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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.

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    How to travel around Thailand for under US$30 a day

    The Thaiger key takeaways Staying in budget hostels or guesthouses and eating street food keeps daily expenses low. Mixing buses, trains, and budget flights allows affordable travel between cities and islands. Free or cheap activities, such as temples, markets, parks,...

  • Thailand introduces 10-year EEC visa to attract global talent | Thaiger

    Thailand introduces 10-year EEC visa to attract global talent

    Aiming to bolster the Eastern Economic Corridor‘s (EEC) potential as a regional industrial powerhouse, Thailand’s Cabinet has sanctioned a novel 10-year visa specifically designed for top-level professionals and experts. The EEC visa is part of a strategic move to attract talent to the country’s targeted industries, as announced by deputy government spokeswoman Rudklao Intawong Suwankiri following a recent cabinet meeting.…

  • Thailand champions LGBTQ rights with World Pride 2030 bid | Thaiger

    Thailand champions LGBTQ rights with World Pride 2030 bid

    As Thailand gears up to potentially host the prestigious World Pride event in 2030, Siam Piwat Group is championing a progressive stance on LGBTQ rights. The property and retail giant has launched the “Celebration: Right to Love” campaign in anticipation of the same-sex marriage bill’s enactment by the end of the year. This legislative milestone would position Thailand as the…

  • Man perishes as van crashes into canal near Pathum Thani | Thaiger

    Man perishes as van crashes into canal near Pathum Thani

    A tragic accident occurred this morning at 3.30am, when a man lost control of his vehicle, colliding with a parked pickup truck and crashing into a canal in Pathum Thani province, resulting in his death merely 1 kilometre from the safety of his home. The incident was reported to Police Lieutenant Wutichai, who led the investigation at the scene. The…

  • Thai woman assaults girlfriend, throws cat from Pattaya condo | Thaiger

    Thai woman assaults girlfriend, throws cat from Pattaya condo

    A Thai woman is taking legal action against her girlfriend, who physically assaulted her and killed her cat by throwing it from the 21st floor of a condominium in Pattaya yesterday. The story of Tara and her cat was shared via her friend’s Facebook account yesterday, May 14. The friend shared images of Tara cradling her motionless cat, Minjoo, as…

  • Toll tales: Motorway myths debunked by Thailand’s collectors | Thaiger

    Toll tales: Motorway myths debunked by Thailand’s collectors

    Recent online discussions sparked curiosity about the daily lives of motorway toll collectors in Thailand, leading to a wave of speculation and myth-busting by the insiders themselves. The question that set the digital sphere abuzz came from a TikTok user called ummie..28. “Has anyone ever wondered how toll booth operators get to and from work?” The query ignited a flurry…

  • Invasive sucker fish crisis threatens Thailand’s waterways | Thaiger

    Invasive sucker fish crisis threatens Thailand’s waterways

    Thailand is currently grappling with a severe invasive sucker fish crisis, exacerbated by human actions that have released non-native fish into waterways without considering the environmental impact. These invasive species are wreaking havoc on Thailand’s native ecosystems, causing environmental, economic, and health-related damage. This issue is frequently highlighted in various media outlets. In a recent social media sensation, a fish…

  • Thai woman suffers panic attack after Isaan rocket lands on lawn | Thaiger

    Thai woman suffers panic attack after Isaan rocket lands on lawn

    A Thai woman suffered from a panic attack after a missile from a rocket festival in the Isaan province of Roi Et landed on her front lawn. Her son demanded accountability from the relevant parties. Thai television host Thanasub Ounsuang is seeking justice for his family by sharing the rocket incident at his home in Roi Et on Facebook last…

  • Take a thrilling ride on the Pattaya Sky Ride | Thaiger

    Take a thrilling ride on the Pattaya Sky Ride

    Nestled amidst the glimmering beaches and pulsating nightlife of Pattaya lies a new gem captivating the hearts of locals and tourists alike – the Pattaya Sky Ride. Offering a euphoric adventure, this latest addition allows thrill-seekers to soar above Pattaya’s enchanting landscape, gazing down upon its wonders from the heights of a helicopter. The grand unveiling was nothing short of…

  • Phetchaburi’s plan to lure 10 million tourists each year | Thaiger

    Phetchaburi’s plan to lure 10 million tourists each year

    The Ministry of Tourism and Sports revealed an ambitious blueprint to entice over 10 million tourists to Phetchaburi Province each year, harnessing soft power to drive sustainable tourism and unleash substantial economic rewards. The groundbreaking announcement, made on May 13 ahead of Thailand’s Cabinet meeting, unfolded in the scenic backdrop of Phetchaburi, setting the stage for a tourism renaissance in…

  • Ex-minister dodges jail over Pattaya luxury condo scandal | Thaiger

    Ex-minister dodges jail over Pattaya luxury condo scandal

    The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases acquitted former Culture Minister and ex-mayor of Pattaya City Itthipol Khunpluem in a luxury condo scandal case. The high-profile case, involving allegations of abuse of power, reached its statute of limitations, allowing Itthipol to escape legal repercussions. Itthipol, who attended the court session in Rayong province yesterday, left without addressing the media…

  • Bangkok hotels ‘MICE’ their way back to pre-pandemic occupancy levels | Thaiger

    Bangkok hotels ‘MICE’ their way back to pre-pandemic occupancy levels

    Bangkok hotel occupancy rates in the first quarter of 2024 have nearly hit pre-pandemic levels, driven largely by a surge in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) travellers. Tanakorn Thanuthanud, manager of the valuation and advisory services department at Colliers Thailand, revealed the exciting news. “The resumption of international events in Bangkok attracted more tourists to the city. Fan meetings…

  • Thai tour buses set to drive cross-border travel surge into Malaysia | Thaiger

    Thai tour buses set to drive cross-border travel surge into Malaysia

    Thailand’s tour buses are now set to roll into Malaysia, promising a surge in cross-border travel. According to Malaysian Minister of Transport Anthony Loke, this exciting development allows Thai buses to bring in tourists, provided they secure temporary permits from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) beforehand. Speaking to the press yesterday, Loke emphasised that tour bus operators must submit…

  • Nong Khai battered by fierce storm, homes and temple ravaged | Thaiger

    Nong Khai battered by fierce storm, homes and temple ravaged

    An unprecedented storm struck Nong Khai province last night, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure, including a widespread power outage due to fallen electricity poles. A lifelong local, 55 year old Boorachai expressed he had never witnessed such severe weather in his lifetime. As the storm raged through the region, residents of the Ban Fang district of Sakhrai scrambled…

  • Mind the gap: Criticism mounts as authorities fail to rein in cult | Thaiger

    Mind the gap: Criticism mounts as authorities fail to rein in cult

    The National Office of Buddhism and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (M-Society) are facing criticism for not taking action against a mind connection cult led by an eight year old Thai boy and his parents. The Thai couple and their son, known as the Nice Mind Connection, are facing criticism for establishing a religious cult centred on…

  • Japanese tourist’s 6,000 baht tuk tuk ripoff shocker in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Japanese tourist’s 6,000 baht tuk tuk ripoff shocker in Bangkok

    A Japanese tourist shared a truly shocking experience on social media yesterday, detailing how they were ripped off by an unscrupulous Bangkok tuk tuk driver. The tourist was charged an extortionate 6,000 baht (US$162) for a trip from Asoke to the Sala Daeng area, a journey that would normally cost around 32 baht on the BTS Skytrain. Travelling in a…

  • Umphang-Sangkhla Buri route to boost tourism and border security | Thaiger

    Umphang-Sangkhla Buri route to boost tourism and border security

    Tak Province recently inaugurated a new route connecting Umphang and Sangkhla Buri, serving as a scenic corridor for tourism and bolstering security along the Thai-Myanmar border. The opening of this pathway is a strategic move to enhance travel and stimulate economic growth between Tak and Kanchanaburi provinces through the beauty of nature. District Chief Manoch Pohtinium of Umphang, in collaboration…

  • Chinese woman’s 14-year sister act scam nets 2 million baht pension | Thaiger

    Chinese woman’s 14-year sister act scam nets 2 million baht pension

    An astonishing case of identity fraud came to light when a Chinese woman in the city of Wuhan, China, impersonated her dead sister for 14 years, including through her retirement to claim a pension of 2 million baht. The deception came to an end when the authorities uncovered the ruse and sentenced her to imprisonment. The woman surnamed Zan, managed…

  • Phuket’s Sarasin Bridge to remain amid new construction plans | Thaiger

    Phuket’s Sarasin Bridge to remain amid new construction plans

    Phuket’s iconic Sarasin Bridge is set to remain untouched amid plans to construct a new bridge connecting the island to the mainland, according to Yutthana Phitak, the Chief of Phuket Highways Office. The announcement was made at a meeting held yesterday to address concerns over the Sarasin Bridge’s future, sparked by social media rumours of its potential demolition. The Sarasin…

  • Amphetamine possession review by health minister sparks debate | Thaiger

    Amphetamine possession review by health minister sparks debate

    The maximum number of amphetamine pills one can possess without facing criminal prosecution is under review, as revealed by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin. A meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 16, aims to reassess this limit, currently set at five pills. The existing regulation, enacted under previous Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew on February 9, designates individuals found with five…

  • Tragedy in Pattaya: Estonian toddler killed in car crash | Thaiger

    Tragedy in Pattaya: Estonian toddler killed in car crash

    In a heart-wrenching incident at Sukhsiri Village, East Pattaya, an Estonian toddler tragically lost his life in a devastating car accident yesterday. Filipp Naumov was found lifeless on the road, suffering severe head injuries and extensive bleeding. Despite the valiant efforts of rescuers and medical personnel, who performed CPR and rushed him to the hospital, Naumov succumbed to his injuries shortly…

  • Trillion-baht gamble: Deputy minister defends Land Bridge project | Thaiger

    Trillion-baht gamble: Deputy minister defends Land Bridge project

    In a heated defence yesterday, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri championed the government’s ambitious 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge project, which she claims has sparked considerable interest from foreign investors. Her statement came in response to sharp criticisms from former Democrat leader Samart Ratchapolsitte, who cast doubt on the project’s cost-effectiveness and feasibility. Despite his scepticism, Manaporn insists the initiative is attracting…

  • Khon Kaen residents demand action against wild night bikers | Thaiger

    Khon Kaen residents demand action against wild night bikers

    The city of Khon Kaen has recently been disrupted by a gang of daredevil bikers, whose brazen stunts on public roads have triggered alarm and concern among residents. The local community is calling for police action against these reckless motorcyclists, fearing for the safety of other road users. In an unsettling display of audacity, one masked biker has been caught…

  • Drug-addicted monk arrested after petrol theft and car crash chaos | Thaiger

    Drug-addicted monk arrested after petrol theft and car crash chaos

    A drug-addicted Thai monk joined the illustrious list of monastic figures behaving disgracefully in Thailand when he was arrested yesterday for avoiding a 1,300 petrol station bill and crashing his car into a police motorcycle and a baht bus in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham. A petrol station manager in Kantara Wichai district reported the petrol theft to Mueang…

  • 86 year old Thai man stabs friend to death for lack of respect | Thaiger

    86 year old Thai man stabs friend to death for lack of respect

    An 86 year old Thai man yesterday stabbed a 49 year old friend to death for a lack of respect after drinking alcohol together in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. Nong Han Police Station officers were alerted to the death of the 49 year old man, Anan Kongchang, at around 12.30pm yesterday, May 13. The incident occurred at a…

  • Chiang Mai’s rot daeng under threat from ride-hailing apps | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai’s rot daeng under threat from ride-hailing apps

    Chiang Mai’s iconic rot daeng, or red cars, transport service is under threat as tourists are opting for alternative modes of transport, causing local operators to urge the government for assistance. The issue was highlighted in an online debate where a Facebook user expressed concerns over the survival of the rot daeng services, which are now facing stiff competition from…

  • Alcohol fuelled Phuket man arrested for axe attack on wife | Thaiger

    Alcohol fuelled Phuket man arrested for axe attack on wife

    A Chiang Mai native was arrested yesterday in Srisoonthorn, Phuket, following a violent domestic incident. During a heated argument fuelled by alcohol, 56 year old Insorn Bousai reportedly attacked his 52 year old wife, Boonjun Buasai, with an axe, causing severe injury to her foot. Thalang police, led by Police Lieutenant Thitiwat Asasingh, were informed of the distressing event at…

  • Thai govt plans to ‘rice’ to the occasion with decade-old grain auction | Thaiger

    Thai govt plans to ‘rice’ to the occasion with decade-old grain auction

    The Thai government expressed a strong intent to auction off the last remaining stocks of decade-old rice. This move is in line to replenish the state coffers, as made clear by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, in a recent Facebook post. The aged rice in question is part of the controversial rice-pledging scheme initiated during the administration…

  • Thai widow criticises government’s lack of aid after Hamas attack | Thaiger

    Thai widow criticises government’s lack of aid after Hamas attack

    A Thai widow, lamenting the loss of her husband in the Hamas attack in Israel on October 7, voiced concerns over the lack of financial aid from the Thai government. The Thai woman, 30 year old Narisara Malee, is mourning the loss of her 34 year old husband, Tianchai Yotthongdee, who was among the Thai agricultural workers who lost their…

  • Teen courier with 900k meth pills caught in Chiang Mai | Thaiger

    Teen courier with 900k meth pills caught in Chiang Mai

    In a dramatic pre-dawn operation, at 1.50am this morning, Thai police intercepted a teenage drug courier in Chiang Mai province, seizing nearly one million methamphetamine pills hidden in his pickup truck. The teenage driver admitted to being paid 80,000 baht for the illicit transport. Law enforcement officials from Lhoongkhot Police Station, under the command of Superintendent Suphachai Chanthara, collaborated with…

  • Volunteer fatally shoots colleague at Thai rescue foundation | Thaiger

    Volunteer fatally shoots colleague at Thai rescue foundation

    A brutal act of violence has taken place within the ranks of a rescue foundation, as one volunteer fatally shot another using a revolver. The 32 year old gunman, Karnkan, confessed to the crime after police charged him with intentional murder and illegal possession of a firearm. The tragic incident occurred yesterday evening at the Po Tek Tung Foundation‘s disaster…