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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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    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...

  • NHSO delays cancer care reimbursement changes to April

    NHSO delays cancer care reimbursement changes to April

    The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has decided to delay the implementation of new budget reimbursement criteria for hospitals involved in the Cancer Treatment Anywhere (CA) programme. This postponement aims to address existing reimbursement issues through upcoming discussions. Dr Athaporn Limpanylers, deputy secretary-general of the NHSO, announced yesterday, December 24, that revisions will be made to the criteria for reimbursing…

  • Severe cold hits Thailand’s north as south braces for storms

    Severe cold hits Thailand’s north as south braces for storms

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning of severe cold weather in the north and northeast, with frost expected on mountaintops. Meanwhile, eight provinces in the south are bracing for thunderstorms, as the country experiences varying weather patterns. The high-pressure system or cold air mass, persists over the upper part of Thailand and the northern part of the…

  • Bangkok lowers speed limit to 60 km/h in bid to reduce road accidents

    Bangkok lowers speed limit to 60 km/h in bid to reduce road accidents

    The Royal Gazette published an announcement today, December 24, regarding a new regulation on speed limits within Bangkok, which reduces the speed of vehicles on all roads in the city to 60 kilometres per hour (kp/h), except on 13 specific roads. The Royal Gazette released details on its official website today regarding the new speed limit and noise prohibitions in…

  • Thai couple dead in murder-suicide over jealousy of ex-husband

    Thai couple dead in murder-suicide over jealousy of ex-husband

    A Thai man fatally shot his wife before taking his own life at their shared home in Soi Lat Phrao 87 in the Wang Thong Lang district of Bangkok yesterday, December 23, in an act of jealousy over her ex-husband. Officers from the Chok Chai Police Station were called to the scene to investigate the deaths of the couple, identified…

  • Thai woman brtually assaulted by neighbour over wandering ducks

    Thai woman brtually assaulted by neighbour over wandering ducks

    A Thai woman in the central province of Chantaburi sought justice for her mother, who was physically assaulted by a female neighbour after two ducks wandered into the neighbour‘s residence. The daughter shared the details of the assault, which occurred at around 7am on December 19, with a Facebook news page, along with black-and-white photos of her mother, 52 year…

  • Phuket’s Nai Harn Lake revamp set for February completion

    Phuket’s Nai Harn Lake revamp set for February completion

    A significant 66-million-baht development project is currently transforming Nai Harn Lake in Phuket, with a completion target set for early February, according to local officials. The project, overseen by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), aims to enhance the lake’s surroundings with a new bike path and landscaping improvements. The initiative covers a stretch of 1,973 metres and includes the…

  • ‘Sober up or pay’: Thai govt cracks down on festive driving chaos

    ‘Sober up or pay’: Thai govt cracks down on festive driving chaos

    The Thai government is on a mission to curb the deadly spike in road accidents during new year celebrations with its Don’t Drink and Drive, Get Home Safely campaign. But will it be enough to tackle a cocktail of cultural habits, weak enforcement, and limited transport options? The initiative aims to save lives during the holiday season, notorious for a…

  • Poll reveals what’s draining happiness from the Land of Smiles

    Poll reveals what’s draining happiness from the Land of Smiles

    It seems 2024 has been a tough year for many in Thailand, and despite its moniker, the Land of Smiles, not many are feeling the joy as economic woes, political turmoil, and cybercrime topped the list of frustrations in a new poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). The annual survey, titled What Have You Been Tired of…

  • Hong Kong man restrained by taxi drivers after rampage near Phuket airport

    Hong Kong man restrained by taxi drivers after rampage near Phuket airport

    A group of Thai taxi drivers restrained a foreign man from Hong Kong after he went on a rampage outside Phuket International Airport yesterday, December 23. The Facebook news page Phuket Times shared pictures of the man with a caption that read, “What’s happening near Phuket Airport this afternoon? It appears to be an altercation!” The photos showed the man…

  • Tattoo artist threatens client after dispute in Lat Phrao, Bangkok

    Tattoo artist threatens client after dispute in Lat Phrao, Bangkok

    A tattoo session in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok took an unexpected turn when a woman found herself dissatisfied with the artwork she received. Although she was refunded 1,000 baht, the situation escalated as the tattoo artist allegedly began harassing her through chat messages, threatening harm, and urging her to relocate. This incident quickly gained traction online after being…

  • Defence Council approves plan to downsize RTA and cut costs

    Defence Council approves plan to downsize RTA and cut costs

    The Thai Defence Council has approved a significant white paper, marking a strategic shift to downsize the Royal Thai Army (RTA) and cut back on weapon expenses. This decision, made during the council’s final meeting of the year, aligns with the strategic plan for 2026 to 2037, which Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai presented to set the…

  • Missing 11 year old Thai girl found after alleged abduction by father

    Missing 11 year old Thai girl found after alleged abduction by father

    Yesterday, December 23, police located an 11 year old girl after her aunt filed a complaint alleging that she was kidnapped by her father from Bangkok to the central province of Chachoengsao. However, the father claimed that his daughter willingly went with him. A Thai woman, identified as Na, complained to Romklao Police Station, reporting that her 11 year old niece…

  • Finding the best tailor shop in Bangkok, Class Bespoke makes the choice easy

    Finding the best tailor shop in Bangkok, Class Bespoke makes the choice easy

    Thailand boasts an illustrious tailoring industry, and if we were to speak of the best tailors in Bangkok for custom-made clothing for men and women, very rarely can that conversation be held without mentioning Class Bespoke Tailor. With over 25 years of experience, Class Bespoke Tailor in Thonglor remains steadfast as the go-to option for personalised garments. No matter if…

  • Thai man fatally attacks wife in alleged menstrual blood prank

    Thai man fatally attacks wife in alleged menstrual blood prank

    A Thai man fatally attacked his wife in a rice field in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani on Sunday, 22 December, claiming she pranked him by rubbing menstrual blood on his mouth. The deceased woman’s relative expressed doubt about his account. The 35 year old Thai man, Phanumart Manee-on, surrendered himself to officers at Khueang Nai Police Station following the…

  • Man arrested for defrauding tourists in Maharaj café scam

    Man arrested for defrauding tourists in Maharaj café scam

    A man posing as the owner of a popular café in the Maharaj area has been arrested after deceiving a group of Chinese tourists before fleeing with their money. The suspect, 55 year old Kritsana, was apprehended by police in a fraud case, having a notorious history of similar offences. His arrest follows an incident involving eight hearing-impaired Chinese tourists…

  • Cholera claims three lives, infects 450 near Thai-Myanmar border

    Cholera claims three lives, infects 450 near Thai-Myanmar border

    Cholera has claimed three lives and left around 450 people infected in the Myanmar region bordering Mae Sot district in Tak province. Officals have issued warnings for increased vigilance regarding hygiene and food preparation to prevent further outbreaks. Cholera, a severe diarrhoeal disease, has caused significant health concerns in the area, with the first reports coming from the Myanmar side.…

  • Phuket tackles homelessness and begging with new initiative

    Phuket tackles homelessness and begging with new initiative

    Phuket officials have embarked on a significant initiative to tackle homelessness and begging in Phuket Town, with a focus on enhancing the lives of vulnerable residents. This proactive effort was spearheaded by Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai, who led a field visit to Lan Nawamin, off Phuket Road, yesterday, December 23. The visit was a collaborative endeavour involving key agencies including…

  • Innocent Thai couple killed in shooting by military volunteer

    Innocent Thai couple killed in shooting by military volunteer

    A member of the Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) opened fire at a restaurant in the southern province of Songkhla, killing an innocent Thai couple who were celebrating their son’s birthday. The shooting occurred at a restaurant on Nuan Kaew Uthit Road in the Hat Yai district of Songkhla on the night of Sunday, December 22. The two victims, 48 year…

  • Man dies as pickup truck plunges into Pasak River after collision

    Man dies as pickup truck plunges into Pasak River after collision

    A 38 year old man tragically lost his life after his pickup truck plunged into the Pasak River, following multiple collisions with a barrier. Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing moments as efforts to rescue the driver proved unsuccessful. At 7.30pm yesterday, December 23, police received a report of a pickup truck veering off course, crashing into a barrier at a U-turn…

  • Chon Buri pyramid scheme fraud costs victims 40 million baht

    Chon Buri pyramid scheme fraud costs victims 40 million baht

    More than 30 victims have reported a significant fraud involving a pyramid scheme after being deceived by a group leader known as Mae May. The victims, who have suffered a total loss of 40 million baht (US$1.17 million), gathered to file complaints at Saensuk Police Station, Chon Buri, yesterday, December 23. The fraudulent activities have left many individuals in financial…

  • Surin fire leaves couple homeless, losses over 2.5 million baht

    Surin fire leaves couple homeless, losses over 2.5 million baht

    A devastating fire engulfed the home of a couple, 59 year old Yom Boonchure, and 62 year old Yee Thongmak, in Ban Sanuan, Surin province, destroying their possessions, including cash, gold, and silk, amounting to over 2.5 million baht. Yesterday, December 23, locals gathered to offer support, with efforts underway to salvage partially burnt banknotes. On the morning of December…

  • School gardener arrested in Sukhothai for selling illicit videos

    School gardener arrested in Sukhothai for selling illicit videos

    A cybercrime investigation led to the arrest of a school gardener who allegedly ran a secret group selling illicit footage of women and students. This operation reportedly generated a significant income over two years, accumulating upwards of 120,000 baht. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) held a press conference in Muang Thong Thani at 12pm yesterday, December 23, where senior…

  • Peeping Tom: Khon Kaen woman filmed in restaurant restroom

    Peeping Tom: Khon Kaen woman filmed in restaurant restroom

    A woman in Khon Kaen recently reported an unsettling incident at a local restaurant where she was secretly filmed while using the restroom. Despite the offender’s confession, the evidence was deleted, leaving local police unable to take legal action. The incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday, December 23, prompting the victim to post a warning on social media…

  • Drunk Thai man crashes car, killing police and 4 year old boy

    Drunk Thai man crashes car, killing police and 4 year old boy

    A 75 year old drunk man crashed his vehicle into a crowd outside a school in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima yesterday, December 23, killing a traffic police officer and a four year old schoolboy and injuring more than nine others. The fatal accident occurred at about 4.15pm yesterday outside Ban Don Kwang School on Phet Ma Tu Kla…

  • Motorcyclist critically injured after phone distraction leads to crash

    Motorcyclist critically injured after phone distraction leads to crash

    A 30 year old motorcyclist was severely injured after crashing into the back of a parked six-wheel truck while being distracted by his mobile phone. Witnesses reported that he was on his phone throughout the journey. The incident took place at 8.45pm yesterday, Decemebr 23, on the Uthai Thani to Nong Chang road, heading towards Nong Chang. Local police from…

  • Thailand video news | Remembering the 2004 Phuket Tsunami: A tragic turning point, Ho Chi Minh City opens first metro line after 12-year delay

    Thailand video news | Remembering the 2004 Phuket Tsunami: A tragic turning point, Ho Chi Minh City opens first metro line after 12-year delay

    In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring a diverse array of stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia. Highlights include the festive chaos aboard the inaugural Surat-Bangkok flight that ran out of alcohol mid-air, sparking laughter and camaraderie among passengers. Meanwhile, a Thai AirAsia flight’s viral video reignited debates on in-flight etiquette. In Chonburi, a mysterious death raises questions,…

  • Tsunami guardian: How one man guards Thailand from the waves (video)

    Tsunami guardian: How one man guards Thailand from the waves (video)

    Nearly 20 years after the devastating Boxing Day tsunami, one man in Phang Nga province has become a beacon of hope and safety for his community. Meet 59 year old Banlue Choosin, a former fisherman turned guardian of the Andaman Sea. Ban Nam Khem village, where Banlue lives, was one of the hardest-hit areas in the 2004 disaster, which claimed a…

  • Husband strangles wife to death in Phuket tragedy

    Husband strangles wife to death in Phuket tragedy

    A tragic incident unfolded when a husband strangled his wife to death in their rented home in Pa Khlok, Thalang district, Phuket. Colleagues of the victim expressed sorrow, revealing that she had recently mentioned feeling relieved after her husband had moved out with his belongings. However, he returned and committed the heinous act early this morning, December 24, at 5.05am.…

  • Phetchabun: Big bike stunt sparks online backlash (video)

    Phetchabun: Big bike stunt sparks online backlash (video)

    A young motorcyclist’s daring stunt on a big bike in Phetchabun province has captured widespread attention on social media. The footage, showing him riding with one foot on the seat and one hand off the handlebar, sparked significant online criticism. The individual involved admitted to the act, claiming ignorance of the potential consequences. The afternoon of the same day saw…

  • Thai Oil may replace contractors over unpaid wages in fuel project

    Thai Oil may replace contractors over unpaid wages in fuel project

    Thai Oil Plc is contemplating altering the contractors for its Clean Fuel Project (CFP) due to unresolved disputes over unpaid wages to construction workers, potentially causing further delays. This development marks a significant moment for the country’s largest oil refinery by capacity. Unincorporated Joint Venture (UJV), which includes Petrofac South East Asia Pte Ltd, Saipem Singapore Pte Ltd, and Samsung…