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 Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
-
Thai toddler trapped in idling car in Chon Buri saved
In a heart-stopping incident on Wednesday, September 11, panic erupted at Rin Thong Kindergarten in Chon Buri when a two year old girl was accidentally locked inside her mother’s car, with the engine still running. The girl’s mother, 24 year old Pimlapas, was left in shock after her vehicle automatically locked itself, trapping her daughter Michel inside. Pimlapas had stepped out…
-
ETDA plugs in: Powering up Thailand’s digital economy for 2024
Thailand’s Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) unveiled plans to further its role as a co-creation regulator and promoter next year, aiming to boost the digital economy’s value and generate positive social impact. The ETDA intends to enhance the nation’s digital infrastructure, focusing on promoting e-document management, improving governance of digital platform services, and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for good governance…
-
Chiang Rai flood chaos: Flights resume partially
Passengers flying to and from Chiang Rai’s Mae Fah Luang Airport today are in for a nightmare journey as severe flooding threatens to derail travel plans. The airport confirmed four inbound and four outbound flights will operate but is urging travellers to allow up to five hours just to reach the terminal. Flights operated by Thai Airways International, Nok Air,…
-
Arcade foul: Teens slam pervert caught filming skirts in Rayong mall
Two teenage girls issued a warning to others after a pervert filmed under their skirts while they played a basketball arcade game in a shopping mall in the eastern province of Rayong on September 9. The 17 year old schoolgirls, B and C, gave an interview with Kom Chad Luek on September 12 about the incident. They explained that they…
-
Thai Finance Ministry enhances data use for economic growth
The Ministry of Finance is advancing its data utilisation efforts to develop comprehensive profiles of Thai citizens’ liabilities and assets, aiming to bolster economic development. Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit revealed that creating a data lake will enable the government to craft improved national development policies and identify regional strengths and weaknesses. This system will consolidate diverse information about citizens, including…
-
Grab Thailand launches new cash loans for partner merchants
Grab Thailand announced a revamped portfolio of cash loans aimed at its partner merchants, offering three distinct loan products to cater to businesses of all sizes. The new offerings include loan amounts up to 10 million baht with interest rates capped at 1% per month for larger businesses. The initiative aims to boost working capital, enhance liquidity, and support entrepreneurs…
-
Thai student injured in playground scuffle, parents seek justice
A father reported that his son, a Year 8 student, suffered a severe knee injury after being thrown to the ground by a classmate, potentially resulting in uneven leg lengths. The family now faces increased medical expenses and loss of income due to the incident. At 6pm yesterday, September 12, reports emerged from Uthen, an 49 year old industrial machinery…
-
Digital wallet delay: No green light before year-end
The highly anticipated second phase of Thailand’s digital wallet initiative is on ice, with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira revealing that it’s unlikely to roll out before the end of the year. In a brief meeting with the press today, Pichai highlighted the need for a cautious approach, stressing that factors like timing and continuity must be…
-
Crane collapses in Bangkok, injuring motorcyclist
A crane unexpectedly toppled in Thonburi, injuring a motorcyclist who was passing by. The incident left one person injured. It is suspected that the crane’s collapse was due to soil subsidence. Police are urgently investigating the cause. A crane collapsed at around 2pm yesterday, September 12, at a construction site for an underground railway near Soi Taksin 9/3 on Somdet…
-
No more hogging the spotlight: Flood claims beloved Chiang Rai pig
A beloved pig named Bamruea, who had been rescued as a piglet and survived four previous floods, succumbed to the devastating floods in Chiang Rai yesterday. The floods have wreaked havoc on both residents and animals, with the swift and powerful currents making escape nearly impossible. The floods in Chiang Rai have caused significant distress, trapping many residents and animals…
-
Macro worries: Thai consumers feel the crunch, says PwC survey
Thai consumers are increasingly concerned about the impact of macroeconomic volatility on the country’s economic outlook, with 54% expressing significant worry, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (PwC) latest survey. This prompted a shift towards spending more on essential goods. Social media has emerged as the preferred shopping channel, despite ongoing concerns about personal data leakage. The Voice of the Consumer Survey 2024:…
-
Fallen tree crushes cars on Banthat Thong Road in Bangkok storm (video)
A large tree fell on Banthat Thong Road, crushing parked cars during a heavy storm. CCTV footage captured the dramatic incident, which occurred yesterday evening. Strong winds and rain swept through multiple areas of Bangkok, causing significant disruptions. A powerful storm hit several parts of Bangkok yesterday evening, September 12, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. In the Pathumwan district,…
-
Scammers arrested in Bangkok for conning elderly woman
Thai police arrested a group involved in a romance scam targeting an elderly woman. The scammer, posing as a discharged soldier from Yemen, promised to transfer her US dollars but asked if she could pay currency tax on the money first, leading to the victim losing 23,000 baht. Police Major General Theeradej Thammasuthee, along with his team, yesterday, September 12, ordered…
-
Storm’s parking wrecks: Cars crushed, power out near Phra Nang Klao Hospital
A heavy storm caused the roof of a commercial building’s parking area to collapse, damaging several vehicles and cutting off electricity near Phra Nang Klao Hospital. Emergency teams are working to clear debris and restore power. A severe thunderstorm wreaked havoc yesterday evening, causing significant damage to a commercial building’s parking area in Nonthaburi. At around 7.30pm, the strong winds…
-
Phuket gears up for international tourism event
Phuket is readying itself for a monumental moment in global tourism. The Joint Public and Private Sector Committee for Economic Development of Phuket Province met yesterday, September 12, to fine-tune plans for the upcoming International Tourism Island City Conference (ITICC). The Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort will host this prestigious event from September 24 to 27, drawing industry heavyweights, experts,…
-
Thai couple loses over 11 million baht to trusted employee
Frustrated by the police’s lack of action, a Thai couple in Bangkok sought assistance from an official at the Ministry of Public Health. They shared their ordeal involving an employee of their dowry rental business and gold shop, who had swindled over 11 million baht from them. The victims, 28 year old Atijittra and 34 year old Piyaphat, yesterday, September…
-
Sukhothai official arrested over alleged bribe for job placements
Police apprehended a local administrative organisation leader in Sukhothai for allegedly accepting bribes to facilitate job placements for residents’ relatives, only to fail to secure the promised positions. The accused admitted to the charges but claimed to have refunded the money. Following orders from Deputy Commissioner Jaruengkiat Pankaew, Police Major General Prasong Chalampin, and Colonel Sanuwong Kongkain, the Anti-Corruption Division…
-
Bullion on the rise: Gold takes centre stage amidst Fed rate cut
Gold prices surged over 1% to hit a record high today, driven by the anticipation of an impending interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve following signs of a slowing US economy. In early trading in New York, spot gold increased by 1.6%, reaching US$2,551.19 per ounce. Concurrently, US gold futures rose by 1.4%, settling at US$2,578.90. Thai gold selling…
-
Delivery driver dies in crash with 18-wheeler on Highway 304
A delivery driver for a well-known company tragically collided with an 18-wheeler truck parked at a red light, resulting in his death and scattered parcels across the road. At 3.30am today, September 13, officer Thirawat Yiam-on from Kabin Buri Police Station received a report of a six-wheeled truck crashing into the rear of an 18-wheeler at the Khok Udom traffic…
-
Thailand video news | Chiang Mai Landslide Death Toll Rises to 6, 2 Still Missing, Foreign Driver Flees After Fatal Collision with Thai Woman in Phuket
In today’s Thailand video news, Jay covers a range of stories from across the country. In Chiang Mai, the death toll from a tragic landslide has risen to six, with rescue teams still searching for two missing individuals. Meanwhile, the Highways Department has launched an internal investigation following a massage parlour scandal involving a government official. In Taiwan, a Thai…
-
Ex-posed drama: Thai woman hits back at cheating claims by ex
A Thai woman denied accusations made by her Chinese ex-husband that she cheated, tricked and stole from him, asserting that all the assets she took rightfully belonged to her. She countered his claim and accused her ex of running illegal businesses in Thailand. The Chinese man, Ken, sought legal advice from lawyer Sittra Biabangkoed on Wednesday, September 11, claiming that his…
-
King cobra causes chaos: Serpent slithers into senior’s home
A large king cobra measuring 3.5 metres was found hiding in the kitchen of a 73 year old woman’s house, prompting her to call the Southern Venomous Snake Team for assistance. The incident occurred yesterday, September 12, when Taweesak Boonsed, an official from the Southern Venomous Snake Team, received a distress call from Yingdee Suwannarat, who resides in Moo 8,…
-
Bangkok taxi driver berates passenger over travel distance
A taxi passenger in Bangkok shared a harrowing experience where the driver shouted and insulted him, even refusing to stop the car. The passenger complained to the taxi company, only to be told there was no driver by that name. A TikTok user recently posted a video capturing a distressing encounter with a taxi driver. The driver was seen shouting…
-
Thai footballer auctions jersey for Chiang Rai flood victims
Thailand international footballer Ekanit Panya auctioned his jersey from the LP Bank Cup 2024 match against Vietnam to aid flood victims in Chiang Rai. The auction quickly garnered attention, with bids reaching 50,000 baht within an hour. The 24 year old football player announced on Facebook at 8.47pm yesterday, September 12, the auction of his Thai national team jersey. He wore…
-
Drunk driver causes traffic chaos in Pattaya after crash (video)
A Thai driver caused significant disruption to traffic in Pattaya yesterday after refusing to leave her vehicle following a minor collision. Pattaya police received reports at 6.06am yesterday, September 12, from locals about an accident on Pattaya Second Road in the Nong Prue subdistrict. Upon arrival, officers and reporters discovered a white Honda Civic surrounded by residents and rescue workers.…
-
Thai woman forces 12 year old niece into prostitution with govt official
A Thai woman forced her 12 year old niece into prostitution, offering sex services to a 60 year old government official in the central province of Suphan Buri. The case came to light when the 12 year old victim fled from home and sought help from a friend’s family. The family accompanied the girl to the Doem Bang Nang Buat…
-
PM Paetongtarn unveils 10 policies on economic and social welfare
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered the government’s policy statement to Parliament yesterday, outlining 10 urgent policies to address pressing national issues. The policies cover a broad spectrum of areas, with a focus on economic stability, social welfare, and national development. The government intends to undertake comprehensive debt restructuring, focusing particularly on housing and auto loans. Both formal and informal…
-
Sri Nakarin Dam Park cult arrested for travel document scam
Thai police swooped to arrest several members of a peculiar long-haired Karen people cult who set up camp in Sri Nakarin Dam National Park, falsely claiming that they could issue travel documents usable in 196 countries worldwide. The operation was led by Veera Khunchairak, Deputy Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, alongside military and border…
-
Australian man arrested on Koh Pha Ngan for 15 sexual assaults
Immigration Bureau officers arrested an Australian man who had evaded justice for 15 sexual assault cases in his home country. He was found hiding on Koh Pha Ngan, an island in Surat Thani Province. The Commander of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Torsak Sukvimol, instructed officers, particularly those from the Immigration Bureau, to intensify their efforts in investigating illegal foreigners in…
-
Pattaya police shut down illegal pharmacy employing minor
Police in Pattaya uncovered a pharmacy selling unregistered drugs and employing a minor to distribute the medications. Police Lieutenant Colonel Piyapong Ensarn, Superintendent of the Tourist Police Sub-Division 4, along with the Chon Buri Provincial Public Health Office, executed a sting operation yesterday, September 12, at 4pm targeting the pharmacy, which was reported by locals for operating without a proper…
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.