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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Bird strike suspected in Azerbaijan Airlines crash, 42 dead
An Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane tragically crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan, with initial investigations suggesting a bird strike as the possible cause. The incident occurred yesterday, December 25, leaving 42 people dead but miraculously 25 individuals survived the ordeal. The plane, which had departed from Baku, Azerbaijan, was en route to Grozny, Chechnya. Due to dense fog…
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Koh Phi Phi tragedy: Brit pays tribute to brother in tsunami tale
On the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami which devasted six provinces in Thailand including Phuket and Phang Nga, a British tourist remembers the tragic death of his brother whilst the duo were on a Christmas break on Koh Phi Phi in 2004. Just a day after celebrating Christmas together on the beach and sharing a heartfelt “I love you,” brothers…
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Chilly weather and light rain forecast for northern Thailand
Today’s weather forecast from the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) highlights a mix of chilly and frosty conditions across northern Thailand, with light rain anticipated in some areas. The highest peaks may experience severe cold, with frost forming as temperatures drop to single digits. The TMD’s 24-hour weather forecast shows a moderate high-pressure system currently covering upper Thailand. This results in cool to…
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Decomposing body found in Udon Thani forest prompts investigation
A decomposing body of a woman was discovered in a forest opposite the Department of Forestry in Sri That, Udon Thani, sparking an investigation to determine the cause of death and locate her relatives. Police believe she died approximately five days ago. Yesterday, December 25, Police Lieutenant Colonel Chinphan Sungkaew, Deputy Superintendent of the Sri That Police Station, disclosed that…
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Is tap water in Thailand safe to consume?
Wondering if you can drink the tap water in Thailand? From brushing your teeth to filling up a bottle, it’s helpful to understand a few basics. Tap water safety in Thailand varies by location, and while some people use it without issue, others avoid it completely. Here’s a guide on what’s safe, what’s not. How clean is Bangkok’s tap water…
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Thailand brings out its elephants to add Christmas cheer
Thailand’s holiday celebrations are giving Lapland a run for its money with elephants donning Santa suits, flower-studded gardens, and dazzling star parades lighting up the nation. At Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya, Christmas cheer came with a floral twist as tens of thousands of blossoms transformed the space into a vibrant winter wonderland. Sacred figures like Ganesha and Guan…
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Thai woman falls from pedestrian bridge while trying to save dropped phone
A Thai woman sustained severe injuries after falling from a pedestrian bridge in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok while attempting to retrieve her dropped mobile phone. Officers from Phra Samut Jedhi Police Station and rescuers from the Por Tek Tung Foundation responded to the incident, which occurred beneath the pedestrian bridge near Soi Suksawat 48 at 5pm yesterday, December 24.…
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Knives out in Pattaya: Aussie tourist threatened by moto-taxi rider
A Christmas Eve motorcycle mishap turned menacing in Pattaya, leaving a 60 year old Australian tourist terrified after a motorbike taxi driver allegedly threatened him with a knife. Ivica, an Australian holidaymaker, filed a formal complaint with Pattaya police yesterday, December 24 at 11.46pm, claiming he had been menaced by a knife-wielding motorbike taxi driver following a minor collision. The…
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Dangerous play: Thai child gets shock from decorative lights in mall
A child was injured by an electric shock from decorative lights at a shopping mall, prompting the mall manager to cover all medical expenses but not without passing a rebuke to the child’s guardians. The incident was shared on the Facebook page à¸à¸µà¸‹à¹‰à¸à¸‚ยี้ข่าว, where it was reported that the child received an electric shock on the right wrist after touching…
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Stranded on the beach: Foreign driver’s pickup gets stuck in Phuket (video)
A yellow four-door pickup truck driven by a foreign driver became stuck on Mai Khao Beach in Phuket, causing a stir among both locals and online users. The mishap was captured in a 34-second video shared on Facebook which quickly drew attention and comments online. The video shows the vehicle stuck in the sand in front of a hotel, with…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport passengers surprised with teddy bears on baggage carousel
Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok is celebrating Christmas by sending teddy bears along the baggage carousel as gifts for arriving passengers. The gifts are available for two days, starting yesterday, December 24, said to run through until the end of today. The Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Kittipong Kittikhajorn, and the spokesperson of the Transport Ministry, Kittiphon Ruayfuphan, joined forces to…
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Elderly woman flees as son sets house on fire in Bangkok (video)
An elderly woman was forced to flee her home after her son, in a state of frenzy, set their house on fire. The incident was captured and shared on TikTok by user @hippopo2875, who expressed sympathy for the woman, revealing he had known her for over 20 years, describing her as kind-hearted. The video depicted firefighters and residents battling the…
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2 Thai women survive rape due to suspect’s erectile dysfunction
Two Thai women survived a rape attempt at a cassava plantation in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani due to the suspect’s alleged erectile dysfunction. Officers from Trakan Phuet Phon Police Station were alerted to the attempted rape by locals in the Trakan Phuet Phon district of Ubon Ratchathani yesterday, December 24 and rushed to the scene. The two injured…
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Royal Turf Club unveils AI data centre in Thailand
The Royal Turf Club of Thailand (RTC), under royal patronage, has launched an ambitious project to establish the RTC AI Data Centre, marking a significant step towards global project management. This announcement was made at the Army Club in Vibhavadi, where Jamlong Boonkaphue, RTC chairperson, provided updates on the Sports and Entertainment Complex project and the establishment of the RTC…
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Successful coral restoration boosts tourism at Koh Larn
A team of marine specialists conducted a diving inspection at Koh Larn to ensure the safety of tourists and coral reefs in the Sea Walker area. The inspection revealed the successful restoration of staghorn coral reefs. Dr Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), led a group, including Ukkrit Sataphumin, director of the Marine Resources…
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Elderly couple’s tragic motorcycle accident in Udon Thani
A tragic accident unfolded in Udon Thani, where an elderly couple riding a motorcycle with a sidecar from Nakhon Phanom to Nong Bua Lam Phu was struck by a six-wheeled truck, resulting in one fatality and another person seriously injured. Police are actively searching for the truck driver who fled the scene following the incident. The accident was reported yesterday,…
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Khao Kheow Open Zoo showers animals with Christmas gifts
Khao Kheow Open Zoo is spreading festive cheer with its Christmas and new year celebrations, delighting visitors and animals alike. The zoo’s director, Narongwit Chodchoi, alongside the management team, has organised a special event to bring joy to the park’s wildlife. This initiative is part of a larger festive programme welcoming tourists as 2024 makes way for 2025. The zoo…
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Government extends excise tax cut for entertainment venues to boost tourism
The government has decided to extend the current excise tax reduction for entertainment venues, such as pubs, bars, nightclubs, and cocktail lounges, for another year to bolster tourism. This decision was announced by Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul following a Cabinet meeting held yesterday, December 24. The extension will see the excise tax rate decrease from 10% to 5% of…
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Experts warn ‘safety first’ as couples get rompy during Christmas
The Christmas holiday season often sees an uptick in certain types of injuries, with experts noting a significant rise in sex-related mishaps, including a dramatic 234% increase in searches for “penile fracture” on Google during this festive period. Research from FeetFinder highlights that the festive spirit might lead to some unexpected outcomes in the bedroom. Data from the British Journal…
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Thailand launches tax rebate scheme with 50,000 baht cap
The Thai government has introduced the easy e-receipts initiative, allowing eligible purchases to be deducted from personal income tax. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed the Cabinet’s approval of the scheme, which is set to roll out from January 16 to February 28 next year. The deductions will be applicable for the 2026 tax filing period. Participants in this programme…
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Thai economy forecast: 109 billion baht boost from consumer spending
Predictions for the new year indicate a robust economic circulation of 109 billion baht, driven by consumer spending, according to findings from the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). While this suggests a positive economic trend, many individuals remain cautious with their expenditures. The UTCC’s survey, conducted recently, highlights an anticipated 3.2% increase in spending compared to last…
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Young elephant shot dead at Chanthaburi rubber plantation
A tragic discovery was made when the carcass of a young wild elephant, weighing 1.5 tonnes, was found shot dead in a rubber plantation in Chanthaburi province. Veterinarians are urgently conducting an autopsy to gather evidence and identify the perpetrator. The local police in Kaeng Hang Maeo were alerted by residents who stumbled upon the elephant carcass in a rubber…
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Thailand expands global e-visa system for 2025 to boost tourism
Thailand is set to simplify travel for international visitors starting 1 January 2025 by expanding its e-Visa system globally. This significant development allows travellers worldwide to apply for a Thai e-visa via the official website, streamlining the process that was previously available only in select locations. Now, the electronic visa system will be operational across all 94 Royal Thai Embassies…
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Chiang Mai magic mushroom vendor arrested after death of British man
Police arrested a Thai vendor selling magic mushrooms in Chiang Mai following the death of a British man who purchased and consumed the drugs from her shop. Officers from the Investigation Division of Provincial Police Region 5, in cooperation with the Provincial Public Health Office, raided a cannabis shop on Tha Pae Road in Chiang Mai’s Mueang District on December…
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Thailand video news | Thai government pushes for safer holiday roads, Festive car decorations spark legal action in Bangkok
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay present a variety of stories from across Thailand and Asia. These include Thailand navigating a mix of challenges and reforms in 2024, ranging from economic struggles and road safety initiatives to military overhauls and social transformations. A NIDA poll reveals widespread public dissatisfaction with rising living costs and instability, while Bangkok takes…
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Phuket vendor revives Italian man, but tragedy strikes in hospital
A Thai chicken rice vendor successfully revived an Italian man who collapsed while dining at his restaurant in Phuket, but tragically, the foreign man later passed away in hospital. A viral video of a Thai man administering CPR to a foreigner was widely shared on Thai social media yesterday, December 24. The incident reportedly occurred at a renowned chicken rice…
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Truck accident in Nakhon Ratchasima disrupts medical supply delivery
A significant traffic incident unfolded yesterday evening in Nakhon Ratchasima when a pickup truck carrying medical equipment veered off the road and into an irrigation canal. Fortunately, the canal contained only a small amount of water, which helped avert a more serious outcome. The accident occurred at approximately 8.30pm yesterday, December 24, along the Phimai-Dong Yai road, near the entrance…
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RTP launch new year safety campaign with crime crackdown
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has initiated a comprehensive new year safety campaign, aiming to boost public confidence in personal and property safety. The campaign follows a crackdown on crimes during the Christmas and new year period, reported in a meeting led by Prachuab Wongsuk, Deputy Commissioner-General of the RTP. This meeting was attended by representatives from various police departments,…
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MRT extends New Year’s Eve services with free parking across Bangkok
The Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) announced its new year’s gift for passengers, extending services on four routes across Bangkok from midnight to 2am on New Year’s Eve, December 31. Free parking will also be provided at each station. The Deputy Minister of Transport, Surapong Piyachote, stated that the ministry, in collaboration with the MRT and other transport concessionaires, planned measures…
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Buri Ram land dispute awaits Supreme Court decision amidst ownership clash
The ongoing land dispute in Buri Ram’s Khao Kradong area centres around the ownership of 5,000 rai of land, which Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit asserts belongs to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Concurrently, Anutin Charnvirakul, another deputy prime minister, has urged all parties to await the Supreme Administrative Court’s decision on the matter, highlighting the legal complexities involved.…
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