Thailand News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, and lifestyle—get breaking updates from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. Stay informed on Thai society, economy, tourism, and expat life with The Thaiger.
-
Sponsored Weekend road trip routes across Thailand [2025]
Weekend road trips in Thailand are a great way to enjoy beautiful scenery, local culture, and quick getaways without much travel time. From winding mountain routes in the north to coastal drives in the south, every journey brings new sights...
-
Thai government preps digital wallet scheme for 50 million citizens
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) is getting ready to support the government’s digital wallet scheme, aimed at benefiting 50 million Thai citizens. Under the direction of Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) will monitor the security of the 500-billion-baht (US$13.4 million) digital initiative. Simultaneously, the Digital Government Agency (DGA) will take charge of digital…
-
Nakhon Phanom pub bust reveals drugs, minors and indecent acts
Police in Nakhon Phanom arrested the operators of a well-known pub for a series of legal infractions, including allowing minors on the premises and indecent performances, amid revelations of drug use among patrons. The establishment, known as AEC Nakhon Phanom, was also found to be operating beyond legally allowed hours, causing disturbances to nearby residents. The crackdown, led by Nakhon…
-
Citi expands medium-sized business operations in Thailand, Asia
International bank Citi is set to aid the expansion of medium-sized businesses in Thailand and Asia. The move comes as economies in these regions experience high growth rates, presenting lucrative opportunities for companies to penetrate overseas markets. The managing director and head of Citi Commercial Bank (CCB) for Asia North, Australia, and Asia South, Gunjan Kalra, highlighted Asia’s rapid economic…
-
Laotian tourist’s 80,000 baht gold necklace stolen in Pattaya
Emerging from the nocturnal charm of Pattaya, an intriguing tale of a Laotian tourist and a vanished 80,000 baht (US$2,150) gold necklace has surfaced. The unfortunate incident unfolded early this morning, May 1, along the bustling Sukhumvit Road in the Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. The victim, Detnakhon Inthakoummane, a 37 year old Laotian national, recounted his ordeal…
-
Family suffers burns as fire razes home in Samut Songkhram
A Samut Songkhram family’s home was engulfed in flames early today, leading to three people sustaining burn injuries. The inferno, which broke out around 5am today, May 1, is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit due to the melting of wire insulation amid the sweltering heat. The property, a single-story wooden house, was completely destroyed, and…
-
British tourist detained in Phuket for assaulting tuk tuk driver
Police in Phuket have detained a British national following an altercation involving a tuk tuk driver, where the foreigner was accused of physically assaulting the driver over a fare dispute. The incident, which was captured on CCTV footage, garnered significant attention on social media, leading to a swift police response. The confrontation took place on the evening of April 26,…
-
SET extends deadline due to few presidential applicants
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has delayed the application deadline for its presidential role until May 15, following a lack of applicants. The present president, Pakorn Peetathawatchai, is due to step down in September. The SET chairman role also remains unfilled after Pichai Chunhavajira’s recent resignation. The exchange is seeking candidates who can support its vision of making the…
-
AoT plans to boost Suvarnabhumi Airport into world’s top 50
Airports of Thailand (AoT) disclosed plans to elevate Suvarnabhumi International Airport into the league of the world’s top 50 airports within a year and subsequently to the top 20 by 2028. This announcement was made by AoT Director Kirati Kijmanawat. The director shared that Suvarnabhumi International Airport currently ranks 58th in Skytrax’s World’s Best Airport Rankings for 2024, a significant…
-
Thai baht finds its groove: Depreciation rate takes a dip
The Thai baht experienced a lessening in its depreciation rate in April, buoyed by an uptick in the country’s economic performance. A leading figure from the country’s central bank anticipates that the local currency will make a recovery in the second half of the year. In the initial quarter of this year, the baht saw a 7.8% decline against the…
-
Scorching 44°C wave to hit upper Thailand, caution urged
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe heat warning for upper Thailand, with temperatures expected to soar to a scorching 44 degrees Celsius in the northern, central, and northeastern regions. The capital, Bangkok, is also set to experience high heat levels, with temperatures predicted to reach 42 degrees Celsius. The public is advised to avoid prolonged outdoor activities and strenuous…
-
Samut Sakhon recycling plant ablaze, emergency crews fight fire
A recycling plant in Samut Sakhon province has been engulfed in flames for over eight hours, with emergency services battling the blaze that has spread across the entire area. Nearly 20 fire trucks from Samut Sakhon and neighbouring Samut Songkhram provinces have been deployed to douse the intense fire that erupted in packed paper bales within the facility yesterday, April…
-
Prachinburi locals flock to temple for lucky lottery numbers
As the Labour Day lottery draws near, the residents of Prachinburi province are flocking to a renowned temple to seek out auspicious numbers for the upcoming draw. The temple, famous for its spiritual significance and lottery number predictions, is celebrating its 120th anniversary, coinciding with the birthday of its abbot, who has turned 83 years old. This significant cultural event,…
-
Ex-teacher in Bangkok held for assaulting student
A former primary school teacher has been arrested in Bangkok for sexually assaulting a 13 year old student inside his car, despite the presence of the victim’s younger sister. The 44 year old man was apprehended by police while selling fried meatballs on a street in the capital, following an investigation into the incident on March 22. Somkiat, a former…
-
NHSO forms team to probe Bangkok healthcare malpractice
Bangkok’s primary healthcare clinics have been hit with a staggering 3,771 complaints, prompting the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to form an investigative team to probe alleged malpractices. The NHSO issued a statement yesterday, April 30, addressing its commitment to resolve grievances from patients under the 30 baht universal healthcare scheme. These objections arose following the NHSO’s decision to modify…
-
Thai workers shine in Taiwan’s Labour Day awards
Two Thai workers from Lampang did Thailand proud after being honoured with employee awards in Taiwan’s annual Labour Day ceremony, earning a personal meeting with the country’s president. The Taiwanese Ministry of Labour, responsible for the event, recognises both local and foreign workers for their contributions to various sectors. This year, the Thai men won accolades in the manufacturing industry.…
-
Factory owner donates 100,000 baht to Ayutthaya Ashram statue
In a charitable act, a factory owner donated a generous sum of 100,000 baht to construct a large statue of Father Ruesi Naen, following a windfall of 1 million baht. The donation ceremony occurred at the Ruesi Naen Ashram in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, where members of the public gathered today to seek blessings and examine the auspicious numbers floating…
-
Phone fumble leads to deadly pickup crash in Lampang
A tragic road accident occurred today when a woman driving a pickup truck dropped her phone, causing her to veer across the lane and collide head-on with an oncoming sedan, instantly killing the male driver and injuring a 19 year old passenger. In the district of Hang Chat, Lampang, police were alerted to a fatal collision at a U-turn near…
-
Thailand’s major airports plan US$4.8 billion capacity doubling
Two of Thailand’s main airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, are set to undergo significant expansions. The Airports of Thailand (AOT) Public Company Limited intends to invest approximately US$4.8 billion to more than double the airports’ capacity by the end of the decade. The expansion aims to accommodate a predicted surge in tourism as the world recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.…
-
High stakes: Illegal gambling operator busted in Pak Kret home
Police have recently clamped down on a significant illegal online gambling operation in the affluent Pak Kret district, arresting one Thai gambler named Mongkol. The 46 year old’s arrest took place at a luxurious residence in the Bang Phlap sub-district of Nontha Buri province. The operation unfolded today, as Major General Wacharat Sanngam, head of Provincial Police Region 1, along…
-
Unlicensed Pattaya party villa raided restoring peace for locals
Peace has been restored in Pattaya, as a noisy, reportedly unlicensed pool villa was raided by authorities yesterday evening. The operation was spurred by complaints from residents, who were disturbed by the loud music and partying emanating from the villa. Weekit Manarojkit, the Banglamung District Chief, directed his deputy, Pornchai Sang-iad, to spearhead a team of officials in raiding the…
-
Manufacturing production index drops by 5.13% in March
Continuing its downward trend for the 18th month in a row, the manufacturing production index experienced a 5.13% drop in March compared to the same period last year, according to an Industry Ministry report. This decline, which is more severe than analysts’ predictions, is attributed to a slowdown in automobile production, a decrease in exports, and increasing household debt. Analysts…
-
Ex-hotel chef arrested for sexual assault in Rayong
A former five-star hotel chef turned delivery rider was apprehended yesterday for sexually assaulting a female customer on May 13, 2023. On the night of the event, 29 year old chef San, deviated from the route to indulge in his inappropriate urges under the guise of darkness. Thai authorities, led by senior police officer Thiti Saengsawang, have been relentless in…
-
Air China boosts Comac profile with massive C919 jet order
China’s national carrier, Air China, reportedly placed an order for 100 domestically-produced C919 jets, a move anticipated to garner international interest and further boost the profile of the relatively new aircraft. This comes as rival Boeing continues to grapple with ongoing safety concerns. The Beijing-based airline, which flies to 196 destinations, including over 60 international locations, confirmed the agreement with Comac,…
-
Prosecutor seeks mystery Thai musician captivating netizens
In a heartwarming display of community and official concern, Director-General of the Prosecutor, Office of the Rights Protection and Legal Assistance to the Public (NCPO), Kosonwat Inthuchanyong, has issued a public appeal seeking a young pianist whose piano playing in a local market has captured the attention of netizens. The boy, who has been performing to financially support his household,…
-
Salary surge: Thai civil servants set for pay raise starting May 1
The Thai government announced a significant salary increase for civil servants, effective from tomorrow, May 1, this year. This adjustment aims to ensure that those with a bachelor’s degree will earn no less than 18,000 baht per month, and those with a vocational certificate will receive no less than 11,000 baht per month within two years. This recent decision, made…
-
Patong police intensify crackdown on drink driving in Phuket
Patong Police, located in Phuket’s prominent tourist town, ramped up their efforts against drink driving, arresting nine people over the past five days for their reckless behaviour. Among those detained were a mix of Thai and foreign nationals, including 34 year old Spanish man Cabria Gonzales, who was charged for drink driving last Thursday after he was stopped between 1am…
-
Thai drug suspect’s Yaba buying claims to protect youth sparks online laughter
A Thai man, arrested on drug charges, sparked amusement online by his heroic claim that he only bought and used methamphetamine, also known as Yaba, solely to prevent teenagers from accessing them. An officer from the Narcotics Prevention and Suppression Centre in the northern province of Phitsanulok shared a video of the drug suspect, whose identity was not revealed, on…
-
Venus shifts signs, Taurus and Scorpio brace for prosperity
Today marks a significant shift in the astrological landscape as the planet Venus transitions into a new zodiac sign. Noted astrologer Dr Chang Thotsaporn, with a keen eye on celestial movements, provided insights into how this transition will affect individuals across all zodiac signs, spotlighting those who might expect a windfall of fortune in love and finance, as well as advising…
-
Thailand’s DES ministry to establish national AI committee
Plans are underway by the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry in Thailand to establish a new national artificial intelligence (AI) committee. The initiative is part of the second phase of the national AI strategy. The strategy is a cornerstone of Thailand’s ASEAN Digital Economy and AI Hub Plan, a key driver for the country’s digital economy. The ministry also…
-
Yala deputy governor accused of adultery with adopted son (video)
The deputy governor of Yala province in southern Thailand allegedly committed adultery with his adopted son who reportedly physically assaulted his adopted mother, the governor’s legal wife. Local Facebook page Esor News reported on April 28 that a deputy governor in southern Thailand had been transferred from his post due to allegations of adultery, as he was still living with…
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.