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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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    10 biggest challenges retirees face in Thailand (and how to overcome them)

    Retiring in Thailand comes with many benefits, like warm weather, affordable living, and a rich culture. However, it also brings challenges. Retirees must deal with visa rules, healthcare costs, language barriers, and cultural differences. Rising medical expenses, required insurance, and...

  • Shopping mall in Chiang Mai goes dark, couldn’t afford 20 million baht power bill

    Shopping mall in Chiang Mai goes dark, couldn’t afford 20 million baht power bill

    Tenants and staff were in shock after a shopping mall in Chiang Mai suddenly announced temporary closure due to economic fallout from Covid-19. Or is it economic mismanagement? Thai media have reported that the centre had more than 20 million baht in debt from electricity bills and had to close immediately because they were unable to pay the bill. Today,…

  • Jealous husband shoots wife, then turns gun on himself in Nakhon Ratchasima

    Jealous husband shoots wife, then turns gun on himself in Nakhon Ratchasima

    In Nakhon Ratchasima, northeastern Thailand, a vendor was shot by her jealous husband, who then shot and killed himself at the Tor Chok-anan fruit stand at Suranaree market. The police found a .38 gun at the scene. The wife, 43 year old Anong, was discovered face down in a pool of blood when police arrived at the scene. She was…

  • Thailand borrows 50 billion yen from Japan to cope with Covid aftermath

    Thailand borrows 50 billion yen from Japan to cope with Covid aftermath

    The Thai government has signed a loan contract to borrow 50 billion yen or about 13 billion baht (US$385 million) from Japan International Cooperation Agency or JICA to cope with costs of handling the Covid pandemic in Thailand. Thai PM and Defence Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha urged Thais not to criticise the government borrowing money again because the amount was included…

  • Strict Covid-19 rules make companies in China think about moving investments

    Strict Covid-19 rules make companies in China think about moving investments

    Now that 43 cities in China are under either full or partial lockdown, more and more European companies in the country are seeking to move their investments. The European Chamber of Commerce in China announced today that nearly a quarter of respondents on a survey were considering moving current or planned investments out of China. 92% of the respondents say…

  • Ask the Thaiger Staff Anything! feat. Jay and Natty | Thaiger Unfiltered for Charity

    Ask the Thaiger Staff Anything! feat. Jay and Natty | Thaiger Unfiltered for Charity

    Here’s a chance for our viewers to ask Natty and Jay any questions they have and they will answer you with their honest responses unfiltered! Please be kind and appropriate.

  • Thailand’s first Covid-19 vaccine waits for approval from local FDA

    Thailand’s first Covid-19 vaccine waits for approval from local FDA

    Better late than never. Thailand’s first Covid-19 vaccine, ChulaCov19, has shown impressive results in the first and second rounds of human trials. The director of the vaccine project claims the Thai vaccine is safe and more effective than Pfizer vaccines used in Thailand. The developing team expects the vaccine to be approved by Food and Drug Administration before the end…

  • As schools prepare to reopen, Thai officials discuss Covid-19 regulations

    As schools prepare to reopen, Thai officials discuss Covid-19 regulations

    Thai health and education officials held a meeting yesterday to plan Covid-19 regulations, as the new school semester is right around the corner. Schools are expected to reopen on May 17. Officials from the Ministry of Public Health and Ministry of Education discussed how day schools and boarding schools alike will prevent and minimise any rebound of Covid-19. Both types…

  • Bangkok to impose tobacco tax for the first time

    Bangkok to impose tobacco tax for the first time

    Bangkok is planning to introduce a tobacco tax of up to 10 satang per cigarette, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (there are 100 satang in a Thai baht). The BMA announced this week that this will be the first time Bangkok will impose a tax on tobacco, which will push the price of cigarettes up by 1.86 baht per…

  • Thursday Covid Update: 9,790 new cases; provincial totals

    Thursday Covid Update: 9,790 new cases; provincial totals

    54 coronavirus-related deaths were reported by the CCSA today, raising the pandemic’s death toll in Thailand to 28,914 with 7,216 of those fatalities since the start of this year. In the 24-hour period since the last count, the CCSA recorded 9,790 new Covid-19 cases and 17,109 recoveries. There are now 101,281 people in Thailand being treated for Covid-19. Out of the new cases recorded…

  • Foreigner kills 1 Frenchman and 1 Thai woman in gun incident

    Foreigner kills 1 Frenchman and 1 Thai woman in gun incident

    At a cold-meats company in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit neighbourhood, a Frenchman and a Thai woman have been found dead. The shots all appeared to have been fired from the same 9mm gun, while another Frenchman was wounded in the incident. The body of a dead Frenchman, 66 year old Marc Lohberger, was discovered in the kitchen on the ground floor of…

  • Man kills family of 3 in revenge shooting in central Thailand

    Man kills family of 3 in revenge shooting in central Thailand

    A Thai man has shot dead his childhood friend, his friend’s wife and the couple’s 5 year old son at the family’s home in the central province of Pathum Thani at around 1 pm yesterday. The shooting is suspected to be a revenge attack since the perpetrator’s mother was recently arrested and sentenced to 25 years in prison for a…

  • Another underwear thief in Chon Buri

    Another underwear thief in Chon Buri

    After a Chinese national stole over 50 pairs of underwear from women in Chon Buri last month, a new underwear thief in the province has been caught on camera! Footage from a surveillance camera caught a man stealing women’s underwear and clothes from a laundromat in Sri Racha district on Tuesday. The owner of the laundromat told The Pattaya News that she…

  • Man stabs ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend 30 times at market in central Thailand

    Man stabs ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend 30 times at market in central Thailand

    A jealous Thai man stabbed his ex-girlfriend’s new partner over 30 times, leaving him lying in a pool of blood at a busy market in the central province of Samut Prakan province on Tuesday. Rescue workers rushed the unconscious victim to hospital where he died from his injuries. In a horror attack, 20 year old Korakitti stabbed his ex-girlfriend’s new…

  • Covid restrictions ease in Hong Kong, with beaches, bars set to re-open

    Covid restrictions ease in Hong Kong, with beaches, bars set to re-open

    Hong Kong is easing up on some of its Covid-19 restrictions as the infection rate in the territory finally begins to stabilise. From today, beaches and swimming pools can re-open, while bars and karaoke places can re-open from May 19. According to a Coconuts report, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam says beaches, pools, water parks, and water sports centres…

  • After child suffers animal bite, Phuket beach cleared for patrols

    After child suffers animal bite, Phuket beach cleared for patrols

    After an 8 year old Thai-Ukrainian boy was injured in a suspected shark attack on Tuesday, Phuket’s Kamala Beach was cleared of swimmers for lifeguards, police and officials to patrol. The chief of Kathu district told The Phuket News that there were still beachgoers, and the patrol was meant to warn tourists to be careful of ‘aquatic animals’. But photos showed that…

  • Ayuttaya featured in Forbes’s Top 50 Best Places to Visit Post-Pandemic

    Ayuttaya featured in Forbes’s Top 50 Best Places to Visit Post-Pandemic

    Forbes magazine has featured Thailand’s central province of Ayutthaya in their list of 50 best places to travel to post-pandemic. Forbes selected the province for its historical and cultural significance as well as its expansive scenery. Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha says he is thankful for Thailand’s spot on the list and expects the feature will attract tourists into Ayutthaya…

  • Phuket officials optimistic as Covid-19 infections drop

    Phuket officials optimistic as Covid-19 infections drop

    Health officials on the southern island of Phuket have hailed a drop in Covid-19 infections, as the country looks forward to declaring the virus endemic. Phuket has reported fewer than 100 new daily cases for the past 10 days. According to public health chief Koosak Kookiatkul, the island reported just 39 new infections, with zero deaths, on Tuesday. In addition,…

  • Should Thailand legalise online gambling?

    Should Thailand legalise online gambling?

    The topic of online gambling has long been discussed in Thailand. While there are those who think online gambling should be legal, others are against all forms of gambling. This also includes online gambling. And yet, there are still many online casino sites operating in Thailand. There are even websites where you can read more about the options you have…

  • “There may be a substitute prime minister,” says deputy PM Prawit

    “There may be a substitute prime minister,” says deputy PM Prawit

    If Thailand’s PM Prayut Chan-o-cha fails to hold his position as PM, “there may be a substitute prime minister”, according to deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwan. However, PM Prayut said he hasn’t heard anything about a potential stand-in for his post. Palang Pracharat, and coalition MPs have continued to publicly support the current PM, but say, if the position was to…

  • What is the procedure for purchasing an off-plan property in Thailand?

    What is the procedure for purchasing an off-plan property in Thailand?

    Purchasing an off-plan property is an excellent option for investors who want to obtain a property in Thailand. With an off-plan property, you can enjoy numerous benefits and flexibilities. For example, you can choose the best units and have the freedom to modify the unit you want to buy. Buying off-plan in Thailand also gives buyers an opportunity to buy…

  • Vietnam reports first day with no Covid-19 deaths in nearly one year

    Vietnam reports first day with no Covid-19 deaths in nearly one year

    Covid-19 cases have decreased significantly in both Vietnam and Thailand in recent weeks. On Tuesday, Vietnam reported 0 deaths from Covid-19 for the first time since July 25 last year, according to the Health Ministry. Vietnam’s once-strict entry requirements have mostly been dropped in an effort to boost the country’s weakened economy. According to the Bangkok Post, 100% of Vietnamese…

  • Thailand doesn’t need to introduce 300 baht entry fee yet, says PM Prayut

    Thailand doesn’t need to introduce 300 baht entry fee yet, says PM Prayut

    Thailand’s PM has pushed back the introduction of a 300 baht ‘entry fee’ for international tourists arriving in the kingdom. Since Test & Go, Sandbox and other entry restrictions were dropped on May 1, Thailand has experienced a surge in international arrivals. If tourism levels continue to climb and significantly improve national income this year, it might not be necessary…

  • Is Bare Knuckle Fighting in Pattaya barbaric or an Entertaining combat sport?

    Is Bare Knuckle Fighting in Pattaya barbaric or an Entertaining combat sport?

    What is Bare Knuckle Fighting? Why is it based in Pattaya of all the places in Thailand? Is Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship too barbaric and hardcore? We sit with the CEO of BKFC Nick Chapman to find out more about one of the world’s fastest growing and most devastating combat sport in the world. BKFC Thailand 2 on Saturday 7th…

  • Bangkok prepares to declare Covid-19 endemic due to sharp drop in infections and deaths

    Bangkok prepares to declare Covid-19 endemic due to sharp drop in infections and deaths

    Authorities in Bangkok are preparing to shift gears in their Covid-19 strategy to an ‘endemic phase’, as the Thai Public Health Ministry acknowledges a steep drop in infections and deaths. According to a Nation Thailand report, Kiattiphum Wongrajit from the health ministry says the vaccine rollout, coupled with home isolation programmes and outpatient schemes, has contributed to the significant improvement…

  • Thai PM expects tourism to recover to half of pre-pandemic levels by next year

    Thai PM expects tourism to recover to half of pre-pandemic levels by next year

    The Thai PM says he expects 20 million tourists to visit the kingdom next year, around half the number of pre-pandemic years. PM Prayut Chan-o-cha says this prediction still relies on the Covid-19 situation not deteriorating. According to a Bangkok Post report, the PM has acknowledged that tourism numbers have increased significantly since the easing of some restrictions. ‘Significant’ is…

  • PM shrugs off claims of MPs being bribed to vote against him in no-confidence debate

    PM shrugs off claims of MPs being bribed to vote against him in no-confidence debate

    The Thai PM has dismissed allegations that MPs are being bribed to topple the government in a forthcoming no-confidence debate. The claims were made on Facebook by former deputy PM, Trairong Suwannakhiri, according to a Bangkok Post report. Trairong says he’s learnt that between 5 and 30 million baht has been offered to MPs from smaller coalition parties, in an…

  • Alleged hitman in Phuket murder of Jimi Sandhu dies in plane crash in Canada

    Alleged hitman in Phuket murder of Jimi Sandhu dies in plane crash in Canada

    A fugitive wanted in relation to the assassination of a suspected gang member in Phuket has died in a plane crash in Canada. 36-year-old Gene Karl Lahrkamp was among 4 people who died when the small plane in which he was travelling crashed in Ontario, according to a Vancouver Sun report. Lahrkamp has been on the run since February, managing…

  • Man breaks into restricted areas at Suvarnabhumi Airport, one injured – VIDEO

    Man breaks into restricted areas at Suvarnabhumi Airport, one injured – VIDEO

    An armed man, apparently high on drugs, was arrested yesterday after driving a motorbike onto the runway area of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. One officer was slightly injured in pursuit of the man. Yesterday, the Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Kittipong Kittikachon, explained in a statement saying the man accessed the restricted areas, including the tarmacs, taxiing areas and runways, about 11.50am.…

  • Thai PM Prayut warns about fake 1000 baht banknotes

    Thai PM Prayut warns about fake 1000 baht banknotes

    Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha is warning about fake 1000 baht banknotes and is urging anyone who finds them to  hand them back to any commercial banks nearby. The PM’s spokesperson also gave details about how to detect the counterfeit bills. Locals in the central province of Nonthaburi have found lots of the fake 1000 baht notes. One female victim told…

  • British Muay Thai fighter seriously injured after motorbike crash in southern Thailand

    British Muay Thai fighter seriously injured after motorbike crash in southern Thailand

    A British Muay Thai fighter is undergoing surgery in Bangkok after he was involved in a serious road accident in Koh Samui on April 13. Chris – a 32 year old martial arts champion from York, UK – pulled out of a coffee shop on his motorbike when he was crushed by a pickup truck. Chris survived the incident but…