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 Answers to the most common questions about international health insurance
If you’ve been thinking of staying in Thailand long-term, you’ve probably already asked the big question, “Do I actually need international health insurance?” It’s a question that often comes up among expats, digital nomads, retirees, and even frequent travellers. Sure,...
-
SET to tighten supervision of listed Thai firms starting March 25
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) announced plans to strengthen the supervision of its listed companies from March 25 onwards, as part of an initiative to reinforce their financial standing and provide detailed disclosure for investors. SET’s president, Pakorn Peetathawatchai, stated that the move aims to provide investors with clearer and more varied warning signs to alert them of potential…
-
Coconut jelly waste transformed into billion-baht bonanza
Professor Hathaikarn Manuspiya and her team from Chulalongkorn University have turned coconut jelly waste into a goldmine of valuable food ingredients worth billions. In a bid to tackle food waste and revolutionise the circular economy, the team’s creation, dubbed Cello-Gum, promises to reshape industries and economies alike. Professor Hathaikarn, the mastermind behind the ingenious creation, hails from Chulalongkorn University’s Petroleum…
-
OAG ready to seize 597 million baht from Chinese gang’s assets
In a significant move against financial crime, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is primed to seize assets amounting to nearly 596.58 million baht (US$16 million), previously impounded from a prominent Chinese gang on December 7, as stated by Wirun Chanthananan, the director-general of the OAG’s Department of Special Litigation (DoSL). The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has a timeframe…
-
Thai widow swindled in romance scam by fake college director
A 52 year old woman from Udon Thani has been swindled out of nearly 50,000 baht (US$1,386) in a romance scam by a man who claimed to be the director of a well-known vocational college. The man, who made first contact over Facebook, charmed and deceived her into a romantic entanglement before borrowing money and vanishing without a trace. The…
-
Krabi rampage: Chinese woman blocks road, tries undress, bites cop
A Chinese woman went on a rampage in the southern province of Krabi after breaking up with her boyfriend. She blocked the road, attempted to undress, and bit a police officer on the arm. Mueang Krabi Police Station and Tourist Police officers tried to calm the 34 year old Chinese woman, Zhang Yanxin, after she startled motorists. Witnesses reported that…
-
Thai man murders wife, hides her body in rubber plantation
A Thai man in Chachoengsao admitted to the brutal murder of his wife after her remains were found in a rubber plantation. Initially reporting her missing, the 33 year old man named Sirichai later disclosed the violent altercation that led to him taking 27 year old Chollada’s life yesterday, February 20, and attempting to conceal the crime by burning her…
-
Thai opposition urges aid for Myanmar nationals fleeing conscription
The Thai government is being urged by opposition MP, Kannavee Suebsang, to extend humanitarian aid to Myanmar nationals escaping mandatory military service in their homeland. Kannavee, who represents the FAIR Party, highlighted that Myanmar’s military junta has recently paused the export of labourers to Thailand, with a usual daily influx of 700-800 workers now absent. Kannavee voiced his uncertainty regarding…
-
Prism Patong city: elevating Phuket’s tourism and investment
The Prism Patong Company Limited unveils “Prism Patong City“: A groundbreaking project to boost tourism and investment in Phuket province. Karn Prachumpan, Chief Executive Officer of The Prism Patong Company Limited, a prominent real estate developer renowned for fostering vibrant communities from Kata to Patong, is excited to announce the launch of the innovative “Prism Patong City” project. This pioneering…
-
High airfares dampen Songkran holiday spirit
Despite the extended Songkran holiday, a surge in outbound trips is not anticipated, mainly due to high airfares and deflation risk concerns. This perspective comes from travel agents who predict that the 21-day Water Festival campaign is more likely to entice foreign tourists than the local market. Kriangphon Piyaekchai, the vice president of the Thai Travel Agents Association, explained that…
-
Bank of Thailand explores credit guarantee schemes for SMEs
The Bank of Thailand is contemplating the establishment of credit guarantee schemes for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their access to bank loans. Suwannee Jatsadasak, assistant governor for the supervision group, stated that the central bank is analysing various credit guarantee schemes implemented in other countries, including Japan and Taiwan. These nations offer more extensive credit guarantee packages…
-
Thai baht’s future forecast: Dollar domination looms on the horizon
Predictions by Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research) indicate a potential decline in the baht to 37 against the US dollar in the coming year. This anticipated depreciation is linked to a combination of a faltering Thai economy and a delay in American interest rate reductions, thereby placing the Thai currency under considerable strain. Kanjana Chockpisansin, K-Research’s head of banking and financial…
-
AI and social media search optimisation to shape trends
The forthcoming year, 2024, is poised to be an exhilarating time for both consumers and marketers, as brands embrace and exploit artificial intelligence (AI) on a larger scale, predicts Bhidak Indraduta, the managing director of Mindshare Thailand, a leading media agency. A surge in social media search optimisation, privacy marketing, and responsible AI use are tipped as the key trends…
-
Burned human remains found linked to missing Prachinburi woman
Authorities in Prachinburi province are conducting a meticulous investigation after the discovery of human skeletal remains that had been burned in a rubber plantation. Nearby, a wrist with a bracelet resembling gold was found, which has led to speculation about the identity of the deceased. The coordinates of the last known location of Chollada Muthuras, commonly known as Nunn, aged…
-
Thailand extends visa exemption for Kazakhstani tourists
The Thai Cabinet recently extended the visa exemption for Kazakhstani tourists by another six months. The exemption, which is now valid until August 31, is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to stimulate Thailand’s tourism sector. This move comes in the wake of an impressive surge in the number of Kazakhstani visitors, a trend that began after the government waived…
-
Dutchman fined 14,000 baht by AI for scratching head whilst driving
A routine act of scratching his head while driving led to an unexpected fine for a Dutchman after an AI-powered traffic camera misinterpreted the gesture for using a mobile phone. Tim Hansen received a fine of 380 euros (14,000 baht) last November, sparking a debate on the efficacy of AI in law enforcement. Hansen was stunned to receive a traffic fine…
-
Thai soldier caught selling explicit videos of ex-girlfriend online
A Thai woman sought help from non-profit organization Be One after police did not file charges against a soldier who sold explicit videos of her online. The 19 year old victim, identified only as A, told the Be One organisation that her ex-boyfriend, Sergeant Apisit, secretly recorded videos during sexual activities and sold them online. She broke up with him…
-
Ex-Man United and Liverpool stars swap stadiums for fairways
Former Manchester United and Liverpool football icons traded their legendary kits for golfing attire, hitting the lush greens of the prestigious Royal Hua Hin Golf Course in a star-studded get-together. The illustrious gathering, uniting luminaries from two of England’s footballing powerhouses, marked a delightful sojourn for the retired sports heroes, who basked not only in the challenges of Thailand’s oldest…
-
Thailand extends visas to Kazakh tourists for six more months
Kazakh tourists will continue to enjoy a visa-free scheme in Thailand for an additional six months, following an extension by the Thai Cabinet. The exemption, applicable to those carrying Kazakhstani passports or equivalent documents, is now due to run from March 1 to August 31, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. “As per our records, each Kazakh tourist spends roughly…
-
Cumbria couple relocates to Thailand, goes off-grid
In a tale of resilience and determination, a couple from Cumbria, in the United Kingdom made their dream of relocating to Thailand come true sooner than planned. Formerly entrenched in the bustling food and beverage scene of Cumbria, Ben and Anna battled through the pandemic’s harsh realities, fighting tooth and nail to keep their businesses afloat. “We were both working…
-
Drama erupts over transgender actress’ privilege to use gender-neutral title
A drama erupted over the privileges of Thai celebrities after a renowned transgender actress was allowed to use a gender-neutral title on her bank account while others were not afforded the same privilege. Miss Tiffany Universe 2007, Thunyarat “Film” Chipraphachin, shared a receipt from Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) of Treechada “Poyd” Hongyok, transferring money to her via Facebook and thanked…
-
DSI offer 2 million baht reward for info on historic murder case
Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is offering a reward of 2 million baht in a bid to encourage anyone with any potentially helpful information to aid in the resolution of a long-standing murder case. The murder victim, Tomoko Kawashita from Japan, was only 27 years old when her life was tragically cut short in Sukhothai Thain 17 years ago.…
-
Transwoman injures two women in Pattaya Beach attack
A transwoman reportedly attacked two women on Pattaya Beach at 4.36am on Saturday, February 17. The Sawang Boriboon Dhamma Sathan Rescue Foundation Radio Centre in Pattaya received distress calls on February 17, alerting authorities to a harrowing physical assault. Rushing to Soi 13, Pattaya Beach, Bang Lamuand ng, Chon Buri, rescue teams and local police uncovered a scene of horror. Two…
-
Man nabbed for illegal otter trade in wildlife bust in Chachoengsao
Authorities in Chachoengsao province apprehended a 26 year old suspect for harbouring protected wildlife, including otters, in his possession. During the raid in Plaeng Yao district, law enforcement officers seized not only the carcasses of three soft-shelled turtles but also those of two pangolins from the suspect’s residence. The identity of the individual, however, remains undisclosed. The suspect is set…
-
Thai man loses 10,000 baht after sex with woman met on roadside
A Thai man accused a woman he met on the roadside of stealing 10,000 baht in cash from him after they had sex. The woman insisted the money was her hard-earned cash. Several motorists on the Friendship Highway in the Isaan province of Udon Thani filed a complaint with Nonsung Police Station stating that they witnessed a Thai man chasing…
-
PTTGC expands recycling operations focusing on opaque plastic containers
Thailand’s foremost petrochemical producer by capacity, PTT Global Chemical Plc (PTTGC), is broadening its recycling operations with a focus on opaque plastic containers, primarily bottles. This endeavour is part of the company’s newly introduced campaign aimed at fostering eco-friendly habits among the youth. The campaign constitutes the company’s second environmental initiative following its venture into recycling waste polyethene terephthalate (PET)…
-
The holistic approach of Thai medicine and western medicine
Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM) has evolved over the centuries into a holistic health system that encompasses five diverse approaches: Internal Medicine, External Medicine, Spirit Medicine, Divination, and Buddhism. This natural and comprehensive approach to healthcare mirrors the development of Western medicine. Internal Medicine in TTM involves the use of herbs and diet, a practice that predates Western medicine’s shift to…
-
Tibet Airlines confirms order for 50 jets from China’s Comac
Tibet Airlines, a Chinese carrier, confirmed an order for 40 C919 narrowbody jets and 10 ARJ21 regional jets from the state-owned Chinese plane manufacturer, Comac. This deal was finalised at a ceremony during the Singapore Airshow, a biennial commercial and defence-focused event. Before this deal, Tibet Airlines and Comac announced in December their plans to jointly research a version of…
-
Thai woman disappears after argument with her husband
A Thai woman went missing after an argument with her husband in their car at 3am on Sunday. The husband claimed that his wife jumped out of the car and ran away from him, with the GPS indicating her last known location in Chachoengsao province. A friend of the missing 27 year old Thai woman, Chonlada Muthurong, took to social…
-
Hua Hin: Elephant found dead in stream, intense conflict suspected
The lifeless body of an elephant was discovered in the waters in Huai Sat Yai, Hua Hin. The dead elephant is believed to have succumbed to brutal injuries inflicted during a fierce clash. Deputy Inspector Police Lieutenant Colonel Somphot Prayangam, stationed at Nong Plub Police Station in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, received a distress call from 51 year old…
-
Phuket reels under heatwave with mercury soaring above 35°C
Phuket, an idyllic island in Thailand, regularly known for its tropical bliss, has been in the throes of an intense heatwave. Mercury levels have consistently soared above 35°C, a significant deviation from the 30-year average, causing officials to warn residents and visitors alike. They have been advised to stay vigilant against signs of heatstroke, a life-threatening condition when the body…
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.