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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    What is the 5 year visa for the digital nomad in Thailand?

    The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a great option for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers who want to stay in Thailand for a long time. This multiple-entry visa is valid for five years, allowing stays of up to 180...

  • Gold prices soar as traders sparkle after latest hike

    Gold prices soar as traders sparkle after latest hike

    The Gold Traders Association (GTA) announced a fresh hike in gold prices today, following a flurry of adjustments yesterday. As of today, February 13, the price of gold jewellery climbed to 47,250 baht per baht weight, marking a 100 baht rise since the closing figures of the previous day. According to the GTA’s latest update at 9.03am, gold bars in…

  • Thailand hotel room rates soar by 15% amid travel demand surge

    Thailand hotel room rates soar by 15% amid travel demand surge

    Hotel room rates in Thailand increased by an average of 15% from 2023, as reported by SiteMinder, an e-commerce platform assisting hotels with direct and third-party bookings. This growth distinguishes Thailand as the only country with double-digit expansion. The Hotel Booking Trends report from SiteMinder, which analysed over 125 million reservations, indicates that the average daily rate (ADR) in Thailand…

  • Banking on success: Line BK logs in for double-digit loan growth

    Banking on success: Line BK logs in for double-digit loan growth

    In a bold move against economic headwinds, Line BK, the social banking brainchild of Kasikornbank (KBank) and Line Corp, is setting its sights on a double-digit loan growth surge this year, powered by cutting-edge technology. Eyeing a hefty 3-4 billion baht boost in new loans, Line BK is steering towards a 13-18% growth, up from last year’s 22 billion baht…

  • Disabled man dies in fire caused by cigarette in Samut Prakan

    Disabled man dies in fire caused by cigarette in Samut Prakan

    A 47 year old bed-bound man died in a fire suspected to have been caused by a cigarette at his rented room in Samut Prakan. His brother, who returned from work, discovered smoke billowing from the room and attempted to extinguish the flames with the help of neighbours. Police Colonel Somchai Sakorn from Khlong Dan Police Station reported receiving notification…

  • Helmet heist: Elderly man caught on CCTV stealing in Pattaya

    Helmet heist: Elderly man caught on CCTV stealing in Pattaya

    An elderly man wearing a motorcycle taxi vest was caught on CCTV brazenly stealing a helmet outside a company on Soi Naklua 16, Wong Amat in Pattaya on Tuesday, February 11 at around 11.25am. The incident has ignited a firestorm on social media, with many questioning whether the suspect is a legitimate motorbike taxi driver. Online commenters pointed out that…

  • Full steam ahead: SRT fast-tracks freight boost to cut costs

    Full steam ahead: SRT fast-tracks freight boost to cut costs

    In a bid to slash transport costs for import and export businesses, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is all set to turbocharge freight services between Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri and Bangkok. SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala and his team, yesterday, February 12, descended on the deep-sea port and the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district,…

  • Fatal fall: Loei hole takes motorcyclist’s life after tumble

    Fatal fall: Loei hole takes motorcyclist’s life after tumble

    A 41 year old motorcyclist died after falling into a 2-metre deep hole on a construction site in Mueang district, Loei province. The accident occurred last night, February 12, when the victim, Adisak, fell into a pit dug for sewer installation near a petrol station. Witnesses immediately contacted rescue volunteers from the Ruamjai Rescuers Association in Loei, who arrived at…

  • Comeback call: Thailand’s smartphone market dials up growth

    Comeback call: Thailand’s smartphone market dials up growth

    Thailand’s smartphone market powered back to life last year after two years in the doldrums, defying a sluggish economy. Global research giants IDC and Canalys both report an upward swing in sales: from IDC’s impressive 17.1% growth, with 16.9 million units shipped, to Canalys’s solid 7.1% increase, marking 16.4 million units sold. IDC predicts this growth spurt will carry on…

  • High-speed chase in Bangkok: Suspect escapes after collisions (video)

    High-speed chase in Bangkok: Suspect escapes after collisions (video)

    A man involved in a high-speed chase with police, which resulted in multiple collisions with civilian vehicles, managed to escape after abandoning his car. Yesterday, February 12, a viral clip from the อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 page showed police surrounding a grey pickup truck reversing to evade capture on Pracharat Road, near Taopoon Market, before colliding with civilian vehicles. On…

  • Ex-minister’s son pulled off Bangkok flight over ‘kidnapping’ alert

    Ex-minister’s son pulled off Bangkok flight over ‘kidnapping’ alert

    A chartered flight carrying India’s former Maharashtra minister Tanaji Sawant’s son, Rishiraj Sawant, and two friends was recalled to Pune under extraordinary circumstances. Police ordered the abrupt diversion after an anonymous tip-off claimed Rishiraj had been kidnapped, triggering an urgent police response. The private jet, which took off for Bangkok on Monday, February 10, was redirected after aviation officials verified…

  • Crowds seek blessings at Kham Chanod on Magha Puja Day

    Crowds seek blessings at Kham Chanod on Magha Puja Day

    Visitors flocked to Kham Chanod yesterday, February 12, to seek blessings from the revered spirits, Por Pu Si Sutho and Mae Ya Sri Pathumma, coinciding with the Buddhist holiday, Magha Puja Day. The island, located in Ban Muang, Ban Dung district, Udon Thani province, was bustling with activity as worshippers gathered to make offerings and pray for luck and fortune…

  • Pattaya transforms Lan Pho Naklua into modern seafood market

    Pattaya transforms Lan Pho Naklua into modern seafood market

    Pattaya officials conducted an inspection of the nearly completed renovation at Lan Pho Naklua, which is being transformed into a modern seafood market. Pattaya Deputy Mayor Wuttisak Ruemkijakarn visited the site on Tuesday, February 11, to assess the progress of this transformation. He was accompanied by local government officials, relevant agencies, and residents. Wuttisak explained that the renovation aims to…

  • Single Thais impact wedding industry with shifting social values

    Single Thais impact wedding industry with shifting social values

    A growing number of Thais are opting to stay single, with reasons cited including evolving social values, financial constraints, and mismatched expectations. This trend is impacting businesses associated with romance, such as wedding planners and florists. In 2023, a survey by the National Statistical Office found that one-fifth of Thais were single. Within the reproductive age group of 15 to…

  • South Korean fraud suspect arrested in Pattaya for visa overstay

    South Korean fraud suspect arrested in Pattaya for visa overstay

    A coordinated effort yesterday led by Police Major General Chairit Anurit, Commander of Immigration Bureau Division 3, alongside Police Colonel Plearn Klinpayom, Deputy Commander of the same division, culminated in the apprehension of a 41 year old South Korean national. The South Korean, Jiyong Ki, was taken into custody in a room located in North Pattaya, yesterday, February 12, at…

  • Thai DSI targets Karen leader in global call centre scam

    Thai DSI targets Karen leader in global call centre scam

    The issue of call centre scams is a significant concern in the Southeast Asia region, following revelations by Rangsiman Rome, an MP from the People’s Party. The MP exposed a fraudulent network causing distress for many. Rangsiman recently posted an image of an arrest warrant for Mong Chittu, leader of the Border Guard Force (BGF), alleging that the high-ranking officer is…

  • Honda Jazz overturns and catches fire in Nong Khai

    Honda Jazz overturns and catches fire in Nong Khai

    A white Honda Jazz collided with a barrier, flipped, and caught fire this morning in Mueang district, Nong Khai province. The 48 year old driver, Preecha, returning from dinner with his mother, stated he could not recall the accident’s details. Police Lieutenant Sittisart Moolmanat of Mueang Nong Khai Police Station received reports of the incident on Sadej Road leading to…

  • PM hosts first mobile Cabinet meeting in Songkhla to boost southern development

    PM hosts first mobile Cabinet meeting in Songkhla to boost southern development

    The Government of Thailand is set to conduct its inaugural mobile Cabinet meeting of the year in Songkhla next Tuesday, with discussions centred on developing the southern east coast region and the Sadao border trade gateway with Malaysia. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub stated yesterday, February 12, that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, accompanied by the Cabinet, will travel to Phatthalung and…

  • Urgent healthcare support needed in Thai refugee shelters

    Urgent healthcare support needed in Thai refugee shelters

    The Ministry of Public Health has been advised to enhance healthcare support in temporary shelters, incorporating permanent healthcare facilities and refugee health volunteers. Former chairperson of the subcommittee on ethnic human rights, Surapong Kongchantuk, emphasised the urgency of the situation following the US government’s withdrawal of support. Surapong, who has worked with stateless individuals, migrant workers, and displaced persons, advised…

  • Bangkok taxi driver arrested for targeting intoxicated passengers

    Bangkok taxi driver arrested for targeting intoxicated passengers

    Police in Bangkok arrested a 46 year old taxi driver accused of stealing from passengers who were intoxicated and abandoning them en route. The arrest followed the attachment of a GPS tracker to his vehicle. The driver, Sawat was apprehended yesterday, February 12, in Soi Chok Chai 4, Soi 69, Lat Phrao district, Bangkok, acting under a warrant from the Criminal Court…

  • Thai TV host questions DJ Man’s 14 million baht extortion claims

    Thai TV host questions DJ Man’s 14 million baht extortion claims

    Well-known television host Noom Kanchai recently commented on DJ Man’s interview where he accused a fellow celebrity of extorting 14 million baht. The online community is abuzz with speculation, with many believing they have identified the individual in question. During his appearance on the talk show, DJ Man revealed that a prominent figure from the entertainment industry approached and allegedly promised…

  • Tak immigration chief reassigned amid trafficking concerns

    Tak immigration chief reassigned amid trafficking concerns

    The Immigration Bureau has transferred the superintendent of Tak Immigration to a different post following reports of foreign nationals disappearing after being deceived into entering Thailand. The incident is suspected to be linked to human trafficking activities in Tak province. Police Major General Prashaya Prasansuk, the Acting Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, signed an order (No. 24/2025, dated February 12)…

  • 10 year old girl assaulted outside Chon Buri school

    10 year old girl assaulted outside Chon Buri school

    A distressing incident unfolded in the Chon Buri province involving a 10 year old girl who was lured outside her school under the pretense of receiving sweets, only to be assaulted by three men. The victim is currently in critical condition and requires urgent surgery at Chon Buri Hospital. According to A, the girl’s 35 year old mother, the incident…

  • Construction worker killed by collapsing wall in Bangkok

    Construction worker killed by collapsing wall in Bangkok

    A construction worker tragically died after being crushed by a collapsing wall during demolition activities in Soi Phahonyothin 32, Sena Nikom 1 Road in Bangkok. The Ruamkatanyu Foundation’s volunteer unit responded to the incident yesterday, February 12, which involved an old concrete wall that was in the process of being dismantled. The volunteer team at the scene is assessing the situation…

  • Thailand video news | Russian tourist dies after Pattaya boat slide incident, Most Indonesian Parents support social media age restrictions

    Thailand video news | Russian tourist dies after Pattaya boat slide incident, Most Indonesian Parents support social media age restrictions

    Alex reports on major news stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia, covering key incidents and developments. A Russian tourist dies in Pattaya after using a boat slide, while a harvester accident in Kamphaeng Phet kills a teenager. Phuket police arrest four foreign hackers behind a 560-million-baht scam, and Bangkok authorities detain eight university students for a violent assault. Thailand braces…

  • Uncontrolled fire rages at Ratchaburi candle factory

    Uncontrolled fire rages at Ratchaburi candle factory

    A fire at a candle manufacturing factory in Ratchaburi remains out of control, echoing a similar major incident a decade ago. Yesterday, February 12, Police Lieutenant Colonel Praman Plathong from Mueang Ratchaburi Police Station received a report of a fire at the factory located in Mueang district. Fire engines were dispatched to assist, and upon arrival, flames were seen erupting…

  • Driver trapped as car crashes into Phuket’s Seahorse Circle

    Driver trapped as car crashes into Phuket’s Seahorse Circle

    A young driver was left trapped and seriously injured after losing control of his car and crashing into a power pole at Phuket’s infamous Nimit Traffic Circle, also known as Seahorse Circle, in the early hours of yesterday morning. Rescue workers from the Phuket Kusoldharm Foundation arrived at the scene at around 3am, yesterday, February 12, to find a wrecked…

  • Teen fugitives caught in sugarcane field after detention escape

    Teen fugitives caught in sugarcane field after detention escape

    Two young male suspects, 13 and 14 years old, involved in separate robbery and methamphetamine possession cases, have been caught after escaping from a juvenile detention vehicle in Chaiyaphum province. They were found hiding in a sugarcane field after confessing to a local cattle herder. The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 11, when the two boys jumped from a juvenile…

  • Elderly man killed by grandson in Udon Thani sword attack

    Elderly man killed by grandson in Udon Thani sword attack

    An 88 year old man was killed at his home in Mueang district, Udon Thani province yesterday. A 29 year old suspect fled the scene with a long sword and remains at large. The incident occurred around 5pm, yesterday, February 12, with local police, including Police Colonel Pattanawong Chanpol and emergency services, responding to the scene. Phon sustained multiple injuries…

  • Ex-alcohol chief toasts potential gains from lifting drink sales ban

    Ex-alcohol chief toasts potential gains from lifting drink sales ban

    Former chairperson of the Alcohol Beverage Business Association recently discussed the potential economic benefits of lifting the ban on alcohol sales from 2pm to 5pm as well as on religious holidays. The move aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s directive to review regulations that hinder economic stimulation and contradict tourism promotion policies. Thanakorn Kuptajit highlighted that revisiting these restrictions, including the…

  • Student injured by car running red light in Bangkok

    Student injured by car running red light in Bangkok

    A vehicle ran a red light and struck a student from Suankularb School while he was crossing a zebra crossing, causing injuries. The driver claimed unfamiliarity with the area and was distracted by her GPS. Police have pressed charges. Today, February 13, Police Lieutenant Colonel Seksan Chumchaem, Deputy Superintendent of Traffic at Phra Ratchawang, reported the incident occurred on February 10…