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.
-
Sponsored
See the best of Northern Thailand this winter on a budget
The Thaiger key takeaways Peak season brings higher prices, but smart planning and local know-how can help you experience Northern Thailand affordably. Chiang Mai, Pai, and Chiang Rai offer plenty of free or low-cost attractions, from temples and canyons to...
-
Kelantan state assembly dissolves, paving way for Malaysian elections
The Kelantan state assembly in Malaysia is set to be dissolved on June 22, clearing the way for state elections, as announced by Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob. He had previously sought an audience with the state ruler of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V, to discuss the dissolution of the 14th state assembly. Kelantan is not the only state to hold elections…
-
Teenage rider killed in brutal shooting near Bangkok, police pursue gunman
A teenage motorcycle rider was fatally shot in a brutal attack in Bangkok, at around 6.30pm yesterday. Deputy Superintendent Suwat Deeplang of Nong Chok Police Station and his team are investigating the incident while pursuing the ruthless gunman responsible for the murder of the 19 year old. At the scene of the crime, near Soi Liabwari 32 in Nong Chok…
-
Malaysia’s Klang Valley rail lines expect shorter travel times by September
Klang Valley commuters in Malaysia can anticipate reduced travel times and increased train frequencies on several public transport rail lines by around August or September, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke. In a parliamentary response, Loke stated that Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd are currently implementing various initiatives to restore public confidence in the rapid transit system.…
-
BAFS to build 1.2 billion baht oil pipeline linking Saraburi and Ang Thong
Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services Plc (BAFS) is set to construct a new 52-kilometre oil pipeline connecting Saraburi to Ang Thong, in a bid to enhance its trade in the northern region. The project, which is estimated to cost 1.2 billion baht, will facilitate oil transportation from the east to the north. BAFS is currently in discussions with Thai Petroleum Pipeline…
-
Global displacement hits 110 million, UNHCR cites Ukraine and Sudan conflicts
A staggering 110 million people across the globe now find themselves displaced, with the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Sudan contributing significantly to this figure, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The agency’s annual report revealed that approximately 19 million individuals were forced to flee their homes last year, marking the largest annual increase ever recorded.…
-
AI use in workplace linked to loneliness and insomnia, study reveals
A recent study has revealed that employees who frequently use artificial intelligence (AI) in their workplace are more likely to experience loneliness, leading to insomnia. The research was conducted in four locations – Taiwan, Indonesia, the US, and Malaysia – and found consistent results across all regions. Lead researcher Pok Man Tang explained that the rapid advancement in AI systems…
-
Cosplay pianist Pan Piano shocks viewers with sexy outfits: Are they appropriate for YouTube?
A pianist YouTuber known as Pan Piano has shocked viewers by posting a risqué piano performance while donning revealing cosplay outfits, resulting in millions of views in a short period. The viral video has sparked debates about the appropriateness of such content on the video-sharing platform. Pan Piano, previously known for her elaborate cosplay looks, now displays more of her…
-
Belgian man commits suicide at a Phuket shooting range
A Belgian man reportedly took his own life at a shooting range in Phuket yesterday. The motive of the suicide is under investigation. Officers from Chalong Police Station rushed to investigate Sai Yuan Shooting Range in the Rawai sub-district, Mueang district of Phuket after being notified about the death of the Belgian man, who was later identified as a 52…
-
AI discrimination more pressing than human extinction, says EU competition chief
The European Union’s competition chief, Margrethe Vestager, has highlighted discrimination as a more urgent concern than human extinction in the development of artificial intelligence (AI). In an interview with the BBC, Vestager emphasised the need for “guardrails” to counter the technology’s risks, particularly in areas where AI is used for decision-making that can impact livelihoods, such as mortgage applications. The…
-
Instant Brands files for bankruptcy amid $1bn liabilities, weak demand
Instant Brands, the company behind Pyrex glassware and Instant Pot multicookers, has filed for bankruptcy protection, citing liabilities of up to US$1bn. The firm attributes its financial troubles to high interest rates and weak demand. With over 2,400 employees, Instant Brands plans to continue operations while restructuring the business. This follows a warning from fellow kitchenware brand Tupperware in April,…
-
Berlusconi’s death leaves €6bn empire, Forza Italia’s future uncertain
The passing of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has left the nation in mourning, with a state funeral being held in Milan’s grand cathedral. This level of tribute, usually reserved for popes, war heroes, and serving ministers, demonstrates the impact of Berlusconi’s life on Italy. The media mogul and political leader leaves behind a vast empire and a powerful…
-
Putin claims Ukrainian losses ‘catastrophic’, Zelensky denies failing counter-offensive
Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, has stated that the Ukrainian counter-offensive has been largely unsuccessful, with the Ukrainian army experiencing significant losses. He claimed that Kyiv’s losses were nearing a “catastrophic” level during a meeting with war correspondents. However, this information has not been verified, and Ukrainian President Zelensky has denied that the counter-offensive is failing. “There is movement forward,”…
-
Thai coconut milk industry battles PETA’s monkey abuse claims
Thai coconut milk producers are calling on the government to swiftly hire a lobbyist to counteract allegations made by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) regarding the treatment of monkeys by local farmers. PETA recently reiterated its claims on Twitter, stating that monkeys are kidnapped as babies and later forced to pick coconuts in the Thai coconut industry.…
-
Car sales consultant found dead in Nonthaburi temple parking lot
A female car sales consultant was found dead in her car at a temple’s parking lot in Nonthaburi province after being reported missing by her sister. The 55 year old victim’s body was discovered yesterday, at around 4.30pm, in a white Toyota sedan with Phetchaburi licence plates. Local police arrived at the scene where the woman’s body was found, having been…
-
Speeding motorbike hits parked car, rider severely injured in northeast Thailand
A parked car outside the owner’s home was hit by a speeding motorbike, leaving the bike’s rider severely injured in northeast Thailand. The incident occurred in the community of Sra Kaew, Nakhon Ratchasima province. Early morning today, police from the Phimai station were alerted to a road accident involving a motorbike straying out of its lane and colliding with a…
-
CCTV footage of attempted rape case at massage shop in Bangkok deleted
Officers from Chana Songkham Police Station yesterday investigated the attempted rape of a Japanese woman at a massage shop on Ram Buttri Road near Khao San Road in Bangkok. CCTV footage of the incident was reported to have been deleted and the masseur in question has resigned from the shop. The 23 year old Japanese woman took to Twitter to…
-
Indian man drowns in Pattaya pool as witnesses mistake struggle for play
A 44 year old Indian man yesterday tragically drowned in a Pattaya hotel swimming pool. The incident took place at 8.30pm in a well-known South Pattaya hotel, which remains unnamed by local police as they continue their investigation. The Indian tourist, identified as Vivek Kumar, was reportedly enjoying his time in the pool with an Indian woman, whose name has…
-
Surat Thani storm leaves durian farmers with over 6 million baht loss
Durian farmers in Surat Thani province are suffering immense losses as the storm knocked down more than 50 tonnes of unripe fruit, resulting in a financial setback of over 6 million baht (US$173,310). Agricultural officials assessed the damage in two affected sub-districts of Ban Na San district, Lamphun and Phoem Phun Sap sub-districts, with assistance required for the devastated farmers.…
-
Factory worker found dead after mother disapproves of girlfriend
A 39 year old factory worker was found dead in his bedroom after being reportedly distressed by his mother’s disapproval of his girlfriend. The incident took place at the man’s residence in the Tha Maka district of Kanchanaburi province. He had only been dating the woman for three months. Local police and forensics teams are investigating the case. After finding…
-
Albino bullfrog with numeric marks found in Prachin Buri sparks local excitement
The discovery of an albino bullfrog with unique markings has sparked intrigue and excitement among locals ahead of the June 16 lottery. A woman from Prachin Buri province recently stumbled upon a peculiar bullfrog while foraging for mushrooms in the forest with her friend. The bullfrog, which they had never seen before, appeared to have an unusual pattern with numbers…
-
Trump dismisses charges over mishandling classified documents as abuse of power
Former US President Donald Trump has dismissed the federal charges brought against him regarding his handling of classified documents, just hours after pleading not guilty at an arraignment in Miami, Florida. Trump faces 37 counts of concealing and mishandling classified documents. Addressing a crowd from his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, he labelled the case as the “most evil…
-
Malaysia’s Health White Paper set for Dewan Rakyat debate
The Health White Paper, which includes a comprehensive policy on reforming Malaysia’s health system over 15 years, is set to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat. Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa will move the motion to table the paper after the winding up session for the debate on the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s (Suhakam) annual report. The Health White…
-
PKNS urged to strategise for socio-economic growth in Selangor state
The Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) has been urged to continue strategising in order to drive socio-economic growth in the state, according to Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari. As an agency under the state government, PKNS is expected to have a clear focus and direction for development and new growth, particularly for the next 50 years. “PKNS will be celebrating…
-
Six Malaysian states anticipate simultaneous polls in August
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has indicated that the state elections for Penang, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan could take place in August. The final decision on the election date rests with the Election Commission (EC), which has not yet provided a clear indicator. However, simultaneous polls are expected for all six states. Chow is scheduled to…
-
Tile pattern ice cream: Must-try ice cream at Wat Arun in BangkokÂ
A Bangkok café and restaurant has created a delicious, arty ice cream to help support the education of monks and novices and pay for the upkeep of a well-known temple in the capital. The Arun-Cafe Coffee & Restaurant has conjured a 3D ice cream which has been crafted to mirror the ceramic tiles adorning the central prang (which means tall…
-
Udon Thani man fatally stabs stepson over missing fighting cocks
A brutal crime unfolded in Udon Thani, Thailand after a 56 year old man allegedly stabbed his 33 year old stepson to death in a fit of rage over the disappearance of two fighting cocks in their family home. The victim, Nookraisak Saikhao, was found lying lifeless in a pool of blood on his bed by his ex-wife, who immediately…
-
Newborn girl’s body found in Buriram rubbish heap
A 60 year old man discovered the body of a newborn girl, estimated to be about two days old, abandoned on a rubbish heap in a bag in Thailand’s Buriram province. The disoriented man, who has a speech disability, protected the body from flies until authorities arrived to investigate and recover the infant. Yesterday, Pol. Lt. Col. Chaleow Phayakkul, an…
-
Bangkok governor self-rates 5/10, admits undelivered policies in first year
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has rated his performance as five out of 10 after completing his first year in office. Despite facing criticism for his lack of achievements, Chadchart, who won the election by a landslide on May 22 last year, said it was a matter of opinion. During an announcement at City Hall yesterday, Chadchart admitted that he had…
-
Ukraine advances in counteroffensive, NATO pledges support, US announces US$325m aid
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised the progress of his troops as they advance near the city of Bakhmut in the east and on the southern front. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has also acknowledged Ukraine’s progress in its counteroffensive against Russia, promising increased support from NATO leaders in their upcoming meeting. In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that…
-
Trump pleads not guilty amid showmanship and Republican unease
The indictment of Donald Trump unfolded in two distinct arenas on Tuesday afternoon – a federal courtroom in Florida and the realm of public opinion. Within the Miami courthouse, Trump and his legal representatives maintained a composed demeanor. A lawyer for the former president informed the judge that Trump was pleading not guilty to all charges. Discussions ensued regarding the…
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.