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 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
-
PM tunes up tourism: Bangkok’s Song Wat set to hit high notes
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to enhance the promotion of Song Wat, one of Bangkok’s most historic trading areas, as a prime tourism destination. Following a walk along Song Wat Road and discussions with young entrepreneurs yesterday, the Thai premier expressed on his X account, formerly Twitter, that…
-
Foreign nationals arrested after bike rampage on Koh Samui (video)
Chaos erupted on the usually serene holiday island of Koh Samui when two foreign nationals turned the tranquil road leading to Choengmon Beach into their personal racetrack. Equipped with roaring big bikes and an audacious attitude, their disruptive antics soon drew the ire of locals. Residents, living in the northeast corner of the island, initially made a complaint to the…
-
Phuket: Belgian expat’s secret stash of illegal pawn busted
Phuket unveiled a clandestine operation hidden within the opulent residence of a Belgian national. Motorcycles, an array of national IDs, and a single mobile phone were found in the expat’s possession. Police Lieutenant Colonel Thepnom Suwannarat, Superintendent of Investigation Division 3, Provincial Police Region 8, bore fruit as he apprehended a 63 year old Belgian, known only as Philippe. His…
-
Sri Racha residents in uproar as drainage construction poses risk
Residents and business owners lining Sukhumvit Road in Bang Phra Subdistrict of Sri Racha are in uproar, demanding immediate action to resolve a debacle at the Bang Phra-Klong Sukreeb junction. The construction of a drainage system on Highway No. 3 has hit a standstill, plunging the area into chaos and risking the safety of locals, especially schoolchildren. For nearly a…
-
Phuket’s tourism boom: Is the island ready for the rush?
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is confident that tourism revenue in Phuket this year will skyrocket to a staggering 400 billion baht. In a surprising revelation, the provincial TAT office reported that more than 3.6 million tourists graced the resort island in the first quarter alone. Lerdchai Wangtrakoondee, director of the provincial TAT office, announced yesterday that tourist numbers…
-
Bangkok braces for Srettha’s inspection blitz
In a highly anticipated tour, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin inspected two pivotal development projects in Bangkok yesterday, May 25. The premier’s whirlwind visit kicked off at 2pm at the PTT Park construction site in the Lak Si district. He scrutinised the Kamphaeng Phet 6 Land Development Project, received a comprehensive briefing and conducted a meticulous on-site examination. The focus was…
-
Experts’ warning: Miraculous healers or devious scammers?
Buddhist leaders, scholars, and mental health experts warn against the increase in religious scams where fraudsters claim they have spiritual powers, heal illnesses, and deceive unsuspecting followers. The man and woman duo from Udon Thani claim they can cure illnesses using a celestial frequency, their throats producing a rhonchi-like sound as a signal from five Lord Buddhas. In Surat Thani,…
-
John Wick’s Thai adventure: Doppelgänger goes viral (video)
A man who bears an uncanny resemblance to Keanu Reeves’ John Wick has become a sensation among Thai social media users, thanks to a series of viral TikTok videos that show him engaging in everyday activities, far removed from his Hollywood hitman persona. Overnight, mainstream and online Thai media buzzed with reports of the mysterious lookalike, captured in videos posted…
-
Vice mayor gunned down in ambush on Pattani highway
In a brazen attack on the Phet Kasem Road, the vice mayor of a Tambon Administrative Organisation (TAO) in Khok Pho district, Pattani province, was brutally murdered by suspected insurgents on Friday evening. Witnesses reported that 57 year old Nan Kongsomboon was ambushed by two men on a motorcycle as he was returning home after tending to his cattle. The…
-
Over 200 busted in drug-fuelled Pattaya pub
Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaised spearheaded a surprise raid on an illicit pub in Pattaya, exposing a drug scandal. The clandestine operation targeted a notorious establishment in Soi Kor Pai Pattaya, Banglamung district, following a barrage of complaints from neighbours about deafening noise, all-night parties, and rampant drug use among its youthful patrons. Upon the officials’ arrival, the scene inside…
-
Thaksin voices support for Srettha amid court case
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra voiced his unwavering support for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin amidst a Constitutional Court case that threatens to unseat him. “I want the prime minister to stay in office as long as possible.” Thaksin praised the Bangkok-born Srettha’s performance since taking office last August. In a rare interview with Thai media, the ex-PM dismissed concerns that…
-
Thailand to launch cyber-command unit for digital defence
Thailand is poised to bolster its cyber warfare capabilities with the establishment of a dedicated cyber-command unit by October. This initiative, revealed by Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman for Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang, aims to strengthen the country’s defence against emerging digital threats. General Songwit Noonphakdi, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF), has been tasked with creating the unit following…
-
North Thailand: Man pleads with estranged wife who left with monk
A Uthai Thani man is pleading for his estranged wife to return after she allegedly left with a monk. The Thai man, 61 year old Sanan, made a tearful appeal through the media, urging his 53 year old wife, Nanthawan to come back to their home in Nong Chang district. Sanan expressed his willingness to forgive her relationship with the…
-
High-speed rail link between three airports to start this year
The high-speed rail project connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports is set to kick off later this year following a revised agreement between the state and project developers. Anan Phonimdang, Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), confirmed that the SRT’s board has acknowledged the agreement. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee and the Cabinet will…
-
Urgent reforms needed to tackle Thailand’s education inequality
Urgent action is needed to tackle education inequality and restore hope among Thailand’s younger generation, according to former prime minister Anand Panyarachun. Speaking at The Scenario of Thai Society Future seminar, organised by the Population and Community Development Association (PDA) at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Anand addressed the pressing need for reforms. The seminar marked the 50th anniversary…
-
Staycation and Sleep Tourism: The new travel trend
Two new tourism trends, staycation and Sleep Tourism, are taking the travel world by storm, according to an online travel platform. Staycation involves short trips to nearby provinces, with an emphasis on enjoying the hotel’s amenities like swimming pools, cycling, and spa treatments. Sleep Tourism, on the other hand, is all about travelling to unwind and recharge, prioritising sleep and…
-
Thousands rally to greet Thaksin in Korat homecoming
The red shirts are rolling out the red carpet for Thaksin Shinawatra, as the paroled former prime minister prepares for his first visit to the northeastern province in almost two decades today. Kowit Khorhenklang, a fervent supporter of Thaksin, anticipates a crowd of 3,000 to join him at Wat Sangkha Chinaram in Sida district this afternoon. Thaksin will attend the…
-
Chinese fugitive running luxury scams in Thailand arrested
Thai immigration authorities nabbed a Chinese fugitive running an illicit tour operation in Bangkok. Following a tip-off about an Asian man suspected of working and residing illegally in Thailand, officers launched an in-depth investigation. Duan, a 42 year old Chinese fugitive residing in a posh condominium in the Ramkhamhaeng district was apprehended. Duan was already on the radar in China…
-
Brace for impact: Torrential downpours set to soak Thailand
Thailand is set to be drenched as a fierce weather system promises torrential downpours, sparking concerns of flash floods and hazardous conditions. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) has issued an urgent warning for residents to brace for torrential downpours, with Bangkok and its surrounding areas facing a 70% chance of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. A relatively strong southwest monsoon…
-
Pattaya mayor warns residents of impersonation scam
Mayor Poramet Ngampichet issued a stern warning to Pattaya residents after uncovering a shocking scam: his social media accounts on Facebook, TikTok, and LINE have been maliciously impersonated. The fraudulent accounts, brazenly using his name and photos, have deceived the public into believing they were engaging with the real mayor. Pattaya City isn’t taking this lightly. Legal action is already…
-
Road rage: Motorcyclist swipes fist at minibus driver in Pattaya
In a shocking incident of road rage, a Thai motorcyclist assaulted a minibus driver in Pattaya following a minor collision on Thepprasit Road on Thursday, May 23. The altercation occurred at the entrance to the Colosseum Theatre on Thapprasit Road, in the Nongprue subdistrict of Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. Rescue workers and Pattaya police arrived at the scene to…
-
Thai police seize assets worth over 2 billion baht in massive raid
In a crackdown on a notorious transnational drug network, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau has seized assets worth over 2 billion baht. The network, involved in smuggling drugs from neighbouring countries into Thailand, has been dealt a significant blow. Assistant National Police Chief, Police Lieutenant General Samran Nuanma, revealed at a press conference on Friday that the bureau had intensified its…
-
PM hopeful to people’s bridge: Pita’s vision for a unified Thailand
Pita Limjaroenrat, the man once tipped to be Thailand’s next prime minister, has a bold plan to unite his divided nation. At a panel discussion in Seoul, Pita described his Move Forward Party (MFP) as a bridge connecting conflicting factions to forge a new consensus for Thai society. Speaking at the Asian Leadership Conference on Thursday, Pita, the former MFP…
-
Commerce Ministry investigates oil palm price drop
The Commerce Ministry directed the Internal Trade Department to investigate the recent drop in oil palm prices by visiting provinces known for palm plantations. This initiative follows complaints from growers about reduced purchase prices. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai instructed Wattanasak Sur-iam, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, to assess the situation in Phang-Nga, Krabi, and Surat Thani provinces. The goal…
-
Paetongtarn reluctant to become PM amid Srettha’s legal issues
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, expressed her reluctance to step into the role of prime minister if Srettha Thavisin is removed from office due to a case involving the appointment of a minister with a prison record. Despite her hesitation, Paetongtarn remains optimistic about the Constitutional Court ruling in the Bangkok-born Srettha’s favour. “There should be…
-
Finance Ministry to discuss new economic stimulus measures
The Ministry of Finance is currently considering new economic stimulus measures to boost the economy in the second half of 2024. Previously, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira held discussions about the economic situation, particularly focusing on economic figures. Despite the government’s extensive stimulus efforts, the economy grew by 1.5% in the first quarter of 2024, which, although…
-
Mistaken 6,000 baht transfer sparks legal debate
A case of a mistaken money transfer involving 6,000 baht has surfaced, with the recipient offering to repay just 10 to 20 baht per day. The incident has drawn significant attention, including comments from a well-known lawyer. A Facebook page named อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 7 (I will make you famous) posted a clip of a conversation between the victim and…
-
Diesel shock: Fuel Fund revs prices to 32.44 baht per litre
The Fuel Fund today announced an increase in the diesel price by 50 satangs per litre, raising it to 32.44 baht per litre, effective tomorrow. Despite reduced expenses, the fund still faces liquidity issues, according to the Director of the Fuel Fund Office, Wisak Wattanaphap. The Fuel Fund Management Committee convened and recognised the need to enhance the liquidity of…
-
Thai father abuses 8 year old son over religion choice (video)
Non-profit organisation Saimai Survive rescued an eight year old boy from his father, who allegedly physically abused him to force him to convert from Buddhism to Islam. The boy was reportedly punished with beatings when he would not worship Allah. The boy’s mother and grandmother sought help from Saimai Survive, sharing videos of the boy being abused. The videos show…
-
Chiang Rai: Fire devastates central Mae Chan market
A massive fire engulfed the bustling central market in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai, causing extensive damage and leaving vendors devastated. The blaze spread to adjacent buildings and destroyed numerous stalls, taking over two hours to put under control. A ferocious fire broke out yesterday at Nuanchan Market, commonly known as Kad Lang Mae Chan, located along the Chan River in…
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.