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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    What do you need before moving from the US to Thailand?

    The Thaiger key takeaways The most common medical emergencies for expats in Thailand include motorcycle accidents, tropical diseases, and food or water-borne illnesses. Air pollution and heat-related conditions like heatstroke also pose serious seasonal health risks, especially in northern and...

  • Trunk turmoil: Mother elephant’s rampage leaves owner dead in Surin | Thaiger

    Trunk turmoil: Mother elephant’s rampage leaves owner dead in Surin

    A mother elephant from Surin province, led by its owners to beg along a road, became agitated, charging ahead and trampling her owner, resulting in the mahout’s death in a pool of blood. Upon receiving the report, local police officers from Kao Liew Police Station were promptly dispatched to investigate the scene, along with emergency medical personnel and rescue teams.…

  • Art extravaganza: Inside the Thailand Biennale Chiang Rai | Thaiger

    Art extravaganza: Inside the Thailand Biennale Chiang Rai

    The Thailand Biennale Chiang Rai (TBC) has taken the artistic community by storm, attracting international artists and prominent visitors. Angkrit Ajchariyasophon, a key figure in Thailand’s artistic realm, has played a pivotal role as co-curator. The TBC, with its diverse range of displays and activities, promises an unparalleled artistic experience in the northern region. On December 9 last year, the…

  • Thailand suffers hazardous ultrafine dust levels in 48 provinces | Thaiger

    Thailand suffers hazardous ultrafine dust levels in 48 provinces

    Hazardous levels of ultrafine dust were recorded in 48 of Thailand’s 77 provinces this morning, with the northeast of the country being the most affected. This data was confirmed by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). GISTDA’s 10am readings revealed that 13 provinces were under the harmful influence of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter (PM2.5).…

  • Nearby Sukiyaki eatery stewing as buffet rival steals spotlight | Thaiger

    Nearby Sukiyaki eatery stewing as buffet rival steals spotlight

    A nearby sukiyaki eatery finds itself unexpectedly challenged as a well-received buffet-style sukiyaki venue opens nearby, resulting in a significant decline in customers. The owner, having invested nearly 2 million baht (US$55,805) into the business, is now seeking guidance during this crisis. The story came to light when Facebook user Pichaya Kairos shared a post in the Lam Luk Ka…

  • Frozen accolades: Thai ice sculptors carve success at Sapporo Snow Festival | Thaiger

    Frozen accolades: Thai ice sculptors carve success at Sapporo Snow Festival

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor praised the Thai ice sculpting team for their outstanding performance at the 48th International Snow Sculpture Contest, held as part of the 74th Sapporo Snow Festival. The Thai ice sculpting team left the world in awe with their breathtaking depiction of the Naga Fireballs at the prestigious 48th International Snow Sculpture Contest, earning…

  • 73 year old Thai man found dead on way to lover’s home | Thaiger

    73 year old Thai man found dead on way to lover’s home

    A 73 year old Thai man died en route to his lover’s home in Samut Prakanr province near Bangkok. His family believed the death resulted from an accident, rather than any jealous motives. A Thai woman, Kwanruethai, contacted officers at Khlong Dan Police Station on February 7 after she discovered the dead body of a 73 year old man named…

  • Thai Airways responds to Chiang Mai Airport door incident | Thaiger

    Thai Airways responds to Chiang Mai Airport door incident

    Thai Airways addressed a recent incident at Chiang Mai Airport where a Canadian passenger’s attempt to open an aircraft door while waiting for takeoff caused several flights to circle without being able to land. The disruption occurred yesterday (February 7), leading to temporary chaos as flights were unable to touch down at the airport. Chiang Mai Airport experienced significant disruption…

  • Sea-change agenda: Phuket sets sail for luxury ship entry | Thaiger

    Sea-change agenda: Phuket sets sail for luxury ship entry

    Senate Tourism Committee Chairman General Thanasak Patimaprakon and his delegation visited Phuket yesterday to discuss transforming the popular holiday resort island into a point of entry for small luxury ships. The visit was in response to plans to develop Phuket Deep Sea Port at Ao Makham to serve as a home port for small cruise ships. This move aims to…

  • Kanchanaburi court decides fate of disputed 30 million baht lottery | Thaiger

    Kanchanaburi court decides fate of disputed 30 million baht lottery

    In a high-stakes legal battle, the much-anticipated verdict in the 30 million baht lottery case was delivered yesterday at the Kanchanaburi Provincial Court. The plaintiff, retired police officer Charoon Wimol, commonly known as Uncle Charoon, filed a lawsuit against teacher Preecha Kraikruan, and his lawyer, Waryuth Boonwongsai. The dispute centred on a winning lottery ticket from the November 1, 2017…

  • Indian short film on transgender issue to be adapted for Thai audiences (video) | Thaiger

    Indian short film on transgender issue to be adapted for Thai audiences (video)

    Renowned Manipuri actor and filmmaker Priyakanta Laishram’s groundbreaking 2015 short film It’s Not My Choice is set to break new ground as it becomes the first Indian short film to be adapted into Thai. This cultural milestone is set to bridge the gap between Indian and Thai cinema, promising to captivate audiences with its powerful message. In 2015, Manipuri actor…

  • Jealous Thai man arrested for killing wife by slitting her throat | Thaiger

    Jealous Thai man arrested for killing wife by slitting her throat

    Police arrested a Thai man for killing his wife in a jealous rage by slitting her throat in front of her mother near their shared home in the northeastern province of Chaiyaphum. After witnessing the horrifying scene of her 38 year old son-in-law, Auphon, killing her 44 year old daughter, Ladda, on February 6, the victim’s mother, Suwan, contacted Kaset…

  • Thai resort owner allegedly drugs, attacks, rapes party entertainer | Thaiger

    Thai resort owner allegedly drugs, attacks, rapes party entertainer

    A Thai party entertainer accused the owner of a resort in the central province of Ang Thong of drugging, attacking and raping her on February 1. Subsequently, several other party entertainers have come forward, reportedly revealing that they too have been subjected to his abusive behaviour. The victim, 30 year old Dee, decided to file a complaint against the wealthy…

  • German airline Condor to operate direct flights to Bangkok and Phuket | Thaiger

    German airline Condor to operate direct flights to Bangkok and Phuket

    German airline carrier Condor unveiled plans to revitalise travel to Asia by introducing non-stop flights from Frankfurt to Bangkok and Phuket starting in September. Condor is gearing up to spread its wings with a thrilling new route expansion. The airline is set to add seven weekly flights to Thailand. Frankfurt to Bangkok flights will operate four times a week while the…

  • China’s warning to students: Beware of foreign spies | Thaiger

    China’s warning to students: Beware of foreign spies

    China’s Ministry of State Security sounded the alarm amidst an extensive nationwide security initiative, bringing to light a distressing narrative involving a Chinese graduate who fell prey to the intricate web of foreign espionage. In a revelation shared on the ministry’s WeChat platform, an ominous case was detailed, chronicling the exploits of a Chinese student, identified solely by the surname…

  • Fare play: Chinese man fakes theft complaint after Phuket taxi fracas | Thaiger

    Fare play: Chinese man fakes theft complaint after Phuket taxi fracas

    A Chinese man filed a fake theft complaint against a Thai motorbike taxi rider with the police in the Patong area of Phuket because he was angry over the fare he was charged by the rider. The fake Chinese victim, 38 year old Xing Jingwei, asked a local in the area to report an opportunity snatching to Patong Police Station…

  • Bangkok Metropolitan Council approves 23.4 billion baht for Green Line extension | Thaiger

    Bangkok Metropolitan Council approves 23.4 billion baht for Green Line extension

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) gave the green light for a whopping 23.4 billion baht payment to the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) for crucial electrical and mechanical (E&M) installation work and operation services for the Green Line’s second extension. This decision comes after a crucial meeting that saw high-ranking officials deliberate the fate of the city’s transportation system.…

  • Thailand’s economy set for 3.3% growth amid global uncertainties | Thaiger

    Thailand’s economy set for 3.3% growth amid global uncertainties

    Thailand’s economy is projected to grow by 3.3% this year, despite vulnerabilities from international politics, foreign wars, and unrest in neighbouring countries. These factors pose risks to the nation’s export sector. Tawee Piyapatana, the Senior Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries, expressed concerns after representing the chair at a Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB)…

  • Mentally ill Thai man stabs woman on bus in Isaan (video) | Thaiger

    Mentally ill Thai man stabs woman on bus in Isaan (video)

    A mentally ill Thai man stabbed a local woman he met on a coach bus in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen on February 6. The attacker’s mother revealed that her son had a mental illness but refused any treatment. The victim, Nittaya Pimthong, was rushed to hospital with several cut wounds on her arms. She is in stable condition…

  • Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair set to boost Thailand’s economy | Thaiger

    Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair set to boost Thailand’s economy

    The 69th Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair is set to take place from February 21 to 25 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The Department of International Trade Promotion and the Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand (GIT) are organising the event, in partnership with a joint committee that includes 13 government and private sector organisations. As one of…

  • CCTV exposes chilling rehearsal before Bangkok murder | Thaiger

    CCTV exposes chilling rehearsal before Bangkok murder

    A shocking revelation has emerged from CCTV footage, raising suspicions of a premeditated abduction and murder plot in Bangkok. In the footage, a man identified as Kittichot is seen tracking the movements of Thanasant, a factory worker, in what appears to be a rehearsal for the actual crime. The popular TV show ‘ลุยชนข่าว’ on Channel 8 disclosed the eerie prelude…

  • Flight fright: Panic-stricken passenger causes turbulence at Chiang Mai Airport | Thaiger

    Flight fright: Panic-stricken passenger causes turbulence at Chiang Mai Airport

    A Canadian passenger reportedly experienced a panic attack while a plane was taking off from Chiang Mai International Airport last night and attempted to open the plane door, causing chaos and a delay at the airport. The situation was brought under control at around 11pm. Facebook account Watcharapon Pethsurp posted about the incident at about 9.57pm yesterday, February 7. The…

  • Khon Kaen buffet fines diner 9000 baht for uneaten food | Thaiger

    Khon Kaen buffet fines diner 9000 baht for uneaten food

    A buffet restaurant in Khon Kaen made headlines after a customer was faced with a hefty fine of 9,100 baht for leaving an excessive amount of uneaten food. However, the situation was amicably resolved, resulting in satisfaction on both sides. Oshinei Khon Kaen, a Japanese buffet restaurant in Khon Kaen, took to Facebook to recount an incident where a group…

  • Thailand and Cambodia to discuss joint exploitation of hydrocarbon resources | Thaiger

    Thailand and Cambodia to discuss joint exploitation of hydrocarbon resources

    Thailand and Cambodia consented to further dialogues concerning the mutual exploitation of the hydrocarbon resources in the Overlapping Claims Area (OCA), located in the Gulf of Thailand, a territory claimed by both nations. The matter was discussed during the recent meeting between Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Cambodian leader Hun Manet, as they aimed to enhance cooperation for the…

  • Cyber woes: DOP’s PDPA breach prompts CIB intervention | Thaiger

    Cyber woes: DOP’s PDPA breach prompts CIB intervention

    A violation of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) led the Department of Older Persons (DOP) to complain to the Cyber Investigation Bureau (CIB) yesterday. The data breach, involving the DOP’s website, raised alarm bells regarding the possible misuse of personal information. Under the directives of Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, Raemrung Worawat, the DOP’s director-general, reported…

  • Ancient dinosaur fossils discovered in Khon Kaen | Thaiger

    Ancient dinosaur fossils discovered in Khon Kaen

    Dinosaur fossils, estimated to be between 100 million to 110 million years old, have been unearthed in the Nam Phong district of Khon Kaen. The fossils, thought to be from the sauropod and spinosaurid species, were discovered by a team from the Department of Mineral Resources, led by Sasa-On Khansubha, a palaeontologist from the Sirindhorn Dinosaur Museum. The initial investigation…

  • Thai cop sparks debate for participating Miss Thailand 2024 | Thaiger

    Thai cop sparks debate for participating Miss Thailand 2024

    A well-known Thai policewoman sparked a debate on Thai social media after participating in the Miss Thailand 2024 beauty pageant. Netizens directed their inquiries towards the Royal Thai Police (RTP), asking about the potential impact of her crown-chasing adventure when on police duty. Before starting her career in the police force, Police Captain Cat, also known as Atitiya “Cat” Benjapak,…

  • Thai govt announces largest ever Songkran festival | Thaiger

    Thai govt announces largest ever Songkran festival

    The Thai government recently sent waves of panic through Thai expats with an announcement that this year’s Songkran, the Thai New Year, would be the largest ever, celebrated from April 1 to April 21. The terror stemmed from the misconception that this would mean 21 days of water-throwing, a popular but divisive feature of Songkran, which is also known as…

  • Thai govt urges electric incense use during Chinese New Year | Thaiger

    Thai govt urges electric incense use during Chinese New Year

    Deputy Government Spokesperson Karom Phonphonklang yesterday shared a statement concerning the upcoming Chinese New Year Celebration, which is to be held from February 8 to 10. The focus of his statement was on the need to monitor the lighting of incense, candles, firecrackers, and the burning of paper money. Karom Phonphonklang expressed the Thai government’s concern over the potential health…

  • Four year old boy found dead in central Thailand fishpond | Thaiger

    Four year old boy found dead in central Thailand fishpond

    A four year old boy was found lifeless after a disappearance mobilised the community in a frantic search effort in Bang Khla, Chachoengsao province yesterday at around 9.15pm. The young boy was discovered submerged in a fishpond near his home, leading to an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the harrowing incident. The boy went missing from his home in Moo…

  • Thai gold market opens with steady prices at 34,700 baht | Thaiger

    Thai gold market opens with steady prices at 34,700 baht

    The Gold Traders Association (GTA) today announced the Thai gold market’s opening prices, which remained steady compared to yesterday’s close. Ornamental gold was quoted at 34,700 baht per baht weight today. According to the GTA’s morning update, the price of gold bars, which contain 96.5% pure gold, was set at a buying rate of 34,100 baht per baht weight and…