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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    9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand

    Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...

  • Cloud Nine Celebrates their “GET LIFTED” Grand Opening Wednesday March 1st, 2023

    Cloud Nine Celebrates their “GET LIFTED” Grand Opening Wednesday March 1st, 2023

    Press Release Cloud Nine has officially opened its doors, offering a fun and immersive space where guests can find a highly curated selection of the finest cannabis and head shop accessories throughout Thailand. On March 1st, Cloud Nine will celebrate by hosting a “GET LIFTED” Grand Opening extravaganza. The exciting atmosphere of Cloud Nine lures guests in by offering comfortable…

  • Chuwit stirs up nest of triad rats

    Chuwit stirs up nest of triad rats

    The pied piper of Bangkok, Chuwit Kamolvisit, is whistling out another nest of triad rats. King Rat, toots Chuwit, is none other than a certain Chinese national known as Yu Xinqi. Triads show up in Thailand under the protection of Yu’s “Shaanxi Association of Thailand,” nothing more than a trafficking ring that allows the wrong sort of Chinese people to…

  • SRT insists 96.3 million baht robots are worth the dosh

    SRT insists 96.3 million baht robots are worth the dosh

    The Thai public demanded clarification regarding the benefits and quality of the UV-C light disinfection robots after the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) splashed 96.3 million baht on the equipment. Many have claimed that they have yet to witness the costly robots in operation despite the SRT’s purchase of them. According to a report from the Public Relations Department of…

  • Thai monk starring in sex clip claims he was drugged by German man

    Thai monk starring in sex clip claims he was drugged by German man

    A Thai monk is in the spotlight after a video of him performing oral sex on a German man circulated on the Internet. The Buddhist monk admitted it was him in the clip but claims it was filmed two years ago when he temporarily left the monkhood. Not only that, he claims that the German man drugged him with a…

  • Thai Parliament authorises lese majeste law changes, including the word ‘monarchy’

    Thai Parliament authorises lese majeste law changes, including the word ‘monarchy’

    In a move that could see even more people prosecuted for insulting the Thai monarchy, the far-right Thai Pakdee Party has been given the green light to gather signatures for proposed changes to the lese majeste laws. The changes would expand the definition of those protected by the law to include former Thai kings of the current Chakri Dynasty, princes…

  • Researchers launch first cultural map of Thailand

    Researchers launch first cultural map of Thailand

    Culture enthusiasts will be excited to learn that researchers launched the first cultural map of Thailand, featuring more than 2,000 cultural sites from across the country. The map provides cultural details that are categorized into 11 archetypes, which are: artefacts, architecture, historical sites, cultural spaces, languages, folk literature, knowledge and practices concerning nature and cosmology, performance arts, folk sports games…

  • Big Joke says Canadian businessman didn’t murder Thai girlfriend in Phuket

    Big Joke says Canadian businessman didn’t murder Thai girlfriend in Phuket

    UPDATE 2 Deputy national police chief “Big Joke,” says that a Canadian businessman did not murder his Thai girlfriend who was found hanged in her nail salon in Phuket, southern Thailand, on February 8. Landy came into the spotlight when the deceased’s elder brother Kriengsak accused him of murdering his younger sister Wanvisa Riewklang. Surachat “Big Joke” Hakparn said that…

  • Govt confident new programme will stamp out illegal drugs in Thailand

    Govt confident new programme will stamp out illegal drugs in Thailand

    Thailand has long been plagued by a history of drug abuse. The kingdom has harsh penalties for those caught possessing, taking, or selling illegal drugs. The Thaiger writes story after story of Yaba-fuelled chaos, drug busts and the illicit trafficking of narcotics dedicated to the cultivation, manufacture, distribution and sale of prohibited pharmaceuticals. The government, however, is optimistic that it…

  • Thailand’s smartphone market poised for revival

    Thailand’s smartphone market poised for revival

    As the world starts to emerge from the pandemic, Thailand‘s smartphone market is expected to see a resurgence in the second half of 2023. Despite a decrease in smartphone sales last year, the premium smartphone segment remains strong and is less affected by economic woes. According to Wansiri Fitschen, a senior category manager at Thai Samsung Electronics, pre-orders for the…

  • Thai election explainer – Constitution, House and Senate

    Thai election explainer – Constitution, House and Senate

    Thailand’s democratic structure consists of a Constitution, House of Representatives and Senate. The constitutional monarchy is ruled by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the head of state. The king has limited formal power but is highly influential in politics. He has significant influence over the military. Constitution, House and Senate – Constitution The current constitution was developed by a committee appointed by…

  • Thai ecologist sounds alarm on declining shark numbers

    Thai ecologist sounds alarm on declining shark numbers

    A Thai ecologist is sounding the alarm on the decline in the number of sharks in the country’s waters. The marine ecologist, Assistant Professor Thon Thamrongnawasawat, the deputy dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University, presented some worrying facts about the situation. Dr Thon said that around 75 of the 87 shark species in Thai waters are endangered.…

  • 75 Foreign lives lost by road accidents in 2023 | GMT

    75 Foreign lives lost by road accidents in 2023 | GMT

      In today’s episode, Thailand’s plastic bag use plunges by 148,000 tonnes in 3 years, Phuket health spa slams travel agency for ripping off foreigners, 400 people fall victim to Japan tour scam resulting in 14 million baht loss, Massive fire breaks out in front of Pattaya massage parlour, and Thailand’s perilous roads claim the lives of 75 foreigners so…

  • Thai woman protests agains Polish husband’s deportation in Bangkok

    Thai woman protests agains Polish husband’s deportation in Bangkok

    UPDATE A Thai lady and her relative staged a two-person protest at the United Nations HQ in Bangkok to appeal for “justice” for her Polish husband, who says that forcing him to return to Poland is a certain death sentence for him, reports SiamRath. Sornsiri Khittook’s 37 year old husband Michal Kamil Wielebinski, was arrested and detained in Koh Samui…

  • How to find high-quality cosmetic packaging for multiple use

    How to find high-quality cosmetic packaging for multiple use

    When it comes to finding high-quality cosmetic packaging for multiple use, one of the best options is to work with wholesale cosmetic packaging suppliers. These suppliers specialize in providing a wide range of packaging options for cosmetics and other beauty products, and they often offer bulk discounts and other cost-saving benefits for businesses and individuals who are looking to purchase…

  • 400 people fall victim to Japan tour scam resulting in 14 million baht loss

    400 people fall victim to Japan tour scam resulting in 14 million baht loss

    Representatives from 10 travel agencies filed a complaint with the Central Investigation Bureau after being lured into buying 14 million baht worth of fake tour packages to Japan. Over 400 victims have been duped by the scam so far. Representatives for the group claimed to have purchased tour packages from a major company based in the central province of Pathum…

  • Thai Airways expands into 5 Chinese cities

    Thai Airways expands into 5 Chinese cities

    Thailand‘s flag carrier Thai Airways (THAI) is ramping up flights to China to facilitate increased demand from the Chinese tourist market since the country recently reopened its borders for the first time in three years. Thai Airways will operate 14 nonstop services per week to five hot destinations, the earliest departing on March 1, 2023… Bangkok – Kunming Twice per…

  • Best Thai cannabis strains for sleep and insomnia relief

    Best Thai cannabis strains for sleep and insomnia relief

    Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and one of its most common applications is to help with sleep and insomnia. With the growing popularity of cannabis as a sleep aid, it can be challenging to know which strains are the best for promoting a restful night’s sleep. In this article, we will explore some of the best…

  • Siam Paragon invests 3 billion baht to transform the global landmark to the next level

    Siam Paragon invests 3 billion baht to transform the global landmark to the next level

    Siam Paragon, a world-class destination, has officially launched a transformation project to redefine the ‘global landmark in the heart of Bangkok’ and take it to new heights of excellence to meet all the lifestyle needs of the future, reinforcing its positioning as one of the most-visited ‘global landmark destinations’. Starting towards the end of 2022, the 3-billion-baht investment project will…

  • Tearaway teens arrested for robbing four motorists

    Tearaway teens arrested for robbing four motorists

    Three teenagers and a man were arrested for robbing four motorists at the weekend in Samut Prakarn province in Bangkok. The suspects reportedly admitted to committing the crime to obtain funds to buy kratom drinks. Footage captured by a car dashcam went viral on Thai social media. It showed the four thugs intimidating a motorcyclist into surrendering his valuables and…

  • Thailand’s perilous roads claim the lives of 75 foreigners so far this year

    Thailand’s perilous roads claim the lives of 75 foreigners so far this year

    Thailand’s deadly roads have claimed the lives of 75 foreigners so far this year. A further 2,886 foreigners were injured, according to data from Thai RSC, an accident information centre. Foreigners getting into road accidents in Thailand regularly make headlines but much more go unrecorded by the media. Data recorded from January 1 – February 15, 2023, reveals that 2,099…

  • Phuket health spa slams travel agency for ripping off foreigners

    Phuket health spa slams travel agency for ripping off foreigners

    A Phuket health spa announced that it will no longer accept reservations from travel agencies after one agency ripped off its foreign customers. The decision was made after the agency in question overcharged foreign customers, causing them to file complaints about the high prices of the spa services. Phumontra Cafe & Massage is one of the most popular spa spots in Phuket…

  • Four Thai teens win award for pioneering parasite-killing invention

    Four Thai teens win award for pioneering parasite-killing invention

    Four high school students from Yala in southern Thailand won the New Gen Inventors Award 2023 for inventing a herbal product made from galangal leaves which kills parasites in raw foods in less than six minutes. Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha praised the children for creating a practical product from readily available herbs which will improve the Thai population’s physical…

  • Pattaya to ban parking on beach side of road from March 1

    Pattaya to ban parking on beach side of road from March 1

    Pattaya City is banning parking on the beach side of the road from March 1. Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches, says the move is in response to an increase in traffic issues after the city has seen more tourists arriving. According to The Pattaya News, the new rule stirred up social media reactions with many residents agreeing with the move. However,…

  • Thailand’s deputy police chief “Big Joke” is unsure that missing baby is alive

    Thailand’s deputy police chief “Big Joke” is unsure that missing baby is alive

    Thailand’s deputy police chief “Big Joke,” says he is unsure that the missing eight month old baby who disappeared from his home is alive. However, Surachate Hakparn, better known as “Big Joke,” says he is quite sure that the baby’s parents know what happened. The parents of the missing baby, 19 year old Sitthichoke Saengsawang and 16 year old Philaiporn…

  • Thai activists want humiliating haircut punishments to stop in government schools

    Thai activists want humiliating haircut punishments to stop in government schools

    Thai activists want humiliating haircut punishments to stop in government schools after a teacher was accused of cutting at least 100 students’ hair. According to The Guardian, the activists are calling for clearer guidelines surrounding the haircut rule in government schools after the Ministry of Education revoked the decades-long haircut regulations. Now, the Ministry says schools can develop their own…

  • Thailand’s Wild Boar football team pays tribute to captain “Dom” after his sudden death

    Thailand’s Wild Boar football team pays tribute to captain “Dom” after his sudden death

    Thailand’s Wild Boar football team is paying tribute to Duangpetch “Dom” Promthep, 17, who died suddenly in England. As the captain of the 13 Wild Boars football team, “Dom” was rescued from the Tham Luang Cave in Chiang Rai back in 2018 after the cave flash-flooded leaving them trapped inside for 17 days. According to Khaosod English, the Associated Press…

  • Mosquito bite in Thailand causes Dutchman to lose both legs

    Mosquito bite in Thailand causes Dutchman to lose both legs

    A Dutchman living in Nakhon Rathasima in Thailand is on a mission to spread awareness about “flesh-eating bacteria” (necrotising fasciitis) after a mosquito bite led to the amputation of his left leg and lower right leg. Long-term expat, 62 year old Ed Olieslagers from the Netherlands, went to the hospital in April last year after a mosquito bite became inflamed and…

  • Chadchart admits Bangkok flood is challenging issue to solve

    Chadchart admits Bangkok flood is challenging issue to solve

    Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt admits solving the flood predicament in the Udon Suk neighbourhood of the city is a complex matter, as some of the potential solutions will have profound impacts on residents living along the canal. An hour after the heavy rain hit the capital yesterday, several areas and roads in Bangkok were underwater, especially in Udom Suk, Bangna,…

  • Thailand’s diesel price set to drop

    Thailand’s diesel price set to drop

    Thailand’s diesel price was set to drop yesterday. The country’s domestic price of diesel was expected to drop by 0.5 baht per litre, according to the Oil Fuel Fund Office (Offo). This is the second reduction in diesel prices this month, with another 0.5 baht per litre drop scheduled for February 22. Officials determined last week that the price would…

  • Heroic doctor and nurse save panic attack passenger on Japan-Thailand flight

    Heroic doctor and nurse save panic attack passenger on Japan-Thailand flight

    A quick-thinking doctor and nurse became heroes on a Japan to Thailand flight after they promptly administered aid to an anxious passenger suffering from a panic attack. Thai singer and actor Siwat “Tah” Sirichai shared the heartwarming story of two medical workers who went above and beyond the call of duty to save a passenger suffering from a panic attack…