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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    How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?

    Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....

  • Bomb explosion in Narathiwat kills ranger, injures five

    Bomb explosion in Narathiwat kills ranger, injures five

    An explosion in the Si Sakhon district of Narathiwat province resulted in the death of a 27 year old paramilitary ranger, Amru Sama-ae, and injuries to five others. The incident occurred at 8.50pm yesterday, June 14, when unidentified people detonated a bomb targeting the 4916 paramilitary ranger patrol (mobile unit) at the Sri Banphot subdistrict’s bridge area. The fatality was…

  • Heavy rain forecast in northern and southern Thailand

    Heavy rain forecast in northern and southern Thailand

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted that heavy rain is expected in two regions tomorrow, with a 70% likelihood due to the landfall of Typhoon Vutip. This has resulted in a moderate southwest monsoon affecting Thailand. Northern Thailand will experience heavy rainfall in some areas, while the south will see thunderstorms in certain parts. Residents in northern Thailand are…

  • Chiang Mai lottery frenzy over Thai star and plane crash numbers

    Chiang Mai lottery frenzy over Thai star and plane crash numbers

    Lottery enthusiasts in Chiang Mai are flocking to purchase tickets featuring popular numbers associated with the late singer Pumpuang Duangjan and the recent plane crash in India. The numbers are selling out quickly at various lottery stalls across the city. Pannee Lupu-ngern, a lottery vendor on Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road in Saraphi district, revealed that numbers related to Pumpuang, who passed…

  • Phichit governor probes school insurance scam at children centre

    Phichit governor probes school insurance scam at children centre

    The governor of Phichit province in northern Thailand has ordered an investigation into an insurance fraud case involving a supposed agent deceiving parents at schools and child development centres. The parents were led to believe they had secured accident insurance for their children, but the money was never forwarded to the insurance company. This came to light following an incident…

  • Russian woman arrested in Phuket for illegal medical practice

    Russian woman arrested in Phuket for illegal medical practice

    Phuket’s tourist police have detained a 33 year old Russian woman for practising medicine without a licence. She allegedly offered injectable treatments to both Thais and foreigners across Phuket, promoting her services online. Police Colonel Narapon Wattanakorntawee, commander of the Tourist Police Division 3, instructed investigators to apprehend the Russian national, Viktoriia Freimark. The arrest followed complaints received by Police…

  • Thailand brushes off Cambodia’s border threat as tensions simmer

    Thailand brushes off Cambodia’s border threat as tensions simmer

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has downplayed Cambodia’s threat to stop importing Thai goods amidst escalating border tensions, asserting that Thailand has yet to implement any measures to cut electricity or Internet supplies to its neighbour. Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen recently accused Thailand of preparing to cut essential services along the border, which could include halting electricity and Internet connections.…

  • Cambodian rush at Sa Kaeo border amid closure fears

    Cambodian rush at Sa Kaeo border amid closure fears

    The permanent Ban Klong Luek Border Crossing in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, experienced congestion as many Cambodians hurried back to their country fearing a sudden border closure. Sa Kaeo Governor Parinya Phothisat visited the site to observe the situation and assured that the border will not close. Yesterday, June 13, a large number of Cambodians formed long queues at…

  • Airline service charges set to rise at 6 Thai airports this October

    Airline service charges set to rise at 6 Thai airports this October

    In a move that will impact passengers at six key airports, the Department of Airports (DoA) has announced an increase in passenger service charges (PSC) for both domestic and international departures. Starting October 1, the domestic charge will rise from 50 baht to 75 baht per person, while the international charge will jump from 400 baht to 425 baht per…

  • PM Paetongtarn calls for proactive diplomacy to boost economy

    PM Paetongtarn calls for proactive diplomacy to boost economy

    In a bold call for action, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has urged Thai diplomats around the world to take a more proactive approach to support the country’s economy, navigate shifting global dynamics, and maintain peace in the region. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 annual meeting of Thai heads of missions in Bangkok, Paetongtarn outlined clear strategies for…

  • Koh Larn registers 158 businesses in accommodation crackdown

    Koh Larn registers 158 businesses in accommodation crackdown

    To clean up Koh Larn’s rapidly expanding accommodation sector, Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharapat Srithanyanon announced the successful registration of unlicensed guesthouses and rentals on the popular tourist island. The crackdown, which aims to bring unregulated businesses into compliance, promises to improve transparency and foster sustainable development in the region. “Koh Larn has become a major destination for both Thai…

  • SAO collapse: Final suspect turns himself in for prosecution

    SAO collapse: Final suspect turns himself in for prosecution

    The investigation into the catastrophic collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building has taken a dramatic turn, with the final suspect in the case now facing prosecution. Chinese national Wu Bing Lin, also known by the Thai name Chanchai Rungrotthanacharoen, turned himself in to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on Thursday, June 12, marking a significant step in…

  • Pattaya to revamp entertainment zones and taxi system

    Pattaya to revamp entertainment zones and taxi system

    To modernise and better serve the ever-growing number of tourists flocking to Pattaya, Bang Lamung district has unveiled major plans to overhaul its zoning regulations for entertainment venues and completely restructure the motorbike taxi system. This ambitious initiative was announced at a meeting chaired by District Chief Patcharapat Sritanyanon at the Takian Tia Municipal Office, attended by government leaders and…

  • Let it rain: Heavy downpours to drench Thailand

    Let it rain: Heavy downpours to drench Thailand

    Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted heavy rainfall for today across 44 provinces, with the northeast and eastern regions expecting the heaviest downpours. Residents are urged to anticipate potential flash floods and forest runoffs, especially in hilly areas and low-lying regions. Heavy rains are predicted for the northeast and east. Rain is expected in 51 provinces, with a 60% chance…

  • Thai singer shares connection to Air India crash survivor

    Thai singer shares connection to Air India crash survivor

    A Thai singer, who survived a plane crash in Surat Thani in 1998, revealed that he once sat in the same seat number as the British survivor of the recent Air India crash. The singer, Ruangsak “James” Loychusak, took to his Facebook page, Jamesruangsak, to comment on the Air India crash near Ahmedabad, India, which occurred today, June 13. In…

  • Thai government backs new AI law to boost investment

    Thai government backs new AI law to boost investment

    The government has expressed readiness to endorse the current draft of principles for the artificial intelligence (AI) law, aiming to ensure uniform regulations for AI developers and service providers. The principles are designed to foster rather than deter investment. These principles address safety standards for AI systems, data management for AI development, and risk levels concerning personal data. Wisit Wisitsora-at,…

  • Thai man’s mysterious skin blisters revealed as ‘skin worms’

    Thai man’s mysterious skin blisters revealed as ‘skin worms’

    A shocking Facebook post showing a man’s hand covered in painful, pus-like blisters has left many people guessing, only for doctors to reveal the bizarre cause: skin worm larvae, also known as Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM). The unusual condition, often referred to as “skin worms,” is caused by hookworm larvae that typically come from animals like dogs and cats, especially…

  • Flying truck wheel strikes car and injures doctor in Udon Thani

    Flying truck wheel strikes car and injures doctor in Udon Thani

    A Thai female doctor sustained minor injuries after a wheel detached from a truck and struck her car on a road in the Isaan province of Udon Thani yesterday, June 12. Officers from Mueang Udon Thani Police Station coordinated with a rescue team to assist the 44 year old doctor, identified only as Eng, on the Friendship Highway. Eng told…

  • Phuket pushes for gender equality with vibrant pride events

    Phuket pushes for gender equality with vibrant pride events

    Phuket is taking bold steps towards inclusivity and gender equality with a major seminar and a packed Pride Month programme. Yesterday, June 12, the Phuket Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office hosted a seminar titled Our World is Equal: Awareness, Awareness, Awareness of Gender Equality (Pride for All) at the Seabed Grand Hotel in Wichit. Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai, who…

  • Major disruptions as Krungthai, GSB, SCB announce maintenance

    Major disruptions as Krungthai, GSB, SCB announce maintenance

    Millions of customers across Thailand are bracing for significant service interruptions as three of the country’s biggest banks – Krungthai, Government Savings Bank (GSB), and Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) – prepare for extensive system maintenance. The planned outages will affect online banking, ATMs, mobile applications, and payment services, leaving many customers scrambling to complete transactions ahead of the disruptions. Krungthai…

  • Pattaya launches new emergency medical training initiative

    Pattaya launches new emergency medical training initiative

    To enhance safety and attract more investment, Pattaya is rolling out a new emergency medical system project that aims to reassure both tourists and investors. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet recently welcomed Paisan Konjampa, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM), along with his team, to discuss the details of this exciting initiative. The NIEM team highlighted Pattaya’s status…

  • New compensation policy for wild elephant attacks in Thailand

    New compensation policy for wild elephant attacks in Thailand

    The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has updated its financial assistance policy for those affected by wild elephant attacks, with a maximum payout of 500,000 baht. This new guideline, effective immediately, is designed to ensure timely and transparent compensation, with approved funds transferred within five working days. Director-General Atthapol Charoenchansa announced yesterday, June 12, that the…

  • Tragic fall: Couple tumbles from bridge in northeast Thailand

    Tragic fall: Couple tumbles from bridge in northeast Thailand

    A man and woman plunged from a bridge at Huai Chan Waterfall in Khun Han district, Sisaket province, in northeast Thailand yesterday after an evening of drinking turned deadly. The couple, aged 38 and 36, suffered serious injuries, and while the man survived, the woman tragically died in the hospital. Emergency services responded quickly, arriving at the scene where locals…

  • Thailand video news | Air India jet crashes after takeoff in Ahmedabad, killing hundreds, MIFFest 2025 to screen 62 films from 48 countries in July

    Thailand video news | Air India jet crashes after takeoff in Ahmedabad, killing hundreds, MIFFest 2025 to screen 62 films from 48 countries in July

    Today’s top stories in Thailand include a violent incident involving a security guard and two young boys, a 40-million-baht student visa scam tied to Chinese mafia networks, and an unsettling underwear-sniffing case caught on CCTV. Environmental concerns mount with toxic red dust seized at Bangkok Port and worsening landfill odors in Phuket. Internationally, the tragic crash of an Air India…

  • Buddhist amulet saves Thai man from shooting in Bangkok restaurant

    Buddhist amulet saves Thai man from shooting in Bangkok restaurant

    A Thai businessman survived a shooting at a restaurant in Bangkok yesterday, June 12, after a Buddhist amulet he was wearing reportedly blocked a bullet from piercing his chest. Officers from Bang Khen Police Station responded to reports of gunfire at a restaurant on Phahonyothin Road in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district. Upon arrival, they found a chaotic scene, with tables…

  • Patient punches nurse in Nonthaburi hospital, cites disrespect

    Patient punches nurse in Nonthaburi hospital, cites disrespect

    Police immediately transferred a male patient from the hospital to a detention cell after he punched a nurse in the face on Wednesday, June 11, at Pranangklao Hospital in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. Excessive cannabis use is suspected to have played a role in the violent outburst. The assault occurred at around 2pm in front of the nurses’ counter on…

  • Chon Buri woman slashes wrist in despair, rescued

    Chon Buri woman slashes wrist in despair, rescued

    A 54 year old Thai woman in Chon Buri was left in despair, turning to self-harm after a series of financial setbacks left her and her partner destitute. Yesterday evening, June 12, the woman, whose identity is withheld for privacy, attempted to slash her wrist and arm with a broken soy sauce bottle at her rented home in Nong Prue,…

  • US State Department: Thailand safe for most, caution in south

    US State Department: Thailand safe for most, caution in south

    Thailand’s travel advisory has been updated, and the verdict is in: the country is generally safe for tourists. However, there are some areas where extra caution is recommended, particularly in the southern provinces due to ongoing civil unrest. The US State Department has placed Thailand on its “Level 1” advisory for most of the country, meaning “Exercise Normal Precautions.” This…

  • Police chase and escape of Bangkok taxi rider end in injury of passenger

    Police chase and escape of Bangkok taxi rider end in injury of passenger

    A traffic police officer chased an app-based motorcycle taxi rider who ran a red light, causing the female passenger to fall and suffer a head injury. The incident sparked mixed reactions online. The Facebook page, อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6, posted dashcam footage of the incident yesterday, June 12, stating the administrator’s opinions in the caption… “Both parties were at fault.…

  • British man found dead at sea after missing from yacht off Phuket

    British man found dead at sea after missing from yacht off Phuket

    A search team, yesterday, June 12, discovered the deceased body of a British man who went missing from his family’s private yacht off Phuket on June 8. The British national, 28 year old Endnaler Johnson, disappeared during a trip with four family members aboard a private yacht, De Mareft. The vessel was anchored approximately one kilometre off Cape Yamu in…

  • ‘Screw-up’ at Suvarnabhumi: Broken bolt brings escalator to a halt

    ‘Screw-up’ at Suvarnabhumi: Broken bolt brings escalator to a halt

    An escalator at Suvarnabhumi Airport gave travellers a fright this week when it suddenly ground to a halt — but no injuries were reported and engineers have already fixed the glitch. The malfunction occurred around 11pm on Wednesday, June 11, at an escalator linking the APM train station to the new SAT-1 terminal. A video clip of the incident quickly…