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 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....
-
Sattahip squad busts a gamble of gals in illegal gaming ring
Police in Sattahip arrested a group of Thai women for illegal gambling after receiving a tip-off from concerned citizens. The women were caught playing Pok Deng behind a local restaurant near the Bang Saray Night Market. Police responded immediately to the report and apprehended four women. Evidence seized at the scene included a deck of Pok Deng cards, 240 baht…
-
Dancing with danger: Burlesque star’s dengue drama in Thailand
In a terrifying testimony, a US burlesque dancer backpacking with her husband revealed her horrifying brush with death after contracting dengue fever while exploring Thailand. Paisley Peach, a globetrotter from Boulder, Colorado, alongside 31 year old husband Julian De Prince, faced their worst fears when a ferocious swarm of mosquitoes struck during their dream adventure in Southeast Asia. The couple’s…
-
Hippo hooray! Sisaket zoo celebrates new exotic addition
Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park Zoo in Sisaket yesterday joyfully welcomed a new member to its family of exotic animals—a hippopotamus calf. Veterinarians have not yet determined the gender of the calf, as the protective mother is keeping them at a distance from her newborn conceived at 6am, yesterday, October 13. Following the announcement of the calf’s birth, the zoo experienced…
-
31 Thai university students injured in Nakhon Pathom bus accident
A coach bus driver crashed into a 12-wheel truck carrying pigs on Phet Kasem Road in the central province of Nakhon Pathom yesterday, October 14, leaving 31 university students injured. Officers from Mueang Nakhon Pathom Police Station investigated the accident at about 6.45pm, along with rescuers from the Suksalanukroh Nakhon Pathom Foundation. The windscreen of the bus was shattered and…
-
Phuket couple face charges after daughter suffers fractured skull
A couple in Phuket is facing serious charges after their two year old daughter was discovered unconscious with a fractured skull, the result of a horrific beating. Investigating officers revealed that both parents tested positive for drugs, adding to the grim nature of this tragic case. A concerned neighbour, alarmed by the ongoing abuse, called emergency services to the family’s…
-
Party poopers: Bang Lamung police arrest two men in drug bust
In a dramatic late-night raid, Bang Lamung police arrested two Thai men after a tip-off revealed an audacious plan to deliver a massive haul of drugs to local pool villa parties. The operation unfolded around 11pm yesterday, October 14, leading to the detention of 29 year olds Aree Watanasuksawat and Supap Phahonpaet, who are now under suspicion of distributing a…
-
The breast cancer-fighting food that big pharma doesn’t want you to know about
When it comes to preventing breast cancer, many of us focus on regular screenings and medical treatments. But there’s something simple and natural that can also play a role in the fight against breast cancer: the food on your plate. One food, in particular, has been gaining attention for its potential cancer-fighting benefits, it’s cruciferous vegetables. Think broccoli, Brussels sprouts,…
-
Thailand retains 10th spot in Asia Power Index 2024
Thailand maintained its position as the tenth most powerful and influential country in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the Asia Power Index 2024 released by the Lowy Institute. Scoring 19.8 points, Thailand gained 1.1 points from last year but remains in the same ranking as in 2023. The Lowy Institute praised Thailand for its cultural influence and economic relationships, where it…
-
Woman arrested in Nakhon Ratchasima for fake shooting threats
A woman in Nakhon Ratchasima was arrested for posting fake shooting threats at a local mall in a spree of Facebook posts pretending to be a young man plotting the heinous acts. She cited stress and unemployment as reasonings for the hoax messages. Identified by police only as Bang-on, the 31 year old woman was apprehended at her residence in…
-
Thai worker killed by leftover ammunition in Israeli orchard
The explosion in northern Israel that claimed the life of 42 year old Thai worker Nisan Meerum, prompted the Ministry of Labour to extend its condolences and seek answers from the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) regarding the deployment of Thai labourers in a closed military zone. Israeli government officials and the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv reported the…
-
Pheu Thai confident on referendum despite double-majority dispute
The Pheu Thai Party remains optimistic that the referendum on constitutional amendments will proceed early next year, despite disagreements regarding the double-majority requirement in the referendum bill. Sorawong Thienthong, Pheu Thai Party Secretary-General, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to holding the referendum in early 2025. The initial step involves ensuring that the amended bill successfully passes through Parliament in the coming…
-
Thailand to reassess state welfare card criteria amid wage hike
The Finance Ministry intends to reassess the eligibility criteria for state welfare cards in light of the planned minimum wage increase. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced that the ministry will conduct a review of the criteria next year, allowing new registrations for Thais who wish to apply for state welfare cards. The review aims to determine if the current…
-
Scottish tourist in Pattaya paranoid after mixing cannabis and meds
A 55 year old Scottish tourist sparked concern at a Pattaya hotel after exhibiting erratic behaviour, believed to be linked to excessive cannabis and prescription medication use. Around 12.38pm yesterday, October 13, Pattaya police responded to a report from hotel staff regarding a foreign female guest acting irrationally at a hotel on Jomtien Beach Road. Upon arrival, officers encountered Tracy,…
-
Short changed: Bolt rider stunned by unexpected 2 baht fare
A Bolt rider received a surprising fare of only 2 baht from a customer, leaving both parties bewildered. The incident occurred recently when a Facebook user shared their experience in the Facebook group Bolt Drivers Thailand. The post revealed that the fare displayed on the app was indeed 2 baht, causing the rider to feel awkward when asked about the…
-
Former officer arrested for embezzling 10 million baht
A former special operations officer from the Department of Corrections accused of embezzling 10 million baht from government funds has been arrested. The suspect, identified as 36 year old Pornchai Paripreecha was arrested at a barbecue restaurant in Nong Khai while allegedly waiting for his wife to bring him cash. Police Major General Montree Teskhan, head of the Crime Suppression…
-
Controversy at Bang Saen Beach over ice truck intrusion
A dispute erupted at Bang Saen Beach in Chon Buri when a municipal officer ordered tourists to move for an ice delivery truck driving on the beach, claiming he was the mayor’s son. The incident sparked public outrage and led to a heated exchange. Tourists enjoying their long holiday weekend at Bang Saen Beach were interrupted by a pickup truck…
-
Thailand issues weather warning for heavy rain in 40 provinces
Thailand’s Meteorological Department issued another serious weather warning for 40 provinces, urging residents, especially in Bangkok, its surrounding areas, the southern region, and the eastern region, to prepare for heavy rainfall affecting up to 70% of these regions. The TMD forecasts that in the next 24 hours, easterly and southeasterly winds will bring moisture from the South China Sea and…
-
Mother and daughter escape machete attack by ex monk neighbour
A 52 year old mother and her daughter narrowly escaped a terrifying ordeal when a 23 year old neighbour, who was once a monk at a nearby temple, broke into their home with a machete after his romantic advances were rejected. The incident occurred yesterday evening, and the CCTV footage from the house in Makkhaeng subdistrict, Mueang district, Udon Thani…
-
Winning lottery numbers for October 16 spark excitement
Winning lottery numbers for the upcoming draw on October 16 have caught the attention of many, especially with a decade of historical data revealing interesting patterns. The Government Lottery Office will announce the results at their prize announcement building on Nonthaburi Road, Sanambinnam, Nonthaburi Province. Historical data from October 16, spanning 2014 to 2023, has shown some notable trends. For…
-
Van collides with truck, injuring multiple passengers in Thailand
A passenger van collided with an 18-wheel truck, causing significant damage and injuring multiple passengers. Officials are urgently assisting, suspecting the driver fell asleep. Police are investigating to uncover the truth. Early this morning, rescue services from Hook 31, Nakhon Ratchasima, were alerted to an accident involving a passenger van and an 18-wheel truck on the Mittraphap-Khon Kaen road. The…
-
Phuket faces fire risk from unspent firecrackers after festival
Phuket City Municipality officials are addressing the fire hazard posed by unspent firecrackers at the landfill in Saphan Hin following this year’s Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Large quantities of firecracker waste were collected after daily street processions and shrine activities during the festival, according to Phuket City Deputy Mayor Suphot La-ongphet. When strips of firecrackers were ignited, not all detonated, leaving…
-
Man storms dormitory, attacks with sword over estranged wife
A 19 year old man stormed a dormitory in search of his 17 year old wife and, seeing a distressing scene, grabbed a sword and attacked, injuring two people. He claimed they had been together for a long time and had a two year old child, hoping to bring her back home. At 1am yesterday, Ekachalit Seesan, Deputy Inspector at…
-
Woman falls to death from fifth floor in Bangkok mall
A tragic incident occurred when a woman fell from the fifth floor of a prominent shopping mall in central Bangkok. Despite the efforts of emergency responders performing CPR, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are conducting an investigation. At 9.30pm yesterday, October 12, Anucha, Deputy Inspector at Phahonyothin Police Station, received a report of a woman falling from…
-
Thailand braces for heavy rain and flash floods in 36 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe weather warning for 36 provinces, predicting continued heavy rainfall. Bangkok and the southern regions are expected to be significantly affected, with the latter facing an 80% chance of torrential rain. Citizens should be on high alert for potential flash floods and forest runoffs. The TMD forecast for the next 24 hours highlights…
-
Thai defence minister mandates legal reforms to protect soldiers
Phumtham Wechayachai, the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, has mandated legal reforms to protect conscripts and low-ranking soldiers, emphasising stricter enforcement against superior commanders who fail to address military misconduct. Following a Defence Council meeting yesterday, October 12, Defence Ministry spokesman Major General Thanathip Sawangsaeng revealed that Phumtham outlined a new framework for the online recruitment of soldiers, focusing…
-
Bangkok monorails test new systems after recent malfunctions
Operators of Bangkok’s Yellow and Pink monorail lines are actively testing redesigned guide wheel and conductor rail systems to prevent future malfunctions. This initiative follows recent incidents where a guide wheel fell from a Yellow Line train, damaging vehicles below, and a section of the Pink Line’s conductor rail fell causing similar damage. Eastern Bangkok Monorail Co (EBM) and Northern…
-
Thailand’s new scheme offers 400 baht to boost northern tourism
A new co-payment tourism promotion scheme aimed at revitalising the flood-affected northern region of Thailand will be presented to the Cabinet for approval, said Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong. Dubbed Travelling North Half-Half, the initiative will subsidise trips to the northern region later this year, offering up to 400 baht (US$12) per trip to 10,000 visitors. This scheme, proposed…
-
Three dead in southern Thailand floods, more heavy rain expected
Three people perished in flood-related incidents in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Yala yesterday as the southern border region braces for more rain, potential flash floods, and forest runoff. Two of the victims were in Phrom Khiri district, Nakhon Si Thammarat, where three tourists were caught off guard by forest runoff while visiting Wang Lung waterfall in the late afternoon. Heavy…
-
Man arrested for abusing disabled sister and children in Chumphon
A distressing incident unfolded in Chumphon province yesterday, where a man was arrested for allegedly abusing his disabled sister and three children. The man, Chai (pseudonym), was reported to have been under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the abuse. Village head Somphun Suwan received a call for help from a desperate older brother, who could…
-
Thai police crack down on SIM card fraud in nationwide operation
Thai police have launched Operation Bridge Burst to crack down on shops registering SIM cards for call centre scams nationwide, seizing a large number of items in the process. Yesterday, at the Royal Thai Police (RTP) headquarters, Kittirat Phunphech, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Technology Crime Suppression Centre (TCSC), along with Tatchai Pitaneelabut, Assistant…
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.