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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Sponsored How one hospital visit in Thailand could cost more than your whole trip
Thailand is a favourite spot for travellers who want to enjoy more while spending less. From cheap street food to low-cost hotels and fun attractions, it’s easy to stretch your budget here. But there’s one thing many people don’t think...
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Passenger refuses to pay full fare in Ayutthaya taxi dispute (video)
A taxi driver encountered an unusual situation when a passenger refused to pay the full fare after being driven from Suvarnabhumi international Airport to Ayutthaya, claiming the taxi meter was rigged. The incident occurred yesterday, January 15 in a residential area of Mueang district, Ayutthaya province. Local police received a report from the driver, 43 year old Achitsaphong Dokput, regarding…
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Phuket under siege: Tidal wave of trash threatens tropical paradise
The once-idyllic waters and landscapes of Phuket is in danger of being flooded in a rising tidal wave of trash is threatening to overwhelm this renowned tourist haven. Plastic bottles and empty beer cans now clutter the ocean floor while the island itself groans under the weight of mounting rubbish, casting a shadow over its famed beaches. Behind the scenes,…
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Banana plant in Phayao sparks lottery frenzy with unique bud
A unique phenomenon in Phayao province has attracted attention as a banana plant, seemingly cut down, has produced a bud resembling a lotus flower from its trunk. Residents are flocking to the site with hopes of finding lucky lottery numbers, believing a local spirit, known as the Goddess Tanee, is offering protection. Locals informed the media yesterday, January 15, about…
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Illegal cuts: South Koreans snipped up in Bangkok salon raid
Police yesterday arrested four South Korean nationals for working illegally at a renowned hair salon in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok. Officers from the Immigration Bureau acted on a tip-off and raided the salon, located on the second floor of a building in the Sukhumvit neighbourhood, at around 3.30pm, yesterday, January 15. Upon arrival, officers found both Thai and foreign customers…
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Phuket cracks down on parasailing risks following accident
Officials in Karon announced a sweeping crackdown on water sports safety protocols following the death of a parasailing staff member earlier this month. The high-profile meeting, held on Tuesday, January 14 at Karon Municipality, aimed to bolster safety for tourists and operators. Chaired by Karon Police Chief Police Colonel Khundet Na Nongkhai and Phuket Marine Office Chief Natchapong Pranit, the…
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Relatives surrender in 20 million baht Australian job scam
Parents, grandparents, and relatives surrendered to police in connection with a scam promising Australian jobs to 250 victims, resulting in losses of 20 million baht. The main suspect remains at large, prompting another summons scheduled for later this month. The investigation in Buriram province revealed that 28 year old Thamonwan, also known as Oi, allegedly posed as an Australian Embassy…
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Thai PM faces petition over jailed activist adviser appointment
Activist Sonthiya Sawasdee has lodged a petition against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra concerning the appointment of a former jailed activist as her adviser. Sonthiya requested that the Office of the Attorney-General forward his complaint to the Constitutional Court regarding the appointment of Nattawut Saikuar, a significant figure in the red shirt movement, on October 4 last year. Sonthiya claims that…
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3 Pattaya transwomen assault Laotian woman over job loss (video)
Three Thai transwomen brutally attacked a Laotian woman in Pattaya earlier this week, accusing the victim of getting them fired from their jobs. A Laotian woman, identified only as Da, called on Thai news agencies to assist her in seeking justice after she was brutally assaulted on Pattaya Sai Song Road at 2.59am on Tuesday, January 14. The incident occurred…
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Thailand video news | Thailand’s new tax rules raise concerns for expats, Trump’s Greenland comments ignite Chinese Taiwan debate
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex delves into pressing issues from Thailand and neighbouring countries. Featured stories include Thailand’s new tax rules raising concerns among expats, a shocking hit-and-run in Pattaya, and public outrage over cannabis vaping on Bangkok’s BTS trains. Additional coverage explores a voyeur scandal in Nakhon Si Thammarat, risks of money laundering tied to Thailand’s casino…
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Korat calls for urgent donations amid major blood shortage
Residents across northeastern Thailand are being encouraged to donate blood to address a significant shortage, as highlighted by officials at Regional Blood Centre V. Hospitals in regions such as Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Buriram, and Surin are currently receiving only 30 to 40% of their required blood supply, according to Sirilak Piakkhunthod, head of the blood centre. Sirilak noted that 39…
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Chiang Rai drug bust: 456 kilogrammes crystal meth seized
Military and police forces intercepted a drug smuggling operation in Chiang Rai, seizing approximately 456 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine. The operation followed a local tip-off about a Mitsubishi pickup truck involved in a collision and subsequent escape. Yesterday, January 15, soldiers from the Phaden Base, Task Force Chao Taak, and the Pha Mueang Force, in collaboration with Mae Fa Luang…
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Ex-Yakuza member arrested in Thailand over call centre scam
A Japanese national, allegedly a former Yakuza member, has been detained in relation to a dismantled call centre operation in Thailand, as announced by the Immigration Bureau yesterday, January 15. Identified as 34 year old Yu Hamaji, police suspect him to have been the deputy leader of the Japanese gang that was intercepted in mid-December in Bang Lamung district, Chon…
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Flipping brilliant! Blackpink’s Lisa tosses coin in London derby
Blackpink’s Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban took centre stage at the Emirates Stadium last night, dazzling fans as she flipped the coin in the legendary North London Derby. The electrifying clash between fierce rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur was given an extra sprinkle of stardust thanks to the K-pop queen’s pitch-side performance in collaboration with Guinness. Guinness Korea teased fans with a…
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Motorcycle-car crash on Khlong Khlung Bridge leaves one dead
A tragic accident occurred yesterday when a motorcycle collided with a car on the Khlong Khlung Bridge over the Ping River in Kamphaeng Phet province, resulting in one death and two severe injuries. The incident prompted a response from the police and rescue services. Police Lieutenant Chatchanon Sanitmak, attached to Khlong Khlung Police Station, yesterday, January 15, reported the accident…
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Thai FDA warns against deadly vape liquid mixed with ketamine
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the dangers of Pot K, a vape liquid mixed with ketamine, which can be fatal. Selling this substance can lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of 1.5 million baht. This illegal product has become prevalent among nightlife enthusiasts. Dr Witit Srisuriyachayakul, Deputy…
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Thai man breaks into neighbour’s home, fires shots, and ends his life
A heartbroken, desperate Thai man opened fire and took his own life at his neighbour’s home in the central province of Pathum Thani late last night. Officers from Thanyaburi Police Station were called to investigate the shooting at Garden View Village in the Thanyaburi district of Pathum Thani at around 11pm, yesterday, January 15. The incident occurred at two houses, numbers…
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Chinese national’s ‘border-line’ escape foils trafficking plot
Police in Sa Kaeo province today apprehended a Chinese national in a daring border sting. He claimed he was escaping being trafficked to Cambodia Ji Hongli was picked up today, January 16, in an operation led by Police Colonel Naphatphong Supaporn, Superintendent of the Immigration Bureau, alongside Pol. Col. Anothai Chindamani of Khlong Luek Police Station and Col. Methee Khamtem…
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Thai cinema reels in the big bucks, outshining Hollywood
Eight Thai films surpassed 100 million baht in revenue in 2024, capturing a 54% share of the domestic market, surpassing Hollywood films. Surachet Asavarueng-Anan, Chief Executive Officer of M STUDIO, a film production and distribution company in Thailand and abroad, announced yesterday, January 15, that the Thai film industry achieved significant success last year. The industry’s market share exceeded that…
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CCTV captures Thai teens slapping foreigners’ heads in Pattaya (video)
CCTV footage outside a hotel in Pattaya captured teenage motorcyclists slapping foreign pedestrians on the head before speeding away. The Facebook page อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 (translated as “tell me if you want to be famous, return part 6”) shared the video of these physical assaults on foreign tourists yesterday, January 15, accompanied by a caption that read… “Ruining the…
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Northern Irishman fights for life after Thailand holiday accident
Friends, family, and co-workers are rallying behind a Northern Irishman left fighting for his life following a shocking accident while on a dream holiday in Thailand. Ryan Daly, from Portadown, had set off on an ambitious round-the-world trip when tragedy struck, leaving him on life support and his loved ones in turmoil. The 27 year old care attendant, known for…
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Thai lottery draw history hints at potential winners
The next Thai lottery draw is scheduled for tomorrow, January 17 and historical data reveals that certain numbers tend to recur on Fridays. Here is the history of the past 10 Friday draws, providing insights into potential winning numbers, according to Sanook. For the two-digit (2-digit lower) numbers, the number 65 has been drawn three times. Numbers drawn twice include…
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Irish diver’s fate revealed on Thailand’s ‘Death Island’ (video)
In a heartbreaking twist that has sent shockwaves through a small Irish village, the tragic fate of a young Irish diver discovered lifeless on a Thai island has been made public. The body of Robert “Robby” Kinlan was found on January 9 in Koh Tao, ominously dubbed “Death Island” due to a chilling pattern of tourist fatalities. Initial post-mortem examinations…
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Thai tax tangle: Expats warned of new rules on overseas income
A packed meeting of the Pattaya City Expat Club turned into a lively debate as members received crucial updates on Thailand’s controversial new tax policy regarding overseas income transfers. Hosted by Thomas Carden, director of American International Tax Advisers, and tax attorney Patcha Inkudanonda, the session offered clarity, and raised fresh concerns, about the Thai Revenue Department’s evolving guidelines. Patcha…
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Hong Kong sends task force to rescue citizens trapped in Thailand
In response to reports of Hong Kong residents being lured to Southeast Asia and forced into illegal work, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced that the Security Bureau has dispatched a task force to Thailand. The move comes as law enforcement agencies reveal that 28 residents have been trapped abroad since mid-2024, with only 16 successfully returned so…
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Infineon builds state-of-the-art semiconductor plant in Thailand
Infineon Technologies has begun the construction of a state-of-the-art backend semiconductor plant in Samut Prakan, just south of Bangkok, marking a significant milestone for Thailand’s role in the global tech industry. The highly automated facility, set to begin operations in early 2026, will focus on producing power modules essential for industrial applications and renewable energy systems. Supported by the Thailand…
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Drunken chaos: Foreigner flees after Pattaya motorcycle wreck
A shocking hit-and-run incident involving a motorcycle in East Pattaya has left a Laotian housekeeper fighting for her life while a foreign national is accused of fleeing the scene. The crash occurred yesterday, January 14 in Soi Thung Klom-Tan Man 9, leaving behind a trail of carnage and unanswered questions. Police arriving at the scene found a Yamaha Grand Filano…
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Woman caught vaping on Bangkok BTS sparks outrage (video)
A video capturing a woman allegedly vaping cannabis on a Bangkok Skytrain (BTS) has gone viral, igniting outrage and calls for stricter public behaviour enforcement. The shocking footage, shared on the Facebook page อีซ้อขยี้แหลก on January 12, shows the woman casually vaping on the train, surrounded by children and elderly passengers. The clip reveals the woman standing and texting while…
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Actor Ple Nakorn reports 6 million baht scam to cyber police
Thai actor Nakorn Silachai reported to the cyber police that his relative lost 6 million baht to a call centre scam. It is suspected that the group may be the same as the one that conned another Thai actor, Charlotte Austin. Yesterday, January 14, at 12.55pm, Nakorn, also known as Ple Nakorn, accompanied by Ekpob Luangprasert, founder of the Saimai…
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Teacher’s car hits motorbike, kills Myanmar man
A 26 year old teacher, returning from a celebratory party, drove her white Ford Focus through a red light and collided with a motorbike, resulting in the death of a 36 year old Myanmar national. The accident, captured on CCTV, occurred at 9.45pm yesterday, January 14, at the Suwinthawong Market intersection in Bang Nam Priao district, Chachoengsao province. At the…
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Man arrested in Nonthaburi for driving stolen ambulance van
A man who took an ambulance in Chaiyaphum was apprehended in Nonthaburi after claiming he was only “driving without a destination.” Yesterday, January 14, police in Mueang Chaiyaphum district were informed by the Sawang Khunnatham Foundation rescue team about a stolen Toyota van with the registration 40-0244 Chaiyaphum. The vehicle was later tracked via GPS to Bang Yai district in…
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