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 Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Here’s your health checklist before the move
Thinking of retiring in Thailand long-term? Thailand is a popular choice for retirees because of its beautiful landscapes, warm climate, and affordable living. Cities like Chiang Mai and coastal areas offer a relaxed lifestyle with friendly communities. The country also...
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Thailand hotel room rates soar by 15% amid travel demand surge
Hotel room rates in Thailand increased by an average of 15% from 2023, as reported by SiteMinder, an e-commerce platform assisting hotels with direct and third-party bookings. This growth distinguishes Thailand as the only country with double-digit expansion. The Hotel Booking Trends report from SiteMinder, which analysed over 125 million reservations, indicates that the average daily rate (ADR) in Thailand…
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Banking on success: Line BK logs in for double-digit loan growth
In a bold move against economic headwinds, Line BK, the social banking brainchild of Kasikornbank (KBank) and Line Corp, is setting its sights on a double-digit loan growth surge this year, powered by cutting-edge technology. Eyeing a hefty 3-4 billion baht boost in new loans, Line BK is steering towards a 13-18% growth, up from last year’s 22 billion baht…
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Disabled man dies in fire caused by cigarette in Samut Prakan
A 47 year old bed-bound man died in a fire suspected to have been caused by a cigarette at his rented room in Samut Prakan. His brother, who returned from work, discovered smoke billowing from the room and attempted to extinguish the flames with the help of neighbours. Police Colonel Somchai Sakorn from Khlong Dan Police Station reported receiving notification…
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Fuelling the future: PTT Oil shifts gears for a brighter 2025
PTT Oil and Retail Plc (OR) is revving up for a sunnier financial forecast this year, aiming to bounce back after last year’s revenue slip. The secret sauce? A Thailand infused with tourism and investment buzz, according to OR chief Peekthong Thongyai. Thanks to a tourism surge, Thailand’s economic prospects are looking rosier than ever. Back in 2019, the country…
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Full steam ahead: SRT fast-tracks freight boost to cut costs
In a bid to slash transport costs for import and export businesses, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is all set to turbocharge freight services between Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri and Bangkok. SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala and his team, yesterday, February 12, descended on the deep-sea port and the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district,…
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Fatal fall: Loei hole takes motorcyclist’s life after tumble
A 41 year old motorcyclist died after falling into a 2-metre deep hole on a construction site in Mueang district, Loei province. The accident occurred last night, February 12, when the victim, Adisak, fell into a pit dug for sewer installation near a petrol station. Witnesses immediately contacted rescue volunteers from the Ruamjai Rescuers Association in Loei, who arrived at…
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Comeback call: Thailand’s smartphone market dials up growth
Thailand’s smartphone market powered back to life last year after two years in the doldrums, defying a sluggish economy. Global research giants IDC and Canalys both report an upward swing in sales: from IDC’s impressive 17.1% growth, with 16.9 million units shipped, to Canalys’s solid 7.1% increase, marking 16.4 million units sold. IDC predicts this growth spurt will carry on…
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Pattaya cracks down on homelessness amid public safety concerns
Pattaya is stepping up efforts to tackle homelessness and improve public safety along Sukhumvit Road and the beach, responding to growing concerns about crime and disorder. Local officials are rolling out new measures to clean up the streets, provide support for the homeless, and clamp down on illegal activities. Residents have voiced strong opinions on the issue, with many calling…
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Ex-minister’s son pulled off Bangkok flight over ‘kidnapping’ alert
A chartered flight carrying India’s former Maharashtra minister Tanaji Sawant’s son, Rishiraj Sawant, and two friends was recalled to Pune under extraordinary circumstances. Police ordered the abrupt diversion after an anonymous tip-off claimed Rishiraj had been kidnapped, triggering an urgent police response. The private jet, which took off for Bangkok on Monday, February 10, was redirected after aviation officials verified…
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Crowds seek blessings at Kham Chanod on Magha Puja Day
Visitors flocked to Kham Chanod yesterday, February 12, to seek blessings from the revered spirits, Por Pu Si Sutho and Mae Ya Sri Pathumma, coinciding with the Buddhist holiday, Magha Puja Day. The island, located in Ban Muang, Ban Dung district, Udon Thani province, was bustling with activity as worshippers gathered to make offerings and pray for luck and fortune…
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Pattaya transforms Lan Pho Naklua into modern seafood market
Pattaya officials conducted an inspection of the nearly completed renovation at Lan Pho Naklua, which is being transformed into a modern seafood market. Pattaya Deputy Mayor Wuttisak Ruemkijakarn visited the site on Tuesday, February 11, to assess the progress of this transformation. He was accompanied by local government officials, relevant agencies, and residents. Wuttisak explained that the renovation aims to…
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Thai security operation rescues 261 from Myanmar call centre
A Thai security operation successfully received 261 foreign nationals who were previously lured by a call centre scam in Myanmar. The operation yesterday, February 12, at 4.10pm, involved the Ratchamanu Task Force, Border Patrol Police, and local administrative officials in Tak province. At 4pm, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) handed over 221 men and 39 women from 20 different…
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South Korean fraud suspect arrested in Pattaya for visa overstay
A coordinated effort yesterday led by Police Major General Chairit Anurit, Commander of Immigration Bureau Division 3, alongside Police Colonel Plearn Klinpayom, Deputy Commander of the same division, culminated in the apprehension of a 41 year old South Korean national. The South Korean, Jiyong Ki, was taken into custody in a room located in North Pattaya, yesterday, February 12, at…
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Thai DSI targets Karen leader in global call centre scam
The issue of call centre scams is a significant concern in the Southeast Asia region, following revelations by Rangsiman Rome, an MP from the People’s Party. The MP exposed a fraudulent network causing distress for many. Rangsiman recently posted an image of an arrest warrant for Mong Chittu, leader of the Border Guard Force (BGF), alleging that the high-ranking officer is…
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Honda Jazz overturns and catches fire in Nong Khai
A white Honda Jazz collided with a barrier, flipped, and caught fire this morning in Mueang district, Nong Khai province. The 48 year old driver, Preecha, returning from dinner with his mother, stated he could not recall the accident’s details. Police Lieutenant Sittisart Moolmanat of Mueang Nong Khai Police Station received reports of the incident on Sadej Road leading to…
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Shocking discovery: Thai man found dead in Phuket resort room
Police are investigating the mysterious death of a 59 year old Thai man whose lifeless body was discovered in a Phuket resort room last night, February 12. The cause of death remains unknown, with no immediate signs of foul play. The police were alerted at around 9.30pm and arrived at the Kamala resort with a medical examiner from Vachira Phuket…
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Urgent healthcare support needed in Thai refugee shelters
The Ministry of Public Health has been advised to enhance healthcare support in temporary shelters, incorporating permanent healthcare facilities and refugee health volunteers. Former chairperson of the subcommittee on ethnic human rights, Surapong Kongchantuk, emphasised the urgency of the situation following the US government’s withdrawal of support. Surapong, who has worked with stateless individuals, migrant workers, and displaced persons, advised…
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Bangkok taxi driver arrested for targeting intoxicated passengers
Police in Bangkok arrested a 46 year old taxi driver accused of stealing from passengers who were intoxicated and abandoning them en route. The arrest followed the attachment of a GPS tracker to his vehicle. The driver, Sawat was apprehended yesterday, February 12, in Soi Chok Chai 4, Soi 69, Lat Phrao district, Bangkok, acting under a warrant from the Criminal Court…
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Thai TV host questions DJ Man’s 14 million baht extortion claims
Well-known television host Noom Kanchai recently commented on DJ Man’s interview where he accused a fellow celebrity of extorting 14 million baht. The online community is abuzz with speculation, with many believing they have identified the individual in question. During his appearance on the talk show, DJ Man revealed that a prominent figure from the entertainment industry approached and allegedly promised…
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Teenage girl seeks temple refuge after uncle’s alleged assault
A teenage girl, referred to as A, has accused her uncle of sexual assault and her aunt of physical abuse, prompting her to seek refuge in a temple. Yesterday, February 12, the 16 year old girl, accompanied by Chaiyanat Yamasamit, a 36 year old assistant village headman from Ao Noi subdistrict in Mueang district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, reported the incidents…
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10 year old girl assaulted outside Chon Buri school
A distressing incident unfolded in the Chon Buri province involving a 10 year old girl who was lured outside her school under the pretense of receiving sweets, only to be assaulted by three men. The victim is currently in critical condition and requires urgent surgery at Chon Buri Hospital. According to A, the girl’s 35 year old mother, the incident…
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Construction worker killed by collapsing wall in Bangkok
A construction worker tragically died after being crushed by a collapsing wall during demolition activities in Soi Phahonyothin 32, Sena Nikom 1 Road in Bangkok. The Ruamkatanyu Foundation’s volunteer unit responded to the incident yesterday, February 12, which involved an old concrete wall that was in the process of being dismantled. The volunteer team at the scene is assessing the situation…
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Thailand video news | Russian tourist dies after Pattaya boat slide incident, Most Indonesian Parents support social media age restrictions
Alex reports on major news stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia, covering key incidents and developments. A Russian tourist dies in Pattaya after using a boat slide, while a harvester accident in Kamphaeng Phet kills a teenager. Phuket police arrest four foreign hackers behind a 560-million-baht scam, and Bangkok authorities detain eight university students for a violent assault. Thailand braces…
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Butterbear helps patient overcome depression in Thailand
A patient’s journey in overcoming depression with the aid of a beloved character, Butterbear, has captured the nation’s attention. Depression remains a growing concern, and treatment typically involves medication, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, or other doctor-recommended methods. Consulting a doctor is crucial if depression is suspected, as medication or therapy benefits most patients. However, alternative emotional healing methods can also be…
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Driver trapped as car crashes into Phuket’s Seahorse Circle
A young driver was left trapped and seriously injured after losing control of his car and crashing into a power pole at Phuket’s infamous Nimit Traffic Circle, also known as Seahorse Circle, in the early hours of yesterday morning. Rescue workers from the Phuket Kusoldharm Foundation arrived at the scene at around 3am, yesterday, February 12, to find a wrecked…
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Teen fugitives caught in sugarcane field after detention escape
Two young male suspects, 13 and 14 years old, involved in separate robbery and methamphetamine possession cases, have been caught after escaping from a juvenile detention vehicle in Chaiyaphum province. They were found hiding in a sugarcane field after confessing to a local cattle herder. The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 11, when the two boys jumped from a juvenile…
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Elderly man killed by grandson in Udon Thani sword attack
An 88 year old man was killed at his home in Mueang district, Udon Thani province yesterday. A 29 year old suspect fled the scene with a long sword and remains at large. The incident occurred around 5pm, yesterday, February 12, with local police, including Police Colonel Pattanawong Chanpol and emergency services, responding to the scene. Phon sustained multiple injuries…
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Smog predicted for 53 Thai provinces as Bangkok chokes on dust
Bangkok and a staggering 53 out of Thailand’s 76 provinces today were engulfed in perilously high levels of ultrafine dust, with the Central Plain and east of the country bearing the brunt. The alarming report comes from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), painting a grim picture of air quality across the nation. As of 8am, today, February…
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Student injured by car running red light in Bangkok
A vehicle ran a red light and struck a student from Suankularb School while he was crossing a zebra crossing, causing injuries. The driver claimed unfamiliarity with the area and was distracted by her GPS. Police have pressed charges. Today, February 13, Police Lieutenant Colonel Seksan Chumchaem, Deputy Superintendent of Traffic at Phra Ratchawang, reported the incident occurred on February 10…
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Chinese tourists lead 4.8m visitors to Thailand, boosting revenue
Over 4 million tourists have visited Thailand since the start of the year, with Chinese visitors leading the numbers. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced yesterday that from January 1 to February 9, Thailand hosted 4.8 million international tourists, contributing more than 234.9 billion baht in revenue. Chinese tourists ranked highest with 825,617 arrivals, followed by Malaysia with 617,631,…
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