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 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...
-
Surin woman attacks son-in-law with knife for allegedly making sexual advances
A Thai woman in the Isaan province of Surin attacked her son-in-law with a knife after he allegedly made sexual advances towards her while intoxicated. A local rescue team was called to a house in the Sri Narong district of Surin on Sunday, August 17, to provide first aid to a Thai man and transfer him to the hospital. The man,…
-
Thailand’s tourist numbers slide as 2025 forecast cut again
Thailand’s tourism dreams have hit another bump after the Tourism and Sports Ministry revealed foreign arrivals plunged by more than 7% this year, forcing officials to scale back growth forecasts yet again. From January 1 to August 17, the country welcomed 20.81 million international visitors, down 7.04% compared to the same period last year. Despite the overall decline, China remains…
-
Missing Burmese girl rescued but rejects parents over alleged abuse
A 15 year old Burmese girl, who was previously reported missing from her home in Nonthaburi province, refused to return home, claiming that her parents physically abused her. The Burmese parents, 45 year old Mamat Ye Hinn and 40 year old Asha Bwe, sought help from Thai news agencies on August 12 after their daughter, Bee, disappeared from their Nonthaburi…
-
Chinese girl trafficks boyfriend to Myanmar, parties in Thailand
A teenage love story turned into a nightmare when a 19 year old Chinese boy was betrayed by his 17 year old girlfriend and sold to scam gangs in Myanmar for 100,000 yuan (around 500,000 Thai baht). The victim, from Zhanjiang in Guangdong province, endured four months of torture, forced labour, and starvation before his family managed to secure his…
-
Thai army asserts Baan Nong Chan is within Thai territory
The Royal Thai Army asserts that Baan Nong Chan, situated near the Thai-Cambodia border in Sa Kaeo province, is within Thai territory, countering claims by Cambodian officials and residents. In response to Cambodian complaints regarding the army’s installation of barbed-wire fences near Ban Nong Chan in Khok Sung district, Royal Thai Army spokesman, Major General Winthai Suvaree, clarified yesterday, August…
-
Ancient cave unearthed in northern Thailand jungle
Thailand’s archaeological map has just grown richer after forest rangers stumbled upon a mysterious cave in the remote wilds of Phitsanulok province. The three-day patrol, carried out from Thursday, August 14, to Saturday, August 16, in the Khwae Noi forest watershed, was initially intended to monitor wildlife in the Phu Khat Wild Animal Protection Area. But instead of just tracking…
-
Illegal cosmetics factory in Chachoengsao shut down
A clandestine cosmetics manufacturing factory in Bang Pakong district, Chachoengsao province, was dismantled after police discovered unlicensed production activities. Approximately 234,699 items worth over 20 million baht were seized, allegedly intended for export. Today, August 19, Police Major General Pattanasak Bubpasuwan, the chief of the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), directed Police Colonel Weeraphong Klaihong and Police Lieutenant Colonel Anusara…
-
Thai man pulled to safety in Phuket racetrack drama (video)
Spectators were left horrified after a man casually wandered onto a racetrack in Phuket during the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand 2025 event, in what could have ended in certain death. The shocking incident occurred yesterday, August 18, just after the high-octane races wrapped up at Saphan Hin Public Park, which had hosted the two-day event over the weekend on August…
-
Thailand video news | Fatal Pattaya Crash, ‘TouristDigiPay’ crypto-to-baht pilot initiative to boost tourism spending
In Thailand video news, Alex reports on a range of stories from across the country. Highlights include an investigation into Jay Fai’s crab omelette pricing, a fatal motorbike stunt in Pattaya, and a Dutch-Thai couple’s escape from border clashes. Other stories cover public outrage over a tourist assault in Patong, the arrest of an Australian drug smuggler, and a crypto-to-baht…
-
Thailand launches world-first crypto tourist pay scheme
Thailand has thrown open the doors to a digital revolution in tourism, unveiling the world’s first system allowing foreign visitors to convert cryptocurrency into Thai baht for everyday purchases—from pad thai stalls to 7-Eleven counters. The pilot project, called TouristDigiPay, launched yesterday, August 18, under the watch of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. Unlike crypto-payment models abroad,…
-
Pheu Thai backs Paetongtarn amid court ruling on leaked audio
Yesterday, August 18, the Pheu Thai Party expressed unwavering support for the suspended Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, ahead of the Constitutional Court’s decision concerning a leaked audio clip. The party also dismissed the likelihood of the Bhumjaithai Party rejoining the coalition, even if there were changes in leadership. Visuth Chainaroon, a Pheu Thai list-MP and chief government whip, stated that…
-
Phuket woman warns community after alleged theft by foreign man
A Thai woman accused a foreign man, believed to be a British national, of stealing her mobile phone and attempting to steal her car in the Thalang district of Phuket yesterday, August 18. The woman, Mewadi Dokmai, issued a warning about the man by sharing her story on several Facebook groups and through local news outlets. She said the incident…
-
Bangkok tops global Gen Z city list
Move over New York and London—Bangkok just stole the spotlight as the ultimate Gen Z city in the world. The Thai capital has clinched the- top spot in Time Out’s 2025 global ranking of the Best Cities for Gen Z, leaving some of the world’s most iconic destinations trailing in its wake. The survey gathered insights from over 18,500 locals…
-
Chao Phraya River residents warned of potential flooding risk
The Royal Irrigation Department has issued a warning to residents in low-lying areas along the Chao Phraya River, advising them to prepare for potential flooding on August 21. Increased water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam is expected due to recent heavy rainfall. The Royal Irrigation Department’s alert anticipates water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam to increase to 1,200-1,500…
-
Temple abbot denies resignation amid donation scrutiny
At 4pm yesterday, August 18, Somporn Somakheng, the temple’s caretaker, visited Phra Ratchawisutthiprachanat, also known as Luang Por Alongkot, the abbot of Wat Phra Baht Nam Phu in Lop Buri province. This visit followed widespread rumours that the abbot had submitted his resignation amidst scrutiny over donation management at the temple. The abbot, however, clarified through a video sent to…
-
Close call: Foreign tourist plunges from Patong hotel
A foreign tourist was left fighting for his life last night after plunging from a hotel in Patong under baffling circumstances. The terrifying incident occurred at 6.36pm yesterday, August 18, when Patong Police were alerted to a man falling from a height at a hotel on Phra Mettha Road. Emergency responders from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation raced to the scene…
-
SAO wins transparency award despite collapsed building scandal
The State Audit Office (SAO) won first place as the most transparent and integrous government department in Thailand, but the public expressed disagreement, citing allegations of corruption linked to the collapse of the under-construction headquarters in March. The Office of Integrity and Transparency Assessment (ITA), under the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), announced the results of its annual evaluation of government…
-
Lampang motorcycle thief caught with screwdriver method in Samut Prakan
Police have apprehended a 39 year old man from Lampang, known for stealing motorcycles with only a screwdriver, throughout the city. He confessed after being arrested at a restaurant parking lot in Thepharak subdistrict, Mueang district, Samut Prakan province, today, August 19. The arrest was led by Police Colonel Narupon Karuna, along with Police Major Patiphan Pensuk and Police Captain…
-
Cockfighting champ: Korat rooster sold for 6.5 million baht
A record-breaking cockfight has rocked Thailand’s underground scene after a champion rooster, fresh off a multimillion-baht victory, was sold for a staggering 6.5 million baht. The feathered fighter, Fakhamram, earned his reputation on Sunday, August 17, after defeating rival bird Jao Kaotao in a high-profile showdown at the Kaew Khok Krot cockfighting stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The prize pot?…
-
Former traffic officer survives horrific crash thanks to amulet
A former traffic officer narrowly survived a severe road accident involving a pickup truck on the Udon Thani-Sakon Nakhon Road in the Mueang Nong Han district of Udon Thani province. The vehicle overturned multiple times, causing extensive damage, but the driver emerged with only minor injuries, attributing his survival to a protective amulet. The incident occurred at 8pm yesterday, August…
-
Drunken blunder: Pattaya waitress’s bike stolen outside bar
A bar waitress in Pattaya lost more than just her buzz after a staff birthday party—she lost her motorbike too. At around 5.06am yesterday, August 18, 25 year old Sumitra Saengarun reported that her black GPX motorcycle had been stolen from outside the Red Cat Bar on Pattaya Beach Road, just metres from Pattaya City Police Station. Sumitra, who works…
-
Man arrested after gold theft attempt at Lotus Mall in Tak
A 28 year old man was apprehended after attempting to steal gold from Wang Tokang Gold Shop in Tak Province’s Lotus Mall yesterday, August 18. The suspect, who hails from Mueang district, allegedly feigned interest in buying gold but aroused suspicion, prompting the staff to alert security. As he attempted to flee with a gold necklace, the police present in the…
-
Khon Kaen murder: man killed in drinking dispute
An 80 year old man was killed by a 75 year old villager following a dispute over a 56 year old woman in Khon Kaen. The altercation occurred during a drinking session at the woman’s house yesterday, August 18. The victim, identified as 80 year old Boon, was struck on the head with a hoe by Chalerm, a resident of…
-
Massive blaze reduces Pattaya recycling plant to ashes
A fierce blaze ripped through a recycling factory in Pattaya yesterday, leaving nothing but twisted metal and charred debris. The inferno erupted at the Banjong Recycling Factory in Village 4, Takhian Tia subdistrict, Bang Lamung district yesterday, August 18, with fireballs lighting up the sky and smoke billowing for kilometres. The cause? A suspected electrical short circuit—though forensic teams are…
-
Heavy rain warning for 25 Thai provinces amid monsoon changes
Today, August 19, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather forecast warning for 25 provinces in Thailand, predicting heavy rainfall in the north and northeastern regions. Residents are advised to remain vigilant against potential dangers, including flash floods and forest runoff, especially in areas near slopes, waterways, and low-lying regions. The monsoon trough is moving across northern Thailand and…
-
Stray dog in Songkhla melts hearts begging for toy from claw machine
A stray dog in the southern province of Songkhla has gone viral on Thai TikTok after being filmed begging for a toy from a claw machine. The TikToker who captured the moment was praised by netizens for giving the dog his first-ever toy. The videos were shared by 23 year old Kannika “View” Eabsamrong, on her TikTok account, @i.view12, on…
-
Jay Fai under scrutiny after YouTuber charged 4,000 baht for crab omelette
The Department of Internal Trade announced plans to investigate food pricing at the Michelin-recommended restaurant Jay Fai in Bangkok, after a well-known YouTuber claimed she was charged 4,000 baht for a crab omelette that should have cost 1,500 baht according to the menu. Thai YouTuber Pitchaya “Peachii” Chaychana, better known as Peachii Stephen Oppa, shared her experience on X on…
-
Foreigners filmed chasing and beating Thai man in Phuket
Another viral video circulated on Thai social media yesterday, August 17, showing a group of foreigners attacking a Thai man outside a restaurant in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket. The Phuket Times Facebook page reported, “Phuket, again! A swaggering gang of foreigners beat up a Thai national until the victim had to hide under a table. They then chased after…
-
Thai cancer patient faces scrutiny over 1.6 million baht donation
The public demanded that a female cancer patient clarify her treatment costs after she launched a donation campaign and raised 1.6 million baht, yet only around 587,000 baht appeared to remain in her bank account. A Thai woman, identified only as Bew, took to her Facebook account, CarBew Donlaya, to share with her followers that she is battling stage three…
-
Thai and Cambodian officials clash over legitimacy of landmines
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) and the director of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) engaged in a disagreement over the legitimacy of Cambodian PMN-2 anti-personnel landmines displayed during an inspection event in Sisaket province on August 16. CMAC director Heng Ratana questioned the authenticity of the mines, noting they were still fitted with safety pins, which raised doubts about…
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.