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

    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....

  • Teenager high on marijuana causes motorbike crash in Nan

    Teenager high on marijuana causes motorbike crash in Nan

    In the municipality of Nan, a collision between two motorbikes yesterday resulted in a chaotic scene involving a teenager high on marijuana. An intoxicated 17 year old male, under the influence of marijuana, crashed into a 15 year old girl at the Fa Mai intersection in Mueang Nan, Nan Province. Upon receiving the distress call, emergency services from Nan promptly…

  • Thailand braces for heatwave and storm surge across 12 provinces

    Thailand braces for heatwave and storm surge across 12 provinces

    Heat and storms take centre stage in Thailand as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issues a weather warning for today. High temperatures and scattered thunderstorms are expected to affect at least 12 provinces, with a 20% chance of heavy rainfall in some areas, including Bangkok. Additionally, the south faces high waves today, March 14, as easterly and southeasterly winds prevail…

  • Family feud over 700 baht allowance leads to shooting in Pattalung

    Family feud over 700 baht allowance leads to shooting in Pattalung

    A family dispute over a modest elderly allowance of 700 baht escalated to a violent episode in Pattalung, with a 42 year old man, Tanadol, shooting his 39 year old brother-in-law, Phanasut, twice. Following the incident, Tanadol fled the scene but later surrendered to the police, confessing that the shooting was prompted by a fit of rage caused by the…

  • EA plans expansion in renewable power and EV sector

    EA plans expansion in renewable power and EV sector

    Renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) developer, Energy Absolute Plc (EA), is set to expand its power business. The decision comes after a pause in the introduction of new projects since 2019. Currently, the firm’s wind and solar farms generate a capacity of 664 megawatts. The company’s CEO, Somphote Ahunai, noted in a 2020 interview that EA diversified into EV-related…

  • Thailand’s smartphone market to grow 3% in 2024, says report

    Thailand’s smartphone market to grow 3% in 2024, says report

    A 3% growth in Thailand’s smartphone market is anticipated in 2024, fuelled by the need for upgrades and enhanced technology features, says an international research firm. This follows a 2% rise in 2024, when Thailand was the only Southeast Asian nation to experience marginal growth, due to the strong performance of budget smartphones, as per Counterpoint Research’s Southeast Asia Monthly…

  • Cloudy with a chance of cuffs: Teen nabbed for smuggling e-cigarettes

    Cloudy with a chance of cuffs: Teen nabbed for smuggling e-cigarettes

    Police in Nong Khai arrested an 18 year old for illegally selling imported e-cigarettes, seizing 30 boxes hidden in a shoulder bag, ready for distribution. In a significant crackdown on the illegal e-cigarette trade, police in Nong Khai detained a young individual for operating an illicit business out of a local resort room. The arrest took place yesterday when the…

  • Motorcycle crash in Chon Buri claims life, leaves mother in despair

    Motorcycle crash in Chon Buri claims life, leaves mother in despair

    A heart-wrenching scene unfolded on a road in Chon Buri province when a 29 year old man’s motorcycle collided with a parked truck, leading to his instant death. The subsequent arrival of his mother, who was overcome with grief, added a tragic dimension to the already grim traffic accident. In the early hours, local police and rescue teams were called…

  • Japan’s visa-free privileges for Thais safe despite overstay concerns

    Japan’s visa-free privileges for Thais safe despite overstay concerns

    Fears of a potential withdrawal of Japan’s visa-free privileges due to an increased number of Thais overstaying their visas have been dismissed by travel operators. The Department of Consular Affairs brought attention to this issue last December, revealing an increase in the number of Thais overstaying from 8,688 in 2021 to 11,472 in 2023. Reports suggest that the Japanese government…

  • Thailand adds 38 flights to soar past Songkran price surge

    Thailand adds 38 flights to soar past Songkran price surge

    Thailand’s Civil Aviation Office (CAAT) has decided to add 38 new flights to its schedule, in an attempt to combat inflated airfare prices during the Songkran festival and improve the overall travel experience for holidaymakers. Deputy Director of the CAAT, Sarun Benjanirat, brought this development to light as a direct response to the call from Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit for…

  • Three million meth pills found in cow pat in Songkhla

    Three million meth pills found in cow pat in Songkhla

    Local authorities were left stunned when they stumbled upon a haul of 2.93 million meth pills worth 58 million baht in some cow pat nestled amidst the forsaken grounds of the derelict station in Songkhla. The discovery marks a significant breakthrough in the relentless battle against narcotics in the southern border province. Prompted by suspicions, vigilant officials and police undertook a…

  • Taxi turmoil: Motorbike mayhem as riders brawl with cabbie in Pattaya

    Taxi turmoil: Motorbike mayhem as riders brawl with cabbie in Pattaya

    A violent clash between motorbike taxi riders and a taxi driver near North Pattaya’s bus station was caught on camera last Sunday, March 10. In a dramatic video obtained by reporters yesterday, the chaos unfolds as motorbike taxi riders, donning their signature orange vests, unleash a barrage of blows on the hapless taxi driver, with his terrified passengers looking on.…

  • Frenchman’s trial unveils multi-million euro Rolex replica ring

    Frenchman’s trial unveils multi-million euro Rolex replica ring

    A Frenchman dubbed “the prince of fake” stands accused of orchestrating a sprawling network that flooded France with counterfeit watches. Admitting to masterminding the operation from Thailand, Julien V confessed to overseeing the production of up to 10 counterfeit watches daily, predominantly knock-offs of the prestigious Swiss brand Rolex, culminating in a staggering turnover of 3 million euros (117 million…

  • Russian and Burmese arrested for illegal employment

    Russian and Burmese arrested for illegal employment

    In a crackdown on entertainment hotspots, police in Surat Thani Province found a restaurant owned by a Russian national on Koh Pha Ngan which illegally employed three Burmese workers. During a routine inspection, officers stumbled upon the Colorful Hut eatery, owned by a Russian national, known only by the name Boris. The Russian was found guilty of exploiting three Burmese workers.…

  • Koh Samui police shut down illegal beauty clinic run by foreigners

    Koh Samui police shut down illegal beauty clinic run by foreigners

    Police recently apprehended a female doctor operating an illicit beauty clinic in Koh Samui, offering dangerous treatments including blood platelet injections. The raid, conducted at 10am today, March 13, found unregistered medications and controlled substances on the premises while services were being rendered. The Immigration Bureau, along with police forces, revealed that the clandestine beauty clinic, offering various unauthorised medical…

  • Stocking up: SET chairman tipped for Finance Minister role

    Stocking up: SET chairman tipped for Finance Minister role

    The chairman of the Stock of Thailand (SET) is reportedly poised to ascend to the position of Finance Minister, according to insider sources. The anticipated transition is slated to occur at the culmination of the ongoing parliamentary session on April 9, disclosed the informants. This strategic move aims to relieve Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of his dual role, allowing him to…

  • Loan shark in Hat Yai nabbed for imposing 120% interest rates

    Loan shark in Hat Yai nabbed for imposing 120% interest rates

    Police in Hat Yai arrested a 62-year-old loan shark for allegedly offering covert loans with exorbitant interest rates of 120% per year, using land title deeds as collateral, and threatening borrowers. The operation was conducted on March 7 under the direction of Major General Warawut Watnakornbancha, Chief of the Special Branch Office 5, along with Lieutenant Colonel Phumiphat Phatarasriwongchai, Chief of…

  • Big Joke associates deny money laundering charges

    Big Joke associates deny money laundering charges

    Two close associates of high-profile police figure Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, vehemently denied all charges in a money laundering case linked to the online gambling website BNKMaster. The two suspects, Sub-Lieutenant Natthawut Huadwaew and Sub-Lieutenant Natthanant Choochak were granted bail of 100,000 baht (US$ 2,800) each at 10am today, March 13, at the Tao Poon Police Station after the Criminal…

  • Triple murder-suicide stuns community in northern Thailand

    Triple murder-suicide stuns community in northern Thailand

    In a shocking discovery at a newly built residence in Udon Thani, Thailand, a gardener found three bodies lying side by side, in the aftermath of an apparent murder-suicide involving a retired police officer. The deceased included the homeowner, her sister, and the ex-officer, who were to celebrate a housewarming and birthday tomorrow, March 14. Police Colonel Pattanawong Janphol, the…

  • Russian arrested for illegal vehicle rental business in Thailand

    Russian arrested for illegal vehicle rental business in Thailand

    The Thai authorities’ crackdown on foreigners working illegally in Thailand continued yesterday when a 21 year old Russian national was apprehended on Koh Pha Ngan island in Surat Thani for running an illegal vehicle rental business. The Russian, Danil Kulnevnich, was nabbed yesterday, March 12, by a joint team of tourist police, local police and officials at a pier in…

  • British man arrested in Chiang Mai drug bust

    British man arrested in Chiang Mai drug bust

    A British man was arrested in a sting operation uncovering a sprawling drug trade targeting unsuspecting tourists in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai police, acting on a tip-off, apprehended 48 year old British man Charly Garcia in an operation at a cannabis products shop in the Mueang district, where he was allegedly peddling narcotics to foreign visitors. Undercover officers, playing their…

  • Brief burglary: Panty thief evades Phuket police pursuit

    Brief burglary: Panty thief evades Phuket police pursuit

    An underwear thief who managed to steal over 20 items of women’s underwear in one swoop is being pursued by the Patong Police in Phuket. The audacious theft, which was captured on CCTV, has been circulating widely across local social media channels since yesterday. The victim of the theft, a 42 year old woman who requested to be referred to…

  • Tourists injured as sleepy driver crashes Fortuner into truck near Bangkok

    Tourists injured as sleepy driver crashes Fortuner into truck near Bangkok

    A Toyota Fortuner carrying two tourists to Suvarnabhumi Airport was involved in a collision after the driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel. The incident occurred at 6.30am today, March 13, when the SUV veered off course and slammed into the back of a 10-wheeler truck. The aftermath of the crash left passengers injured, requiring immediate medical attention. At the…

  • Thailand and France forge future partnerships

    Thailand and France forge future partnerships

    Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and France President Emmanuel Macron united in Paris, pledging to fortify relations spanning diverse domains and to invigorate a symbiotic alliance between their nations. During a joint press conference, Macron accentuated the importance of economic collaboration and trade synergies, emphasising proactive preparation for forthcoming challenges in Southeast Asia. He articulated the pivotal role of robust bilateral…

  • British man nabbed with illegal Diazepam in Phuket

    British man nabbed with illegal Diazepam in Phuket

    A British man was apprehended by authorities in Karon after being caught red-handed with Diazepam yesterday. According to reports from the Karon Police, a routine checkpoint near Nong Harn Lake led to the discovery. Suspicions were raised when a taxi, carrying a foreign passenger identified only as Thomas, a 27 year old British man, attracted attention. While the authorities did…

  • E-cigarette vending machines uncovered in Central Thailand

    E-cigarette vending machines uncovered in Central Thailand

    Authorities in Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, were left stunned as they uncovered a thriving black market for e-cigarettes, with minors allegedly freely purchasing from a suspicious vending machine. In a bustling market scene in Kamphaeng Saen, the Thai Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) received a tip-off from concerned locals, triggering a jaw-dropping investigation into underage vaping. Responding swiftly to the…

  • British woman’s Thailand epiphany leads to £6K savings a year (video)

    British woman’s Thailand epiphany leads to £6K savings a year (video)

    A British woman revealed her ability to save 274,000 baht (£6,000) a year after having an epiphany during a trip to Thailand. Chrissie Milan embarked on a no-spend challenge and is on course to accumulate nearly £6,000 by eliminating extravagant clothes shopping and costly dining experiences. The 25 year old Londoner began reassessing what she considers essential expenditure after having…

  • Thai prime minister graces TIME cover, signaling business revival

    Thai prime minister graces TIME cover, signaling business revival

    In an assertive move to announce Thailand’s readiness for business, TIME magazine featured Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Srettha Thavisin, on its March cover The issue hit the newsstands yesterday, capturing the attention of the international community. In a poignant declaration to the world, the 62 year old former real estate tycoon, graced TIME’s cover under the title…

  • Fish fiasco: Truck topples, fresh catch chaos on Pattaya highway

    Fish fiasco: Truck topples, fresh catch chaos on Pattaya highway

    A pickup truck overturned on Highway 331 near Pattaya on Monday, creating a spectacle that left fresh fish strewn across the roadway. The mishap, occurring in Baan Pong Saket, Moo 5, Takhian Tia sub-district, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province, saw emergency responders from the Sawangboriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation swiftly rushing to the scene. Upon arrival, rescue teams discovered a bronze…

  • Massive online scam nets billions, dozens arrested in Thailand

    Massive online scam nets billions, dozens arrested in Thailand

    The Thai authorities swooped on a sophisticated online scam that left victims reeling with losses exceeding 800 million baht. The online scam was orchestrated by a criminal syndicate, reportedly handling funds upwards of 5 billion baht, and targeted unsuspecting individuals through the guise of lucrative investments in Thai and foreign stocks, drawing them into financial ruin. Following complaints from over…

  • Temple turmoil: Thai trans troupe takes abbot to court over image mockery

    Temple turmoil: Thai trans troupe takes abbot to court over image mockery

    Seven Thai transgender dancers filed a lawsuit against the abbot of Sophon Dhammaram Temple in the Isaan province of Surin for insulting them by sharing their pictures and making fun of their appearance. The abbot, Wittaya Sophonwanno, on March 11, shared a picture of seven transwomen performing a traditional Thai dance in angel costumes on his Facebook account. In the caption,…