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?...
-
Pipe bomb attack at Pattani checkpoint during Ramadan (video)
A motorcycle-riding assailant threw a pipe bomb at a checkpoint near the Koh Pho market in Pattani province. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Police suspect the incident is part of a series of disruptions during Ramadan, following a similar occurrence earlier this month. At 7.10pm yesterday, March 10, police at Koh Pho Police Station received a report of an attack…
-
Thailand plans 400-baht minimum wage amid SME concerns
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn says he is dedicated to implementing a nationwide increase in the minimum wage to 400 baht, despite concerns over its effects on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and inflation. A tripartite wage committee is set to review this proposal tomorrow, March 12. Phiphat addressed a Parliamentary inquiry from Senator Tewarit Maneechai regarding the obstacles to this…
-
Myanmar man confesses to murder over 5,000 baht debt
The discovery of a motorcycle in an irrigation canal in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province at the weekend has led to the revelation of a fatal stabbing. A 23 year old Myanmar national, Pai Aung Chit, admitted to killing his friend, 30 year old factory worker, Zaza, over a 5,000 baht debt. Police Colonel Somjet Maenbutr, head of Wang Noi…
-
Man travels 200 kilometres to confront wife, fatally stabs her partner
A 37 year old man from Samut Prakan travelled over 200 kilometres by motorcycle to Pak Chong district in Nakhon Ratchasima province, to confront his estranged wife and stab her new partner. In a fit of jealousy, Piti used a sharp knife to fatally stab Boonyarit, his wife’s new partner, on the roadside of Nong Yang village in Pak Chong.…
-
Man found dead in car behind rented room in Thailand
A 46 year old man was found dead in his vehicle behind a rented room in Khlong Nakhon Nueang Khet, Mueang Chachoengsao district. The police, along with forensic doctors from Phutthasothon Hospital and rescue personnel, were called to the scene yesterday, March 10, at approximately 10.30am. The vehicle, a grey Isuzu pickup truck with Nakhon Phanom registration, was parked under…
-
Phuket police swoops on 3 foreign nationals in overstay crackdown
In a sweeping crackdown on immigration and employment law violators, Phuket police swooped to arrest three foreign nationals in separate stings, as part of a robust campaign to keep the province squeaky clean for tourists and locals alike. Phuket police officers yesterday, March 10, detained two foreigners for visa overstays in targeted inspections. The culprits, known only as “Jay,” an…
-
Bangkok man arrested for knife attack after road rage
A Bangkok man was apprehended for allegedly attempting to attack another man with a knife following a road rage incident. The arrest took place outside his condominium in the Sai Mai area of Bangkok. Police Colonel Anan Warasat alongside Deputy Police Superintendent Kosolpiya Seema and other officers from Bang Khen Police Station conducted the arrest. The incident reportedly occurred on…
-
Foreign affairs minister defends Thailand’s move to join BRICS
Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa defended the nation’s decision to join BRICS, stating it aligns with national interests and will benefit the economy and international cooperation. Addressing the Senate yesterday, March 10, Maris discussed the pros and cons of this association, emphasising its role in maintaining Thailand’s global presence alongside other developing nations to tackle geopolitical issues. Maris highlighted…
-
Swiss tourist in a high-profile jam! Phuket drug bust goes viral
A Swiss tourist found himself in hot water after an alleged roadside drug scandal in Kamala, Phuket, spread across social media like wildfire. Locals were left stunned as the Swiss man, Sascha, was reportedly spotted brazenly indulging in drug taking in a motorbike parking area along the bustling Kamala-Patong road last Thursday, March 6. Eyewitnesses couldn’t believe their eyes as…
-
Thailand charges ahead with tax breaks for hybrid vehicles
Tax incentives for the manufacturing of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) in Thailand are being proposed, with implementation anticipated from 2026 pending approval, as announced by Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul. The proposal, which aims to link tax rates to a vehicle’s battery charge travel range, will be presented to the Cabinet by April. To boost PHEV adoption, the government is…
-
Police in Bangkok nab suspect in gold necklace theft
Police in Tha Kham successfully apprehended a 28 year old man suspected of snatching a gold necklace from a Myanmar national in the Rama 2 area. The incident occurred yesterday, March 10, around 7.38pm, and was quickly resolved with the help of vigilant officers. The arrest took place after the police, conducting routine patrols, were alerted by the Tha Kham Police…
-
Stock shock! Thai stocks on the ropes, long-term prospects shine
Amidst a whirlwind of disappointing earnings, political jitters, and the looming shadow of US tariffs, Thai stocks are feeling the heat. Yet, analysts at Tisco Securities reckon there’s gold to be found for those willing to play the long game. Apichart Phubancherdkul, Tisco’s strategy sage, voiced concerns that the Thai economy, struggling under the weight of dwindling consumption and a…
-
Woman to sue taxi driver for sexual harassment in Bangkok (video)
A woman has vowed to take legal action against a hands on taxi driver who allegedly sexually harassed her by touching her leg and smelling her arm. The incident reportedly occurred yesterday, March 10, when the driver also locked the car doors on his taxi cab, refusing to let her leave. Police are aware of the driver’s identity and are…
-
China crisis or Golden Week wonder? Tourism hopes take flight in May
In the midst of a 12% year-on-year plunge in Chinese tourist numbers during the first two months of the year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is holding its breath for a revival come May, perfectly timed with China’s Labour Day holiday. TAT Deputy Governor Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, handling international marketing across Asia and the South Pacific, highlighted that safety…
-
Cha-am police arrest four women for drug use at Thai pool villa
Police arrested four women suspected of drug use at a pool villa following a tip-off from a concerned resident iIn Phetchaburi’s Cha-am district. The suspects tested positive for drug use, resulting in legal action. Police from Cha-am Police Station received a report today, March 11, about a group allegedly using drugs at a residence in the Tri Pool Villa area,…
-
Full steam ahead! High-speed rail set for Thailand airports
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board is gearing up to put pedal to the metal with the ambitious high-speed rail link that will seamlessly connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. All eyes are on the Cabinet for a green light come May. SRT Deputy Governor Anan Phonimdang revealed that dedicated subcommittees have already given the revamped contract their…
-
Extra 25,000 seats on Thailand flights for Songkran
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit unveiled plans to launch an aerial bonanza this Songkran, pledging to add a whopping 25,000 seats on domestic flights while slashing airfares on select routes by a tantalising 30%. With the festival fervour set to peak between April 11 to 17, Suriya held an emergency summit yesterday, March 10. Flanked by state agency moguls and industry…
-
Busted bud: British man nabbed with cannabis at Krabi Airport
A British man was arrested at Krabi International Airport after officials discovered a massive haul of more than 34 kilogrammes of cannabis stashed in suitcases. The late-night bust has set tongues wagging amidst continuing concerns over drug trafficking in Thailand. According to Krabi Provincial Police, the drama unfolded around 11.50pm on Saturday, March 8, when vigilant airport staff found a…
-
Monk arrested in Ayutthaya for 2 million baht robbery case
A Buddhist monk, previously involved in a high-profile robbery case, was apprehended by police at a temple in Ayutthaya. The 59 year old, known as Chalad (surname withheld), had been living as a monk for nearly a decade. The arrest was made today, March 10, following a directive from Police Major General Witthaya Sriprasertphap, with Police Colonel Suriyasak Jirawat and…
-
Walk of shame: Brand-new Bangkok footpath crumbles (video)
A newly constructed footpath along Vibhavadi Road, built just one month ago, has collapsed under the weight of a pedestrian. This incident has sparked widespread criticism on social media, questioning the quality standards of state agencies. The Facebook page Drama-addict shared a video of the footpath caving in as a person walked over it, highlighting that the path had been…
-
Busted buds: Indian men nabbed in Bangkok airport cannabis scam
Two Indian men were arrested at Don Mueang International Airport for attempting to smuggle a staggering 22 kilogrammes of cannabis disguised as snack bags. The duo’s audacious plan to slip the marijuana past customs was thwarted in a dramatic operation today, March 10. The masterminds behind the daring plot, Kamarudheen and Shibin, both 34 years of age, were apprehended at…
-
Man arrested for fatal stabbing over estranged wife’s new partner
A 37 year old man from Samut Prakan has been arrested for allegedly stabbing a man to death in Nakhon Ratchasima. The suspect, identified as Piti, reportedly travelled over 200 kilometres by motorcycle to find his estranged wife, only to discover her with a new partner. Police Colonel Charin Chintapala, along with Deputy Superintendent Wichan Klinbupha and Investigator Sirisarn Chanthaphakdee…
-
Foreign beachgoers, Thai lifeguard return caught ray to Phuket sea (video)
A viral video shared on Thai social media today showed a group of foreign beachgoers and a Thai lifeguard rescuing a ray and returning the animal to the sea. The Phuket Hotnews, along with other media outlets such as PPTV HD and MGR Online, shared the video of the ray’s rescue mission today, March 10. The animal was seen lying…
-
Trunk road terror: Jumbo rage as elephant ejects man from pickup (video)
In a wild encounter that’s captured the attention of Thai social media, an angry elephant gave a new meaning to being “trunked” when it tossed a passenger from the back of a pickup truck on Hua Hin’s Pala-U Road. The dramatic moment, caught on camera by a shocked passerby, has rapidly gone viral. The footage reveals the massive pachyderm as…
-
Phuket motorcyclist praised for helping rain-soacked tourist reach hotel
A foreign tourist took to TikTok to praise a Thai motorcyclist for his kindness after he gave her a free ride to her hotel in Phuket upon seeing her standing soaked in the rain. The foreign TikTok user, @one_way_ticket, shared a video of the Thai motorcyclist, who introduced himself in the clip as Assan, on Saturday, March 8. “This Thai…
-
Chinese tourists dine and dash across Chon Buri restaurants
A growing number of restaurant owners in Chon Buri have reported incidents of Chinese tourists leaving without paying for meals. The latest case involved a group of four Chinese men who racked up a bill of 1,205 baht at a local eatery before walking out without settling the amount. One restaurant owner, 42 year old Seree Chanchaiyaphum recalled an incident…
-
Fire at Ubon Ratchathani hotel after wedding celebration
Firefighters tackled a blaze on the eighth floor of a prominent four-star hotel in Ubon Ratchathani, where newlyweds had hosted their wedding the previous night. The incident occurred at 1pm yesterday, March 9. Police Lieutenant Teerajet Tornoi from Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station received a report about the fire at a hotel located on Chayangkul Road in Nai Mueang subdistrict,…
-
Thai monk commits suicide after being blackmailed with explicit video
A Thai monk committed suicide at a temple in the southern province of Chum Phon on Friday, after a call centre scam blackmailed him with an explicit video and swindled him out of 30,000 baht. Officers from Lamae Police Station were called to Nong Bua Boat Temple in the Lamae district of Chumphon to investigate the death of the 50…
-
Laotian man arrested for sexually assaulting daughter in Thailand
A 32 year old woman took her 13 year old niece to Nakhon Phanom Hospital yesterday following repeated assaults by the girl’s biological father. The girl’s father, a 41 year old Laotian construction contractor named Varin from Savannakhet, was arrested yesterday, March 9, at a construction site opposite Ratchanakharin Psychiatric Hospital in Mueang district, Nakhon Phanom province. The case was…
-
Thai car exports threatened by Trump’s 25% US tariff plan
The Thai automotive industry faces potential challenges if US President Donald Trump proceeds with his plan to impose tariffs on car imports, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Last month, Trump revealed plans to implement a 25% tariff on autos starting April 2, though tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico have been delayed for a month following…
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.