Hot News
Thailand hot news, breaking stories, crime, politics, tourism, and business—stay updated with in-depth reports and exclusive interviews on the latest events across the country. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted Thailand news source.
-
Sponsored 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...
-
Japan considers extending tourist visa waiver for Thai citizens
Japan is contemplating an extension of its tourist visa waiver for Thai citizens due to rising concerns over its potential discontinuation next year. This matter surfaced during discussions held in Tokyo between Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and his Japanese counterpart, Yoko Kamikawa. Trade and investment relations were the primary focus of their meeting. However, the visa waiver programme was also…
-
Heavy rain warning issued for 35 provinces in Thailand
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for heavy rain, predicting a high probability of rainfall across 80% of the northern and central regions of Thailand, impacting 35 provinces. Bangkok is also expected to experience significant weather conditions, with risks of sudden flooding and forest runoff. Today, May 24, the TMD forecasted the weather for the next 24…
-
The rise of augmented reality and virtual reality
As the trend of working from anywhere solidifies, the complexity of re-establishing an office-like setting at home becomes increasingly conspicuous. This issue extends beyond simply acquiring ample space or sufficient privacy the inconveniences associated with transporting large-scale monitors are also noteworthy. Here, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) emerge, offering potential solutions to these obstacles. Envision metamorphosing your residential…
-
Cannabis crackdown: Only buds back on the blacklist
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin revealed that only cannabis buds will be reclassified as Category 5 narcotics, while the rest of the marijuana plant remains legal. This dramatic shift is set to clarify the murky waters of Thailand’s cannabis regulations, following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s controversial pledge to recriminalise marijuana. “The new directive will specify that leaves, branches, roots, stems,…
-
Actresses take the stage to accuse manager of sexual assault
Several actresses have come forward as victims of sexual assault perpetrated by a male celebrity manager. Three of them have taken steps to pursue legal action against the accused. Thai social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet accompanied the three actresses to file a complaint against their former manager at Kannayao Police Station yesterday, May 22. The three actresses included 27…
-
Myanmar national arrested for samurai sword attack in Bangkok
Authorities in Bang Khun Thian arrested a 21 year old Myanmar national for attacking a teenager with a samurai sword, leaving the victim seriously injured. The incident occurred yesterday when Ye Min Htit, reportedly angered by taunts, retaliated violently. Earlier today, authorities led by Police Major General Prasong Anomanee and Police Colonel Kritidech Chanphet, apprehended Ye Min Htit. The arrest…
-
Villagers in Thailand turn to Doraemon for rain
In a quirky twist to tradition, villagers in Thailand have ditched live cats for plush toy versions of the beloved Japanese cartoon character Doraemon in their rain-calling rituals. Amid severe heatwaves, this change has not only brought relief but also garnered amused and supportive reactions from netizens across Japan and China. One netizen observed that the Doraemon ritual shows we…
-
THAI set for shock stock market comeback: PM Srettha
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ordered from the Finance Ministry an expedited rehabilitation plan for Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) to see the national carrier relisted on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) by the end of this year, according to a ministry insider. Originally slated for a stock market return in April or May next year, THAI’s accelerated timeline is…
-
70% of Thais clueless about upcoming senatorial elections
A new poll revealed that nearly a quarter of Thais are unaware of the upcoming senatorial elections, while a whopping 70% do not understand how the new election system works. This startling revelation comes as the nation prepares for elections from June 9 to 26, where thousands of candidates will vote among themselves to elect 200 senators. The poll, conducted…
-
Thai trade envoy spices up talks with Shanghai to stir-fry ties
In a significant move to bolster economic ties, Thai trade representative Narumon Pinyosinwat met with Zhao Zhuping, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai municipal government yesterday. The discussion centred on expanding trade and investment between Thailand and Shanghai. “Chinese investors sought the highest number of investment privileges from the Thai government last year.” Narumon noted that 430 projects valued at 160…
-
Thailand’s MICE industry shakes up IMEX Frankfurt 2024
A dazzling display of Thai hospitality took centre stage at IMEX Frankfurt 2024 as 36 Thai exhibitors united under the Thailand Pavilion. Representing Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and Phang-nga (Khao Lak), the delegation comprised 20 hotels and resorts, 11 DMCs and organisers, two venues, one airline, one association, and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). TCEB President Chiruit Isarangkun Na…
-
Thai minister reveals groundbreaking health initiative with China
Thailand’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation unveiled a pioneering research programme in collaboration with China’s leading genome research powerhouse, BGI. This initiative, aimed at transforming healthcare in Thailand, promises to elevate the quality of life for locals while slashing healthcare costs tied to late-stage diseases. The ambitious project, spearheaded by Thailand’s National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology…
-
Northeast Thailand: Wildlife officer mauled by bear survives attack
A brave wildlife officer narrowly escaped death after being mauled by a ferocious bear while patrolling a remote mountain in northeast Thailand. Danai, a 39 year old officer from the Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary in Chaiyaphum province, was conducting a routine patrol through dense woodland last Friday, May 17 when an Asian black bear emerged, attacking Danai with its powerful…
-
Jewish independent to challenge Keir Starmer in UK election (video)
Sir Keir Starmer yesterday declared the July 4 General Election announcement by United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was the “moment the country” had been waiting for. While the opposition leader believes it’s a foregone conclusion that the Labour Party will triumph, this may not necessarily be the case. Andrew Feinstein, a former Member of the National Assembly of South…
-
Thai Constitutional Court accepts petition against PM Srettha
The Constitutional Court accepted a petition calling for the removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin over his decision to appoint a minister with a criminal record. Despite this, the court narrowly voted 5-4 not to suspend the Bangkok-born PM from his duties while awaiting its final ruling. A panel of nine judges convened today to consider the petition submitted by…
-
High times afloat: Inside the Siam Cannabis Cup 2024
Amidst the government’s controversial plans to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, the cannabis culture in Thailand remains vibrant. This was evident at the first-ever Siam Cannabis Cup event that took place on May 18 aboard the Viva Alangka Cruise on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Held in partnership with Lollipop Dispensary, the event celebrated all aspects of cannabis culture,…
-
App-alling Thai man: Admits to sexual assault of multiple taxi riders
A Thai man sexually assaulted an app-based motorcycle taxi rider in Bangkok and astonishingly confessed to assaulting other riders during previous rides. The victim took to social media to share a video of him arguing with his passenger over the sexual assault on the footpath in Bangkok. The video was posted on a Facebook page, เพื่อนRiDer ไม่ทิ้งกัน (meaning friends for…
-
The difference between ChatGPT-4 and ChatGPT-4o
Ever wondered what sets ChatGPT-4 apart from its newer sibling, ChatGPT-4o? As technology evolves at lightning speed, keeping up with the latest updates is crucial, especially for Gen Z, who thrive on cutting-edge advancements. ChatGPT-4o promises improved speed and responsiveness, making interactions more seamless. It also boasts enhanced capabilities in analysing video content and better accuracy in understanding audio and…
-
Thai government urged to regulate booming influencer industry
With the explosive growth of social media and e-commerce, the role of influencers has never been more prominent. Recognising the immense economic potential, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) calls for the Thai government to implement regulations and provide support for this burgeoning career path. In 2023, the ASEAN region boasted approximately 13.5 million influencers, according to Nielsen.…
-
Drug-addicted passenger stabs van driver on Nonthaburi Road
A Thai man grappling with drug addiction feared a van driver intended to assault him and decided to retaliate first by stabbing the driver while travelling on a road in Nonthaburi province. The driver is currently in stable condition. The stabbing took place in front of Si Chai Thong Village in the Pak Kret district of Nonthaburi at about 4pm…
-
Pichit exit rocks premiership boat amid legal storm
Pichit Chuenban, the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, has resigned after a legal complaint from senators that threatens the premiership of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Pichit’s resignation follows a bombshell petition from 40 senators, urging the Constitutional Court to scrutinise the qualifications of both Prime Minister Srettha and Minister Pichit, alleging they fall short under Article 160 of…
-
Body found beneath electricity control panel on Bangkok footpath
A Thai road sweeper discovered the body of an unidentified man beneath an electricity control panel on a footpath along Romklao Road in Bangkok after noticing an unpleasant odour while working. Road sweeper Panadda Ngokngam reported the dead body to traffic police officers at a nearby police booth around 6.40am today, May 23. The incident was then reported to Min…
-
10 million baht asset seiure of drug smuggling logistics company
In a significant crackdown on drug smuggling and trafficking, police in Chiang Rai made a substantial breakthrough yesterday, apprehending three suspects at a logistics and transport company for their alleged involvement in smuggling over 2 million methamphetamine (Yaba) pills. The Mae Sai Task Force Operations Command and the 327th Border Patrol Police, led by Police Colonel Raphat Boonma, the Commander…
-
PM Srettha cooks up plan to boost food quality with Barilla partnership
In a high-stakes meeting that could reshape Thailand’s food industry, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin sat down with top executives from Barilla G.e.R. Fratelli S.p.A., the world’s leading pasta producer. With ambitions running high, the discussions centred on enhancing food production quality and expanding pasta distribution networks throughout Thailand. Among the Italian delegation were Federico Vescovi, Barilla’s Partnership Development President, and…
-
Video evidence: Thai monk gropes sleeping passenger’s breasts
Another Thai monk disgraced his Buddhist faith by sexually assaulting a woman while travelling from Bangkok to Chon Buri on a bus, by groping her breasts when she fell asleep. The victim, 67 year old Siriporn Kamnok, took to social media to warn women travelling alone on public transport to be aware of sexual assaults, even from a monk. Siriporn…
-
PTT worker assaulted by drunk foreigner claiming to be immigration
A shocking incident unfolded at a PTT gas station in Udon Thani Province as 25 year old gas station worker was allegedly assaulted by a drunk foreigner, who claimed to be an immigration worker. The incident transpired at a PTT station on Udon Dusit Road in Mak Khaeng subdistrict, Mueang Udon Thani district, recounted the incident and provided photographic and…
-
Wet & wild: Commuters caught in unexpected MRT downpour (video)
Bangkok commuters experienced a shocking surprise on Tuesday evening when their usual MRT Blue Line ride turned into an unexpected indoor waterfall. Passengers on the MRT Blue Line, travelling from Tao Poon to Tha Phra, were caught off guard around 6.35pm when water began pouring from the ceiling. The chaos unfolded shortly after the train left Bang Sue station, turning…
-
Thai lawyers seek bail for political prisoners under lese majeste law
Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) is working to secure bail for 19 political prisoners, predominantly those charged under Section 112, commonly known as the lese majeste law, to uphold their human rights. TLHR announced yesterday, May 22, that the number of political prisoners, especially those detained under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, has surged since last year. Many…
-
Migrant workers take over house of Thai-Australian couple in Korat
A Thai woman and her Australian husband filed a police complaint after a group of migrant workers took over their house in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat. The Thai woman, 66 year old Somporn Rolland, told officers at Sikhio Police Station that she returned home from Australia in February to find the group of migrants…
-
Bugged out: Chiang Mai traveller’s rose petal bath hit by insect invasion
A traveller’s recent trip to Chiang Mai took an unexpected turn when a planned relaxing bath turned into an encounter with a swarm of insects. The traveller chose a picturesque accommodation with a bathtub on the balcony, offering stunning mountain views during the day. However, as night fell, the situation drastically changed. Dhiwa Bhochawatt’s post on Facebook detailed the surprising…
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.