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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    5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)

    Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...

  • Teen stabbed in Pattaya over motorcycle exhaust dispute

    Teen stabbed in Pattaya over motorcycle exhaust dispute

    A teenager in Pattaya sustained a severe head injury after a knife attack linked to a dispute over a loud motorcycle exhaust. The incident occurred at 1.06am yesterday, March 14, with the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre receiving the report of an assault in Soi Wat Boon Samphan. Coordination between Nong Prue Police Station officers and rescue volunteers was swiftly…

  • Horror on Rama II: Bridge collapse kills 5, injures 20

    Horror on Rama II: Bridge collapse kills 5, injures 20

    The death toll from a devastating bridge collapse on Rama II Road has climbed to five, with 20 others injured as emergency crews race to find more victims. The tragic incident, which unfolded in the early hours of today, March 15, has thrown Bangkok’s infrastructure safety into question. A loud bang shattered the silence at around 2am, sending a massive…

  • ‘Mum on the run’ feared dead after shocking Thai prison video

    ‘Mum on the run’ feared dead after shocking Thai prison video

    A British woman who fled the UK for a dream life in Thailand has sparked fears for her safety after shocking footage showed her detained in a grim Thai prison alongside her toddler. The woman, 32 year old Ellis Matthews, who once appeared on the reality show Judge Rinder after claiming to have blown through a £6 million (around 261…

  • Thailand braces for summer storms and temperature drop

    Thailand braces for summer storms and temperature drop

    Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a second announcement warning of severe weather conditions, including summer storms with strong winds, hail, and lightning, followed by a significant temperature drop of up to 8°C in some areas. According to the department, from March 16 to 20, northern Thailand will experience variable weather with thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail. Some regions may…

  • Thailand begins landmark dengue vaccine trial for children

    Thailand begins landmark dengue vaccine trial for children

    Thailand is taking a major step in the fight against dengue fever, launching a large-scale clinical trial of a new vaccine for children in Nakhon Phanom province. The trial, set to begin on April 4, will involve 35,000 children aged between seven and 10, regardless of prior dengue infection. Approved by the National Communicable Disease Committee, the study aims to…

  • Thailand’s tourism target at risk amid competition, safety fears

    Thailand’s tourism target at risk amid competition, safety fears

    Thailand’s ambitious goal of attracting 39 million foreign visitors this year is under threat, with industry experts warning that stiff competition and safety concerns could derail the plan. According to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (TTAA), the country is likely to welcome a maximum of 37 million foreign arrivals in 2025, still an improvement from last year’s 35.54 million.…

  • Man arrested in Bangkok after alleged molestation in Phayao

    Man arrested in Bangkok after alleged molestation in Phayao

    A 32 year old man was apprehended by police for two alleged incidents of molestation involving young women in a single day. The incidents reportedly took place in Phayao province, with the suspect fleeing to Bangkok before being captured. The arrest took place at a hotel near Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bang Sao Thong district, Samut Prakan province, following a…

  • Thailand confident FTA with EU will be finalised by year-end

    Thailand confident FTA with EU will be finalised by year-end

    Despite mounting pressure from the European Parliament over Thailand’s deportation of Uyghurs to China, the Commerce Ministry remains confident that free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union (EU) will stay on track, with a final deal expected by December 25. The controversy stems from a European Parliament resolution condemning Thailand’s deportation of 40 Uyghurs on February 27, warning…

  • Phuket mayor vows clean drinking water for all

    Phuket mayor vows clean drinking water for all

    Phuket Town residents may soon enjoy safe, drinkable tap water as city officials push forward with a major water quality upgrade. At a public event held at the Phuket City Municipality’s Waterworks Division yesterday, March 13, Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas assured residents that progress is being made in providing clean, potable water across the town. Flanked by key officials—including Deputy Mayor…

  • Womanising airport director grounded by wife’s adultery complaint

    Womanising airport director grounded by wife’s adultery complaint

    A “womanising” acting director of an airport in the Isaan province of Buriram chose to be with his lover after his wife discovered their secret wedding. The jilted wife subsequently filed an adultery complaint at her husband’s workplace. The 51 year old Thai woman travelled from Bangkok to Buriram to lodge an adultery complaint against her husband with his superior.…

  • EU blasts Thailand over Uyghur deportations and lese-majeste

    EU blasts Thailand over Uyghur deportations and lese-majeste

    In a scathing rebuke, the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning Thailand for deporting Uyghur refugees to China and urged the European Commission to pressure Bangkok into reforming its lese-majeste law, releasing political prisoners, and improving human rights standards. The vote, held yesterday, March 13, saw overwhelming support, with 482 votes in favour, 57 against, and 68 abstentions. The resolution…

  • Get snappy: Rare Siamese crocodile sunbathes in style (video)

    Get snappy: Rare Siamese crocodile sunbathes in style (video)

    A rare Siamese crocodile has been spotted catching some rays in Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, spotlighting its critically endangered status and adding a new snap to nature’s gallery. Somkiat Yodmalee, Director of the Conservation Area Management Office 11, yesterday, March 13, revealed that a team led by Daengrawee Promrak had captured the elusive reptile on film. The marvellous shot,…

  • Thai woman dies after reconciling with husband over mistress

    Thai woman dies after reconciling with husband over mistress

    A heartbroken Thai woman died from a congenital disease today shortly after making headlines on Thai news outlets for allowing her husband to take a mistress. Police officers were called to the National Housing Authority accommodation in the central province of Chai Nat on Wednesday, March 12, to intervene in a heated argument between the couple: 46 year old Keng…

  • Pattaya cracks down on beach chaos and homelessness

    Pattaya cracks down on beach chaos and homelessness

    Pattaya City officials are stepping up efforts to bring order to the city’s beaches and tackle its growing homelessness problem. A high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Mayor Wutthisak Rermkijakarn at City Hall focused on enforcing stricter regulations for beach umbrellas, deck chairs, and sunbathing areas while addressing mounting concerns over homelessness. Officials discussed the need for designated sunbathing areas, ensuring…

  • Frenchman’s magic mushroom mishap trip on Koh Pha Ngan

    Frenchman’s magic mushroom mishap trip on Koh Pha Ngan

    Tourist Police swooped on a 40 year old Frenchman for his dodgy dealings with magic mushrooms on the sun-soaked paradise of Koh Pha Ngan. The Frenchman, William, who had come to indulge in the tropical party scene, was caught red-handed with 159 grammes of these illicit shrooms, classified as Category 5 narcotics, stashed in plastic bags. The bust was part…

  • Jealous Thai university student stabs friend over alleged affair

    Jealous Thai university student stabs friend over alleged affair

    A Thai university student yesterday repeatedly stabbed his friend in a frenzied attack at a condominium in the central province of Pathum Thani. The suspect accused the victim of having an affair with his girlfriend. Officers from Khlong Luang Police Station responded to the stabbing report at the condo in the Khlong Luang district of Pathum Thani at around 1am…

  • Drowsy driver crashes tour bus into power pole, injuring 36

    Drowsy driver crashes tour bus into power pole, injuring 36

    A terrifying late-night crash left 36 passengers injured after a tour bus veered off the road and smashed into a high-voltage power pole in Phetchaburi. Nine passengers were reportedly American citizens. The shocking incident, which occurred at 3.54am, today, March 14, was caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel. Police Colonel Thip Khengkhum, Superintendent of Khao Yoi Police…

  • Thai man suspected of drowning baby in Pathum Thani canal

    Thai man suspected of drowning baby in Pathum Thani canal

    Police are hunting for a Thai man suspected of abandoning and drowning his 10 month old baby in a canal in the central province of Pathum Thani. A local fisherman, Prachak Wangchuechom, cast a fishing net in Song Canal in Soi Phahonyothin 64 in the Lam Luk Ka district of Pathum Thani at about 7am yesterday, March 13, and found…

  • Monkey business: Morrisons cuts ties with Thai coconut suppliers

    Monkey business: Morrisons cuts ties with Thai coconut suppliers

    British supermarket giant Morrisons declare it’s time to “make good things happen,” severing ties with Thai coconut producers linked to forced monkey labour. Investigations by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) uncovered shocking abuses in Thailand’s coconut industry, revealing young monkeys chained and forced to climb trees to harvest coconuts. Despite PETA alerting the Thai government officials, no…

  • Fire at Surat Thani car dealership causes 2 million baht damage

    Fire at Surat Thani car dealership causes 2 million baht damage

    A raging fire tore through a used car dealership near Vibhavadi Camp Hospital in Mueang district, Surat Thani, in the early hours of today, leaving behind a trail of destruction worth over 2 million baht. The dramatic blaze, which erupted at around 3.40am, today, March 14, sent emergency services scrambling to the scene as towering flames engulfed vehicles and the…

  • 2 Thai nationals lose lives in multi-vehicle collision in Lop Buri

    2 Thai nationals lose lives in multi-vehicle collision in Lop Buri

    Two Thai nationals lost their lives while four others, including an eight year old girl, sustained injuries in a collision involving nine vehicles on a road in the central province of Lop Buri. The multi-vehicle collision on the Friendship Highway in Lop Buri was reported to the rescue team and officers from Muak Lek Police Station yesterday morning, March 13.…

  • Thailand video news | British TikTok star jailed in Thailand for visa and benefit fraud, Archaeologists uncover ancient Buddha statue at Cambodia’s Angkor complex

    Thailand video news | British TikTok star jailed in Thailand for visa and benefit fraud, Archaeologists uncover ancient Buddha statue at Cambodia’s Angkor complex

    In Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring the latest headlines from Thailand and Southeast Asia, covering a mix of crime, tourism, and historical discoveries. This week’s top stories include a British TikTok influencer jailed in Thailand for visa and benefit fraud, a British couple narrowly avoiding prison over a violent land dispute, and Thai authorities intercepting foreign smugglers attempting…

  • Thai Elephant Day celebrated with buffet for oldest elephant

    Thai Elephant Day celebrated with buffet for oldest elephant

    Khao Kheow Open Zoo pulled out all the stops for Thai Elephant Day, treating its oldest resident, Pang Nat, to a lavish buffet. The grand celebration, held at 10am, yesterday, March 13, was led by Ularika Kongprom, the zoo’s assistant director, and attended by executives, staff, and visiting students eager to take part in the festivities. The event was designed…

  • McLovin’ it: McDonald’s supersizes Thai expansion (video)

    McLovin’ it: McDonald’s supersizes Thai expansion (video)

    McDonald’s is going all out for a big year, pledging a whopping multi-million baht investment to expand and revamp its stores across Thailand. Kittiwan Anuwatesakul, Chief Executive of McThai Co Ltd, dished out the details on the 700 million baht expansion, revealing plans to open 20 shiny new outlets, gobbling up 70-80% of the budget. Plus, 25 existing branches will…

  • 3 British men arrested for car crash and stabbing attempt in Phuket

    3 British men arrested for car crash and stabbing attempt in Phuket

    Thai police this week arrested three British men involved in a car crash and a stabbing attempt that occurred outside Patong Hospital in Phuket. Yesterday, March 13, a Thai motorcyclist took to social media to seek assistance from netizens in locating the foreign pickup driver who collided with him on Wednesday and attempted to stab him before fleeing the scene.…

  • Jackpot joyride: Thai lottery queen buys community ambulance

    Jackpot joyride: Thai lottery queen buys community ambulance

    A multiple lottery winner in Kamphaeng Phet province has revealed her benevolent side by sacrificing any personal pleasures to buy an ambulance to help the community. The philanthropic woman has scooped the lottery an incredible 70 times, accumulating nearly 1 million baht in total. She attributed her extraordinary luck to a dream and a ritual she performed. Sawai, a 55…

  • School daze: Vaping vendetta forces Thai student relocation

    School daze: Vaping vendetta forces Thai student relocation

    A young Thai student’s schooling has taken a dramatic turn after a series of shocking assaults by a fellow teenager all because of a vaping device. Thirteen-year-old Khon Kaen student Oam has been moved to a boarding school following attacks by 16 year old Lek, sparked by a damaged vaping device. A high-stakes meeting at Watjunprasit School in Ban Phai…

  • Thai man shoots wife dead after being caught raping daughter

    Thai man shoots wife dead after being caught raping daughter

    A Thai man surrendered to police after shooting his wife dead at a house in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok, reportedly because she caught him raping her 15 year old daughter. Officers from Phra Samut Chedi Police Station were called to the house in the Phra Samut Chedi district at 12.30am yesterday, March 13, following reports of a shooting. At…

  • Tragic crash: Trang train-pickup collision kills 4

    Tragic crash: Trang train-pickup collision kills 4

    A tragic train and pickup truck collision in Kantang district, Trang province, resulted in the deaths of four passengers in the back of the truck. The train driver had sounded the horn but could not stop the train in time, leading to the crash at 2.40pm yesterday, March 13. The incident involved a rapid train number 168 travelling from Kantang…

  • Thai Airways slashes baggage limit to 23kg: How it affects you

    Thai Airways slashes baggage limit to 23kg: How it affects you

    Passengers flying with Thai Airways will soon have to pack a little lighter, as the airline has announced a reduction in checked baggage allowance for certain Economy Class tickets. Effective April 1, the standard baggage weight for some economy fare classes will be reduced from 25kg to 23kg. The new baggage policy applies to domestic and international flights for passengers…