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 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
-
Fatal crash at notorious Panthong bend leaves one dead, several injured
A severe accident occurred at a notorious bend in Panthong, Chon Buri, resulting in the death of one individual and serious injuries to several others. The collision involved an Isuzu SUV and a Toyota pickup truck. At 4.30am today, Kittikul Amatatrakul, Deputy Inspector of Investigation at Panthong Police Station, Chon Buri, received a report of a crash at the Christian…
-
Thailand proposes 75% foreign ownership in condos, extending leases to 99 years
The government’s proposal to increase foreign ownership quotas for condominiums to 75% and extend land leasehold terms to 99 years has raised concerns, though officials are downplaying potential negative impacts. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke addressed these concerns in a Facebook post, asserting that regulations could be introduced to mitigate any adverse effects on Thai citizens. The proposal aims to raise…
-
Fire in Bangkok’s Chinatown injures 30, damages hotel
A fire that ravaged the Trok Pho community in Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, was brought under control late last night after igniting around 9pm. The blaze left approximately 30 people injured. Firefighters received reports of the fire beginning at 8.42pm in the Trok Pho area along Yaowarat Road in the Samphanthawong district. The fire quickly spread through the 3,200-square-metre community, which…
-
Chon Buri police raid villa party, seize drugs and arrest man
Police in Chon Buri raided a pool villa party in Najomtien, seizing drugs and arresting a 29 year old man. The police acted on a tip-off regarding loud music and suspicious activities at the property. At around 3.30pm yesterday, officers led by Police Colonel Wattanachai Saengrith, along with Deputy Superintendent Arut Saphanont and an investigation team, stormed the villa located…
-
Thailand to reclassify cannabis as narcotic from 2025
The Ministry of Public Health has announced a proposal to classify cannabis and hemp as illegal narcotics under Thai law. This decision follows a meeting of the Narcotics Control Board, where the majority agreed on the medical and research benefits of cannabis but opposed its recreational use. A minority expressed concerns that strict regulations might cause public inconvenience. The draft…
-
Police raid finds underage patrons at Boston Rangsit in Pathum Thani
Pak Khlong Rangsit police, supported by relevant agencies, conducted a raid at 1am yesterday on an entertainment venue in Mueang Pathum Thani. The establishment, known as Boston Rangsit, was found to be violating several regulations, including serving patrons under 20 years old. During the operation, police performed drug tests and checked ID cards. Over 81 individuals were discovered to be…
-
Thailand-China flights surge 213% after visa exemption deal
Flights between Thailand and China have surged to 55,000 in the past eight months, following the signing of a mutual visa exemption agreement, according to the Ministry of Transport. Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote reported that the 55,433 flights from October last year to May marked a 213% increase compared to the same period the previous year. He projected that…
-
Thailand aims for 8 million Chinese tourists if airlines boost capacity
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has stated that the goal of attracting 8 million Chinese tourists this year is attainable, provided airlines can increase seat capacity to over 80% of pre-pandemic levels. Chinese tourists had surpassed visitors from other countries by June 30, with 3.5 million arrivals out of a total of 17.5 million foreign visitors to Thailand. The…
-
Motorcyclist’s leg severed in Nakhon Ratchasima bridge crash
A young man riding a big bike lost control of his vehicle, crashing into a bridge railing, resulting in a severe injury where his leg was severed and he fell 7 metres. He remains in ICU in critical condition. The motorcycle accident occurred in Nakhon Ratchasima, northeast Thailand yesterday, July 5. The incident was reported by local journalists who detailed…
-
Thai man sets fire to irrigation house in Pak Kret, wife hospitalised
A man set fire to an irrigation house in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, leaving his wife hospitalised after an assault. The incident occurred at 5pm yesterday, July 5, prompting immediate intervention by local police and fire services. Police responded to a call from residents reporting a man in a frenzied state setting fire to a government-owned house in Bang Talat, Pak…
-
Thailand faces ‘invisible time bomb’ population crisis
Thailand’s population crisis, described as an “invisible time bomb,” requires urgent government intervention, according to Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS). Varawut stated the following during a forum on national strategies hosted by the National Press Council of Thailand on Thursday, July 4. “Environmental issues are visible, but this [population crisis] is an invisible time…
-
Illegal streaming site administrator arrested in Phuket
Police from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) have arrested the administrator of the illegal movie streaming website dolphin4k in Phuket for copyright infringement. The suspect, 33 year old Supakrit was apprehended along with various items used in the illicit operation, including 16 Android signal boxes pre-installed with applications for viewing pirated movies, one flash drive, a computer, and a…
-
Thai student goes viral with Lisa dance cover on TikTok (video)
A student from Phichit province has become an overnight sensation after posting a video on TikTok. The clip, featuring her cover of Lisa from BLACKPINK’s latest single Rockstar, has garnered over 5 million views in just one night. Kulthida Suthiprapha, known as Nong Yeehwa, is a 16 year old student at Taphan Hin School. She first caught public attention when…
-
Pattaya police investigate foreigner’s claim of 20,000-baht slot win
A foreign man recently stirred controversy among the Pattaya community by claiming a 20,000-baht win from an online slot machine in a Facebook post. His boastful remarks quickly caught the attention of netizens and local police. The incident occurred when the foreigner posted in the Facebook group Pattaya, Thailand on July 3. “It’s good to play slot machines and win…
-
Pattaya residents demand action against graffiti vandalism
Residents in Pattaya are calling for decisive action against vandals who have marred the city’s landscape with graffiti. Electrical control boxes, traffic signs, and private properties along major roads such as Sukhumvit Road, Third Road, and South Pattaya Road have been defaced with graffiti, including gang symbols and vulgar language. The graffiti, which has been unchecked, has significantly impacted the…
-
Banglamung police arrest 12 during casino raid
Banglamung officials, led by District Chief Weekit Manarojkit, conducted a successful raid on an illegal gambling den named Tong Card Casino. The operation took place at a house in Village Number 7, situated in Huai Yai subdistrict, following a tip-off from a concerned resident worried about the adverse effects of gambling on the community. Police, acting on orders from the…
-
Scam SMS targets digital wallet users with PM Srettha’s photo
Scam gangs are exploiting interest in the government’s digital wallet programme by sending fraudulent SMS links featuring a photo of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Numerous residents in Roi Et province have already fallen victim to this scam, according to government spokesperson Chai Watcharonke. He explained that the deceptive messages contain a link claiming to direct recipients to a site where…
-
Police reshuffle in Yala after car bomb kills one, injures 34
A significant reshuffling of police personnel followed a devastating car bomb attack on the Bannang Sata police flats in Yala province, which resulted in one fatality and injured 34 others. This incident occurred yesterday and led to a series of transfers within the police force. Police Colonel Ranon Surawit has been reassigned to the Southern Border Provinces Investigation Division as…
-
NSC to review permanent border checkpoint with Cambodia
The National Security Council (NSC) will thoroughly examine the trade benefits and security concerns surrounding a proposed new permanent border checkpoint with Cambodia, according to a senior official. Police in Trat province are advocating for Ban Tha Sen in Mueang district to be established as a permanent checkpoint following Cabinet approval, pending NSC support. Ban Tha Sen borders Phothisat province…
-
YouTubers’ motorbikes spotted on Chiang Mai route on Google
Google Street View captured two stylish motorbikes on the Chiang Mai–Mae Hong Son route, instantly recognised by netizens as belonging to popular YouTubers. The sighting has delighted fans who spotted their idols on the virtual map. Google Street View vehicles, known for capturing 360-degree panoramic images of locations for Google Maps, have a reputation for documenting everything in their path.…
-
Pattaya’s new campaign puts the brakes on illegal bike parking
Pattaya City’s latest public awareness campaign, launched yesterday outside Terminal 21, aimed to curb the rampant issue of motorcycles parking on footpaths. However, the initiative has sparked mixed reactions from residents and visitors, revealing deeper frustrations over the city’s parking infrastructure. The campaign, spearheaded by the Policy and Planning Division of the Pattaya City Office, focused on educating the public…
-
Elderly woman attacked in home invasion on Rama IV Road, Bangkok
A homeless man invaded a home on Bangkok’s Rama IV Road, tied up an elderly woman, gagged her, sexually assaulted her with the intent to rape her, and then stole valuables before fleeing. Neighbours rushed to help and alerted the police for investigation. The Ruamkatanyu Foundation’s rescue team received a report at 6.30am today of an elderly woman being assaulted,…
-
Spicy new arrival: Rosa’s Thai set to sizzle
Work is well underway as the launch of Rosa’s Thai restaurant at Chantry Place, Norwich, UK draws near, with eye-catching billboards now advertising the grand opening. This will be the first Rosa’s Thai in East Anglia, joining the ranks of 41 other locations across the UK. The new restaurant, which will employ a team of 25, is set to open…
-
Thai sugar producer withdraws from challenging Cambodian market
Khon Kaen Sugar Industry Plc (KSL), Thailand’s third-largest sugar producer, has withdrawn its investment in the Cambodian market due to unfavourable business conditions, marking a significant setback in its regional expansion plans. According to KSL President Chalush Chinthammit, years of persistently low global sugar prices, a sluggish market in Cambodia, and the underutilisation of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP)…
-
Feline fine: Chinese couple’s lion taming lands them in hot water
Police yesterday charged a Chinese couple at their luxury home in Pattaya for illegally housing two lions. The couple were also suspected of illegally importing luxury cars, a Ferrari and a Rolls-Royce. Officers from Nongprue Police Station and the Office of Natural Resources Conservation Area 2 (Sriracha) raided a luxury home in the Bang Lamung district of Pattaya yesterday, July…
-
Haunted spirits: Nakhon Sawan villagers seek mystic’s help
Residents of a village in Nakhon Sawan called on a local mystic, known as Mor Pla, for urgent assistance after experiencing nightly disturbances since a 70 year old woman brought an item home from a rubbish pile. Stones have been thrown at homes, and unexplained fires have erupted, leaving villagers on edge. Reporters visiting the village in Mueang district found…
-
Fiorentine fusion: Ttalian-Thai forum sparks economic amore
The ninth annual Italian-Thai Business Forum (ITBF) was recently held in Florence, Italy, organised by the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Thai Board of Trade, and the Italian Embassy in Bangkok, the event aims to bolster economic cooperation between the two nations, which have enjoyed 156 years of diplomatic relations. Business leaders from 16 Thai and 13 Italian companies attended…
-
Patong thief linked to multiple shop thefts remains at large
A woman suspected of stealing a gold amulet and 600 baht in cash from a smoothie shop in Patong has been linked to at least six other thefts in the area, yet she remains at large. Caught on CCTV on June 27, the woman was seen taking the amulet and cash from the smoothie shop. Subsequent footage and images shared…
-
Thai woman arrested in Chalong for bank scam involvement
A woman in Chalong has been arrested by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) for her involvement in a scam operation with the illegal creation of a false bank account. Law enforcement officials apprehended Cantida at her residence in Chalong on Wednesday, July 3. The charges against her fall under the Computer Crimes Act, focusing on fraud by entering false data…
-
Wheelie inappropriate: Buriram w*nker targets elderly women
Residents in the Krasang district of Buriram reported sightings of a perverted Thai man riding a motorcycle and engaging in indecent acts in front of their homes, primarily targeting elderly individuals. The unsettling incidents have left the community in fear. Upon investigation in Ban Saeng Nern village, residents were found discussing the recent occurrences. Many are urging police to apprehend…
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.