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 Limited-time deal: Save 20% on Cigna's expat health plans forever
Starting a new life abroad is exciting—new culture, new lifestyle, and new chances to grow. But living far from home also means taking steps to protect your health in unfamiliar surroundings. Without the right coverage, even small health issues can...
-
Banpu strikes a green chord amid energy chaos
While the energy industry faces turbulent times, Thai powerhouse Banpu is staying the course, determined to hit the right note with its ambitious green agenda. Listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), Banpu is full steam ahead in its mission to produce quality energy with a keen focus on environmental care, even as market volatility looms large. Under the…
-
Thailand video news | Cold air and storms sweep across Thailand, British student jailed for smuggling cannabis from Thailand
In today’s Thailand Video News, Alex delves into significant stories from Thailand and across Asia. From Thailand’s ambitious upgrade of Suvarnabhumi Airport’s immigration system to deepen efficiency, to the Thai Prime Minister’s meeting with Xi Jinping at APEC, fostering closer ties with China. Other headlines include the sentencing of a British student for smuggling cannabis, a cold front sweeping across…
-
Thailand fast-tracks labour law reforms to meet ILO standards
The Labour Ministry is fast-tracking revisions to key legislation to elevate the country’s labour rights to international standards. Spokesperson Phumipat Mueanchan confirmed that Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has prioritised updating the Labour Relations Act and the State Enterprise Labor Relations Act in alignment with International Labor Organisation (ILO) conventions. These legislative changes aim to enhance workers’ rights, particularly focusing on…
-
Thai woman admits murdering friend, foreign husband denies involvement
Concrete evidence compelled a Thai woman to confess to the murder of her friend, whose body was discovered with missing ring fingers in a palm plantation in Rayong province on Friday, November 15. The suspect’s foreign husband is also under suspicion. The 35 year old suspect, identified as Wannarat Saengkaew, filed a complaint with Sattahip Police Station in Chon Buri…
-
Thailand economy gives a surprise ‘Thai’ five with Q3 growth leap
Thailand’s economy just delivered a surprise package of positive news! Official figures released today, November 18, reveal that the nation’s economic growth has leapt to a striking 3.0% increase in the third quarter compared to last year, leaving analyst predictions of 2.6% in the dust. In a stellar performance, Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy also recorded a seasonally adjusted growth of…
-
Facebook scams cost 718 million baht in Thailand last year
Facebook scams and fraudulent activities have inflicted significant financial damage, totalling 718 million baht over the past year, according to the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister, Prasert Jantararuangtong. Highlighting the efforts of the Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC) during a recent briefing, Prasert revealed the centre’s impact from November 1 last year to November 14 this year, during which…
-
EV excitement with a shock: Thailand’s green dream hits a snag
Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) industry may be sparking excitement but beneath the surface, a storm of challenges is threatening to short-circuit the nation’s EV ambitions. Despite a surge in EV usage, the sector is grappling with poor domestic car sales, sluggish economic growth, crippling household debt, and cutthroat pricing wars that could derail its progress. Chinese EV manufacturers, with their…
-
Phuket’s tourism set to earn 500 billion baht this year
Phuket’s tourism industry is poised for a financial boom, with anticipated earnings reaching an impressive 500 billion baht this year. The island’s strategic focus on attracting visitors through sports tourism, even during the traditional off-season, is driving this growth, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Phuket office. Director of TAT Phuket, Lertchai Wangtrakuldee highlighted that the island effectively…
-
10 year old homeless boy steals 3.5 million baht from Aussie woman in Pattaya
Police yesterday arrested a 10 year old homeless Thai boy for stealing valuables worth 3.5 million baht from an Australian businesswoman staying in a rented house in Pattaya on Saturday, November 16. The victim, 40 year old Toni Anne Hughes, filed a complaint at Mueang Pattaya Police Station on Saturday, reporting that she left her rented house on Friday, November…
-
Thailand’s debt drive: Putting the brakes on cars and homes
The financial woes of Thailand have taken centre stage as crippling debt levels put the brakes on car sales and curb the housing market, particularly among low-income households. With banks wary of non-performing loans (NPLs), many hopeful borrowers are seeing their applications for mortgages and car loans hit the skids. In response, the government is steering new initiatives to tackle…
-
Flame-ingo: Thai woman escapes burning pickup inferno
A Thai woman had a miraculous escape from a fiery fate after her pickup truck caught fire while she was driving. Thanks to the heroic actions of a quick-thinking motorcyclist, she was pulled to safety just moments before her vehicle was completely engulfed in flames. The heart-stopping incident unfolded at 8.30pm, yesterday, November 17, on Highway 22 in Nakhon Phanom…
-
American arrested for alleged sexual assault of Chinese woman
Hat Yai police have arrested a 39 year old American man following serious allegations of sexual assault against a 35 year old Chinese woman. The case unfolded after the victim, known publicly as Chang, bravely came forward to report the distressing incident. The drama began on November 2 when Chang and the suspect, identified as Christian, first crossed paths at…
-
Jealousy-fuelled attack suspect caught after seven years on the run
Police apprehended a 55 year old man for a violent jealousy-fuelled attack in which he shot his former father-in-law and the mother of his ex-wife’s former boyfriend. After evading capture for seven years, he was found bedridden due to a stroke. Suwat was arrested yesterday, November 16 in a hut within a sugarcane field in Udon Thani province. The arrest…
-
Denmark wins Miss Universe 2024, Thailand’s Opal shines in third runner-up
The 73rd Miss Universe 2024 pageant concluded in Mexico, where Denmark’s representative emerged victorious. Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri achieved an impressive feat, securing the third runner-up position and earning admiration from beauty pageant fans worldwide. Opal Suchata Chuangsri, a beloved figure among pageant enthusiasts, has had an inspiring journey leading to her top five finish at Miss Universe. Born on…
-
Buddhist abbot smashes minivan window, sparks outrage in Thailand
An incident involving a Buddhist abbot has stirred controversy after he reportedly smashed a school’s minivan window with staff in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, causing distress to kindergarten children inside. The abbot’s actions have raised concerns and prompted official complaints. Social media was abuzz with images and accounts of the incident, as shared by Social Hunter 2024. The post questioned…
-
Fatal crash in Pathum Thani as truck hits motorcycle
A tragic road accident occurred early today involving a speeding pickup truck that collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the death of a 58 year old man. Police are investigating the incident and reviewing CCTV footage to determine the cause. At 1.15am today, November 17, Veerawat Niyomsap, an investigator at Khlong Luang Police Station, received a report of a collision…
-
Pickup truck crash in Chon Buri sparks fatal transformer explosion
A tragic incident unfolded today when a pickup truck collided with a high-voltage electricity pole, resulting in a transformer explosion and a subsequent fire. The driver was fatally trapped inside the vehicle. This accident occurred on the Sukhumvit 8 Road, in the Nong Kham area of Si Racha district, Chon Buri province. At approximately 12.30am, today, November 17, officers from…
-
Bangkok motorcycle shop fire causes explosions and tragedy
A devastating fire erupted at a motorcycle shop, resulting in multiple explosions and significant property damage, while the discovery of the shop owner’s wife’s body added to the tragedy. Police are investigating the cause of the blaze that broke out in the early hours of today. At around 1am, today, November 17, police officer Korawik Suputat from Bang Khun Thian…
-
Burmese man drowns retrieving coins during Loy Krathong in Phuket
A tragic incident unfolded in Phuket as a Burmese man drowned while attempting to retrieve coins from floats in a reservoir during the Loy Krathong festivities. This unfortunate event took place in Thalang, with police confirming the man’s death in the early hours of November 15. The Loy Krathong festival, celebrated at the Bang Ma Ruan reservoir in the Sri…
-
Cold air brings storms and cooler weather to Thailand
A new cold air mass is spreading across Thailand, bringing thunderstorms and cooler temperatures. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warns of adverse conditions affecting 32 provinces, with the central region, including Bangkok, expected to experience the most severe impact. A fresh, moderately strong high-pressure system from China has reached Vietnam’s northern region and the South China Sea. This weather pattern…
-
Thai PM meets Xi Jinping at APEC, boosts China ties
At 10am local time in Lima, Peru, on November 15, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra engaged in a significant bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Summit. The discussions highlighted the enduring partnership between Thailand and China, marking the year as the Golden Year of Thai-Chinese Friendship. PM Paetongtarn confirmed support for China’s role…
-
Thai students to benefit from 2.9 billion baht free lunch programme
The Education Ministry is set to ensure that students nationwide receive nutritious meals as part of next year’s free lunch programme. Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob has highlighted the initiative’s focus on providing children with a balanced diet, crucial for their academic and personal development. The upcoming programme will target underprivileged children in rural areas, expanding upon this year’s efforts, which…
-
Thailand climbs to 41st on 2024 Global Innovation Index
Thailand reached a milestone in innovation, securing the 41st spot out of 133 economies on the Global Innovation Index (GII) for 2024, as reported by the National Innovation Agency (NIA). This achievement marks Thailand’s highest ranking in a decade, showcasing its progress in fostering an innovative environment. Thailand’s ascent from the 43rd position last year highlights its consistent improvement in…
-
Seven arrested in Yasothon for luring boys into obscene videos
Seven transgender women have been apprehended in Yasothon for their alleged involvement in a scheme to lure boys into participating in obscene video recordings, subsequently selling the content to a private group. This crackdown stems from a police raid on eight locations across the northeastern province, following a tip-off about the group’s illicit activities. Police Colonel Sarawut Chantawong, leading the…
-
Methamphetamine thrown on stage at Kalasin beauty pageant (video)
A surprising incident unfolded during a beauty pageant at a Loy Krathong festival when a young man unexpectedly threw methamphetamine (meth) onto the stage. This disruption occurred at Huai Mano Reservoir, Seri Thai Airport, in Na Khu district, Kalasin province, at 10pm yesterday, November 15. The individual involved, a known psychiatric patient with a history of drug use, had recently…
-
TikTok video captures plight of homeless man in Chon Buri (video)
A TikTok video recently highlighted the plight of a homeless man in Chon Buri, sparking sympathy and curiosity among viewers. The clip, posted by user @its.allbackedup, captured the man wandering near a CJ convenience store in the Nong Ri area. His dishevelled appearance, covered in what seemed to be white powder, drew the attention of a young man who, intrigued…
-
Loy Krathong tragedy: Pet dog dies from firework shock
A beloved pet dog tragically died due to shock from fireworks, prompting an important reminder for pet owners to keep their animals safe indoors during festive events. The Loy Krathong festival is marked by celebrations on November 15 (yesterday), and the tradition of setting off fireworks and firecrackers is widespread. This has led to many pets experiencing fear, with some…
-
Restaurant owners in Pattaya warned of food poisoning scam
A cunning scam targeting restaurants in Pattaya City, Chon Buri, has been unravelled. Fraudsters have been falsely claiming food poisoning to extort money. Restaurant owner Singhanat Rulapak discovered the scam when cross-checking a customer’s claim, which led to the identification of a notorious fraudster operating in multiple locations. A renowned restaurant in Pattaya City received a call yesterday, November 15,…
-
Phuket police arrest local man with meth pills and Ice
Phuket police have apprehended a local man following the discovery of a significant cache of drugs in his possession. The 34 year old Thai man was found with over 2,000 methamphetamine (meth) pills and nearly 200 grammes of crystal meth, also known as Ice. The arrest took place in front of a rental room located in Soi Thiam Pracha Uthit,…
-
Leopard thrills visitors at Phetchaburi national park (video)
A leopard made a striking appearance at the Ban Krang Helipad in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi province, thrilling visitors. Captured in vivid detail by a tourist, this sighting underscores the park’s thriving ecosystem and effective conservation efforts. A clip and photographs of the leopard, shared by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), have drawn significant…
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.