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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  • DES Ministry to hold banks, telecoms accountable for online scams

    DES Ministry to hold banks, telecoms accountable for online scams

    The Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) is set to amend regulations to hold banks and telecom operators accountable if they are found negligent in addressing online scams, according to DES permanent secretary Wisit Wisitsora-At. Wisit made the new regulation announcement, yesterday, September 19, during the 60 Years of Excellence: Creating Great Leaders, Designing the Future seminar hosted by the…

  • Shoppers rush post-flood markets in Chiang Rai for bargains

    Shoppers rush post-flood markets in Chiang Rai for bargains

    Shoppers flocked to the Sai Lom Joi Market and Doi Wao Market in Chiang Rai‘s Mae Sai district to purchase discounted goods following the recent floodwaters receding. The bustling atmosphere saw a surge of visitors eager to take advantage of the low prices on offer. This annual post-flood shopping event has become a tradition for these border trade markets. Floodwaters…

  • Delivery rider wades through flood to deliver package in Nong Khai (video)

    Delivery rider wades through flood to deliver package in Nong Khai (video)

    A TikTok video showing a dedicated delivery rider wading through knee-deep floodwaters to deliver a package has gone viral, sparking calls for the rider to receive a bonus. The video, posted by user @pukky_laddawan from Nong Khai province, depicts the unexpected and heartwarming moment. Yesterday, September 19, TikTok user @pukky_laddawan, a resident of flood-affected Nong Khai province, shared a video…

  • Phanom district honoured at Beautiful District Awards in Bangkok

    Phanom district honoured at Beautiful District Awards in Bangkok

    Phanom district in Bangkok received an honourable mention at the Ministry of Interior’s Beautiful District Awards ceremony held yesterday. The event, organised by the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Interior Housewives Association, and the Department of Local Administration, celebrated districts providing exemplary public services. The ceremony took place at the Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao. Present at the…

  • Thai hotels back new co-payment scheme amid fraud cases

    Thai hotels back new co-payment scheme amid fraud cases

    Hotel operators in Thailand have embraced a proposal to revive the co-payment scheme for hotel expenses, viewing it as a potential boost for domestic spending. However, concerns have been raised regarding 1,400 unresolved fraud cases from the scheme’s previous phases. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong discussed the matter with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who agreed in principle to reintroduce…

  • Teen fatally shot by schoolmate in Bueng Kan province

    Teen fatally shot by schoolmate in Bueng Kan province

    A tragic incident unfolded yesterday evening when a 14 year old student was fatally shot in the back of the head by a 15 year old schoolmate. The shooting occurred around 7.35pm, yesterday, September 19, in Pak Khat, Bueng Kan province. Police Lieutenant Colonel Teerawisit Jinjanda, Deputy Inspector of Pak Khat Police Station, was alerted to the shooting. He promptly…

  • Scam caller demands 120,000 baht from Surin official

    Scam caller demands 120,000 baht from Surin official

    A mysterious call claiming to be from a high-ranking official in Surin province demanded 120,000 baht from the director of the Sri Narong District Lifelong Learning Centre in the province to clear up a complaint against her. The Facebook page Watchdog Operation recently published a post and images accusing Nitaya, the director of the Sri Narong District Lifelong Learning Centre,…

  • New SRT governor aims to make Thailand ASEAN rail hub

    New SRT governor aims to make Thailand ASEAN rail hub

    Veeris Ammarapala, the newly appointed governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), pledged to transform Thailand into a leading railway service hub in the ASEAN region during his four-year tenure. Ready to begin his duties as the 20th governor, Veeris recognises the significance of his role and the SRT’s mission as the nation’s largest state-owned transportation enterprise. The SRT…

  • British-Thai monk and Thai national artist win diplomacy award

    British-Thai monk and Thai national artist win diplomacy award

    Thailand’s Public Diplomacy Award named three remarkable figures as this year’s recipients, the Thailand Foundation revealed yesterday. A revered monk, an iconic composer, and a leading cultural institution will be honoured for their monumental contributions to promoting Thai culture and values across the globe. The prestigious honour has gone to Phra Phrompacharayanmuni (Ajahn Jayasaro), a British-Thai Buddhist monk, whose dedication…

  • Krabi closes marine attractions until Sunday due to rough seas

    Krabi closes marine attractions until Sunday due to rough seas

    Krabi’s Marine National Park has temporarily closed its marine tourist attractions for four days, from September 19 to 22, due to strong winds and rough seas. The National Park raised red flags across various tourist spots in the area. Had Nopparat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi announced that red flags have been placed at all marine tourist…

  • Thailand video news | Thai authorities shut down 21 illegal villas on Koh Samui, Thai authorities shut down 21 illegal villas on Koh Samui

    Thailand video news | Thai authorities shut down 21 illegal villas on Koh Samui, Thai authorities shut down 21 illegal villas on Koh Samui

    In Thailand’s video news, Alex and Jay cover various stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Highlights include Thai authorities intensifying their crackdown on illegal properties, and shutting down 21 luxury villas on Koh Samui’s Khao Ma Ngaen mountain due to unauthorized construction. This is part of a larger operation targeting 46 properties built without proper permits, leading to the…

  • Thailand unveils destination visa to attract remote workers

    Thailand unveils destination visa to attract remote workers

    The Government of Thailand is intensifying efforts to promote its new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) to attract foreign nationals who wish to work while travelling in the country, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. Maris announced that the ministry is playing a significant role in promoting the DTV, which is anticipated to generate revenue for Thailand. He emphasised that…

  • Identity theft leaves ex-village headman without essential services

    Identity theft leaves ex-village headman without essential services

    An ex-assistant village headman from Nakhon Ratchasima has found himself in a nightmarish situation after discovering that his identity was stolen by a prisoner. Despite years of seeking help, he remains unable to access essential services due to the mix-up. Komson Tiskratok, a 41 year old man, reported that his name, surname, and 13-digit ID number were used by a…

  • Illegal care centre in Chiang Mai sends Thai father to hospital

    Illegal care centre in Chiang Mai sends Thai father to hospital

    A Thai woman took her father to a care centre in Chiang Mai, only to receive the news that he was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. It was later revealed that the centre was operating illegally. A Facebook user named Mimm Jewpanya pleaded for help yesterday after her father was admitted to a care centre in Chiang Mai.…

  • Biggus dickus: Rogue penis enlargement doc gets shafted by cops

    Biggus dickus: Rogue penis enlargement doc gets shafted by cops

    The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the National Health Security Office (NHSO) busted a rogue operator offering dubious penis enlargement procedures to men looking for a bigger package. Unfortunately, one victim, seeking a bit of extra length, has been left with painful infections rather than a bigger pecker. Heading the charge, Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridet and Police Major General…

  • Thai household debt hits 13.6 trillion baht as bad loans rise

    Thai household debt hits 13.6 trillion baht as bad loans rise

    Thai household debt has surged to alarming levels, reaching 13.6 trillion baht, with non-performing loans (NPLs) climbing to 1.2 trillion baht. The National Credit Bureau reports a consistent rise in bad debts across housing, automotive, and credit card sectors. Data from the end of July indicates that household debt in Thailand reached a staggering 13.6 trillion baht. This figure is…

  • Patong mayor urges caution after landslips and road damage

    Patong mayor urges caution after landslips and road damage

    Patong Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri called on residents and drivers to remain vigilant following several landslips, potholes forming on rain-soaked roads, and a large tree falling onto power lines between Patong and Kamala. A notice was issued by Patong Municipality today, September 20. “Watch out! Follow the situation of flash floods, forest runoff, flooding, mudslides, and strong wind waves.” Residents affected…

  • Elderly monk brutally killed in Sisaket temple quarters

    Elderly monk brutally killed in Sisaket temple quarters

    A tragic incident unfolded when a 73 year old monk was brutally murdered in his quarters. Two small cats were found wandering around his lifeless body. The discovery was made by a fellow monk who became concerned when the elderly monk did not appear for his morning alms collection. On the morning of yesterday, September 19, police officer Taweesin Srisuriyachai…

  • Phuket teleconference reviews disaster plan for southern provinces

    Phuket teleconference reviews disaster plan for southern provinces

    Royal Volunteer Command Center Region 4 held a teleconference yesterday with representatives from 14 southern provinces to review the 2015 National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan. The meeting, chaired by Major General Anusorn Ourai, Deputy Commander of Army Area 4 and Deputy Director of the Royal Volunteer Command Center Region 4, aimed to improve coordination and ensure systematic disaster relief…

  • Fire at Sisaket electric bike shop causes million-baht damage

    Fire at Sisaket electric bike shop causes million-baht damage

    A fire broke out at an electric motorcycle shop, quickly spreading to a nearby mobile phone store and a bank, resulting in millions of baht in damages. Police are investigating the cause of the blaze that occurred yesterday, September 19, at 5.30pm. The incident took place in a two-storey building in the town of Rasisalai, Sisaket province. The fire reportedly…

  • Police arrest key suspect in brutal Kalasin double murder

    Police arrest key suspect in brutal Kalasin double murder

    Police apprehended a key suspect in the brutal murder of two cattle traders, a father and son, whose bodies were found in the back of a pickup truck in Kalasin province, Thailand. The investigation continues as police pursue other members of the alleged gang involved in the crime. Police are investigating the murder of 62 year old Rian, and 32…

  • Pattaya: Woman openly uses illegal drugs on Soi Buakhao

    Pattaya: Woman openly uses illegal drugs on Soi Buakhao

    A woman in Pattaya has been seen openly using illegal drugs on the bustling Soi Buakhao, raising concerns among locals and tourists. A Facebook user recently shared images of the woman, who appears to be homeless, sitting by the roadside with drug paraphernalia in one hand and a lighter in the other. The images show numerous Thai and foreign tourists…

  • Tropical storm Sonca to bring heavy rain to northeast Thailand

    Tropical storm Sonca to bring heavy rain to northeast Thailand

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning about Tropical Storm Sonca, expected to hit the northeastern regions of the country today, bringing heavy rainfall due to its slow-moving nature. Deputy Director-General Thanasit Iam-ananchai of the TMD provided an update on the storm’s progress, which was located in Khammouane Province, Laos, approximately 130 kilometres from Nakhon Phanom Province at 10pm…

  • Malaysia and Cambodia launch cross-border QR payment system

    Malaysia and Cambodia launch cross-border QR payment system

    Malaysia and Cambodia have collaboratively launched a cross-border quick response (QR) payment linkage, enabling consumers and merchants to conduct instant retail payments via mobile applications. This initiative, announced by Bank Negara Malaysia and the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), aims to enhance the payment experience and expand market reach for over 5 million merchants in both countries, primarily small businesses.…

  • Doctors on a mission: Time for a prescription for change

    Doctors on a mission: Time for a prescription for change

    A group of furious doctors launched a passionate petition to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, demanding urgent action to tackle the dire state of Thailand’s public health system. Spearheaded by Clinical Professor Emeritus Dr Amnaj Kussalanan, a former president of the Medical Council of Thailand, the petition was formally handed over at the Ministry of Public Health, where Dr Watchai Charoonwattana,…

  • Bangkok street vendors must be poor enough to operate: BMA

    Bangkok street vendors must be poor enough to operate: BMA

    In a move that’s bound to shake up Bangkok’s bustling street food scene, new City Hall regulations will allow only “poor Thais” to operate as street vendors. The bold rules, signed by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, have sparked controversy with their stringent requirements, including a ban on migrant workers. Once published in the Royal Gazette, the new rules will go…

  • Governor’s plan to transform Bangkok’s crumbling footpaths

    Governor’s plan to transform Bangkok’s crumbling footpaths

    Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has taken matters into his own hands, rolling up his sleeves to personally inspect the chaotic renovation of Lat Phrao Road’s battered footpaths. The governor visited the busy Lat Phrao intersection on Tuesday, September 17, where a 20-kilometre overhaul is underway, aimed at bringing the pavements up to scratch. Years of neglect, due to the Yellow…

  • Thai AirAsia offers free flights to Paralympic medalists

    Thai AirAsia offers free flights to Paralympic medalists

    Thai AirAsia announced free flights for Thai Paralympic athletes who won medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games. Medalists will receive free flights for up to 10 years, both domestically and internationally. Thai AirAsia is offering free flights to all Thai athletes who secure medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games, similar to the benefits previously provided to Thai Olympic athletes. Gold…

  • All that glitters: Thai gold prices steady, not budging an ounce

    All that glitters: Thai gold prices steady, not budging an ounce

    Gold prices in Thailand are holding their ground today, with rates remaining flat compared to yesterday’s close. Jewellery gold is trading at 41,050 baht per baht-weight, according to an early morning update from the Gold Traders Association (GTA) at 9.04am. The price of gold bars stands firm at 40,450 baht for buying and 40,550 baht for selling, mirroring yesterday’s figures.…

  • TAGTHAi and Google Cloud to transform tourism in Thailand

    TAGTHAi and Google Cloud to transform tourism in Thailand

    TAGTHAi, Thailand’s official travel app, has partnered with Google Cloud to create a ground-breaking solution that simplifies travel for tourists. Their AI-driven feature, Design My Trip, promises to revolutionise how visitors experience Thailand. Thiratida Kuvantharai, CEO of TAGTHAi, revealed the cutting-edge technologies used to offer curated travel experiences tailored to each individual. “This aligns perfectly with the Tourism Authority of…