Thailand News

Discover the most recent and relevant news from across Thailand on The Thaiger’s National News page. Covering a wide range of topics, including politics, business, crime, and lifestyle, our dedicated team brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.

Stay informed about the latest developments in Thai society, economy, and culture, as well as updates on travel, tourism, and expat life. With The Thaiger, you’ll never miss out on the essential news that matters to you.

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    What to do in a medical emergency as an expat in Thailand

    Handling a medical emergency in Thailand as an expat can be difficult without the right information. This guide explains what to do in a medical emergency, including important contact numbers, the differences between public and private hospitals, how to deal...

  • Child dragged by kite in Thailand’s windy paddy field (video)

    Child dragged by kite in Thailand’s windy paddy field (video)

    A video of a child being dramatically dragged across a field while flying a kite has rocked social media with calls for more vigilance from parents and guardians. The video was posted on TikTok by user@plai200737 yesterday, January 13. The strong winds caused the large kite to pull the child through the dusty paddy field. Despite the unexpected force, the child…

  • Thailand video news | Thailand approves casino legalisation to boost tourism and economy, Malaysia PM denies concealing document on Najib’s home detention

    Thailand video news | Thailand approves casino legalisation to boost tourism and economy, Malaysia PM denies concealing document on Najib’s home detention

    In Thailand video news today, Alex and Jay bring you a roundup of significant stories from Thailand and beyond. From a dramatic catamaran rescue near Phuket to Thailand’s groundbreaking casino legalisation, the headlines cover critical developments and human-interest tales. Other stories include a tragic dental surgery incident in Chiang Rai, a viral pickpocketing case in Bangkok, and heartfelt tributes for…

  • Lottery hopefuls flock to Nakhon Pathom temple for lucky numbers

    Lottery hopefuls flock to Nakhon Pathom temple for lucky numbers

    As the lottery draw date nears, a bustling scene unfolded at Sawang Arom Temple in Nakhon Pathom, where locals and lottery enthusiasts flocked in search of lucky numbers. The temple has gained a reputation for bringing wealth to many, encouraging visitors to seek fortune from the sacred water basin of Ta Thong Ngiew Rai. There is a lively atmosphere at…

  • Pattaya panic: Turkish tourist tied, robbed in condo heist drama

    Pattaya panic: Turkish tourist tied, robbed in condo heist drama

    A Turkish tourist was discovered bound and robbed in his Pattaya condo, sparking a major police investigation. In the early hours of today, January 14, the quiet corridors of the upscale condominium were disrupted as security staff stumbled upon 36 year old Masis Erkol, a Turkish national, in a dire state. Tethered with handcuffs and cable ties by a trio…

  • TrueMoney denies pre-installing app on mobile devices

    TrueMoney denies pre-installing app on mobile devices

    TrueMoney recently addressed concerns following reports implicating the company in the pre-installation of its financial application on mobile phones. Ascend Money, which operates TrueMoney, clarified that the app is legally compliant and operates with the necessary business licences. TrueMoney holds an electronic payment service licence from the Bank of Thailand (BoT), while Ascend Nano is licenced for digital lending. The…

  • Thailand tackles plastic waste imports crisis head-on (video)

    Thailand tackles plastic waste imports crisis head-on (video)

    In a decisive move to clean up its act, Thailand slammed the brakes on plastic waste imports, turning from a dumping ground into a leader in the global battle against pollution. From January 1, this year, the country has shut its doors to overseas plastic refuse, sending ripples through the world of waste. It’s a bold step forward for Thailand,…

  • NBTC suspends OPPO and realme sales over data privacy breach

    NBTC suspends OPPO and realme sales over data privacy breach

    The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Office of the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) have ordered the suspension of mobile phone sales by OPPO and realme due to the installation of loan applications without user consent. Both companies have until January 16 to explain, failing which they face fines of up to 3 million baht. Yesterday, January…

  • Elderly man found dead on Pattaya roadside due to hypothermia

    Elderly man found dead on Pattaya roadside due to hypothermia

    An elderly man was found unconscious on a roadside in Pattaya and later died, potentially due to the cold weather conditions. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre was alerted to the incident in Soi Khao Talo on Sunday, January 12. Local police and rescue volunteers were dispatched to the scene. Upon their arrival, a large gathering of people was present…

  • Fatal crash on Bang Lamung road as SUV hits car

    Fatal crash on Bang Lamung road as SUV hits car

    A tragic accident occurred yesterday when a car collided head-on with an SUV, resulting in severe damage to both vehicles and the death of one driver. The incident took place at 10.06pm yesterday, January 13, on Takhiantia-Khaomaikaew Road, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Emergency services from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre in Pattaya received reports of a serious collision…

  • Pattaya man left homeless by mosquito coil fire (video)

    Pattaya man left homeless by mosquito coil fire (video)

    A fire erupted at a makeshift residence in Pattaya due to a resident inadvertently leaving a mosquito coil burning. The same resident had previously caused a fire at the same location last year while smoking and handling gasoline. Pattaya police were alerted to a blaze at an unnumbered dwelling opposite the Pattaya Provincial Court on Thapphraya Road yesterday, January 13…

  • Belgian man scammed out of 8 million baht by female Thai soldier

    Belgian man scammed out of 8 million baht by female Thai soldier

    A Belgian man lost 2 million baht and his condominium room in Pattaya, worth 6 million baht, to a female Thai soldier who posed as a real estate agent. The suspect’s relative claimed the Belgian man and the soldier were previously in a relationship. The 55 year old Belgian policeman, Ronald, and his Thai wife sought assistance from the non-profit organisation…

  • Motorcyclist dies in crash on Rojana Road in Ayutthaya

    Motorcyclist dies in crash on Rojana Road in Ayutthaya

    A 23 year old man tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident today, January 14, at 5am. The incident occurred on Rojana Road in the outbound direction, near kilometre marker 10 in Sam Ruean subdistrict, Bang Pa-in district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. Police Lieutenant Colonel Thaworn Saengsai from Bang Pa-in Police Station was notified and arrived at the…

  • Irish diver’s mysterious demise on Death Island

    Irish diver’s mysterious demise on Death Island

    Fresh details have emerged about the untimely death of Irish diver Robert “Robby” Kinlan, who was discovered lifeless in his room at the Baan Tao Bungalo Resort on Thailand’s infamous Koh Tao Island, also known for its chilling moniker, Death Island. Local Thai police revealed that the young diver, found around 11am on Thursday, January 9, is believed to have…

  • Monk on knife and axe rampage wreaks havoc in Surin temple

    Monk on knife and axe rampage wreaks havoc in Surin temple

    Police in Buachet district, Surin province, responded to a report yesterday, January 13, of a monk wielding a knife and an axe, threatening locals at a temple in Ban Srae, Aphon subdistrict. The monk, 42 year old Kanatsak, was reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis. Upon arriving at the scene, police, along with the Aphon subdistrict emergency services and Buachet…

  • Cold snap in Thailand: Bangkok dips to 16 degrees Celsius

    Cold snap in Thailand: Bangkok dips to 16 degrees Celsius

    The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecast that Thailand, particularly the northern and northeastern regions, will experience cold to very cold weather, with Bangkok and its surrounding areas seeing temperatures drop to as low as 16 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the south is facing rough sea conditions with waves exceeding 3 metres. As of today, January 14, the strong high-pressure system…

  • Former Thai inmate jailed for rape arrested for repeated assault

    Former Thai inmate jailed for rape arrested for repeated assault

    Police arrested a 64 year old former Thai inmate for the rape of a 70 year old woman in the southern province of Trang on Monday, January 6. The victim, 70 year old lady called Iad, filed a complaint with the Bang Khlong Teng Police Station following the assault, which occurred at 2pm on January 6 while she was on…

  • Tragedy on Death Island: Irish diver found dead in hotel room (video)

    Tragedy on Death Island: Irish diver found dead in hotel room (video)

    Royal Thai Police revealed more news on the death of Irishman Robert “Robby” Kinlan who was on a scuba diving holiday on Thailand’s infamous Death Island. An RTP spokesperson announced the 21 year old from Clare, Ireland, was found dead in a hotel room. Kinlan was discovered on January 9, lying lifeless on his bed in nothing but his boxer…

  • Thailand greenlights legal casinos to boost tourism and economy

    Thailand greenlights legal casinos to boost tourism and economy

    In a game-changing move, the Thai Cabinet has given the nod to a draft bill that would legalise gambling and casinos, aiming to turbocharge tourism, job creation, and investment. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the bold move today, January 13, heralding a new era for the country’s economy. Under the government’s ambitious plan, the legislation, soon to be debated in…

  • Foreign man pickpocketed at Bangkok shopping mall entrance (video)

    Foreign man pickpocketed at Bangkok shopping mall entrance (video)

    Three thieves, reportedly foreign nationals, pickpocketed a foreign man at the entrance of a shopping mall in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok this afternoon. Several news pages on Facebook shared a video showing the foreign victim searching for his stolen valuables in a black backpack outside the shopping mall, today, January 13. The mall is believed to be EmQuartier, located near…

  • Noodle no more: Ramen shops fold under rising costs (video)

    Noodle no more: Ramen shops fold under rising costs (video)

    In an unprecedented wave of financial distress, a record number of ramen noodle eateries in Japan went belly up in 2024, unable to stomach the soaring ingredient and utility costs without raising their own prices. Research firm Teikoku Databank Ltd has revealed that insolvencies with liabilities of at least 10 million yen (approximately 2.2 million baht) surged by more than…

  • Polish man vanishes with valuables after sex with Phuket woman

    Polish man vanishes with valuables after sex with Phuket woman

    A Thai woman issued a warning to others after losing cash and valuables following a sexual encounter with a Polish man in Phuket. The victim shared her story with the Phuket Times yesterday, December 12. She expressed her interest in foreign men and cautioned other Thai women with similar preferences to be wary of deceitful foreigners. She did not disclose when…

  • Golden opportunity: NHSO extends care to new Thai citizens

    Golden opportunity: NHSO extends care to new Thai citizens

    The National Health Security Office (NHSO) is set to expand its groundbreaking universal healthcare initiative through its gold card scheme to at least 480,000 ethnic individuals poised to receive Thai citizenship from the government. NHSO Deputy Secretary Yuphadee Sirisinsuk revealed that the ambitious plan is designed to extend healthcare benefits to all Thai citizens, including those in the process of…

  • Alcohol misuse linked to death of Buriram man

    Alcohol misuse linked to death of Buriram man

    A 54 year old man was found dead in his home in the Chaloem Phra Kiat district of Buriram yesterday, January 12. The man, known as Vinai, had been drinking alcohol regularly from morning until night, according to his sister. Local police and emergency services responded to the scene. The deceased was discovered in a single-room concrete house, lying on…

  • South Korea to upgrade airport structures after Jeju Air crash

    South Korea to upgrade airport structures after Jeju Air crash

    South Korea is set to enhance the structures housing the antennas that facilitate landings at its airports, following the December incident where a Jeju Air aeroplane crashed after skidding off the runway. The Boeing 737-800 hit one such structure at Muan Airport, leading to a fire. The Transport Ministry has been assessing safety at airlines and airports since the crash…

  • Chiang Rai hospital error leads to death of woman in dental surgery

    Chiang Rai hospital error leads to death of woman in dental surgery

    A family in the northern province of Chiang Rai is seeking compensation from a private hospital for the death of a Thai woman who suffocated during dental surgery. The deceased, 33 year old Katesuda Buanark, passed away at a private hospital in Chiang Rai on December 19 last year. Katesuda primarily resided in Singapore with her husband and nine year…

  • Thailand’s new housing project targets lower income families

    Thailand’s new housing project targets lower income families

    Lower-income Thai citizens will soon have access to an affordable housing project through the Homes for Thais initiative, which offers accommodation on state-owned land without requiring down payments. The programme instead implements a monthly rental system. The Transport Ministry will present the project details to Cabinet today, January 13. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will launch the initiative on Friday, January…

  • DoE warns against illegal job agencies after 10 million baht scam

    DoE warns against illegal job agencies after 10 million baht scam

    The Department of Employment (DoE) has advised those seeking overseas employment to verify agencies with the DoE to prevent falling prey to illegal operators. This caution comes after 50 individuals from Nakhon Ratchasima reported to the Anti-Human Trafficking Division (ATPD) that they were swindled out of 10 million baht by agents promising jobs in South Korea. Yesterday, January 12, DoE…

  • Rice to the occasion: Commerce Ministry fast-tracks SME trade talks

    Rice to the occasion: Commerce Ministry fast-tracks SME trade talks

    The Commerce Ministry is moving to accelerate the liberalisation of rice trade, with a meeting planned for January 17. This session aims to finalise strategies to assist small enterprises in becoming rice exporters, targeting concrete outcomes in the first quarter of the year. During a meeting on January 10 to discuss pressing policies, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan instructed all departments…

  • Built-in loan apps raise data security fears for Oppo and Realme users

    Built-in loan apps raise data security fears for Oppo and Realme users

    The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society urged representatives of the electronics company Oppo and its subsidiary Realme to clarify allegations of illegal data collection from built-in loan apps found on their smartphones. A technology-focused social media influencer, known as คุณลุงไอที (Khun Lung IT, meaning IT uncle), took to his official Facebook page to warn Oppo and Realme smartphone users…

  • Bomb blast near TK Park Pattani injures six officers

    Bomb blast near TK Park Pattani injures six officers

    A bomb explosion occurred in a side alley near TK Park, central Pattani, injuring six volunteer officers. The incident happened at 8am today, January 13, just 20 metres from the Mueang Pattani Police Station. The assailants had hidden the explosive device in a vehicle parked in front of a row of shophouses, causing damage to nearby buildings. Residents expressed alarm…