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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    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...

  • Chiang Mai gold necklace thief caught in traffic hold-up

    Chiang Mai gold necklace thief caught in traffic hold-up

    A brazen thief who snatched a gold necklace from a popular shopping centre in Chiang Mai was apprehended at an intersection after attempting to evade capture. The suspect, who had tried to blend in by changing clothes, was eventually caught in traffic. Yesterday, November 5, a gold necklace weighing 1 baht was stolen from the Mangkhorn Thong Yaowarat jewellery store…

  • Seven arrested in Bangkok market immigration crackdown

    Seven arrested in Bangkok market immigration crackdown

    Thai immigration officers apprehended seven foreign nationals, including individuals from China, Laos, and Myanmar, for illegally selling clothes at stalls in the Bobae Market in Bangkok. This operation was part of a broader crackdown on illegal activities. The operation was conducted by immigration officers who went undercover as customers in Bobae Market. Acting on a directive from the police chief,…

  • Israeli man ‘wheelies’ into trouble with viral Phuket beach stunt

    Israeli man ‘wheelies’ into trouble with viral Phuket beach stunt

    A viral video of an Israeli man carelessly riding a motorcycle on Kamala Beach in the Kathu district of Phuket led to him receiving a 5,000-baht fine yesterday, November 5. The video of the Israeli motorcyclist was shared by a witness in a chat group on both LINE and Facebook. The witness captioned it, “Kamala Beach Racing!” The footage showed…

  • Phone shop python: Serpent causes a ‘sting’ in Chanthaburi

    Phone shop python: Serpent causes a ‘sting’ in Chanthaburi

    A large python caused quite a stir in the heart of Chanthaburi City when it was discovered in a mobile phone shop, leading to a dramatic and challenging rescue operation. The incident unfolded around 10am yesterday, November 5, prompting a swift response from the Chanthaburi Rescue Association after a report about a sizeable reptile lurking inside a mobile phone store…

  • Big Joke’s wife sues woman and her husband over alleged false theft complaint

    Big Joke’s wife sues woman and her husband over alleged false theft complaint

    The wife of former police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, filed a lawsuit against a woman and her police officer husband for allegedly lodging a false theft complaint accusing her of stealing gold and cash valued at 5.7 million baht. Sirinatda Hakparn, the wife of Big Joke, visited Phra Kanong Police Station on October 24 to deny accusations of theft…

  • Thailand video news | Thailand offers Indians indefinite visa-free entry with 60-day stays, Philippines prepares for typhoon Yinxing

    Thailand video news | Thailand offers Indians indefinite visa-free entry with 60-day stays, Philippines prepares for typhoon Yinxing

    In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover key stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia. Highlights include Thailand’s decision to grant Indian citizens indefinite 60-day visa-free entry, sparking interest in tourism. A video of foreigners brawling on Patong Beach raises questions about law enforcement, while a tragic emergency delay in Samut Prakan brings focus to response times. Police respond…

  • Year 7 boy drowns after skipping school in Nakhon Ratchasima

    Year 7 boy drowns after skipping school in Nakhon Ratchasima

    A tragic incident unfolded when a Year 7 boy drowned while skipping school to swim in a rapidly flowing river. The boy, identified only as A, was found 100 metres from where he and his friends initially entered the water. On the day of the incident, rescue volunteers from the Hook 31 unit in Nakhon Ratchasima were alerted to the…

  • Overturned cement truck causes major Pattaya traffic jam

    Overturned cement truck causes major Pattaya traffic jam

    A cement truck overturned on Sukhumvit Road, leading to a significant traffic jam in Pattaya on Monday. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre received an emergency call about the incident at 5.06pm, Monday, November 4. Promptly responding to the alert, rescue volunteers and officers from Pattaya Police Station arrived at the scene. Upon their arrival, police officers discovered a medium-sized…

  • Fire at Surat Thani car dealership damages five vehicles

    Fire at Surat Thani car dealership damages five vehicles

    The early hours of yesterday saw a fire engulf the Siam Charoen Yont car dealership located in Surat Thani, causing significant damage to five vehicles. The blaze was reported to the police, who promptly responded to the emergency. Police Lieutenant Phumiphat Jaiyen from the Surat Thani City Police Station, in collaboration with Police Colonel Nipon Chatri and local disaster relief…

  • Bangkok sings the blues: Cops bust Chinese in illegal karaoke bar

    Bangkok sings the blues: Cops bust Chinese in illegal karaoke bar

    Police officers raided an illegal karaoke bar in the Huay Kwang district of Bangkok yesterday, arresting 26 Chinese nationals involved in a drug party. Officers from Huay Kwang Police Station and the Youth and Women’s Welfare Centre received a tip-off about the illegal bar and acted swiftly, conducting the raid yesterday, November 5. Upon arrival, they encountered a 25 year…

  • Pattaya enhances water safety with ‘Better Pattaya Bay’ initiative

    Pattaya enhances water safety with ‘Better Pattaya Bay’ initiative

    Pattaya City, in collaboration with the Marine Department, has introduced the Better Pattaya Bay initiative to enhance the organisation of speedboat, jet ski, and banana boat services along Pattaya Beach. This move aims to prioritise the safety of tourists by keeping marine motorsports 200 metres away from the shore, as highlighted by Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet yesterday, November 5. With…

  • UNESCO Thai heritage site threatened by reservoir projects: Probe

    UNESCO Thai heritage site threatened by reservoir projects: Probe

    Environmentalists are urging a House committee to investigate two reservoir construction projects that they fear may threaten the Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex in Nakhon Ratchasima, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Klong Madue reservoir project in Nakhon Nayok and another near the forest complex have raised concerns among conservationists. Suthee Rattanamongkol, leading the Khao Yai Forest Conservation Network,…

  • Thailand ranks No.5 for female secondhand smoke exposure

    Thailand ranks No.5 for female secondhand smoke exposure

    Thailand is grappling with a significant public health concern as it ranks No.5 globally for the number of female victims of secondhand smoke. These women face a 1.24 times higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those in smoke-free settings, according to health experts. Dr Roengrudee Patanavanish from Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine highlighted the pressing issue of secondhand…

  • Buriram mother bars her son: Prison bedroom sparks outrage

    Buriram mother bars her son: Prison bedroom sparks outrage

    A Thai mother in the Isaan province of Buriram is facing criticism and may face legal charges for constructing a prison-like bedroom for her drug-addicted son. Journalists from multiple news outlets visited the house on Hak Road in Buriram’s Nang Rong district to interview 64 year old Saraphee and see the prison-like bedroom she built for her 42 year old…

  • Elderly man found dead in pit after 11 days missing in Chiang Mai

    Elderly man found dead in pit after 11 days missing in Chiang Mai

    A tragic discovery was made when the body of a 71 year old man, who had been missing for 11 days from a hospital in Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai, was found in a 2-metre-deep pit. The man from Mae Taeng had been admitted to Mae Taeng Hospital following an accident. His disappearance on the night of October 25 prompted an…

  • PM Paetongtarn attends key regional conferences in China

    PM Paetongtarn attends key regional conferences in China

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to attend two significant regional conferences in Kunming, China. These gatherings, scheduled today, November 6, and tomorrow, will precede her journey to Peru for the APEC summit on Sunday, as confirmed by Jirayu Houngsub, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office. The initial conference is the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation Programme Summit (GMS…

  • Weather alert: Thailand braces for chill in the north, rains in the south

    Weather alert: Thailand braces for chill in the north, rains in the south

    Get ready for a dramatic weather shift as northern and northeastern Thailand is set to feel a temperature dip over the next 24 hours, while the southern regions, including Bangkok, face heavy rainfall and possible flooding. The Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned that a monsoon trough will pass through the southern region, bringing moderate to heavy rains to the…

  • Danish tourist terrorises Koh Samui with weapons cache

    Danish tourist terrorises Koh Samui with weapons cache

    A Danish tourist left Koh Samui in shock after a terrifying string of incidents involving threats, weapons, and what police are calling disturbing behaviour. Bophut Police began their investigation around 11am on Saturday, November 2 after multiple complaints about a foreign man wielding an air gun and machete, allegedly menacing locals and tourists. Witnesses reported the man, identified as 31…

  • Taxi driver caught with drugs and knives at Phuket Airport

    Taxi driver caught with drugs and knives at Phuket Airport

    A taxi driver was apprehended at Phuket International Airport after a routine checkpoint revealed knives and two methamphetamine pills in his vehicle. This incident unfolded yesterday, November 4, during a security sweep conducted by the airport’s security team alongside Sakhu Police. The checkpoint operation, running from 10am to midday, was established to uphold traffic laws and deter any illegal substances…

  • Pet dog turned blind after vet visit in Central Thailand

    Pet dog turned blind after vet visit in Central Thailand

    A 57 year old Thai man filed a formal complaint with the president of the Paveena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women in Pathum Thani. He is seeking justice for his pet dog, which was blinded following a trim at a veterinary clinic on the Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road. Athit Ritsitthangkun reported the incident to Paveena Hongsakul yesterday, November 4 at 5pm,…

  • Thai mother cages in drug-addicted son in Buriram (video)

    Thai mother cages in drug-addicted son in Buriram (video)

    A situation has arisen in Buriram province where a 64 year old mother took drastic measures to handle her 42 year old son’s severe drug addiction and erratic behaviour. The son, who also struggles with gambling addiction, has been a source of distress, frequently threatening her and causing damage to their property. Despite undergoing rehabilitation over 10 times, his condition…

  • Purr-fect: Chubby clouded leopard charms all at Chiang Mai Safari (video)

    Purr-fect: Chubby clouded leopard charms all at Chiang Mai Safari (video)

    A clouded leopard named Mangpor, residing in Chiang Mai Night Safari, has captured the hearts of social media users with its chubby appearance and playful nature. The 16 year old feline, often mistaken for a giant cat, has become an Internet sensation as visitors flock to catch a glimpse of its endearing antics. Mangpor is part of the Jaguar Trail,…

  • Teenager collapses and dies during run in Phichit school

    Teenager collapses and dies during run in Phichit school

    A tragic incident unfolded at a school in Mueang district, Phichit province when a 17 year old student collapsed and died during a physical education class. The student was participating in an 800-metre endurance run when he fell after running just 100 metres, experiencing chest tightness and losing consciousness in front of his peers and teachers. Today, November 5, Thanakorn’s parents,…

  • Anti-social neighbour in Chiang Rai arrested after three years

    Anti-social neighbour in Chiang Rai arrested after three years

    An anti-social neighbour, living in a village in Mueang Chiang Rai district, Chiang Rai province, has been harassing residents for nearly three years with loud noises, threats, and littering. The main victim, a young nurse, has lodged several complaints with local police, yet little progress has been made until recently. Manop Senakun, the Provincial Police Commander of Chiang Rai, directed…

  • Restaurant ‘beefs’ up search for customer who paid 200,000 baht

    Restaurant ‘beefs’ up search for customer who paid 200,000 baht

    A well-known beef restaurant has taken to social media to locate a customer who accidentally transferred over 200,000 baht instead of the actual bill amount of 2,020.91 baht. The incident occurred on Sunday, November 3 at the Ratchaphruek branch of the restaurant, Neua Luan Luan. The restaurant shared a Facebook post, reaching out to the customer. “We are seeking the…

  • Thai police report 90% arrest rate in crime crackdown

    Thai police report 90% arrest rate in crime crackdown

    The Royal Thai Police (RTP) reported significant progress in tackling crime across five key areas under the leadership of Police General Kittirat Phanphet over the past month. Since early October, police have addressed nearly 44,000 criminal cases, achieving a 90% arrest rate. In the realm of criminal offence, the police successfully arrested suspects in 39,850 of the 43,973 cases. This…

  • PM ‘fund-amentally’ speeds up investment for 2025 economy

    PM ‘fund-amentally’ speeds up investment for 2025 economy

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra directed government entities to hasten the allocation of the investment budget for fiscal year 2025 to invigorate the nation’s economy. During a meeting with senior officials at the Finance Ministry yesterday, November 4, Paetongtarn highlighted that Thailand is grappling with longstanding issues compounded by new challenges. The 38 year old prime minister emphasised the necessity for…

  • Rare albino fish caught in Satun canal sparks ethical debate

    Rare albino fish caught in Satun canal sparks ethical debate

    A young man fishing along a canal in Satun province caught five fish but it was the last one that left him astonished. The unusual fish had an albino-like body shimmering in the sunlight, prompting questions about whether it should be kept or released into the wild. News emerged yesterday, November 4, of a young man who had set out to…

  • Cops on ‘holy heist’ hunt for temple donation box bandit

    Cops on ‘holy heist’ hunt for temple donation box bandit

    Police are intensifying efforts to apprehend a thief who targeted a temple in Ayutthaya, Thailand, stealing a donation box meant for utility expenses. The incident occurred yesterday, November 4, at approximately 5pm at Wat Pradu Song Tham, located in Phai Ling subdistrict, Ayutthaya, when a suspect made away with the wooden donation box. Police Lieutenant Virunkit Tantarakul from the Ayutthaya…

  • Thai police slam brakes on unlicenced drivers in Phaya Thai

    Thai police slam brakes on unlicenced drivers in Phaya Thai

    Police in Phaya Thai, Bangkok are cracking down on parking violations and unlicensed foreign drivers, aiming to enforce traffic discipline and ensure public safety. Phaya Thai Police Station’s superintendent, Watcharawee Thammasema, tasked traffic inspector Jumphon Yenpathomkul and 10 other traffic officers to implement stricter measures at the Phaya Thai intersection. These measures focus on two main aspects: regulating parking that…