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 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Hong Kong hotel bills pile up: Tourism takes a hit amid dollar drama
As Hong Kong’s hospitality sector braces for the new year, a perfect storm of challenges threatens to sour the city’s tourist appeal. With a new lodging tax set to dent visitors’ wallets and geopolitical tensions on the rise, thanks to Donald Trump’s upcoming presidency, the city’s once-thriving tourist industry could face an uphill battle. From January, a 3% hotel guest…
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Husband and wife arrested for brutal murder in Uthai Thani
A gruesome murder has come to light after the arrest of a husband and wife in Uthai Thani, Thailand, following the discovery of a deceased man’s body in a field. The suspects, identified as 58 year old Samrit and 32 year old Jirawan confessed to the murder of 60 year old Udom. The couple was apprehended after a public altercation…
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Fed on the brink: Rate cut looms as US plays interest-ing game
Anticipation is reaching fever pitch as the US Federal Reserve gears up for a crucial meeting, with punters betting on a 25 basis point interest rate cut. Slated for December 18, this decision could have ripple effects all the way to Thailand, where the Bank of Thailand might follow suit in the coming months. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)…
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Man arrested at Udon Thani festival for inappropriate behaviour
A man was apprehended by police at the Thung Sri Muang festival in Udon Thani yesterday after reports surfaced on social media about his inappropriate behaviour towards women. Boonhom, who had recently sold two cows and had been spending his earnings at the festival, claims he was misunderstood. Social media posts warned women attending the Thung Sri Muang festival to…
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Crypto hits new heights: Bitcoin Trumps US$100k amid election buzz
In a staggering leap that has set the crypto world ablaze, bitcoin shattered the US$100,000 mark for the first time, skyrocketing from around US$69,000 just a month ago. This meteoric rise comes hot on the heels of the US presidential elections, fuelling frenzied speculation among crypto investors about the impact of Donald Trump’s return to prominence. With crypto enthusiasts on…
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Thailand police crackdown on pornographic content production
Thai police launched a new operation dubbed Rabbit Slaughter: Suppressing Sex Creators, targeting both Thai and foreign nationals involved in producing and distributing pornographic content globally. The operation seeks to dismantle a network including pornographic content involving Thai women. Police, led by Saruti Kwangsopa, initiated the crackdown, resulting in the arrest of several individuals. These include 40 year old Benjamin…
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British man commits suicide, leaving sand messages for Thai wife
A British man left messages in the sand for his wife and children before taking his own life on Cha-am Beach in the southern province of Phetchaburi. He was reportedly distressed over two legal cases and a 400,000-baht loss to a friend. A Thai tourist discovered the lifeless body of the British man, later identified as 42 year old Antony…
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Thailand video news | Fatal massage incidents in Thailand, Malaysia introduces digital arrival card for travellers
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex delves into a range of stories spanning Thailand and Southeast Asia. From tragic incidents highlighting safety concerns in the Thai massage industry to controversial VAT proposals stirring economic debates, the headlines reflect critical issues impacting locals and tourists alike. Other notable stories include infrastructure safety following a tourist’s electrocution, reckless tourist behaviour in Phuket,…
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British man’s Thai-high trip goes up in smoke at Manchester customs
Another British man has been nabbed in a high-stakes arrest after being caught returning through Manchester Airport customs with two suitcases full of cannabis from Thailand. The alleged British drug mule, Ahmed Sohail, who claimed he went to Thailand to lose some weight, ended up losing much more than he bargained for. Stopped by eagle-eyed Border Force officials, the 26…
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124 gay participants arrested at underwear drug party in Bangkok hotel
Officers from Thong Lo Police Station arrested 124 gay men and women, including doctors and background actors, at an underwear drug party held in a hotel room in Bangkok yesterday. Police were alerted by a witness who reported suspicious activity after observing a large number of Thai and foreign men entering a room on the 20th floor of a hotel…
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High stakes: Police roll the dice on Bangkok gambling den
Police in Bangkok have once again raided a notorious gambling den operated by Kiat Don Mueang, also known as Panuae. Over 100 gamblers were caught in the act of playing the traditional Thai game known as hi-lo during the raid. This marks yet another crackdown on the illegal establishment that has been raided multiple times before yet continues to operate.…
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Political scandal: Former Bhumjaithai Party trio out on parole
Three former Bhumjaithai Party members, once sentenced to nine months behind bars for ethical breaches, yesterday strolled out of prison on parole. Having served part of their time, the trio is now back in the spotlight as they re-enter the world beyond bars. Among them, Natee Ratchakitprakarn, once a list MP and the wife of Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, emerged…
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Busted: Drug kingpin armed and dangerous in Thung Song swoop
Police in Thailand’s Thung Song district swooped on a suspected drug kingpin, dealing a major blow to the local narcotics trade. The 39 year old, nabbed in a sting at a rented spot in tambon Pak Phraek, was found with an arsenal fitting for an action flick: A menacing M16 assault rifle, 95 rounds of 5.56mm ammo, and a stash…
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Singaporean tourist dies allegedly due to oil massage in Phuket
A 52 year old Singaporean man died at a massage shop in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket after an oil massage. The cause of his death remains undetermined. Officers from Patong Police Station were called to Patong Hospital on Saturday, December 7, to investigate the death of the Singaporean man, identified as Lee Mun Tuck. Upon their arrival, they found…
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Thailand advised to limit economic stimulus as recovery progresses
The Government of Thailand is being urged to reconsider its approach to economic stimulus as the country’s economy shows signs of recovery. The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) advised against implementing large-scale economic stimulus measures, arguing that the economy is on a path to sustainable growth. Nonarit Bisonyabut, a research fellow at TDRI, likened the private sector’s reliance on government…
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Thai singer dies from neck injury allegedly linked to massage in Udon Thani
A Thai female singer died yesterday morning from complications caused by a herniated cervical disc, allegedly linked to a massage at a shop in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. The singer, Chayada “Phing” Praohom, who was associated with Guitar Record, became bedridden and received intensive care at Udon Thani Hospital before her death, yesterday, December 8. Since mid-October, she has…
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PM Paetongtarn to outline key policies in public address tomorrow
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to deliver a significant public address tomorrow, December 10, where she will highlight her Cabinet’s accomplishments over the past three months and underscore the importance of the government’s key policies for the upcoming year. The address, titled 2025 Empowering Thais: A Real Possibility, will commence at 10am and will be broadcast live on NBT2HD,…
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Stigma strikes: HIV shatters career dreams of two young Thai men
In a heart-wrenching tale from Thailand, two young men, driven by noble pursuits, have seen their career dreams dashed due to the crushing stigma surrounding HIV. One man hoped to step into his late father’s shoes as a police officer in the troubled southern regions while the other longed for the skies as a 27 year old flight attendant. Both…
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Monsoon system brings heavy rain to southern Thailand
A new monsoon system is set to sweep across southern Thailand, bringing heavy rainfall to nine provinces. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warned residents to be cautious of potential hazards due to the severe weather. Meanwhile, northern Thailand is experiencing a drop in temperature and strong winds. The latest forecast from the TMD indicates that a new cold air…
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What hospitals are covered by Cigna in Thailand?
Finding healthcare options as an expat in Thailand can feel overwhelming, especially with language barriers and unfamiliar systems. Fortunately, Cigna Global Health offers a range of insurance plans tailored to expats, providing access to top hospitals across the country. Here’s a guide to hospitals covered by Cigna in Thailand and tips for navigating your health needs while living here. Some…
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Naked Russian man rescued by speedboat hero near Pattaya
A naked and exhausted Russian man was dramatically rescued by a heroic speedboat driver headed to Koh Lan off the coast of Pattaya. The incident, which unfolded about six kilometres from Pattaya, grabbed headlines due to the man’s dire predicament. Pracharat Satsuk, a 34 year old speedboat operator, revealed how he stumbled upon the struggling swimmer during his regular route,…
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Young engineering student stabbed to death in Bangkok attack
A young engineering student was fatally stabbed by a gang of youths on motorcycles in Bangkok yesterday. The incident took place near the entrance of Soi Phetkasem 55/2 in Bang Khae, leaving a 19 year old dead and his friend narrowly escaping harm. Police Lieutenant Yanapol Phonyiem received reports of the fatal stabbing, with officers, forensic specialists, and a medical…
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Van crash on Doi Inthanon injures several, damages vehicles
A van descending Doi Inthanon crashed into a pickup and a Pajero, causing extensive damage and injuring several people. This incident occurred today at 10am on the road descending from Doi Inthanon towards Chom Thong district in Chiang Mai, just before the entrance to the Wachirathan Waterfall. The scene was chaotic, with a white Pajero severely damaged and stationary in…
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Phuket tourist criticised for reckless behaviour near Patong Beach (video)
Tourists in Phuket are drawing criticism after a video surfaced showing a foreign male tourist standing beside a moving car while drinking beer and smoking a cigarette in Patong Beach, Kathu district. Social media users have been quick to condemn the behaviour, questioning whether the driver was aware of the actions taking place. The incident, reported yesterday, has sparked a…
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Drunk Thai officer’s gunfire terrorises Pattaya, subdued in standoff
A troubling incident unfolded in Pattaya when a police officer, under the influence of alcohol, fired gunshots into the air, causing alarm among locals and necessitating a large police response. Around 2.36pm yesterday, Banglamung police were alerted to gunfire in Soi Wat Boon Samphan, commonly known as Soi Khao Noi. The officer involved was identified as Police Sergeant Sunthorn Hemphan…
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Pattaya nightclub raid: 54 arrested for drug use
A significant drug bust at a Pattaya nightclub led to the arrest of 54 patrons who tested positive for illegal substances. Early this morning, at precisely 4.06am, Chon Buri’s governor initiated a comprehensive raid on Eleven Pub Pattaya, situated on South Pattaya Road. More than 100 officers, including provincial and district administrative officials as well as local police, participated in…
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Patong Festival traffic warning: Road closures from 4pm to 8pm
Patong Municipality is urging motorists to steer clear of Prachanukroh Road and Patong Beach Road, also known as Thaweewong Road, from the Patong Hill Intersection to Soi Bangla this afternoon. These routes will be closed from 4pm to 8pm to accommodate the grand parade that heralds the start of the annual Patong Festival, a key event in Phuket’s calendar. The…
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Phuket residents oppose Nebu Resort over traffic and privacy concerns
Residents of the Pasak Soi 6 area in Cherng Talay, Phuket, have intensified their opposition to the proposed construction of the Nebu Resort Bangtao, a seven-storey hotel. The development has been met with significant criticism from locals who fear the influx of tourist traffic on roads too narrow for such high volumes, potentially disrupting their tranquil neighbourhood. Protests erupted at…
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Pattaya scrap collector loses 2,000 baht in tricycle theft
A theft incident in Pattaya early yesterday morning has left a local scrap collector distressed. At 3am, a 42 year old woman, reported to the Pattaya City Police Station that 2,000 baht had been stolen from her tricycle while it was parked on Soi Beach Road 6. Kamonwan, who earns her living by collecting recyclables, recounted that she had left…
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Russian tourist drowns at Pattaya Beach, CPR efforts fail
A tragic incident unfolded early today, December 8, as police in Pattaya City responded to reports of a drowning at Pattaya Beach, close to Soi Beach Road 3. At 1am, a 54 year old Russian tourist was discovered face down in the water. Despite swift efforts by bystanders and police to administer CPR, the woman, who had been submerged for…
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