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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    Working in Thailand: How expat health insurance protects your career and lifestyle

    Starting a career in Thailand can be an exciting chapter, but it also brings unique challenges, especially when it comes to health and wellness. For expats, navigating Thailand’s healthcare system and meeting work permit requirements can be difficult. And while...

  • Taking flight: Nok Air’s Boeing 737 max 8 plans hit turbulence

    Taking flight: Nok Air’s Boeing 737 max 8 plans hit turbulence

    Thai airline Nok Air’s plans to introduce Boeing 737 Max 8 jets are facing unexpected headwinds. Safety anxieties soar amid recent incidents within the 737 Max family, casting shadows over Nok Air’s ambitious fleet expansion. Amidst the clouds of uncertainty, Nok Air, having already committed to lease eight Boeing 737 Max 8s, is grappling with safety concerns that have grounded the…

  • Dagger drama: Thai woman stabs herself, spins murder tale to evade debt payments

    Dagger drama: Thai woman stabs herself, spins murder tale to evade debt payments

    A Thai woman stabbed herself in the stomach and fabricated an attempted murder scenario in an attempt to escape her debt repayments in the Isaan province of Buriram. Srinapa Srisopha, a 63 year old retired teacher, hurried 38 year old Wassana Srisanga to Satuek Hospital after she sustained a stab wound to the stomach. Srinapa clarified that Wassana had been…

  • Demonstrators in Bangkok mark third year anniversary of Myanmar coup

    Demonstrators in Bangkok mark third year anniversary of Myanmar coup

    In a display of resistance, hundreds took to the streets in Bangkok to protest on the third anniversary of Myanmar’s coup. Tears, slogans, and a powerful call for change echoed outside the United Nations headquarters as protesters, both young and old, demanded justice for the shattered dreams of democracy. Bangkok’s United Nations headquarters became a poignant stage yesterday as protesters,…

  • Three companies with snouts in trough face pork smuggling and forgery charges

    Three companies with snouts in trough face pork smuggling and forgery charges

    Charges have been levelled against three additional companies by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, over allegations of pork smuggling and document falsification. The Deputy Chief of the ministry’s Nakaraja Task Force, Thanadol Suwannaritr, revealed yesterday that his team discovered three more firms connected to the illegal activity. This brings the total number of companies under investigation by the Department…

  • Thailand set to sign free trade agreement with Sri Lanka

    Thailand set to sign free trade agreement with Sri Lanka

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with Sri Lanka during his upcoming visit to the island nation this week, according to spokesperson Chai Watcharonke. This marks the 15th FTA for Thailand and the first since PM Srettha assumed office the previous year. PM Srettha’s visit comes at the invitation of Sri Lanka’s Premier,…

  • TripAdvisor ranks Pattaya as 7th Best of the Best Destinations in 2024

    TripAdvisor ranks Pattaya as 7th Best of the Best Destinations in 2024

    Popular online travel platform Tripadvisor ranked Pattaya in Thailand 7th in the Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destination for 2024, suggesting the beach city is the perfect choice for great resorts, outdoor activities, cabaret and cultural tours. Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award Best of the Best for 2024, is divided into five categories including destinations, restaurants, beaches, hotels and…

  • Government and military suffer nearly 2,000 cyber attacks weekly

    Government and military suffer nearly 2,000 cyber attacks weekly

    Thailand is grappling with an alarming surge of cyber attacks, facing an unprecedented 1,892 assaults per week, far surpassing the global average. Check Point Software Technologies unveils shocking statistics in their latest Threat Intelligence Report, exposing the kingdom’s vulnerability to Cryptominer and Botnet malware, paving the way for phishing attacks and resource hijacking. The primary targets in the past six…

  • Scientists at Mahidol University link PM2.5 exposure to onset of osteoporosis

    Scientists at Mahidol University link PM2.5 exposure to onset of osteoporosis

    A team of scientists from Mahidol University’s Faculty of Science, focusing on osteoporosis, recently discovered a potential link between fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) and the onset of osteoporosis. They observed that lab rats exposed to PM2.5 developed bone inflammation, leading to an increase in bone-degrading cells called osteoclasts. The research, carried out by the Centre of…

  • Thailand warns students about ‘rub hew’ courier service amid drug trafficking concerns

    Thailand warns students about ‘rub hew’ courier service amid drug trafficking concerns

    Authorities in Nonthaburi, Thailand, intercepted a suspicious package containing 7.5 kilogrammes of cocaine, concealed inside 15 seat cushions, on January 2. The package, which was addressed to the homeowner’s daughter studying in Australia, was discovered after the homeowner reported the package. In Thailand, a trend called rub hew, which translates to help carry, is common among young people studying abroad.…

  • From brooms to boom: Street sweeper sweeps up 12-million-baht lottery jackpot

    From brooms to boom: Street sweeper sweeps up 12-million-baht lottery jackpot

    A street sweeper’s life transformed overnight when luck smiled upon her with a 12-million-baht government lottery win. Somsong Singsa, a 56 year old municipal worker from Si Sa Ket province, revealed that a vendor’s persuasion made her purchase two winning tickets. After four decades of toil, she now plans to resign and provide for her family, who are overjoyed at…

  • Drunk officer leaves 12 year old boy in critical condition after hit-and-run (video)

    Drunk officer leaves 12 year old boy in critical condition after hit-and-run (video)

    A reckless police officer under the influence of alcohol crashed his pickup into a motorcycle and dragged a 12 year old boy along the road in the Isaan province of Roi Et, leaving the victim hospitalised and in critical condition. The crash between the two vehicles on Prem Pracharath Road was reported to Mueang Roi Et Police Station at 9.50am…

  • Thailand’s NSM Foundation uncovers five unique insect and one plant species

    Thailand’s NSM Foundation uncovers five unique insect and one plant species

    The National Science Museum (NSM) Foundation in Thailand recently uncovered five unique insect species and a novel plant species, bolstering the nation’s strides in the arena of scientific discovery. The revelation was made public by NSM President, Assistant Professor Rawin Raviwongse, last Wednesday. The insect species discovered encompass three distinct earwig species, namely Mongolabis chiangmaiensis Nishikawa & Jaitrong, 2023; Mongolabis…

  • Eerie shadow on Phetchabun road sparks ghostly buzz online

    Eerie shadow on Phetchabun road sparks ghostly buzz online

    A chilling story has emerged from a seemingly innocuous post about a broken branch blocking a road in Phetchabun province. The shadow of the branch, upon closer inspection, appeared to bear an eerie resemblance to a person who had died three months earlier, sparking a flurry of comments and supernatural speculation online. The original post, made by 41 year old…

  • Thai Airways sues over passenger’s flight diversion criticism

    Thai Airways sues over passenger’s flight diversion criticism

    Thai Airways has taken legal action against a passenger who criticised the airline’s decision to divert a Bangkok-Melbourne flight to Sydney due to adverse weather conditions. The airline asserts that the crew followed international safety and security standards and seeks to protect its reputation and that of its personnel. Thai Airways addressed the uproar caused by a passenger’s complaints about…

  • Thai parties unite to amend Referendum Act for easier constitution change

    Thai parties unite to amend Referendum Act for easier constitution change

    Thailand’s leading political parties, Pheu Thai and Move Forward, are joining forces to amend the country’s Referendum Act. The act’s existing flaws are viewed as hurdles to modifying the constitution, a critical move supported by many parties who see the current charter as a legacy of the National Council for Peace and Order, the orchestrator of the last coup. Both…

  • Health alert: Your favourite grilled pork buffet could be killing you

    Health alert: Your favourite grilled pork buffet could be killing you

    The Ministry of Public Health (MPH) issued a dire warning to all Moo Kratha enthusiasts, exposing the perilous health risks lurking behind the seemingly innocent Thai barbeque-style grilled pork. Moo Kratha has been a Thai culinary delight but the MPH’s latest survey unveiled a dark side to this all-you-can-eat extravaganza, putting the health of many Thais at risk. A comprehensive…

  • Cultural crown: Nakhon Pathom’s signature Khao Moo Daeng dish hailed as heritage hero

    Cultural crown: Nakhon Pathom’s signature Khao Moo Daeng dish hailed as heritage hero

    The Cultural Promotion Department bestowed the coveted title of cultural wisdom heritage upon Nakhon Pathom’s signature dish, Khao Moo Daeng, or red pork rice. A sumptuous symphony of pork, rice, and secret spices that has set taste buds ablaze across Thailand, this culinary coronation is part of the 18 gastronomic treasures honoured in 2023, as published in the prestigious Royal…

  • Unidentified tourist found lifeless off Pattaya coast

    Unidentified tourist found lifeless off Pattaya coast

    A male tourist, believed to be of Indian nationality, was discovered lifeless, floating off the coast of Pattaya’s vibrant Walking Street this morning. The grim find unfolded around 10.30am near Soi 14, sparking concern through the area and prompting a rapid response from local authorities. Pattaya police, in collaboration with Tourist Police, immigration officers, and rescue personnel, swiftly arrived at…

  • Swine surprise: Task force uncovers pork smuggling scheme in Thailand

    Swine surprise: Task force uncovers pork smuggling scheme in Thailand

    A recent expose by the Phaya Naga Special Task Force revealed a significant new piece of evidence linking a smuggling operation importing illicit pork into Thailand. The discovery was announced by Thanadol Suwannarat, advisor to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives and deputy commander and spokesperson of the Phaya Naga task force. At 1.30pm today, the task force prepared to…

  • Pattaya motorcycle taxi rider dodges death with IED discovery on Beach Road

    Pattaya motorcycle taxi rider dodges death with IED discovery on Beach Road

    A motorcycle taxi rider narrowly escaped death after discovering two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on a Beach Road in Pattaya. Fortunately, he escaped without a scratch when one of the bombs exploded. The 57 year old motorcycle taxi rider, Suwit Srijantuek, told Channel 7 that he stumbled upon the IEDs hidden in a traffic cone he routinely uses daily to safeguard his…

  • High speed train and dual tracks to transform travel experience in Hua Hin

    High speed train and dual tracks to transform travel experience in Hua Hin

    The newly inaugurated dual-track train line on December 15 promises faster travel times and increased efficiency for Hua Hin’s commuters. Yet, confusion reigns among the public as they grapple with the distinction between this groundbreaking initiative and the upcoming high-speed train project. The dual track line, complete with the gleaming new elevated train station in Hua Hin, stands as a…

  • Young man crushed by car in Buriram roadside mishap

    Young man crushed by car in Buriram roadside mishap

    Tragedy struck yesterday when a young man suffered severe injuries after being crushed by a car while trying to change a flat tyre. His wife, standing by with their four month old son, recounted the harrowing moments she heard his cries for help. On the rural road between Nang Rong and Non-Din Daeng in the Buriram province, an otherwise ordinary…

  • Brief encounter: Thai man in underwear dodges death after sick leave refusal sparks murder attempt

    Brief encounter: Thai man in underwear dodges death after sick leave refusal sparks murder attempt

    A Thai man narrowly escaped death and urgently sought help from a neighbour while clad only in his underwear, after a subordinate tried to kill him for rejecting a sick leave request. The suspect was arrested yesterday, January 31. Deputy District Chief Rojanin Borwonthitichairat filed a complaint against his subordinate, 39 year old Adul, at Nonsuwan Police Station at about…

  • Update: Russian band Bi-2 leaves Thailand for Israel escaping potential Moscow punishment

    Update: Russian band Bi-2 leaves Thailand for Israel escaping potential Moscow punishment

    The Russian rock band Bi-2, known for their criticism of the nation’s conflict with Ukraine, last night departed Thailand for Israel. This decision came after Thai authorities threatened to deport them to Moscow due to their work for working on the island of Phuket without a valid permit, according to both the band and the Royal Thai Police. Human rights…

  • Whale of a time: Thai tourist’s video reels in awe with rare shark sighting near Koh Samet (video)

    Whale of a time: Thai tourist’s video reels in awe with rare shark sighting near Koh Samet (video)

    A fin-tastic encounter unfolded yesterday as a Thai tourist shared a video capturing the rare moment when a whale shark made a splash near Koh Samet beach in the eastern province of Rayong. A Facebook account, Tanakorn Boontaram, shared a video of a whale shark making a surprise appearance near Koh Samet beach in the eastern province of Rayong, yesterday,…

  • Live cobra smuggled onboard AirAsia flight from Bangkok concealed in bottle

    Live cobra smuggled onboard AirAsia flight from Bangkok concealed in bottle

    CISF personnel thwarted a smuggling attempt at Kempegowda International Airport, Karnataka, India, as a passenger who landed from Bangkok on an AirAsia flight tried to conceal a live cobra inside a bottle. The astute CISF officers uncovered the hidden serpent during a routine luggage check. The daring passenger, identified as Purushottam, now faces the clutches of the Forest Department as…

  • British couple’s near fatal motorbike crash in Thailand leads to a romantic hospital proposal

    British couple’s near fatal motorbike crash in Thailand leads to a romantic hospital proposal

    In a tale of love, resilience, and an unexpected proposal, a British couple from Durham, in the northeast of England, found themselves thrust into the spotlight after a near-fatal motorbike crash during what was supposed to be a dreamy 28-day Thai vacation. As their love story unfolds amidst the wreckage, a community rallies to support the engaged couple, fighting against…

  • Samui Airport sees remarkable surge in tourist arrivals in 2023

    Samui Airport sees remarkable surge in tourist arrivals in 2023

    The year 2023 witnessed an outstanding surge in tourist arrivals at Samui Airport, in Thailand, with 2.2 million holidaymakers marking their footprints on the east coast island. The figure indicates a significant 66.65% increase compared to the previous year’s numbers. Located in the Surat Thani province, the Koh Samui district is home to Samui Airport. The district’s director, Jirawat Wutthiwatworakun,…

  • Entertainment guard gunned down at traffic light in Pattaya

    Entertainment guard gunned down at traffic light in Pattaya

    An entertainment guard was shot multiple times while waiting at a traffic light at the intersection at Na Kluea sub-district, North Pattaya, at 6.16am yesterday. The 39 year old guard, Panya Khayanngan, succumbed to his wounds despite a swift rush to the hospital. The crime scene painted a gruesome picture, with Panya’s overturned motorcycle and his body riddled with bullet…

  • Phetchaburi police intensify manhunt for suspect in salesman’s murder

    Phetchaburi police intensify manhunt for suspect in salesman’s murder

    A coordinated police operation is underway to apprehend Arm Hua Saphan, a suspect in the fatal shooting of a young mobile merchant in Phetchaburi Province. Police Chief Wan Chai Khawram of Muang Phetchaburi Police Station opened an investigative team to track the suspect, who is the nephew of a high-ranking police officer. The operation involves searches at four locations to…