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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  • Weak economy and loan restrictions further plummets pickup sales

    Weak economy and loan restrictions further plummets pickup sales

    Domestic car sales are facing significant challenges as pure pickup sales dropped by 40.8% in the first five months of 2024, primarily due to a weak economy and difficulties in accessing loans, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). From January to May, sales of pickup trucks fell by 40.8% year-on-year to 75,510 units. While sales of pickup passenger…

  • Minor earthquake in Phang Nga prompts safety inspections

    Minor earthquake in Phang Nga prompts safety inspections

    An earthquake with a magnitude of 2.2 struck the Bang Toei area in Phang Nga Province, prompting officials to inspect for potential damage. It was confirmed that an earthquake occurred in Bang Toei, Mueang District, Phang Nga Province. The incident occurred in the early hours of today, June 26, as reported by the Earthquake Surveillance Division of the Thai Meteorological…

  • Thai teacher arrested for sexually assaulting schoolboy for 2 years

    Thai teacher arrested for sexually assaulting schoolboy for 2 years

    Police yesterday arrested a male Thai teacher who sexually assaulted a 14 year old schoolboy for almost two years at a school in the Klong Toey neighbourhood of Bangkok. The boy’s mother only found out about the abuse on June 20 after the young victim, Nat, could no longer stand his teacher’s behaviour. According to Nat, his 38 year old…

  • Lao man dies after 12th floor fall in Pattaya amid partner argument

    Lao man dies after 12th floor fall in Pattaya amid partner argument

    A Lao man tragically died after falling from the 12th floor of a condominium in Pattaya following an argument with his partner. The incident occurred at 3.36am yesterday, June 25, at a condominium on Thappraya Road in the Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. Pattaya police, along with rescue workers, promptly arrived at the scene after being notified. Police…

  • DLT proposes four new electric bus routes for Rangsit station

    DLT proposes four new electric bus routes for Rangsit station

    The Department of Land Transport (DLT) proposes four new electric bus routes to improve connectivity to the State Railway of Thailand’s (SRT) Red Line Rangsit Station in Pathum Thani province. The plan aims to address the inadequacies in the current feeder system, which were highlighted by a recent Transport Ministry survey. Transport Ministry spokesperson Krichanont Iyapunya stated that the DLT’s…

  • Sleep-deprived driver crashes car in torrential rain, injuring two

    Sleep-deprived driver crashes car in torrential rain, injuring two

    A sleep-deprived young man driving a car through the rain lost control and crashed into a utility pole at 6am yesterday, resulting in injuries to two women passengers on Suwinthawong Road, Mueang District, Chachoengsao Province. Rescue workers and local police quickly arrived at the scene to assist. The vehicle involved, a Toyota hatchback, was found with significant front-end damage. The…

  • Groundbreaking Thai sci-fi flick ‘Uranus2324’ to release in July

    Groundbreaking Thai sci-fi flick ‘Uranus2324’ to release in July

    In a historic milestone for Thai cinema, Uranus2324, the nation’s first space science fiction film, is set to premiere on July 4. This highly anticipated film has already garnered significant attention, being one of only four films to receive funding under Thailand’s Soft Power initiative and securing global distribution deals. Produced by Velcurve Studio in collaboration with GM Generators Co.,…

  • Sukhothai temple warns against releasing catfish

    Sukhothai temple warns against releasing catfish

    A temple in Sukhothai has gained widespread online attention for its warning sign against releasing catfish into local waters, highlighting the ecological damage caused by this practice. The sign at Wat Traphang Thong in Mueang District has sparked a viral discussion on social media. “Warning to those making merit: Do not release catfish as it destroys the ecosystem. “Avoid releasing…

  • Warning issued for venomous jellyfish at Phuket’s Racha Yai Island

    Warning issued for venomous jellyfish at Phuket’s Racha Yai Island

    A warning has been issued about the presence of the highly venomous Portuguese Man o’ War jellyfish in the waters of Lah Bay and Tue Bay at Racha Yai Island, Phuket. Tourists and those engaging in marine activities in the area are advised to exercise extreme caution to avoid contact with these dangerous creatures. The Department of Marine and Coastal…

  • Thai couple arrested after woman flees cops with boyfriend’s help

    Thai couple arrested after woman flees cops with boyfriend’s help

    A Thai woman arrested for theft escaped from Sattahip Police Station on Sunday thanks to help from her boyfriend. The couple was later arrested last night, June 24. Sattahip Police Station officers arrested the 20 year old woman, Naranya Areepong, at a shopping centre after she attempted to steal two bottles of imported alcohol at about 10.30am on Sunday, June 23.…

  • Bangkok bust: Metal detector detects Thai man’s homemade gun

    Bangkok bust: Metal detector detects Thai man’s homemade gun

    Police apprehended a suspicious man at Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal after a metal detector revealed he was carrying a homemade gun. The suspect, identified as 43 year old Thanet from Samut Prakan, was found with a .38 calibre gun and six bullets. The incident occurred yesterday when the Superintendent of Bang Sue Police Station, Phuwadon Unphon, along with Deputy Superintendent…

  • Thailand imports shrimp from Ecuador amid local production crisis

    Thailand imports shrimp from Ecuador amid local production crisis

    Thailand, once the world’s leading shrimp exporter, now finds itself importing shrimp from Ecuador. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed the Department of Fisheries to investigate and report back in the next Cabinet meeting. The nation, which used to produce and export 600,000 tonnes of shrimp annually, now produces only 200,000 tonnes. This significant decline has necessitated the importation of shrimp,…

  • Singapore foreign minister visits Thailand to discuss bilateral issues

    Singapore foreign minister visits Thailand to discuss bilateral issues

    Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan kicked off his official visit to Thailand today, answering the call of his Thai counterpart, Maris Sangiampongsa. Today’s packed agenda includes a working luncheon with Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and a formal welcome dinner hosted by Maris. According to the Thai Foreign Ministry, the two leaders are set to discuss key bilateral issues, fortifying…

  • Chilling tragedy: Ice delivery truck crash in Ratchaburi kills three

    Chilling tragedy: Ice delivery truck crash in Ratchaburi kills three

    An ice delivery truck overturned and collided with a streetlight in Ratchaburi province, resulting in the deaths of three people. Police suspect that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. Surveillance footage confirmed that no other vehicles were involved. Ritthipol Phonsen, an investigative officer at Thung Luang Police Station in Ratchaburi province, received a report of a six-wheeled…

  • Durian festival returns to Pak Chong for 2024 celebration

    Durian festival returns to Pak Chong for 2024 celebration

    The third annual Durian GI Festival Pakchong Khao Yai is set to place at the Nong Nam Daeng Subdistrict Administrative Organisation Office in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima. Nakhon Ratchasima Commerce Officer Jirasak Sriphet announced that the province, in collaboration with the Agricultural District Officer of Pak Chong, Bandit Koetmongkol, and the local durian farmers’ community, will host the festival. The…

  • 8 Thai women and transwoman arrested in Taiwan for prostitution

    8 Thai women and transwoman arrested in Taiwan for prostitution

    Taiwanese police arrested eight Thai women and a Thai transwoman at a hotel in the Zhongshan district of Taipei City last week for illegal prostitution. Radio Taiwan International (RTI) news agency reported that police officers in Taipei continued to crack down on illegal prostitution in the city after the arrest of 24 Thai women on May 20 at a bar…

  • Buriram woman faces home seizure after co-signing a car loan

    Buriram woman faces home seizure after co-signing a car loan

    A woman in Buriram has pleaded for help after receiving a home seizure court order due to unpaid car loan instalments by a close friend she’d been a guarantor for. A general labourer, 32 year old Pacharinporn co-signed for her friend Pu (a pseudonym) to buy a new pickup truck in 2019. Pu’s now-deceased ex-husband was the primary guarantor, with…

  • Former prosecutor indicted for smuggling rhino horns

    Former prosecutor indicted for smuggling rhino horns

    The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) indicted that a former deputy prosecutor was involved in the illegal importation of rhinoceros horns valued at 179 million baht through Suvarnabhumi Airport. The case has been sent to the attorney general for prosecution. Secretary-General of the NACC, and spokesperson, Niwatchai Kasemmongkol announced that the commission had found sufficient grounds to proceed with charges against…

  • Pothole politics: Khon Kaen villagers pave the way to safer travels

    Pothole politics: Khon Kaen villagers pave the way to safer travels

    Villagers of Ban Rak Chat in Khon Kaen, have taken matters into their own hands to repair their deteriorating village road, which has become riddled with potholes and hazards, making travel perilous and causing frequent accidents. Several dozen locals banded together to break and drill through the sunken concrete road, which had been eroded over time, impeding safe passage, especially…

  • Shop owner fatally stabbed chasing thief in Nakhon Ratchasima

    Shop owner fatally stabbed chasing thief in Nakhon Ratchasima

    A 27 year old shop owner in Nakhon Ratchasima tragically lost his life after being stabbed seven times while trying to catch a thief. The shop owner’s girlfriend saw the suspect, who had frequently visited the shop, and provided crucial information to the police. Police received a report at around 4am today of a fatal stabbing at a general store…

  • Thailand’s tourist boom: Portuguese visitors surge by 44% this year

    Thailand’s tourist boom: Portuguese visitors surge by 44% this year

    Thailand is basking in a mini tourist boom, with a staggering 44% increase in visitors from Portugal recorded between January and April. Nanthasiri Ronnasiri, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Director for Southern Europe, is on a mission to shatter pre-pandemic records by luring over 52,000 Portuguese tourists this year. Ronnasiri shared her ambitions at the Thailand Festival in Lisbon. “We…

  • Police raid drug party in Bangkok, arrest 29 and seize narcotics

    Police raid drug party in Bangkok, arrest 29 and seize narcotics

    Police raided a drug party, arresting 29 individuals and seizing a substantial amount of narcotics. The raid also revealed 22 individuals testing positive for drugs, further investigations ultimately led to the arrest of the drug supplier. Police conducted the raid at a building in Wang Thonglang District, Bangkok yesterday morning, uncovering a variety of drugs, including 1.1 kilogrammes of crystal…

  • Couple’s king cobra encounter turns into a lotto-tunity

    Couple’s king cobra encounter turns into a lotto-tunity

    A couple in Suphan Buri were shocked to find a large king cobra under their house, prompting a frantic call to rescue services. They believe the snake might bring them luck and plan to use their house number for lottery tickets. Rescue officers from the Samor Kan Suphan Buri Foundation received a call at 5.30am today, June 24, from a…

  • Meth haul worth millions seized after dramatic car chase

    Meth haul worth millions seized after dramatic car chase

    A dramatic car chase ended in the arrest of a suspect and the seizure of a large quantity of methamphetamine at a temple. The suspect attempted to flee but was apprehended before he could escape. At 8am today, June 25, military forces from the 4th Cavalry Company of the Chaiyanuphap Task Force, Phamuang Force, announced the capture of a significant…

  • Surat Thani police crackdown on Euro 2024 illegal gambling

    Surat Thani police crackdown on Euro 2024 illegal gambling

    Surat Thani police chief launched an intensive crackdown on illegal gambling related to the Euro 2024 football tournament to ensure public safety and prevent citizens from falling victim to gambling activities. The event took place outside the Surat Thani Provincial Police Headquarters in Khun Thale, Mueang District. The provincial police commander, Police Major General Soempun Sirikong, led the operation, emphasising…

  • Thailand’s tourism revenue goal in jeopardy: Tourism minister

    Thailand’s tourism revenue goal in jeopardy: Tourism minister

    Thailand faces an uphill battle in reaching its ambitious 3.5 trillion-baht tourism revenue target for 2024, as admitted by Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich. Speaking at the Thai Hotels Association’s annual conference, Sermsak highlighted the current progress and challenges ahead. “In the first five months of this year, Thailand has welcomed 15 million foreign tourists, generating 1.1 trillion baht.…

  • Thailand ranked among top 50 in World Happiness Report 2024

    Thailand ranked among top 50 in World Happiness Report 2024

    Thailand ranks among the top 50 countries in the World Happiness Report 2024 as a potential destination for young people seeking happiness, highlighting a high level of joy among those under 30 years old in the country. The World Happiness Report, conducted jointly by the United Nations (UN), the University of Oxford, and the analytics and advisory firm Gallup, drew…

  • Couple escape police custody, arrested after dramatic manhunt

    Couple escape police custody, arrested after dramatic manhunt

    A couple involved in a theft case managed to escape from a police station, crossing provincial borders and disguising themselves to evade capture. The husband, driven by sympathy for his wife and their child, orchestrated the breakout. Suspected of theft, 20 year old Naranya was picked up near Sattahip Police Station by a man identified as 36 year old Arthit,…

  • BoT urges usage of older banknotes for special occasions

    BoT urges usage of older banknotes for special occasions

    The Bank of Thailand (BoT) urged consumers to use existing banknotes for special occasions instead of requesting newly printed ones. This request comes as the circulation period of banknotes has extended due to the rise in digital payments and improved banknote quality. Currently, the first-in, first-out cycle for banknotes means they stay in circulation about 10% longer than before. The…

  • HBO exec hails Koh Samui as paradise as White Lotus filming ends

    HBO exec hails Koh Samui as paradise as White Lotus filming ends

    HBO’s hit series The White Lotus has just wrapped up filming on Koh Samui for its highly anticipated Season 3. Scott Schaeffer, HBO’s Senior Vice President for Production, hailed Thailand as a cinematic paradise, praising its natural splendour and skilled local crews. Schaeffer’s glowing endorsement came during a high-profile meeting with Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich and Ministry…