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....
-
Chumphon durian farmer fatally shot: Locals feared regular gunfire
Police are on the hunt for a gunman who shot dead a 63 year old durian farm owner in his backyard. Locals reported frequent gunfire from the victim’s farm, causing anxiety amidst fears of stray shots. The incident occurred at around 4.30pm today when the police received a report of a fatal shooting in a durian orchard in southern Thailand.…
-
District official accused of workplace affair and misconduct
The permanent secretary of the Art Samart District Office in the Isaan province of Roiet has been accused of having a scandalous affair within the workplace and granted special leave days to his alleged lover. On Thursday, July 20, the Facebook page, Watchdog (ปฏิบัติการหมาเฝ้าบ้าน), shared a picture of a Thai woman with text on the top of the picture saying… “Phi…
-
ESG Scoring pioneered by Thailand’s GSB for large business loan approvals
In a first for Thailand, the Government Savings Bank (GSB) is revolutionising its loan approval process. Chief executive Vitai Ratanakorn shared that GSB will introduce environmental, social and governance (ESG) scoring when deciding loans for sizeable businesses, requiring a credit limit of 500 million baht or more. This ESG scoring pioneering model aims to incentivise companies to contribute positively to…
-
Thailand’s smartphone market holds promise despite economic strain
In these difficult financial times, Thailand’s smartphone market still carries incredible potential for device makers, particularly in high-end models, despite reduced support of handset subsidies by mobile operators, according to Oppo, a leading Chinese smartphone maker. With a market value exceeding 100 billion baht, Thailand’s smartphone market is regarded as a gem within Southeast Asia. The Senior Executive Vice-President at…
-
Thai Android users lose money in ThaID app scam orchestrated via SMS
In an emerging threat to privacy and finances, Android smartphone users in Thailand are being entangled in a sophisticated cyber scam. Orchestrated through the pretence of updating the mobile app ThaID, the scammers acquire remote control of the victim’s phones, enabling them to steal funds. The Department of Provincial Administration (DPA) notified the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) of this…
-
Thailand’s economy eyes rebound in 2023 buoyed by China’s booming influence
A light of hope has started to shine on the future of Thailand’s economy as we look forward to this year, and China’s influence as a significant driving force cannot be ignored, so suggests a leading Thai economist. The said economist, Kirida Bhaopichitr, who honours the position of Director for the Economic Intelligence Service at the Thailand Development Research Institute…
-
Food allergy: Thai woman’s severe reaction to buffet lunch prompts food safety warning
After eating at a well-known buffet, a woman suffered severe food allergy reactions. She took to TikTok to recount her ordeal, warning others of the potential risks associated with consuming food from such establishments, and calling for businesses to exercise more caution regarding food safety. The woman posted a video on TikTok. She said… “That this incident won’t happen to…
-
Car fire: Luxury vehicle bursts into flames on Bhumibol Bridge, family escapes unharmed
A prestigious factory owner and his family barely escaped when their luxury vehicle spontaneously caught fire on the Bhumibol Bridge. The car fire incident took place while the man was driving his wife and three children home from a shopping centre. The entire car was scorched when the fire took hold, however, incredibly, there were no injuries. An investigator from…
-
Safety fears rise as key Phuket boat tour facility Chalong Pier sinks again
In Thailand, Chalong Pier, a key Phuket boat tour facility is under scrutiny as concerns are being raised about the potential safety hazards it poses. The main pontoon, used by tourists to board tour boats, is reportedly sinking again and is visibly covered in rust. The pontoon in question had previously gone under reparations last year when it started sinking.…
-
Bluebottle influx at Phuket’s Layan Beach: officials urge caution
Layan Beach has seen the arrival of Portuguese man-o-war, commonly referred to as ‘bluebottles’, washed ashore by the tide. Beachgoers are urged to observe caution and remain vigilant in light of this current issue. This concern was brought to the public awareness by an avid reader of Phuket News who discovered four to five bluebottles on the shoreline on a…
-
Thai court mandates repositioning of wild elephant within 15 days
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) of Thailand is facing a new directive from the Nakhon Si Thammarat Administrative Court. The court ruling mandates the capture and repositioning of a wandering wild elephant known as “Phlai Chao Nga” within a stringent time frame of 15 days. The wandering pachyderm had ventured away from Tai Rom Yen…
-
Extended Thai public holidays offer rare six-day break amidst King’s birthday
In the week ahead, residents and visitors in Phuket are encouraged to soak up a rare bounty of public holidays, set across five out of six consecutive days. Starting next Friday (July 28), the nation will unite to celebrate the 71st birthday of the King. Adding to the festive period, two significant Buddhist events, Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa…
-
Pattaya marathon sets record as over 14,000 runners boost city’s sports tourism
Pattaya in the limelight this weekend as over 14,000 Thai and international enthusiasts took part in the prestigious Pattaya Marathon in its 30th iteration. Introducing the popular event, which sets off from Terminal 21, was none other than the Pattaya City Mayor, Poramese Ngampiches. The marathon, which extends over two consecutive days – from July 22 to 23, is not…
-
Thai waste segregation campaign saves 127.8 million baht in 5 months
The recent waste segregation campaign aimed at advocating for the proper segregation of household rubbish seems to be reaping rewards in Thailand, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Aekvarunyoo Amarapala, a spokesperson for the BMA, revealed over the weekend that the last five months saw a considerable decrease in both the amount of garbage making its way to the…
-
Pattaya entertainment venues near U-Tapao airport get 24-hour operations approval
In an effort to stimulate the tourism sector, the Thai Cabinet has given the nod to a proposal that promotes round-the-clock operations of Pattaya entertainment venues. However, this permit is specifically allocated to the region around U-Tapao International Airport. The allowance is aimed at servicing transient passengers who wish to enjoy a relaxing drink while awaiting their flight schedules, not…
-
Ban Pong police raid pubs for underage drinking and drug violations
A thorough investigation has been instigated by Ratchaburi Provincial Police against five high-ranking officers stationed at Ban Pong police station, in light of a raid at two unauthorised pubs supposed to have allowed entry of teenagers, underage drinking, and drug consumption. The raid, initiated in the small hours of yesterday, resulted in the arrest of Thanawat Wijitcharasakul, aged 30 and…
-
University students’ protest ignites over senators’ role
Activists comprising mainly students, as well as supporters of the Move Forward Party (MFP), held protests at the Kasetsart University, situated in the Bang Khen district of Bangkok, yesterday evening. The protests sparked from the increasing tension and anger against the seemingly prominent role individuals appointed as senators hold in the prolonged political disturbance of the country. This rally was…
-
Thai hotel chains unfazed by political uncertainty, anticipate revenue growth
Despite the ongoing political uncertainty, Thailand’s major hotel chains remain optimistic, as long as the situation stays peaceful and avoids any violent unrest. Centara Hotels and Resorts (CHR) and Minor International Plc voiced their confidence in their ability to weather any potential political storms, providing the environment remains stable. Gun Srisompong, the chief financial officer of CHR, stated that any…
-
Torrential rain in Rayong causing unavoidable flash floods
In Rayong province, located in Eastern Thailand, the tranquillity was shattered as several hours of torrential rain created havoc, resulting in several homes in the area being flooded. The intense deluge led to an onslaught of water on Road 3191 located in the Nikhom Patthana District. The event, reported as a flash flood, occurred in the wee hours of the morning…
-
Thailand’s yearly military reshuffle may be delayed due to coalition government
In light of the formation of an impending coalition government, Thailand’s yearly military reshuffle might be subjected to a delay, as revealed by Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is concurrently serving as the Defence Minister and Prime Minister. His announcement was made on Friday, upon the closure of a Defence Council session. Expressing uncertainty about the timing of the reshuffle, Prayut said…
-
Thai Democrat party denies rumors of joining Pheu Thai party
The Democrat Party of Thailand vehemently dismissed circulating rumours that more than half of its members of parliament were in the process of joining a coalition led by Pheu Thai. The party remains undecided regarding its stance on voting for Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial nominee, Srettha Thavisin. Party spokesman, Ramet Rattanachaweng, quashed speculations about a mass defection yesterday. Gossip had…
-
Alleged ammunition theft from naval base prompts stern response from Thai Navy
In the face of theft allegations, the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has exerted tactical measures to address the claims linked to a significant disappearance of ammunition from a naval base. The accusations are centred on an officer, who once held the position of chief petty officer second class and was entrusted with the supervision of the arsenal situated at the…
-
Phuket’s Nanai Rd undergoes partial closure for resurfacing
Phuket‘s Patong Municipality announced a partial closure of Nanai Rd, starting from today till August 5, for resurfacing amidst the persistent traffic challenges caused by ongoing flood works in Phra Metta Rd. The resurfacing work, expected to span a period of two weeks, prompts the necessity of one-way traffic regulation at separate sections of Nanai Rd. The municipality confirmed this…
-
Russian man’s drunken rampage damages multiple cars in Phuket
The tranquillity of Phuket was disturbed as a 26 year old man of Russian nationality, intoxicated and in an aggressive state, carried out a frenzy of destruction, damaging multiple cars in the Wichit district. Local residents alerted the authorities, reporting an aberrant individual committing acts of wilful damage outside a condominium near a department store in Wichit on a Friday…
-
Police seize lethal weapons cache in Chon Buri
In the latest chapter of the firearms crackdown saga unfolding in Chon Buri, the local law enforcement authorities successfully seized bundles of lethal weapons and ammunition from a Thai national who had a penchant for brandishing his arsenal on social media. However, the suspect gave the police a slip by swiftly disappearing into a nearby patch of woodland. This operation…
-
Bangkok police shut illegal beauty clinic attracting foreign clients
In a decisive move against illegal medical practices in Thailand, police have shut down an illicit beauty clinic operating without authorisation in the Ekamai region of Bangkok. The unapproved facility, CCoco Beauty Clinic, was found operating on Thursday and immediately closed based on reports from the Department of Health Service Support. The entity of the clinic was discovered to be…
-
Pattaya police crack down on motorbike gang linked to murder case
In a significant crackdown on international crime, Pattaya law enforcement carried out a successful operation against the notorious ‘Outlaws’ motorbike gang. The group has been identified as a major player in criminal activities, with links to the chilling murder case of German businessman Hans Peter Mack. The subsequent operation led by Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn resulted…
-
Thai political parties resist joining Pheu Thai-led coalition
The political landscape in Thailand recently witnessed a dramatic event as Bhumjaithai, United Thai Nation, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), and Chartthaipattana took a united stance against joining a Pheu Thai-led coalition. Their refusal hinged on one critical determinant – the participation of the Move Forward Party (MFP) in the coalition. Bhumjaithai’s leading figure, Anutin Charnvirakul, revealed the party’s solid…
-
Former monk arrested for 10 million baht fraud through online religious artefact shop
Police arrested a former monk for defrauding people of over 10 million baht through his online religious artefact shop. His illicit proceeds were used for everyday needs, online gambling, and to rent accommodation for hiding. The arrest occurred near a bustling night market in the Phang Khon district of the northeast Sakon Nakhon province. Warakorn Kongu-tit, a 46 year old…
-
Undocumented foreign workers caught in East Thailand: Illegal entry attempt foiled
Police in Chanthaburi, East Thailand, apprehended six undocumented foreign workers attempting to enter the country illegally. This action took place amid a nationwide crackdown in response to a directive by the Ministry of Labour, allowing for the registration of foreign labourers in the country. The apprehended individuals were caught following a high-speed pursuit. Under the command of Superintendent Khemarin Phitsamai…
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.