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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
-
Thai and Laos authorities unite to extradite Malaysian drug lord
The Narcotics Control Board Office (ONCB) in Thailand and Laos authorities are collaborating to extradite a Malaysian drug lord, a crucial figure in an international drug cartel, to Thailand. The notable suspect, 39 year old Ong Gim Wah, was apprehended in Laos during a joint mission on December 29. Ong, who had a bounty worth 1 million baht (US$29,036) on…
-
Thai government to stimulate economy with digital wallet scheme
The Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to launch the digital wallet scheme in May, a key policy of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. The scheme, financed by a 500 billion baht (US$14,518,005,000) loan, aims to inject 10,000 baht (US$290) into the digital wallet of every Thai citizen aged 16 and above as a means to stimulate the economy. The government…
-
Naked Thai man arrested for breaking into woman’s home and masturbating (video)
Police arrested a perverted Thai man for breaking into a woman’s home naked in the Ramkamhaeng neighbourhood of Bangkok on January 1 and masturbating. Fortunately, the woman and her father were unharmed. The Thai woman, 34 year old Aydalin “Ai” Akkarasirasakul, shared with her social media followers on January 1 that a naked man broke into her house. She later…
-
Russian upper class take over Phuket properties
Phuket has become a playground for Russia’s wealthy elite, causing property prices to skyrocket by 15 to 20%. Amidst Thailand’s tourism boom and the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, affluent Russians are making Phuket their long-term home, revealed Maetapong Upatising, president of the Phuket Real Estate Association. “Phuket’s allure lies in its world-class amenities, including an international airport, schools, golf…
-
New year sees considerable drop in road accidents across Thailand
The new year holiday period witnessed a significant drop in road accidents, with 212 fatalities and 1,860 injuries, according to statistics from the Department of Land Transport. The figures indicate a considerable decrease from the previous year, with the death toll and injury count originating from 1,839 traffic mishaps that occurred from December 29 to January 2. Among the provinces,…
-
Fatal shootout in Thailand: Local figures clash in a community dispute
Two notorious figures in the southern Thailand community clashed in the heart of the community, resulting in a fatal shootout. The incident took place at 10.30am today when the two men, Thew Wang Sai and Thian Kamlon, were unable to settle their differences. Police swiftly apprehended the suspect. The incident occurred on a busy street in the community. The body…
-
Loan shark allegedly attacks pregnant woman, causing victim to lose baby
A Thai woman accused a loan shark of attacking her at her home in the northern province of Phetchabun, causing her to lose her unborn baby. The accused loan shark denied responsibility and demanded proof of her pregnancy. The victim, 45 year old Chusri, asked Amarin TV and other news agencies to spread her story and help her seek justice.…
-
Tourists numbers to return to pre-covid in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, the picturesque northern Thai capital, last year witnessed a jaw-dropping 30% plunge in tourism, with a mere 3.9 million visitors gracing its vibrant landscapes last year, in stark contrast to the 5.6 million footfalls pre-Covid in 2019. This startling data, unveiled by social enterprise Visit Chiang Mai, paints a gloomy picture for the once-thriving tourist hotspot. A closer…
-
Two fatal crashes in Phuket highlight importance of traffic safety
Two fatal accidents have left a sombre note in the otherwise bustling city of Phuket. A motorcyclist lost his life in an early morning crash in Kathu, while a pickup driver met a similar fate on Thepkrasattri Road in Mai Khao last night. Kathu police answered a distress call to the Kuan Lim San Curve on Wichit Songkhram Road around…
-
Tragic hit-and-run leaves two dead in Kanchanaburi, police in pursuit
At 8am today, a tragic car accident occurred in Lukkae, Kanchanaburi, left two dead and one seriously injured. The incident involved a sedan recklessly overtaking a large truck, slamming into a motorcycle-trailer combo with three passengers, and fleeing the scene. The devastating accident took place on the canal-side road in the Thamaka district, where a 52 year old street vendor,…
-
Gold prices take a dip in Thailand: 50 baht decrease reported
The price of gold fell again on the morning market today, with a decrease of 50 baht (US$1.46) compared to the closing price yesterday. As reported at 9.05am today, the cost of gold ornament was selling at 34,050 baht (US$99.4) per baht, according to the Gold Traders Association (GTA). Meanwhile, the 96.5% gold bar was bought at 33,450 baht (US$976.93)…
-
Minivan driver confesses to overloading after fatal crash in Ayutthaya
A minivan driver, fleeing a deadly accident was apprehended early this morning. The tyre of his vehicle exploded, causing it to crash into a tree and kill a front-seat passenger. The driver, who was found hiding in a hotel in Ayutthaya, confessed to being in shock and fear of prosecution. He admitted to unlawfully carrying more passengers than permitted. The…
-
Defective wheels result in temporary reduction of Yellow Line monorail service
Defective Yellow Line monorail trains have been recalled and are no longer in use as they undergo comprehensive safety checks, according to Surapong Piyachote, the Deputy Transport Minister. The operator of the Yellow Line, Eastern Bangkok Monorail Co, has been instructed to conduct intensive safety inspections on all trains before reinstating them into service. This directive was issued following an…
-
Thailand’s delayed 2024 budget bill presented in Parliament
The delayed budget bill for this year, amounting to 3.48 trillion baht (US$101.52 billion), was presented today by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin in the House of Representatives. This event marked the start of a three-day debate among lawmakers. PM Srettha emphasised the importance of the budget to Parliament. “The budget is crucial in moving the economy forward.”…
-
Thai man surrenders after stabbing his wife’s lover to death
A Thai man surrendered to the police after he stabbed the lover of his wife to death outside a convenience store in the central province of Ratchaburi. Officers from the Ban Pong Police Station were called to investigate the death of the 67 year old Thai man named Wanchai outside a convenience store in the Ban Pong district of Ratchaburi…
-
Essential ascent: Despite fiscal twists, analysts predict vital goods to drive economic lift-off
Despite the financial rollercoaster, essential goods are set to expand. Analysts declare that essential goods will help boost the economy. The Thai Chamber of Commerce’s recent survey predicts a 1.5% dip in purchasing power, attributed to escalating interest rates, inflation, and the lingering pandemic hangover. Undeterred, consumers are rallying around staples like food, beverages, personal care products, household items, and…
-
Thailand’s triumph and tribulations: OECD report urges bold reforms
Thailand has made good economic recovery post-pandemic, with tourism as a major boost, however, a recent report from the Organisation for Co-operation and Development (OECD) highlights the need for bold reforms to solidify and extend this triumph. The second OECD Economic Survey of Thailand commends the nation for averting a severe economic downturn during the pandemic, crediting robust fiscal support.…
-
Covid-19 cases skyrocket after new year holiday
As the world ushered in the new year with hope, statistics revealed a rapid surge in Covid-19 cases across Thailand, leaving experts scrambling for answers. The Covid wave is intensifying, sending shockwaves through the medical community. According to an epidemiologist from Chulalongkorn University, hospitalisations have soared by 7% compared to last week. Associate Professor Thira Woratanarat warns that respiratory problems linked…
-
Surprise drug test at Phuket’s Ratsada Pier reveals shocking find
At the heart of Phuket‘s east coast, a pivotal marine tourism hub, Ratsada Pier, was the scene of a surprise drug testing operation today. The results revealed a shocking find – one out of the 18 boat captains and crew members tested had traces of drugs in their system. The harbour, also known as Rassada Harbour, is managed by Seatran…
-
Thai PM gives ultimatum on Mor Chit 2 bus terminal
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued a stern warning to a Transport Company chief, threatening dire consequences if the Mor Chit 2 interprovincial bus terminal isn’t swiftly improved. The ultimatum comes on the heels of public outrage and scathing remarks from Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Suphanat Minchaiynunt, who exposed the terminal’s grim conditions. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke declared yesterday, January…
-
Tying the knot with change: Thailand raises marriage age to 18 in human rights stride
The Thailand Cabinet has embraced a proposal to elevate the minimum age of marriage from 17 to 18, aligning with global human rights standards. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is spearheading this change, aiming to bring the country in line with international principles. Deputy government spokesperson Rudklao Suwankiri disclosed that amendments to the Civil and Commercial Code, along with…
-
English national arrested in Phuket over violent tuk tuk altercation
A violent altercation involving a gun and a tuk tuk in Phuket led to the arrest of an English national. The incident, which occurred on the evening of January 1, involved the suspect, identified as 38 year old Jamie, hitting his co-passenger with a hidden firearm. The argument escalated within the tuk tuk while en route to a café in…
-
Thai father saves daughter from cocaine smuggling syndicate
A Thai father rescued his daughter from an international drug smuggling syndicate after a dealer attempted to deceive her into smuggling 7.5 kilograms of cocaine, valued at over 20 million baht, into Australia. The girl’s Thai father, 53 year old Borommawat Pheeraruengrit, told ThaiRath that his 23 year old daughter, Pornratchakwan Pheeraruengrit, is currently studying in Australia and plans to…
-
Foreigner steals from renowned Thai designer’s store, Vatanika seeks online help (video)
Well-known fashion designer, Vatanika Patamasingha Na Ayudhaya, affectionately known as Prae, recently took to her personal Instagram account to seek help identifying a foreign man who allegedly stole glasses from her clothing store VATANIKA in Chidlom. The post, which included CCTV footage from within the store, has sparked a flurry of comments and shares across social media platforms. The 44-second…
-
Thai industries foresee slow growth, tourism still below 2019 levels
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) anticipates sluggish growth for the steel and internal combustion engine (ICE) industries this year, whilst the tourism sector remains unlikely to reach 2019 levels. FTI chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul emphasised the need for economic measures to support certain industries due to these projected declines. The steel and iron industry faces a slowdown as state construction…
-
Pattaya’s tourism tide: Aims to lure 27 million visitors, making waves under local authority’s watch
The coastal city of Pattaya, under the auspices of the local tourism authority, sets its sights on drawing an impressive 27 million visitors this year. Urai Mukpradapthong, the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand‘s Pattaya office, revealed this target, noting that it isn’t ambitious given the predicted number of tourists last year, which is expected to have hit the…
-
Yellow Line’s wheel deal: MRT mishap takes a detour, hits taxi, driver escapes unscathed near Bangkok
After the MRT Pink Line mishap a week ago, another train accident was reported yesterday when the wheel of an MRT Yellow Line carriage fell off and hit a taxi on Thepharak Road in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok. Fortunately, the driver escaped any injury. Samrong Nuea Police Station officers received a report of the accident at 6.30pm yesterday, January…
-
Thai Smile Bus to decommission gas vehicles, focuses on electric fleet
Thai Smile Bus (TSB) company announced its commitment to clean air and environmental sustainability with plans to decommission its entire fleet of 350 natural gas-fuelled vehicles (NGV) buses by the end of the month. Kulpornpath Wongmajarapinya, TSB Chief Executive Officer, revealed that over 95% of the NGV buses have been already phased out, including the latest batch of 58 buses…
-
Fatal accident in Ayutthaya as tyre burst leads to van crash
A tragic incident struck a passenger van when one of its tyres unexpectedly burst, leading to the vehicle colliding with a tree. This unfortunate event resulted in one fatality and several injuries. The accident transpired at 5am today on Rojana Road, en route to Ayutthaya, near both a school and a PTT petrol station. The van had been commissioned by…
-
Thailand and China to implement mutual visa-free travel from March
Beginning in March, Thailand and China will roll out a mutual visa-free agreement. This arrangement means that citizens from both countries will not need to apply for visas when travelling to the other country. The scheme was announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin after a Cabinet meeting, and it will take effect from the first day of March. The initiative…
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.