yesterday, December 11, when 37 year old Kwanchai was driving the public bus on route 32 between Wat Pho and Wat Bo in Pak Kret. Alongside him was 36 year old Nattiporn who managed the…
-
Thai official sacked after exposing 500-million-baht inheritance fraud
A government official is seeking justice after being dismissed for exposing alleged corruption and document fraud linked to a 500-million-baht inheritance. The victim, Thanyarot, sought assistance from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after being sacked from her workplace of 10 years for exposing the truth. She stated that some colleagues accused her of unethical behaviour, which ultimately led to her dismissal.…
-
Phu Kradueng National Park shuts down after elephant attack
Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province has been closed indefinitely after a wild elephant attacked and killed a female tourist. The Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), Atthaphon Charoenchansa, has vowed swift action to ensure safety. In a chilling revelation, the same elephant has returned to the area where the attack occurred,…
-
Thailand leads ASEAN in gold-driven financial growth, inclusion
Gold’s role in providing financial stability amid global uncertainties is gaining attention as the world moves into 2025. Traditionally linked to prosperity and wealth in Thai culture, gold remains a symbol of celebration during significant family events such as weddings and birthdays. Despite societal changes, gold’s cultural significance continues to drive strong consumer demand in Thailand, evidenced by the nation’s…
-
Australian expat donates van to Pattaya children’s home (video)
A generous act of kindness took place in Pattaya as an Australian expat donated a 2024 Toyota Commuter 15-passenger van to Baan Jing Jai, a local children’s home. The vehicle, valued at 1.3 million baht, was gifted in memory of the Australian, Daryl Evans’ late wife, Tuanjai Naksale, and is intended to support the welfare of children in need. This…
-
Seven arrested in Songkhla for 2 million baht scam and gun trade
Seven young adults were arrested in Songkhla’s Mueang district for orchestrating a complex scam that defrauded victims of nearly 2 million baht (US$59,170) and subsequently funding the illegal production of firearms for sale. The arrests took place following an investigation into fraudulent activities conducted by a gang that targeted individuals through random calls, convincing them to invest in a scheme…
-
Paws and order: Thai man abuses 3 cats after row with boyfriend
Police charged a Thai man in the Isaan province of Sakon Nakhon with physically abusing three pet cats after videos and pictures of the abuse were shared in a Facebook group of animal lovers. A man shared the videos and pictures of his ex-boyfriend strangling their pet cats and throwing them against the wall of a condominium room in a…
-
Pier Pressure: IIlegal boat operator nabbed in Phuket crackdown
A 21 year old Myanmar man found himself in hot water after being arrested at Chalong Pier for running an illegal tourist boat operation. The Marine Police pounced during a routine inspection, uncovering a string of violations that landed him in custody. The arrest is part of an ongoing clampdown on unlicensed activities in the popular tourist hotspot. “The Marine…
-
Cold front takes Thailand by storm: Brace for a chilling forecast
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning for today, predicting cold to very cold conditions due to a strong cold air mass. Severe thunderstorms are expected to hit 14 provinces, including Bangkok. In the latest forecast, the TMD indicated that a relatively strong high-pressure system or cold air mass from China has now extended to northern Vietnam…
-
Enthusiasts eye past winning numbers for December 16 lottery luck
The anticipation for the upcoming Thai government lottery draw scheduled for December 16 has prompted a compilation of past winning numbers from December 16 over the last decade. Sanook News has drawn up a list of the record of winning lottery numbers. Over the past 10 years, the Thai Government Lottery has seen a variety of winning numbers on December…
-
Bangla Road brawl: Taxi driver and tourist clash in viral showdown (video)
A shocking street brawl between a tourist and a Patong taxi driver has sent social media into overdrive, leaving Bangla Road’s infamous nightlife under scrutiny once again. The 18-second video, shared by the Facebook page โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต captures a chaotic scene of men punching and grappling at the bustling end of Bangla Road. Titled Fighting hard #BanglaRoad, Patong, the clip…
-
84 Myanmar immigrants arrested in Thailand after jungle trek
In the early hours of yesterday, police in Kanchanaburi successfully apprehended a group of 84 individuals from Myanmar’s Rakhine State who had entered Thailand illegally. The operation, carried out by Thong Pha Phum police and other relevant agencies, unfolded after a tip-off led them to a suspicious scene involving an abandoned pickup truck with obscured license plates. The truck, which…
-
Drink driver finally on trial after arrest and assault of innocent man
Police arrested a drink driver who ran a traffic checkpoint on Prasert-Manukritch Road in Bangkok on December 4, after officers mistakenly arrested an innocent man and allegedly assaulted him on the same day. The conflict between a 33 year old Thai man, Thananop Kirddri, and seven officers from the Traffic Police Division came to light after his family called for…
-
Thai crew’s release from Myanmar expected post-new year
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that the four Thai crew members detained in Myanmar are anticipated to be released shortly after the new year. The crew, held following a maritime incident, are awaiting the conclusion of Myanmar’s legal processes, though their safety remains uncompromised. The Thai foreign minister and his Myanmar counterpart are scheduled to meet on December 19. As…
-
Drunken man with shotgun challenges Bangkok police to fist fight
A man caused chaos in a Nong Chok neighbourhood in Bangkok by brandishing a shotgun and challenging police officers to a fist fight. Residents were frustrated by the commotion caused by the inebriated individual. This incident occurred yesterday, December 11, around 10.30pm, following a police report from the local. Police Lieutenant Chairat Charasmetawit, an investigator at Nong Chok Police Station,…
-
Krabi man caught with over 6,000 meth pills at Phuket checkpoint
A significant drug bust unfolded as a 41 year old Krabi resident was arrested at a primary checkpoint leading to Phuket. The arrest occurred early yesterday morning, December 11, when police discovered a substantial stash of methamphetamine (meth) pills concealed in the man’s vehicle. The suspect, Wutthachai Klapkhong, was detained at a Phuket Chatchai Checkpoint following a search of his…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.