News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. The Thaiger delivers the latest national news that matters.
-
Sponsored How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
-
Bangkok train ridership surges 60% amid free transport initiative
Train ridership across Greater Bangkok experienced a significant 60% rise on January 26, marking the second day of the government’s week-long initiative of free public transport aimed at combating air pollution, as reported by the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) today, January 28. DRT director-general Pichet Kunathammarak noted that the city’s electric train network saw a 60.90% increase in ridership…
-
Elephants wreak havoc on Prachin Buri sugarcane farms
Farmers in Prachin Buri’s Kabin Buri district face significant challenges as wild elephants from the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary in Chachoengsao province have invaded their sugarcane fields. Over 50 sugarcane farmers from the subdistricts of Khao Mai Kaew and Wang Tha Chang gathered at the district office yesterday, January 27 to submit a letter to District Chief Thammarat…
-
Malaysian tourists die in motorcycle crash on Thai road
A motorcycle skidded off a curve on a rain-soaked road in Prachuap Khiri Khan province yesterday, resulting in the deaths of two Malaysian tourists. The incident took place between kilometre markers 415 and 416 on the southbound Phetkasem Road in Bang Saphan Noi district. Police Lieutenant Pawarit Siriwat, the deputy inspector of Bang Saphan Noi Police Station, reported the accident.…
-
Thailand plans integrated casino complexes to boost economy
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced yesterday, January 27, that discussions had taken place with the Council of State regarding a draft bill proposed by the Finance Ministry. This bill concerns the establishment of integrated entertainment complexes, which would include a casino. He anticipates that the draft bill will be presented to the House for consideration during the current session.…
-
Thai motorcyclist hits South Korean man on zebra crossing
A Thai motorcyclist struck a South Korean pedestrian at a zebra crossing on a Bangkok road on Thursday, 23 January. The incident occurred at the same location as a case in 2022 when a Thai ophthalmologist was fatally struck by a motorcycle. The Facebook page เรารักด่านตรวจ (translating to “We Love Police Checkpoints”) shared dashcam footage of the accident on Phaya…
-
Major drug bust: 10,000 meth tablets found in fuel tank
A significant drug bust occurred when law enforcement intercepted a vehicle carrying 10,000 methamphetamine tablets hidden in the fuel tank. The vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint in Kanchanaburi province yesterday, January 27. The drugs were reportedly being transported from Sangkhla Buri to a dealer in Kanchanaburi city. General Atsadawut Punyarachun, commander of the 9th Infantry Division and head of…
-
South Korean tourists outnumber Chinese in Chiang Mai amid direct flights boost
The South Korean market may surpass the Chinese in terms of tourist arrivals in Chiang Mai this year, attributed to the increase in direct flights and favourable winter weather, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Patsalin Swetarat, director of TAT’s Chiang Mai office, noted that a decline in safety confidence among Chinese travellers has somewhat affected tourism…
-
Rare algae bloom turns Laem Bali Hai shoreline green
A rare natural phenomenon transformed the rocky shoreline of Laem Bali Hai into a vibrant green landscape, attracting numerous visitors. Reporters noted that the area was covered with green algae, creating a visually stunning scene as it glistened under the sunlight. This remarkable sight drew a considerable number of tourists, as well as locals and students eager to capture the…
-
Khon Kaen police arrest two men with millions of meth pills
Police in Khon Kaen have arrested two men attempting to transport four million methamphetamine pills, believed to be linked to the network of Xaysana, a major drug dealer from a neighbouring country. The arrests occurred yesterday, January 27, at Ban Phai Police Station. According to Police Lieutenant General Chatchai Surachetpong, the commander of Region 4, the arrest was part of…
-
Critics slam 140m baht quick fix for Bangkok haze crisis
Critics have blasted the government for allocating 140 million baht to fund free public transport in Bangkok for one week, calling it a waste of taxpayers’ money that fails to tackle the root cause of the city’s haze pollution crisis. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra introduced the measure, which began last Saturday, January 25, to combat surging levels of hazardous PM2.5…
-
British woman jailed after collecting debt from Thai millionaire
A British woman accused a Thai millionaire of bribing police to have her jailed after she travelled from the UK to Thailand to collect an unpaid service fee of £30,000 (approximately 1.25 million baht) for her company. Rachel Stallard, a British private estate consultant, shared her distressing experience in a Thai jail on her LinkedIn account but later deleted the post after being…
-
Fatal shooting at Nan land reform office leaves two dead
In the office of the Nan Provincial Land Reform, a shooting incident resulted in one fatality and one critical injury. The event unfolded yesterday, January 27, when a disagreement escalated. Police Lieutenant Colonel Wanatpong Santiphongsathorn and Police Major Danuwat Kittiyos led a team to the scene after being notified. The tragedy occurred on the second floor of the Nan Provincial…
-
Tourist brawl in Phuket sparks debate on visa policy (video)
A video depicting an altercation between Italian and Indian tourists in Phuket’s Patong area has sparked significant social media discussion. The incident, captured in a 1.04-minute clip shared by the Facebook page Speednews Phuket, occurred yesterday, January 27, at the end of Bangla Road, Kathu district, Phuket. The video shows the tourists engaged in a fierce brawl, surrounded by onlookers…
-
Chulalongkorn University boosts AI collaboration with Cambodia
Chulalongkorn University (CU) is seeking to enhance its academic collaboration with Cambodia, focusing on a future driven by artificial intelligence (AI). A delegation led by university president Wilert Puriwat recently met with Cambodian Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Hang Chuon Naron, in Phnom Penh. Minister Naron, a CU alumnus, was accompanied by 10 other CU alumni from Cambodia and expressed…
-
Sukhothai faces hazardous PM2.5 levels for seven days
The Ministry of Public Health’s Health Information Centre revealed that Sukhothai province has recorded hazardous PM2.5 levels for seven consecutive days. Residents have been advised to prepare by cleaning their homes and equipping themselves with protective gear. Doctor Warat Chotipitayasunon, the Government spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health on PM2.5 issues, reported yesterday, January 27, that there has been…
-
Thai police crack down on Chinese money laundering in Chon Buri
The Thai Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has initiated an extensive operation called “Operation Dragon Slayer” targeting over 40 Chinese businesses in Chon Buri that are suspected of laundering money through cryptocurrency and taking advantage of foreign tourists. Intelligence gathered by CIB officers suggests the involvement of Chinese nationals in call centre scam groups. These individuals allegedly used cryptocurrency to purchase…
-
School janitor in Kanchanaburi surrenders after assault accusations
A school janitor in Kanchanaburi province has turned himself in to the police after being accused of sexually assaulting four female students. The incidents occurred on Children’s Day, and the janitor, identified as 50 year old Theerachai or Thong, admitted to the crime, claiming it was his first time and blaming his actions on alcohol consumption. Parents of the students…
-
Rogue riders spark outrage as Phuket police face backlash
Kamala Police are feeling the heat after a viral video exposed a group of foreign motorcyclists speeding past a checkpoint without stopping. The 1-minute-and-17-second clip, widely shared on platforms like Phuket Hod Jang’s Facebook page, shows reckless riders blatantly ignoring traffic officers on the Patong-Kamala Road. The video reveals one motorcyclist weaving past officers before accelerating towards Patong. Moments later,…
-
Fifteen arrested in Nakhon Ratchasima for land burning amid forest fire
A total of 15 people have been apprehended in Nakhon Ratchasima for burning agricultural land, contributing to a forest fire that destroyed 6,016 rai. This has led to PM2.5 dust levels exceeding safety standards. Yesterday, January 27, a meeting at the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Hall was chaired by Suraphan Silpasuwan, the province’s deputy governor. The discussion focused on tackling forest…
-
Thai hotel owner returns wedding ring lost 5 years ago to Norwegian guest
A Thai hotel owner kept her promise and returned a wedding ring to a Norwegian guest who had forgotten it at her hotel in the southern province of Krabi five years ago. The Thai Facebook account สมศักดิ์ เตบบุตร (Somsak Tebboot) shared the story of his family member, Warunee Khundee, owner of Bliss Resort on Koh Wang Beach in Krabi, on Sunday,…
-
Thai singer arrested for promoting online gambling
Yesterday, January 27, cyber police apprehended a well-known singer with 200 million YouTube views for promoting online gambling. The 27 year old singer admitted to enticing others to engage in online gambling for monetary gain. The cyber police, led by Police Colonel Apirak Champarsi, contacted Chatatorn, who is known by his stage name Oil Saengsarn, following an investigation. The police…
-
Truck collision in Chachoengsao leaves driver severely injured
In Chachoengsao province, a collision involving a 10-wheel truck and an 18-wheel trailer resulted in significant injuries for a 56 year old driver. Emergency services used extraction equipment to free him from the wreckage, amidst claims from locals that accidents are frequent in the area. Police Lieutenant Rewat Abdin of Bang Nam Priao district received an emergency call about a…
-
Bangkok exercise equipment probe clears officials of corruption
An investigation into alleged corruption in the procurement of exercise equipment for seven recreation and sports centres in Bangkok has concluded with no evidence of misconduct. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced yesterday, January 27, that the inquiry, initiated in June last year, found no grounds for graft allegations involving 29 Bangkok Metropolitan Administration officials in the 77.22 million baht project.…
-
Cold weather and strong winds hit northern Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has reported colder weather with strong winds across northern Thailand, forecasting a temperature drop of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, a monsoon is causing thunderstorms and high waves of 2 to 3 metres in the Gulf of Thailand and the south, advising small boats to remain ashore. The weather forecast, announced today, January 28,…
-
Dutchman offers help for Thai cat injured by harpoon in Buriram
A Dutch man expressed concern over a Thai cat in the Isaan province of Buriram that was severely injured with a harpoon. He also attempted to provide financial support to the animal and its owner. The female cat, Kuay Tiew, was shot with a harpoon last week. Her owner, 68 year old Narong Sookprasert, sought help from the Wang Kood…
-
Thai Bolt driver fakes heroic tale for social media fame
A Thai Bolt driver issued an apology after faking and sharing a heartwarming story about himself and an imaginary intoxicated passenger on social media in a bid to gain attention and be seen as a hero. Last week, a Facebook user named Mook Kanokwan posted in a Facebook group called “Bolt Driver Thailand Motorcycle (Only)” to share a touching tale…
-
2 suspects at large after assaulting Thai doctor outside Bangkok clinic
Police are searching for two suspects who physically assaulted a doctor outside his beauty clinic in Silom, Bangkok on Saturday, January 25. The 37 year old Thai doctor, Chanesd Srisukho, filed a complaint at Tung Mahamek Police Station after the incident, which occurred at 7.36am on Saturday. The physical assault took place outside Chanesd’s clinic, Mali Clinic, located in Silom…
-
Bangkok governor urged to enforce demolition of illegal condo
Rosana Tositrakul, a former senator, is urging the Bangkok governor to enforce a 10 year old court order for the demolition of the Aetas condominium in Pathumwan district due to a breach of the Building Control Act. Through a Facebook post yesterday, January 26, Rosana called on Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to act on the Supreme Administrative Court’s directive to dismantle…
-
New Hotel Act targets 500 unlicensed Thai hotels
The Tourism and Sports Ministry is set to propose a new Hotel Act specifically for small and medium-sized hotels, with the aim of registering over 500 unlicensed accommodations that currently cannot participate in the existing system. Tourism Vice-Minister Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham reported that more than 90,000 small and medium-sized accommodations in Thailand do not qualify as hotel businesses under the current…
-
4 Thai police and soldiers extort 2 million baht from 7 Chinese men
Four Thai police officers and a soldier extorted 2 million baht from seven Chinese men, leading to their arrests in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani on Saturday, January 25. A Chinese man residing in Laos contacted Thai police via the Facebook application to seek help for his seven friends. The man explained that his friends were detained by a…
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.