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.

  • Opposition leader slams flood response committee as headline-making move | Thaiger

    Opposition leader slams flood response committee as headline-making move

    Opposition leader and People’s Party MP Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has criticised the government’s decision to establish a flood response review committee, calling the move unnecessary and performative. In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and released on December 4, Natthaphong questioned the rationale behind forming yet another committee, arguing that Thailand has already endured numerous disasters and accumulated…

  • Vehicle registration rules relaxed for flood-hit southern motorists | Thaiger

    Vehicle registration rules relaxed for flood-hit southern motorists

    Thailand’s Transport Ministry has instructed the Department of Land Transport (DLT) to relax documentation requirements for motorists in the south who lost or damaged their licence plates or vehicle registration documents due to recent flooding. Affected individuals will not need to present the original registration book or ID card to request replacements. The announcement was made yesterday, December 5, by…

  • December 6 weather: Stormy south, foggy north, and light rain in Bangkok | Thaiger

    December 6 weather: Stormy south, foggy north, and light rain in Bangkok

    Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather alert today, December 6, warning of increased rainfall in the south and dropping temperatures in the north and northeast. Bangkok and nearby provinces are also expected to see light rain and moderate dust levels. From now until tomorrow morning, scattered heavy rain is expected in parts of the south, particularly in Chumphon, Surat…

  • Questions rise over sudden death of renowned Thai journalist | Thaiger

    Questions rise over sudden death of renowned Thai journalist

    Tributes and questions have emerged following the sudden death of Nattawut Ponglangka, a 35 year old Channel 8 field reporter known for his investigative coverage, after colleagues said he “fell asleep and never woke up”. News of his death was first shared on November 30 by fellow Channel 8 reporter Ice Sarawat Kijpanit, who posted that Nattawut had passed away…

  • People’s Party demands deputy PM’s removal over alleged crime ties | Thaiger

    People’s Party demands deputy PM’s removal over alleged crime ties

    The opposition People’s Party has renewed its call for the dismissal of Deputy Prime Minister Thamanat Prompow, citing concerns that his continued role in the Cabinet may affect ongoing investigations into a transnational crime and money laundering network. The remarks were made by Rangsiman Rome, Deputy Leader of the People’s Party, following the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO)’s seizure of assets…

  • Samut Prakan police rescue student from call centre scam | Thaiger

    Samut Prakan police rescue student from call centre scam

    Bang Phli police have rescued a 20 year old university student who was deceived by a call centre scam gang into believing he was involved in a money laundering case. The student was tricked into transferring money and locking himself in a rented room to stage a fake arrest, as the gang attempted to extract further money from his family.…

  • Actress Nana Intachai granted bail in 195 million baht fraud case | Thaiger

    Actress Nana Intachai granted bail in 195 million baht fraud case

    Actress Rybena “Nana” Intachai has been released on 1 million baht bail after being charged with defrauding friends and associates of nearly 195 million baht through alleged Ponzi-style schemes. The Criminal Court granted her temporary release yesterday, December 4, prohibiting her from leaving the country without court approval. A psychologist has also been assigned to counsel the 44 year old…

  • Death toll from southern floods remains at 145, says Health Ministry | Thaiger

    Death toll from southern floods remains at 145, says Health Ministry

    Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health reported that the death toll from the southern floods remains at 145, with 42 bodies returned to families and 103 awaiting identification as of 4pm on December 4. The update was issued from Songklanagarind Hospital in Hat Yai, which is handling post-mortem examinations and forensic identification following the disaster. Among the deceased, 54 died while…

  • Anutin admits SEA Games budget woes predate his term | Thaiger

    Anutin admits SEA Games budget woes predate his term

    Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul admitted he was aware of the financial challenges surrounding the 33rd SEA Games even before assuming his current role. Addressing reporters’ concerns about the budget, Anutin clarified that the issue was longstanding. “I knew there was an issue, so I asked [Captain Thamanat Prompow] to work at full speed; everyone’s heads are spinning.”…

  • December 5 weather: Bangkok, south hit by downpours, haze persists | Thaiger

    December 5 weather: Bangkok, south hit by downpours, haze persists

    Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning today, December 5, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall across 24 provinces, with Bangkok and the upper southern region among the hardest hit. Meanwhile, upper Thailand continues to face chilly morning temperatures. From now until tomorrow evening, people in southern provinces should brace for torrential downpours, especially in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat…

  • Foreign tourist allegedly gropes woman on Pattaya speedboat | Thaiger

    Foreign tourist allegedly gropes woman on Pattaya speedboat

    A half-Thai, half-Laotian man condemned a foreign tourist for sexually assaulting his girlfriend by groping her on a speedboat in Pattaya. The boyfriend, identified as Leo, shared a video of the incident on Facebook on Tuesday, December 2, with the caption, “I never expected this foreigner to do this. #Travel #Warning.” The accused foreign man, wearing a red T-shirt and…

  • Iconic Thai voice actress behind Conan and Suneo passes away | Thaiger

    Iconic Thai voice actress behind Conan and Suneo passes away

    Channel 9 Cartoon announced the death of Took Arunee, a legendary Thai voice actress behind Conan and Suneo. The Facebook page “Channel 9 Cartoon” shared sad news of the passing of Arunee Nanthiwat, also known as Aunty Took, a legendary senior voice actress. She was the iconic voice behind many beloved characters, including Edogawa Conan, from Detective Conan, and Suneo,…

  • South Korean man allegedly pours hot water over Thai girlfriend out of jealousy | Thaiger

    South Korean man allegedly pours hot water over Thai girlfriend out of jealousy

    A jealous South Korean man allegedly poured hot water over his Thai girlfriend in an attempt to disfigure her so she would be unable to date other men. The Thai woman took to a Facebook group of Thai people in South Korea yesterday, December 3, seeking a free interpreting service after she was assaulted by her South Korean boyfriend. She…

  • Chon Buri spa denies responsibility on client loses gold worth 300,000 baht | Thaiger

    Chon Buri spa denies responsibility on client loses gold worth 300,000 baht

    A Thai woman lost more than 300,000 baht worth of gold jewellery yesterday, December 3, after keeping her valuables in a locker at a spa in the Sriracha area of Chon Buri province. The 38 year old woman, Suwadee Fadchin, filed a complaint with Sriracha Police Station after discovering that several gold accessories had vanished from her locker. She told police…

  • Danish tourist erupts at Trat bus terminal after missing final airport bus | Thaiger

    Danish tourist erupts at Trat bus terminal after missing final airport bus

    Police intervened after a Danish man caused a disturbance at the Trat Bus Terminal on Tuesday, December 2, after he missed the last bus to Suvarnabhumi International Airport for his midnight flight. Staff at the terminal called officers from Mueang Trat Police Station at around 6pm after the foreign tourist began shouting and causing chaos. The man, a Danish national,…

  • AOT to hike airport tax in 2026, eyes 10 billion baht revenue boost | Thaiger

    AOT to hike airport tax in 2026, eyes 10 billion baht revenue boost

    Passengers flying internationally from Thailand will soon face higher airport taxes, after the Civil Aviation Board approved a 53% hike in the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) at six major airports. Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, who chaired the board’s meeting yesterday, December 3, confirmed the PSC for international departures will rise from 730 baht to 1,120 baht per person. The increase…

  • Thailand unveils six eco-friendly tax measures for 2027 | Thaiger

    Thailand unveils six eco-friendly tax measures for 2027

    Thailand’s Excise Department plans to roll out six new tax initiatives to promote environmental sustainability and improve public health. Director-General Pornchai Thiraveja said these policies aim to align with shifting global trade standards, which now place more emphasis on climate action and public health. The measures also support upcoming carbon-related regulations. Bangkok Post reported that the first measure expands the tax…

  • Thailand video news | Thailand loosens alcohol sale rules starting 3 December, Former homeless man in Chiang Mai wins lottery jackpot | Thaiger

    Thailand video news | Thailand loosens alcohol sale rules starting 3 December, Former homeless man in Chiang Mai wins lottery jackpot

    In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover key stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia — from the official rollout of relaxed alcohol sales regulations to cases involving gambling, drugs, and defamation among foreign visitors, plus a heartwarming story of a man’s journey from rags to riches. Thailand Loosens Alcohol Sale Rules Starting 3 December Thailand has approved…

  • Foreign suspect flees after stabbing British man outside Phuket nightclub | Thaiger

    Foreign suspect flees after stabbing British man outside Phuket nightclub

    A “large” foreign man is on the run after stabbing a British national outside a nightclub in the Choeng Talay area of Phuket in the early hours of yesterday, December 3. Choeng Talay Police Station officers and rescue workers were called to the road outside the entertainment venue at around 12.20am to investigate the stabbing and assist the victim, later…

  • Trat woman collapses after 10 months on diet pills | Thaiger

    Trat woman collapses after 10 months on diet pills

    A 22 year old woman collapsed at her workplace in Trat and was rushed to the hospital late last night, December 3, after reportedly taking weight loss pills for over 10 months. Investigators suspect the pills, which she bought from an online shop, contain sibutramine, a banned substance linked to severe health risks. At around 10.30pm yesterday, reporters visited Trat…

  • Nonthaburi driver attempts suicide over 35,000 baht repair cost | Thaiger

    Nonthaburi driver attempts suicide over 35,000 baht repair cost

    A 61 year old driver from Nonthaburi attempted suicide yesterday, December 3, due to stress over financial strain. Police responded to a report of a man seriously injured at his home in Bang Phut subdistrict, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province. At the scene, police found Anurat lying in the garage of his home, wearing only shorts. There was a knife…

  • Thai actress denies fraud as police seize 10 million baht in assets | Thaiger

    Thai actress denies fraud as police seize 10 million baht in assets

    Thai actress Rybena “Nana” Intachai remains in police custody today, December 4, over a fraud scandal, but continues to deny all allegations. Police said they have substantial evidence against her and seized assets worth around 10 million baht from her home in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong area. Yesterday, December 3, officers arrested Nana at her home and searched the property before…

  • Thailand and UAE mark 50 years of diplomatic relations | Thaiger

    Thailand and UAE mark 50 years of diplomatic relations

    Thailand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) marked 50 years of diplomatic relations this week during a ceremony held at the UAE Embassy in Bangkok. The celebration coincided with the UAE’s 54th Union Day. UAE Ambassador to Thailand, Obaid Saeed Obaid Bintaresh Aldhaheri, addressed the attendees on Monday, praising the steady growth of bilateral ties. He remarked that the long-standing…

  • Dumbhead dispute: Miss Universe 2025 winner faces defamation complaint from Thai organiser | Thaiger

    Dumbhead dispute: Miss Universe 2025 winner faces defamation complaint from Thai organiser

    A Thai beauty pageant organiser filed a defamation complaint against the newly crowned Miss Universe 2025, Fatima Bosch, after she publicly claimed he called her a “dumbhead”. The dispute between the president of the Miss Universe 2025 organising committee, Nawat Itsaragrisil, and the Mexican beauty queen, Bosch, began on November 4 during a pre-pageant event in Bangkok. The conflict first…

  • Indian tourist apologises for placing feet on seat of Trang-Phuket bus | Thaiger

    Indian tourist apologises for placing feet on seat of Trang-Phuket bus

    An Indian man issued an apology after a video of him placing his feet on the backrest of a Trang-Phuket coach bus seat went viral on Thai social media. The video was first shared yesterday, December 2, by Facebook user Y’Not Seven, and later reposted by several news pages. In the clip, the Indian man is seen travelling with a…

  • Thai man attempts suicide after setting girlfriend on fire at supermarket | Thaiger

    Thai man attempts suicide after setting girlfriend on fire at supermarket

    Police stopped a man from taking his own life after he set his girlfriend on fire outside a supermarket in Nakhon Sawan province on Monday, December 1. Witnesses rushed to extinguish the flames engulfing the 33 year old woman, Nicha, outside the store on Krai Lat Road in the Pak Nam Pho sub-district at around 5pm. She was taken to…

  • Thai police arrest six foreigners over major fraud and trafficking | Thaiger

    Thai police arrest six foreigners over major fraud and trafficking

    The Immigration Bureau arrested six foreign nationals for financial fraud, human trafficking, and narcotics offences, according to Deputy Commissioner Police Major General Panthana Nuchanart. In the first case, police arrested Pan, a 41 year old Chinese man, wanted in China for swindling financial institutions out of 560 million yuan (roughly 2.8 billion baht). Officers say Pan falsified business information to…

  • Thailand video news | Thai cabinet drops plan for extra 2026 public holidays, Pattaya reveals crowded lineup of December 2025 events | Thaiger

    Thailand video news | Thai cabinet drops plan for extra 2026 public holidays, Pattaya reveals crowded lineup of December 2025 events

    In Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover key stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. These include government relief efforts in flood-hit areas, unusual incidents involving a toilet truck and a paraglider, and, later on, some of the exciting events coming up this holiday season. Thai Cabinet Drops Plan for Extra 2026 Public Holidays The government has reversed its…

  • Thai actress and husband surrenders to police over fraud scandal | Thaiger

    Thai actress and husband surrenders to police over fraud scandal

    Thai actress Rybena “Nana” Intachai and her husband acknowledged two fraud-related charges after victims filed complaints with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) today, December 3. The scandal erupted last month when the Facebook page ท่านเปา hinted that a well-known actress whose name begins with N had deceived friends and acquaintances into investing in her businesses, which produced no returns. The…

  • Thailand begins 180-day trial lifting afternoon alcohol sales ban | Thaiger

    Thailand begins 180-day trial lifting afternoon alcohol sales ban

    Thailand officially launched its trial to lift the long-standing afternoon alcohol sales ban today, December 3, allowing alcohol sales between 2pm and 5pm for the first time in decades. The trial will run for 180 days while officials assess the impact before making a permanent decision. Two weeks ago, Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Sarum revealed that the National Alcohol Policy…