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 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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Thai police seize 1.9 billion baht in e-cigarette crackdown
In the past six months, a money-laundering crackdown has resulted in the seizure of over 1.9 billion baht and the arrest of more than 2,300 people involved in offences related to e-cigarettes and laughing gas. This information comes from the Royal Thai Police. Deputy national police chief Prachuap Wongsuk, who serves as the director of the Anti-Money Laundering Centre, recently…
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Security camera dispute leads to shooting in Phetchabun
A dispute over security cameras led to a shooting incident in Phetchabun province, where a man shot his neighbour and a police officer, leaving both injured. Despite negotiations, the suspect remains at large. Yesterday, April 9, the communication centre of Chon Daen Police Station in Phetchabun received a report of a shooting incident in Ban Khlong Kon Huad, Mueang Chon…
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Thailand student loan defaulters face 3,000 baht salary cuts
Thousands of student loan borrowers are in for a financial shock as the Student Loan Fund (SLF) prepares to slash an extra 3,000 baht from monthly salaries — and it’s all starting this month. The move has sparked a storm of confusion and concern among debtors, many of whom claim they’ve been making payments regularly. But according to the SLF,…
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Fizzy drink giants face sugar tax squeeze as sweet crackdown kicks in
Thailand’s fizzy favourites are feeling the pinch as a new sugar tax kicks in, forcing beverage makers to cut the sweet stuff or cough up more cash. Beverage chiefs and sweet drink producers have been slapped with a sour surprise as the Finance Ministry rolls out the latest phase of Thailand’s sugar tax crackdown, pushing firms to trim the sugar…
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Ex-police officer arrested for indecent acts with child in Krabi
A 70 year old former police officer has been arrested for allegedly luring a seven year old girl to buy toys before committing indecent acts. The man was previously dismissed from service for similar offences. Yesterday, April 9, Police Major General Wichaya Sriprasertphap directed Police Colonel Phatarawut Onchuay and Police Lieutenant Colonel Kittibodin Kimsea to apprehend Thongdee (surname withheld) under a…
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Malaysians motor ahead as Chinese tourism hits a speed bump
Thailand’s tourism chiefs are shifting gears after a drop in Chinese arrivals put the brakes on what was expected to be a bumper Songkran season while Malaysians continue to flood in. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) revealed a surprise twist in the tourist traffic, with Chinese visitor numbers dipping just as their southern neighbours from Malaysia come roaring in.…
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Phuket faces water crisis as reservoirs run dry
Warning bells are ringing in Phuket as reservoir levels plunge and fears of severe drought grip the island. Officials scramble to prevent a looming water crisis before the taps run dry. Phuket chief Sophon Suwannarat and top provincial officials joined a high-level video conference on April 8 to strategise urgent drought mitigation measures. The session, chaired by Minister of Interior…
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Malaysian armed robber arrested in Bangkok after gold heist
A notorious on-the-run Malaysian armed robber who stole gold accessories worth over 6.9 million baht from a shop in the southern province of Songkhla was arrested at a Bangkok bus terminal. The Malaysian national, 61 year old Yee Boon Long, stole 57 gold items from the Thai Udom Gold store on Montri 1 Road in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province,…
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Pattaya pensioner cheats death after motorbike skids under lorry
There was a near miss of nightmare proportions in Bang Lamung this week, after a Pattaya pensioner lost control of his motorbike and almost ended up under the wheels of an articulated lorry. The heart-stopping incident unfolded at around 10am, yesterday, April 9, when Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre received an emergency call reporting a motorcycle crash on Highway 331, near…
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Decomposed dugong found in Phuket likely died of natural causes
Marine officials reported that a dugong found ashore at Ban Ko En in Mai Khao, Phuket likely succumbed to natural causes linked to a chronic illness. The exact cause remains uncertain due to the advanced decomposition of the carcass. The female dugong, measuring 251 centimetres and weighing around 130 kilogrammes, was discovered on April 8, as confirmed by the Andaman…
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Air India in hot water again after Bangkok in-flight pee incident
Business class on an Air India flight to Bangkok turned into a piddle palace after a sozzled passenger allegedly whipped it out to pee on a fellow traveller mid-flight, despite the loos being in full working order. The Air India high-flyer is now being probed by police after taking the pee, literally, on a fellow business class passenger just before…
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Brace for a wild Thai-m: Storms set to reign over 45 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its first warning of summer storm forecast, predicting thunderstorms and strong winds affecting 45 provinces, including Bangkok. The weather conditions are expected to intensify from April 12 to April 14. Over the next 24 hours, upper Thailand will experience hot weather, with particularly high temperatures in the north and central regions. Thunderstorms and gusty winds…
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Thai commuters must register for 20-baht electric rail fare in August
Big news for Bangkok commuters! Starting September 30, Thai residents will be able to travel on the electric rail system for just 20 baht per trip. But don’t expect to pay cash or get the discount if you’re a tourist—here’s what you need to know. Thai commuters in Bangkok and surrounding provinces will soon be able to enjoy a massive…
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Thai woman denies abusing mentally ill man despite visible wounds
A Thai woman in the central province of Ratchaburi denied physically abusing a man with a mental illness after a video of him with serious wounds and bruises across his face and body went viral on Thai social media. Nawee Ittisangwron met the injured man, identified as Noom, outside a convenience store in Ratchaburi and decided to share a video…
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Phuket launches gateway project to boost tourism and conservation
Phuket unveiled a new initiative designed to boost local tourism, support community businesses, and protect the island’s environment. The Phuket Gateway project, launched by the Governor of Phuket, aims to connect tourists with authentic local experiences while focusing on ecological sustainability. Naraphat Plodthong, the Governor of Phuket, presided over the official launch of the Phuket Gateway ceremony, marking the beginning…
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Miss Universe and Miss Grand to star in Pattaya’s Wan Lai Festival (video)
Pattaya is all set to celebrate its vibrant Wan Lai tradition with an exciting lineup of events, including star-studded parades and sacred ceremonies. Three major cable TV stations have teamed up to promote the festivities, ensuring that locals and tourists can enjoy a safe and spectacular celebration. Today, April 9, at Pattaya City Hall, representatives from three major cable TV…
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Woman found unconscious in Pattaya with gold and cash
A glamorous night out took a worrying turn in Pattaya when a well-dressed woman was found unconscious and heavily intoxicated at a restaurant, surrounded by valuables. Police had to step in to protect her, and her jewellery, from potential danger. Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Dusadee, Inspector at Pattaya City Police Station, told reporters that he received a call from a…
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Don Mueang Airport sees 10% rise in Songkran passenger numbers
Don Mueang International Airport is anticipating around 700,000 passengers during the Songkran holiday, marking a 10% increase compared to the previous year. Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) President Kerati Kijmanawat confirmed today, April 9, that Don Mueang Airport is prepared to accommodate the expected surge in travellers. Wichit Kaewsaitiam, the director of Don Mueang Airport, noted that April 11 is…
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American lecturer’s Thai visa revoked over lese majeste charge
The American lecturer facing up to 15 years behind bars if convicted for defaming the Thai royal family, today had his visa revoked. Paul Chambers, an academic based at Naresuan University’s ASEAN Community Studies Institute, was officially arrested yesterday, April 8 at Phitsanulok City Police Station. Accompanied by officials from the US Embassy in Thailand, interpreters, and lawyers from the…
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Earthquake assessment reveals 60 buildings closed in Bangkok
Over the past 12 days, the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning assessed 7,649 buildings affected by the recent earthquake that hit Bangkok. Of these, 7,200 are safe for use, 389 have moderate damage, and 60 have been closed due to significant structural issues. Today, April 9, the Department’s Damage Assessment Centre, in conjunction with engineering organisations and…
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Teen found dead in Chiang Mai after swallowing ping pong bomb
A tragic incident occurred today at a residence in Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai province, when a 17 year old boy was found dead after swallowing a ping pong bomb. The victim, who suffered from depression and was known for spending long hours in his room, was discovered following a reported explosion at 3.19am today, April 9. Police Lieutenant Sumerng…
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Lovesick Thai man fabricates shooting on tanker to meet girlfriend
A Thai man fabricated a shooting and injuries on an oil tanker floating in the sea off Chon Buri on Monday, causing chaos for police officers, simply because he wanted to return home to see his girlfriend. More than 20 officers from Laem Chabang Police Station, Sri Racha Marine Police, and the Sawang Prateep Sri Racha Rescue Foundation rushed to…
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Newborn abandoned in pickup truck in Phuket, rescued
A chilling discovery in Phuket has left locals shaken after a newborn baby was found abandoned in the back of a pickup truck. The infant, still with the umbilical cord attached, was miraculously alive and is now in hospital receiving care. Today, April 9 at 10.30am, Police Lieutenant Colonel Khajornkiat Khamwichairat, Deputy Inspector of Investigation at Cherng Talay Police Station,…
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Elderly man arrested for alleged assault of granddaughter in Phatthalung
An 83 year old man has been arrested at his home in Pa Phayom district, Phatthalung province, following allegations of repeatedly assaulting his 15 year old granddaughter. The arrest of the old man, Somsuk, was executed by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATP), acting on a warrant issued by the Phatthalung Provincial Court dated April 3. The investigation began after the…
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Night fire near Bangkok mall causes chaos and power cuts
A significant fire incident late last night near a popular shopping mall in Bangkok, caused widespread panic among residents and led to traffic congestion. The fire, which broke out in a large transformer at the Saen Saep substation in Din Daeng district yesterday, April 8, was quickly addressed by local fire crews. Emergency services from the Huai Khwang fire station…
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Bets off: Phuket residents roll the dice against casino plan
A group of Phuket locals has rallied against the controversial casino bill, urging the government to halt its progress. Dressed in white shirts, they gathered at Phuket Provincial Hall to submit a petition that firmly rejects the push for casinos in the popular tourist destination. A group of concerned residents, entrepreneurs, and members of the Phuket State Enterprise Labor Relations Confederation…
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Burmese woman finds husband’s mistress after building collapse
A heartbroken Burmese woman walked for four days from Myanmar to Bangkok in a desperate search for her missing husband and son, following the collapse of a government building, only to discover her husband’s secret relationship with a Thai mistress. Locals said the woman was left “stunned and speechless” after discovering her husband had secretly started a new life behind…
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Widow loses 620,000 baht to call centre scam in Thailand
A widow with twin daughters sought help from the Pavena Foundation, claiming she was deceived into transferring over 620,000 baht by the Poipet Company. She had intended to save her late husband’s life insurance money for her daughters’ education. Yesterday, April 8, at the Pavena Foundation in Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani province, a 44 year old woman, referred to as…
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Couple arrested in Bangkok for selling drug-laced vape liquids
Police arrested a couple caught selling electronic cigarettes mixed with illicit drugs from their residence. The operation yesterday, April 8, led by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom and his team, uncovered a significant quantity of drugs and related items at their home in Sai Mai, Bangkok. The arrested suspects, 35 year old Theeraporn and 33 year old Tawiphop, were found…
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Phuket drug bust: 6 arrested with heroin
A major drug crackdown in Wichit, Phuket, led to the arrest of six suspects, including a man caught with over 79 grammes of heroin. The coordinated raids, carried out yesterday, April 8, have sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region. Six suspects were arrested in a well-executed drug operation led by…
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