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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    Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run

    Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...

  • 2 British tourists expose Chiang Mai monk for inappropriate kissing

    2 British tourists expose Chiang Mai monk for inappropriate kissing

    Two British tourists exposed a monk at a temple in the northern province of Chiang Mai for inappropriately kissing her and her friend on the cheek during a visit on March 30. The monk reportedly responded to the foreigners with rude and aggressive language after the incident was made public. A Thai man named Thanawat shared the account, which he…

  • 11 tonnes of smuggled avocados seized in Thailand’s Pathum Thani market

    11 tonnes of smuggled avocados seized in Thailand’s Pathum Thani market

    Approximately 11 tonnes of avocados from Vietnam, mislabelled as mangoes, were illicitly brought into Thailand and sold at a prominent wholesale market in Pathum Thani province. Yesterday, May 25, consumer protection police, along with customs and agriculture officials, conducted a raid at Talad Thai fresh market located on Phahon Yothin Road in Khlong Luang district. A total of 421 boxes…

  • Fatal motorcycle taxi driver stabbing in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei

    Fatal motorcycle taxi driver stabbing in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei

    A dispute between two intoxicated motorcycle taxi drivers in Bangkok escalated into a fatal stabbing, resulting in the death of one person. The incident occurred on Ratchadaphisek Road in Khlong Toei district on May 24 at approximately 11pm. During the altercation, 32 year old Apivat, who was drinking beer at the scene, got into a heated argument with 27 year…

  • Muay Thai coaches in Japan certified for soft power initiative

    Muay Thai coaches in Japan certified for soft power initiative

    The Department of Skill Development (DSD) is promoting soft power by certifying Muay Thai coaches in Japan to enhance economic value and increase Thai income while sharing martial arts culture with Japanese and other international communities. Yesterday, May 25, Decha Prukpatanarak, the Director-General of the DSD under the Ministry of Labour, officially launched the project to promote the capability standards…

  • Myanmar man’s body found after tragic Phuket fishing accident

    Myanmar man’s body found after tragic Phuket fishing accident

    The body of a 26 year old Myanmar man, who was swept into the sea while fishing with friends near Paradise Beach, Phuket, has been recovered, as confirmed by the police. The incident occurred on May 24. Wasana Khamchomphu reported the disappearance of her employee, Lone Lone, to Patong Police at 5.53pm on the same day. Lone Lone and two…

  • Thailand video news | Thai monsoon alert: 15 days of heavy rain & flood risk, Vietnam moves to ban telegram

    Thailand video news | Thai monsoon alert: 15 days of heavy rain & flood risk, Vietnam moves to ban telegram

    In today’s Thailand news roundup, Alex and Jay bring you the top stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Highlights include Thailand’s 15-day monsoon warning, a deadly gang clash in Pattaya, British fugitives arrested on Koh Samui, and a bomb hoax that delayed an AirAsia flight. Plus, updates from Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore—including a Telegram ban, an extradited tycoon,…

  • Bangkok driver rams into motorcyclist for stopping at zebra crossing

    Bangkok driver rams into motorcyclist for stopping at zebra crossing

    A Thai motorcyclist accused a hatchback driver of deliberately ramming into him on a Bangkok road on May 22, allegedly out of anger after the rider stopped at a zebra crossing, which briefly blocked the driver’s way. The 24 year old victim, Butchart, sought assistance from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after officers at Bang Khen Police Station allegedly ignored his…

  • Saleswoman’s false robbery claim leads to legal trouble in Pattaya

    Saleswoman’s false robbery claim leads to legal trouble in Pattaya

    A 37 year old saleswoman, working for a department store in South Pattaya, fabricated a robbery story to avoid criticism from her English boyfriend after losing 32,000 baht. Her tale unravelled, resulting in charges for filing a false police report. The incident was initially reported to have occurred in Soi Siam Country Club, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon…

  • Chon Buri police seize 1,600 tonnes of illegal e-waste in raid

    Chon Buri police seize 1,600 tonnes of illegal e-waste in raid

    Police in Chon Buri have confiscated 1,600 tonnes of illegally imported electronic waste and detained numerous undocumented migrant workers in a raid on a warehouse located in Phanat Nikhom district. The operation, carried out yesterday, May 25, was a coordinated effort involving immigration officers, the Department of Industrial Works, and the provincial industry office, following complaints from locals. Police Colonel…

  • No arsenic in Thai tap water but surface water monitored

    No arsenic in Thai tap water but surface water monitored

    The Ministry of Public Health reported no arsenic contamination above standard levels in tap water, vegetables, or fish from the Kok, Sai, and Mekong rivers. However, surface water showed contamination, prompting ongoing monitoring. At-risk groups showed no arsenic in urine tests. Yesterday, May 25, public health minister discussed the arsenic contamination situation affecting residents near the Kok, Sai, and Mekong…

  • Thai man arrested for using fake licence plate on luxury car

    Thai man arrested for using fake licence plate on luxury car

    A 58 year old man was arrested for using a forged licence plate on a luxury Mercedes-Benz, buying it from the black market. The real owner faced police fines, leading to the discovery of further offences. Police Colonel Apichat Renchana, along with Police Lieutenant Colonel Itthisak Khumkhun and Police Captain Bodi Duanphon, apprehended Wisit on May 25 on Highway 3…

  • Pattaya woman fakes robbery to hide loss from foreign boyfriend

    Pattaya woman fakes robbery to hide loss from foreign boyfriend

    A Thai woman confessed to fabricating a robbery in Pattaya after losing cash and an engagement ring, in an attempt to hide the truth from her foreign boyfriend. The 37 year old woman, identified as Rattana, filed a complaint with officers at Bang Lamung Police Station on May 25, claiming she lost 32,000 baht in cash and a ring worth…

  • Thai man dies in failed bomb attack on ex-girlfriend’s home

    Thai man dies in failed bomb attack on ex-girlfriend’s home

    A Thai man died in an explosion after attempting to bomb the house of his ex-girlfriend in the southern province of Surat Thani yesterday, May 25. The explosion occurred at a residence in the Tha Chana district of Surat Thani at around 8am. The 34 year old man, Surapong Thongnark, was pronounced dead at the scene, while three others sustained…

  • Driver in fatal Nonthaburi crash surrenders, vows compensation

    Driver in fatal Nonthaburi crash surrenders, vows compensation

    A driver involved in a fatal collision in Nonthaburi has surrendered to police and faces three charges. The driver has expressed willingness to compensate the victims’ family and has plans to ordain as a monk. The incident occurred on May 24 when 40 year old Tiwa Boromstatit and his seven year old son, both from Sai Noi district in Nonthaburi,…

  • Wild elephants devastate orchard in Khao Khitchakut, losses hit 440,000 baht

    Wild elephants devastate orchard in Khao Khitchakut, losses hit 440,000 baht

    In the Khlong Takian area of Pluang subdistrict, Khao Khitchakut district, Chanthaburi province, a community faces a dire situation as wild elephants have invaded a local fruit orchard, toppling nearly 30 durian trees. This damage has resulted in the loss of almost four tonnes of durian, leading to damages exceeding 400,000 baht. Yesterday, May 25, the issue was brought to…

  • Pheu Thai supports Yingluck’s 10bn baht rice compensation battle

    Pheu Thai supports Yingluck’s 10bn baht rice compensation battle

    The Pheu Thai Party is supporting former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in her legal battle against a court ruling demanding she pay 10 billion baht in compensation related to the rice-pledging scheme from over ten years ago. The party is examining potential legal avenues to contest this decision. Danuporn Punnakanta, a Pheu Thai spokesperson and member of Parliament, stated at…

  • Teen’s tragic overdose linked to heart medication in Phatthalung

    Teen’s tragic overdose linked to heart medication in Phatthalung

    A 14 year old girl was discovered deceased in her bedroom after reportedly overdosing on medication. Her father shared his sorrow, recounting how he had gone to wake her to wash her school uniform, only to tragically find her lifeless. At 12.45pm yesterday, May 25, police from Khao Chaison district station in Phatthalung province were informed about the mysterious death…

  • Mushroom forager dies after cliff fall in Lampang forest

    Mushroom forager dies after cliff fall in Lampang forest

    A villager searching for mushrooms tragically fell from a cliff and sustained severe injuries after hitting his head on rocks in a stream. Despite being rushed to Sobprab Hospital for treatment, he later succumbed to his injuries. Yesterday, May 25, the head of Wiang Kosai National Park, Prawit Jaikam, shared images and a message on social media addressing the incident.…

  • Thailand braces for heavy rain and potential floods

    Thailand braces for heavy rain and potential floods

    The Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning across Thailand for Today, May 26, predicting heavy rain across nearly all provinces. This could lead to flash floods, forest run-off, and landslides. The forecast for the next 24 hours indicates heavy rainfall in the north, northeast, central regions, including Bangkok and its surrounding areas, the east, and the west coast of southern…

  • Drugged soldier attacks nephew with machete in Trang Province

    Drugged soldier attacks nephew with machete in Trang Province

    A conscripted soldier under the influence of illegal drugs attacked his nephew with a machete, severely injuring him, before holding himself hostage for six hours. The incident, which took place yesterday, May 24 in Trang Province, concluded when he surrendered after a special operations team intervened. Police Lieutenant Wasant Rakkaew, Deputy Inspector of Palian District Police Station in Trang, was…

  • Phuket violence: teens clash with guns and explosives

    Phuket violence: teens clash with guns and explosives

    In Phuket, an altercation between rival groups of young people escalated into a violent incident involving firearms and explosives. Today, May 25, at 12.35am, Police Lieutenant Sumet Phetruenthong received reports of teenagers using vehicles to pursue and shoot at each other, including throwing large firecrackers, along a road near Chamcha Market in the Talat Nuea subdistrict. Upon arriving at the…

  • Thai monsoon forecast: Heavy rain and flood risks ahead

    Thai monsoon forecast: Heavy rain and flood risks ahead

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted significant rainfall over a 15-day period, with intense monsoon conditions affecting various areas. Between May 25 and May 27, there is a heightened risk of heavy rain, flash floods, and landslides across the country. According to the updated daily rainfall predictions and wind analysis from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, the…

  • Vietnamese crypto scammer Madam Ngo arrested in Bangkok

    Vietnamese crypto scammer Madam Ngo arrested in Bangkok

    A Vietnamese woman sought by Interpol for her involvement in cryptocurrency and forex investment scams that defrauded over 2,000 Vietnamese people of approximately US$300 million has been apprehended in Bangkok, alongside two bodyguards. The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police detained Ngo Thi Theu, known as Madam Ngo, a 30 year old woman, at a hotel in the Klong Tan Nuea…

  • Phuket man found dead in suspected suicide, police investigate

    Phuket man found dead in suspected suicide, police investigate

    In Phuket, a 29 year old man was discovered deceased in his bedroom early yesterday, May 24, with police suspecting suicide as the cause. Police and emergency services were summoned to a residence in Moo Baan Phra Pin, off Luang Por Chaem Road, located in Moo 4, Chalong, at approximately 1.17am. The deceased was identified as Kittisak Mawan. Chalong Police,…

  • Thailand eyes F1 street race to boost tourism and economy

    Thailand eyes F1 street race to boost tourism and economy

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has indicated promising developments for Thailand as the government continues its pursuit to host a Formula 1 street circuit race in the country. Yesterday, May 24, the PM engaged in discussions with Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One Group, at the Monaco Grand Prix to assess the possibility of organising an F1 race in Thailand. This…

  • Thai government advances peace initiative in deep south

    Thai government advances peace initiative in deep south

    Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has concluded the initial stage of the government’s peace initiative, which seeks to balance security, economic, and peace efforts in Thailand’s deep south. Phumtham has conducted several visits, engaging with senior defence and security officials to mediate peace in the region. During these visits, he met frontline workers, including local administrators, police…

  • British fugitives arrested in Koh Samui for robbery and fraud

    British fugitives arrested in Koh Samui for robbery and fraud

    Two British men have been apprehended in Koh Samui, Thailand, on charges of robbery and fraud, having fled from justice in the UK. Investigations reveal they ran businesses through seven nominee companies on the island. Yesterday, May 24, Police Major General Songprod Sirisukha, head of Immigration Division 6, led a team from the Crime Suppression Division and the Immigration Bureau…

  • Teen drowns at popular waterfall in Uttaradit province

    Teen drowns at popular waterfall in Uttaradit province

    A 14 year old student drowned at a well-known waterfall in Uttaradit province. Yesterday, May 24, at 5pm, Police Lieutenant Colonel Nareerath Apithanapimpimkul of Laplae Police Station was informed about a drowning incident at Mae Phun waterfall in Mueang, Laplae district. Rescue volunteers from the Uttaradit Rescue Foundation were called to the scene, where a group of youths stood anxiously…

  • Monk caught in drug scandal at Don Mueang temple

    Monk caught in drug scandal at Don Mueang temple

    A monk involved in drug misuse was apprehended at a temple in Don Mueang yesterday, May 24. The arrest of 54 year old Chaiyaret and 47 year old Pichaibuncha occurred in front of a monk’s residence, according to Police Colonel Phuwadon Unphoti, the Don Mueang police station chief. The arrest was ordered by Pol. Col. Phuwadon and executed by Deputy…

  • Body of worker retrieved from 19-metre hole in Bangkok

    Body of worker retrieved from 19-metre hole in Bangkok

    The body of 33 year old Sarawut Chantasont, also known as Dao, has been successfully retrieved after falling into a 19-metre deep pile foundation hole at a construction site of the Orange Line metro project in Bangkok. The incident, which took place on May 19 at the site located between Soi Lan Luang 6 and 8, required an extensive rescue…