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.

  • Mixed reactions after foreign rider condemned for illegal U-turn in Phuket | Thaiger

    Mixed reactions after foreign rider condemned for illegal U-turn in Phuket

    Thai netizens shared mixed reactions after a Phuket driver condemned a foreign rider for making an illegal U-turn over a traffic island. The Thai driver posted dashcam footage of the incident on his Facebook account, Wongwit Sand. The clip was later reshared by Newshawk Phuket Facebook page, which supported Wongwit’s criticism writing… “Foreigner tries bringing death to himself, making a…

  • Vietnam protests after Thailand shows wrong flag again at SEA Games | Thaiger

    Vietnam protests after Thailand shows wrong flag again at SEA Games

    Vietnam reportedly lodged a formal complaint today, December 11, after Thailand once again displayed the wrong national flag during a 2025 SEA Games event, marking the third flag error since the competition began. The first mistake surfaced when the official SEA Games Facebook page posted graphics for football and futsal fixtures, showing Laos’ flag in place of Indonesia’s and Vietnam’s…

  • Indian brothers arrested in Phuket over Goa nightclub fire that kills 25 | Thaiger

    Indian brothers arrested in Phuket over Goa nightclub fire that kills 25

    Two Indian brothers who fled their home country after a deadly nightclub fire in Goa, India, were arrested in Thailand after days on the run. The fire, which broke out at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub on Saturday, December 6, claimed the lives of 25 people, most of whom were employees. Five tourists were also among the victims, though…

  • Tourism operators calls for clarity on new Thai immigration rules | Thaiger

    Tourism operators calls for clarity on new Thai immigration rules

    Tourism operators want Thai authorities to clearly publicise new immigration rules after a rise in the number of tourists being denied entry. The concerns follow new measures introduced by the Immigration Bureau to crack down on multiple visa runs and prevent the misuse of visa-free entry. The updated rules aim to stop foreigners from entering the country while engaging in…

  • Lisa joins Met Gala 2026 host committee alongside global stars | Thaiger

    Lisa joins Met Gala 2026 host committee alongside global stars

    Thai K-pop superstar Lalisa Manoban, or Lisa Blackpink, has been named to the host committee for one of the world’s most prestigious fashion events at the Met Gala 2026. The announcement was made ahead of the year’s end and confirmed Lisa’s involvement in shaping the direction of next year’s gala as part of the host committee, alongside several international artists…

  • Thai netizens demand probe after Chinese tourist catches fish in Phuket for fun | Thaiger

    Thai netizens demand probe after Chinese tourist catches fish in Phuket for fun

    Thai netizens are questioning authorities after a viral video showed a Chinese tourist catching vibrant fish in the Phuket sea for fun, with many voicing concerns over animal abuse and suspicions that she may have travelled with an illegal Chinese-run tour operator. A Thai woman spotted the video on Douyin and forwarded it to well-known blogger Luijeen, who shared screenshots…

  • Pattaya driver cites mechanical failure as car crashes into home, injuring 3 | Thaiger

    Pattaya driver cites mechanical failure as car crashes into home, injuring 3

    A Thai man crashed his sedan into a Pattaya home on Tuesday, December 9, injuring three people, including the homeowner’s wife, who was trapped in the bathroom after a wall collapsed on her. Nong Prue Police Station officers were alerted at about 7am and rushed to the scene with rescuers from the Sawang Borriboon Dhammastan Pattaya Foundation. They arrived to…

  • Thailand video news | Cambodia pulls out of SEA Games, Government considers Disneyland-style attraction | Thaiger

    Thailand video news | Cambodia pulls out of SEA Games, Government considers Disneyland-style attraction

    In today’s Thailand video news, Alex covers key stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. The lineup includes updates on how rising Thai–Cambodian tensions are impacting the Southeast Asian Games, a remarkable six incidents involving foreigners behaving badly, and finally, a look at whether the Kingdom of Thailand could soon become the Magic Kingdom of Thailand. Disney fans, you’ll want…

  • Phuket on high alert for floods, landslides and strong waves | Thaiger

    Phuket on high alert for floods, landslides and strong waves

    Phuket issued a warning for flash floods and landslides as heavy to very heavy rain is forecast across southern Thailand from December 11 to 16. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) announced that intense rainfall is expected throughout the South, prompting Phuket to order all relevant agencies to remain on full alert for floods, flash floods, landslides, and…

  • 2 more Thai soldiers killed in border clashes, Sa Kaeo imposes curfew | Thaiger

    2 more Thai soldiers killed in border clashes, Sa Kaeo imposes curfew

    Two more Thai soldiers lost their lives in the escalating border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia yesterday, December 10, bringing the total number of Thai casualties to seven. Sa Kaeo province imposes a nighttime curfew for public safety. The renewed fighting since Sunday, December 7, has spread across four border provinces, Buriram, Si Saket, Surin, and Ubon Ratchathani, with fatalities…

  • Russian man arrested in Phuket with hundreds of illegal hookah products | Thaiger

    Russian man arrested in Phuket with hundreds of illegal hookah products

    Phuket police arrested a Russian man for possessing a large quantity of hookah products, known locally as baraku, during a raid in the Cherng Talay area yesterday, December 9. Officers from the Region 8 Special Operations Unit conducted the operation at a rented room in Soi Hua Tiew in the Choeng Thale sub-district of Thalang district. The suspect, identified as…

  • Trump to intervene in renewed Thailand-Cambodia conflict | Thaiger

    Trump to intervene in renewed Thailand-Cambodia conflict

    Following a successful brokering of a ceasefire in July, which ended a five-day conflict between the two countries, US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to intervene by phone call after fighting between Thailand and Cambodia continued into its third day today, December 10. In an interview yesterday, December 9, Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, said he doubts…

  • Reward posted as tourist who feeds wristband to sea turtle remains at large | Thaiger

    Reward posted as tourist who feeds wristband to sea turtle remains at large

    Marine officials expect a sea turtle that swallowed a tourist’s wristband to pass the object naturally within 30 to 40 days, while the suspect responsible remains at large. A video showing an unidentified tourist feeding a yellow wristband to a sea turtle went viral last month. The incident reportedly took place during a diving trip in Mu Ko Similan National…

  • Cambodia withdraws from SEA Games over safety concerns amid border clashes | Thaiger

    Cambodia withdraws from SEA Games over safety concerns amid border clashes

    Cambodia announced its withdrawal from the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand today, December 10, citing safety concerns from parents and guardians of athletes following the escalating clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border. A small group of Cambodian athletes attended the opening ceremony at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok yesterday, December 9. Cambodia had earlier confirmed it would send athletes to…

  • Young tiger seen near tourist spot in Nakhon Ratchasima | Thaiger

    Young tiger seen near tourist spot in Nakhon Ratchasima

    A young male tiger made a surprise appearance near a popular viewpoint in Nakhon Ratchasima on December 6. Its proximity to human territory is becoming concerning for wildlife officials and locals. Tourists captured video footage of a male tiger near the Pha Rak Saladdai viewpoint and the road leading up Khao Saladdai in the Thai Samakkhi subdistrict, Wang Nam Khiao…

  • Thai government studies Disneyland project instead of casino complex | Thaiger

    Thai government studies Disneyland project instead of casino complex

    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn revealed a new plan to bring Disneyland to Thailand, replacing the previously proposed entertainment complex. The earlier proposal introduced by the Pheu Thai Party aimed to create a large entertainment complex to boost tourism and the national economy. The project was expected to include theme parks, water parks, sports stadiums, concert…

  • Thailand video news | Trump calls for cease-fire respect, SEA Games begin under heavy security, Phuket taxi stunt draws backlash. | Thaiger

    Thailand video news | Trump calls for cease-fire respect, SEA Games begin under heavy security, Phuket taxi stunt draws backlash.

    Today we’ll be talking about pressure from the White House for Thailand and Cambodia to honor their cease-fire deal, The kicking off of the Southeast Asian Games, and a little later some dangerous behaviors behind the wheel. Trump urges Thailand and Cambodia to respect cease-fire deal US President Donald Trump called on Thailand and Cambodia to honour the cease-fire agreement…

  • Cambodian rockets fall near Surin hospital, forcing evacuation | Thaiger

    Cambodian rockets fall near Surin hospital, forcing evacuation

    Cambodian troops allegedly targeted Phanom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin this morning, December 10, firing BM-21 rockets into the surrounding area and forcing medical staff and patients to evacuate for safety. According to an update from the 2nd Army Area, a total of six BM-21 rockets were launched into Thai territory at around 8.40am. Several rockets landed near the hospital…

  • Thailand releases four leopard sharks in first rewilding effort | Thaiger

    Thailand releases four leopard sharks in first rewilding effort

    Conservationists released four Indo-Pacific leopard sharks off Koh Maiton on Monday, December 8, in Thailand’s first endangered shark rewilding project. The release took place near Maiton Resort, around nine kilometres from Cape Panwa, and aquarists at Aquaria Phuket bred the sharks, named Maiton, Hope, Spot, and Toty, who are all nearly two years old. Each shark, measuring between 100 and…

  • Wrong flag, incorrect medal tally, and lip-sync error disrupt SEA Games opener | Thaiger

    Wrong flag, incorrect medal tally, and lip-sync error disrupt SEA Games opener

    The opening ceremony of the 2025 SEA Games at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium last night, December 9, sparked widespread criticism after a series of errors, including a wrong national flag, incorrect medal numbers, and a lip-sync mishap. Public scrutiny over this year’s SEA Games, Thailand’s seventh time hosting, began long before the ceremony. Thai visual and lighting designer Rueangrith “Ton”…

  • 5 Thai soldiers killed amid escalating clashes with Cambodia | Thaiger

    5 Thai soldiers killed amid escalating clashes with Cambodia

    Five Thai soldiers have been killed in ongoing border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, with fresh confrontations reported this morning, December 10, the fourth consecutive day of fighting since hostilities resumed. The clashes reignited on Sunday, December 7, despite both countries signing a peace declaration in October, witnessed by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) Anwar Ibrahim.…

  • Drunk driver escapes tragedy after driving onto Pattaya railway track | Thaiger

    Drunk driver escapes tragedy after driving onto Pattaya railway track

    A Thai man narrowly escaped tragedy after accidentally driving along a railway track in Pattaya while under the influence of alcohol late last night, December 8. Rescuers from the Sawang Borriboon Dhammasathan Pattaya Foundation were alerted to the incident on the railway track in the Nong Prue sub-district, Bang Lamung district, Pattaya, at around 12.30am. When they arrived, they found…

  • Thai man raises alarm after finding blood smeared on arm during MRT ride | Thaiger

    Thai man raises alarm after finding blood smeared on arm during MRT ride

    A Thai man voiced fear of intentional disease spreading after an unidentified passenger allegedly smeared blood on his arm while travelling on an MRT train yesterday, December 8. The 37 year old man, identified only as Bank, shared his account and concerns in the Facebook group Bangkok Train at 8.57am. He said the incident happened between 7.32am and 7.35am while…

  • Foreign man slammed for leaning out of moving Phuket taxi | Thaiger

    Foreign man slammed for leaning out of moving Phuket taxi

    Thai motorists and netizens slammed a foreign man for dangerous behaviour after he was seen sticking his upper body out of a taxi while travelling along a Phuket road. A Thai driver, who was travelling behind the white taxi, filmed the risky stunt and shared the footage on his Facebook account, Alif Sroison, on Sunday, December 7. The clip was…

  • Woman scammed into shaving head in fake hair-buying scheme | Thaiger

    Woman scammed into shaving head in fake hair-buying scheme

    A woman was left devastated after being tricked into shaving her head for a promised payment that never came. A male barber shared the case on Facebook, warning fellow stylists and the public about potential scammers targeting women looking to sell their hair. He posted the story in a Thai barber community group after a female customer entered his shop and…

  • Thai foreign minister says ‘nothing to negotiate’ until Cambodia ready for talks | Thaiger

    Thai foreign minister says ‘nothing to negotiate’ until Cambodia ready for talks

    Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister insisted the country did not initiate the renewed border clash with Cambodia and responded to calls from the United Nations (UN) for negotiations, saying there is “nothing to negotiate if Cambodia is not ready.” Clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces resumed on Sunday, December 7, despite both countries signing a peace declaration in October witnessed by…

  • Trump urges Thailand and Cambodia to uphold ceasefire | Thaiger

    Trump urges Thailand and Cambodia to uphold ceasefire

    US President Donald Trump has called on Thailand and Cambodia to uphold their commitment to a ceasefire agreement signed earlier this year, following months of escalating border tensions. A White House official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said Trump remained focused on keeping the peace between the two Southeast Asian nations. “President Trump is committed to the continued…

  • Phuket businessman accuses Pakistani national of illegally running businesses on his land | Thaiger

    Phuket businessman accuses Pakistani national of illegally running businesses on his land

    A Thai businessman filed a police complaint accusing a Pakistani national of using Thai nominees to illegally run a hotel and restaurant on a property he legally purchased through a public auction in Phuket. Nitipon Ditthawiset, an executive of ASAF Holding Company, travelled to Patong Police Station on Friday, December 5, with his lawyer to request an investigation into the…

  • Thailand unveils 800k tax deductions under TISA plan | Thaiger

    Thailand unveils 800k tax deductions under TISA plan

    Thailand’s Finance Ministry is launching a new savings initiative to help citizens prepare for an ageing population, with tax deductions of up to 800,000 baht under the Thailand Individual Savings Account (TISA) scheme. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas revealed that the economic ministerial meeting yesterday, December 8, approved a key measure under the government’s fifth economic pillar,…

  • Thailand video news | Border airstrikes raise tensions, Tourist denied entry over cash rules, EDC Thailand | Thaiger

    Thailand video news | Border airstrikes raise tensions, Tourist denied entry over cash rules, EDC Thailand

    Today we’ll be talking about the escalation of hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia, a tourist getting turned away at Don Mueang for failing to provide evidence of funds, and a little later we’ll give you a preview of some magical experiences in the form of theme parks and music festivals. Thai Jets Strike Border Positions as Fighting Intensifies Thai military…