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 Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
-
Wife’s lover and 4 others arrested for killing man in Chachoengsao
Following the death of 33 year old Thai man Thanasan Tae-an, police arrested his wife’s lover and four additional suspects after his body was found on the roadside in the central province of Chachoengsao last month. The dead man’s wife pleaded she was innocent. Thanasan’s lifeless body was discovered on January 29, two days after he went missing. His wife,…
-
Phuket pitstop: Police arrest Myanmar man for motorbike thefts
A man from Myanmar was apprehended near Kata Hill, Phuket, by Karon police around 8pm yesterday. The arrest came after a series of motorbike thefts that had taken place in the region since August of the previous year. Nyi Nyi Htwe had been identified as the prime suspect and was under the scrutiny of an arrest warrant issued by the…
-
Labour costs outpace revenue growth in Thai tourism sector
Rising labour costs in the tourism sector are outpacing revenue growth, resulting in increased hotel expenses, as revealed by hospitality market analyst STR. Jesper Palmqvist, senior director for Asia-Pacific at STR, warned that the only risk for hotels this year is maintaining cost controls in light of the extraordinary growth of labour costs and room rates. Over the past one…
-
Chon Buri homeowner catches couple in intimate act
A homeowner in Chon Buri province, Thailand, was confronted with an unexpected and steamy situation when he discovered a couple engaging in sexual activity in their car parked on his property. The incident escalated when the car’s driver attempted to flee, nearly hitting the property owner in the process. The incident occurred late at night when the 48 year old…
-
Astrologer predicts February fortune for top five zodiac signs
Astrological enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement as the month unfolds, with notable astrologer Thosaporn Sritula, popularly known as Mor Chang, revealing his top five zodiac signs set to experience a stroke of good fortune in February. The astrologer’s insights have not only captivated those who keenly follow their horoscopes but have also garnered attention from the entertainment industry and fans…
-
Thailand’s Land Bridge project eyed as foreign investment magnet
The Land Bridge project in southern Thailand, a proposal yet to be approved, is being highlighted as a potential boon for foreign investments, akin to the successful Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). This comparison is drawn by the current government. The EEC, unlike the proposed Land Bridge, is operational and continues to develop, acting as a high-tech industrial hub drawing investments.…
-
Thai teen’s tragic demise: Knife throw turns road into deadly game
A 14 year old Thai boy died in hospital after two teenagers threw a knife at him on a road in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani last Thursday, February 1. An altercation between two groups of Thai teenagers on Khutkhaopun-Pathummarat Road was reported to Kut Khaopun Police Station at about 8pm on February 1. A 14 year old victim…
-
EV and SUV sales set for boost in Thailand amid automotive industry changes
This year, the automotive industry anticipates uneven sales growth, shaped by motorists’ evolving preferences and lenders’ decision-making. Electric vehicle (EV) makers and banks will be crucial in shaping domestic sales, especially within the pure pickup category. As per the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), EVs, pickup passenger vehicles (PPVs), and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are predicted to be this year’s…
-
Northern Thailand braces for cool weather and thunderstorms
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather alert for the northern part of the country, warning of cool to cold conditions with isolated thunderstorms. The capital, Bangkok, is expected to experience light rain while the country’s upper region faces moderate to high levels of dust particles and smoke haze today (February 5). In the early hours of the…
-
Thai Airways on track for Stock Exchange return amid rehabilitation success
Anticipations are high for Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) to make its comeback on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in the coming year, as disclosed by Tibordee Wattanakul, the director-general of the State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO). The national flag carrier’s liquidity is on the mend, and operations are systematically aligning with its rehabilitation plan. This positive shift is…
-
BDMS and AstraZeneca partner for AI-driven lung cancer battle in Thailand
The Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS) recently announced a partnership with AstraZeneca (Thailand) Co Ltd. The partnership aims to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the fight against lung cancer, with the potential to significantly reduce mortality rates. The collaboration will initially be piloted at the Bangkok Cancer Hospital Wattanosoth, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding…
-
Thailand could curb climate change impact with forest expansion
The severe consequences of climate change could potentially be curbed in Thailand by the expansion of forest coverage on unused lands, asserted a water expert. Royon Jitdon, who provides advice to the Hydro-Informatics Institute under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, expressed confidence in the climate change mitigation capabilities of forest plantations, particularly in terms of reducing…
-
Businesses warned of risks of not adopting AI, says Stanford professor
Stanford University Graduate School of Business Professor Amir Goldberg stressed the urgency for businesses to actively engage with artificial intelligence (AI), according to a conversation with a former corporate executive. Highlighting the vital role AI plays in today’s competitive market, Professor Goldberg warned businesses of the risks of not adopting AI, likening it to a fast-moving train that cannot be…
-
Swedish and British nationals die in separate falls in Pattaya City
Pattaya City, located in Chon Buri, Thailand, was the unfortunate scene of a tragedy as two foreign men – a Swedish national and a British resident – plummeted to their deaths in seemingly unrelated incidents just 30 minutes apart early Sunday. An official statement from Pattaya City Police Station, delivered by Police Inspector Police Lieutenant Aniruj Jeroh, confirmed the incidents…
-
Phuket airport gears up for Lunar New Year influx of 49,000 daily visitors
Phuket International Airport is bracing for an influx of around 49,000 visitors each day throughout the Lunar New Year festival, which commenced on Sunday and extends till February 16. This figure was revealed by Monchai Tanod, the airport director, who also stated that the total number of arrivals during the 13 days is projected to reach a staggering 640,000. This…
-
Rayong gym owner found dead under tree in Thanyaburi
Tragedy struck a family from Rayong when they received a call from the police informing them of a grim discovery in Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani. The body of a young gym trainer and gym owner was found under a tree, marking a sombre end to his known journey. The 28 year old man, recently separated from his wife, had left his…
-
Fatal collision on dark road kills two, locals demand better lighting
A fatal collision yesterday claimed the lives of two individuals after a car ploughed into the rear of a motorbike on a poorly lit stretch of road in Chon Buri province. The fatal collision occurred yesterday, prompting residents to call for immediate action to improve lighting and safety on the road. In the darkness of an unlit road in Chon…
-
Mysterious death in Phayao: Man found after neighbours alert police
A disturbing scent led to the discovery of a 55 year old man found deceased in his home in Phayao Province. On February 3 at 6.30pm, local authorities were alerted by neighbours to a foul odour emanating from a residence in Jun district. The deceased, whose body revealed no signs of struggle or forced entry, had remained undiscovered for an…
-
Huabobo resurgence marks Spring Festival in Shandong with tradition
The traditional Chinese delicacy Huabobo, a steamed bun with a history stretching back three centuries, is enjoying a surge in production as the Spring Festival approaches. In the eastern Chinese province of Shandong, food factory workers are busily crafting these colourful, charmingly shaped buns, which carry significant cultural and festive importance. With Spring Festival around the corner, the atmosphere in…
-
China and Thailand’s visa exemption scheme promises tourism boost
The Chinese ambassador to Thailand and the Thai-Chinese Cultural Relationship Council (TCCRC) have expressed optimism that the visa exemption scheme for nationals of both countries will boost outbound tourism and reinforce bilateral relations. Pinit Jarusombat, President of TCCRC, highlighted the special significance of this Chinese New Year as it signifies the onset of a new epoch in Sino-Thai relations. The…
-
Japanese firms urge Thai government to simplify customs and boost infrastructure
Japanese businesses based in Thailand have urged the government to simplify customs duty rules and enhance transport infrastructure, in addition to introducing economic strategies to increase public spending. The Japanese Chamber of Commerce (JCC) in Bangkok recently communicated with the press to share insights from its newest survey assessing the business outlook amongst Japanese firms and investors in Thailand. The…
-
Thailand’s 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme delayed due to legal complications
The anticipated 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme, initially scheduled for a May launch, has encountered delays due to a study by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) warning of potential legal complications. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is also the finance minister, emphasised on Saturday the need for expedited discussions with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat to determine the next steps for…
-
US deploys over 4,000 for Cobra Gold 2024 military drills in Thailand
A deployment of over 4,000 personnel aboard the USS Somerset and USS Miguel Keith is on the horizon for the upcoming Cobra Gold 2024, a joint military exercise taking place in Thailand from February 26 to March 8. The American soldiers form a significant part of the 9,590-strong contingent from 30 nations participating in these annual drills. The announcement came…
-
Thai government may lift afternoon alcohol sales ban to boost tourism
The Thai government is considering lifting the afternoon prohibition on alcohol sales in a bid to boost its tourism industry. Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew is planning to ask the government’s alcohol control committee to discuss the appeal by the Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association (TABBA) to revoke the rule that restricts alcohol sales between 2pm and 5pm. Though the…
-
Samut Prakan bus accident claims lives on poorly lit road
A tragic bus accident in Samut Prakan province resulted in three fatalities and 22 injuries when a bus carrying employees plunged into a canal. Witnesses reported that the bus was travelling at high speed without braking before it crashed into a barrier and fell into the water. The incident occurred on Rattanakosin 200 Years Road during the early hours yesterday.…
-
Samut Songkhram officer severely injured by speeding car on duty
A traffic police officer in Samut Songkhram province suffered severe injuries when hit by a speeding car while facilitating traffic. The serious accident, which occurred yesterday, involved a white Toyota Vios driven by 44 year old Prawchai Chusutthisakul, near a U-turn in front of a gas bottling factory in the Bang Chang subdistrict of Amphawa district. The injured officer, Sergeant…
-
Japan’s court sentences young murderer to death in landmark ruling
Japan has confirmed the death penalty for a 21 year old man convicted of murdering two people and setting fire to their house. The Kofu District Court in Yamanashi Prefecture announced the decision on Friday (February 2), following the withdrawal of an appeal by the defendant the day before. The landmark ruling in January marked the first time the death…
-
Barber assaulted by irate Russian client at Jomtien salon
A violent outburst at a hair salon in Jomtien, Chon Buri Province, has left a local barber in shock after a Russian customer, dissatisfied with his haircut, attacked the barber and vandalised the salon. Supachai Maneecharoen, a 32 year old barber, was the victim of the assault which occurred yesterday afternoon around 4pm. The incident unfolded when the Russian client,…
-
Thai Cheese Tour unleashes culinary delight across Thailand
In a cheesy twist to the conventional travel experience, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) kick-started the Thai Cheese Tour 2023-2024 last November. This year-long gastronomic journey, sponsored by TAT, has been spreading the love for Thailand’s burgeoning artisanal cheese industry through an array of pop-up events in tourist hotspots, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and beyond. What began as…
-
Thai Hong Kong Trade Association signs MoU with Industries Federation
The Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) and the Thai Hong Kong Trade Association (THKTA) have joined forces, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that promises to revolutionise bilateral trade. FHKI Chair Steve Chuang made the announcement on January 24, declaring that the Association is strategically eyeing ASEAN and Thailand as prime territories for Hong Kong manufacturers looking to navigate…
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.