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...

  • Thai PM unleashes secret weapon: Muay Thai to conquer the world

    Thai PM unleashes secret weapon: Muay Thai to conquer the world

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin unveiled a bold plan to transform Muay Thai into Thailand‘s ultimate soft power. The Thai PM declared Muay Thai as Thailand’s top soft power, highlighting its vast economic potential. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke conveyed the PM’s vision, stating that the administration is keen on integrating Muay Thai into school curricula to foster a new generation of…

  • Chao Phraya cruise operators slash prices as tourism battles slowdown

    Chao Phraya cruise operators slash prices as tourism battles slowdown

    Chao Phraya cruise operators are keeping prices level due to sluggish tourism and high competition. While tourism is taking its time to recover, business-oriented charters are sailing towards a stronger comeback. Poowadee Kunpalin, Vice-President of the Chao Phraya River Tourism Association, talks about the resurgence. “Business travellers, especially from South Korea and European countries, are leading the charge. These high…

  • China slashes visa fees: Tourists to travel to the PRC for less

    China slashes visa fees: Tourists to travel to the PRC for less

    China has thrown open its doors, slashing visa fees by a whopping 25% with the offer extending to a range of countries including Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, and the Philippines. China, in its latest move to boost tourism and business, has made it more affordable for millions to obtain visas. The unprecedented 25% cut applies to travellers from over a dozen…

  • Thai-Myanmar task force takes on border crisis

    Thai-Myanmar task force takes on border crisis

    Thailand and Myanmar have joined forces to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding along the Thai-Myanmar border. The initiative aims to provide much-needed assistance to the thousands affected by the ongoing conflict, with both nations committed to fostering peace in Myanmar. During a bilateral meeting at the 8th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) in Beijing, Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara underscored Thailand’s dedication…

  • Health department halts bottled water factory production in Roi Et (video)

    Health department halts bottled water factory production in Roi Et (video)

    The Department of Health has ordered an immediate halt to production at a bottled water factory in Roi Et province. The decision was made following the release of a shocking video showing water being manually filled into bottles. The factory, which is a licensed water production facility, was inspected and found to be non-compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.…

  • Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Muang park kicks off nesting season with 118 turtle eggs

    Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Muang park kicks off nesting season with 118 turtle eggs

    The latest nesting season in Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park, Thai Mueang district, kicked off with the discovery of 118 leatherback turtle eggs. The eggs were spotted yesterday, December 8, by park officials during their patrol on the beach for signs of a leatherback turtle, locally known as Tao Mafueng, breeding site. Prarop Plaengngan, the park’s chief, recounted the…

  • Thai farmers warned against smuggling uncertified Vietnamese rice strains

    Thai farmers warned against smuggling uncertified Vietnamese rice strains

    Thailand‘s Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Captain Thamanat Prompow, cautioned local farmers against cultivating or smuggling uncertified Vietnamese rice strains. The warning, issued yesterday, December 8, comes in light of potential complaints from Vietnam, which could negatively impact Thailand’s reputation and bilateral relations. Despite the higher yield per area of Vietnamese rice strains providing increased income for farmers, the minister emphasised the…

  • Shocking stop: Thai Smile Buses Co., face backlash as passengers left stranded

    Shocking stop: Thai Smile Buses Co., face backlash as passengers left stranded

    The Thai Smile Bus Company faced a barrage of criticism as their electric buses ground to a halt, leaving passengers stranded and services disrupted. The uproar prompted an investigation into the sudden cessation of operations, revealing a deep-seated issue affecting the company’s ability to provide a reliable service. The Corporate Communications Department of Thai Smile Bus Company Limited officially addressed…

  • Neigh-saying no more: Horse racing chief urges PM to reopen track after four-year hiatus

    Neigh-saying no more: Horse racing chief urges PM to reopen track after four-year hiatus

    Sunthorn Paengpairi, head of the Horse Racing Association in Nakhon Ratchasima, appealed to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to reopen a local horse racing track which has been closed for four years. This long-term closure has significantly impacted the livelihood of around 400,000 individuals involved in the industry, leaving them in severe hardship and without means to support their families. On…

  • Counterfeit gold ornaments worth 3 million baht found on Chaeng Watthana Road

    Counterfeit gold ornaments worth 3 million baht found on Chaeng Watthana Road

    Expressway Traffic Police officers yesterday reported a large black bag found on the outbound lane of Chaeng Watthana Road to Pak Kret Police Station, Nonthaburi. The bag, discovered on the expressway, contained a camouflaged backpack filled with various types of ornamental gold, weighing no less than 100 baht. Officers could not immediately identify whether the jewellery was real or fake.…

  • Thai mechanic found dead in sewer highlights lethal risks of heavy drinking

    Thai mechanic found dead in sewer highlights lethal risks of heavy drinking

    Tragedy struck when a 44 year old mechanic, known for his drinking habits, was found dead in a sewer in front of Wat Khae School, located in Pak Klong Bang Pla Kod, Phra Samut Chedi district, Samut Prakan province. The incident was reported today, December 8, at around 7.30am by residents and the local authorities. The tragic discovery was made…

  • Global carbon countdown: Is the world doomed? Shocking revelations from climate talk

    Global carbon countdown: Is the world doomed? Shocking revelations from climate talk

    At the Thai-German conference Climate Talk in Bangkok, Germany’s Ambassador to Thailand, Dr Ernst Reichel, warns that the world is perilously behind in achieving net-zero carbon emissions. As countries grapple with the devastating consequences of climate change, a fossil fuel ban emerges as a contentious issue during Climate Talk, creating challenges for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28)…

  • Loan sharks circle in: 65 year old business owner seeks refuge in Chon Buri

    Loan sharks circle in: 65 year old business owner seeks refuge in Chon Buri

    A 65 year old business owner in Chon Buri approached the Saaih Mai Tong Rod coordination centre at 10.40am today, seeking assistance after being ruthlessly pursued by loan sharks. The business owner, Chai, borrowed just 30,000 baht but has ended up paying over 3 million baht in interest. His lenders, a total of 29, have forced him to become a…

  • Thai national thought held hostage in Gaza found safe in Israel

    Thai national thought held hostage in Gaza found safe in Israel

    A Thai national believed to be among the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza has been found safe in Israel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) reveals this miraculous twist as talks for the release of remaining Thai hostages continue. The Thai embassy in Tel Aviv confirmed that a missing Thai national, initially feared to be among the hostages, recently…

  • Thai health official’s family embroiled in 50 million baht corruption case

    Thai health official’s family embroiled in 50 million baht corruption case

    Public Health Minister Chalnan Srikaew today revealed a corruption case involving a senior official from the Department of Medical Science, her daughter, and her son-in-law. The trio was involved in fraudulent activities, falsifying documents, and misappropriation of funds causing over 50 million baht in damages. Chalnan yesterday received a report from Yongyos Thamwutti, the acting director of the Department of…

  • EconThai: Thailand’s job market faces limited growth in key sectors predicted for 2024

    EconThai: Thailand’s job market faces limited growth in key sectors predicted for 2024

    The Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) painted a gloomy picture of Thailand‘s job market in 2024. The Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) is sounding the alarm, predicting a continued slump in Thailand’s job market in the coming year. According to Tanit Sorat, Vice-Chairman of EconThai, the country’s employment landscape remains bleak in the aftermath…

  • Dangerous honeycomb wax sweets trend sweeps social media in Thailand

    Dangerous honeycomb wax sweets trend sweeps social media in Thailand

    Social media is on fire with the sale of a potentially dangerous dessert, known as honeycomb wax sweets or simply, wax sweets. These cute, colourful treats conceal a hidden risk. A consumer posted on Facebook today, December 8, about a certain type of sweet that resembles a candle wax stick but contains a sweet filling. The shell, which is made of…

  • Mackerel ice cream becomes star attraction at Maeklong Festival

    Mackerel ice cream becomes star attraction at Maeklong Festival

    The Maeklong Mackerel Festival in Samut Songkhram province has taken a delightful turn with a unique signature item – Mackerel Ice Cream. The frozen dessert, designed to resemble the iconic fish, comes in four delicious flavours: Thai tea, chocolate, strawberry, and milk. The news broke out on the festival’s Facebook page, leading to a rapid viral spread. The post received…

  • Thai man robs store for 900 baht to buy rice for sick family

    Thai man robs store for 900 baht to buy rice for sick family

    A Thai man was arrested for robbing a convenience store using a fake gun, tearfully confessing he had no money to buy rice for his sick mother-in-law and wife. The 24 year old, Thanawut Thiapthanom, admitted to the crime, stating he also used drugs to help him work longer hours and earn more money. He was tracked and seized by…

  • World’s largest private jet, the Flying Palace, drops price to 16 million baht

    World’s largest private jet, the Flying Palace, drops price to 16 million baht

    The world’s largest and most luxurious private jet, the Boeing 747-8, often dubbed the Flying Palace, announced a significant price drop to fly in the globe’s most expensive aeroplane. The gigantic aircraft, unmatched in its size in the private jet sector, is outfitted with all the necessities one could need when travelling at an altitude of 40,000 feet. The Flying…

  • TikTok turmoil: Chinese influencer in hot water after Soi Nana video, fined for illegal work

    TikTok turmoil: Chinese influencer in hot water after Soi Nana video, fined for illegal work

    The Immigration Bureau police conducted an investigation into a Chinese TikToker who gained viral attention for her video shot in Soi Nana. Subsequently, she was fined for working in Thailand without the required permit. Thai netizens urged the police and relevant authorities to take action after the Chinese woman, later identified as Wang Zi Yu, made a video that could…

  • Chiang Mai teacher accused of falsifying meal allowances, not redistributing school meals

    Chiang Mai teacher accused of falsifying meal allowances, not redistributing school meals

    The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) clarified allegations against Chaiyayot Suktho, a special senior teacher (Grade 3) at Yang Pao School, Aom Koi district, Chiang Mai. Chaiyayot was not accused of redistributing school meals to underprivileged students but of falsifying meal allowances, indicating a deliberate attempt to evade subsequent audits. Chaiyayot continues to volunteer at Yang Pao School without a salary,…

  • Pattaya’s infamous 4 Step Tomboy nightclub takes a stumble in narcotics raid

    Pattaya’s infamous 4 Step Tomboy nightclub takes a stumble in narcotics raid

    Officials yesterday cracked down on Pattaya‘s infamous 4 Step Tomboy nightclub. Allegations of illegal activities prompted a raid that exposed the possession of narcotics at the nightclub. Bang Lamung District Office and Pattaya Police Station officials, spearheaded by district chief Phisit Sawatdinukul and district chief secretary Kamolchanok Konsombat, launched a decisive raid on the notorious 4 Step Tomboy nightclub at 3.30am,…

  • Loan dispute escalates into violent altercation in central Thailand

    Loan dispute escalates into violent altercation in central Thailand

    A debtor, who had previously complained to the Crime Suppression Division about being attacked with a knife and having his teeth knocked out, has been informed that his case is not progressing. The police superintendent of Bang Bua Thong Police Station clarified that the incident was not related to illegal lending but was a case of assault stemming from a…

  • Discrediting Thailand: Chinese TikToker’s distorted info about Soi Nana in Bangkok

    Discrediting Thailand: Chinese TikToker’s distorted info about Soi Nana in Bangkok

    A Chinese woman has been slammed by netizens for discrediting and destroying the image of tourism in Thailand by portraying Soi Nana in Bangkok as dangerous and full of bad people. A Facebook page, Lui Jeen (ลุยจีน), shared a video of the spiteful woman who is famous on the Chinese social media platform called Douyin. “Chinese TikToker makes a video…

  • Cable cash approved: Thai Cabinet greenlights 28 million baht for sky-high project in Phu Kradueng

    Cable cash approved: Thai Cabinet greenlights 28 million baht for sky-high project in Phu Kradueng

    The Thai Cabinet recently approved a 28 million baht budget to design a contentious cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei, according to Lertsak Watthanachaikul, a Pheu Thai Party MP for Loei. This was further confirmed by PM’s Office Minister Puangpet Chunlaiad, a former Loei MP, who stated the design fund was presented to the cabinet at…

  • Tripartite committee set to discuss new daily minimum wage rates

    Tripartite committee set to discuss new daily minimum wage rates

    The tripartite committee, which consists of representatives from the ministry, employers, and employees, is set to deliberate on the new daily minimum wage rates across various provinces. The meeting, confirmed by Pairoj Chotikasathien, the permanent secretary for labour, is scheduled for today, December 8. According to the data finalized by a sub-committee under the main wage committee on November 27,…

  • Surge in Covid-19 cases prompts advice for public to wear masks

    Surge in Covid-19 cases prompts advice for public to wear masks

    A respiratory expert issues a warning as Covid-19 cases soar, surpassing even the flu. Renowned respiratory specialist, Dr Manoon Leechawengwongs, dropped a bombshell on social media, sounding the alarm on the escalating Covid crisis. Hailing from Vichaiyut Hospital in Bangkok, he disclosed a staggering 545 cases in November alone, divulging the unsettling statistics in a Facebook post yesterday, December 7.…

  • Iconic Thai heritage closing for renovation: Kamthieng House Museum shutting down

    Iconic Thai heritage closing for renovation: Kamthieng House Museum shutting down

    The historic Kamthieng House Museum, a cultural gem in the heart of Bangkok, is set to close its doors for a major renovation. The Siam Society, custodians of the beloved Kamthieng House Museum, has dropped a bombshell by announcing its closure for extensive renovations starting from December 30. The delay in the restoration, the society reveals, was a meticulous process…

  • Tomorrowland plans a decade-long dance in Thailand, says PM Srettha

    Tomorrowland plans a decade-long dance in Thailand, says PM Srettha

    The Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, this week had dinner with the organisers of the world-renowned Tomorrowland music festival and told Thai EDM music fans to look forward to plans for the festival coming to Thailand over the next ten years. PM Srettha shared a picture and some words with the Tomorrowland organising team on his Twitter account on…