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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British tourist dies in tragic fall in Phuket after night out
A 59 year old British tourist died after falling approximately 7 metres from a steep incline in Patong, Phuket, following a night of dining and drinking. The incident left the victim’s partner, Stewart Raynor, in shock. Today, June 4, Police Lieutenant Chittawan Pengkaew, Deputy Inspector at Patong Police Station, Phuket, received a report from the Patong Radio Centre about the…
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Here comes the sun: Solar panel plan puts minister in firing line
A fresh push to boost solar panel use across Thailand has sparked a political power struggle, with critics warning the new bill could give the energy minister unchecked authority over who can harness the sun. The proposed legislation, aimed at streamlining solar panel installation and energy trade, has drawn mixed reactions from industry heavyweights, some calling it a bright idea,…
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Saraburi woman charged for illegal lending at 300% interest
A 20 year old woman, known for her aggressive behaviour, has been charged by police in Saraburi province for operating an illegal money lending scheme with exorbitant interest rates of up to 300%. Victims, mainly girls between 13 and 16 years old, were allegedly targeted and intimidated if they failed to repay their debts. The case was brought to light…
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Top 3 must-have apps for exploring Thailand like a local
Sawadee, savvy traveller! If you’re planning a trip to the Land of Smiles, you’re in for a ride full of golden temples, finger-licking street food, island sunsets, and tuk-tuk adventures. But if you want to do it right — not just like a tourist, but like someone who knows their som tam from their satay — you’ll need the right…
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Kamphaeng Phet rocket fest sparks awe with serpent-like smoke
A traditional ceremony in Kamphaeng Phet province captivated many when a large rocket was launched, and the resulting smoke resembled a serpent and formed three numbers. Locals believe this was a sign from Phaya Than, acknowledging their rain-seeking rituals and promising good fortune. Despite continuous rainfall across many parts of Thailand, the northeastern Thai community in Kamphaeng Phet upheld their…
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Blade and shame! Burmese teen busted after flaunting weapons
A cocky Burmese teen has landed himself in hot water after posing with machetes and a toy gun for Facebook clout, sparking public outcry and prompting a swift police response in Phuket’s Cherng Talay area. The images, which surfaced on social media with the caption, “So arrogant! ‘Phuket’ Myanmar teenager gang in the Cherng Talay area showing off guns and…
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Thai provinces report surge in Covid-19 cases amid rainy season
The Ministry of Public Health reported the five provinces with the highest Covid-19 infections, with a national total of 324,692 cases and 69 fatalities. The surge in cases is attributed to the rainy season and school reopening, while the XEC variant is noted for its ease of transmission. Doctor Taweesin Visanuyothin, Director General of the Department of Medical Services, highlighted…
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Russian scammer nabbed at Phuket Airport in digital crime bust
A suspected Russian cyber crook has been collared at Phuket International Airport, accused of helping to run a high-tech fraud racket that’s fleeced thousands and left victims across Thailand reeling. The 36 year old unnamed man was nicked in the arrivals hall around 1.50pm on June 2, following a sting by Phuket Airport Immigration’s Investigation Team and Surat Thani Police.…
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Wee-bit out of order: Tourist blasted for peeing on Phuket street
A red-faced tourist is in hot water after being caught on camera peeing in the middle of a busy Phuket street, sparking fury and fresh calls for a police crackdown on unruly holidaymakers. The 14-second clip, filmed on Soi Saensabai in Patong, shows the tourist brazenly urinating in public as people walk by. The footage, posted by the popular Facebook…
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Bangkok man arrested after Bang Sue youth shooting incident
A 21 year old man has been apprehended in connection with a shooting incident following a youth altercation in the Bang Sue district of Bangkok. The arrest occurred yesterday, June 3 at 12.30pm, with police charging him with three offences. Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, along with other officials from the Metropolitan Police Bureau, directed the arrest of Anon “Joy” Chiamchan.…
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Snubbed middle-income retirees look beyond Thailand to SE Asia
For decades, Thailand has been the quintessential destination for retirees seeking an affordable, beautiful, and culturally rich new home. With its golden beaches, vibrant cuisine, and famously welcoming population, the Land of Smiles has lured hundreds of thousands of Westerners to spend their golden years soaking up its tropical hospitality. Yet, a quiet transformation is taking place beneath the palm…
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Driver falls asleep, causing fatal Rayong-Surat Thani bus crash
A bus accident occurred in the early hours of this morning, when the driver fell asleep, causing the Rayong-Surat Thani bus to veer off course and crash into a guardrail. The incident today, June 4, at 4.30am, resulted in two fatalities and several injuries among the 28 passengers. The yellow passenger bus, operating on the Rayong-Mukdahan route, bore Chon Buri…
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Thailand video news | Economic woes could undermine Thai coalition’s stability, Wild elephant ransacks Thai shop for snacks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcfBnb1v5x0 Today we’ll be talking about some wild animals running amok, a tourist getting KO’d after assaulting a woman in Phuket, and a little later a urinating Thai man’s rejected bribe landing him in hot water in Singapore. Phuket Tiger Park Denies Attack Claims, Slams Misinformation Phuket’s Tiger Kingdom has denied claims that a tourist was attacked by a tiger…
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Thai university student smeared in fake HIV scandal fights back
A Thai university student falsely accused online of spreading HIV to multiple men has come out swinging, blood test in hand, to clear her name and demand justice. Dear, a real second-year accounting student at Mahasarakham University, was left humiliated and devastated after her image and identity were used in a malicious social media hoax, falsely claiming she was HIV-positive…
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Samut Songkhram man accused of assaulting stepdaughter for years
In Samut Songkhram province, a 33 year old father is accused of sexually assaulting his stepdaughter since she was in fifth grade, resulting in her having a four year old child. The girl’s mother allegedly knew about the abuse but attempted to sever ties with her daughter instead of addressing the issue. Chalida “Ton Aor” Palamat, an advocate for the…
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Thailand taxman’s 2-year sweetener to lure overseas millions home
The taxman in Thailand is having a rethink and it could mean a big win for globe-trotting Thais with cash stashed abroad. In a bid to woo back an estimated 2 trillion baht in overseas investments, the Revenue Department is planning a two-year tax holiday on foreign-earned income, so long as it’s brought back into the country pronto. Revenue Department…
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High stakes and hash: British mum busted in German airport sting
A young British mum has landed in hot water after allegedly trying to smuggle cannabis from Thailand into Germany, in the latest twist in a growing trend of globe-trotting ganja girls. Cameron Bradford from Knebworth, Hertfordshire, was arrested at Munich Airport on April 21 after raising red flags with border cops. The 21 year old reportedly changed her flight at…
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Wooden house collapses into Chao Phraya River, woman rescued
A wooden house belonging to 68 year old woman collapsed into the Chao Phraya River early yesterday, June 3, leaving her clinging to a wooden post for safety. Rescue volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation safely evacuated the woman, Somsong Praphaimani, suffering a torn ligament in her left shoulder and bruising on her left hip, to a hospital for urgent treatment.…
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British Onlyfans mum nabbed at Spanish airport with £200k in weed
A British OnlyFans model has swapped lingerie for lockdown after allegedly trying to smuggle over £200,000 (8.82 million baht) worth of cannabis into Spain in her luggage. Clara Wilson, a mum-of-four from Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire, was busted by the Civil Guard at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport on January 20 after stepping off a Qatar Airways flight from Doha. But her real…
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Suspect dies after ingesting 50 meth pills in police custody
A man suspected of drug possession ingested approximately 50 methamphetamine pills before his arrest, eventually leading to his death after being sent to hospital. Yesterday, June 3, police received a report regarding Thiranai, a detainee in Nakhon Pathom City Police Station’s holding cell. He had collapsed and experienced convulsions for unknown reasons. Police promptly transferred him to Nakhon Pathom Central…
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17 year old student shot dead in Bangkok motorcycle attack
A 17 year old student was tragically shot and killed while riding as a passenger on a motorcycle driven by a friend in Bangkok. The incident occurred today, June 4, at 1.35am, near the under-construction market area by Hathaimit intersection on Hathairat Road. Police and forensic teams are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the gunman. At the scene, the body…
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Burglar nicks bling and cash in Pattaya pool villa theft
A relaxing getaway turned into a nightmare for a holidaymaker after a crook broke into her private pool villa in Pattaya and swiped gold and cash, all caught on CCTV. Thanyarat, from Prachinburi province, had checked into the Yoo Dee Pool Villa in Huai Yai on June 2 for a peaceful overnight stay. But the peace didn’t last long. The…
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Heavy rainfall warning for 37 provinces in Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued another warning for heavy rainfall affecting 37 provinces due to a moderate southwest monsoon. Bangkok is expected to experience significant rainfall, covering 60% of the area. Residents are advised to remain cautious. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours predicts thunderstorms and heavy rains in certain areas across Thailand. This is attributed to…
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Pattaya police stunned as boy, 13, caught dealing with druggie
Pattaya police cracking down on narcotics in a seedy corner of Jomtien were left stunned when they nabbed a drug dealer, only to find a 13 year old boy helping her peddle meth. The shock bust happened yesterday, June 3 during a raid led by Chon Buri Provincial Police in Jomtien Soi 2. Officers arrested 39 year old Bang-on, also…
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Wild elephant causes chaos in Thai shop, damages shelves
In Nakhon Ratchasima, a wild elephant from Khao Yai National Park surprised a local shop in Pak Chong district yesterday, June 2, causing chaos as it rummaged around for food, damaging shelves in the process. The shop, located approximately one kilometre from a park entrance in Ban Tha Maprang, tambon Mu Si, witnessed the unexpected visit of the elephant, known…
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Phuket tiger park denies attack claims, blames false reports
Operators of a tiger park in Phuket, located in Kathu, have denied claims that an Indian tourist was attacked by a tiger at their venue. They also refuted accusations of animal cruelty after reports had circulated that a tourist was mauled while attempting to take a selfie at the attraction. In a now seemingly deleted video which went viral earlier,…
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Phuket Port to transform into cruise and cargo hub
The Deputy Minister of Finance, Phaophum Rojanasakul, visited the Phuket Port Improvement Project in Wichit subdistrict, Mueang district, Phuket province, yesterday, May 2. The project aims to enhance the port’s capacity to accommodate large cruise ships and stimulate tourism in the Andaman region. The Treasury Department is overseeing the transformation of the Phuket Port into a tourism and cargo hub.…
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Pattaya motorbike taxi drivers slam ‘unfair’ 2,000 baht helmet fine
Motorbike taxi drivers in Pattaya are pushing back against a new 2,000 baht fine for riding without a helmet, calling it unaffordable and a threat to their already fragile incomes. Starting June 1, the Royal Thai Police began strict enforcement of Section 122 of the Land Traffic Act. The law requires both riders and passengers on motorcycles to wear helmets,…
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Tourists attacked in Patong after assaulting local woman (video)
Two tourists were rendered unconscious following an altercation with a group of Thai men in Patong, Phuket. The incident reportedly followed an alleged assault on a local woman by the intoxicated tourists. The altercation, which was captured on video and widely circulated on social media yesterday night, June 2, took place on Bangla Road, a well-known nightlife district in Patong,…
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Thai man jailed in Singapore for offering bribe after public urination
A Thai man who urinated in a drain in Singapore landed himself in jail after trying to bribe two auxiliary police officers with US$7 (approx. 177 baht) to avoid a fine. The man, 54 year old Nanjaijumpa Kham-Ai, pleaded guilty to one count of offering corrupt gratification and was sentenced to 10 days in jail yesterday, June 2. A second…
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