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?...
-
Truck-stop terror: Motorcyclist smashes into lorry near Pattaya
A 21 year old Cambodian motorcyclist was left seriously injured after colliding with a parked 18-wheeler on Sukhumvit Road, Bang Lamung, near Pattaya. Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre was alerted to the crash at 2.06am, yesterday, March 23, near the Krating Lai Bridge, heading towards Bangkok in Chon Buri province. Rescue volunteers and medical teams rushed to the scene. A…
-
United Nations urges Thailand to collaborate for sustainable future
A United Nations official called on the Government of Thailand, private sector, and communities to collaborate for the nation’s sustainable future. Kanni Wignaraja, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Development Programme, highlighted the need for inclusivity in these efforts. During her recent visit to Thailand for the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2025, held from…
-
Thailand video news | Thailand delays decision on cutting visa-free stay to 30 days, Philippines adds buses, trains amid transport strike
In Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover key updates, including Thailand’s delayed decision on reducing visa-free stays and a dramatic BMW crash in Phuket. A German man linked to dentist attacks was found dead in Korat, while a violent brawl at MBK Center has sparked calls for tighter mall security. A British tourist alleges mistreatment in a Thai jail,…
-
Thai woman shot dead in cemetery over 50 million baht inheritance dispute
A Thai woman yesterday surrendered to police for shooting dead her sister-in-law at a cemetery in Chon Buri following a dispute over an inheritance of 50 million baht. The 52 year old Thai woman, Kantana-on Ditprasert, was found dead at a cemetery in the Si Racha district of Chon Buri at around 6pm on Saturday, March 22. Kantana-on worked as…
-
Pattaya motorbike thief crashes student’s birthday bash
A Pattaya motorbike thief become a party pooper in the early hours of this morning, ruining a student’s birthday party celebrations, as revealed by a social media post that’s gone viral. CCTV footage from yesterday, March 23, at 8pm revealed a daring theft unfolding in Soi Buakhao. The clip captured a thief effortlessly making off with a black Honda PCX—license plate…
-
Thailand urged to review new co-payment health insurance rule
The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) urged the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) to reevaluate the new co-payment health insurance rule, calling it unjust for consumers and ineffective in addressing fundamental issues. Implemented on March 20, the rule requires policyholders to cover up to 50% of medical expenses, replacing the previous comprehensive coverage plan. Post-Covid-19 pandemic, rising healthcare costs and an…
-
Blazing bandit: Foreign thief tunnels into Phuket weed shop
A foreign man remains at large after drilling through the wall of a cannabis store in Phuket to steal products worth 30,000 baht and 2,000 baht in cash on Saturday, March 22. The owner of the cannabis store, Saen Sook Smoke Weed, 24 year old Kwan, filed a theft complaint with officers at Patong Police Station on Saturday afternoon, March…
-
Ex-police officer shoots sister-in-law in Bangkok property dispute
A former officer from Samrae Police Station fatally shot his sister-in-law and critically injured his sister during a heated argument over property rights at their home. The incident occurred at 1.04pm yesterday, March 23, in Bang Mod, Chom Thong district, Bangkok. Police Lieutenant Thanathat Ratsameepupa, Deputy Inspector from Tha Kham Police Station, received the call and arrived at the scene…
-
Storm warning: Thai provinces brace for a real reign of terror
The Meteorological Department of Thailand has forecasted severe weather conditions for today, March 24, predicting heavy rain in nine provinces, affecting 20% of the areas. Northern Thailand is expected to face extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celcius (°C). A low-pressure system due to heat is covering northern Thailand, while a weakening high-pressure system or cool air mass…
-
Toddler takes the wheel: SUV crash kills two children in Buriram
A female SUV driver crashed and killed two children, aged nine and 13, on a motorcycle in the Isaan province of Buriram on Saturday, March 22. The SUV driver’s two year old child reportedly sat on her lap and grabbed the steering wheel, leading to the crash. The fatal accident was reported to officers at Satuek Police Station and the…
-
Thai delegation aims for 7.3 billion baht rice deal in South Africa
The Commerce Ministry of Thailand has dispatched a delegation to South Africa to promote Thai rice, aiming to finalise a major export deal valued at approximately 7.3 billion baht. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan assigned Worawong Ramangkura, Assistant Minister of Commerce, to lead a delegation from March 24 to March 30, including representatives from the Thai Rice Exporters Association, General Mill…
-
Bear’ly survived: Thai fisherman’s face torn off in horror mauling
A Thai fisherman miraculously survived after a ferocious bear attack left him horrifically disfigured, ripping off most of his face, nose, and upper lip in a single devastating swipe. The 60 year old victim was also mauled on the neck and stomach by what experts believe was an Asiatic black bear, a species known to attack humans when threatened. It…
-
Massage gets a rub down: Thailand cracks whip on shady parlours
The Thai government is cracking down on dodgy massage parlours that are tarnishing the reputation of nuad Thai, as the industry faces a shortage of 50,000 skilled practitioners. The Ministry of Public Health is stepping in to restore the craft’s credibility, amid concerns that inconsistent standards and seedy businesses have led to Thai massage being wrongly linked to brothels. Adviser…
-
House of cards tumbles: Cops bust Hua Hin gambling ring
Six suspects have been rounded up in a dramatic police raid on an illegal online gambling empire operating out of Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) swooped in on LAVAMAX1688, a shadowy betting network that had raked in over 8 million baht in just eight months. With arrest warrants issued for seven people, officers stormed…
-
PPRP’s Prawit to challenge PM Paetongtarn in censure debate
Attention has focused on the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader, Prawit Wongsuwon, amid speculation regarding his recruitment of Pheu Thai Party MP, Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung, for the upcoming censure debate against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. They are anticipated to present serious allegations against the government. PPRP Secretary-General, Paiboon Nititawan, confirmed that Prawit will speak following the opening remarks by…
-
Illegal nightclub raid in Nakhon Pathom uncovers drug use
In Nakhon Pathom‘s Samphran district, administrative officials conducted a raid at 3am this morning, March 23, at an unlicensed nightclub, discovering 81 patrons with traces of illegal drugs. The Department of Provincial Administration led the raid operation at a local nightclub called Neon Pub following reports of narcotics being available on the premises. During the raid, officials secured the exits…
-
Forest fire officer in Phayao dies during patrol efforts
A forest fire officer in Phayao tragically passed away after collapsing during patrol efforts to prevent and control forest fires. Yesterday, March 22, it was reported that the forest fire situation in Phayao province had eased following artificial rain, which extinguished fires in three district areas. Government officials, local leaders, volunteers, and forest fire patrol teams continue to work to…
-
Chinese detained in Bangkok hotel for 11 billion baht fraud
Immigration officers in Bangkok have detained a Chinese man at a luxury hotel in Ratchaprasong, who was evading fraud charges for embezzling billions of baht. The suspect had changed his identity and acquired Vanuatu nationality on March 22. Officers of the Immigration Bureau have directed their units to enhance crime prevention efforts, particularly targeting illegal immigration and foreign nationals involved in…
-
Couple confesses to gruesome murder over debt collection
Police have apprehended a couple accused of murdering a young woman over a debt, dismembering her body, and burying the remains behind their home before fleeing to Chiang Mai. They confessed that resentment over debt collection and offensive remarks led to the crime. Yesterday, March 22, at 1pm, Police Lieutenant Somphop Niamjamroen of Don Tum Police Station in Nakhon Pathom…
-
Student brawl in Pathum Wan mall leaves five injured (video)
A violent altercation broke out between students from two renowned institutes at MBK Shopping Centre in Pathum Wan, Bangkok, resulting in five injuries. Police intervened and detained both parties involved after the incident, which took place at 7.16pm yesterday, March 22. Police Major Montri Khamkhao, an inspector at Pathum Wan Police Station, responded to a report of a brawl involving…
-
Thunderstorms and haze forecasted across Thailand’s provinces
The Meteorological Department has forecasted thunderstorms in 12 provinces, affecting 20% of the area. Northern Thailand is experiencing high temperatures and haze, with Bangkok expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius (°C) today, March 23. The low-pressure system over northern Thailand is increasing temperatures due to the weakening high-pressure system covering upper Thailand. This results in hot and hazy daytime conditions…
-
Bangkok to complete 1,000km of upgraded footpaths by 2026
Bangkok is stepping up its game, with major changes underway to improve the city’s footpaths and make them safer, more accessible, and better suited to local character. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is on track to deliver 1,000 kilometres of high-quality footpaths by 2026, and they’re already over 70% of the way there. Yesterday, Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, spokesperson for the BMA,…
-
Homeless man arrested for spray-painting Pattaya court sign
A homeless man has been arrested for spray-painting the Pattaya Provincial Court sign in a bizarre act of vandalism that has left local police scratching their heads. Yesterday, Pattaya police detained a 40 year old man, identified only as Weerasak, from Phichit province. He was accused of defacing the Pattaya Provincial Court sign, located on Thapphraya Road in South Pattaya.…
-
Education Ministry backs overseas summer camp for Thai students
The Ministry of Education is supporting the One District One Scholarship (ODOS) initiative, encouraging Mathayom 4 (Grade 10) students across Thailand to apply for the newly launched overseas summer camp programme. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, assistant to Education Minister Police General Permpoon Chidchob, explained that the summer camp aims to offer Thai students international exposure and prepare them for future ODOS higher…
-
Pattaya police bust drug den in deserted beer bar
Two homeless men broke down in tears after being caught red-handed with crystal meth in a derelict beer bar in a drug raid near one of the Pattaya’s busiest roads. The joint operation, conducted yesterday, March 21, was prompted by complaints from locals who reported homeless squatters allegedly using drugs inside the abandoned venue on Pattaya Second Road, just before…
-
Overnight water cuts to hit Phuket twice
Get your buckets ready – large parts of Phuket are set to run dry overnight as the island’s water authority warns of widespread supply cuts affecting homes and businesses across central areas. The Phuket branch of the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) has announced that water supply will be disrupted on two consecutive nights, tomorrow and Monday (March 23 and 24),…
-
Mall chaos: Bag frenzy sparks fight in Central Thailand
A chaotic scene unfolded outside the Central Westgate shopping centre in Bang Yai district, Nonthaburi province in Central Thailand, where a group became involved in a physical altercation over queuing spots for purchasing 300 limited edition branded bags. The incident prompted the police to intervene and halt sales for the day. Yesterday at 11pm, a reporter visited the site at the…
-
Phuket urges employers to boost worker protection
Phuket’s top officials are urging business owners to get serious about social security – or risk leaving their workers in the lurch and violating the law. The Phuket Social Security Office is pushing for greater awareness of its services and benefits, reminding employers that proper registration and contributions aren’t just red tape – they’re crucial financial lifelines for workers. The…
-
Tourist left bloodied in high-heel attack on Pattaya beach
A foreign tourist was left bloodied and dazed after being brutally attacked by a transgender woman wielding a high heel in front of stunned onlookers near Pattaya’s Walking Street in the early hours of today. The shocking brawl unfolded around 12.36am just metres from the entrance to the beachside nightlife strip. Witnesses say the violent outburst was unprovoked and played…
-
Heathrow blackout grounds THAI flights, chaos erupts
A massive power failure has plunged London’s Heathrow Airport into chaos, grounding flights and stranding passengers, with Thai travellers among the hardest hit. The meltdown began just after 11pm on Thursday, March 20, when a fire broke out at the North Hyde electrical substation in Hayes, West London. The blaze knocked out both primary and backup power supplies, crippling operations at…
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.