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.
-
Sponsored Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
-
Thailand video news | Nude photo scandal at Hat Yai sacred sites sparks outrage and investigation, Vietnam cracks down on trade fraud to avoid US tariffs
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay report on top stories making headlines across Thailand and Southeast Asia. From public outrage over nude photos taken at sacred sites in Hat Yai, to arrests in Patong involving a reckless French tourist and an armed Australian man, the team covers serious concerns around safety and respect. They also highlight a king…
-
Moan alone: Randy foreign couple put on x-rated show in Patong
It’s not just the waves keeping Patong awake at night, one randy foreign couple has been giving locals an x-rated earful with their nightly sex sessions, complete with open curtains, loud moans and zero shame. Residents of Sai Kaew Road in Phuket’s Patong Municipality say they’ve endured four sleepless nights thanks to a passionate pair who seem determined to share…
-
Pain in the neck: American kicks off outside Chiang Mai shop
An American man with a serious neck injury yesterday refused medical treatment and caused a public disturbance outside a convenience store in Chiang Mai province. A witness recorded a video of the foreign man yesterday, April 22, causing a fracas and shared it with the local news Facebook page, Guru Guroo Chiang Mai. The footage, filmed from inside the witness’s…
-
Ferrari and Mercedes destroyed in fiery Bangkok crash
A collision involving three vehicles led to a fire that destroyed a Ferrari and a Mercedes-Benz, leaving only the charred remains, and resulted in one person being injured. Emergency services responded promptly to the incident, which occurred at 2.20am today, April 23, near Soi Borommaratchachonnani 76, Borommaratchachonnani Road, Sala Thammasop subdistrict, Thawi Watthana district, Bangkok. The scene involved a three-car…
-
Great wall of silence: Chinese tourists ditch Thailand in travel drought
Thailand’s once-booming Chinese tourism stream has turned into a trickle, with industry chiefs warning of a full-blown crisis as daily arrivals plunge to record lows and desperate calls mount for an urgent fix to restore trust. Chinese tourist arrivals to Thailand have nosedived to their lowest point in 2025, with just 5,833 visitors recorded on April 16, a far cry…
-
Thai hotel maid stabbed over 50 times by mentally ill guest
Police arrested a mentally ill taxi driver who fatally stabbed a maid during his stay at a hotel in the central province of Amnat Charoen yesterday, April 22. The victim sustained more than 50 stab wounds. Hotel staff reported the brutal assault on the 61 year old Thai maid, Suwannee, to officers at Mueang Amnat Charoen Police Station. Police responded…
-
Chiang Mai aims for UNESCO World Heritage status by 2026
The Thai government plans to nominate Chiang Mai as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by 2026, coinciding with the northern city’s 730th anniversary. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol revealed that a government committee has prepared a nomination dossier since Chiang Mai was added to UNESCO’s tentative list this year. The nomination dossier, aimed at promoting the city as a World Heritage…
-
Watts the problem? Energy chiefs say green shift won’t shock you
Energy chiefs have poured cold water on claims that Thailand’s push for more renewable power will leave households with shocking bills, insisting the green move will actually save billions in the long run. Claims that new power purchase agreements (PPAs) under the government’s 5.2-gigawatt renewable energy scheme would send electricity bills soaring have been firmly rejected by top energy officials.…
-
Thai-dal wave: Bangkok on boil as storms brew in Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) sounded the alarm today for scorching temperatures mixed with wild winds and electrifying thunderstorms set to sweep through a scorching 32 provinces. Bangkok braces for a heatwave showdown while the south gears up for a drenching, with downpours threatening 40% of the region. Thailand is generally experiencing hot weather, with particularly intense heat in the…
-
Storm brewing! Nestlé goes full bean ahead in Thai coffee clash
Swiss food giant Nestlé is stirring the pot in Thailand’s coffee scene, vowing to go head-to-head with the powerful Mahagitsiri clan as it brews plans for its own production plant, all while riding out a bitter legal spat. Nestlé is digging in its heels amid a fiery legal feud with the Mahagitsiri family, pushing ahead with ambitions to establish its…
-
Thai Cabinet approves e-renewals for driving licences without tests
In a move set to save drivers time and money, the Cabinet has approved a new draft ministerial directive that will allow eligible drivers to renew their driving licences electronically, without the hassle of physical tests. The new system, which is expected to roll out in the coming months, will make the process quicker and more efficient, marking a significant…
-
Bangkok SAO building collapse death toll rises to 51
Search operations are ongoing as rescuers continue their efforts to locate 43 missing workers following the catastrophic collapse of the 30-story State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. The incident, which occurred on Friday, March 28, has now claimed 51 lives, with government officials working tirelessly to recover those still trapped beneath the rubble. Today, April 22, two…
-
Decomposed body of Thai man found in abandoned Phuket building
Authorities in Phuket are investigating the discovery of a decomposed body in an unused building located in the Kathu district, found on 21 April. Police were alerted to the scene around 5.40pm, joined by a forensic doctor from Vachira Phuket Hospital and rescue workers from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation. The body, identified as a Thai male, approximately 40 years old,…
-
Earthquake damages Chiang Mai temples, restoration underway
Three of Chiang Mai’s most iconic temples, Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Umong, have suffered damage following the powerful earthquake that struck neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. While none of the structures face immediate risk of collapse, government officials are moving quickly to stabilise and restore these sacred landmarks, which are central to the city’s rich cultural…
-
School hiss-teria: King cobra causes a stir in Surat Thani
Residents in Don Sak, Surat Thani, were startled when a large king cobra, referred to locally as a bong la, appeared in front of a community school. The incident, which occurred yesterday, April 21, prompted the immediate involvement of local rescue services to safely capture the snake. Facebook user Supawit Kamonbutr shared images of the rescue team from Don Sak…
-
Thailand slashes 2025 tourism forecast amid global concerns
In a surprising move, Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry has revised its tourism revenue forecast for 2025 down to 3 trillion baht, citing a mix of domestic and international factors that could affect the country’s tourism industry. The new target is a significant reduction from the previous projection of 3.5 trillion baht. Permanent Secretary Nattareeya Thaweewong confirmed the updated forecast…
-
Grandmother seeks justice after granddaughter’s Songkran ordeal
A grandmother is devastated upon discovering the truth about her 12 year old granddaughter, who was allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted by two men. The incident came to light yesterday, April 21, after the girl confided in her grandmother. A 25 year old Good Samaritan, Saichon Nitkham, contacted the media to help the grandmother seek justice. The victim was reportedly…
-
Koh Larn to get new police station amid tourist boom
With more than 10,000 tourists descending on Koh Larn every day, officials have finally responded to mounting concerns about safety and stretched police resources by announcing plans for a brand-new police substation at Tawaen Beach. In a recent meeting held at Pattaya City’s branch office on the island, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya Manoch Nongyai, Permanent Secretary Kiatthisak Sriwongchai, and other…
-
Woman seeks justice over husband’s misuse of funds and infidelity
A 55 year old woman appealed for justice at the Ubon Ratchathani provincial complaints centre, claiming her husband, a village headman, has been involved with three mistresses and used money from selling their land to build a house for one of them. Yesterday, April 21, she was accompanied by lawyer Kritsada Lohitdee, known as Lawyer Nobi, to submit a formal…
-
French tourist busted in Patong for reckless riding
A thrill-seeking Frenchman landed himself in trouble after his reckless antics on Patong’s streets caught the attention of Thailand’s national immigration chief. Identified as 23 year old Ali, the tourist was arrested after CCTV footage revealed him tearing through red lights, revving up noise complaints, and riding without a helmet. The chaotic joyride didn’t go unnoticed. National Immigration Bureau Chief…
-
Microsoft launches AI programme to upskill 1 million Thais
Microsoft Thailand has launched a groundbreaking initiative, the THAI Academy: Accelerating Thailand’s AI Future, aimed at offering over 1 million Thais the chance to gain AI upskilling opportunities. Announced yesterday, April 21, the programme is part of an ongoing collaboration between Microsoft and the Thai government, supported by 35 partners from both the public and private sectors. This major step…
-
Thai task force seizes 300,000 meth tablets in drug bust
The Surasak Montri Task Force, in collaboration with soldiers, border patrol police, and administrative officers, seized 300,000 methamphetamine tablets after discovering a drug trafficking operation from a neighbouring country today, April 22. Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, commander of the 2nd Army Area and the director of the Command to Suppress and Prevent Drugs and Chemicals in the northeastern border (NBYorSor.24),…
-
Thailand aviation upgraded to category 1, opening US flights
In a major boost for Thailand’s aviation sector, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially upgraded the country’s aviation safety rating to Category 1. The Ministry of Transport announced the exciting development today, April 22, recognising that Thailand now meets international civil aviation safety standards, paving the way for Thai airlines to resume flights to the United States. This…
-
400 million baht for new Rama 2 parallel route construction
The Department of Highways has allocated 400 million baht to alleviate traffic congestion on Rama 2 Road by constructing a parallel route and new bridges. Construction is expected to begin in September this year, and officials assure that it will not affect traffic on the main route. Yesterday, April 21, Apirat Chaiwongnoi, Director General of the Department of Highways, discussed…
-
Bangkok taxi driver praised for safely transporting unconscious woman to police (video)
A woman who lost consciousness was safely transported to Thong Lo Police Station, Bangkok, by a conscientious taxi driver, drawing admiration from netizens. Yesterday, April 21, a TikTok user, @kanthachok_759, who is a patrol officer at Thong Lo police Station, shared a video showing the unconscious woman lying in the backseat of a taxi. “The driver, acting responsibly, brought her…
-
Thai rice exports drop 30% as Vietnam overtakes in global market
Thai rice exports have seen a significant 30% decline in the first quarter, raising concerns as Vietnam overtakes Thailand to become the world’s second-largest rice exporter. Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, reported that during the first quarter this year, Thailand exported 2.1 million tonnes of milled rice, a drop from the same period last year.…
-
Drunk foreign man ends Phuket beach party with graveyard nap
Locals in the Bang Tao area of Phuket rescued a drunk foreign man who was found sleeping in a graveyard after attending a beach party. The Phuket Times shared photos of the man lying on a grassy area yesterday, April 21, with the caption: “5.20pm. A foreigner was found lying unconscious in the Bang Tao kubur (kubur means burial ground…
-
Phuket probes construction site over erosion concerns
Phuket officials have launched a major investigation into a hillside construction project in Karon after public concerns over potential illegal development and environmental damage. The inspection, conducted yesterday, April 21, was led by Surasak Anusorn, Director of the Phuket Natural Resources and Environment Office, and accompanied by officers from the Phuket Provincial Public Works and Town & Country Planning Office.…
-
Ex-attorney general gets 3 years in Red Bull heir hit-and-run case
A former deputy attorney general has been sentenced to three years in prison, while a former senior public prosecutor received two years, following their involvement in the controversial case surrounding the 2012 fatal hit-and-run involving Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya. The incident, which saw Vorayuth drive a luxury Porsche sports car into police officer Wichian Klanprasert, leading to his…
-
3 Thai universities deny offering student visas to illegal Chinese workers
Three universities in northern Thailand denied allegations that they illegally issued student visas to Chinese nationals who were secretly working on construction sites across the country. The Facebook news page, รู้ทันจีน (Roo Than Jeen, meaning “Know China”), claimed yesterday, April 21, that several universities in Thailand provided student visas to Chinese nationals who were not enrolled as students, thereby enabling…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.