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...

  • Saphan Hin: Woman’s body washes ashore, sparking investigation

    Saphan Hin: Woman’s body washes ashore, sparking investigation

    Early morning fitness enthusiasts at Phuket’s Saphan Hin Public Park were met with a grim sight today as the body of a woman was discovered washed ashore at the tip of Saphan Hin Cape. Police were called to the scene at 6.30am, today, November 29, where they found a small crowd gathered around the deceased. The woman, believed to be…

  • Illegal jet ski blitz: Phuket clamps down on rogue operators

    Illegal jet ski blitz: Phuket clamps down on rogue operators

    Police in Phuket have made waves by seizing six unlicenced jet skis during a dramatic raid at Cape Yamu, Pa Khlok, Thalang. The operation, yesterday, November 28, led by Phuket Marine Police and Marine Department officers, was launched under orders from Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and Phuket Marine Chief Natchapong Pranit. The raid, conducted at Yamu Pier, aligns with a provincial policy…

  • KEX Express delivers change: Shifting gears to new markets (video)

    KEX Express delivers change: Shifting gears to new markets (video)

    KEX Express (Thailand) Plc, formerly known as Kerry Express, is embarking on a dramatic overhaul. The delivery giant is set to close several branches and trim down its workforce as it shifts gears towards the business-to-business (B2B) and customer-to-customer (C2C) sectors. This bold pivot comes straight from the top, confirmed by company insiders keen to reposition KEX away from traditional…

  • Hat Yai on high alert: Red zone declared amid flood threat

    Hat Yai on high alert: Red zone declared amid flood threat

    Hat Yai has been declared a red zone as the risk of severe flooding looms, with local officials urging residents to brace for potential evacuations. Hat Yai Mayor Sakhon Thongmunee announced the warning this morning, citing a surge of water flowing into the U-Tapao and Wa canals, which cut through Songkhla’s bustling district. “Overflows from these canals could inundate downtown…

  • Thai man rapes 10 year old girl on boat and sells her explicit videos

    Thai man rapes 10 year old girl on boat and sells her explicit videos

    Police arrested a Thai man on a boat near Koh Si Chang, an island in Chon Buri province yesterday after explicit videos of him raping a 10 year old girl were sold online. Cyber police officers yesterday, November 28, rushed to Koh Si Chang by helicopter to arrest the 23 year old rapist, Settawut, who was on a boat named…

  • Pathum Thani: Lost buffalo found after escape from slaughterhouse

    Pathum Thani: Lost buffalo found after escape from slaughterhouse

    A missing buffalo has been found in Pathum Thani province after a two-day search, much to the relief of its owner. Chao Long, a male buffalo, escaped from a slaughterhouse and lived with 65 year old Prachert at Soi Bong Kot 16, Village 4, Khlong 2, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani for five months. His disappearance sparked a frantic search by…

  • Thailand’s economy shifts into gear but auto industry hits a bump

    Thailand’s economy shifts into gear but auto industry hits a bump

    Thailand’s economy is on a cautious upswing, buoyed by a surge in exports, a bustling tourism sector, and healthier private consumption. Yet, the road ahead isn’t entirely smooth, with the automotive industry hitting a bump. The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) has laid bare the mixed fortunes in its recent October economic report, painting a picture of resilience tinged with challenges.…

  • Baaa-d news for smugglers: 90 goats herded to safety by Thai cops

    Baaa-d news for smugglers: 90 goats herded to safety by Thai cops

    Thai border police seized over 90 goats that were smuggled from Myanmar into Thailand after the smugglers abandoned them and fled. It is believed these goats were meant for delivery to investors before being sold to Malaysia. Natthaphon Ploythuam, commander of the Border Patrol Police 146, received intelligence about illegal livestock smuggling into the kingdom. Natthaphon immediately dispatched Settachok Phacharatanaphisan,…

  • Thailand unveils plan to boost SMEs, tackle substandard imports

    Thailand unveils plan to boost SMEs, tackle substandard imports

    The Deputy Minister of Commerce, Napintorn Srisangpang, has reported on the outcomes of the second meeting of the subcommittee aimed at promoting and upgrading Thai SMEs, alongside tackling the issue of substandard foreign goods. The meeting, involving 20 related government agencies, categorised products into three groups: agricultural, consumer, and industrial products. To address these issues, a three-phase plan, short, medium,…

  • Police in Uthai Thani build new shrine after lottery wins

    Police in Uthai Thani build new shrine after lottery wins

    Police officers in Huai Khot district, Uthai Thani province installed a new shrine dedicated to the spirit known as Chao Pho Saen Han Fa Laep, also referred to as Chao Pho Sai Thong, after a sergeant received multiple lottery wins following his visits to the old, damaged shrine. Police Colonel Komnat Atisuwan, acting head of Huai Khot Police Station in…

  • Khon Kaen man killed by coconut tree

    Khon Kaen man killed by coconut tree

    A tragic accident claimed the life of a man at a temple in Khon Kaen province when a coconut tree he was cutting down fell on him. The incident was captured on video by a monk, providing a heartbreaking final image of the man’s life. Yesterday, November 28, Phongphichit Thanapantphakdee, deputy inspector of Mancha Khiri Police Station, received a report…

  • Surat Thani father and son busted for bitcoin mining electricity theft

    Surat Thani father and son busted for bitcoin mining electricity theft

    Thai police apprehended a father and son involved in a significant electricity theft operation, costing approximately 1 million baht monthly, to support their bitcoin mining business. The father, 64 year old Wirat, claimed ignorance while blaming his son, 34 year old Nuttachai, for the scheme. Commander Montree Techakhan directed officers to arrest the pair at a rubberwood processing factory in…

  • Thai politician hospitalised after hunger strike amid money laundering probe

    Thai politician hospitalised after hunger strike amid money laundering probe

    Embattled politician Samart Janechaijittawanich has been whisked to hospital following a four-day hunger strike while under detention. The saga unfolded late yesterday as Samart ensnared in a money laundering scandal linked to The iCon Group, was transferred to the Department of Corrections Hospital, confirming fears for his health. Samart, apprehended earlier this week in the northern province of Chiang Rai,…

  • Thailand video news | AOT implements facial recognition for faster checkpoints, Bangkok restaurant “Sorn” earns Michelin’s first 3-star rating for Thailand

    Thailand video news | AOT implements facial recognition for faster checkpoints, Bangkok restaurant “Sorn” earns Michelin’s first 3-star rating for Thailand

    In today’s Thailand video news, Alex covers a diverse range of stories spanning technology, crime, infrastructure, and regional updates. From the Airports of Thailand introducing facial recognition for faster checkpoints to the largest seizure of call scam equipment in Chiang Mai, these updates highlight both advancements and challenges in the country. Other highlights include Koh Samui’s long-awaited pier repairs, Bangkok’s…

  • Scammer in Thailand caught calling dead woman’s phone

    Scammer in Thailand caught calling dead woman’s phone

    A scammer impersonating a bank official made a call to a dead woman’s phone, only to be confronted by her son. The incident highlights the persistent issue of telephone fraud, where scammers impersonate government or bank officials to deceive people into revealing personal information or transferring money. In this particular case, the female scammer called the number of 80 year…

  • Thai Airways gets a financial lift-off with ministry’s capital boost

    Thai Airways gets a financial lift-off with ministry’s capital boost

    The Ministry of Finance is set to propose a capital injection for Thai Airways International to the Cabinet next week. This move is designed to ensure the airline’s recovery while keeping the ministry’s shareholding below 50%, preventing a reversion to state enterprise status, as confirmed by Tibordee Wattanakul, Director-General of the State Enterprise Policy Office. This financial boost is part…

  • Thai woman surrenders after BMW crash kills mother and 2 kids

    Thai woman surrenders after BMW crash kills mother and 2 kids

    A Thai woman surrendered at a police station in the southern province of Chumphon after crashing her friend’s BMW into a victim and her two children, killing them, before reportedly fleeing the scene with her pet cat on Wednesday. The fatal accident occurred on a rural highway in Mueang District, Chumphon, at about 7.40pm, on November 27. Witnesses reported seeing…

  • Fit for a king: Rama X Bridge opening set for December in Bangkok

    Fit for a king: Rama X Bridge opening set for December in Bangkok

    Bangkok’s skyline has a new star, and it’s shimmering with royal splendour. The stunning Rama X Bridge, now fully completed across the Chao Phraya River, is set to officially open in a grand ceremony presided over by none other than His Majesty the King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua on December 14. Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) Governor Surachet Laophulsuk revealed…

  • Jetstar flight to Phuket returns to Sydney after wheel damage

    Jetstar flight to Phuket returns to Sydney after wheel damage

    A Jetstar flight bound for the sunny shores of Phuket took an unexpected detour back to Sydney after a mechanical mishap forced pilots to prioritise safety. The JQ27 flight landed safely at Sydney Airport on Wednesday afternoon, November 27, following reports of a damaged wheel during take-off. Jetstar’s spokesperson assured passengers the situation was handled expertly. “Our flight from Sydney…

  • Bail denied for Boon Vanasin’s wife and daughter

    Bail denied for Boon Vanasin’s wife and daughter

    The Criminal Court has denied bail for the wife and daughter of Boon Vanasin, citing ongoing investigations and concerns about potential evidence tampering and flight risk. Yesterday at 10am, November 28, the court convened to consider the temporary release request for 79 year old Jaruwan Vanasin and 51 year old Nalin Vanasin, both of whom are accused alongside Boon Vanasin…

  • Mentally ill Thai woman suspected in Chiang Mai missing boy case

    Mentally ill Thai woman suspected in Chiang Mai missing boy case

    A five year old boy with special needs went missing from an education centre in Mae Wang district in the northern province of Chiang Mai on Wednesday. The boy, Napaphat “Pleum” Chaisawat, disappeared from the Special Education Centre in the afternoon. He was wearing red sportswear with the number 23 on his shirt. Security camera footage from the centre showed…

  • Man arrested for snatching and pawning gold necklace in Bangkok

    Man arrested for snatching and pawning gold necklace in Bangkok

    A 27 year old man was arrested for snatching a foreigner’s gold necklace weighing 10 baht, later pawned to fuel his online gambling habit. The arrest took place yesterday, November 28, following a detailed investigation by Phayathai Police Station officers. The incident occurred in early October when a foreign national reported being robbed while walking along Phetchaburi Soi 15, Ratchathewi,…

  • Bridge collapse on Rama II Road leaves 3 dead and over 10 injured

    Bridge collapse on Rama II Road leaves 3 dead and over 10 injured

    A concrete segment of a bridge under construction over Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon province near Bangkok collapsed at about 4am today resulting in three deaths and more than 10 injuries. The deadly accident occurred on Rama II Road today, November 29, while 39 construction workers were working on the project. A concrete segment, along with the launching gantry…

  • Manchester pedophile’s reign ends: Bravery of victims hailed (video)

    Manchester pedophile’s reign ends: Bravery of victims hailed (video)

    A Greater Manchester police detective yesterday hailed the bravery of victims of a pedophile after he was jailed for 27 years following a 40-year reign of terror. The pedophile, 74 year old David Marsh, was jailed yesterday, November 28, for 27 years for grooming and sexually abusing boys between the ages of six and nine in the 1980s and 1990s.…

  • Black Friday is here: Last 48 hours to get your 10% off health insurance plan

    Black Friday is here: Last 48 hours to get your 10% off health insurance plan

    With only 48 hours left in this Black Friday promotion, now is your chance to secure comprehensive health insurance at an exclusive 10% discount. For expats living in Thailand, navigating healthcare can bring unexpected challenges. Whether it’s accessing quality healthcare, managing family health, or preparing for emergencies, a reliable health plan can make all the difference. Why health insurance matters…

  • Female student attacks junior in Bangkok school violence

    Female student attacks junior in Bangkok school violence

    A shocking act of school violence rocked a prominent school in the Phatthanakan subdistrict, Suan Luang district, Bangkok, where a female student physically assaulted a junior. The attack, reportedly prompted by a perceived lack of respect, involved pulling hair, slapping, and kicking. The incident was captured in a 30-second video shared on a Facebook page, showing the junior student being…

  • Scottish holidaymaker’s scooter disaster in Koh Pha Ngan

    Scottish holidaymaker’s scooter disaster in Koh Pha Ngan

    A Scottish holidaymaker’s volunteering quest to mend his broken heart took a disastrous turn on the sunny tropical island of Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand. In what was meant to be a soul-soothing retreat at an animal sanctuary, Paul McDonald found himself embroiled in a terrifying traffic drama after a high-speed scooter crash left him bruised, battered, and toothless. The 33…

  • Sorn to be wild: Bangkok eatery spices up Michelin map with 3-star triumph

    Sorn to be wild: Bangkok eatery spices up Michelin map with 3-star triumph

    Move over, culinary giants, Thailand claimed its spot on the Michelin map! In a historic first, Bangkok’s Sorn has become the only Thai restaurant to snag the coveted three stars in the 2025 Michelin Guide Thailand, unveiled yesterday, November 27. Led by the visionary Chef Supaksorn Jongsiri, Sorn earned the prestigious accolade for its “excellence, quality, and consistency,” according to…

  • Golden glory: Lopburi’s sunflower fields spark tourism boom

    Golden glory: Lopburi’s sunflower fields spark tourism boom

    Lopburi province is turning heads as its stunning sunflower fields burst into full bloom, creating a jaw-dropping golden carpet framed by dramatic mountain peaks and vivid blue skies. Tourists are flocking to this seasonal wonderland, capturing dreamy photos and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. The crown jewel is a 75-rai (12-hectare) sunflower field in the Manao Wan subdistrict, owned by…

  • Plans in the works to increase hippo population in Thailand

    Plans in the works to increase hippo population in Thailand

    Plans are progressing for Moo Toon, the older brother of the famed hippo Moo Deng, to mate with Moo Manao at Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, aiming to increase the population of pygmy hippopotamuses in Thailand. Moo Toon celebrated his fifth birthday recently at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, where he resides with his sister. Moo Manao, currently eight…