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.
-
Sponsored Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
-
Disabled Thai man hit by Japanese driver urged to seek justice at ICJ
A Japanese man collided with a Thai man in a car accident, leaving the latter disabled. However, Thai police allegedly released the foreign suspect and advised the victim to pursue justice through the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The 25 year old Thai man, Atirut Antarin, and his 60 year old mother, Siriluck Antarin, sought justice at the Dhamrongdham Centre…
-
Interpol joins hunt for Cambodian suspect in Bangkok shooting
Interpol has issued a red notice for the arrest of a 24 year old Cambodian man implicated in the fatal shooting of Lim Kimya, a former Cambodian opposition MP following a request from the Thai police. Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) commissioner, Police Lieutenant General Sayam Boonsom, stated that the warrant will enable Interpol and the Cambodian National Police to locate…
-
Pathum Thani youths arrested after gun video surfaces online
Royal Thai Police (RTP) apprehended a group of youths involved in shooting a firearm along a road in Pathum Thani and posting the incident on social media. The suspects confessed to buying the gun through a messaging app. The incident came to light after a video was posted on the Sai Mai Must Survive Facebook page, showing young individuals discharging…
-
Trump card for bitcoin: 2025’s super cycle sparks crypto buzz
Crypto analysts are buzzing with excitement at the prospect of a bitcoin “super cycle” in 2025, as Donald Trump‘s return to the US Presidency brings a pro-crypto windfall. His administration’s staunch support for Bitcoin is injecting new life into the market, with enthusiasts riding high on optimism. Bitcoin recently dipped from its late-2024 peak amid profit-taking and cautious interest rate…
-
Thai man demands 24 million baht from BMW driver who kills his wife and 2 kids
A Thai man is demanding 24 million baht in compensation from a BMW driver who was speeding when she crashed into his family’s motorcycle, killing his wife and two children on a road in the southern province of Chumphon in November last year. The 52 year old Thai mother, Yenjit, and her two children, Boonyanuch and Krittamate, lost their lives…
-
Public health ministry urges vigilance amid rise in influenza cases
At the Ministry of Public Health yesterday, Dr Jurai Wongsawat and Dr Weerawat Manosutthi, a distinguished physician and government spokesperson, presented concerns over rising influenza cases this year and discussed the monitoring of hMPV and avian flu. They emphasised ways for families to maintain health and avoid illnesses. Last year, several major diseases required continuous observation, including Covid-19, influenza, dengue fever,…
-
Tax cuts with a twist: SEZ businesses get a decade of ten-percenters
The Revenue Department is slashing corporate income tax to just 10% for businesses nestled in Thailand’s special economic zones (SEZs) for the next ten years in a stunning financial manoeuvre. The move, designed to inject life into these strategically positioned areas, is set to give them a major boost. Director General Pinsai Suraswadi revealed that this game-changing tax cut received…
-
Visitors flock to hermitage for luck ahead of lottery draw
As the lottery draw date nears, a surge of visitors has been observed at the Ruesi Nen That Phutthakhun Hermitage in Bang Sai district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. People are flocking to this popular site to seek blessings from sacred entities, a common practice believed to bring luck before the lottery results are announced. Within the hermitage, visitors pay their…
-
Khon Kaen school director arrested for drug dealing
Police in Khon Kaen arrested a school director for drug dealing after a sting operation caught him in the act of delivering drugs to an undercover officer. Yesterday, January 14, Police Colonel Theerathat Phongsuwan, of Nong Song Hong Police Station, reported the arrest of 40 year old Naphatdol, a school director in Nong Song Hong district, Khon Kaen province. He…
-
PM Paetongtarn to visit southern provinces amid recent bombings
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will visit the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat tomorrow despite recent bombings in the region, as confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham, who is also with the defence ministry, yesterday, January 14, addressed two bomb incidents: one in Ano Ru subdistrict, Mueang district, Pattani, which injured six paramilitary rangers on Monday morning,…
-
Thailand video news | Bangkok’s air quality hits hazardous levels, Singapore turns to AI for eldercare amid challenges
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring you the latest updates from across Thailand and Asia. From a shocking warning about tainted drinks on Bangkok’s Khao San Road to the capital’s ongoing battle with hazardous air pollution, they explore pressing local issues. Meanwhile, Thailand’s tourism faces challenges with group cancellations during Chinese New Year, and a dramatic baht…
-
Sax and spin cycle: Musician’s melody finger cut short by washer woe
A saxophonist in Nakhon Ratchasima suffered a severe injury when his finger was caught and partially severed by a washing machine. Doctors confirmed the need to amputate the upper part of his finger and advised caution when using washing machines. A Facebook user shared this incident as a warning, explaining that after hearing a loud noise from the washing machine,…
-
Second phase of 10,000 baht handout for elderly starts January 27
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced that the second phase of the government’s 10,000 baht cash handout will start on January 27, two days earlier than initially planned. This phase will target approximately 3.5 to 4 million elderly citizens aged 60 and above, who will receive the funds through the government’s PromptPay app. The economic stimulus programme was originally designed to…
-
Father and son Border Patrol Police killed in Narathiwat attack
A tragic incident occurred in Narathiwat yesterday when two Border Patrol Police officers, a father and son, were killed in an attack involving an explosive device and subsequent gunfire. This violent event took place on the Sri Sakhon-Lubo Yuering Road near Ban Ai Kue Tae in Si Banphot subdistrict. Police Colonel Phakawat Wansanuk, head of Sri Sakhon Police Station, and…
-
Nepalese duo arrested in Pattaya for fake US dollar scam
Two Nepalese mean were apprehended in Pattaya yesterday for allegedly defrauding locals and tourists using counterfeit US dollars. Police Major General Natthakorn Prapaiyon, Commander of Immigration Bureau Division 3, shared that police were alerted by locals about a so-called “Black Money gang” deceiving individuals in Pattaya with fake currency. The gang reportedly targeted both locals and foreign tourists. After receiving…
-
Barking bad: Bangkok dealer’s pitbulls mask meth smells with poop
In a barking mad drug bust, police uncovered a cunning scheme where a Bangkok dealer used his pitbulls to poop and pee to hide his methamphetamine operation. The dogs’ pee and poop were more than just a mess – they were meant to mask the whiff of a massive meth haul stashed right under their noses. Today, January 15, a…
-
Young woman dies after jumping from moving vehicle in Ranong
A tragic incident occurred when a young woman jumped from a moving vehicle after an argument with her boyfriend, a police lance corporal. She suffered a fatal neck fracture. Before her death, she secretly shared her location to a friend who overheard the incident. The incident took place today, January 15 at 1.30am, on the road near Khlong Hat Som…
-
Jet ski crash in Phuket leaves Chinese man dead, another injured
A Chinese man lost his life in a jet ski crash in Phuket yesterday while another Chinese national sustained minor injuries. The accident occurred in the waters off Patong Beach, in the Kathu district of Phuket, at around 2pm yesterday, January 14. The two injured Chinese men were identified as 33 year old Liu Hong Chao and 28 year old…
-
Thailand to welcome foreign couples for surrogacy under new law
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is amending surrogacy legislation to align with the equal marriage law and to welcome overseas couples for surrogate births in Thailand. Director General of the Department of Health Service Support, Dr Panuwat Panket, shared updates yesterday, January 14, regarding the amendments to the Protection for Children Born through Assisted Reproductive Technologies Act. These revisions are being…
-
Cold weather and heavy rain hit Thailand as monsoon intensifies
The Thai Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) reported today that a strong high-pressure system continues to cover upper Thailand and the South China Sea, resulting in cold weather across the regions. Northern and northeastern areas are experiencing cold to very cold conditions, with temperatures dropping to 9°C, while Bangkok and surrounding provinces have temperatures ranging from 18°C to 20°C. Residents…
-
Thai schools to shift lessons online amid severe air pollution threat
Schools in Thailand may transition to online classes if fine dust pollution reaches critical levels, according to the Thai Education Ministry. Teachers are advised to monitor students’ health as PM2.5 haze pollution affects several provinces, including Bangkok. Siripong Angkasakulkiat from the Education Ministry stated yesterday, January 14, that Minister Permpoon Chidchob urged the creation of appropriate plans to organise classes…
-
Forks of fury: Woman seeks justice after nightspot stabbing drama
A Thai woman is seeking justice after being accused by a group of nearly 10 women of pouring water over them before they attacked and stabbed her in the back with a fork at a nightclub in the southern province of Songkhla. The 24 year old victim, Tar, brought the matter to Channel 7 after the police failed to update…
-
Driving Thailand’s economy into the high-tech fast lane
In a bid to supercharge Thailand’s sputtering economy, Industry Minister Akanat Promphan is rallying the manufacturing sector to shift gears and embrace high-tech innovation. With aspirations to increase GDP growth by 1% annually, Akanat is touting cutting-edge products as the next big play, given the triple threat of tech disruptions, geopolitical spats, and looming climate change. Since the pandemic, Thailand’s…
-
Thai-ing up rates: BoT bosses feel heat over 2% cap warning
Bank of Thailand (BoT) bosses are under fire after warnings from the top brass at the National Economic and Social Development Council that their key policy rate should not breach the 2% mark. BoT chief advisor Supavud Saichuea insisted keeping the lid on interest rates is crucial, given the country’s inflation target and sluggish GDP growth. Speaking at a high-profile…
-
Chinese couple beg for help in Bangkok amid son’s trafficking fears
A distraught Chinese couple has made a desperate plea outside the Chinese embassy in Bangkok, seeking help to find their missing son, suspected to be a victim of human trafficking in Southeast Asia. The couple, 64 year old Sun Maoxing and his wife 60 year old Wang Weiju, travelled from China’s Shandong province to Thailand on their first-ever trip abroad,…
-
Brrr-illiant care: Chiang Mai Zoo keeps animals cozy at 10°c
As temperatures in Chiang Mai drop to a chilly 10 degrees Celsius (°C), Chiang Mai Zoo is stepping up to ensure its animals stay warm and healthy. Located at the foot of a mountain, the zoo faces sharp nighttime and early-morning temperature dips, prompting a range of protective measures for its residents. Zoo director Wutthichai Muangman revealed that heat lamps…
-
Thailand’s nuclear power plan delayed amid policy uncertainties
Thailand is preparing for the integration of nuclear power technology but the implementation of the new power development plan (PDP) for small modular reactors (SMRs) is experiencing delays. The PDP, effective from 2024 to 2037, has yet to be enforced, involving collaboration between the Energy Regulatory Commission and the Office of Atoms for Peace on nuclear power and electricity management. SMRs,…
-
Bangkok chokes on toxic air as PM2.5 levels hit danger zone
Bangkok’s air quality plummeted to hazardous levels, with PM2.5 dust particles soaring to the orange health-threatening category across all 50 districts, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) reported today. The average PM2.5 concentration in the city reached 47.6 µg/m³ this morning, significantly exceeding the safe limit of 37.5 µg/m³. The five worst-affected districts are Nong Khaem (56.7 µg/m³), Khlong Sam Wa…
-
HK singer cancels Bangkok concert amid Chinese safety fears
Hong Kong singer Eason Chan Yik-shun has abruptly cancelled his upcoming Bangkok concert, citing safety concerns for Chinese citizens travelling to Thailand. The February 22 show at Impact Arena was called off following the rescue of a mainland Chinese actor from a cross-border scam syndicate. Sunfan Media Group, the concert organiser, announced the decision last Friday, January 10. “After careful…
-
Baht bus brawl: Phuket driver and foreign man row over fare
A physical altercation broke out between a Thai baht bus driver and a foreign man outside a hotel in Phuket after the foreigner refused to pay the agreed transport fare. The Phuket Times shared a video of the altercation today, January 14. However, the page did not specify when or where the incident occurred. The accompanying post read… “Fighting! The…
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.