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 Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
-
Knife-wielding man shot dead after attacking police in Chiang Rai
A man wielding a knife caused chaos in Santat village, Mae Chan district, Chiang Rai province, injuring a police officer before being fatally shot. A subsequent search of his home revealed drug paraphernalia. Local police received a report at 9.30pm yesterday that a man was wreaking havoc in the village. Upon arrival, the officers found 28 year old Toon walking…
-
Moo-ving: Thai man hallucinates, talks to cows after cannabis use
A distressed mother called the police on account of her son’s erratic behaviour following his consumption of cannabis, she caught him talking to a cow. Her son, who had been showing signs of hallucination, was found talking to a cow and its newborn calf. Chai Nat police officers responded promptly and assessed the situation. Officers from the Mueang Chai Nat…
-
Srettha urges AMLO to focus on large-scale drug syndicates
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to prioritise seizing the assets of significant drug networks to cripple the narcotics trade. During an AMLO meeting yesterday, July 18, the Bangkok-born PM was briefed on the agency’s progress in implementing its policies and operations. The AMLO Secretary-General, Thepsu Bawornchotdara, reported that the agency had seized at least 523…
-
Newborn’s body found in Bangkok rubbish bin sparks urgent probe
A tragic discovery of a newborn baby girl’s body, wrapped in a towel and concealed in a black bag inside a blue rubbish bin, was made yesterday by a waste collector in Bangkok. Police are now urgently investigating the case. Pitak Kaewkamhan, an inspector from Sutthisan Police Station, received a report at around 8pm yesterday about the incident in Soi…
-
Thief caught, tied to a pole after burglary attempt gone wrong
A thief attempted to steal from a soldier’s home to fund his drug habit, only to be quickly apprehended and tied to a post before police arrived. The burglary took place in the Ban Muang Samakkhi community in the Udon Thani. Police Lieutenant Sata Porn Sawatdee received a report around 3pm yesterday, July 18, about a break-in at a house…
-
Thailand Video News | Myanmar couple surrenders over Iranian man and Thai wife’s murder, Cannabis conundrum: Deputy PM Anutin opposes cannabis reclassification
In Thailand Video News today, a couple from Myanmar have surrendered to police after being suspected of murdering an Iranian restauranteur and his Thai wife. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is opposing the plan to reclassify cannabis as a Category 5 narcotic. Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Chaithawat Tulathon is confidentthe party will not be dissolved, and PETA Asia has…
-
Irish footballer fights for his life after bike crash in Thailand
An Irish footballer from Cork, in the Republic of Ireland, is battling for his life after a catastrophic cycling accident in Thailand. The horrific crash on Saturday, July 13, left the Tramore Athletic Football Club goalkeeper with severe injuries, prompting an outpouring of support that has raised over 46,000 euros (around 1 million baht) in just hours. Rushed to Phuket…
-
Drunk motorcyclist dies in tragic crash in Chon Buri
A tragic motorcycle accident occurred earlier today resulting in the immediate death of a drunk motorcyclist. The incident took place today, July 19, along a curvy section on the Nong Kho-Nern Tong road in Nong Kham, Si Racha district, Chon Buri province. At around 12.20am, Deputy Inspector Somwang Potiphan from Nong Kham Police Station received a report of a motorcycle…
-
Vietnamese murder-suicide: Cryptic letter found, tour guide questioned
Police discovered a suspicious message written in Chinese on the phone of the alleged killer of the Vietnamese nationals poisoned in a Bangkok hotel. A Vietnamese tour guide who bought medicine for one of the deceased is also under suspicion and is currently being questioned by police. Metropolitan Police Bureau officers are continuing their investigation into the murder-suicide case, which…
-
TAT shines on Sri Racha tourism with magical island light show
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in partnership with Sri Racha Municipality, is set to present the Vijitr Chon Buri The Lighting Illumination: The Magical Island. This event will take place from tomorrow, July 20 to July 28 at Koh Loy in Sri Racha. Mayor of Sri Racha District Chatchai Timkrajang and Nat Khrutasutta, the Director of the Activities Department…
-
Na Jomtien kids to compete in Chon Buri balance bike event
Na Jomtien Municipality Kindergarten in Sattahip is sending six young athletes to the provincial balance bike competition in Chon Buri province, celebrating His Royal Majesty the King’s birthday. The competition will take place from July 26 to 27 at the National Sports University Chon Buri District College, covering a distance of 400 metres. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement at the Na…
-
CPF denies any fishy business in blackchin tilapia spread
CP Foods (CPF), a major player in the Charoen Pokphand agribusiness conglomerate, firmly denies any responsibility for the spread of invasive blackchin tilapia in Thailand. The company clarified that it is not the sole importer of the fish, as confirmed by the Department of Fisheries. Records indicate that 11 companies exported the fish to 17 countries roughly a decade ago.…
-
Thai man arrested for gold necklace theft after 4-hour standoff
Police arrested a Thai man at an apartment in the central province of Samut Sakhon for the theft of a gold necklace worth nearly 130,000 baht, following a four-hour police operation. The gold thief, 35 year old Nitirat “Mac” Rangnoi, committed the crime at a som tam restaurant in the central province of Nakhon Pathom at 3pm on July 12.…
-
Thailand restaurant market to hit 400 billion baht in 2024
Central Restaurants Group (CRG) anticipates a 5% sales growth in 2024, driven by the digital wallet handout scheme, while Thailand’s restaurant market value is projected to reach 400 billion baht this year. Nath Vongphanich, CRG President, addressed the ruling Pheu Thai Party’s upcoming 10,000-baht digital wallet handout scheme, expected to launch in the fourth quarter. He mentioned that the company…
-
Thai senator charged for false skincare specialist claim
The Medical Council of Thailand announced plans to charge Thai Senator Keskamol Pleansamai for falsely claiming to be a skin and beauty specialist without proper certification. During a meeting yesterday, July 18, the council’s board concluded that the 46 year old Senator, Keskamol violated Section 32 of the Medical Professions Act by publicly describing herself as a skincare specialist despite…
-
Thai banks deny funding Myanmar junta’s weapon purchases
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa issued a strong rebuttal to accusations from Move Forward Party (MFP)-list MP Rangsiman Rome, categorically denying that Thai banks or the government are involved in supporting weapons procurement for the Myanmar junta. These remarks follow a report from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in late June, which claimed Thai banks…
-
Myanmar couple surrenders over murder of Iranian restaurateur
A Myanmar couple suspected of the brutal murder of an Iranian restaurateur and his Thai wife has surrendered to police in Nakhon Pathom, expressing their wish to be repatriated. Police Major General Thawatkiat Jindakhuansanong, commander of Chon Buri police, revealed that police were in the process of seeking arrest warrants for 23 year old Kyaw Myint Oo and 19 year…
-
The White Lotus effect ignites travel frenzy on Koh Samui
Koh Samui, the idyllic paradise island in the Gulf of Thailand, is basking in a wave of tourism enthusiasm. Recent data from Agoda shows a remarkable spike in interest, with international searches for accommodation soaring by 26% and domestic searches rising by 8% in June compared to the same period last year. The surge in interest coincides with the buzz…
-
Transgender woman arrested for online silk scam, 50 victims monthly
In a significant crackdown on online fraud, Chaing Rai police arrested a transgender woman for an online silk scam, defrauding 50 victims monthly, yielding 20,000 baht per month. Chiang Rai Region 5 police, led by Deputy Commissioner Major General Weerachon Boonthavee, alongside other senior officers, apprehended a 21 year old transgender, identified as Yutthakarn, at a dormitory in Ban Khu,…
-
Fatal crash on Lampang-Phrae road kills woman, injures two others
A tragic accident involving a car and a 10-wheel truck occurred on the Lampang-Phrae road, just before reaching the Wang Ngern shrine, resulting in the death of a woman and injuries to two others, including a one year old child. Police from Mae Tha Police Station reported that the collision happened at 5pm yesterday, July 17. The police, including the…
-
Suspect wanted for gold heist at Bangkok department store
A daring heist took place at a prominent department store in Min Buri district, Bangkok, where a lone rider made off with gold weighing 40 baht. The store’s CCTV captured the incident clearly, and the suspect was seen fleeing the scene on Ramkhamhaeng Road. Officers from the Min Buri Police Station responded to a report of a theft at the…
-
Samui journalist threatened with violence over luxury villa report
A journalist from Channel 7 filed a complaint against the owner of some luxury villas in Koh Samui after the owner issued a violent threat against him for reporting a suspicious construction permit for the villas. Officers from the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Division 4 are investigating the construction permit for 53 luxury villas of the Samui Green Cottages…
-
Pattaya police crack down on unruly Middle Eastern tourists
In response to an avalanche of complaints from frustrated locals, Pattaya police have finally taken a stand against the unruly behaviour of Middle Eastern tourists in Soi Yensabai. Following numerous disturbances caused by these tourists riding motorcycles, honking horns, and revving engines, police have established checkpoints at strategic spots along the street. Police officers are now stationed at the entrance,…
-
Shocking hike: Thai industries spark concern over electricity rates
Thailand’s plan to hike electricity rates later this year could deter foreign direct investment, warned the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The alert followed the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) announcement on Friday, indicating an imminent rise in power bills for both businesses and households. The ERC has proposed three new power tariff options, featuring increases from 11% to 44% above…
-
Thai athletes’ Olympic uniform looks like waiter’s outfit
The grand reveal of Thailand‘s Olympic uniform for the Paris Games has set social media ablaze, with critics slamming the design as outdated and unfit for the global stage. Unveiled yesterday, July 17, on Stadium TH’s Facebook page, the uniform, modelled by national badminton star Sapsiree Taerattanachai, sparked a storm of controversy. The design, inspired by the Phraratchathan (Royally Bestowed)…
-
Police arrest Laos-linked drug trafficking couple, 13,000 meth pills
Police officers arrested a couple in Ubon Ratchathani involved in a drug trafficking network from Laos, seizing over 13,000 methamphetamine pills they were transporting across provinces on a motorcycle. Police from the Border Patrol Police 227 Ubon Ratchathani, in collaboration with the Highway Police and Khong Chiam Investigation Unit, today, July 18, received a tip-off about a drug delivery by…
-
Discover Thai ancient history at Phimai National Museum
A captivating blend of ancient history and modern exhibition techniques awaits visitors at the newly renovated Phimai National Museum in Nakhon Ratchasima province, 325 kilometres northeast of Bangkok. The museum recently reopened its doors, offering a refreshed and engaging exploration of Phimai’s rich cultural heritage. Located near the Phimai Historical Park, the museum, established in 1993, has long been a…
-
Thai grandmother arrested for selling meth to buy milk
Police in Nakhon Phanom apprehended a local woman today for distributing meth, caught while soothing her grandson to sleep, she claimed a desperate need for money to buy milk for her grandson. The border district of Nakhon Phanom continues to struggle with drug trafficking issues. The problem extends beyond smuggling and has infiltrated local communities, partly due to unemployment leading some…
-
Samut Sakhon releases one million prawns for river conservation
Samut Sakhon released one million black tiger prawns into the Tha Chin River to bolster aquatic populations and maintain ecological balance. The event took place at 11am yesterday, July 17, led by Samut Sakhon Governor Phon Damthornom, alongside local officials, civil servants, and residents. The ceremony was held in honour of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 72nd birthday, marking six…
-
Former Thai MP faces charges over film fiasco
Former Thai Civilised Party MP Mongkolkit Suksintharanon faces charges for allegedly breaching the code of ethics by skipping a crucial House meeting to catch a film. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) voted 6:1 to charge Mongkolkit, now a Democrat Party member, for missing a House session on December 15, 2021. The NACC plans to take the case to the Supreme…
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.