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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  • Man accidentally shoots himself cleaning gun in Phuket

    Man accidentally shoots himself cleaning gun in Phuket

    A man accidentally shot himself while cleaning his gun, leading to a critical situation as he lay in a pool of blood. His girlfriend, initially thinking a hairdryer had exploded, discovered the true cause upon turning around. The incident occurred at 5pm yesterday, November 24. Police Lieutenant Somchai Nuboons, an investigator from Kathu Police Station in Phuket, was alerted to…

  • Working in Thailand: How expat health insurance protects your career and lifestyle

    Working in Thailand: How expat health insurance protects your career and lifestyle

    Starting a career in Thailand can be an exciting chapter, but it also brings unique challenges, especially when it comes to health and wellness. For expats, navigating Thailand’s healthcare system and meeting work permit requirements can be difficult. And while many employers offer some form of health insurance, it’s often not enough to fully protect you, particularly when unexpected medical…

  • Road to recovery: Drunk foreign man hits the pavement in Thailand

    Road to recovery: Drunk foreign man hits the pavement in Thailand

    In the early hours of this morning, a foreign man was discovered in a drunken stupor, lying smack in the middle of Phimai-Chumphon Road, in Nakhon Ratchasima. Police were alerted at approximately 3am, today, November 25, about the 70 year old, who sported a nasty head wound and a noticeable absence of a shirt. Racing to the scene, officers found…

  • Drunk deputy district chief kills 2 teenagers, injures 1 in Tak car crash

    Drunk deputy district chief kills 2 teenagers, injures 1 in Tak car crash

    A drunk deputy district chief crashed her pickup into a motorcycle carrying three Thai teenagers on a road in the northern province of Tak, resulting in two deaths and one serious injury. Officers from Umphang Police Station were alerted to the fatal accident on the Mae Sot-Umphang Road in the Umphang district of Tak at approximately 8.15pm on Friday, November…

  • Concrete chaos: Chinese tourist dodges disaster in South Pattaya

    Concrete chaos: Chinese tourist dodges disaster in South Pattaya

    A night out in South Pattaya turned into a scene from a horror film as a Chinese tourist narrowly escaped serious harm when a homeless man launched a concrete block at her. The shocking incident unfolded in front of a Bali Hai hotel, setting off a flurry of activity as local rescue services and police rushed to the scene. The…

  • Amulet’s claims go nuclear: Protection from radiation and epidemics?

    Amulet’s claims go nuclear: Protection from radiation and epidemics?

    A Buddhist amulet from a temple in Chiang Mai province drew criticism for claims that it can protect its owner from nuclear radiation and epidemics. The amulet, with its surprising alleged abilities, was featured on the Facebook page หลวงพี่จัสติน วัดดูยูมีน (Luang Phee Justin What Do You Mean) on Thursday, November 21. The page shared an image of the white amulet…

  • Former cop caught  on the wild side of Pattaya Walking Street

    Former cop caught on the wild side of Pattaya Walking Street

    A former Thai police officer on the run was nabbed while casually strolling down Pattaya’s infamous Walking Street. Former cop Adisorn Tummato found himself in cuffs yesterday, November 24, after eagle-eyed Tourist Police swooped in, ending his reign of terror with a suave arrest in the bustling heart of South Pattaya. The 47 year old ex police officer was no…

  • How to save this Black Friday in Thailand

    How to save this Black Friday in Thailand

    Black Friday’s here again. It comes around fast, doesn’t it? November 29 is the big day this year, and the usual frenzy will hit both stores and websites, packed with deals begging for attention. Shoppers in Thailand, get ready. Whether you’re browsing Lazada, Shopee, or even global sites like Amazon, Black Friday has plenty of opportunities to save. But let’s…

  • Teenagers injured in Samut Prakan street chase shooting

    Teenagers injured in Samut Prakan street chase shooting

    Two former vocational students became embroiled in a dramatic street chase in Samut Prakan, pursued and shot by rivals from a different institution. Both teenagers suffered injuries in the incident and managed to escape to a convenience store for help. The shooting occurred yesterday, November 23 at 7.30pm outside a convenience store in Si Racha Kraeng Noi, Bang Sao Thong…

  • Pattaya host bar raided for late-night operations breach

    Pattaya host bar raided for late-night operations breach

    Police in Pattaya took decisive action early today, November 24, conducting a raid on a host bar in South Pattaya that was reportedly operating beyond legal hours. The operation, involving Pattaya Police and Bang Lamung officers, occurred at 3.16am amid allegations that the venue was flouting local regulations. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the bar was still bustling with activity…

  • Man leads police on three day car chase across three provinces

    Man leads police on three day car chase across three provinces

    A dramatic car chase unfolded across three provinces in Thailand after a man allegedly stole a vehicle from a petrol station and evaded police for three days while on methamphetamine. The man, identified as 37 year old Weeraphon Laphan was eventually apprehended after a collision with a police vehicle. Officers first received reports of a stolen grey Honda Civic from…

  • Former MP advocates for fair treatment in Yingluck’s planned return

    Former MP advocates for fair treatment in Yingluck’s planned return

    Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra plans to “face her legal obligations” in Thailand without requesting special treatment, according to Worachai Hema, an ex-member of Parliament for the Pheu Thai Party from Samut Prakan. Worachai, who serves on Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai’s advisory team, shared these insights following Thaksin Shinawatra’s media interview discussing his sister Yingluck’s anticipated return before Songkran 2025.…

  • Over 6,000 motorcyclists cause ruckus in Phetchabun trip

    Over 6,000 motorcyclists cause ruckus in Phetchabun trip

    A group of Thai bikers recently descended upon Phetchabun during a trip titled the No Bathing Trip, drawing attention for boosting the local economy while also raising safety concerns. The event, which saw around 6,000 motorcycles and tens of thousands of participants, aimed to explore attractions like Phu Thap Boek and Khao Kho. However, the trip was not without incident, as…

  • French tourist missing after boat capsizes in Surat Thani

    French tourist missing after boat capsizes in Surat Thani

    A French tourist has been reported missing following the capsizing of a tour boat in Surat Thani’s Rajjaprabha Dam reservoir. The incident occurred yesterday, November 23, when strong winds and high waves overturned the vessel carrying 13 people, including 10 French tourists, a tour guide, a caregiver, and the boat operator. Rene Mary Corre, whose age remains unknown, was part…

  • EC persists in Thaksin investigation despite court ruling

    EC persists in Thaksin investigation despite court ruling

    The Election Commission (EC) remains steadfast in its investigation into allegations against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, focusing on claims of his manipulation of the Pheu Thai Party and interference in the coalition government. This action continues despite the Constitutional Court’s recent decision to dismiss a petition accusing Thaksin and the ruling party of attempting to overthrow Thailand’s constitutional monarchy.…

  • Laos govt speaks on ‘mass methanol poisoning’ that left 6 dead

    Laos govt speaks on ‘mass methanol poisoning’ that left 6 dead

    The Laotian government announced deep sorrow over the tragic loss of six foreign lives to methanol poisoning in a popular backpackers’ bar in Vang Viang and vowed to conduct a thorough investigation to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the deadly incident. Two Australian teenagers, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19 years old, succumbed to suspected methanol poisoning…

  • Police raid tiger trafficking ring in Nonthaburi

    Police raid tiger trafficking ring in Nonthaburi

    Police recently raided a tiger carcass trafficking ring in Nonthaburi, discovering a large tiger skin openly advertised for sale on social media. This operation followed a tip-off received yesterday, November 23, prompting swift action from local and international wildlife protection agencies. Attaphol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, noted that the raid was part…

  • Security bolstered for Pattaya fireworks festival next weekend

    Security bolstered for Pattaya fireworks festival next weekend

    Security preparations for the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival are underway as Chon Buri police gear up for the event scheduled for next weekend. At a meeting held yesterday, November 23, the Commander of Chon Buri Provincial Police, Thawatchakiat Jinda Kuansanong, gathered representatives from over 30 agencies to finalise security measures, ensuring the safety of attendees during the festival on Pattaya…

  • Thai healthcare tycoon Boon Vanasin flees as fraud charges mount

    Thai healthcare tycoon Boon Vanasin flees as fraud charges mount

    Boon Vanasin, the founder of Thonburi Healthcare Group (THG), is currently at large in China while his wife and daughter have surrendered to the police in Thailand. Faced with charges of public fraud, 79 year old Jaruwan Vanasin, and her daughter, 51 year old Nalin, turned themselves in to the police and have denied all allegations against them. The two…

  • Thailand braces for weather changes amid rising temperatures

    Thailand braces for weather changes amid rising temperatures

    Thailand is experiencing significant weather changes, with the Meteorological Department (TMD) warning of rising temperatures in the north and severe monsoon conditions in the south. Heavy rainfall is expected in eight provinces, leading to potential flash floods and landslides. TMD has forecasted weather conditions for the next 24 hours indicating that the high-pressure system and moderate cold air mass covering…

  • Caterpillar outbreak devastates Songkhla’s coconut plantations

    Caterpillar outbreak devastates Songkhla’s coconut plantations

    A significant outbreak of black-headed caterpillars has severely impacted coconut plantations across four districts in Songkhla, causing extensive damage to the crops. Local agricultural officials are responding by deploying parasitic wasps and chemical agents to combat the infestation. Agricultural experts have reported that the black-headed caterpillar infestation is affecting coconut trees in the Sathing Phra Peninsula and other areas of…

  • Surat Thani police crack down on noisy modified motorcycles

    Surat Thani police crack down on noisy modified motorcycles

    Police in Surat Thani are intensifying efforts against young motorcyclists modifying their bikes to create loud noises. Today, orders were given to all local police stations to crack down on these activities, aiming to prevent public disturbances and ensure road safety. Niphon Chatree, head of Surat Thani’s city police, instructed his team, including Taweesil Laksana-Pheng, deputy head of the city…

  • Phatthalung declared disaster zone amid severe flooding

    Phatthalung declared disaster zone amid severe flooding

    Severe flooding has hit several areas in the southern province of Phatthalung, prompting officials to declare disaster zones across four districts, affecting 15 subdistricts, 57 villages, and 12 communities. The heavy rainfall has led to both flood and wind disaster declarations, with urgent evacuations underway to move residents to safer areas. Kongsakul Jantrach, acting governor of Phatthalung, convened a meeting…

  • Fields of flower: Tourists flock to see Phayao’s sunn hemp

    Fields of flower: Tourists flock to see Phayao’s sunn hemp

    A vibrant field of sunn hemp, spread across 5 rai in front of the Phayao Agricultural and Technology College, has become a popular photography spot for tourists, coinciding with the winter season. This picturesque site, located in Mae Na Ruea subdistrict, Mueang district, Phayao province, is drawing attention with its radiant yellow hues. Prasert Phrompa, the Director of Phayao Agricultural…

  • Arrest warrants issued for false reports against Big Joke’s wife

    Arrest warrants issued for false reports against Big Joke’s wife

    The Bangkok South Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for three individuals, charged with filing false reports against Big Joke’s wife. The incident involves allegations made by 50 year old Sirinadda Hakhapan, the wife of former Deputy Police Chief Police General Surachate Hakparn, aka Big Joke, who reported the matter to Phra Khanong Police Station. The accused include 50 year…

  • Laotian vendor arrested for selling Kratom juice near Pattaya Beach

    Laotian vendor arrested for selling Kratom juice near Pattaya Beach

    A Laotian vendor found himself in legal trouble after being caught selling Kratom juice near Pattaya Beach just past midnight today. The Pattaya City Police apprehended the suspect, identified as 25 year old Paiwan at 12.36am today, November 23 following complaints from a concerned citizen about the potential health risks posed by the Kratom juice. The arrest unfolded after an…

  • Bangkok allocates 14.54 billion baht to settle BTS Skytrain debt

    Bangkok allocates 14.54 billion baht to settle BTS Skytrain debt

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) has sanctioned a substantial budget of 14.54 billion baht for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to address its debt to Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), the operator of the city’s BTS Skytrain. This decision follows a proposal submitted by Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, during a BMC meeting. Chadchart presented a draft ordinance requesting the…

  • Man busted in UK smuggling cannabis from Thailand to clear debt

    Man busted in UK smuggling cannabis from Thailand to clear debt

    A down-and-out drug mule took a gamble to clear his debt to his own mother – and lost big-time at Manchester Airport. Dean Pharoah, who owed cash to his mum, tried to smuggle over £200,000 (approximately 8 million baht) worth of cannabis into the UK after a holiday in Thailand. But UK Border Force officers had their suspicions and swooped…

  • Nissan Thailand denies complete shutdown, only partially

    Nissan Thailand denies complete shutdown, only partially

    Nissan Motors is slashing jobs and scaling down operations in Thailand as it grapples with declining market share and increased competition from Chinese automakers. In a dramatic twist to its global restructuring plan, unconfirmed local reports suggest the Japanese car giant is planning to cut around 1,000 jobs in Thailand—part of a worldwide layoff affecting 9,000 employees announced earlier this…

  • Thai court dismisses petition against Thaksin for lack of evidence

    Thai court dismisses petition against Thaksin for lack of evidence

    Thailand’s Constitutional Court has unanimously dismissed a petition against Thaksin Shinawatra and the Pheu Thai Party, citing a lack of credible evidence. This petition, filed by Teerayut Suwankesorn, accused the former prime minister and his party of undermining the constitutional monarchy under Article 49 of the Constitution. The court’s decision, made yesterday, November 22, closes the chapter on these allegations,…