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....

  • Man arrested for exploiting Big Joke’s name to lure and rape woman

    Man arrested for exploiting Big Joke’s name to lure and rape woman

    A Thai man was arrested by the police for using the name of Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), to entice female party entertainers to work for him before allegedly raping them. A Thai party entertainer named Aom reported to the media and police on Tuesday, April 25 that she had been raped…

  • Thai police official and daughter fall victim to cyber fraud, losing 2 million baht

    Thai police official and daughter fall victim to cyber fraud, losing 2 million baht

    A former police official and his daughter report a recent cyber fraud case where their bank account was drained of 2 million baht. Yesterday, Suthep, a 65 year old former director of Klongtan Police Station, and his 30 year old daughter, Suthinika, owner of a bakery business in the Lat Phrao area, reported the incident to Naphaporn Rakphichai, an officer…

  • US Navy carrier strike group visits Thailand, emphasises free and open Indo-Pacific

    US Navy carrier strike group visits Thailand, emphasises free and open Indo-Pacific

    The US Navy‘s Nimitz Carrier Strike Group recently expressed readiness to operate in any region of the “free and open Indo-Pacific”, according to the spokesman for the group, which is currently visiting Thailand. The strike group commenced its 11-month patrol mission in the US 7th Fleet area of operations last November, participating in drills with Japan, South Korea, and the…

  • FAD to build national museum in Khlong Luang: Over 100,000 artefacts to be accommodated

    FAD to build national museum in Khlong Luang: Over 100,000 artefacts to be accommodated

    The Fine Arts Department (FAD) announced plans to construct a national museum in the Khlong Luang district of Pathum Thani, which will include a warehouse to accommodate over 100,000 artefacts. Phanombootra Chandrajoti, the director-general of FAD, revealed that the warehouse would house Thailand’s largest database of artefacts, and the museum would be the first in the nation to adhere to…

  • Myanmar migrants arrested for illegally crossing into Thailand

    Myanmar migrants arrested for illegally crossing into Thailand

    Forty-two job seekers from Myanmar were detained after crossing the border illegally into Sangkhla Buri district late Wednesday night, according to Thai authorities. The group was discovered following an alert in a forested area close to Song Kalia village, in Tambon Nong Lu. However, the individuals had fled the scene by the time officers arrived. Subsequently, the informant advised that…

  • Thai appeals court reverses acquittal in lese majeste case over offensive Facebook comment

    Thai appeals court reverses acquittal in lese majeste case over offensive Facebook comment

    The Thai Appeals Court overturned a previous ruling yesterday, convicting an individual on charges of lese majeste relating to comments deemed offensive towards the monarchy. The defendant, identified only as Wutthipat, was found guilty by the Appeals Court of violating Section 112 of the Criminal Code, according to the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. The judges determined that Wutthipat’s comment…

  • Chiang Mai’s Mae Chaem district communities granted forest living rights

    Chiang Mai’s Mae Chaem district communities granted forest living rights

    Over 300,000 rai of reserved forest land in the Mae Chaem district in Chiang Mai now has secured living rights for local communities, according to a senior official at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The communities have been identified as a successful model by the Department of Royal Forest, due to their compliance with a cabinet resolution from…

  • Covid-19 cases surge in Thai tourism hotspots post-holidays

    Covid-19 cases surge in Thai tourism hotspots post-holidays

    Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has urged health authorities in major tourism destinations to closely monitor the number of Covid-19 cases, as new infections continue to surge following the holidays. The instruction came after the Department of Disease Control (DDC) presented data on caseloads from April 16 to 22, indicating a rise in Covid infections. The prime minister is particularly concerned…

  • Today’s weather forecast: Northern region warned of thunderstorms and strong winds

    Today’s weather forecast: Northern region warned of thunderstorms and strong winds

    Today, the Meteorological Department issued a 24-hour weather forecast for Thailand, indicating that a combination of southerly winds and southeasterly winds will bring moisture from the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea. Covering Northern Thailand, the region will experience weakening strength, leading to scattered thunderstorms and strong wind gusts in some areas. Residents in the north are advised…

  • 36 year old Thai woman accused of premeditated cyanide serial killings and theft

    36 year old Thai woman accused of premeditated cyanide serial killings and theft

    The prime suspect in the cyanide serial killings, 36 year old Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, is accused of premeditated murder and property theft by administering cyanide poison. The case has gained significant attention since it has been suspected to be linked to over ten fatalities so far. Dr Weerachai Phutdhawong, more commonly known as Dr Aod, a full-time lecturer in the…

  • NHRC urges end to conscript servant practice in Thai army within 90 days

    NHRC urges end to conscript servant practice in Thai army within 90 days

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Thailand has declared that the longstanding practice of using conscripts as servants by Royal Thai Army (RTA) officers constitutes a human rights violation. The NHRC has urged the Defence Ministry to put an end to this practice within 90 days. During a press conference, NHRC commissioner Wasan Paileeklee shared that the commission has…

  • Thailand’s cyanide serial killer claims another life, 14 victims so far

    Thailand’s cyanide serial killer claims another life, 14 victims so far

    The Police Forensic Science Office has announced today that the number of victims of the Thai cyanide serial killer has risen to 14, with 13 fatalities. Of the 13 murdered victims, one person managed to survive after being poisoned by Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn. Police officers added they discovered cyanide substances in Am’s car. Yesterday, the Police Forensic Science Office discovered…

  • Man believes his pet python is a reincarnated naga and brings it to temple for blessings

    Man believes his pet python is a reincarnated naga and brings it to temple for blessings

    At the extraordinary Tham Tararam Temple in Rayong’s city district, an intriguing event occurred, leaving visitors in awe. A 52 year old man named Prasert, known for his extraordinary talents in driving his soil-covered vehicle, came to the temple to make merit with his snake friend, attracting the attention of other individuals as well. Prasert explained that his 2 year…

  • Drug addict arrested for assaulting, raping his mother in Bangkok

    Drug addict arrested for assaulting, raping his mother in Bangkok

    Police arrested a violent drug addict at a condominium in Bangkok for assaulting and raping his mother over several years. The mother’s employer and the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive helped the victim seek justice. The employer of the 69 year old reported the incident to Saimai Survive on Tuesday, April 25, and the organisation came to the aid of the…

  • Chatu Mongol Sonakul to lead new Thai Chana Party into historic election

    Chatu Mongol Sonakul to lead new Thai Chana Party into historic election

    The Thai Chana Party was officially launched yesterday, with Chatu Mongol Sonakul being nominated as its sole prime ministerial candidate. Party leader Jakkraphong Chuenduang, joined by other members, conducted a shrine installation ceremony at the party’s new operations centre on Pradiphat Road. After the ceremony, campaign vehicles were dispatched to traverse Bangkok. Established in 2021, the party plans to field…

  • War weapons and drugs found in wreckage of fatal crash in Thailand

    War weapons and drugs found in wreckage of fatal crash in Thailand

    A bus and a pickup truck collided in Lop Buri province in central Thailand this morning, killing three people and injuring seven more. Police were shocked to find a stash of drugs, weapons, and ammunition inside the pickup. Officers from Khok Samrong Police Station were informed of a serious crash along the Phahonyothin Road in Moo 12 in Huay Pong…

  • Neighbour’s heroics save 2 year old from near-fatal fall in Chon Buri

    Neighbour’s heroics save 2 year old from near-fatal fall in Chon Buri

    A quick-thinking, fleet-footed neighbour helped rescue a two year old girl just in time as she fell from the second floor roof of her house in Chon Buri. Luckily, the child only suffered mild injuries. The 34 year old woman who saved her, Piyanut Suphatsorn, spoke to Channel 7 about the heroic incident on Sunday, April 23. She said she…

  • Russian teacher falls to death from shopping mall car park

    Russian teacher falls to death from shopping mall car park

    A Russian teacher jumped from the roof of a car park at a major shopping mall this morning in Phuket. He was pronounced dead at the scene. At 8.39am, officers at Wichit Police Station were informed that a foreigner had fallen from the car park at a shopping mall in the Mueang district. Police rushed to the scene with doctors from…

  • Thai lottery predictions: Discover prominent numbers for May 2 draw

    Thai lottery predictions: Discover prominent numbers for May 2 draw

    On May 2, several notable lottery numbers have been circulating, generating a buzz amongst those hoping to strike it rich. This article highlights seven noteworthy incidents and sources of these numbers. Numerology enthusiasts have turned to the birth and death dates of the revered monk Luang Por Joy in search of lottery tips. Born on April 3, 1942, and passing…

  • Singer Prang Prangthip shares lottery tips and special numbers for fans

    Singer Prang Prangthip shares lottery tips and special numbers for fans

    In recent times, the talented singer Prang Prangthip has gained much attention not only for her melodious voice but also for her ability to predict lottery numbers. As lottery enthusiasts await the upcoming Thai government lottery draw to be held on Tuesday, May 2, the young singer continues to offer her predictions, which fans eagerly analyse. In addition, Prang has…

  • Taxi manager vandalises app-based cab driver’s car near Pattaya Walking Street

    Taxi manager vandalises app-based cab driver’s car near Pattaya Walking Street

    A Thai app-based cab driver filed a complaint with the police after the manager of a taxi and baht bus company damaged his car near Pattaya Walking Street in the early hours of this morning. The victim, 25 year old Adisak Rachom, filed a complaint at Mueang Pattaya Police Station at 1am of today. Adisak said the incident occurred after…

  • Vet in Thailand removes 21 pebbles from ‘Jelly’ the pet frog’s belly

    Vet in Thailand removes 21 pebbles from ‘Jelly’ the pet frog’s belly

    A Thai woman took her pet Budgett’s frog “Jelly” to see a vet in Bangkok, Thailand, after she found it looking fatter than usual. An x-ray revealed that the frog ate 21 pebbles and was in some serious trouble. Yesterday, Chulalongkorn University’s Veterinary Medical Aquatic Animals Research Centre (VMARC) posted a series of photos of Jelly’s ordeal on Facebook. VMARC…

  • Motorist goes viral for hanging bags of durian on car to avoid smell

    Motorist goes viral for hanging bags of durian on car to avoid smell

    A witty motorist attracted attention when they drove around town with bags of durian hanging from their car. The curious incident was caught on camera by another driver who shared the footage on social media. The clip quickly went viral, with netizens amused by the driver’s ingenuity in keeping the famously aromatic fruit outside the vehicle while on the move.…

  • Kind Pattaya motorcycle taxi rider returns tourist’s wallet with 13,000 baht

    Kind Pattaya motorcycle taxi rider returns tourist’s wallet with 13,000 baht

    While there are many complaints about drivers and motorcycle taxi riders in Thailand, sometimes, acts of kindness make headlines too. A kind Pattaya motorcycle taxi rider returned a forgotten wallet containing over 13,700 baht in cash to an American tourist. The rider, Nonglak Prakobsap returned the wallet in the early hours of yesterday at 4am. Nonglak spotted the black wallet…

  • Bangkok court fines man 1,000 baht for punching ‘master complainer’ Srisuwan

    Bangkok court fines man 1,000 baht for punching ‘master complainer’ Srisuwan

    UPDATE A court in Bangkok, Thailand, ruled yesterday that the man who physically assaulted “master complainer” Srisuwan Janya last year must pay a fine of 1,000 baht. Srisuwan, however, demands 1 million baht in compensation. The attack came after Srisawan accused Nose Udom – the nation’s favourite comedian – of violating the law with the anti-governmental standup sketches on his…

  • Bank of Thailand predicts 28 million foreign tourists this year

    Bank of Thailand predicts 28 million foreign tourists this year

    The Bank of Thailand (BoT) predicts that the Land of Smiles will see 28 million tourists this year. The BoT’s governor, Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, said the BoT expects a 3.6% expansion in the gross domestic product (GDP) for this year. The BoT predicts a GDP growth of 2.9% in the first half of this year from the same period last year,…

  • Thai Nationals evacuated from Sudan crisis arrive in Saudi Arabia, await repatriation

    Thai Nationals evacuated from Sudan crisis arrive in Saudi Arabia, await repatriation

    The first group of 82 Thai nationals, who have fled the ongoing turmoil in Sudan, arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia yesterday morning. They are awaiting repatriation to Thailand by the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) today, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The RTAF dispatched three aircraft – two C-130s and an Airbus…

  • Man is heartbroken after boyfriend steals over 200,000 baht of gold accessories

    Man is heartbroken after boyfriend steals over 200,000 baht of gold accessories

    A Thai man filed a complaint with the police in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok yesterday after his boyfriend stole over 200,000 baht of gold accessories. The victim, a 69 year old man named Songchai “Noobird” Maicharoen, allowed reporters from Channel 3 to visit his house to conduct an interview regarding the theft case. The house of the alleged thief’s…

  • 3 words banned at Thailand’s airports

    3 words banned at Thailand’s airports

    Unless you want to land yourself a prison sentence and a hefty fine, there are three words you should avoid saying in Thai airports and during flights, warns Airports of Thailand (AOT). AOT took to Facebook yesterday to remind passengers of their policy of what is unacceptable to say and do in an airport following the controversy caused by a…

  • RTA lieutenant general accused of assault, illicit drug use during sexual encounter with man

    RTA lieutenant general accused of assault, illicit drug use during sexual encounter with man

    Investigations are underway at Sadao Police Station in Songkhla, regarding the alleged illicit drug use and assault by a Royal Thai Army (RTA) army lieutenant general while engaging in sexual activities with another man. The authorities have issued a summons for the lieutenant general to be questioned about these allegations. Police officials interviewed the alleged victim, identified solely as Nut.…