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.

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    Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run

    Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...

  • Could Thailand become ASEAN’s first spaceport?

    Could Thailand become ASEAN’s first spaceport?

    Thailand is setting its sights on the stars, with bold plans to become ASEAN’s first spaceport. Thanapant Raicharoen, a commissioner of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), urges the country to seize the opportunity to become a key player in the rapidly growing space industry. Thanapant envisions Thailand playing a vital role not only in satellite development but also…

  • Swede deal gone wrong: Man loses 300k baht to ‘married’ scammer

    Swede deal gone wrong: Man loses 300k baht to ‘married’ scammer

    A Swedish man is seeking justice after losing over 300,000 baht to a Thai woman who promised to marry him. He later discovered she was already married, and her husband, a soldier, threatened to harm him. The 42 year old Swedish victim, Ahmet, reached out to non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after officers from Si Samrong Police Station in the northern…

  • Son kills mother days after drug rehab return in Nakhon Pathom

    Son kills mother days after drug rehab return in Nakhon Pathom

    A tragic incident in Nakhon Pathom resulted in the death of a mother at the hands of her son, who had just returned from a drug rehabilitation programme three days earlier. The 32 year old son was apprehended by police while riding a motorcycle to buy methamphetamine. Police Lieutenant Sata Porn Duangsi of the Nakhon Pathom City Police Station received…

  • Thailand mandates VAT registration for online sales platforms

    Thailand mandates VAT registration for online sales platforms

    The Ministry of Finance is set to integrate online sales platforms into Thailand’s tax system, following a Cabinet decision mandating these platforms to register for value-added tax (VAT). An anonymous ministry source confirmed that the Revenue Department will amend the Revenue Code in line with the Cabinet’s resolution. Online sales platforms will now be required to register for VAT in…

  • ‘Por the Slapper’ strikes store worker for fabricated assault

    ‘Por the Slapper’ strikes store worker for fabricated assault

    The owner of a convenience store in the Isaan province of Udon Thani is taking legal action against a mentally ill customer who slapped her employee in the face without reason. The store owner shared CCTV footage on her Facebook account on Monday, September 2, showing the incident, in which the customer, known locally as “Por the Slapper,” struck the…

  • Man stabs ex-girlfriend in Trat, crashes motorcycle while fleeing

    Man stabs ex-girlfriend in Trat, crashes motorcycle while fleeing

    A man was apprehended in Trat province after stabbing his ex-girlfriend and attempting to flee on a motorcycle, only to crash 20 kilometres away. He claimed he intended to end his life to escape his wrongdoing. While receiving medical treatment, the injured woman confronted him. The incident occurred at 7.50pm yesterday, September 4, when a 41 year old man named…

  • Thailand levels up: Set to be Southeast Asia’s e-sports epicentre

    Thailand levels up: Set to be Southeast Asia’s e-sports epicentre

    Thailand is poised to become a leading e-sports hub in Southeast Asia, according to Riot Games, a US-based game developer. Riot Games Thailand Manager Jon Lor emphasised the strong foundation already present in the Thai gaming community. “From my perspective, it’s about building on the strong foundation we already have. We’ve seen incredible enthusiasm from the Thai gaming community, and…

  • Thai man arrested for assaulting elderly woman in Phatthalung

    Thai man arrested for assaulting elderly woman in Phatthalung

    A 64 year old Thai man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a 70 year old woman, sparking controversy due to his poor health and inability to walk unaided. The incident occurred yesterday, September 4, at 5pm, when police from Sri Banphot Police Station in Phatthalung province apprehended Wichian (last name withheld) on charges of rape. Despite his relatives’ efforts…

  • Thai content creator market valued at 45 billion baht in 2024

    Thai content creator market valued at 45 billion baht in 2024

    Tellscore Co Ltd, a Thai influencer marketing platform, has valued the local content creator market at 45 billion baht (US$1.3 billion) for this year, marking a 25 to 30% increase compared to last year. This growth is driven by surges in news, science, education, and family content. Suvita Charanwong, Chief Executive and co-founder of Tellscore, highlighted that despite Thailand’s sluggish…

  • Conveniently caught: Bangkok cops nab woman in multi-store heist

    Conveniently caught: Bangkok cops nab woman in multi-store heist

    Bangkok Metropolitan Police, along with Investigation Team 115, apprehended a woman involved in a series of thefts at convenience stores across five branches. She confessed to the crimes, citing unemployment and a history of imprisonment while currently under probation. Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang and other high-ranking officers yesterday, September 4, reported the arrest of 20 year old Montita. She…

  • Thailand promotes quality products at Times Square

    Thailand promotes quality products at Times Square

    Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce launched a campaign to elevate the image of Thai products at Times Square. The Ignite Thailand Festival: Think Thailand, Next Level took place at 46-47 Broadway Plaza & Duffy Square yesterday, September 4, aiming to showcase the quality and innovation of Thai goods to over 20 million consumers in the United States. Wuttikrai Leeweeraphan, Permanent Secretary…

  • Foreigner in bin bag sparks panic in Bangkok beauty salon (video)

    Foreigner in bin bag sparks panic in Bangkok beauty salon (video)

    An unnamed foreign man caused chaos in a beauty salon in the Siam Square shopping area near Siam BTS Station in Bangkok on Tuesday , September 3. No one was injured during the incident. A worker at the salon shared a video of the incident on his TikTok account, @oleallstar777, on Tuesday, with the caption: “Warning! Mad foreigner on a…

  • Single mother faces multiple theft accusations in Pathum Thani

    Single mother faces multiple theft accusations in Pathum Thani

    A single mother of four has been accused of theft by the owner of her former rental apartment after her seven year old son inadvertently took a plastic bucket worth 45 baht while they were moving out. To attend the police summons, she had to sell her rice cooker for 300 baht. The CRSJ Foundation’s Facebook page received a complaint…

  • Public health minister rejects 30-baht scheme co-payment review

    Public health minister rejects 30-baht scheme co-payment review

    Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin dismissed a proposal from health experts to revisit the co-payment system of the universal healthcare policy, known as the 30-baht gold card scheme. Somsak stated emphatically that he had no intention of reopening discussions about the co-payment plan. “The ministry is doing its best to take care of people’s health. No changes have been made.”…

  • US Navy’s MV Ocean Valor visit to boost economy in Pattaya

    US Navy’s MV Ocean Valor visit to boost economy in Pattaya

    The US Navy is set to make a significant visit to Pattaya with the MV Ocean Valor scheduled to dock at Pattaya Port from September 16 to 19. Chon Buri Provincial Officials received a notification from the Ministry of the Interior, based on an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that the request for docking permission has been approved.…

  • Thailand video news | Australia to require Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for entry to Thailand, Indonesia to deport fugitive ex-mayor with alleged criminal ties to the Philippines

    Thailand video news | Australia to require Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for entry to Thailand, Indonesia to deport fugitive ex-mayor with alleged criminal ties to the Philippines

    In today’s Thailand video news, Alex covers the stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia countries. The stories include an Indian man refusing to grant his wife a divorce, the hottest trends on Thai Netflix, and later, a tale involving possible espionage linking Indonesia, the Philippines, and China. Key highlights include Australia’s upcoming requirement for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)…

  • Thailand’s oldest hippo Mae Mali to celebrate 59th birthday

    Thailand’s oldest hippo Mae Mali to celebrate 59th birthday

    Khao Kheow Open Zoo is preparing a special celebration for Mae Mali, Thailand’s oldest hippopotamus, as she turns 59 this weekend. Scheduled for September 7 to 8, the event will feature various activities dedicated to this cherished animal. Mae Mali has been a beloved figure at the zoo, drawing generations of children and visitors with her cheerful demeanour. Despite her…

  • Cambodian connection: Police arrest man for brutal Lopburi murder

    Cambodian connection: Police arrest man for brutal Lopburi murder

    Police arrested a Cambodian man in connection with the murder of a Cambodian woman in a rented room in the central province of Lopburi. The suspect claimed that a conflict with her brother was the root cause. The lifeless body of the 30 year old Cambodian victim, Mab, was discovered in her unlocked rented room in the Phatthana Nikhom district…

  • Bank of Thailand to appoint new chairman amid government push

    Bank of Thailand to appoint new chairman amid government push

    The Bank of Thailand (BoT) board is set to appoint a new chairperson by early October, as announced by the head of the selection committee. This move comes as the government aims to exert more influence over the central bank following a prolonged public dispute over interest rates. Although the BoT chairperson does not have the authority to set interest…

  • Rama II Road projects set for full launch by June next year

    Rama II Road projects set for full launch by June next year

    Caretaker Transport Minister Suriya Juengrungreangkit announced a firm deadline for three ongoing construction projects on Rama II Road, setting their full launch by June next year. Suriya addressed the media yesterday, detailing the status of the projects on Highway 35, commonly known as Rama II Road, which serves as a crucial link between Bangkok and the southern provinces of Thailand.…

  • Truck driver attempts suicide after rampage kills taxi rider (video)

    Truck driver attempts suicide after rampage kills taxi rider (video)

    A six-wheel truck driver went on a rampage along Rama IV Road in Bangkok, crashing into several cars and killing a motorcycle taxi driver before attempting suicide. Motorists reported the chaos on Rama IV Road to Tha Rue Police Station at around 2pm, yesterday, September 4. The white Isuzu six-wheel truck was speeding from Maleenont Tower to Phra Khanong Intersection…

  • Thailand boosts benefits, extends maternity leave to 98 days

    Thailand boosts benefits, extends maternity leave to 98 days

    The Ministry of Labour announced significant improvements to benefits for Social Security Fund (SSF) members, which will kick off next year. These enhancements include an increased allowance during maternity leave and extended periods for receiving various social security benefits. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn revealed new guidelines for managing the SSF, including a legal amendment under the Social Security Act aimed…

  • Elderly American expat assaulted in Pattaya, suspect at large

    Elderly American expat assaulted in Pattaya, suspect at large

    Pattaya City Police responded to an assault on an American expat last night near the Youth Sports Stadium on Soi Wat Boonkanchanaram. Police Colonel Nawin Thirawit, Chief of the Pattaya City Police Station, coordinated with rescue workers from Sawang Boriboon to address the situation at around 10.06pm yesterday, September 4. Reporters were also present at the scene. Officers found Rad…

  • Man kills estranged wife, himself in tragic Chiang Mai shooting

    Man kills estranged wife, himself in tragic Chiang Mai shooting

    A tragic incident unfolded in the Doi Saket district of Chiang Mai yesterday when a 46 year old man shot and killed his estranged wife before taking his own life in front of a convenience store. Chanyut fatally shot his wife, 43 year old Charunee, and then turned the gun on himself. Police from the Doi Saket Police Station have…

  • Evidence found in Russian man’s death in Phuket suggests suicide

    Evidence found in Russian man’s death in Phuket suggests suicide

    Police reported yesterday that they have gathered multiple pieces of evidence and information from the wife of a Russian man, whose body was discovered on Karon Beach in Phuket, suggesting that he may have committed suicide. The body of the Russian man, Ilia Orlov, was discovered near Karon Beach in Phuket on Tuesday, September 3. The 27 year old had…

  • Man falls from tree into Wang River and dies in northern Thailand

    Man falls from tree into Wang River and dies in northern Thailand

    A man who climbed a tree to rest tragically fell into the Wang River and died. His body was discovered by a Good Samaritan who was relaxing at a riverside park. At 4.40pm yesterday, September 4, rescue workers from Sawang Nakhon Lampang retrieved the body of 45 year old Ek, a construction worker who had fallen into the Wang River…

  • Ayutthaya residents warned of flash floods amid rising water levels

    Ayutthaya residents warned of flash floods amid rising water levels

    The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) alerted residents in parts of Ayutthaya to prepare for flash floods due to a continued surge in the Chao Phraya River. Monitoring is ongoing at two primary water stations, and the warning comes as water levels rise significantly. Residents near Khlong Phong Pheng in Ang Thong, as well as those living along the banks of…

  • Man dies in collision with cow on Thai road

    Man dies in collision with cow on Thai road

    A 54 year old man tragically died in a collision with a cow while riding his big bike. The accident occurred on the road connecting Nang Rong and Buriram on September 3. His grieving wife appealed for the cow’s owner to take responsibility. Nantachai, a resident of Village 13, Sakae Phrong subdistrict, Mueang district, Buriram province, was riding his big…

  • Jailhouse rock or just a comfy block? Police probe luxe prison stays

    Jailhouse rock or just a comfy block? Police probe luxe prison stays

    Provincial Police Region 7 launched an investigation into a hotel-style service provided to inmates at a prison in the central province of Samut Sakhon, following revelations from two former prisoners about their comfortable lives in jail. The 26 year old male inmate A, and the 30 year old female inmate B, from Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station, reached out to…

  • Thailand braces for heavy rain and floods as Typhoon Yagi nears

    Thailand braces for heavy rain and floods as Typhoon Yagi nears

    The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued its seventh warning about Typhoon Yagi. Northern and northeastern Thailand are expected to experience heavy rain and strong winds, with potential flash floods and landslides. Coastal areas face high waves, urging caution for all residents. Today, September 5, the TMD announced Typhoon Yagi’s seventh warning (166/2024). At 4am, the typhoon was positioned over…