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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Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Thailand is a popular choice for retirees because of its beautiful landscapes, warm climate, and affordable living. Cities like Chiang Mai and coastal areas offer a relaxed lifestyle with friendly communities. The country also...
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Labour minister vows to slash work deaths by 2030
Thailand’s labour boss is declaring war on deadly workplaces—\promising to cut fatalities in half within five years. At the National Occupational Safety Day 2025 opening ceremony, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn unveiled his ambitious “Safety Thailand” vision to drastically reduce serious workplace injuries and deaths. The aim is to bring down severe injury rates from 2.13 to one per 1,000 workers,…
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Hailstorm wreaks havoc in Udon Thani, leaving homes damaged
Yesterday, May 8, a severe hailstorm accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain struck Udon Thani, causing significant damage to numerous houses. The storm, occurring at 1.30pm, uprooted trees and toppled high-voltage power poles, obstructing roads and disrupting power supply in multiple areas. In Baan Jeet, Moo 4, Baan Jeet subdistrict, Gu Kaew district, the storm tore off roofs from…
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Rayong MP exposes illegal Chinese lobster factory operation
Rayong MP and provincial employment officers have joined forces to dismantle a Chinese zero-dollar lobster factory that was allegedly taking jobs from locals. Rayong MP Krit Silpachai, from the People’s Party, collaborated with Sommat Anantharatrasub, the Director of Rayong Employment Office, to crack down on the operation, which reportedly employed unauthorised foreign workers. Krit shared on Facebook that social media…
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Tsunami alert: Phuket braces for large-scale emergency drill
Sirens, search dogs, and simulated chaos—Phuket is gearing up for the biggest tsunami disaster drill in years. Local officials announced the CMEX 25 national crisis response exercise, set to hit six Andaman coastal provinces from June 24 to 26, with Phuket taking centre stage. The simulation aims to prepare government agencies, rescue teams, schools, and residents for a worst-case tsunami…
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Thailand’s bold ‘3 Cuts’ plan cripples border call centres
Criminal call centres in Myanmar are running out of juice thanks to Thailand’s tough new crackdown strategy. Three months after launching its “3 Cuts” campaign, the Thai government claims a major victory against cybercrime networks exploiting the border. The operation began on February 5 and aimed to sever the power supply, fuel delivery, and Internet access to five notorious scam…
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Bangkok motorcycle repairman shot dead over pawn dispute
A motorcycle repairman was fatally shot in the early hours of today, May 9, in his shop on Soi Phatthanakan 32, Suan Luang district, Bangkok. The attack, which also left another person injured, stemmed from a dispute over a motorcycle pawn agreement. Police Lieutenant Phuwadej Wanichyobol, an investigator from Khlong Tan Police Station, was alerted to the incident at 1am.…
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Thai teen in coma after hospital allegedly dismisses snake bite as unimportant
A hospital in the eastern province of Rayong reportedly provided inadequate treatment for a Thai man who was bitten by a snake, leaving the victim in a critical condition. A Thai woman, Paweena Tubtimhom, took to her Facebook account on Wednesday, May 7, to criticise Wang Chan Hospital after her 18 year old employee fell into a coma due to…
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Polish tourist drowns in Phuket after morning swim
A dream holiday turned to tragedy for a 36 year old Polish tourist who was found dead after a solo morning swim at Kamala Beach. The man was pulled from the water, unresponsive, after lifeguards spotted him floating face down near the Kamala Shrine yesterday morning, May 8. Despite frantic CPR attempts on the beach and en route to the…
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Teen arrested in Bangkok with firearm for self-defence
A 17 year old was apprehended by police after exhibiting suspicious behaviour and found in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The teenager claimed the items were taken from a rival for self-defence. Legal proceedings ensued promptly. At 4am today, May 9, Police Colonel Anan Warasart, the superintendent of Bang Khen Police Station, directed investigation deputy superintendent, Police Colonel Sanpich…
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Nowhere to hide: ‘Digital Crime Clock’ targets Pattaya’s criminals
In a high-tech twist straight out of a crime thriller, Pattaya police have rolled out a mobile crime-tracking system that could change the game for criminals lurking in the shadows. Dubbed the “Digital Crime Clock,” this innovative platform is the first of its kind in Thailand’s Provincial Police Region 2 and offers real-time crime data at officers’ fingertips. The system…
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Thai weather alert: storms and strong winds in 53 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for May 9 regarding severe weather conditions across 53 provinces. The northeast will experience summer storms with thunderstorms, strong winds, and occasional hail. Residents are advised to stay alert and avoid open areas during these conditions. A moderate high-pressure system from China is expected to cover Vietnam and the South China…
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Doctors disciplined over Thaksin’s hospital stay amid ethics probe
Three doctors involved in former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s controversial stay on the 14th floor of the Police General Hospital have been disciplined by the Medical Council of Thailand. The disciplinary actions stem from the findings of an investigation into Thaksin’s treatment, which has raised ethical concerns about the standard of care provided. Today, May 8, Professor Doctor Prasit Watanapa,…
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Chumphon chief faces backlash over monitor lizard cooking (video)
Locals in the southern province of Chumphon are demanding legal action against a community leader who shared a video of himself cooking and eating a monitor lizard, a protected species in Thailand. Residents in the Pathio district of Chumphon came across a Facebook post by the male community leader and shared it with various news agencies, calling for legal action…
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Bangkok SWAT busts online gun dealers selling modified weapons
Two suspects were arrested in Bangkok for allegedly modifying and selling guns online, sparking fears of a growing black market for weapons. The SWAT team swooped into a house in Suan Luang district, where they detained the duo, identified as 29 year old Natthakiat, also known as “New,” and 31 year old Suppasit, aka “Peach.” The arrests follow a series…
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Compensation for SAO building collapse victims to begin tomorrow
The first wave of compensation is set to be delivered tomorrow to the families of victims affected by the tragic collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok. A total of 21 relatives from the first batch will receive financial assistance after a series of negotiations with the ITD-CREC Joint Venture, involving Italian-Thai Development and China Railway No.10…
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15 busted in Phuket drug crackdown near Nai Yang Beach
A late-night drug bust in Phuket has led to 15 people testing positive for illegal substances during a surprise operation near Nai Yang Beach. The two-hour checkpoint, aimed at tackling rising drug activity in the area, took place on Tuesday, May 6, and was led by Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkun, also the Director of the Thalang Narcotics Suppression Centre.…
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Thai ministry discusses agricultural product labelling for safety
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Itti Sirilattayakarn chaired a meeting to discuss plans for agricultural product labelling. The meeting, held in meeting room 134 at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, involved representatives from key departments such as the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS), the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Livestock Development, the Rice…
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Phuket to enforce 30-hour alcohol ban for Buddhist holiday
Phuket residents are in for a weekend of sobriety as two significant events, a municipal election and the Buddhist holiday Visakha Bucha Day, trigger a major alcohol sales ban. From Saturday evening, May 10 to Sunday evening, May 11, Phuket will see a 30-hour alcohol ban in areas with municipal elections, while a separate 24-hour ban will also be enforced…
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Hailstorm wreaks havoc in That Phanom, topples power lines
A hailstorm struck That Phanom district yesterday, causing severe damage with high winds toppling 26 high-voltage electricity poles along the Nakhon Phanom-That Phanom road, leading to widespread power outages. Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) teams are working to repair the damage. The storm, yesterday, May 7, with hail and strong winds hit That Phanom district, particularly affecting Ban Bung Hee in…
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Anutin slams media over ‘false’ ISOC blacklist claims
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul fired back at persistent media claims that he’s been blacklisted by the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) for exploiting the monarchy for political gain. Speaking out on Tuesday, May 6, Anutin, who also serves as deputy prime minister and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, slammed the allegations as “false” and called on the media to stop…
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Thai woman at large after swindling money from taxi riders
A Thai woman remains at large after swindling money from at least three motorcycle taxi riders in Bangkok. The most recent victim lost 2,300 baht to the suspect. Natthida, the owner of a salon near Victory Monument, took to Facebook to warn motorcycle taxi riders in the area and nearby locations after a scammer posed as the owner of her…
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Bangkok woman arrested for selling meth to aid bedridden father
Police apprehended a 43 year old woman suspected of selling methamphetamine, to support her bedridden father. The arrest of the woman, Yui, today, May 7, in the Min Buri district, Bangkok, uncovered five bags containing 121 pills and other evidence, following a tip-off from an informant. The operation was part of the government’s anti-drug policy and led by several high-ranking police officers.…
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Senate committee to grill PM Paetongtarn on casino bill next week
The special Senate committee examining the government’s casino-entertainment complex bill plans to invite Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to elaborate on the bill’s rationale in the upcoming week. The committee, led by Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, announced yesterday, May 7, that it will conduct its second meeting to review the project today. Despite media speculations, Dr Veerapun clarified that the Thai PM…
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Teenagers caught at drug-fuelled party in Chai Nat resort
More than 20 teenagers were apprehended during a drug-fuelled birthday party for a woman known as Jan at a resort in Mueang Chai Nat district. The raid, conducted yesterday, May 7, uncovered a variety of substances, including ecstasy, ketamine, love drug, and methamphetamine. The police and district investigators from Mueang Chai Nat, in collaboration with the district administration, had been…
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Fire at Sa Kaeo warehouse sends smoke across city
A significant fire broke out at a second-hand goods shop and warehouse in Mueang Sa Kaeo district, Sa Kaeo province, covering the city with smoke visible from over 10 kilometres away. The blaze started at 3pm yesterday, May 7. Police Lieutenant Saroj Buppha from Sa Kaeo Police Station was informed of the fire at a location on the 359 Highway,…
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Thai officials brace for rocket risks at Bun Bang Fai festival
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has directed the Department of Airports (DoA) to work closely with communities to ensure compliance with aviation safety protocols during the forthcoming Bun Bang Fai festival. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has established guidelines to mitigate risks, as festival rockets may ascend to altitudes that could endanger aircraft. Approaching festival dates have prompted…
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Teenage Thai girl missing after taxi ride from Bangkok to Pattaya
A 17 year old Thai girl has gone missing in the central province of Chachoengsao while taking a taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya. Today marks one week since her disappearance. The family of the missing teenager, Naphatsorn “Namtan” Plerphukiao, took to social media to gather information about her whereabouts. Namtan left her dormitory in the Rangsit area of Pathum Thani…
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23 year old dies in big bike crash on Nonthaburi bridge
A tragic accident occurred when a 23 year old man, riding an 800cc big bike, lost control on a curve and crashed into a concrete barrier on the outbound side of the Maha Chesadabodindranusorn Bridge in Nonthaburi province, resulting in his death. The incident took place at 4.30pm yesterday, May 7. Despite wearing a helmet, the rider succumbed to his…
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Surat Thani police hunt suspect in 3 million baht ticket scam
Police in Surat Thani intensified efforts to apprehend a woman accused of defrauding over 50 people by selling unusable airline tickets, resulting in damages exceeding 3 million baht. A warrant for her arrest was issued yesterday, May 7. Police Major General Sermpan Sirikhong, commander of Surat Thani provincial police, disclosed that Kaewta Chookhao deceived victims by claiming she could secure discounted…
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Thai Airways warns of delays as airspace dispute disrupts flights
Travel chaos looms for passengers heading to South Asia and Europe as Thai Airways International issues a crucial warning about potential delays due to the ongoing airspace closure between Pakistan and India. Last night, May 7, the Thai flag carrier urged passengers flying to India, Pakistan, and European destinations to double-check their flight details. While flights between Thailand and India…
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