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 Top digital marketing and SEO agency: Why brands choose Convert Cake
A strong digital presence is a must for any business chasing market share and growth in this day and age. But turning that ambition into tangible results? That takes the right partner. And if you’ve been looking for a top...
-
Bangkok traffic: New automatic system launched to ease city congestion
As a strategic initiative aimed at improving vehicle movement, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) recently initiated an automatic traffic-management system. This pilot project focuses on optimising traffic across four significant roads within the capital city. Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok, divulged that the modern system is to be installed at 13 intersections on key city routes, counting Rama VI Road,…
-
Hotel Act concerns addressed by Thai Hotels Association due to government’s registration rules
The Thai Hotels Association (THA) has taken a positive step by welcoming the Ministry of Interior’s new regulations. These rules will now classify smaller accommodations that were operating before 2016 as hotels. This decision is expected to result in increased tax collection, providing additional income for the government. However, the proposal to exempt larger accommodation facilities from registration under the…
-
Boggle Boggle: Korean noodle pop-up store debuts in Thailand with K-drama experience
In a move influenced by the continued fascination with K-pop culture among Thai enthusiasts, ‘Boggle Boggle,’ a Korean noodle pop-up store reminiscent of the famed late-night food spots or vintage red tents frequently portrayed in South Korean TV dramas, has made its recent debut in Thailand. Hosting its grand opening on June 24, Boggle Boggle occupies a space on the…
-
Hydrogen program launched by Egco to cut CO2 emissions in the US
A significant advancement in the pursuit of cleaner energy took place recently, as Electricity Generating Plc (Egco), a subsidiary of the state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, launched a hydrogen program. This new initiative is set in the Linden Cogen thermal cogeneration plant’s 172-megawatt Unit 6, located in the US. The hydrogen fuel blending programme is part of a wider…
-
After 23 years, TikTok user finds her birth mother through Facebook
After a relentless, 23-year pursuit, a Thai TikTok user, known as @kualanut2543, finally found her birth mother. Today, the woman explained her long journey, carried by the hope of seeing her mother’s face for the first time despite her doubts about whether her mother would recognise her. Overcoming her fears, she made the move, opening her up to a whirlwind…
-
Phuket Peranakan festival dazzles, promotes sustainable tourism and local culture
In a resounding celebration of heritage and culture, over 1,000 people gathered for the Phuket Peranakan Festival‘s ‘Extravaganza Carnival’ grand parade. The sparkling event unfolded in the vintage vicinity of Phuket Old Town on a joyous Saturday evening. The iconoclastic carnival, the crown jewel of the three-day extravaganza, resulted in the closure of roads, culminating in a tremendous spectacle. The…
-
Decapitated body missing hands found floating off Thai islands
A man’s decapitated body, which was also missing its hands, was found floating off of Thailand‘s Koh Phi Phi islands. Krabi Marine Police were alerted to the grim discovery by the staff of Hat Nopparat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park on Saturday, according to Matichon. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, located approximately 500 metres west of…
-
Pattaya hotel rooftop sauna engulfed in flames
In Thailand’s eastern city of Pattaya, a hotel’s rooftop sauna was suddenly engulfed in flames at 10pm on Saturday. According to hotel staff, the sauna room was under renovation and had a sign prohibiting entry. However, some guests secretly used the room, resulting in an unexpected fire. The incident took place at a hotel located on Soi Arunothai, within the…
-
AIS urged to retract NBTC lawsuit amidst True-DTAC merger controversy
In an undisclosed revelation from employees within the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), it was indicated that Advanced Info Service (AIS) has been encouraged to retract its lawsuit against last year’s NBTC board resolution, which validated the amalgamation of True-DTAC. This lawsuit could potentially create complications for the commission when deliberating the ongoing acquisition of the fixed broadband service…
-
Mysterious death in jungle hut prompts investigation in Lampang province
In the early hours of yesterday morning, a tragic discovery was made in the district of Wang Nuea, Lampang province. A 48 year old man’s body was found lifeless in a hut in a dense jungle near the village. His death was mysterious, sparking an urgent response from local rescue workers, police from Wang Nuea station, and on-call physicians from Wang…
-
Pride month marketing sparks backlash amidst ‘Rainbow Washing’ claims
The marketing strategies utilised by companies throughout Pride Month have sparked criticism from LGBTQ+ rights advocates who accuse businesses of merely capitalising on Pride-themed merchandise but not backing the call for equal rights in real terms. This can refer to as “Rainbow Washing.” Nikki Phinyapincha, founder of TransTalents Consulting Group, claims that these businesses just incorporated Pride Month, which is…
-
Fatal handgun accident in Uthai Thani casts shadow over memorial preparations
A shocking incident unfolded in the early hours of this morning when a playful test of a handgun amongst friends took a fatal turn. A gathering at a residence in the Uthai Thani district descended into panic as one individual was fatally shot. The tragedy occurred amidst preparations for a religious ceremony. Despite immediate hospitalisation, the 38 year old victim’s…
-
Global Thai rice export forecast to surpass 8 million tonnes
The appeal for Thai rice continues to be significant globally, with both Indonesia and Bangladesh expressing their aspirations to buy the grain through G2G or government-to-government contracts. Ronnarong Phoolpipat, head of the Foreign Trade Department, stated that the immense global demand for Thai rice is likely to boost exports to surpass 8 million tonnes this year. The department has plans…
-
Phuket Airport tests security with a gunman simulation drill
Phuket International Airport on Friday became a hive of activity as it underwent a security drill in case of a gunman attack. A full-scale exercise of Phuket International Airport Emergency Plan (PEMEX 2023) was enacted, simulating an ‘active gunman’ scenario. The drill took place following the departure of the last domestic flight for the day and was conducted from 11pm…
-
Teenage student hospitalised after overdose amid bullying in southern Thailand
A tragic school bullying incident occurred yesterday as a 15 year old Thai female student consumed over 20 pills, a mix of sleeping tablets and paracetamol, resulting in her being rushed to Phatthalung Hospital in southern Thailand. The incident occurred in one of the schools in the Kuan Maprao City area, Phatthalung province. A student, named “A,” shared her dorm…
-
Former military officer accused of assaulting beer promoter in Nakhon Sawan restaurant (video)
A former military officer has been accused by a 20 year old beer promoter of physically assaulting her in a restaurant in Nakhon Sawan province, northern Thailand. The female worker, Susita Rachakit, who sustained injuries to her face, claims she was slapped and kicked by the man after he accused her of inappropriately touching him. It has been confirmed that…
-
Drought hits Thailand’s cassava yield, imports to fill shortfall predicted
A projected decrease in Thailand’s yield of cassava and its by-products from 11 million tonnes last year to an estimated 9 million tonnes this year has been attributed to drought conditions. This situation is further compounded by more farmers opting for sugar cane cultivation instead. Ronnarong Phoolpipat, director-general of the Foreign Trade Department, revealed that despite the drought-induced shortfall in…
-
PM spices things up: Saluting Thai restaurant’s thai-licious triumph in ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’
In a commendation to Thailand’s food and beverages sector, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed gratitude to two Thai restaurants which have made their mark on this year’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants listing. This prestigious list is crafted annually by the UK-based organisation William Reed Business Media. This year, two Bangkok-based restaurants were applauded for their culinary excellence. Placed at No.15…
-
Man with epilepsy dies after falling into Udon Thani canal during seizure
In a tragic event, a man suffering from epilepsy reportedly drowned after falling into a canal during a seizure. The unsettling event occurred in Udon Thani province, in northeast Thailand at a canal in Ban Bo Nam, Moo 7, Mu Mon municipality. The deceased, identified as 41 year old Chokchai Jandabao, was found lifeless in the canal by his wife…
-
Thailand poised to emulate Korean Wave’s success, Asia Video Summit reveals
In a foreseeable shift, Thailand is emerging as a hotbed for flourishing content on a scale reminiscent of the highly influential Korean Wave. Such a promising outlook was significantly echoed in the recently concluded Asia Video Summit 2023, organised by Asia Video Industry Association in Hong Kong. During this gathering, the attendees comprising 180 participants from 22 different nations engaged…
-
Miracle man: Thai doctors wave the white flag, but life waves back
An extraordinary incident unfolded in the Amnat Charoen province in northeast Thailand as a 63 year old man was revived after doctors had conceded defeat to his deteriorating health condition. After a final farewell ceremony was abruptly interrupted by the seemingly deceased man, he brought shocking news of his encounter with a long-dead friend in the wilderness. In a quiet…
-
Alleged hospital negligence in Buriram leads to patient’s agonising death: Daughter demands accountability
A case of alleged medical negligence has been brought to light in Buriram province with 39 year old Nunchida Chomchaiyaphum slamming a local hospital. The hospital’s reported disregard for the woman’s 58 year old mother’s declining health led to a fatal end after the patient endured agonising pain for over 40 hours. Nunchida said… “Even when I insisted several times…
-
Thai CSD captures kidnapping gang demanding 600,000 baht ransom in major sweep
In a major operation yesterday, led by the Crime Suppression Division’s (CSD) special weapons and tactics unit, four suspected gang members involved in kidnap cases were taken into custody across southern and northeastern Thailand. Beginning at 6am, a significant deployment of 80 members from the Hanuman taskforce initiated raids on eight distinct locations. These included three in Yala, four in…
-
Monk-inspired amulets fly off the shelves as locals hope for lottery success
Over 2,500 followers and fortune-seekers yesterday thronged Phatthanathammaram temple, also known as Ban Dan Chong Jom temple, in Gab Cheing district, Surin, to get their hands on monk-inspired commemorative amulets. These amulets were being distributed to raise funds for the construction of the largest statue ever made in the likeness of Luang Poo Heng, a famous monk who is deeply…
-
Severe weather alert: Heavy rainfall predicted across Thailand due to monsoon impact
In the forecast for the next 24 hours, weather conditions across Thailand are expected to turn severe with heavy rains predicted in the northern, and northeastern regions, and a significant 60% of Bangkok areas facing heavy downpours. These conditions are following the impact of a monsoon trough passing over the northern region and upper Laos, which is leading into a…
-
Woman crashes car into convenience store after alleged assault by boyfriend in Ranong
An unfortunate car accident occurred near a convenience store close to the exit gate of Ranong Provincial Police Station at around 8.45pm yesterday, according to Ranong police. A middle-aged woman, navigating a bronze-silver Toyota Yaris with plate number กง 737 Ranong, was involved in the mishap. The car flipped, laying upside down, its wheels pointing skyward. The woman managed to…
-
Korat City’s cherished paramedic ‘Doctor Toon’ bids a tearful adieu
A pall of grief swept across Korat city as it mourns the tragic death of its leading paramedic, known locally as “Doctor Toon.” The tragedy left the 38 year old emergency medical personnel’s life abruptly cut short following a shocking road accident. Police in Korat City in Nakhon Ratchasima province yesterday received a distress call at 12.10am about an accident…
-
Three former rangers arrested in high-profile 500,000 baht Thai kidnapping incident
Today witnessed a significant operation by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD)’s special weapons and tactics unit, resulting in the arrest of three suspected culprits of a kidnapping gang. Spanning two regions in southern Thailand and one in the northeast, the operation began at 6am, with the CSD’s Hanuman unit targeting eight specific locations. Three of these target sites were identified…
-
Thailand No.1 in ASEAN according to UN’s 2023 Sustainable Development ranking
Thailand‘s recent economic, social, and green development has been reflected in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Report for 2023. In a statement relayed by Trisulee Trisoranakul, the Deputy Government spokesperson, it is reported that Thailand’s Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense, Prayut Chan-o-cha, is pleased. Thailand has now improved its standing to the 43rd position among 166 countries from…
-
Two Thais arrested for defrauding Bangkok monk of 500,000 baht in online scam
Thai cyber police yesterday apprehended two key members of a fraudulent call centre operation which orchestrated an elaborate financial scam, defrauding a monk out of almost half a million baht. Named Thitiwatch, aged 38, and 52 year old Ekapetch were arrested in Phaya Thai and Pleonchit districts of Bangkok under arrest warrants 407,408/2023 from Samut Prakan provincial court. The investigation…
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.