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...

  • Teen pregnancy scandal in Samut Prakan: Uncle accused of sexual abuse

    Teen pregnancy scandal in Samut Prakan: Uncle accused of sexual abuse

    The mother of a teenage daughter filed a complaint against the 15 year old’s uncle for rape leading to her pregnancy in Samut Prakan province. The teenage girl’s 37 year old mother stated the uncle has been sexually abusing her daughter since she was 14. She is eight months’ pregnant. The pair arrived at Bang Sao Thong Police Station to…

  • Veterans Association leader arrested in Buriram, potential fundraising scam suspected

    Veterans Association leader arrested in Buriram, potential fundraising scam suspected

    The head of a Veterans Association was detained by the Bang Kruai District Police amid a concert announcement in Buriram province. The police, acting on a warrant dated July 5, apprehended the Veterans Association head, 46 year old Jomkacha (surname reserved), during a news conference where the association was announcing a forthcoming concert by the band THE POLICE 191, set…

  • Nonthaburi shopping centre halts escalator after flip-flop mishap causes safety concerns

    Nonthaburi shopping centre halts escalator after flip-flop mishap causes safety concerns

    A footwear mishap at a bustling shopping centre in Nonthaburi caught the attention of onlookers and spurred immediate safety precautions. A video shared by Pook Saranya, a TikTok user, revealed a flip-flop getting trapped in an escalator, creating a temporary halt in its operation. Subsequent attempts by a custodian and a security officer to retrieve the trapped footwear are captured…

  • Bangkok student’s offensive gesture triggers backlash: Netizens condemn racism and lack of respect toward black teacher

    Bangkok student’s offensive gesture triggers backlash: Netizens condemn racism and lack of respect toward black teacher

    A video of a rude Bangkok student raising her middle fingers to a black teacher has been condemned by Thai netizens. The student in the video, her friend, and her friend’s racist mother were also slammed by netizens for their disrespectful behaviour and racial discrimination. The video was initially posted on Instagram by a student from a high school in…

  • Surin’s senior sensation: 60 year old man hits the jackpot, becomes multi-millionaire in Thai lottery

    Surin’s senior sensation: 60 year old man hits the jackpot, becomes multi-millionaire in Thai lottery

    A 60 year old man from Ta Prao in Surin province in northeast Thailand is suddenly a multi-millionaire after scooping the jackpot in yesterday’s Thai lottery, taking home a cool 12 million baht from two first prizes and two digit-end tickets. Suchati Rerobroy’s life took an unexpected turn when his daughter-in-law called him, suggesting he will no longer live in…

  • Beagles save the bacon: Illegal pork sausages sniffed out, preventing ASF outbreak at Bangkok airport

    Beagles save the bacon: Illegal pork sausages sniffed out, preventing ASF outbreak at Bangkok airport

    Department of Livestock Development (DLD) officers swooped to prevent an outbreak of Asian Swine Fever (ASF) thanks to the agency’s trusty beagles sniffing out a traveller’s illegal pork sausages at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. DLD Deputy Director and spokesperson Sophat Chavarnkul provided a report on the operation conducted by the DLD-Quarantine and Inspection K9 Unit at the airport yesterday, July…

  • Thai finance chief cautions reform balance to prevent tax shock on economy

    Thai finance chief cautions reform balance to prevent tax shock on economy

    Krisada Chinavicharana, the permanent secretary at the Finance Ministry, sounded the alarm bell for the incoming government, stating that the proposed tax reforms aiming to bump up the revenue should not produce a shockwave effect on the economy. Currently, tax revenue stands at just 14% of the GDP, falling short of the expected 15% or 16%, Krisada said. He stated……

  • Magazine ranks Thailand 9th best retirement spot on Earth

    Magazine ranks Thailand 9th best retirement spot on Earth

    Thailand secured its position as the world’s ninth-best retirement spot on International Living Magazine’s 2023 Annual Global Retirement Index. The index ranks countries based on their suitability for retirees, taking into account various factors including cost of living, cost of healthcare, cultural activities, and more. In the 2023 index, Thailand shares the spotlight with other popular retirement destinations such as Portugal,…

  • Patong motorbike taxi dispute goes viral, ends in peaceful resolution (video)

    Patong motorbike taxi dispute goes viral, ends in peaceful resolution (video)

    An altercation between a local motorbike taxi rider and an unidentified foreign tourist unfolded in Patong, Thailand. The disagreement, which stemmed from a fare dispute, gained social media attention yesterday after a video of the heated encounter started to circulate widely. Patong Police yesterday revealed details of the incident which had been shared on a Facebook page at 4.44pm. A…

  • Thai railway eviction saga: Low-income residents face displacement for high-speed project

    Thai railway eviction saga: Low-income residents face displacement for high-speed project

    The ongoing tale of the imminent relocation of the Bun Romsai community, along with over 100 other residents residing alongside a railway track in Phaya Thai district, Thailand, continues to unfold. Having called this area home for over two decades, community leader Chao Kerdaree candidly shares insights into the upcoming eviction, which has been instigated by the State Railway of…

  • Affordable and enriched living in Thailand attracts foreign investors

    Affordable and enriched living in Thailand attracts foreign investors

    Thailand is making waves on the world stage with what International Living defines as its attractive blend of enriched living at pocket-friendly costs. The gem in the Thai living appeal seems to be the lucrative real estate sector where, as International Living puts it: “Foreigners are able to buy condos very easily and there are bargains everywhere.” Along with attractive…

  • Andaman provinces appeal to continue Phang-nga Airport study amid fears of overcrowding

    Andaman provinces appeal to continue Phang-nga Airport study amid fears of overcrowding

    The Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committee (JPPSCC) spanning the Andaman provinces appealed to Airports of Thailand (AoT) to ensure the continuation of its feasibility study on the proposed Phang-nga Airport. Previously, a discussion between the JPPSCC across the provinces of Krabi, Trang, Phang-nga, Phuket, Ranong, Satun, and Phuket Airport took place concerning the same issue. As a result…

  • Vibrant pink Siam tulips in northeast Thailand draw tourists

    Vibrant pink Siam tulips in northeast Thailand draw tourists

    Nature enthusiasts and flower fans have flocked in their thousands to Sai Thong National Park in Chaiyaphum province to witness the breathtaking sight of a vast field of blooming pink Siam tulips. The influx of tourists began over the weekend, with visitors eagerly capturing photos and selfies amidst the stunning display. Spanning four districts – Nong Bua Rahaew, Thep Sathit,…

  • Thai woman swept away in South Korean floods

    Thai woman swept away in South Korean floods

    A Thai woman working illegally in South Korea has tragically become one of the victims of the devastating flash floods, which have claimed the lives of at least 37 people and left nine others missing. As 9,000 residents grapple with the aftermath of this natural disaster in the East Asian nation, the extent of the destruction is becoming apparent. According…

  • Singaporean man’s Bangkok airport mix-up leads to arresting headlines

    Singaporean man’s Bangkok airport mix-up leads to arresting headlines

    The Singaporean man arrested at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok for allegedly stealing the belongings of a German man insists it was all a mix-up. Teo Yu Xuan Kenny was trying to board a plane home when Immigration Bureau officers swooped to apprehend the Singaporean for the alleged theft of 100,000 baht in cash, a laptop, and a passport…

  • Young Kuwaiti man risks leg amputation after Pattaya motorbike accident (video)

    Young Kuwaiti man risks leg amputation after Pattaya motorbike accident (video)

    In a recent tragedy, a 19 year old Kuwaiti man is facing the risk of having his leg amputated after a motorbike accident in Pattaya early yesterday morning. The incident occurred when the motorbike he was riding as a pillion grazed against a concrete street barrier on South Pattaya Road. Sawang Boriboon rescuers received arrived on the scene near Bali…

  • Swinging into trouble: Golfer faces prosecution for ‘fore’-bidden activity in Thai national park (video)

    Swinging into trouble: Golfer faces prosecution for ‘fore’-bidden activity in Thai national park (video)

    In a bid to uphold the sanctity of national parks, Thai authorities at Khao Yai National Park are preparing to prosecute a golfer who dared to engage in sporting activity such as illegal golfing within the protected vicinity of Sai Sorn Reservoir. This reservoir, nestled within the heart of the national park, is not only home to a diverse array…

  • Thai women cautioned over marriage scams with Chinese nationals

    Thai women cautioned over marriage scams with Chinese nationals

    Police cautioned Thai women considering marriage to Chinese nationals against possible legal infringements in both Thailand and China. According to a report on Monday, the alert followed revelations by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) that a case involving a Thai woman from Udon Thani, subjected to marriage scams, and three years of abuse in China, did not constitute human…

  • Thailand battles marine pollution with 507 tonnes of waste collected in 2020

    Thailand battles marine pollution with 507 tonnes of waste collected in 2020

    Marine pollution issues have impinged on Thailand‘s coastal regions, with increasingly alarming statistics emerging, according to updates from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Throughout last year, there were reports of 22 oil spill events within the Gulf of Thailand, and an astonishing 507 tonnes of various waste gathered from surrounding seas, as noted by deputy government spokeswoman, Traisulee…

  • Trat’s tourism sector hopes to rebound despite ongoing struggles

    Trat’s tourism sector hopes to rebound despite ongoing struggles

    Trat, one of Thailand’s premier beach destinations, is optimistic about a boost in tourism during the latter part of this year despite a struggling hotel sector that is yet to bounce back from Covid-19 disruptions. Phatcharin Sawettarat, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Trat Office, disclosed that the province accommodated approximately one million visitors last year, just half…

  • Pheu Thai may replace MFP in Thai political shakeup

    Pheu Thai may replace MFP in Thai political shakeup

    A shift in the political dynamic of Thailand might be on the horizon, according to predictions by a distinguished political science academic. He believes the Pheu Thai Party could rise as the new coalition’s head if Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), fails to secure victory in the Parliamentary selection for Thailand’s Prime Minister. Burapha University’s…

  • MFP challenges military’s role in selection of Thai PM

    MFP challenges military’s role in selection of Thai PM

    The Thai political landscape is witnessing a potential upheaval with the Move Forward Party (MFP) taking legislative strides. The party fervently presented a proposal to Parliament yesterday challenging the military-appointed senators‘ right to participate in the selection of the prime minister. This bid comes as a reaction to the MFP leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, falling short of amassing sufficient support for…

  • Trade war triggers fear of new EV chip shortage from China export limit

    Trade war triggers fear of new EV chip shortage from China export limit

    Leading authorities in the industry fear another chip shortage could soon hit electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. This comes as China limits the export of two significant metals, a move driven by the ongoing trade dispute between Washington and Beijing, as reported by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). As of August 1, China will impose trade restrictions on select products…

  • Thai businesses call for swift government formation

    Thai businesses call for swift government formation

    A speedy establishment of a new administration is of paramount importance, according to the business community amid ongoing political uncertainty. Chookiat Ophaswongse, an honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association voiced concerns over the nebulous political situation, indicating the future of Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat as the next prime minister is uncertain, making the country vulnerable to…

  • High-end watch demand increases among younger Thai generation

    High-end watch demand increases among younger Thai generation

    A constant evolution and inherent value have ensured a secure niche for high-end watches in today’s market, said Narun Thamavaranukup, the managing director of watch distribution company, PMT The Hour Glass. With smartphones ubiquitous, one might think wristwatches would lose their charm. However, as Narun says, these timepieces are more than mere instruments to tell time. For Narun, watches play…

  • Thailand detects new coronavirus subvariant EG.5.1

    Thailand detects new coronavirus subvariant EG.5.1

    According to reports from the Department of Medical Sciences, a new and rapidly spreading Coronavirus XBB subvariant, named EG.5.1, has been identified in Thailand. Although fast-spreading, it has been observed to cause predominantly mild symptoms. Remarkable insights came to light yesterday when the Head of the Department, Dr Supakit Sirilak revealed that five individuals had been diagnosed with this subvariant…

  • German man faces death penalty for premeditated murder

    German man faces death penalty for premeditated murder

    Royal Thai Police (RTP) have officially charged a man with premeditated murder in connection to the gruesome killing of Hans Peter Walter Mack, a 62 year old German real estate tycoon residing in Chon Buri, significantly intensifying the legal implications for the prime suspect. Deputy National Police Chief, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, listed 52 year old German national Olaf Thorsten…

  • Stepping forward: MFP aims to rewrite Senate’s role in selecting Thai Prime Minister

    Stepping forward: MFP aims to rewrite Senate’s role in selecting Thai Prime Minister

    The Move Forward Party (MFP) today proposed a revision to Section 272 of the Constitution in order to reduce the power of the Thai Senate and the role of its senators in selecting the Prime Minister of Thailand. Under Section 272 of the Constitution, senators appointed by the last military-led government have the privilege to sway the PM vote. Section…

  • Numbers game: Lottery draw entices numerology enthusiasts to decode winning digits

    Numbers game: Lottery draw entices numerology enthusiasts to decode winning digits

    The National Lottery numbers are in for this Sunday’s draw bringing with it an array of numerology enthusiasts looking to decipher the winning digits. From the prime number on a local woman’s newly coloured car registration plate to the intriguing calculations surrounding political polls, lottery devotees are engaging in all sorts of permutations and interpretations in hopes of striking fortune…

  • Spirited deception: Thai woman falls prey to liquor scam featuring MFP leader’s image

    Spirited deception: Thai woman falls prey to liquor scam featuring MFP leader’s image

    A Thai woman fell victim to a liquor scam after the swindler successfully deceived her by promoting a fake shop with a picture of Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limcharoenrat, and the party’s Progressive Liquor Act campaign. The victim, 33 year old Juthaporn, yesterday filed a complaint against the scammer at Mueang Rayong Police Station. Juthaporn stated that she…