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 How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
-
Fake police officer’s bid to free pal foiled by real police in Chon Buri
Officers at Samet Police Station in Chon Buri province arrested a fake police officer who tried to trick genuine law enforcement officers into releasing his friend from jail. Police officer Chingchai Pauboon told Channel 3 that a 59 year old Thai man, named Prasit, came to the station in a police uniform on Sunday, September 17. He claimed to be…
-
Pattaya gold shop robbery suspect finally caught in South Korea
The suspect involved in the high-profile gold shop robbery in Pattaya has been apprehended, according to an announcement by the Region 2 Police. The accused had been on the run since the incident took place on November 9 last year, at the Aurora Gold Shop’s Pattaya South branch. The audacious robbery, which saw two trays of gold valued at over…
-
Monk’s resurrection: Revered Luang Pu Khek’s remains restored after fiery ordeal, followers seek lottery blessings
The skeletal remains of revered monk Luang Pu Khek, an esteemed figure in the city of Phitsanulok, have been fully restored and returned to their original state after a devastating fire destroyed his glass coffin. This follows a call to his devotees, and those who hold faith in him, to participate in a procession and try their luck at guessing…
-
Pop goes the chaos: Opening day at POP MART’s Thai flagship store at CentralWorld turns topsy-turvy
Leading art toy company POP MART introduced its inaugural flagship store in Thailand at the popular Bangkok shopping mall, CentralWorld. Regrettably, the opening day took an unexpected turn, resulting in chaos and posing a threat to the safety of customers waiting in the queue. The first-ever POP MART flagship store, spanning an area of 169 square metres, was officially unveiled…
-
Visa-free Chinese tourism raises concerns over illegal Thailand tour operations
The recent decision to exempt Chinese visitors from visa requirements sparked concerns within the Tourism Department about potential loopholes for illegal zero-dollar tours and unlicensed tour guides. The worry stems from the inability to verify the legitimacy of tour companies during the visa-free period. The department’s director-general, Jaturon Phakdeewanit, revealed that this issue was flagged to Tourism and Sports Minister…
-
Nok Airlines stocks nosedive as SET delisting threat soars
Low-cost carrier Nok Airlines stands on the brink of being delisted from the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). This possibility stems from the airline’s failure to improve its financial performance and submit its 2022 financial results within a given timeframe, as stated by the Thai bourse. The SET identified Nok Airlines as a potential candidate for delisting, given that the company’s…
-
Loei’s watery woes: Torrential rain drowns 60 homes and more
Relentless downpours over the past week have led to extensive flooding in Loei province, northeastern Thailand, submerging more than 60 residences, agricultural land, government structures, and even a central sports field. The continuous precipitation has triggered the overflow of numerous tributaries, with particular emphasis on the Loei River, the province’s primary watercourse. While water levels in the Loei River have…
-
BMA to pay first instalment of 22 billion baht debt for BTS Skytrain extension
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to pay the first instalment of the 22 billion baht debt it owes to Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), the operator of the BTS Skytrain Green Line extension next month. This payment comes after the expected approval from the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC). The debt relates to the Green Line extension and…
-
Lottery luck spooks home builder: Superstitious stir at mysterious milestone
A lottery win has stirred unease among a landowner and the local community, as they prepare to develop a plot of land into a new home. A photo shared on Facebook depicted a conspicuous sign that read, “Please be aware, you can come and pray but do not leave garlands or offerings here. The owner of this plot is about…
-
Elon Musk’s Thai-landed ambitions: High-voltage investment opportunities on the horizon
Business magnate Elon Musk is set to discuss potential investment opportunities in Thailand with the Thai delegation via a teleconference. This news was shared by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is currently attending the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) in New York. The prime minister revealed that the Thai government is seeking to attract foreign investors and…
-
Storm warning issued for 42 Thai provinces under deluge threat
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a storm warning for 42 provinces across the northern and southern regions today. With 60% of the area expected to receive heavy rainfall, residents are cautioned against potential flash floods and rapid runoff. The warning is in effect until 6am tomorrow. The south-westerly monsoon is currently covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf…
-
Chinese tourism to Thailand lags despite lifted travel restrictions
The number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand continues to fall behind predictions, despite China lifting travel restrictions over eight months ago. By September 10, a total of 2.28 million Chinese arrivals had been recorded for the year, with estimates for the end of the year standing between 4 and 4.4 million. This falls short of the initial target of 5…
-
Mayor’s trash-tigation: Chalong clamps down on waste disposal after viral aerial reveal
The mayor of Chalong has enforced a swift ban on any further waste disposal at a three-rai site in Baan Khoktanod, Moo 9, Chalong, following the spread of an aerial image of the site on social media. The image, first shared by the Facebook page Monsoon Garbage Thailand, prompted immediate action from local authorities. Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew assigned Thanaporn…
-
Govt criticised after Miss Universe Singapore sets to combat human trafficking in Thailand
Thai netizens criticised the Thai government after the newly crowned Miss Universe Singapore expressed her commitment to combatting human trafficking in Thailand. Priyanka Annuncia, who was crowned 2023 Miss Universe Singapore during the final competition at the Amber Lounge at Millenia Walk last Saturday, September 16, announced her promise to combat human trafficking in Thailand after the prestigious ceremony. With…
-
Yangon sees surge in scam call centres amid economic depression
Scam call centres, previously primarily associated with Myanmar’s lawless border regions, are making their way into Yangon, the country’s commercial hub, as reported by Radio Free Asia (RFA). The operators are exploiting the economic depression, using the surplus of inexpensive office spaces and the considerable pool of educated, unemployed locals in Yangon. RFA’s investigation reveals that, unlike the call centres…
-
Thai student loan restructuring to begin in November, easing debt burden
The Student Loan Fund (SLF) recently announced that it will start the restructuring of student defaulters’ debts starting in November. This information was disclosed today by Chainarong Katchapanan, the manager of SLF, during a meeting with Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. According to him, the necessary regulations required for the restructuring process will be finalised within the next month. Tawee, the…
-
Mafia-scan: Nationwide probe into local chiefs’ ties progresses in colourful stages
A comprehensive nationwide examination into the possible mafia ties of local chiefs has reached a progression stage of 20-30%. Deputy Interior Minister, Chada Thaiset, disclosed that the gathered data will eventually be organised into zones marked by distinct colours. The impetus for this initiative stemmed from a distressing incident wherein a highway patrol officer was shot during a dinner gathering…
-
Thai Twitter tale: Woman reports soapy shower surprise as friend’s explict video resurfaces
A Thai woman filed a complaint with the police after finding an explicit video of herself showering shared on Twitter by a close friend three years ago in 2020. The victim, 23 year old Joy, told Channel 3 that her friend found an explicit video of a woman who looked like her on Twitter. The concerned friend shared the explicit…
-
Cat-astrophe in a cup: Bangkok cat café sparks social media fur-ore
A recent social media storm erupted over a cat café in Bangkok, which stands accused of neglecting its ailing feline residents and potentially creating a haven for disease. The café’s perceived apathy towards the well-being of its cats and the potential risks to public health have ignited a wave of anger and apprehension among the online community. The controversy flared…
-
Childcare centre director arrested for sexually abusing 3 year old girl
A Thai mother sought justice for her three year old daughter, who was sexually abused by the director of the Nong Yai Child Development Centre in the northeastern province of Buriram. The director asked for the case to be dropped for fear of losing his pension. The girl’s mother, identified as A, told Channel 3 that she had been approached…
-
Sukhumvit snatch: Thai thief nabbed for stealing 40,000 baht from Ukrainian couple
Police arrested a Thai man at his home in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei district today after he stole more than 40,000 baht from a Ukrainian couple on Soi Sukhumvit 18. The Ukrainian couple reported to Thong Lor Police Station in the early hours of today, September 19, that a thief on a motorcycle rode up from behind and snatched a bag…
-
EGAT seeks Cabinet approval for 50.8 billion baht power generation boost in Bangkok
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) anticipates approval from the Cabinet for its proposal to increase power generation at its south Bangkok gas-fired facility in Samut Prakan. The initiative recently underwent a public hearing. The proposal for additional capacity comes in response to the decommissioning of several generators. To ensure sufficient electricity for the capital’s inhabitants, EGAT deemed this…
-
Thai gold market glistens: Prices sparkle with a 100 baht boost in a day
Gold prices in Thailand saw a significant surge today as per the Gold Traders Association. Compared to the closing price of the previous day, gold ornaments today, September 19, were sold at an increased rate of 33,100 baht (US$926) per baht weight, marking an upswing of 100 baht. At 9.28am, the Gold Traders Association’s website showed the latest data. For…
-
Head-on collision: Thai woman’s quest for justice after construction site calamity results in skull fracture
A Thai woman embarked on a quest for justice after concrete debris from a construction site in Bangkok’s Sathon district came crashing down on her head, resulting in a skull fracture. She is now pressing for more than just the cost of her medical treatment as compensation from the owner of the under-construction building. The victim, 36 year old Ananya,…
-
Thai woman dies after breast augmentation surgery with illegal doctor
The president of the Forensic Physicians Association of Thailand yesterday warned the public of illegal breast augmentation surgery, which recently led to the death of a Thai woman. The doctor, Smith Fa Srisont, took to Facebook yesterday, September 18, to share the story of a Thai woman who underwent breast augmentation surgery with a fake doctor and suffered tragic consequences.…
-
Thai man dodges arrest after shooting outside Robot pub in northern Thailand
A Thai man escaped arrest last night after shooting two men outside the Robot pub in the Kud Pong sub-district in the Isaan province of Loei. The two victims were seriously injured. Officers from Mueang Loei Police Station received a report of the shooting at 1.10am yesterday, September 18. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered a trail of bloodstains…
-
BCHF’s heartwarming mission: Nourishing bodies and souls of Bangkok’s homeless, elderly, less fortunate
The Bangkok Community Help Foundation (BCHF), a non-profit organisation committed to enhancing the lives of residents in Thailand’s capital, has undertaken a heartwarming mission aimed at offering crucial support to the homeless, elderly and less fortunate in the city. In an extraordinary display of dedication, BCHF has made a solemn pledge to distribute 500 daily meals to Bangkok’s homeless, elderly…
-
Thai weather alert: Monsoon brings heavy rain and thunderstorms across the nation
An intense Thai weather monsoon, accompanied by low atmospheric pressure, is forecasted to sweep across the northern and upper northeastern regions of Thailand and extend its reach to the upper shores of Vietnam. The western monsoon is also expected to cover the Andaman Sea, lower northeastern region, central region, eastern region, southern region, and the Gulf of Thailand, causing continuous…
-
DSI probes 20 firms over suspected collusion in Thai state construction bids
A probe by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has led to questioning representatives from 20 firms involved in bidding for state construction projects. These projects were eventually won by businesses owned by Praween Chanklai, also known as Nok. The investigation focuses on the construction of two sections of Highway 375, the first linking Don Toom and Lam Luk Bua in…
-
Brake failure leads to crane lorry crash into Nakhon Sawan shops
A terrifying escape from death unfolded in Nakhon Sawan province when a crane lorry’s brakes failed, causing the vehicle to veer off, hitting a roadside shop, and causing severe damage. The incident, which took place yesterday, reportedly resulted in a noodle shop owner being scalded by boiling water. The driver insisted that he hadn’t consumed alcohol prior to the incident.…
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.