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...
-
Israeli man arrested for illegal motorcycle rentals on Koh Pha Ngan
Another Israeli brought shame on himself after being arrested for allegedly operating an illegal motorcycle rental business on Koh Pha Ngan, generating millions of baht annually with nearly 100 vehicles. Thai police discovered the man, Pavel Fadeev, used a Thai woman’s account for transactions. The arrest comes only days after a shameless Israeli woman refused a polite request to remove her…
-
Foreign tourists try to steal from tip box in Koh Phi Phi bar
A Thai bar owner on Koh Phi Phi, an island in the southern province of Krabi, exposed four foreign tourists who attempted to steal money from a tip box by sharing CCTV footage of the incident online. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Thaiger (@thethaigerofficial) The bar owner, Thanee Suksrimuang, posted the video on…
-
Hanging by a thread: Phuket rocked by third tragic suicide in a week
Phuket has been plunged into fresh heartbreak after a woman was found dead in her home, the third suspected suicide on the island in just seven days. A 42 year old woman was discovered hanged inside her house in Kathu, Phuket, in what police believe to be a suicide, marking the latest in a string of grim discoveries to shake…
-
Chon Buri school scam: Parents allege fake certificates and fees
Concerns have arisen among parents and students at a well-known private school in Chon Buri regarding the issuance of fake graduation certificates and receipts. Despite having made full payments, many were informed of outstanding balances, leading to over 50 victims filing complaints with Nong Prue Police Station on May 12. They plan to further escalate the matter to the Damrongdhama…
-
Myanmar man arrested for murder of Bangkok gym owner
A 23 year old Myanmar national has been apprehended for the alleged murder of a fitness centre owner in Bangkok. The incident occurred after the suspect, Saihan, reportedly threatened his pregnant wife, leading to a deadly confrontation when he attempted to enter her employer’s home. Police Colonel Thitipong Siya, along with Police Colonel Pramote Chanbungkaew, led the investigation team from…
-
Thai taxi driver wanted for murder and robbery of old woman
Police are searching for a Thai motorcycle taxi rider who allegedly murdered an 89 year old woman in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat and stole her valuables worth approximately 260,000 baht. Officers from Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat Police Station discovered the body of the woman, Nin, in a grassland along Terd Phrakiat Road at around 1.30pm yesterday, May…
-
Fire at Bangkok factory causes toxic air pollution and evacuation
A fire broke out at a factory in the capital containing 300 tonnes of plastic pellets, resulting in air pollution and chemical emissions. Residents within a 300-metre radius were evacuated, with recommendations to avoid using air conditioning and instead use fans for ventilation. At 1.30pm yesterday, May 12, at the incident command centre located at Lam Pa Ong School, Doctor…
-
Last orders: Drunk biker dies on booze run near Pattaya
A late-night booze dash ended in tragedy when a drunk biker was killed after losing control of his vehicle and slamming into a pickup truck on a deadly bend in Chon Buri near Pattaya. The 29 year old victim, a Thai construction worker, died in a horrific high-speed motorbike crash after heading out to buy more booze following a drinking…
-
Phuket seas claims the life of another Aussie tourist
Phuket police issued a warning to swimmers following a second Aussie tourist death inside a week off a popular holiday resort beach. An Australian father-of-two washed ashore at the weekend two weeks into a dream holiday with his wife. Anthony John Heathcote was reported missing last Wednesday. His body was eventually found on Saturday, May 10, in waters about 20…
-
Thai businesses urged to boost online religious donation offerings
The Thai Ministry of Commerce is encouraging businesses selling religious offerings to embrace online donation platforms and collaborate with spiritual tourism companies to create pilgrimage packages. This initiative aims to distribute income to local communities, especially during religious holidays like Visakha Bucha Day, when Buddhists engage in rituals such as almsgiving and online donations. Thailand, a predominantly Buddhist nation, celebrates…
-
Bang Khen police tracks down two wheeled parcel thief
Earlier today, May 12, police in Bang Khen apprehended a suspect for allegedly stealing parcels from houses and dormitories while around on his pushbike, before opening them for personal use. Police Colonel Anant Warasat, the superintendent of Bang Khen Police Station, instructed an investigative team to facilitate the arrest of the theft suspect, 40 year old Suchat. The arrest took…
-
Thailand enhances traveller compensation for flight delays
From May 20 onwards, the Civil Aviation Board will enhance compensation policies for travellers experiencing unannounced flight delays or cancellations. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced improvements in assistance for travellers already at airports without prior notice of delays or cancellations. For international flights, if delays exceed two hours, airlines are required to provide complimentary food and beverages…
-
Thailand Post ends talks with Chinese firm over joint venture
Thailand Post, a state-run logistics enterprise, has terminated year-long negotiations with a Chinese logistics firm over a joint venture that failed to deliver anticipated benefits. The discussions aimed to boost Thailand Post’s logistics volume between the two markets, influenced by the prevalence of Chinese products in the local e-commerce sector. Thailand Post President Dhanant Subhadrabandhu stated that the joint venture…
-
Corrections Department denies plan to challenge Thai doctors’ disciplinary action
The Department of Corrections refuted claims yesterday, May 11, that it intended to seek a court order to overturn a decision by the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) regarding disciplinary action against three doctors linked to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s contentious hospitalisation. The department clarified that it had only become aware of the MCT’s decision through media outlets and…
-
Tragic head-on collision in Uthai Thani claims one life
At 4am today, May 12, Police Lieutenant Colonel Suriyan Sutthinithikornkul of Huai Khot Police Station in Uthai Thani province was notified about a head-on collision on the Ban Thung Sali–Ban Chum Thahan road in Moo 7, Suk Thueai subdistrict, Huai Khot district, Uthai Thani province. The accident resulted in one fatality and another person trapped inside a vehicle. The police…
-
Thai teachers calls for safety amid rising southern violence
The Federation of Teachers Association of Thailand (FTT) has urged the government to enhance safety measures as violence intensifies in the southern regions, focusing on increased security for educators and students in high-risk areas. Prathum Ruangrit, President of the Southern Teachers’ Federation, highlighted the need for the government to accelerate safety measures for schools, teachers, and students in the southern…
-
Police pursue leads in Trang oil palm plantation triple murder
Police have uncovered a significant lead in the case of four people found murdered and burnt in an oil palm plantation in Si Kao district, Trang province. Initial investigations suggest the crime, believed to be committed by a group of four to five people familiar with the victims, stems from a conflict over oil palm collection. The victims, 69 year…
-
Thailand and Bangladesh to advance free trade agreement talks
Previously, on May 8, Thai Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan met Bangladeshi Ambassador Fayaz Murshid Kazi to discuss advancing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between the two nations. Following a joint declaration of intent, senior officials will engage in online discussions to outline expectations and scope, aiming to formally initiate negotiations this year. Thailand has expressed its support for Bangladesh, the…
-
Phitsanulok man arrested for girlfriend’s murder after Koh Chang trip
A 30 year old man was apprehended in Phitsanulok on May 10 for allegedly strangling his 28 year old girlfriend shortly after they returned from a five-day trip to Koh Chang island. Police Colonel Watcharapong Sitthiroongrote, chief of the Mueang Phitsanulok Police Station, reported yesterday, May 11, that Surasak Khamtanode was detained around 7pm on May 10, accused of the…
-
Bhumjaithai Party backs 2026 budget amid coalition tensions
Members of the Bhumjaithai Party have affirmed they will support the upcoming 2026 fiscal year budget bill, expected to be presented to the Cabinet and the House of Representatives later this month. Bhumjaithai, a government coalition member with significant ministry positions in the budget drafting process, sees no reason for its MPs to oppose the bill, according to party spokesperson…
-
Indian tourists caught at illegal pool party in Pattaya
Over 200 Indian tourists were caught at an illegal pool party in Pattaya previously on May 8 after locals filed complaints about loud music. The Banglamung District Chief received the complaint around 8pm and ordered officials to inspect a mansion in the Pong subdistrict of Banglamung, Chon Buri. Undercover officers discovered a lively pool party taking place without proper authorisation.…
-
Bangkok Pride 2025: Right to Love Celebrations Announced
Organisers are preparing for the Bangkok Pride Festival 2025, themed The Celebration: Right to Love, scheduled from May 30 to June 30. The highlight will be the Pride Parade on June 1. A press conference held on May 6 introduced the event’s co-organisers, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), Bangkok…
-
Thailand ranks fifth for Chinese tourists, boosting cultural ties
Thailand continues to be one of the top five destinations for Chinese tourists, as the government intensifies efforts to improve the travel experiences of its visitors. According to data from Alipay and its network, Thailand ranks as the fifth most popular destination for Chinese travellers during extended holidays. It follows Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, and South Korea, as stated by…
-
Local politician’s aide allegedly assaults border officer at polling station
A local politician‘s aide allegedly assaulted a border patrol officer after being prohibited from taking photographs at a polling station. The police are gathering evidence to issue arrest warrants for the politician and all involved parties. Today, May 12, Police Lieutenant General Piyawat Chalermsri, commander of Provincial Police Region 9, visited Police Lance Corporal Nisathit Kongthep at Songkhla Hospital to…
-
SRT investigates train accident after barrier error injures young woman
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has expressed regret over a severe accident involving a train and a young woman, which occurred after a railway crossing barrier was prematurely opened. The incident prompted the SRT to launch an investigation and dispatch officials to visit the injured party. The accident took place at a railway crossing in Soi Keerinakorn, Moo 7,…
-
Manhunt in Bangkok for suspect in fatal shooting of gym owner
A 23 year old man from Myanmar is being pursued by police following the fatal shooting of a 70 year old fitness centre owner in Bangkok. The incident occurred after the suspect allegedly seized the victim’s firearm. The suspect then fled in the victim’s car towards Rangsit, prompting an intensive manhunt by law enforcement. The incident came to light on…
-
Bangkok police pursue suspects in Soi Pattanakarn shootings
Police officials in Bangkok are investigating two shooting incidents that occurred in Soi Pattanakarn 32, with efforts underway to secure arrest warrants for suspects believed to number between 10 and 15. Yesterday, May 11, the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s chief, Siam Boonsom, alongside deputy chief Nopasil Poolasawat and other senior police officers, held a meeting to discuss the progress of these…
-
Teen’s test drive ends in tragedy at Suvarnabhumi Airport
An 18 year old man’s attempt at testing a vehicle resulted in a tragic accident on Suvarnabhumi Airport’s runway road in Samut Prakan, leading to two fatalities and injuring his girlfriend. Despite warnings, the driver proceeded, leading to the accident today, May 12. Police from Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station in Samut Prakan received a report about the late-night accident on…
-
Lao woman caught smuggling 137,000 ecstasy pills across Thai border
A 23 year old Lao woman was apprehended for attempting to smuggle 137,000 ecstasy pills, valued at over 55 million baht, across the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. She was allegedly promised 10,000 baht for the delivery. Yesterday, May 11, Lieutenant General Boonsin Phadklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Region and Head of the Drug Suppression and Prevention Command, reported that…
-
Thai police uncover 256 tonnes of electronic waste in Bang Pahan
A covert facility in Bang Pahan, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, has been discovered to house over 256 tonnes of electronic waste and automotive parts. Thai police and industrial officials are currently investigating the site, where a Chinese national serves as the managing director. On May 11, Police Major General Watcharin Pusit, head of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division,…
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.