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
5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
-
Perverted professor forces teen to perform oral sex in public bathroom
A professor at a leading university in the southern province of Phayao allegedly forced a 17 year old Thai boy to perform oral sex on him in a bathroom at a petrol station in Lampang province. The family of the 17 year old victim, A, accompanied him to Kelangnakorn Police Station in Lampang to file a complaint against the suspect,…
-
Fatal stabbing in Bangkok after noise complaint confrontation
A confrontation over noise complaints led to a fatal stabbing in Bangkok, resulting in one death and one serious injury. Police arrested the suspect, who was found with a knife, as police investigated the incident today, January 19. The altercation took place near Soi Phatthanakan 20, Yaek 12, in the Suan Luang district. Police Colonel Wachirakorn Wongboon from Khlong Tan…
-
32 Indonesians caught crossing into Thailand from Myanmar
In a joint operation, the Ratchamanu Task Force, police, and administrative officers detained 32 Indonesian nationals attempting to illegally cross the border into Thailand. This incident occurred in the early hours of today, January 19, in Tak province. The group was intercepted as they crossed from Myanmar near Ban Wang Takian Tai, Mae Sot district. Upon inspection, it was discovered…
-
Elephant panic at Nakhon Phanom fair injures five people (video)
An incident at the annual Nakhon Phanom Red Cross Fair, when an elephant, startled by fireworks, ran through the crowd, injuring five people. The governor ordered legal action against the elephant’s owner, who had just arrived in the area. The event took place yesterday, January 18, during a ceremony led by Surasak Aksornkul, governor of Nakhon Phanom, to honour King…
-
Fire devastates Chalong camp, damages worth hundreds of thousands of baht
A fire erupted at a workers’ camp in Soi Ruamjai Uthit, Moo 10, Chalong, early yesterday, January 18, resulting in extensive damage valued at over 100,000 baht. Chalong Municipality was notified around 9am by Chalong Police Station, leading to an immediate response from the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Division. Local council members, along with heads of government departments, joined firefighting…
-
Gunman kills teacher Nak in Ayutthaya highway shooting
A gunman fatally shot a 60 year old teacher, identified as Nak, inside his Honda Accord yesterday, January 18. The incident occurred on Highway 3011 in the Bang Pa-In district, Ayutthaya province, resulting in the car veering off the road. Police Sub-Lieutenant Aisawan Pathomsanti from Bang Pa-In Police Station, along with investigative officers, forensic teams, and emergency services, arrived at…
-
Bangkok warehouse fire causes millions in damages
A fire engulfed a timber warehouse in the Bang Po area, causing millions in damages, with the Bang Sue district preparing a temporary shelter for affected residents. The fire broke out on January 18 at a timber facility on Pracharat Sai 1 Soi 23 in the Bang Sue district, Bangkok. Fire and rescue teams from Bang Po deployed over 10…
-
Thailand tourism surges with 1.3 million visitors in early 2025
Thailand experienced a significant influx of international tourists in the first 12 days of 2025, with over 1.3 million visitors, marking a 19.89% increase compared to the same timeframe in the previous year. Government reports attribute this surge to tourism revenue amounting to 66.089 billion baht (US$1.9 billion). Key visitor origins included China, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, and India, with…
-
Swiss man detained after wife’s escape from speeding pickup
In Chumphon on January 17, a tense situation unfolded when police were alerted to a speeding black pickup truck. Inside, a woman was reportedly trying to jump out while calling for help. Witnesses claimed the driver, identified as a Swiss national, had allegedly forced his Thai wife into the vehicle against her will, raising concerns for her welfare. Their child…
-
Forum debates contraceptive vaccines for wild elephant control
The Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) convened a forum on January 17 to discuss the use of contraceptive vaccines as a means to manage the population of wild elephants and address their movement beyond designated conservation areas. The forum attracted around 300 participants, including community representatives, academics, elephant conservation groups, and members of Parliament. Opinions were…
-
Gorilla smuggling plot uncovered after Istanbul Airport seizure
A wildlife official has acknowledged the challenges in pursuing legal action against those involved in the attempted trafficking of a baby gorilla, initially seized in Turkey and allegedly destined for Thailand. The gorilla, named Zeytin, meaning olive in Turkish, is now at a zoo in Turkey and reportedly in good health, according to Sadudee Punpugdee, director of the Wild Fauna…
-
Missing Chinese model found safe in Thailand, returns home
A 25 year old Chinese model who was missing for nearly a month has been found and safely returned to China, according to Thai police. Yang Zeqi’s return was confirmed by the Chinese embassy, as stated by Police General Chatchai Pitaneelaboot, inspector-general of the Royal Thai Police Office, who was in Mae Sot district, Tak, on January 17. Yang’s father…
-
Thailand braces for cold snap with frost on mountain tops
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning, predicting cold to very cold conditions, with frost on some mountaintops. Bangkok might experience a low temperature of 18 degrees Celsius, while five provinces are expected to have thunderstorms. Today, January 19, the TMD forecasted that the northern, northeastern, and central regions will continue to experience chilly to cold weather…
-
Tech-savvy traveler: gadgets that will enhance your next Thailand trip
Thailand has it all: stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and a rich culture. But getting around isn’t always easy, especially if it’s your first time. The right gadgets make the journey more comfortable, so you can enjoy the trip without hassle. Here are some tech essentials worth packing. Travel-Friendly Smart Devices Your phone and a few good apps can make getting…
-
Thai lottery dream leads to 24 million baht jackpot win
A new multimillionaire has emerged through Lottery Plus, with a 24 million baht jackpot win linked to a dream. The winning number for the first prize was 807779, announced at 4pm yesterday, January 17, following the Government Lottery Office (GLO)’s draw. The prize also included two sets of three-digit numbers, 961 and 699, and two sets of three-digit numbers, 448…
-
Luxury watches worth 100 million baht stolen in Chon Buri heist
A luxury residence in Huai Yai, Chon Buri, owned by a Chinese businessman, was burgled, with thieves reportedly making off with luxury watches valued at over 100 million baht. The incident was reported to Huai Yai police at 1.30am on Thursday, January 16. Police officers, accompanied by forensic experts from Chon Buri Forensic Division 2, arrived at the scene, a…
-
Nakhon Ratchasima to launch electric rail transit after 7-year wait
The government has given the green light to a long-anticipated electric rail mass transit initiative in the city of Nakhon Ratchasima. After a seven-year wait, the northeastern province is eagerly anticipating its own mass transit system, as noted by Sarawut Choedchai, a former city mayor and member of the traffic management committee in Thailand’s third-largest city after Bangkok and Chiang…
-
“Barrelled and dumped”: Korean killers get life for Pattaya murder
A South Korean court has sentenced three men to lengthy jail terms for the gruesome murder of a compatriot near Pattaya, Thailand, last year. The Changwon District Court handed life sentences to two of the perpetrators, aged 28 and 40, while a third, aged 27, received 25 years behind bars, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap. The chilling crime occurred…
-
Thai singer demands revenue from falsely claimed song rights (video)
Min Kuntaphat, a renowned Thai singer and independent artist from Maha Sarakham province, has accused a popular influencer with nearly 3 million followers of falsely claiming ownership of his song Soi Dao. According to Min, who legally owns the song’s rights, the influencer has been collecting revenue from the song on various online platforms for almost a year, despite Min’s…
-
Thai actress Tangmo’s brother questions reenactment accuracy
Daisak Dechjob, the brother of late actress Tangmo Nida, recently expressed his frustrations as he attended a reenactment of his sister’s accident. The reenactment, held at the Pibulsongkram Pier, attempted to portray the events leading to Tangmo’s fall from a boat into the Chao Phraya River on February 24, 2022, which resulted in her untimely death. The event featured contestants…
-
Pollution battle: Flights fight PM2.5 pollution in Thailand
Thailand is taking its fight against air pollution to the skies, deploying special flight operations to tackle the dangerous PM2.5 dust particles. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced that the innovative operations have already improved air quality in key regions, including Bangkok, the central region, and the upper north. Launched by Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd (AEROTHAI), the mission began…
-
Southern Thai temple seeks UNESCO World Heritage status
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on is set to propose that Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat receive support to pursue UNESCO World Heritage status. The proposal is expected to be presented to the Cabinet next Tuesday, January 21. Apichat Sakdiset, the Minister’s adviser, revealed that the National Committee on the Convention Concerning the Protection of the…
-
Strategic partnership: Thailand and UK celebrate 170 years
The British Ambassador to Thailand, Mark Gooding, has announced plans to enhance bilateral relations through a series of events and activities celebrating the Thailand-UK strategic partnership. These initiatives mark the 170th anniversary of the establishment of ties between the two nations. Gooding shared this information at the 170th Anniversary Launch Party held on Thursday evening, January 16, at the Postal…
-
Tourist turmoil on Koh Larn: Rough seas spark safety warnings
A dramatic video capturing tourists struggling to board boats amid powerful waves on Koh Larn, Pattaya, has gone viral, showing the island’s rough seas during the monsoon season. The footage, taken on Thursday, January 16, highlights the dangerous conditions as local staff braved the waves to assist tourists and ensure their safety. The island faced particularly strong winds and waves…
-
Phuket honours teachers with National Teacher’s Day celebration
Phuket officials commemorated the 69th Teachers’ Day, also known as Wai Khru Day, with an event at Phuket Wittayalai School on Thursday, January 16, honouring educators for their vital role in shaping Thai education. Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai led the event, which was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Education Region 6 Office, the Culture Office of Phuket,…
-
Heavy rain warning in Thailand as temperatures drop
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued its 8th weather warning for heavy rain, identifying key provinces that will be most affected. Temperatures will drop by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius (°C) across many regions. A moderate high-pressure system persists over upper Thailand and the South China Sea, causing cooler temperatures in the northern, northeastern, and central areas of Thailand.…
-
Finding the best brokers in Thailand: key features to check
To invest in Thailand’s financial markets, choosing an ideal broker for a problem-free and successful trading session is a necessity. For both new and experienced investors, a reliable broker with certain specific features can make a significant contribution in your trading session. To make a smart selection, follow these important features to choose among the best brokers in Thailand. 1.…
-
Bangkok crowned second best city globally in 2025 rankings
If you’re dreaming of your next urban escape, look no further than Cape Town, crowned the world’s best city for 2025 by Time Out! From breathtaking nature to buzzing nightlife, this South African gem offers it all. “Where else can you visit a colony of African penguins, sip world-class wines, stroll pristine Blue Flag beaches, and enjoy views from one of the…
-
Umbrella-clad thief climbs from ceiling to steal but only gets 100 baht
Police are searching for a thief who descended from the third floor to the ground floor of a bakeware and bakery ingredient shop in Rayong province, using an umbrella to conceal his identity before stealing from the cash register. However, he left with a minimal loot of around 100 baht. The store manager, Komprakorn, filed a complaint at Mueang Rayong…
-
VietJet named one of world’s safest airlines in 2025
VietJet has been recognised as one of the world’s safest airlines for 2025 by AirlineRatings, a global safety and product rating website. The news was confirmed yesterday, January 16 that VietJet ranked alongside leading low-cost carriers such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Frontier Airlines, which have consistently been rated among the top airlines. This achievement highlights VietJet’s commitment to maintaining high…
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.