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 Thailand vs. the West: What expats save on healthcare each year
Healthcare in Thailand is much cheaper than in Western countries, making it a great choice for expatriates looking for affordable medical care. Both public and private healthcare options offer high-quality services, with savings of up to 80% on procedures like...
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Tragic road accident claims life on Highway 331 in Chachoengsao
In Chachoengsao, a 40 year old employee of a car company tragically lost his life in a road accident. As he was returning home in his Isuzu pickup truck, the vehicle skidded off the road and collided with a tree, resulting in his death at the scene. The incident occurred yesterday, May 31, when Police Lieutenant Teera Senthong from the…
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Tragic drowning of three young girls in Sisaket pond
Three young girls tragically drowned in a pond in Sisaket province, leaving their relatives devastated. The incident occurred yesterday, May 31, at 4pm, when the Srisaket Charity Foundation received a report of three children missing in a pond near Ban Don Muang, Rasai Sila district. Rescue teams were dispatched to the location, approximately 1 kilometre from the village, where residents…
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28 provinces brace for heavy rain as Bangkok faces severe storms
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather forecast for June 1, identifying 28 provinces across two regions that are expected to face heavy rain, with Bangkok predicted to experience the most severe conditions. Citizens are advised to be cautious due to moderate monsoon conditions affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. The weather forecast for…
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Abandoned macaques found in Thai forest, suspected for illegal sale
Over 20 young long-tailed macaques were discovered abandoned in bags in a forested area, leading locals to initially mistake the cries for an abandoned baby. After following the sounds, the residents contacted officials, prompting a search for those responsible. It is suspected that the location was used as a temporary holding spot for selling the animals yesterday, May 31. Sirikhun…
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Buriram tyre technician arrested for selling meth to youths
In Buriram, narcotics suppression units collaborated with related agencies to arrest a 53 year old man, a tyre repair technician, for distributing methamphetamine to local youths. He also admitted to using the drug himself to alleviate back pain and body aches. Police had been investigating Somkit, who worked at a tyre repair shop in Huai Rat district, after receiving information…
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Chinese man injured in Chon Buri shooting incident
Yesterday, May 31, a shooting incident occurred in Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung district, where a Chinese man was injured and dragged into a house. Police have apprehended the suspect, and the injured man, 26 year old Yang, has been hospitalised with a gunshot wound to his right ankle. Police Colonel Mintrathit Thongsai from the Huai Yai Police Station responded to…
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A historic win: Opal becomes Thailand’s first Miss World
Thailand has made pageant history after 25 year old Suchata Chuangsri, known as Opal, was crowned Miss World 2025—the first Thai woman to win the global title in 74 years. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss World (@missworld) The 72nd Miss World grand finale was held on May 31 at the HITEX Convention Centre…
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Rawai restaurant owner fumes after tourist poos outside
A Rawai restaurant owner is fed up with cleaning up faeces after catching tourists using his property as an open toilet—now he’s demanding action from local authorities. The owner of a popular floating restaurant in Rawai, Phuket, has called on local authorities to install more public toilets for tourists after a shocking incident involving a foreign visitor defecating outside his…
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Dugong baby boom? Rare sea creatures spotted off Krabi coast
Krabi’s crystal waters have just delivered a marine miracle—two rare dugongs and a gang of green turtles have been spotted gliding through the waves, sparking hopes of a biodiversity comeback in the Andaman Sea. Park officials in Krabi are celebrating a major boost in marine biodiversity after spotting two new dugongs and a group of green turtles near Ao Nammao…
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Nestlé sues ex-partners over Nescafé trademark breach
Nestlé has initiated legal action against former business partners over the alleged infringement of the Nescafé trademark. The company is seeking 577 million baht in damages from Prayudh Mahagitsiri and Chalermchai Mahagitsiri, as stated in a company release dated May 30 (yesterday). The claim pertains to losses caused by an eight-day suspension of Nescafé sales after the Minburi Civil Court…
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Tiger selfie turns savage: Indian tourist mauled in Phuket (video)
A dream holiday snap turned into a nightmare for one tourist in Phuket after a tiger lashed out during a selfie stunt—leaving social media stunned and raising serious questions about animal welfare at popular tourist attractions. An Indian tourist suffered minor injuries after being attacked by a tiger at Tiger Kingdom in Phuket. The man, whose identity has not been…
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Krungsri forecast for Thailand economic growth cut to 2.1%
Research by Krungsri has revised Thailand’s economic growth forecast for 2025 to 2.1%, down from an earlier estimate of 2.7%. This adjustment comes amid layered risks, including US trade policy uncertainties and domestic pressures. The government is advised to exercise caution in policy-making while responding effectively to rapidly evolving situations. Pimnara Hirankasi, head of economic research and executive researcher at…
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Pattaya firm hits back at ‘grey Chinese’ money claims
Baidi International (Pattaya) Real Estate Asset Management Co., Ltd. has firmly denied any links to illegal Chinese capital, following swirling allegations and a government inspection that cast a shadow over the firm’s operations. At a press conference held at its office on Soi Department of Lands, Village 10, company director Kham Sae Yang, flanked by company lawyer Theerathorn Morakotjinda and…
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Activist demands court ruling over energy minister appointment
Thailand’s newest prime minister is already under legal fire, with a political activist demanding the Constitutional Court weigh in on her first big Cabinet move. Political activist Sonthiya Sawasdee has called on the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to seek a Constitutional Court ruling over Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s appointment of Pirapan Salirathavibhaga as deputy prime minister and energy…
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TCC flags legal red flags in 13 Bangkok high-rises
Thirteen flashy high-rises across Bangkok are under fire after watchdogs revealed they may be breaking the law—by blocking fire trucks and fudging approved plans. The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) has blown the whistle on 13 high-rise building projects across Bangkok, raising alarm over alleged legal violations and dangerous design shortcuts that could put residents at risk. Led by secretary-general Saree…
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Chon Buri hospital declares war on big tobacco and e-cigs
A Chon Buri hospital has gone full throttle in the fight against smoking, blasting Big Tobacco and vaping in a fiery World No Tobacco Day event. Somdet Phra Boromma Ratchathewi Hospital in Sriracha joined the global war on smoking yesterday, May 30, hosting a dynamic event for World No Tobacco Day at the Sri Sawarinthira Nusorn 150 Years Building. Leading…
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People’s Party MP slams 26.5 billion baht budget for inequality
People’s Party MP Pukkamon Nunarnan criticised the government’s 26.5 billion baht provincial budget yesterday, arguing that it perpetuates inequality and fails to meet local communities’ needs. During the third day of the debate on the 2026 fiscal budget bill, Pukkamon, also known as “Lisa,” targeted the Interior Ministry’s budget. She asserted that the allocation model demonstrates a lack of power…
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Paetongtarn rolls out 5 fixes to save Thai tourism
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has issued a rallying cry to save the country’s ailing tourism sector, issuing five urgent orders that aim to transform the Land of Smiles into a global travel magnet. The 38 year old Pheu Thai leader has ordered five emergency measures to turbocharge Thailand’s tourism industry, making it a national priority under the government’s massive…
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Thailand faces heavy deluge as rain batters 39 provinces
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) predicts widespread heavy rainfall across Thailand, with 39 provinces, including Bangkok, expecting severe weather conditions. Residents are advised to be cautious of potential flash floods and landslides due to accumulated rainfall yesterday. The forecast indicates that the southwest monsoon, combined with a low-pressure area over Hainan Island, will result in significant rainfall in upper Thailand. This…
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Air Cambodia relaunches Bangkok-Sihanoukville flights
Air Cambodia has restarted its connection between Sihanoukville and Bangkok, resuming twice-weekly flights on May 22. The airline now operates this route every Thursday and Sunday using an Airbus A320 with 180 seats, providing much-needed convenience for travellers heading to Cambodia’s southern coast and its idyllic islands. While Air Cambodia already offers daily services between Phnom Penh and Bangkok, it…
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Phuket youths arrested for reckless beach gunfire (video)
Phuket’s pristine beaches were rocked by outrage after a video showing youths recklessly firing guns at Surin Beach went viral, stirring fears over tourist safety and law enforcement lapses on the island. The explosive 21-second clip, shared by the Facebook page Phuket Exposed (แฉยับ ภูเก็ต) yesterday, May 29 just after midnight under the hashtag #ThisIsPhuket, showed several young men discharging…
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Thai transwoman fatally stabbed for alleged sexual assault on teen
A Thai man stabbed a transwoman to death and abandoned her body in a roadside forest in the Isaan province of Roi Et, claiming that the victim sexually assaulted him. The 18 year old Thai man, Anuwat, confessed to the community leader in the Pho Chai district of Roi Et that he fatally stabbed 32 year old transwoman Phuwanon Kamonphard.…
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Bangkok’s Grand Palace shuts down for royal birthday
Bangkok’s iconic Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (or Temple of the Emerald Buddha) will close their gates completely on Tuesday, June 3, as the nation honours the royal birthday of Her Majesty Queen Suthida. The Bureau of the Royal Household announced the closure yesterday, May 29, urging visitors and tourists to plan accordingly. Ahead of the full closure, a…
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Thaksin holds firm as Pheu Thai plans Cabinet shake-up
June is shaping up to be a stormy month in Thai politics, with tensions boiling over amid protests and courtroom drama targeting Pheu Thai’s spiritual leader, Thaksin Shinawatra. Despite rumoured flight and political chaos, Thaksin made a rare public appearance on Tuesday, May 27, dismissing speculation that he had fled the country. His keynote speech at a narcotics control event…
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Police’s son accused of brutally assaulting Thai actress surrenders
The son of a retired high-ranking police officer surrendered himself at Phra Khanong Police Station on Wednesday, May 28, after being accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, a Thai actress. The actress, Bell, came forward last week to seek justice after suffering repeated physical abuse at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, Kongla. He reportedly threatened her not to report the assaults…
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Chinese arrested for molesting intern at Chiang Mai aquarium
A brazen act of sexual harassment has rocked Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium, as a Chinese tourist was caught on camera groping a female intern before being swiftly apprehended by staff and police. The disturbing incident has sparked outrage and a firm promise from police to prosecute the offender to the fullest extent of the law. The incident occurred today, May…
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Waterspout hits near Phuket and Phang Nga, officials warn tourists
A rare waterspout was spotted this morning near Koh Khai Nok and Koh Khai Nai, right on the border between Phuket and Phang Nga provinces. The swirling vortex, whipped up by a severe thunderstorm, lasted 10 to 15 minutes and was visible from the shore, leaving many stunned by nature’s raw power. Fishermen and holidaymakers in the area reported the…
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Missing Pattaya woman’s Dutch boyfriend says red-hair skull likely unrelated
The skull with red hair, which was found in the central province of Chachoengsao, may not be linked to the missing woman in Pattaya, according to statements from her friend and her Dutch boyfriend. A 15 year old Thai teenager named Krittapas discovered the skull of an unidentified woman on May 27 while jogging around a pond in the Saen…
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Thai business closures rise 8.3% amid economic concerns
Thailand’s business landscape is facing stormy skies as nearly 4,000 companies shut their doors in just the first four months of 2025 — an 8.3% increase from the previous year, according to the Department of Business Development (DBD). This surge in closures, with a combined registered capital of almost 16 billion baht, has alarmed lawmakers during this week’s heated budget…
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F1 fever hits Bangkok: Street race plans rev up
Thailand is gearing up for a high-octane future as Tourism and Sports Minister Surawong Thienthong revealed plans to host the F1 World Championship on a street circuit rather than investing in a dedicated racetrack. This bold move aligns with Formula One’s preference and the private sector’s eagerness to back the event, signalling an exciting chapter for Thai motorsport. Minister Surawong…
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