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 Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
-
Bangkok traffic speeds up 25% thanks to smart solutions
Bangkok’s notorious traffic jams are easing, with efforts by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and traffic police delivering a 25% increase in traffic flow speeds over the past two years. The achievement was announced by BMA spokesperson Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, citing a report from the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP). The report identified 127 congestion hotspots in…
-
South Korean game show scandal: Thai influencer reveals lost earnings
A Thai social media influencer came forward to expose a South Korean game show producer for failing to pay her and others as promised and causing further lost earnings. The social media influencer, Chutima “Nan” Keansuntia, took to her Facebook account to seek justice from the South Korean television production owner, whose name remains undisclosed. The South Korean national left Thailand after the…
-
Thai border police seize meth and Happy Water worth millions
The Border Patrol Police Company 237 in Tha Uthen district, Nakhon Phanom province, yesterday seized 240,000 methamphetamine tablets and Happy Water. The drugs were smuggled across the Mekong River and intended for distribution within the region. On Tuesday, January 7, anti-narcotics officers from Border Patrol Police Company 237 received a tip-off from a local informant about a large quantity of…
-
Panic at Pattaya pet hospital: Firefighters launch balcony rescue
A fire broke out early this morning at Doctor Ja Animal Hospital in Pattaya, triggering a frantic rescue effort to save trapped residents and animals. The Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre received reports of a fire at the three-storey building in Soi Phonpraphanimit at 7.30am today, January 9. Smoke billowed from the structure, and six terrified residents, including children, were stranded…
-
Bangkok PM2.5 lands Democrat leader’s father in hospital
Suchatvee Suwansawat, deputy leader of the Democrat Party, shared a personal account of the impact of PM2.5 air pollution on his family, highlighting the severity of the issue. Suchatvee revealed that his father had to be rushed to the emergency room due to severe coughing and chest pain. Medical professionals diagnosed it as an allergic reaction to the polluted air,…
-
Tragic road accident claims life of Khon Kaen student
Two 15 year old students from a school’s football academy were tragically hit by a pickup truck while crossing a road in Ban Phai district, Khon Kaen province. One student died and the other was severely injured in the accident yesterday, January 8, at 7.10pm. The driver claimed he tried to avoid the collision but was unsuccessful. Police from Ban…
-
Dream homes for less: Thai govt rolls out affordable housing project
Thais earning under 50,000 baht per month are being offered a golden opportunity to own a home in the city through the government’s “Baan Pheu Khon Thai” (Homes for Thais) initiative, with registration set to open on January 20. The project, announced by Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, aims to provide affordable, fully furnished housing near urban centres, leveraging land owned…
-
Parents mourn sudden loss of daughter to viral heart infection
The parents of a three year old girl have shared their heartache following her sudden death due to a viral infection that caused acute myocarditis. Doctor Anu Thongdaeng from Chumphon’s public health office explained that the virus is commonly found in the environment. The young girl, Diana, who showed no prior warning signs, experienced mild fever and then severe convulsions.…
-
Isaan hero steps in to rescue abused 7 year old boy living alone
A benevolent Thai man in the Isaan province of Kalasin came to the aid of a seven year old Thai boy who was living alone and suffered physical abuse by an unidentified drug addict in the area. The man, Thanachat Chaiyasart, shared heartbreaking pictures of the boy named Ice yesterday, January 8, on Facebook. The images showed wounds and bruises…
-
Shell shocked: Buyer claws back after floating market crab scam
A consumer shared a disappointing experience on social media after buying some steamed crabs from a famous floating market, only to find mostly empty shells and a small amount of crab meat upon returning home. The incident, which occurred on January 5 at the Amphawa Floating Market, involved buying crabs for 250 baht, where the buyer ended up with seven…
-
Miracle healer in Mueang Phayao offers relief for ailments
Excitement is spreading throughout Mueang Phayao as news emerges of a healer, known locally as the miracle doctor, providing relief for various ailments. Yesterday, January 8, numerous patients reported recovery from conditions such as partial paralysis after receiving treatment from Ton Khampa, also referred to as Ajarn Ton, at Ban San Pu Ya in Phan district, Chiang Rai province. Employing…
-
Thai woman chants to ward off evil spirits in front of man’s house (video)
A man recounted his unexpected nighttime encounter with a woman chanting in front of his house. The incident occurred at 2am on Monday, January 6, when the man received a call from his family asking him to return home as a mysterious woman had been reciting prayers outside their home for about 30 minutes, causing alarm among the household members.…
-
Police thwart Thai woman’s suicide attempt in Pattaya
Tense drama unfolded in Pattaya on Tuesday as police were alerted to a young woman’s suicide attempt after she tried to leap from a five-storey building near the bustling Walking Street. Responding with urgency, the Pattaya police, along with the Sawang Boriboon Foundation’s rescue teams and emergency services, raced to the scene on Tuesday, January 7, swiftly inflating an air…
-
Thai police bust Chon Buri bitcoin mining scam stealing electricity
Thai police uncovered a high-tech heist in Chon Buri, where nearly 1,000 bitcoin mining machines were illegally powering up at the expense of the public. A joint operation by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) today exposed a bitcoin mining setup in Chon Buri’s Phanat Nikhom district that had been tampering with its power meter…
-
Drunk driver crashes at Chachoengsao intersection, injures 2
A crash involving three vehicles at a red light intersection in Chachoengsao province resulted in two injuries, with emergency services swiftly transporting the injured to Bang Pakong Hospital. The incident occurred early this morning, January 9, at the Tha Sa-an intersection, Mueang Bang Pakong district. Upon arriving at the scene, Police Lieutenant Narongsak Linthong from Bang Pakong Police Station found…
-
Gay Thai man steals valuables after being ignored by sleeping date
Police arrested a gay Thai man for stealing valuables worth more than 100,000 baht from a dating application match allegedly due to anger after the victim fell into a deep sleep and failed to answer the door. Police apprehended the 38 year old Thai man, Jiradate, yesterday, January 8, at his home in the Taling Chan district of Bangkok. His arrest…
-
Thailand’s wild elephant population surges: Human conflict concern
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) released a report estimating Thailand’s wild elephant population to be between 4,013 and 4,422. These elephants are dispersed across 91 forests. The report highlights increasing conflicts between wild elephants and communities, particularly severe in the eastern forests, with an annual population growth rate of 8.2%, affecting 257 villages across six…
-
Taxing times: Thailand cashes in on digital currency revolution
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has committed to comprehensive tax reform aimed at enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness and promoting the use of digital currency by the end of the year. During a seminar organised by the Marketing Association of Thailand, Pichai explained that the ministry’s strategy involves fostering business partnerships through incentives and attractive measures. He emphasised the necessity of revising the…
-
Police officer shoots himself in Ang Thong, dies in hospital
A police officer died after using a firearm to harm himself near his residence in Ang Thong province. Police Colonel Kantapon Thanathippinsakul stated that personal issues and depression were likely factors while emphasising consistent support for his team. The incident occurred at noon yesterday, January 8, when Police Colonel Kantapon from Samko Police Station received a report about the officer,…
-
British drug dealer arrested after his suspicious behaviour in Phuket
Police arrested a British drug dealer in Phuket after observing him behaving suspiciously while meeting traffic officers on a road. Traffic officers from Kamala Police Station stopped the British man, whose identity remains undisclosed, in the Kamala area of Phuket yesterday, January 8. The officers reported that they were conducting routine patrols when they noticed the man, who appeared nervous…
-
Thailand’s household debt reaches 104% of GDP, raising economic concerns
Thailand’s household debt, encompassing informal loans, has risen to 104% of GDP, potentially impacting future economic growth, as revealed by a private sector panel report. Research conducted by Chulalongkorn University for the Joint Standing Committee for Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) shows the country’s household debt-to-GDP ratio reached 104% in the fourth quarter of 2024, with informal loans included in…
-
Size matters? Truth about global penis size revealed
Let’s face it, curiosity about penis size is universal. But how much of what we think we know is true? Here’s the hard truth about size, myths, and what science says. Contrary to pop culture’s grand assumptions, studies reveal that penis size is surprisingly uniform worldwide. Research indicates the average erect length is between 12.9 centimetres (5.1 inches) and 13.92…
-
Chinese parents searchs for missing daughter amid call centre scam fear
Chinese parents are searching for their missing daughter, with whom they lost contact after she arrived in Thailand on January 6. The family was concerned that their daughter might have fallen victim to a call centre scam. The Chinese father, Wu Wei Tong, filed a complaint at Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station and later submitted further complaints at the Royal Thai…
-
Thai tourism faces 20% drop in Chinese visitors amid safety fears
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) anticipates a potential 10 to 20% decline in Chinese tourists during the upcoming Lunar New Year, attributed to reduced safety confidence. This follows an incident involving a Chinese actor who fell victim to a human trafficking gang using Thailand as a gateway. ATTA President Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn indicated that the impact could be minimal…
-
Tragic collision kills Myanmar migrant in Thai smuggling attempt
Thai police on Tuesday responded to a tragic accident involving two pickup trucks on the Sangkhla Buri-Three Pagodas Pass road in Kanchanaburi. At the scene, a silver pickup truck with side railings was discovered with damage along its right side, while the driver had reportedly escaped under the cover of night. Approximately 10 metres away, a black pickup truck had…
-
Phuket kicks off bold campaign for clean politics and fair elections
Phuket is making waves in political reform, launching a high-profile campaign to ensure fair and transparent elections across the island. The Phuket Provincial Election Commission Office unveiled its Honest Political Reform on the Basis of Elections project at a lively event held at the Bhukitta Boutique Hotel & Residence Phuket yesterday, January 8. Presiding over the ceremony was Phuket Vice…
-
Foul play: Krabi cops rescue footballers from scam agent’s offside trap
Krabi Provincial Tourist Police officers swooped to help an Egyptian and a Yemeni football player after they were deceived by a scam agent who lured them to Thailand and defrauded them of 45,000 baht. The victims, 26 year old Yemeni Majid and 25 year old Egyptian Ali, sought help from the Tourist Police after their mobile phone was stolen while…
-
Thailand video news | Thai hostages held by Hamas remain unaccounted, Rescuers race against time after Tibet earthquake
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring updates on six Thai hostages still unaccounted for in Gaza and Yingluck Shinawatra’s legal challenges if she returns to Thailand. Other stories include a speedboat crash involving British tourists, a Krabi snake catcher’s survival after a cobra bite, and Thailand’s new hippo mascot promoting elections. They also cover Lisa of Blackpink’s…
-
Tragic death in Saraburi: Man killed by his own dog
A tragic incident yesterday in Saraburi‘s Kaeng Khoi resulted in the death of an 84 year old man following an attack by his dog. The incident occurred yesterday, January 8, at the man’s residence, a wooden house where rescue volunteers discovered bloodstains and scattered belongings beneath the structure. The victim, identified as Khanthi, was found near the bathroom under the…
-
Crash course: Official in hot water over personal joyride in govt car
A provincial administrative organisation officer in Chumphon province is under scrutiny for allegedly using a government vehicle for personal purposes, leading to a car accident. The SUV, a black Nissan Terra, was reportedly regularly used as a personal vehicle by the officer without any official insignia. The incident occurred following a politician’s birthday party in Mueang district, Chumphon around three…
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.