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.

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    Travel vs international health insurance: Which coverage do you need overseas?

    The Thaiger key takeaways Travel insurance is ideal for short-term trips, covering emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage, but not routine care. International health insurance suits expats and long-term residents, offering full medical coverage, including checkups, maternity, and chronic care. Choosing...

  • Thailand Video News | Rising risk of Dengue Fever and Influenza, PM Srettha Thaivisin believes in a more democratic Thailand | Thaiger

    Thailand Video News | Rising risk of Dengue Fever and Influenza, PM Srettha Thaivisin believes in a more democratic Thailand

    In this video, Alex and Jay unfold the latest news in Thailand. Beginning with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin champions democratic values while the Department of Disease Control (DDC) warns of heightened influenza and dengue risks amid COVID-19 worries. Recent incidents, including gas cylinder explosions and a crackdown on child exploitation, underscore the need for swift action. However, moments of heroism, like…

  • Sony sparks economic surge with billion-baht investment in Thailand | Thaiger

    Sony sparks economic surge with billion-baht investment in Thailand

    Sony Semiconductor Solutions today declared a billion-baht investment in Thailand to boost the nation’s stuttering economy. The announcement, which came to light on Saturday, March 30, revealed an investment surpassing 2.57 billion baht for the construction of a manufacturing factory. The manufacturing site is slated for completion by March 2025. According to reports, it will be tasked with the production…

  • 3 year old Thai girl injured in Pink Line MRT liquid cement incident | Thaiger

    3 year old Thai girl injured in Pink Line MRT liquid cement incident

    A family of three narrowly avoided tragedy when liquid cement from a Pink Line MRT construction site spilt onto their sedan on Saturday. The incident damaged the car and caused injuries to a three-year-old girl. A Thai mother Saichol Charawatchala, shared the distressing account of her and her children’s experience on Facebook on Saturday, March 30. Saichol recalled that she…

  • ATPD uncovers prostitution ring in Bangkok, 16 arrested | Thaiger

    ATPD uncovers prostitution ring in Bangkok, 16 arrested

    The Thai Anti Trafficking In Persons Division (ATPD) made a significant breakthrough in their mission to combat illegal activities, apprehending 15 undocumented male workers from Myanmar and a Thai massage shop owner in the bustling district of Wang Thonglang, Bangkok. This incident took place within the confines of the bustling Lat Phrao shopping complex on March 30. A tip-off from…

  • Thai smog crisis prompts call for global shift to plant-based diets | Thaiger

    Thai smog crisis prompts call for global shift to plant-based diets

    Northern Thailand is grappling with a persistent smog problem, typically attributed to crop waste burning, deforestation for mushroom harvesting and vehicle emissions, prompting calls for a global shift to plant-based diets. However, an emerging consensus among scientists and environmental activists suggests a deeper, global solution is required to avert a climate disaster. The crux of the issue, they argue, lies…

  • Lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd to deliver data on alleged police bribery | Thaiger

    Lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd to deliver data on alleged police bribery

    A prominent Thai lawyer is set to deliver critical data regarding alleged bribery allegations, which involve online gambling networks and the national police chief, Torsak Sukvimol, along with his spouse, to the Move Forward Party (MFP) today. The secretary-general of the Foundation of People’s Lawyers, Sittra Biabungkerd, had previously submitted similar documents related to the case to the national police’s…

  • Nonthaburi police bust counterfeit shampoo ring selling for 100 baht | Thaiger

    Nonthaburi police bust counterfeit shampoo ring selling for 100 baht

    Police recently cracked down on a counterfeit shampoo operation in Nonthaburi, leading to the arrest of a 58 year old woman and her 30 year old nephew. Engaging in a deceptive practice, they were caught refilling used branded shampoo bottles with their concoction and passing them off as genuine products at local markets, with a startling two bottles being sold…

  • Elderly Bangkok vendor robbed at knifepoint for gold and cash | Thaiger

    Elderly Bangkok vendor robbed at knifepoint for gold and cash

    A 72 year old woman was threatened and robbed at knifepoint at her street vendor stall by a male and a female assailant. The incident occurred at approximately 5.31am today in the Bang Khae district of Bangkok, leaving the septuagenarian victim, Srirat (last name withheld), without two gold necklaces weighing a combined five baht and an unspecified amount of cash.…

  • Prachuap Khiri Khan prison manages Covid-19 with emergency operations centre | Thaiger

    Prachuap Khiri Khan prison manages Covid-19 with emergency operations centre

    The Covid-19 situation at Prachuap Khiri Khan prison in Thailand is set to be managed by an imminent emergency operations centre (EOC), following the identification of infection clusters. This development comes as the public health permanent secretary, Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, reported intensified surveillance in the wake of 79 confirmed Covid cases at the prison. The first infection was detected on…

  • Online prayer nets over 100,000 baht windfall and 200 Thai treats offered in thanks | Thaiger

    Online prayer nets over 100,000 baht windfall and 200 Thai treats offered in thanks

    A fortunate individual’s online prayer for luck turned into a windfall of over 100,000 baht (US$ 2,700), leading to a generous offering of 100 sets of traditional Thai boat noodles and 100 sets of coconut milk desserts as a gesture of gratitude. The offerings were made at the revered hermitage of the hermit in Ayutthaya, which has recently gained popularity…

  • Blaze engulfs Sisaket building following gas cylinder explosions | Thaiger

    Blaze engulfs Sisaket building following gas cylinder explosions

    A commercial building in Sisaket province was engulfed in flames early this morning, following two explosive sounds suspected to be from gas cylinders. The blaze rapidly spread, causing chaos as firefighting teams rushed to extinguish the fire, which started at 4.10am near Luang Sumangkalaram Temple. Police officer Weerawich Sriponduan from the Sisaket City Police Station immediately attended the scene alongside…

  • Police and restaurant owner’s gun-knife duel in Udon Thani leaves both injured | Thaiger

    Police and restaurant owner’s gun-knife duel in Udon Thani leaves both injured

    A violent confrontation erupted between a police officer and a restaurant owner in Udon Thani, resulting in both men sustaining serious injuries. The incident, which involved a gun and knife duel, occurred near a convenience store in the Non Sung Subdistrict on the evening of yesterday, March 30. The dispute reportedly began when the officer parked his vehicle in front…

  • Thailand consumers council calls for investigation into yellow line malfunctions | Thaiger

    Thailand consumers council calls for investigation into yellow line malfunctions

    An urgent call for an independent examination of the Yellow Line’s recent malfunctions has been made by the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC). The TCC, led by Dr Anuchar Sethasathien who presides over the transport and vehicle sub-committee, has requested that transport experts along with the Rail Transport Department and Consumer Protection Board conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents that…

  • Korea aerospace industries proposes to sell FA50 light fighters to Royal Thai Air Force | Thaiger

    Korea aerospace industries proposes to sell FA50 light fighters to Royal Thai Air Force

    Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has presented a proposal to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), offering to sell its FA50 light fighters. The RTAF has earmarked 19 billion baht for the procurement of new fighter jets in the forthcoming fiscal year, as revealed by an insider from the Defence Ministry. The pitch was made by the CEO of KAI, Kang…

  • Thailand responds to surge in flesh-eating disease cases in Japan | Thaiger

    Thailand responds to surge in flesh-eating disease cases in Japan

    A surge in the number of flesh-eating disease cases, officially known as necrotising fasciitis, in Japan, has prompted a response from Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC). The DDC gave reassurances yesterday that no instances of the rare but deadly bacterial infection have been reported in Thailand this year. The DDC is keeping a close eye on the developments in…

  • Disappearance of two year old boy sparks search in Chiang Rai | Thaiger

    Disappearance of two year old boy sparks search in Chiang Rai

    Search intensifies for a two year old boy from the Lahu tribe, who vanished from his mountain village in Chiang Rai last Saturday. Officials from the Mirror Foundation have outlined four potential scenarios for the boy, Kriangkrai Sae Mee’s disappearance, including abduction, domestic violence, accidents, or disputes over guardianship. Mae Yao sub-district police disclosed that Kriangkrai was last spotted with…

  • Workers get million-baht compensation for Rayong crane accident | Thaiger

    Workers get million-baht compensation for Rayong crane accident

    Following a harrowing crane collapse tragedy in Rayong’s Pluak Daeng district where seven lives were lost, negotiations between workers and authorities have culminated in a million-baht compensation deal. The predominantly Myanmar workforce reluctantly reopened the site this morning only after the construction firm, under pressure, agreed to a compensation package amounting to 1.6 million baht for each fatality. The turmoil…

  • NACC cracks down on corruption in government top brass | Thaiger

    NACC cracks down on corruption in government top brass

    The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has set its sights on high-ranking government officials, leaving no stone unturned in the battle for transparency and accountability. The NACC, led by President Police General Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit, is leading a proposal to extend asset reporting laws to encompass agencies notorious for corruption risks. Under this plan, heavyweights from the Revenue Department, Excise Department, and…

  • Srettha inaugurates Thailand Tourism Festival 2024 | Thaiger

    Srettha inaugurates Thailand Tourism Festival 2024

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin inaugurated the 42nd Thailand Tourism Festival 2024 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok. Joined by officials from the government and private sectors, including Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the event kicked off with grandeur. “Tourism is at the forefront of our nation’s socio-economic development. We’re leveraging our…

  • Thailand and UK forge economic alliance | Thaiger

    Thailand and UK forge economic alliance

    Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Lord Dominic Johnson of Lainston CBE, along with British Ambassador Mark Gooding, engaged in a diplomatic meeting to discuss economic collaboration between the UK and Thailand. The crux of Thursday’s discussions revolved around fortifying economic ties, amplifying trade relations, and fostering investment opportunities. This pivotal dialogue laid the groundwork for signing a Memorandum of…

  • Pattaya Port Authority prepares 700 speedboats for Songkran | Thaiger

    Pattaya Port Authority prepares 700 speedboats for Songkran

    As the Songkran Festival looms closer, Pattaya Port Authority prepares for an influx of travellers with an initiative to ensure safety and convenience. From April 11 to 17, they are set to facilitate seamless water travel between Koh Larn and Pattaya. To cater to the needs of both locals and tourists, the authority has orchestrated a fleet comprising 60 passenger…

  • Korean call centre kingpin arrested in Thailand | Thaiger

    Korean call centre kingpin arrested in Thailand

    Immigration police arrested a 51 year old South Korean fugitive wanted for orchestrating a call centre scam that drained victims of millions. Operating from China, the South Korean national, known as Oh, masterminded a sophisticated operation, manipulating phone calls and text messages to deceive unsuspecting South Koreans. Under various guises, he coerced victims into transferring substantial sums, amassing a staggering…

  • Thailand, China, and Laos forge new routes | Thaiger

    Thailand, China, and Laos forge new routes

    Thailand is in talks with China and Laos to revolutionise their airspace, with Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co Ltd (Aerothai) president Nopasit Chakpitak revealing plans to accommodate a staggering 100,000 more flights. The proposed parallel routes aim to alleviate congestion in the current flight path, labelled a bottleneck in northwestern Laos by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Once the…

  • DSI: International scammers caught in massive call-centre bust | Thaiger

    DSI: International scammers caught in massive call-centre bust

    The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has dismantled a notorious call-centre syndicate operating from Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Led by DSI’s acting director-general Police Major Yutthana Praedam, the crackdown unveiled a web of deceit spanning across Thailand, China, and Russia. A total of 71 suspects, comprising 52 Chinese nationals and 19 Thai accomplices, were arrested during the raid orchestrated by…

  • Sutin visits China for submarine acquisition talks | Thaiger

    Sutin visits China for submarine acquisition talks

    Sutin Klungsang, the Minister of Defence, along with other related agencies, embarked on a trip to China on Thursday to discuss with the Chinese private sectors and other concerned agencies regarding the anticipated acquisition of a submarine for Thailand. The meetings were held to assess whether the procurement process should proceed or be abandoned and to comprehend its potential implications.…

  • Rayong fishing groups sue Star Petroleum over oil spill devastation | Thaiger

    Rayong fishing groups sue Star Petroleum over oil spill devastation

    A class action lawsuit has been initiated by 14 individuals from Rayong, representing fishing groups and local businesses. They are suing Star Petroleum Refining Company (SPRC), the owner of an underwater oil pipeline that ruptured in 2022, claiming that the subsequent major oil spill has devastated their livelihoods. These individuals are part of a local fishing community known as Pak…

  • Man confesses to killing wife after hiding body in Lopburi | Thaiger

    Man confesses to killing wife after hiding body in Lopburi

    A 58 year old man in Lopburi confessed to the murder of his wife, after nearly a year of deceitfully pretending to search for her. The case came to light when the man’s behaviour raised suspicions among the police, leading to the discovery of his wife’s buried remains next to their home in Lopburi Province. The victim’s 44 year old…

  • Taiwanese celebrity shares her ’10pm rule’ for marital bliss | Thaiger

    Taiwanese celebrity shares her ’10pm rule’ for marital bliss

    A celebrity artist from Taiwan, Li Qianrong, has successfully nurtured a 27 year relationship with her husband, which includes 20 years of marriage. The couple, who dated for seven years before tying the knot, has maintained a robust and loving bond over this considerable period. Yesterday, Li shared insights into the secret of their enduring relationship, revealing the importance of…

  • Cockfighting arena owner’s body found, murder suspected | Thaiger

    Cockfighting arena owner’s body found, murder suspected

    A grisly murder case has unfolded with the discovery of a body believed to be that of a 56 year old cockfighting arena owner who had been missing since February 1. The body was found near a palm plantation, approximately four kilometres from the main road, tied up and with evidence suggesting acid had been poured over it. The body…

  • Thai man exposes father for stealing electricity to run ice factory | Thaiger

    Thai man exposes father for stealing electricity to run ice factory

    A Thai man exposed his father for stealing electricity to run an ice manufacturing plant in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. He also accused officers from the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of conspiring with his father. The 39 year old man, identified only as L, revealed to Channel 3 that he is his father’s eldest son and used to be a…