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 Smooth travel to Belgium and the Netherlands: Visa tips & tricks!
Make Belgium and the Netherlands your next destination with the right visa in hand. Explore the iconic tulip fields, cruise through Amsterdam’s scenic canals, or stroll through the historic streets of Bruges. Don’t forget to enjoy some authentic Belgian chocolate...
-
Bets off: Jilted Thai man gambles on lawsuit after wedding deception
A Thai man is taking legal action against his ex-girlfriend, who tricked him into transferring 500,000 baht to fund her gambling, claiming the money was for their dream wedding. The victim, 38 year old Jaruwat, filed a complaint against his ex-girlfriend at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB)‘s complaint centre today, October 3. Jaruwat said he was the victim of a…
-
Winter story: Thai cool season arrives fashionably late with icy twist
Brace yourselves, Thailand’s winter this year will arrive a little late but pack an extra punch of chill. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) announced that the cool season will kick off in the third week of October, with temperatures set to dip lower than last year. Although winter will extend until late February, the TMD is predicting cooler-than-usual temperatures. The…
-
Thai activist-turned-filmmaker takes home top award
Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal, best known for taking on the Thai establishment as a student activist, has swapped protest placards for a camera, earning him a prestigious film accolade. His co-produced documentary, The Last Breath of Sam Yan, claimed Best Documentary Film at the 2023 Suphannahong Awards, bringing attention to an ongoing battle over Bangkok’s cultural heritage. The documentary, directed by Prempapat…
-
Chiang Rai slammed by new flooding amid fresh warnings
Chiang Rai just can’t catch a break! After being battered by devastating floods last month, Ko Sai and Mai Loong Khun communities have been hit by another round of intense flooding. Heavy rainfall overnight caused the Sai River to burst through a sandbag floodwall, swamping the area and leaving residents in disarray. Thankfully, swift action by troops ensured locals were…
-
Bangkok safe from floods despite heavy rain, says PM
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra assured the public that Bangkok will remain safe from flooding, noting that the current rainfall levels are significantly lower than those experienced during the devastating floods of 2011. The Thai premier reviewed the water situation yesterday, October 2, at the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi. She highlighted that while Thailand was…
-
Thailand’s new PM makes TIME100 Next list
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has made waves by being included in the prestigious TIME100 Next list of leaders for 2024, as announced by Time magazine. This remarkable recognition marks a significant milestone for the 38 year old politician, who has emerged as a trailblazer in Thai politics. Elected as Thailand’s 31st Prime Minister following the dismissal of property tycoon Srettha…
-
Ayutthaya woman saved from sexual assault by good Samaritan
A petrol station attendant attempted to sexually assault a woman after pretending to help her with directions. The incident occurred near a community road in Ayutthaya. The suspect, a 37 year old Myanmar national, was subsequently arrested and charged by local police. The incident involved a 29 year old woman (anonymous), who was riding her motorcycle to visit a friend…
-
Thai business group demand rate cut to keep exports afloat
Thailand’s leading business group called for an urgent reduction in interest rates, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of a rapidly appreciated baht on exports. The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) chairman, Sanan Angubolkul, highlighted the urgency for the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to adjust rates, aligning with the government’s repeated calls for monetary easing. Markets…
-
Penny-wise, pound foolish: Thailand’s budget delay leaves fiscal year in arrears
The Government of Thailand’s delayed budget approval led to significant underinvestment in the previous fiscal year, according to the Comptroller General’s Department (CGD). The state budget for the fiscal year is divided into a fixed fund and an investment fund. For fiscal 2024, which ended on September 30, the fixed fund amounted to 2.8 trillion baht (US$84 billion), covering expenses…
-
Blazing drama: Phuket boat blaze leaves captain burnt out
A fire erupted aboard a Phuket tourist boat leaving the captain nursing injuries and igniting a full-blown investigation. The Phuket Marine Office got the alarming call at 10.35am today, October 3, about the Flamingo Lady 2 tour catamaran going up in flames, sending shockwaves and panic rippling down the Andaman coast. The vessel, which had just dropped off 22 tourists…
-
Position impossible: Director’s promotion sparks drama in Surin
Drama erupted among education professionals after an education centre director in the Isaan province of Surin was transferred to a better position, despite allegations of dereliction of duty. The alleged misuse of power and inappropriate behaviour of a female education centre director, Nittaya Phupanna, came to light after the Facebook page, Watchdog Anti-corruption Organisation of Thailand, shared a picture and…
-
Smile: Pure Heart Foundation donates wheelchairs in Ayutthaya
The Pure Heart Foundation, in collaboration with Thai Smile Bus, has provided wheelchairs to disadvantaged disabled individuals in Thailand to enhance their mobility and improve their quality of life. Thirarat Nawamawat, President of the Pure Heart Foundation, shared yesterday that they were contacted by Rungruthip Janthong, Ayutthaya’s provincial labour officer, and Supinya Kaenchai, Ayutthaya’s employment officer. They reported numerous disabled…
-
Village headman in Udon Thani kills son in self-defence
A tragic event unfolded when the village headman of Nong Wua So district in Udon Thani province, found himself in a life-and-death situation with his youngest son who was under the influence of methamphetamine (meth). The confrontation ended with the village chief fatally shooting his son in self-defence after the latter fired at him. The incident occurred yesterday, October 2.…
-
Residents make offerings after winning lottery in Ratchaburi
Residents are celebrating substantial lottery wins by making offerings at Phupahung Wongwanaram Monastery in Ratchaburi, bringing chicken eggs, flower garlands, and fireworks to express their gratitude. The temple’s abbot received donations, with some winners attributing their luck to the Naga Loop charm. At Phupahung Wongwanaram Monastery in Ban Huay Sala, Yang Hak subdistrict, Pak Tho district, Ratchaburi province, people from…
-
14 year old Isaan girl missing after playing in dam with friends
A 14 year old Thai girl went missing yesterday after she went to play with two friends near a dam in the Isaan province of Buriram. Officers from Lam Plai Mat Police Station coordinated with volunteer divers to search for the missing girl named Noi who disappeared at around 3pm yesterday, October 2. The incident took place at a weir,…
-
Men with swords and bats storm Udon Thani children’s centre
Two men wielding swords and baseball bats stormed a children’s development centre in Udon Thani, causing panic among teachers and children. CCTV footage captured the incident, which took place at 12.40pm yesterday, October 2, showing the men attacking each other. Police Lieutenant Precha Kangkhonnok of the Na Kha Police Station received a call from 59 year old Praipai Sintipla, the…
-
Thailand introduces three-digit lottery tickets to combat overpricing
The Government Lottery Office (GLO) is set to release three-digit lottery tickets this month to address the persistent issues of overpricing and black-market ticket sales, board member Thanavath Phonvichai announced. The initiative aims to enable Thais to purchase lottery tickets at a price not exceeding 80 baht (US$2.5), according to Thanavath. For decades, the office has struggled to mitigate the…
-
Phuket’s veggie fest: A taste of tradition that’s un-beet-able
The enchanting atmosphere of Phuket’s iconic Vegetarian Festival has officially started. Yesterday evening, October 2, the ceremonial raising of the Go Teng poles took centre stage at Chinese shrines across the island, heralding a nine-day celebration that promises to captivate both locals and visitors alike. At the heart of the festivities, thousands flocked to the Jui Tui Tao Bokeung Shrine…
-
Thai woman dies after car plunges into river during driving practice
A Thai woman lost her life after her car careened into a river while she was practising her driving skills in the southern province of Trang. Officers from Nong Trut Police Station, along with rescuers and volunteer divers, rushed to a road along the Trang River in the Nong Trut sub-district, Mueang district, Trang province, after receiving a report that…
-
Driving change: Thai tax breaks on cars for the elderly, disabled
The Excise Department is set to introduce a new ministerial regulation to waive taxes on cars designed specifically for the elderly or people with disabilities. This regulation would reduce the current excise tax rate of 25 to 40% on such vehicles. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, director-general of the department, explained that vehicles with over 10 seats, such as passenger vans, are currently…
-
Thailand to go cashless by 2028, leads ASEAN in RTP usage
Thailand is set to transition to a cashless society more swiftly than its regional counterparts, driven by the nation’s rapid digital adoption and transformation, as per a Visa survey. Visa, a global leader in digital payment services, recently conducted the Consumer Payment Attitude Study, which indicated that Thailand could become a cashless society by 2028. This forecast places Thailand ahead…
-
New ‘Dee-Delivery’ regulation to combat COD fraud epidemic
With online scams skyrocketing, the Government of Thailand is stepping in to crack down on delivery fraud. Enter the new Dee-Delivery regulation, designed to shield cash-on-delivery (COD) shoppers from getting duped. According to Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai from the Prime Minister’s Office, this drastic move comes after a jaw-dropping 365,000 scam cases were reported in the last 18 months, causing financial…
-
Moo-ving in on trouble: SAO official nabbed for stealing 50 cows
Police arrested a member of the Sub-district Administrative Office (SAO) in the northern province of Mae Hong Son for stealing 50 cows and buffaloes from locals and selling them at a slaughterhouse. More than 10 residents in the Mae Sariang district of Mae Hong Son province sought help from officers at Mae Sariang Police Station after their livestock was stolen.…
-
New opposition leader takes the helm after party collapse
People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has officially taken on the role of opposition leader, following a royal command issued by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. This appointment, made on September 25, marks the beginning of a crucial chapter for Natthaphong and the People’s Party, as they step into the role of holding the government to account. The royal…
-
Thailand’s wellness powerhouse: A health revolution in Phuket
BDMS Wellness Clinic has teamed up with Sri Panwa Phuket and Bangkok Hospital Phuket to create an unparalleled fusion of relaxation and medical excellence, as part of the ambitious Phuket Wellness Hub project. With wellness tourism projected to hit a staggering US$1.4 trillion (around 46 trillion baht) by 2027, and Thailand already ranking seventh globally with a market value of…
-
Thai woman wanted for tricking victim into delivering drugs to South Korea
Police are searching for a Thai woman who tricked an innocent man in the Isaan province of Udon Thani into delivering drugs to South Korea. The victim, 20 year old Auan, was hired for 500 baht by a woman, named Eye, to deliver a parcel for her on two occasions. Auan became suspicious about the contents and suspected they might…
-
Minister suspends student field trips after fatal bus fire
Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob has called for an immediate suspension of student field trips following a devastating bus blaze tragedy on October 1. The incident has ignited a widespread social media debate over the safety of children during such activities. Yesterday, October 2, Permpoon announced a temporary halt to study trips in state schools and urged private institutions to adopt…
-
Ratchaburi man steals truck for food and shelter in prison
A man has been arrested after stealing a white Toyota Revo pickup truck and leading police on a chase across provinces before surrendering. The thief claimed that he committed the crime because he was ill, had no income, and preferred prison life where he would be guaranteed meals. The 191 radio centre in Samut Songkhram was notified by police in…
-
Agriculture minister vows to expedite debt relief for farmers
Ekaphap Phonsue, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, revealed that Saikrai Pimbueng, a committee member and secretary of the Farmers’ Rehabilitation and Development Fund (FRDF), recently met with Narumon Pinyosinwat, the Minister of Agriculture. The meeting aimed to discuss policies and actions concerning Thai farmers’ issues. Saikrai detailed that since 2019, the previous government had considered restructuring farmers’…
-
Thai man murders business partner before committing suicide
A housing estate owner shot and murdered his female business partner before taking his own life in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, allegedly due to financial issues. The shooting at the sales office of a housing estate in Nonthaburi province was reported to Sainoi Police Station at around 6.10pm yesterday, October 2. Officers investigated the scene and found two bodies in…
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.