Thailand News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, and lifestyle—get breaking updates from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. Stay informed on Thai society, economy, tourism, and expat life with The Thaiger.
-
Sponsored How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
-
Scooting trouble: Luxembourg man ‘wheeled’ in for illegal Bangkok tour guide gig
Tourist Police officers arrested a man from Luxembourg for illegally working as a tour guide after he was found leading clients around Bangkok on electric scooters. The arrest followed a tip-off from Yongyos Samransook, head of the Inspection and Supervision of Travel Agency and Tour Guide Registration Division under the Department of Tourism. Yongyos reported that the foreign man was unlawfully…
-
New chairman could spell economic disaster, warns ex-bank boss
The race to appoint the next Bank of Thailand (BoT) board chairman has taken a dramatic turn as former governor Tarisa Watanagase warns that a bad choice could plunge the economy into chaos. In a fiery Facebook post, Tarisa urged the panel selecting the new BoT chair to exercise extreme caution, stressing that appointing the wrong person could open the…
-
Fake Line Man caught in gold ‘heist’ situation by sharp-eyed bikers
A man disguised as a Line Man delivery driver attempted to rob a gold shop in Samut Sakhon but was captured by vigilant motorcycle taxi drivers before he could escape. The robbery occurred at the Bangkok Golds shop located in the Lotus Mahachai 2 branch in Maha Chai subdistrict, Mueang Samut Sakhon district, Samut Sakhon province. The suspect, a tall…
-
Shinawatras open kitchens to feed flood victims in Chiang Mai
The Shinawatras are back in action, and this time it’s all about giving back. Former Thai premiers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra have stepped up in a big way, sponsoring two relief kitchens in their hometown of Chiang Mai, ensuring flood victims don’t go hungry. Thaksin, who recently returned to Thailand after years in exile, has funded a kitchen at Paed Kao…
-
Electric car catches fire at flooded Chiang Mai home
A fire broke out in an electric car submerged in floodwaters at a residence in Chiang Mai, subsequently spreading to a nearby pickup truck and causing significant damage. Police are currently investigating the cause of the blaze, which also led to damage to two additional vehicles. Rescue officials from the Chiang Mai Philanthropic Association received a report of a fire…
-
Elderly man dies after falling from ladder in Chanthaburi orchard
An 85 year old man tragically died after falling from a ladder while tending to durian flowers in Chanthaburi. Emergency medical teams performed CPR and used a defibrillator but the man was found unresponsive under a durian tree, and could not be revived. Police Lieutenant Pacharapol Tanjing of the Chanthaburi City Police Station received a report of a serious accident…
-
Elderly Swiss man busted with gun at Phuket Airport
An 82 year old Swiss man was arrested at Phuket International Airport after security found a handgun tucked away in his luggage. The Swiss national, Kurt Fritz Loliger, a seemingly unassuming pensioner, was stopped at Gate 81 of the International Passenger Terminal last night, October 7. The drama unfolded around 8.30pm when Ainah Pango, an X-ray image officer, spotted something…
-
Smogged in: Bangkok wakes up to a PM2.5 breath of fresh despair
Bangkok and its neighbouring provinces awoke today to find themselves enveloped in a thick blanket of smog, as pollution levels reached dangerously high levels. The stagnant air trapped hazardous levels of PM2.5, leaving the city gasping for breath. According to the Pollution Control Department, PM2.5 (tiny particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter) breached the safe threshold of 35 microgrammes per…
-
No more slack: Thailand tightens the noose on illegal workers
The Government of Thailand is tightening the noose on illegal foreign workers in a sweeping crackdown, with over 2,000 arrests in recent weeks. While the bulk of those detained are undocumented migrants from neighbouring Myanmar, the hunt is expanding to include Western foreigners working illegally in jobs reserved for Thai nationals. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director General of the Department of Employment…
-
Thailand eyes higher inflation target to push for rate cut
Sources familiar with the discussions have revealed that Thailand’s Finance Ministry plans to propose an increased inflation target of 1.5% to 3.5% for the coming year. This move is likely to exert additional pressure on the central bank to lower its key interest rate. Talks between the Finance Ministry and the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to finalise this new price…
-
PM Paetongtarn urges swift update of laws to boost road safety
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has directed officials to expedite the amendment of outdated laws to enhance road safety. At a road safety meeting yesterday, the 38 year old prime minister highlighted the tragic accident on October 1, which has led the government to reassess existing frameworks and regulations concerning vehicle safety for passengers. Paetongtarn emphasised the necessity for stricter…
-
Thai national returns from Lebanon amid Israeli airstrikes
A Thai national has safely returned from Lebanon to Thailand, while five others await evacuation amidst Israeli airstrikes, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Nikorndej Balankura, the MFA spokesperson, noted that approximately 100 Thais residing in Lebanon prefer to stay and monitor the situation. The spokesperson held an online press conference on October 6 addressing Israel’s attack…
-
Thai pervert leaves woman shaken after knicker-sniffing antics
A woman is living in fear after a Thai pervert grabbed her underwear hung outside her rented room in Chon Buri and sniffed it right in front of her on Sunday night. The 25 year old victim filed a complaint with Bang Lamung Police Station yesterday, October 7, and later recounted the shocking experience on Sunday, October 6, to Channel…
-
Phatthalung villagers scammed out of 5 million baht by neighbour
Nearly 30 villagers in Phatthalung province filed police reports after being scammed out of 5 million baht by a neighbour they had trusted. The incident involved daily savings schemes, gold savings plans, and land brokerage deals. The chief of Khao Krasai subdistrict in Pa Bon district, Komjak Saengsio, led the villagers in reporting the case. The accused, Sattaya Boonladee, a…
-
Food fight: Delivery rider and motorcyclist clash in petrol station
A heated altercation occurred between a food delivery rider and a motorcyclist, leading to a physical fight, causing both men to sustain facial injuries. CCTV footage captured the incident at a petrol station on Sri Sothorn New Road in Chachoengsao province yesterday. The altercation began when a delivery rider, riding his motorcycle against traffic, exited the petrol station. At the…
-
Teen fatally shot in Pathum Thani after Facebook watch deal
A tragic incident unfolded in Pathum Thani province where a teenager was shot dead after arranging to buy a watch via Facebook. The young man met with the sellers in a secluded alley, only to be ambushed and fatally shot. Police are now in a race to apprehend the culprits. Police Lieutenant Waranchai Sookying of Khlong Luang Police Station received…
-
Rayong councillor arrested for siphoning diesel from fishing boats
Police in Rayong, Thailand, arrested a prominent municipal councillor and his workers for allegedly siphoning diesel fuel from fishing boats at a local port. The councillor denied all charges and requested bail to fight the case. Special operations units in Rayong, in collaboration with local police, took action following complaints about illegal fuel sales to fishing boats. The incident happened…
-
Ladyboy arrested in Bangkok for phone theft and drug use
Police apprehended a 39 year old ladyboy at a shop in Kriangkrai Market, Lat Krabang, Bangkok, on charges of theft and drug use. She was found in possession of a stolen Samsung A73 5G phone and methamphetamine (meth). A victim reported the theft of their Samsung A73 5G phone from a restaurant inside a mall to Romklao Police Station on…
-
Police seize 87 million baht ketamine haul from abandoned truck
Police intercepted a six-wheel truck belonging to a drug trafficking gang, seizing over 291 kilogrammes of ketamine worth 87 million baht (US$2.6 million). The suspects abandoned the vehicle and escaped, prompting a forensic investigation to identify the culprits. Yesterday, October 7, police officers, led by Attapon Itthayophasakul from Huai Yai Police Station, coordinated with Thatchakorn Chaisit from the Chon Buri…
-
Thailand video news | Thai family prays for son’s release from Hamas captivity in Gaza, Johor state to revert to Saturday-Sunday weekend in 2025
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex brings you the latest news from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. The stories include a Thai family’s emotional plea for the safe return of their son held captive by Hamas in Gaza, a defence of Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s use of an iPad for speeches at international forums, and an investigation into a luxury…
-
Former Thai soldier arrested after attacking 4 police with knife
A former Thai soldier suffering from a mental illness went on a rampage, attacking four police officers with a knife outside his home in the central province of Ang Thong yesterday, October 7. Officers from Wiset Chaicharn Police Station were called to subdue the rampaging former Thai soldier, 62 year old Prateep. This man previously served in the army in the central…
-
Police seize 1.26 million meth tablets in major drug bust
Police in Nakhon Si Thammarat seized 1.26 million methamphetamine tablets in a major drug bust, revealing shockingly low wholesale prices and promotional offers for bulk purchases. The drugs are believed to be produced in neighbouring countries embroiled in conflict. Yesterday, October 7, at the Provincial Police Region 8 headquarters in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Saranyu Chamnanrach, Deputy Commissioner of Police Region…
-
Khon Kaen MP accused of 431 million baht embezzlement
The court of Thailand has postponed the verdict hearing for an MP of Khon Kaen province, who is facing charges of embezzling 431 million baht from the Khon Kaen Teachers’ Savings Cooperative. Ekkarat claims the case has been politically manipulated and made a statement at 2.30pm yesterday, October 7. The Khon Kaen Provincial Court initially scheduled the verdict for Ekkarat…
-
Big Tai appointed as new police commissioner with unanimous vote
The former Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), 58 year old Kittirat Phanphet, also known as Big Tai, became the new commissioner yesterday, October 7, receiving unanimous votes from the committee. Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra attended a meeting with the Office of the Police Commission yesterday. The key item on the agenda was the selection of the…
-
Fire at Big Moose bar near Pattaya Beach traps six residents
A fire at the Big Moose beer bar and rental rooms near Pattaya Beach Road trapped six residents early yesterday morning. The blaze erupted around 7.30am, yesterday, October 7, originating on the ground floor and blocking all exits, which left the residents unable to escape unaided. Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene and began dousing the flames with water. They…
-
High-speed police chase ends with crash and drug arrests
A high-speed chase spanning more than 10 kilometres ended dramatically when police apprehended a couple fleeing in a white Toyota sedan. The pursuit concluded after the vehicle crashed into a fence and wall, leading to the arrest of the driver and passenger and the discovery of drugs. At approximately 8.30pm yesterday, October 7, Police Lieutenant Prajak Chumyen and his team…
-
Thief steals motorcycle from hotel in Chachoengsao, still at large
A brazen theft occurred at the Rajapruek 24 Hotel in Chachoengsao province when a thief stole a motorcycle and evaded capture by misleading the hotel caretaker. The incident, caught on CCTV, highlights a well-coordinated plan executed in the early hours of yesterday, October 7. CCTV footage from the Rajapruek 24 Hotel on Suwinthawong Road in Chachoengsao captured the event around…
-
Dig up the dirt: Bangkok bones baffle as police probe plot twist
The police are investigating unidentified human skeletons found on an abandoned plot of land in Bangkok. Locals reported no suspicious activity. Officers from Lat Phrao Police Station, along with rescuers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, examined the skeletons yesterday, October 7, on the overgrown plot located in Soi Lat Phrao 101, intersection 42, in the Bangkapi district of Bangkok. Some locals…
-
Tuk tuk parking in Patong’s red and white zones sparks outrage (video)
A viral video showing tuk tuks parked along the red and white kerbside in Patong, Phuket sparked outrage on social media. The clip, shared on the โหดจัง-จังหวัดภูเก็ต Facebook page, questions whether tuk tuks are permitted to park in these restricted areas, leading to a flurry of comments from netizens. The footage, lasting one minute and one second, was posted with…
-
Murder-suicide suspected after family of 4 found dead in Songkhla
Police suspect a Thai woman of committing a murder-suicide involving her family members at her home in the southern province of Songkhla after four bodies with gunshot wounds were discovered yesterday, October 7. Officers from Mueang Songkhla Police Station were called to investigate the fatal shooting at a two-storey house belonging to a former member of the Songkhla Municipality Council,…
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.