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.

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  • TAT launches three-city roadshow in Indonesia

    TAT launches three-city roadshow in Indonesia

    Thailand is turning up the heat on its tourism campaign in Indonesia with an exciting new initiative. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is bringing its Amazing Thailand Road Show to Indonesia 2024 to three Indonesian cities (Medan, Jakarta, and Bali) in a bid to solidify its spot as the top holiday destination for Indonesian travellers. Kicking off tomorrow, September…

  • Minibus drivers clash on Phahonyothin Road causing major traffic jam

    Minibus drivers clash on Phahonyothin Road causing major traffic jam

    Two minibus drivers clashed in the middle of Phahonyothin Road, near Khu Khot, Lam Luk Ka, causing a severe traffic jam and forcing passengers to flee. This incident occurred yesterday, September 17, around 8am, leading to a disruption in the traffic flow towards Bangkok. The altercation involved a white BMTA minibus on the Chatuchak-Thammasat University route and an interprovincial minibus…

  • Thailand launches halal app to boost Muslim tourism

    Thailand launches halal app to boost Muslim tourism

    Muslim tourists in Thailand can now explore the country without a hitch, thanks to the newly launched Halal Route app. Developed by the Halal Science Centre at Chulalongkorn University, this game-changing app offers a comprehensive guide to halal-friendly restaurants, hotels, mosques, and even prayer locations. As Islamic tourism booms globally, with a predicted 168 million Muslim tourists this year, Thailand…

  • Found fortune: Udon Thani man proves cash can’t buy character

    Found fortune: Udon Thani man proves cash can’t buy character

    A young man working at the VT Naem Nueang restaurant in Udon Thani has become a local hero after discovering a whopping 100,000 baht in cash lying on the street. Instead of pocketing the cash, he bravely handed it over to the police, hoping to reunite the money with its rightful owner, though he confessed he was seriously tempted to…

  • Headless corpse found in flood shelter in Nong Khai

    Headless corpse found in flood shelter in Nong Khai

    A woman intending to open her home for flood victims discovered the headless corpse of a man in a state of advanced decomposition submerged in water. Police have not yet identified the deceased, and no missing person reports have been filed in the area. Police Lieutenant Netipong Jamnongnit from Tha Bo Police Station in Nong Khai province was informed of…

  • Burmese binman killed in horrific Patong crash

    Burmese binman killed in horrific Patong crash

    A Burmese binman tragically lost his life in a three-vehicle crash in front of Wat Suwan Kiriwong School in Patong in the early hours of yesterday morning. The incident unfolded around 5am, yesterday, September 17 on Phra Barami Road, just 370 metres from Wat Patong. The victim, identified as Myanmar national Aung Aung, was a garbage collector employed by Patong Municipality.…

  • Woman tricked into 10 million baht debt after friend’s betrayal

    Woman tricked into 10 million baht debt after friend’s betrayal

    A 41 year old woman devastated by the betrayal of a close acquaintance has found herself burdened with over 10 million baht in debt after her personal information was used to secure loans. She appeals to the police for justice and help. Krisyaniporn, from Sankhaburi in Chai Nat province, tearfully recounted her ordeal. She explained that a woman named Mat,…

  • Thailand video news | Pakistani tourist scammed in US0 Pattaya beach heist, Thailand’s new visa rules: game-changer or red tape?

    Thailand video news | Pakistani tourist scammed in US$900 Pattaya beach heist, Thailand’s new visa rules: game-changer or red tape?

    In Thailand video news, Jay covered various news stories from across Thailand. From a Pakistani tourist scammed out of US$900 on Pattaya Beach to Thailand’s new visa regulations sparking debate, they’ll dive into key issues affecting locals and visitors alike. Also in the news, the tragic death of a man harassed by an illegal chicken farm in Nakhon Ratchasima, and…

  • 7,300 unsafe Chinese bug repellent devices seized in Bangkok

    7,300 unsafe Chinese bug repellent devices seized in Bangkok

    Police confiscated approximately 7,300 Chinese-made plug-in bug-repellent devices from three separate warehouses in Bangkok, citing potential health hazards and fire risks. The devices were discovered yesterday, September 17, in warehouses located on Sukhumvit Soi 54 in Phra Khanong district, Thian Thale Soi 20 in Bang Khun Thian, and a commercial building at Sampeng 2 market on Kanlapaphruek Road in Bang…

  • Pattaya’s park and spark: New parking plan kicks off on South Road

    Pattaya’s park and spark: New parking plan kicks off on South Road

    Pattaya City is preparing to introduce new parking areas, beginning with a pilot programme on Pattaya South Road. Deputy Mayor Wuttisak Rermkijakarn chaired a meeting yesterday with officials responsible for organising parking in the city. The meeting included city council members and traffic police from Pattaya and Bang Lamung police stations. Following the discussions, Wuttisak revealed that the city council…

  • Laotian man steals van in drug-fuelled chase through Khon Kaen

    Laotian man steals van in drug-fuelled chase through Khon Kaen

    A man from Laos, under the influence of methamphetamine, stole a luxury van while its owner was buying chicken with his son. The dramatic chase ended with the suspect’s arrest after he crashed through police checkpoints, injuring one officer. At 7pm yesterday, September 17, police from Khao Suan Kwang Police Station in Khon Kaen received a report about a stolen…

  • Thailand Cabinet keeps VAT at 7% for another year

    Thailand Cabinet keeps VAT at 7% for another year

    The Thailand Cabinet has decided to maintain the current value-added tax (VAT) rate at 7% for another year. This decision was announced by Jirayu Huangsub, an advisor to the Prime Minister of Thailand, at 12.40pm yesterday, September 17. The announcement follows a Cabinet meeting where the economic situation was discussed, especially concerning the VAT rate set to expire at the…

  • Tourists urinate on Pattaya Beach, sparking local outrage

    Tourists urinate on Pattaya Beach, sparking local outrage

    Outrage erupted among Thai social media users after a video emerged showing male tourists urinating on Pattaya Beach. The video, shared by a Facebook user with the caption “Swimmers swim, and urinators urinate,” quickly went viral within a popular Pattaya Facebook group, which boasts over 200,000 members. The incident has sparked widespread anger, particularly among Pattaya locals, who questioned why…

  • Thailand allocates 3.04 billion baht for flood relief

    Thailand allocates 3.04 billion baht for flood relief

    Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a request from the Ministry of Interior to allocate 3.04 billion baht (US$91 million) from the central budget to assist flood victims across the country. This decision, taken at the new Cabinet’s first weekly meeting, will provide financial relief to approximately 338,391 households affected by flooding since May, according to ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul. The financial…

  • Iranians nabbed for stealing cash from Chinese tourist in Bangkok

    Iranians nabbed for stealing cash from Chinese tourist in Bangkok

    Thonglor police arrested two Iranian suspects for allegedly stealing cash from a Chinese tourist in Soi Sukhumvit 20, Khlong Toei, Bangkok. The suspects, 29 year old Dinarvand and 41 year old Mirzaniapargoo, were apprehended in front of a condominium in the Sathorn district. The incident began when the Iranian pair befriended the Chinese tourist outside a hotel in Soi Sukhumvit…

  • Ang Thong official paid full salary for decade without working

    Ang Thong official paid full salary for decade without working

    A local government officer in Ang Thong has reportedly received a full salary and bonuses for 10 years without ever showing up for work, due to his side job as a night-time musician. The revelations were made by the popular Facebook page, Watchdog, which often exposes irregularities in government agencies. A local official in Ang Thong, holding the position of…

  • Thai military faces renewed bribery allegations involving US firm

    Thai military faces renewed bribery allegations involving US firm

    Allegations of transnational bribery involving the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) have resurfaced, prompting responses from top officials. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai acknowledged the persistent issue, stating that bribery has long plagued the military. “It’s been around for a long time.” Phumtham, addressing the recent claims of kickbacks allegedly paid by a US company to the…

  • Jirayu Houngsub to become new Thailand govt spokesperson

    Jirayu Houngsub to become new Thailand govt spokesperson

    Jirayu Houngsub, previously a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, is on course to become the new government spokesperson next week. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra appointed Jirayu as her public relations adviser yesterday while his credentials are further scrutinised. The screening process for political appointees intensified due to a surge in ethics-related complaints. The Pheu Thai Party and PM Paetongtarn are…

  • Storm Sulik stir: TMD warns of heavy rain brewing trouble across Thailand

    Storm Sulik stir: TMD warns of heavy rain brewing trouble across Thailand

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued another warning for heavy rain expected tomorrow, revealing that a new storm, Sulik, is likely to intensify into a tropical storm. The public is advised to closely monitor the situation. TMD predicts that over the next 24 hours, Thailand will experience heavy rainfall in some areas. The eastern and southern western regions are expected…

  • Phuket Airport skips memorial for One-Two-Go crash victims again

    Phuket Airport skips memorial for One-Two-Go crash victims again

    The Airports of Thailand (AoT) once again dodged the chance to hold an official memorial service in Phuket for the 90 victims of the One-Two-Go Flight OG269 disaster. This marks the 17th consecutive year that local officials have avoided organising any remembrance ceremonies for one of Thailand’s deadliest air crashes. On the anniversary of the tragedy, Monchai Tanode, General Manager…

  • Pakistani tourist duped in US0 Pattaya Beach heist (video)

    Pakistani tourist duped in US$900 Pattaya Beach heist (video)

    A Pakistani tourist’s dream holiday in Pattaya took a sour turn when two crafty pickpockets allegedly swiped US$900 (nearly 30,000 baht) right under his nose during a stroll on Jomtien Beach. Farrukh U, a 33 year old tailor from Pakistan, had only just arrived in Pattaya for the first time when his holiday turned into a nightmare. He rushed to…

  • Nong Bua Lamphu residents win 30 million baht lottery

    Nong Bua Lamphu residents win 30 million baht lottery

    Two residents from Nong Bua Lamphu province have won first prize in the latest government lottery draw, collectively taking home 30 million baht. One couple celebrated their 18 million baht win, while another winner, who received 12 million baht, remained silent and did not give interviews. After the government lottery results were announced yesterday, September 16, reporters flocked to Nong…

  • Thailand’s new visa rules: Game-changer or red-tape?

    Thailand’s new visa rules: Game-changer or red-tape?

    Thailand’s Interior Ministry just dropped a bombshell with fresh guidelines for the much-hyped Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), now granting visa-exempt tourists a 60-day stay instead of the previous 30 days. The DTV has been heralded as a game-changer for remote workers, allowing them to work for overseas companies without the hassle of obtaining a local work permit. However, the ministry…

  • Thai man dies after enduring harassment from illegal chicken farm (video)

    Thai man dies after enduring harassment from illegal chicken farm (video)

    A Thai father’s accumulated stress led to his death following persistent threats and harassment from a nearby chicken farm, leaving a community devastated. The farm’s operations, which were found to be illegal and improperly managed, caused significant distress to locals due to the foul odours and noise. Yesterday, September 16, a TikTok user, @mamiew345, shared a post detailing the hardships…

  • Train smash tragedy: Two dead, child miraculously survives

    Train smash tragedy: Two dead, child miraculously survives

    Tragedy struck in Chumphon today when a pickup truck was obliterated by a speeding train at a railway crossing, killing the two adults inside but miraculously sparing a child found alive amidst the wreckage. The horrifying collision occurred around 10.30am, today, September 17, when Special Express train No.40, travelling from Surat Thani to Bangkok, smashed into the vehicle just 30…

  • RTAF deploys helicopter to survey Mekong River floods

    RTAF deploys helicopter to survey Mekong River floods

    Floods in two northeastern provinces, Udon Thani and Nong Khai, prompted the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to deploy an EC-725 helicopter to survey the situation and assist affected residents. The water level in the Mekong River has been steadily rising, necessitating close monitoring in provinces along its banks. RTAF Commander, Air Chief Marshal Phanpakdi Phatthanakun, yesterday, September 16, ordered…

  • Nong Khai floods: Shop owner sacrifices wall to save neighbours (video)

    Nong Khai floods: Shop owner sacrifices wall to save neighbours (video)

    A shop owner in Nong Khai sacrificed his home’s wall to allow Mekong River floodwaters to pass through, reducing the impact on neighbouring houses. His property suffered significant damage but he prioritised the community’s safety. Nong Khai province faced severe flooding yesterday, impacting six districts. The Mekong River’s water level, measured at the Nong Khai Hydrology Division, stood at 13.46…

  • Borderline chaos: Malaysian tourists banned from entering Thailand

    Borderline chaos: Malaysian tourists banned from entering Thailand

    Border drama unfolded yesterday when 39 Malaysian tourists found themselves banned from entering Thailand, thanks to unresolved passport issues, outstanding tax debts, and past criminal records. Kedah Immigration Director Mohd Ridzzuan Mohd Zain spilled the details yesterday, September 16, revealing an array of reasons for the entry denials. “We had 10 cases of damaged passports, torn, waterlogged, missing pages, and…

  • Two Bangkok districts to become pedestrian paradise

    Two Bangkok districts to become pedestrian paradise

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is shaking things up with a plan to transform the eastern districts of Phra Khanong and Bang Na into a pedestrian’s dream. In a move that will have locals leaving their cars at home, the new zones will encourage walking, running, and biking as part of a healthier, greener lifestyle. Deputy Bangkok Governor Tavida Kamolvej…

  • Thai couple could face firing squad for Indonesia drug bust

    Thai couple could face firing squad for Indonesia drug bust

    Two Thai nationals face execution for drug trafficking charges in Indonesia. Rachanon Jongseeha and his girlfriend Woranawan Wongsuwan were among six people arrested in Bali last week on drug charges by Indonesian police. Four could face execution under the country’s strict drug laws. The 33 year old Rachanon and his 31 year old girlfriend were arrested upon arrival at Bali’s…