Thailand News

Discover the most recent and relevant news from across Thailand on The Thaiger’s National News page. Covering a wide range of topics, including politics, business, crime, and lifestyle, our dedicated team brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.

Stay informed about the latest developments in Thai society, economy, and culture, as well as updates on travel, tourism, and expat life. With The Thaiger, you’ll never miss out on the essential news that matters to you.

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  • Rayong village chief fires gun during Loy Krathong Festival causing panic (video)

    Rayong village chief fires gun during Loy Krathong Festival causing panic (video)

    A village chief instigated fear and commotion today in Nikhom Patana, Rayong, by firing a gun during a Loy Krathong Festival at a prominent local temple. The incident was reported by 32 year old Chaiwat (no surname given) who claimed he was threatened by Chaiyaporn, the village chief. Chaiwat narrated that he went to the festival around 12.30am yesterday, November…

  • Lone diner’s surprise birthday celebration at Mamaonom bar goes viral (video)

    Lone diner’s surprise birthday celebration at Mamaonom bar goes viral (video)

    A touching scene unfolded at the Mamaonom Bar in Ratchaburi Province when staff members surprised a lone customer on her birthday. The young woman, dining alone on her special day, was moved to tears as the team gathered around her to sing birthday songs and present her with a cake. The bar shared the heartwarming video on its social media…

  • Flight cancellations: Chinese airlines slash 40% of slots amid Thai tourism slowdown

    Flight cancellations: Chinese airlines slash 40% of slots amid Thai tourism slowdown

    The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) witnessed a substantial number of flight slot cancellations by Chinese airlines, accounting for over 40% of total cancellations across Thailand’s airports. The CAAT director, Suttipong Kongpool, highlighted that such cancellations are not unusual and are often a result of fluctuating travel demand. Airline companies frequently resort to such measures in order to maintain…

  • Thief steals 88 gold necklaces worth at least 17 million baht in Chiang Mai

    Thief steals 88 gold necklaces worth at least 17 million baht in Chiang Mai

    A Thai man stole 88 gold necklaces from Yaowarat Krungthep Gold Shop in Lotus’s supermarket in the Fang district in the northern province of Chiang Mai yesterday. Each gold necklace was worth 200,000 to 500,000 baht causing losses of at least 17 million baht. The theft took place at about 18.45pm yesterday, November 28. The thief stole 88 gold necklaces…

  • Debt dilemma: Households in a financial bind as debt soars, Thai PM pledges change

    Debt dilemma: Households in a financial bind as debt soars, Thai PM pledges change

    Thailand is in the grips of a financial crisis, with household debt skyrocketing to a staggering 16.07 trillion baht, a 3.6% surge compared to last year. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin vowed to address the problem of what he calls debt slavery. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) yesterday dropped a bombshell, revealing that Thailand’s household debt is…

  • Gas protest: Public transport fleets roll up to Government House against rising NGV prices

    Gas protest: Public transport fleets roll up to Government House against rising NGV prices

    Hundreds of public transport vehicles, led by several operators’ associations, converged outside Thailand’s Government House yesterday in a demonstration against soaring natural gas for vehicles NGV prices. The protestors, who included representatives of provincial and city public van operators, as well as bus, mini-bus, and songthaew associations, demanded a reduction in the NGV price from nearly 20 baht per kilogramme…

  • Lantern blamed for burning Chiang Mai market, causing over 100 million baht damage

    Lantern blamed for burning Chiang Mai market, causing over 100 million baht damage

    A fire broke out at nine buildings within Rim Ping Flower Market in the northern province of Chiang Mai at 3am yesterday, November 28. A witness claimed the blaze was triggered when a lantern from the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Lantern Festival fell onto the buildings. Ten firefighting trucks swiftly rushed to the market on Praisanee Road in the…

  • Tragic lorry crash claims driver’s life and leaves two injured in central Thailand

    Tragic lorry crash claims driver’s life and leaves two injured in central Thailand

    A fatal accident occurred when a six-wheeled lorry crashed into the back of a trailer, resulting in the death of the driver and injuring two others. The victims were returning from a concert when the crash occurred. The incident, which happened on Phet Kasem Road in Ban Lat District, Phetchaburi, was reported to the local police at 2.54am today. In…

  • Probation officer with severe diabetes crashes car on Bangkok road

    Probation officer with severe diabetes crashes car on Bangkok road

    An officer from the Department of Probation crashed his car in the Tha Phra Tunnel in Bangkok yesterday morning. Despite having a can of beer, the police found no traces of alcohol in his system. The reported cause of the incident was attributed to his acute diabetes Officers from Tha Phra Police Station and the Por Teck Tung Rescue Foundation…

  • Thailand’s civil servants to receive 20% salary increase over two years

    Thailand’s civil servants to receive 20% salary increase over two years

    Newly recruited civil servants in Thailand are set to receive a salary increase of 20% over the next two years. The decision, approved by the Cabinet, was announced by Danucha Pichayanan, the secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council. The proposed plan by the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) is to increase salaries by 10% annually…

  • Thai student team claims victory at 2023 World Team Mathematics Championship

    Thai student team claims victory at 2023 World Team Mathematics Championship

    The Thai student team scored an impressive victory at the 2023 World Team Mathematics Championship (WMTC) in South Korea, scooping the title in the individual category and sweeping a total of three gold, six silver, and five bronze medals. The mathematics championship concluded yesterday, November 28, at 10pm. The 14-member team returned to Suvarnabhumi Airport, where they were warmly welcomed.…

  • Temperature rise in Thailand as cold air pressure decreases

    Temperature rise in Thailand as cold air pressure decreases

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reports a decrease in cold air pressure, resulting in a rise in temperature by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius. Southern regions are experiencing heavy rainfall, with eight provinces affected as of 5am today. The forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that the high-pressure area or cold air mass covering the upper part of Thailand…

  • True Corporation spearheads AI utilisation for automation

    True Corporation spearheads AI utilisation for automation

    True Corporation, led by Deputy Chief Executive Sharad Mehrotra, is positioning itself at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) utilisation with ambitious plans for widespread automation and paperless operations. The company’s recent hybrid conference, AI Gets Good, highlighted the critical need for an integrated approach that blends technology, people, and ethics. Accenture research indicates that language-based AI could augment around 40%…

  • Combined tour packages: Thai proposal for Chinese tourists

    Combined tour packages: Thai proposal for Chinese tourists

    Chinese tourists are the target of a new strategy suggested by Thai tourism operators, who propose selling combined tour packages to Thailand and Malaysia. This proposal comes in light of China granting visa exemptions to visitors from Malaysia and several European countries, but not Thailand. Songchai Mungprasithichai, president of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, believes that since Hat Yai Airport…

  • Doubts over Thai target of 8.2 million Chinese visitors in 2024

    Doubts over Thai target of 8.2 million Chinese visitors in 2024

    Analysts have expressed doubts over the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) ambitious target of attracting 8.2 million Chinese visitors next year. This comes as predictions for overall foreign arrivals next year have been downscaled, amidst concerns over a sluggish global economy. Kasem Prunratanamala, who leads research at CGS-CIMB Securities in Thailand, stated that while the firm has kept its estimation…

  • Termite queen lottery: District chief prays for winning numbers

    Termite queen lottery: District chief prays for winning numbers

    A momentous event unfolded yesterday as the district chief of Bueng Sam Phan, Sompong Thongnoonui, lit a risky incense stick and prayed for a winning lottery number from an elderly termite queen who has been a part of the local mine for over 50 years. The clear three-digit number that emerged, eagerly awaited by a crowd, is set to be…

  • Thai Airways takes a smile: Reinstates nine cool-season routes for domestic delight

    Thai Airways takes a smile: Reinstates nine cool-season routes for domestic delight

    Thai Airways International reinstated nine domestic routes for the cool season, previously provided by its former affiliate, Thai Smile Airways. The services, which will run until March 30, utilise the Airbus A320 planes from the airline’s former subsidiary, Thai Smile. The re-established routes offer daily flights from Bangkok to nine destinations – Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen,…

  • Thai nightlife gets a glow-up: Cabinet green-lights 4am extended hours for tourist hotspots

    Thai nightlife gets a glow-up: Cabinet green-lights 4am extended hours for tourist hotspots

    The Thai Cabinet has given the green light to a draft regulation set forth by the Interior Ministry, permitting extended hours until 4am at entertainment venues in prominent tourist hotspots. The affected areas include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Koh Samui, and Phuket. Aiming to stimulate the country’s tourism sector, the Interior Ministry is at the helm of this initiative.…

  • Drunk police chief insults foreign man at restaurant in Isaan

    Drunk police chief insults foreign man at restaurant in Isaan

    A drunk police colonel from Maha Sarakham Provincial Police Station abused a foreign man at a restaurant in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham last night. Videos of a Thai man in a red T-shirt causing chaos in a restaurant were shared on social media platforms, yesterday, November 27. In the video, the Thai man was angry after the waiters asked him…

  • Southern Thailand: Flood mitigation study completed in Surat Thani’s Klong Roy Sai area

    Southern Thailand: Flood mitigation study completed in Surat Thani’s Klong Roy Sai area

    The Royal Irrigation Department completed a flood mitigation study in the Klong Roy Sai area of Surat Thani city, which promises to bring benefits to residents. The project launch was held at the Wang Tai Hotel conference room in Surat Thani. Notable attendees included Nuntawat Charoenwan, Deputy Governor of Surat Thani Province, Somsawat Chaisinsorn, Director of Surat Thani Irrigation Project, and…

  • Thai government approves 10% increase for civil servants starting at 18,000 baht

    Thai government approves 10% increase for civil servants starting at 18,000 baht

    The Thai government approved a 10% salary increase for civil servants over a two-year period, beginning with new recruits. According to Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the first increment is expected to come into effect once the budget for 2024 is approved. Danucha explained that the salary adjustment will initially target newly inducted…

  • December lottery predictions buzzing in Thailand: From ceremonies to celebrities

    December lottery predictions buzzing in Thailand: From ceremonies to celebrities

    Lottery enthusiasts in Thailand are speculating over the winning numbers slated to emerge in Friday’s draw. Numerous sources have put forth their predictions for the December 1 draw, ranging from traditional ceremonies to recent events and even incorporating factors such as the heights and ages of celebrities. In the wake of a traditional Loy Krathong candle floating ceremony, some spectators…

  • Thai authorities demand registration for individuals holding over five SIM cards

    Thai authorities demand registration for individuals holding over five SIM cards

    Under the leadership of Prasert Chantraruangthong, the Committee for the Prevention and Suppression of Cybercrime has mandated the registration of individuals possessing more than five SIM card numbers. The numbers are staggering. A whopping 7,664 individuals possess over 100 SIM cards, with Thai nationals holding 3,580,571 of them, and foreigners not far behind with 2,591,365. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications…

  • Violence against women and children in Thailand triples in 2022

    Violence against women and children in Thailand triples in 2022

    The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and Woman and Men Progressive Movement Foundation (WMP) reported that violence against women and children in Thailand tripled in 2022 compared to the previous year. ThaiHealth and WMP held a seminar to promote the campaign to end violence against women and children under the theme, Stop Violence as Signals Appear Before They Make Headlines.…

  • Car crash with suspected alcohol influence in Tha Phra tunnel obstructs Bangkok traffic

    Car crash with suspected alcohol influence in Tha Phra tunnel obstructs Bangkok traffic

    A car accident involving a Honda Jazz car and a Mazda CX3 occurred inside the Tha Phra tunnel in Bangkok, leading to the Honda Jazz flipping over and obstructing the road. The Jazz was driven by 52 year old probation officer, Suwet (surname withheld), who was found in a dazed state and was suspected of being under the influence of…

  • Culture minister says Thailand’s film industry is set for transformation with new self-regulation bill

    Culture minister says Thailand’s film industry is set for transformation with new self-regulation bill

    Thailand‘s film industry is poised for a significant transformation following the finalisation of the draft for a new Movies and Games Bill by the Ministry of Culture. Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanit revealed that the proposed legislation intends to decentralise censorship power from the government, instead placing it in the hands of producers. This bill is set to replace the current…

  • Rice and shine: Thai government dishes out financial aid to farmers through BAAC

    Rice and shine: Thai government dishes out financial aid to farmers through BAAC

    The Thai government initiated a financial aid programme for rice farmers, channelling through the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). Rice farmers will receive 1,000 baht per rai, capped at 20 rai (32,000 squared metres) per household, or a maximum of 20,000 baht per household. This scheme, part of the Rice Farmer Management and Quality Improvement project for the…

  • Miraculous escape from Gaza hellfire: Thai worker’s astonishing tale of survival

    Miraculous escape from Gaza hellfire: Thai worker’s astonishing tale of survival

    In the aftermath of the conflict in Gaza, Thai worker Wanchai Monsena defies death and lives to recount a harrowing tale of survival. The resulting conflict between Israel and Hamas has left 39 Thai compatriots dead, 19 wounded, and 30 abducted. But amidst the tragedy, Thai worker Wanchai’s resilience shines through as he battles back from the brink. Communication proves a…

  • Thai official raises concern over Chinese film’s impact on tourism (video)

    Thai official raises concern over Chinese film’s impact on tourism (video)

    Puangpet Chunlaiad, Office Minister of the Prime Minister, raised concerns with Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang about the potential impact of the Chinese film No More Bets on tourism in Thailand. The meeting took place at the Government House yesterday, November 27. Puangpet expressed her concerns about the movie’s portrayal of fraudulent activities, human trafficking, organ trading, call scams, and high-profile…

  • Floats farewell: Bangkok’s Loy Krathong cleanup sees 640,000 eco-friendly wonders whisked away

    Floats farewell: Bangkok’s Loy Krathong cleanup sees 640,000 eco-friendly wonders whisked away

    Following the Loy Krathong Festival Bangkok’s waterways were cleared of nearly 640,000 Krathongs, most of which were crafted from natural, biodegradable materials. In addition, over 3,000 digital Krathongs were seen floating in Klong Ong Ang, yesterday (November 27). Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) employees got to work at 8pm on the festival night and collected and sorted through the traditional floating…