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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
-
Aussie tourist rescued after Phuket drowning scare at Racha Island
A dream trip to Phuket’s Racha Island nearly turned deadly for a young Aussie tourist after he was found unconscious in the water. Thanks to a rapid response by rescue teams and medics, the 22 year old man was revived with CPR and rushed to the hospital, narrowly escaping a tragic end to his holiday. Yesterday, May 6, at 2.28pm,…
-
Irishman arrested after late-night Pattaya bar brawl
It was a booze-fuelled brawl in the heart of Pattaya’s nightlife strip that left blood on the floor, staff in hospital, and an injured Irishman claiming he’s the real victim. At 3.19am today, May 7, the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre in Pattaya received a call about a violent altercation at a beer bar in Soi 6, off Pattaya Second Road.…
-
Female passenger steals taxi from Samut Prakan, flees towards Rayong
A female passenger stole a green and yellow taxi from a petrol station in the Bang Na area of Samut Prakan province today, May 7. She reportedly headed towards the eastern province of Rayong. The taxi driver, whose name was not disclosed, reported the theft to local police and JS100 Radio, hoping to enlist the help of other motorists in…
-
Bangkok’s SAO collapse sparks charges and corruption probe
The fallout from the deadly collapse of a State Audit Office (SAO) building in March is spiralling into a legal and political firestorm, with engineers, local officials, and shady foreign firms all under the microscope. The Metropolitan Police Bureau is preparing to file multiple charges against engineers and SAO officials responsible for the construction of the building, which came crashing…
-
Thai tourists tricked by scam travel agency, losing 5 million baht
A Thai man issued a warning to travel enthusiasts after he and his friends were tricked by a travel agency into purchasing a package tour to Pakistan, resulting in a loss of 240,000 baht. Numerous other victims have since come forward, with total losses estimated at around 5 million baht. The man shared details of the scam on his Facebook…
-
Fish from hell: Thai trucker KO’d by flying tuna in Samut Prakan
In a freak accident that sounds more like a scene from a slapstick comedy than real life, a Thai truck driver was left bloodied and bruised after a massive frozen 40-kilogramme tuna fell from the sky, straight onto his head. The bizarre incident happened around 12pm today, May 7, at Suphanawa Pier, Lock 6, in Songkhonong subdistrict, Phra Pradaeng district,…
-
30 homes in Samut Sakhon listed for sale due to structural issues
Following widespread concerns, a village in Tha Sai subdistrict, Mueang district, Samut Sakhon province, saw 30 houses being listed for sale due to numerous structural issues. The project identified reasons for the damage and pledged to address the situation promptly, explaining delays in resolution. Today, May 7, the Samut Sakhon provincial governor, Narit Niramaiwong, convened a meeting at the provincial…
-
Thai F-16s scramble as Myanmar fighter sparks panic
A Myanmar fighter jet triggered a tense military response this week after flying close to Thai airspace in Kanchanaburi province, prompting the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to deploy two F-16 fighter jets to intercept what was initially classified as an unidentified aircraft. But according to Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, the drama never truly crossed the line, literally. “The aircraft…
-
Burmese worker busted in Phuket for 1.1 million baht cash heist
A 23 year old Burmese worker has been arrested for stealing over 1.1 million baht from his employer’s home in Phuket. The Myanmar national, Nye Bo Thet, was arrested as part of a Cherng Talay Police crime suppression campaign running from May 1 to May 7. Police tracked the suspect down and nabbed him outside Building 92 of the Baan…
-
Police bust motorcycle theft ring, arrest three suspects
In the early hours of this morning, police apprehended a group involved in motorcycle theft and illegal sales across borders. The operation, led by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, resulted in the arrest of three suspects with existing warrants. Wuichai, also known as Kee, today, May 7, was captured on charges of night-time theft committed with an accomplice. The investigation…
-
Million-baht bounty: EC offers big cash for election snitching
With municipal elections looming, Thailand’s Election Commission announced it will offer cash rewards of up to 1 million baht for tip-offs leading to proof of election fraud. The move comes amid mounting concerns over vote-buying and irregularities in the lead-up to the May 11 polls, which will see mayoral and council seats contested in 76 provinces. The payouts are part…
-
Teen arrested after shooting incident over personal dispute
A teen suspect was arrested following a shooting incident involving 15 rounds, reportedly due to a personal dispute. The 19 year old suspect claimed self-defence, stating, “If we didn’t act, they would have,” following several previous altercations. The incident occurred when two people on a red PCX motorcycle, with an unidentified license plate, stopped and fired approximately 15 shots at the…
-
3.0 earthquake hits Nakhon Si Thammarat, prompts evacuations
An earthquake measuring 3.0 on the Richter scale struck Nakhon Si Thammarat at 5.31am today, May 7. Residents in several subdistricts reported feeling tremors, and some areas heard loud noises. Hospitals swiftly evacuated buildings while assessing potential damage. The Earthquake Observation Division of the Thai Meteorological Department detailed that the quake occurred at a depth of 1 kilometre in Sai…
-
Thai man cites niece’s alleged abuse in murder of her husband
Police arrested a Thai man for the murder of his niece’s husband at a durian plantation in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat. He confessed to taking revenge on behalf of his niece, who was repeatedly abused by her husband. Officers from Thasala Police Station responded to the death of 47 year old Thai man, Somchai, at the durian…
-
Another brawl on Soi Bangla: Drunk tourists throw punches
In yet another chaotic display of tourist mayhem, a video of a drunken street fight between foreign visitors on the notorious Soi Bangla has gone viral, raising fresh concerns over alcohol-fuelled violence in Thailand’s party capital. The footage, posted by Facebook user Kim Wan today, May 7, captures a short but intense scuffle between intoxicated tourists in the early hours…
-
Illegal cigarette network dismantled, 42 million baht fines issued
The Economic Crime Suppression Division, in collaboration with the Excise Department, dismantled a major international illegal cigarette trafficking network. Two Cambodian nationals, 35 year old Chiva Chuoy and 35 year old Nak Khoeun, were apprehended with 50,000 packs of illegal cigarettes, facing fines of up to 42 million baht (US$1.28 million). Yesterday, May 6, at 1.30pm, Police Major General Thasaphum…
-
Motorway crash in Chon Buri leaves three trapped in wreckage
A collision on a motorway resulted in a pickup truck crashing into the rear of a trailer truck, leaving three people trapped in the wreckage. Rescue teams were called to the scene, using hydraulic equipment to extricate the victims and transport them to the hospital. The incident occurred at 10.30pm yesterday, May 6, along the inbound lane of the motorway…
-
Fuel shock: Thailand hikes petrol and diesel tax as oil prices drop
Motorists across Thailand are bracing for higher fuel prices after the government officially announced a fresh hike in excise taxes on petrol and diesel, just as global oil prices are falling. The move was confirmed by a new ministerial regulation published in the Royal Gazette and will take effect from today, May 7. Issued by the Ministry of Finance, the regulation updates…
-
Law student hailed for saving child from drowning at Thai beach
A law student is being praised for saving a five year old girl from drowning at Had Kudeua beach in Mueang Ubon Ratchathani district. She expressed her joy in applying her training knowledge to save a life. Yesterday, May 6, at 1.30pm, Ubon Ratchathani’s emergency response centre received a report about a child drowning at the beach. The rescue team…
-
Pet cat shot with airsoft gun by neighbour amid noise dispute
A Thai woman is seeking justice for her pet cat after a neighbour nearly killed the animal by shooting it with an airsoft gun, allegedly in anger over her loud motorcycle engine. Officers from Mueang Udon Thani Police Station visited a house in the Sam Phrao sub-district, Mueang district, Udon Thani province, in the Isaan region, following a report of…
-
Troops foil vehicle smuggling at Tak province border
Troops from the Ratchamanu Task Force detained a vehicle smuggling operation at Tak province, as the suspects attempted to drive a stolen vehicle across the Moei River yesterday, May 6. Soldiers from the 433rd Company, part of the Ratchamanu Task Force, were conducting patrols and monitoring natural routes in Baan Muen Rue Chai, Phop Phra district, Tak province, when they…
-
Brazilian duo caught with 22 million baht cocaine at Bangkok airport
Thai Customs officials apprehended a Brazilian couple for attempting to smuggle cocaine valued at over 22 million baht. Between October 1 last year and yesterday, May 6, customs has handled 140 cases, seizing drugs worth a total of approximately 800 million baht. Yesterday, Pantong Loykulnanta, advisor on development and tax collection and Government spokesperson for the Customs Department, highlighted the…
-
Hash and grab: Russian busted after smuggling drugs in condom
A dopey Russian drug peddler has been busted on the party island of Koh Pha Ngan after cops uncovered a stash of narcotics, including hashish he smuggled into Thailand by swallowing it in condoms. The Russian suspect, Denis Bichuk, was caught red-handed outside a convenience store in the Maduawan area yesterday, May 6, looking nervous, sweaty and downright dodgy. When…
-
Thai man fatally stabs wife after discovering she was a prostitute
A Thai man fatally stabbed his wife on a road in the central province of Chai Nat, after discovering that she was offering sex services. Rescuers from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation rushed to assist the 39 year old Thai woman, Phatcharin, after receiving a report of the stabbing at around 8.30am today, May 7. She was found lying on the…
-
Transport Ministry plans mixed-use development at Bangkok port
The Ministry of Transport will embark on a development project for the Khlong Toei port area, with plans for a mixed-use development on a 520-rai plot. The initiative, discussed in a meeting chaired by Deputy Transport Minister Monporn Charoensri yesterday, May 6, aims to maximise the utility of the Bangkok port area. Four subcommittees have made progress in various areas,…
-
Fire devastates solar battery storage in Ayutthaya home
A fire engulfed a battery storage room for solar panels, with the cause yet to be determined. The homeowner’s son reported hearing several explosions. Emergency services promptly extinguished the flames, preventing the spread to nearby homes. At 5.30pm yesterday, May 6, the 191 emergency centre of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Police received a report of a fire at a…
-
Bangkok housing projects plummet, campus condos rise this year
LWS, a subsidiary of L.P.N. Development, reported a significant decline in new housing projects in Bangkok and its surrounding areas during the first quarter of 2025. The number of new projects and their value dropped by more than 50%. In contrast, campus condominiums have seen growth. The company hopes government measures to reduce fees will stimulate the market in the…
-
Thai man wanted for rape of stepdaughter in Bangkok
A debauched Thai man is on the run after raping his stepdaughter and physically assaulting the girl when she refused to engage in a threesome with him and her biological mother. The 19 year old victim and her mother met social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet yesterday, May 6, to seek assistance. The woman stated that her daughter had been…
-
Drunk driver leaves Phetchabun woman bedridden and bankrupt
A 40 year old woman in Phetchabun has been bedridden for four months following a car accident caused by a drunk driver, with no progress in her legal case. She has exhausted her savings on medical expenses and now faces financial hardships. The incident occurred on January 18 in Bueng Sam Phan district, Phetchabun province, when 40 year old Namphueng…
-
Don’t panic: Blaring phone alerts hit Thailand in disaster drill
Don’t panic if your phone blares out an emergency alert this week—it’s not the end of the world, just a test. Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) is stepping up its game in disaster preparedness with a nationwide trial of its Cell Broadcast warning system. The tests, rolled out in three phases across May, aim to ensure the…
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.