South Thailand News
Southern Thailand news, Phuket news, Koh Samui news, and Krabi updates—stay informed on business, tourism, and local events from Trang, Songkhla, Yala, and beyond. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted Southern Thailand news source.
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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...
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2 Thai men attack ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend with knives
Two unhinged jealous ex-boyfriends managed to evade arrest following a vicious knife attack on their ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend at her home in the southern province of Phetchaburi. A medical team at Cha-am Hospital reported the stabbing to Cha-am Police Station after three victims were admitted to surgery on Sunday night, July 21. The Thai man, Dream, was cut…
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Roadside bomb injures six police officers in southern Thailand
A roadside bomb detonated in Pattani yesterday, injuring six police officers and prompting the army to urge motorists to exercise caution. The explosion occurred on Road 42 in Nong Chik district as an armoured pickup truck carrying the officers was returning to base from a checkpoint. The Internal Security Operations Command’s (ISOC) southern frontline office reported that the blast caused…
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Bingo! Gambian arrested for 7-year illegal stay on Koh Pha Ngan
Tourist Police arrested a Gambian man on Koh Pha Ngan, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani, on Friday, July 19, for illegally entering Thailand and staying on the island for more than seven years. He reportedly shouted “Bingo!” after being caught. Koh Pha Ngan Tourist Police were conducting a crackdown on illegal foreigners when they encountered the…
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Alleged drunk American stabs Australian man to death in Krabi
A reportedly drunk American man stabbed an Australian man to death in the southern province of Krabi, following a heated argument at a bar on Ao Nang Beach. Officers from Ao Nang Police Station investigated the stabbing, which occurred on the roadside near Nopparat Thara Beach at 2am on July 22. Rescuers had already taken the injured Australian man, later…
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Samui journalist threatened with violence over luxury villa report
A journalist from Channel 7 filed a complaint against the owner of some luxury villas in Koh Samui after the owner issued a violent threat against him for reporting a suspicious construction permit for the villas. Officers from the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Division 4 are investigating the construction permit for 53 luxury villas of the Samui Green Cottages…
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Missile attack on Naypyidaw Airport kills 16 soldiers
Armed groups launched a missile attack on Naypyidaw International Airport in Myanmar, resulting in significant damage to three aircraft and the deaths of 16 soldiers. This marks the fifth attack on this airport since the start of the year. High-ranking officials from the Karenni Army (KA) reported on July 16, at 9am, that armed groups MKCDF, MRF, and BWM reportedly…
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Similan Islands national park’s plea for hermit crab homes
Mu Ko Similan National Park in Phang Nga province is sounding the alarm and calling on the public to donate shells to provide new homes for hermit crabs. This urgent campaign aims to boost the crab population and enhance marine biodiversity. Hermit crabs are vital beach cleaners, eliminating bacteria and disease to maintain the park’s ecosystem. Due to their soft…
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Fishing boat nets 4 tonnes of shrimp off Phang Nga coast
A fishing boat’s single catch netted an astonishing 4 tonnes of shrimp, worth nearly 1 million baht, off the coast of Phang Nga. The catch highlights the rich marine life in the area, following a recent conservation period. Officers from the Krabi Provincial Fisheries Office inspected the commercial fishing vessel, S. Phet Samut 11, upon its return to the Sai…
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Thai man arrested for raping Ukrainian woman in Koh Samui
A Thai man denied raping a Ukrainian woman at Thongson Beach on Koh Samui, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani, claiming that the victim consented. The 32 year old Ukrainian victim filed a rape complaint at Bor Phud Police Station on July 13 after the incident took place on Thongson Beach in the Bor Phud sub-district at…
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Thai police bust major illegal alcohol and cigarette ring in Hat Yai
Police in Songkhla have successfully dismantled a major illegal alcohol and cigarette operation in Hat Yai, following complaints from local businesses about unfair competition. Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed the operation’s success, which took place yesterday at 2pm. The crackdown came after legal businesses reported significant losses due to vendors selling illicit products at lower…
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Songkhla police seize over 30 million baht in meth and ice
Police in Songkhla seized more than 1 million methamphetamine (meth) pills and 400 grammes of crystal meth (Ice), valued at over 30 million baht. The suspects, previously involved in multiple serious crimes, are linked to a significant drug distribution network. Police in Songkhla province announced the major drug bust, which took place at the provincial police headquarters yesterday. The press…
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Batik Air Malaysia unveils new routes to Thailand
Starting September 13, Kuala Lumpur’s Batik Air will operate daily flights to Hat Yai and Krabi. These routes will be serviced by their state-of-the-art Boeing 737 aircraft, offering both business class with plush 2-2 recliners and a 3-3 configured economy class cabin. Hat Yai serves as the perfect gateway to southern Thailand’s stunning beaches, while Krabi offers seamless access to…
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Woman arrested for illegal online wildlife trade in southern Thailand
Police apprehended a Thai woman involved in illegal online wildlife trading, seizing 34 rare birds. The suspect admitted to buying the birds from locals and reselling them online for profit. Arune Wachirasrisukanya, Deputy Commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NED), along with Wanpichit Watthanasakmonta, Chief of Police Station 6, and Somphop Trongtokit, Inspector of Police Station 6,…
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Nine arrested in Songkhla drug raid, crystal meth seized
A police raid on a house in Songkhla’s Mueang district led to the arrest of nine people for alleged drug use, along with the seizure of crystal methamphetamine (Ice). Border Patrol Police executed the raid in Thung Wang subdistrict yesterday, July 10, discovering six men and three women partaking in a drug-fuelled party. The suspects attempted to escape upon seeing…
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Lorry crash in Surat Thani leaves two hospitalised
A lorry carrying palm oil waste experienced brake failure and crashed into a car, dragged it for 100 metres, and collided with a pickup truck, causing severe damage. Rescue teams extracted two individuals from the wreckage and transported them to the hospital. The incident occurred at 5.50pm yesterday, July 10 when police from Chaiya Police Station in Surat Thani were…
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New tree species unearthed in Thai Geopark
Researchers from Chiang Mai University have uncovered a brand-new species of Ylang Ylang, or cananga tree, at the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark. Dubbed “Chalermprakiat” in honour of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, this discovery is set to shake the botanical world. Ylang Ylang, a tropical tree known for its fragrant flowers, is typically found in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia,…
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No plastics allowed: Koh Nang Yuan protects coral reefs
Visitors to the stunning island of Koh Nang Yuan in southern Thailand are facing a surprising restriction: no plastic items or styrofoam boxes are allowed. Koh Nang Yuan, renowned for its three interconnected islets with pristine white sands, has long upheld a strict no-plastic policy. This rule extends to the thousands of tourists who flock to its shores each day,…
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Armed men disguised as soldiers raid Yala villages, steal firearms
Armed men disguised as soldiers and rangers executed a series of robberies targeting village headmen and defence volunteers in Yala‘s southern border province last night, making off with several firearms. Around 8.30pm, July 9, approximately 10 armed men with covered faces, dressed like soldiers, stormed a defence volunteer station in Ban Krong Pinang, Krong Pinang district. They seized a shotgun…
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PM Srettha to meet Malaysian PM for peace talks
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced a high-stakes meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in a southern border province on August 3, though the exact location remains undecided. The Thai premier hinted that Yala, Pattani, or Narathiwat could be the chosen venue. “My team is making arrangements.” While the specifics of the agenda are under wraps, the Bangkok-born PM…
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Teenagers on motorbikes open fire near Yala police flat, injuring girl
A group of teenagers riding motorbikes yesterday opened fire near a police flat in Yala, inadvertently wounding a teenage girl. Police are actively pursuing the suspects involved in the shooting. Yala City Police Station received reports of a violent altercation involving firearms at 8pm, yesterday, July 9. The incident took place at the Ber Serng intersection, near the police flats…
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Sleepy driver kills 3 and injures 2 in Songkhla accident
A Thai woman, suspected of falling asleep at the wheel, crashed her pickup into another vehicle on the Songkhla-Natawee Road in southern Thailand. The tragic incident resulted in her death, along with two others, while two more sustained serious injuries. Officers from Khuanmeed Police Station and rescuers from the Chanong Sub-district and Nitimittaparb Rescue Foundations arrived at the scene at…
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Minibus crash in Surat Thani injures ten foreign tourists
A minibus carrying foreign tourists overturned yesterday, injuring ten passengers. The accident occurred around 6.30am, yesterday, July 7, on Phunphin-Mueang Road in the Tha Lon sub-district, Phunphin district, Surat Thani province. Police and rescue workers promptly arrived at the scene where they found the minibus overturned on the roadside. The ten foreign tourists, who sustained minor injuries, were swiftly transported…
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Parcel worker shot dead in Ranong over alleged affair
A shooting incident occurred yesterday evening, July 5, behind a market in Ranong, leaving a private parcel delivery employee dead and his family in mourning. Witnesses reported a physical altercation between the victim and a man in black before shots were fired. Police received the distress call around 6.42pm and immediately dispatched officers and medical personnel to the scene. The…
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Thai police arrest man for stealing motorcycles to fund drug use
Police officers from Division 5 of the Crime Suppression Division raided a house and arrested a 25 year old Thai man for stealing motorcycles over three consecutive nights. The stolen motorcycles were sold to buy methamphetamine and for leisure activities. On July 5, police officers led by Phattawut Onchuay, Hatthaphon Thongkham, and Kitiphum Sriphaeo executed a warrant issued by the…
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Vietnamese trawler detained for illegal fishing in Thai waters
A Vietnamese trawler with four crewmen was detained yesterday for illegally fishing in Thai territorial waters, according to the Thai navy. The incident took place south of Koh Kra, yesterday, July 4, where the Second Naval Area Command, led by deputy commander Phichit Srirungruang, ordered the HTMS Sattahip to conduct a patrol following intelligence reports of unauthorised fishing activities. The…
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Ex-husband fires shots at ex-wife’s house in Hat Yai
A woman’s ex-husband fired shots at her house, forcing her to flee and hide. Enraged by her refusal to provide school fees for their children and jealousy over her new husband, he resorted to violence. Police Lieutenant Wallaop Supachaiyakit, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) at Koh Hong Police Station, Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, received a report yesterday, July 4, of a…
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Songkhla police arrest illegal workers in Koh Pha Ngan crackdown
Police in Songkhla launched an operation targeting illegal foreign workers, arresting six Myanmar nationals and one Thai employer for working outside their permitted rights in Koh Pha Ngan. This action follows complaints from local leaders and residents. The operation was ordered by Sak Sira, the Commissioner of Tourist Police, and executed by Winich Boonchit, a senior officer in the Tourist…
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Teen dies, two injured in Songkhla knife attack leading to crash
A 15 year old boy riding with two friends was attacked by three 14 year olds armed with knives, resulting in a crash that left one dead and two seriously injured. Police are coordinating with the guardians for the suspects to surrender. Investigators at Hat Yai Police Station, Songkhla province, led by Phum Balthip and Dusit Phromsin detained three 14…
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Woman arrested for selling kratom tea to teens in Songkhla
Police in Rattaphum, Songkhla, arrested a woman for openly selling kratom leaf tea, with teenagers reportedly becoming addicted. The operation seized 500 bottled kratom teas, sold around the clock. Rattaphum District Chief Wilailak Rueangphon ordered Sub-Lieutenant Surasak Chanakit to lead a team, including local health officers, to apprehend a vendor selling kratom leaf tea from a rented house. The house,…
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Thai AirAsia operates Bangkok-Hat Yai route
Thai AirAsia unveiled an exciting new flight route between Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) in Bangkok and Hat Yai (HDY) in southern Thailand, shaking up domestic air travel. Flight FD4304 is set to depart Suvarnabhumi at 10.45am, landing in Hat Yai by 12.10pm. The return journey, flight FD4305, will leave Hat Yai at 12.40pm, arriving back in Bangkok at 2.15pm. This…
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