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...

  • Indian national found dead in Bangkok townhouse

    Indian national found dead in Bangkok townhouse

    A housekeeper discovered the unusual death of a 38 year old Indian national, who had rented a townhouse in Thon Buri district, Bangkok, for about two months. His relatives lost contact with him, prompting the house owner to request an inspection. At 2pm yesterday, March 19, Police Lieutenant Satha Duang-Iad, Deputy Inspector at Samre Police Station, responded to a report…

  • MG shifts gears as Thai pickup production hits the brakes amid slowdown

    MG shifts gears as Thai pickup production hits the brakes amid slowdown

    SAIC Motor-CP has hit the brakes on its Thai pickup truck production. The pause by the Chinese-Thai collaboration producing MG vehicles, comes as the domestic car market takes a downturn, although there’s hope for a reboot once conditions steady. While MG Sales (Thailand) hasn’t disclosed specific production figures for diesel pickups, company Vice-President Pongsak Lertruedeewattanavong reassures consumers. “Pickups aren’t our…

  • Bangkok chills as the north blows in, while the south stays soaked

    Bangkok chills as the north blows in, while the south stays soaked

    Bangkok is experiencing strong winds and a drop in temperature, which mirrors the cooler conditions in the north and northeast. Meanwhile, heavy rain persists in parts of the south. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts that a high-pressure system or cool air mass is affecting upper Thailand, leading to cooler temperatures and strong winds, with some thunderstorms expected in the…

  • Thai taxi driver hits rock bottom, then throws rocks at Bangkok cab

    Thai taxi driver hits rock bottom, then throws rocks at Bangkok cab

    Police yesterday arrested a Thai taxi driver for throwing rocks at another taxi driver’s car in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok. The suspect claimed he committed the offence out of stress after his business went bankrupt. A 58 year old taxi driver named Pornsawat rushed to Mueang Samut Prakan Police Station in a state of fright on Tuesday, March 18,…

  • Thai food takes Tokyo: Commerce Ministry serves up 2 billion baht export success

    Thai food takes Tokyo: Commerce Ministry serves up 2 billion baht export success

    The Ministry of Commerce successfully facilitated Thai food exports exceeding 2 billion baht during the FOODEX Japan 2025 event in Tokyo. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Director General of the Department of International Trade Promotion, stated that the department collaborated with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Office of Commercial Affairs in Tokyo to present 59 Thai companies at the event. Held…

  • Severe storm in Chiang Rai causes major damage and injuries

    Severe storm in Chiang Rai causes major damage and injuries

    A severe summer storm struck Chiang Rai, affecting five subdistricts with intense winds causing significant damage to temples, schools, and hospitals. Four people sustained injuries, with two in critical condition. The governor has ordered immediate assistance and damage assessments. The storm affected several areas in Chiang Rai province yesterday, March 18. According to the Chiang Rai Department of Disaster Prevention…

  • Cambodian monks disrobed in Pattaya for breaching Buddhist rules

    Cambodian monks disrobed in Pattaya for breaching Buddhist rules

    Three Cambodian monks were stripped of their saffron robes in Pattaya after locals complained they had broken traditional Buddhist rules. The incident unfolded when the trio was spotted on the notorious Walking Street, a vibrant nightlife hub, late at night, begging for food – a clear violation of Buddhist practice. Buddhist monks are traditionally permitted to ask for food only…

  • Thai police seize 4.4 million meth pills worth 90 million baht

    Thai police seize 4.4 million meth pills worth 90 million baht

    Police from Provincial Police Region 1, in collaboration with military forces and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, apprehended two men in possession of 4.4 million methamphetamine pills valued at 90 million baht. The raid took place in the Khlong Luang district of Pathum Thani province yesterday, March 18, at 2pm. Police Lieutenant General Surapol Prembutr, Commissioner of Provincial…

  • Mountain B pub owner sentenced to 5 years for deadly fire (video)

    Mountain B pub owner sentenced to 5 years for deadly fire (video)

    The owner of the renowned Mountain B nightclub, faces five years’ imprisonment following the fire in 2022 which claimed 26 lives and injured multiple partygoers and workers. The Mountain B fire was one of the most widely reported incidents of 2022, garnering significant public attention. The incident took place at around 12.45am on August 5 of that year. The blaze…

  • Dutch tourists fined for provocative dancing on Bangla Road, Phuket

    Dutch tourists fined for provocative dancing on Bangla Road, Phuket

    Two Dutch tourists have been slapped with a fine after being caught dancing provocatively in the middle of Patong’s infamous Bangla Road, Phuket, late last night, in a display that left many onlookers stunned. At around 10.20pm yesterday, March 18, the two women were filmed dancing near Soi Sea Dragon, with the video quickly circulating on the LINE application. The…

  • Cheers: Thailand national parks uncork plan for booze zones

    Cheers: Thailand national parks uncork plan for booze zones

    The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has raised a glass to permit tipples of alcohol in the great outdoors, but only in specific areas, and with a permit from the park’s head honcho. DNP chief Attapol Charoenchansa revealed that after several public hearings, the potential green light for booze has been unveiled as part of revamped…

  • Pickup truck crash in Phatthalung kills woman, injures another

    Pickup truck crash in Phatthalung kills woman, injures another

    A pickup truck lost control and collided with a car before crashing into a fried chicken shop, resulting in the death of an 87 year old woman and injuries to an 80 year old. The driver apologised but, remarkably, refused to explain the incident. Police Lieutenant Kriangkrai Limwongsakul of Mueang Phatthalung Police Station yesterday, March 18, received a report from…

  • Up in smoke: Nakhon Pathom paper factory fire burns 10m baht

    Up in smoke: Nakhon Pathom paper factory fire burns 10m baht

    A fire engulfed a paper manufacturing factory today in Nakhon Pathom’s Don Tum district, causing an estimated 10 million baht (US$297,315) in damage. The fire, which started at 3.30am, today, March 19, took more than three hours to control due to the factory’s complex structure and limited access. Police Lieutenant Pratheuang Lueangararm, an investigator at Don Tum Police Station, received…

  • Zero baht, zero excuses: VietJet Thailand unveils sky-high savings

    Zero baht, zero excuses: VietJet Thailand unveils sky-high savings

    Budget travellers, get ready! VietJet Thailand is rolling out a jaw-dropping promotion with flight tickets starting from 0 baht (excluding taxes and fees), giving passengers the chance to travel across Thailand and beyond for next to nothing. But act fast—the deal is only available for bookings from March 18 to 22, covering travel between April 20 and October 25 (excluding…

  • Tomboy twins flee Pathum Thani after fatally stabbing Burmese man

    Tomboy twins flee Pathum Thani after fatally stabbing Burmese man

    Police are searching for Burmese tomboy twins who fatally stabbed a Burmese man outside an apartment in the central province of Pathum Thani on Sunday. The motive for the murder remains unknown. Officers from Lam Luk Ka Police Station investigated the fatal stabbing outside an apartment in the Lam Luk Ka district of Pathum Thani at around 7pm on Sunday,…

  • Bad karma: Ex-builder nabbed for 16m baht amulets, gold theft

    Bad karma: Ex-builder nabbed for 16m baht amulets, gold theft

    A former construction worker has been arrested for stealing 107 amulets and 35 baht worth of gold from a renowned amulet trader’s home, resulting in a loss of approximately 16 million baht. The arrest took place after a thorough investigation by the police in Lat Krabang. Today, March 19, at 9am, Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, the Metropolitan Police Chief,…

  • Lop Buri’s got a monkey on its back: Officials’ primate crackdown

    Lop Buri’s got a monkey on its back: Officials’ primate crackdown

    Lop Buri officials are targeting the capture of 500 to 800 monkeys around Phra Prang Sam Yot, following last year’s rounding up of over 2,400 monkeys. The initiative aims to manage the monkey population, which has caused disturbances in the area. Yesterday, March 18, officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), along with Lop Buri municipal…

  • Love at first swipe: Thai man loses motorcycle in dating app scam

    Love at first swipe: Thai man loses motorcycle in dating app scam

    Another dating application scam occurred in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok at the weekend when a Thai man lost his motorcycle to a woman he met online. The victim, 24 year old Phitchakorn Khamtan, sought help from his followers on Facebook after his red Yamaha Grand Filano went missing on Saturday, March 15. He shared pictures and a video of his…

  • Bangkok man arrested for alleged harassment of teen in park

    Bangkok man arrested for alleged harassment of teen in park

    A 28 year old man from Ubon Ratchathani was arrested for allegedly harassing a 17 year old girl in a public park. The incident, which took place at 10pm on March 17, involved the suspect, Max also known as Nantawat, diverting the teenager off her intended route and attempting to assault her in a secluded area. The arrest was made…

  • Tractor traction: Uthai Thani cops defend noisy farmer’s arrest

    Tractor traction: Uthai Thani cops defend noisy farmer’s arrest

    Police in Mueang Lansak district, Uthai Thani province, addressed social media criticism regarding the arrest of a man for modifying his tractor’s exhaust system, creating excessive noise. Residents lodged complaints, prompting police to issue a warning rather than make an arrest, acknowledging the challenges faced by local farmers. On March 16 at 11am, Lieutenant Naruepol Chanthates, a duty officer, alongside patrol…

  • No vacation panic: Phuket hoteliers stay cool on visa cut fears

    No vacation panic: Phuket hoteliers stay cool on visa cut fears

    Phuket hoteliers are not overly concerned by the government’s potential move to shorten visa-free stays for tourists, despite concerns that it might impact the local tourism industry. According to Suksit Suvunditkul, Thai Hotels Association’s southern chapter chief, the average length of stay for European guests is only around two weeks, while those seeking longer stays typically opt for condominiums. “If…

  • Thai officer transferred for hitting the stage instead of the beat

    Thai officer transferred for hitting the stage instead of the beat

    A Thai police officer is under scrutiny for singing on stage while on duty at an entertainment venue in the central province of Ayutthaya. Thai netizens’ opinions are divided. Several partygoers shared videos last week of a policeman singing in his uniform on stage with the house band. He performed the song 191 by the Thai pop rock trio Labanoon,…

  • Smoke scare at sea: Pattaya tourist boat evacuates 35 passengers

    Smoke scare at sea: Pattaya tourist boat evacuates 35 passengers

    A tourist boat carrying 35 Russian passengers yesterday narrowly avoided disaster after a massive cloud of black smoke engulfed the vessel near Sak Island. Fortunately, quick-thinking by the captain and emergency services ensured a safe outcome for everyone on board. The Marine Disaster Prevention Radio Center (Marine Rescue) in Pattaya received an urgent report at 10am yesterday, March 18, of…

  • Bangkok bust: 191 unit raids luxury home, nabs drug dealer

    Bangkok bust: 191 unit raids luxury home, nabs drug dealer

    The 191 police unit conducted a raid on a luxurious residence in the Wang Thonglang district of Bangkok, arresting a man involved in drug possession. The operation, which took place yesterday, March 18 at 10.30am, resulted in the seizure of substantial evidence, including 313 ketamine vape pods, 80 bags of ketamine, 53 ecstasy pills, and 38 disposable e-cigarettes. The operation…

  • Tourist, not monk: Thai man surrenders after dangerous snake ride

    Tourist, not monk: Thai man surrenders after dangerous snake ride

    A Thai man dressed in a monk robe surrendered to the police after a video of his dangerous ride on a Pattaya road with a snake draped over his shoulder went viral. He insisted that he was a tourist, not a monk. The 40 year old witness, Bang-on Chom-ngam, shared the video of the motorcyclist riding recklessly with a snake on…

  • Suspect arrested after fatal roadside stabbing near Lop Buri

    Suspect arrested after fatal roadside stabbing near Lop Buri

    A suspect has been arrested following the fatal stabbing of a man who escaped from a hospital and was later found dead near a roadside pavilion. The suspect claims self-defence, stating the victim attacked him while he was asleep. The police apprehended the suspect at his residence. Police from Phatthana Nikhom district in Lop Buri province discovered the body of…

  • Thai-speed ahead: PM revs up talks for F1 grand prix in Thailand

    Thai-speed ahead: PM revs up talks for F1 grand prix in Thailand

    Could Thailand be the next country to host a glamorous Formula One (F1) Grand Prix? Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has opened the door to this exciting possibility, holding high-level talks with Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of the Formula One Group, about bringing the iconic motorsport event to the kingdom. Yesterday, March 18, Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsab confirmed that the…

  • Two men detained for smuggling crystal meth worth 50 million baht

    Two men detained for smuggling crystal meth worth 50 million baht

    Two men have been detained for attempting to smuggle 54 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine on a flight. Police were astonished at their ability to evade airport scanners. The suspects confessed to being paid 20,000 baht each to transport the drugs, which were delivered to them by a contact from Laos. Yesterday, March 18, at the Provincial Police Headquarters in Udon…

  • Thailand video news | British paedophile caught after 27 years on the run, Vietnamese women risk lives for train track photos

    Thailand video news | British paedophile caught after 27 years on the run, Vietnamese women risk lives for train track photos

    In Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover top stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia. A fugitive British paedophile is caught after 27 years, while an Iranian tourist attacks Phuket hotel staff with a syringe. Thai police seize 260,000 smuggled vape products, and Thailand’s heat index reaches dangerous levels. Bangkok’s governor fast-tracks Asoke footpath renovations, and a road sweeper’s viral…

  • British smuggler arrested on Koh Samui with 165kg of cannabis

    British smuggler arrested on Koh Samui with 165kg of cannabis

    Police yesterday arrested one of the leading British cannabis smugglers following the discovery of illegal dried cannabis flowers in the luggage of his British friend, who had left Thailand via Samui International Airport. Thai officials launched a sweeping crackdown on foreigners illegally smuggling cannabis from Thailand to the UK, managing to arrest 13 foreign suspects, including 10 British nationals, one…