Thailand News

Discover the most recent and relevant news from across Thailand on The Thaiger’s National News page. Covering a wide range of topics, including politics, business, crime, and lifestyle, our dedicated team brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.

Stay informed about the latest developments in Thai society, economy, and culture, as well as updates on travel, tourism, and expat life. With The Thaiger, you’ll never miss out on the essential news that matters to you.

  • Sponsored

    Top 5 luxury villas in Phuket and Koh Samui for your next holiday

    Ask people to name the most beautiful places in Thailand, and you'll often hear Phuket and Koh Samui being mentioned. Who would disagree? One is renowned for its bustling nightlife, vibrant culture, and lively beach scene, while the other is...

  • Tragic twist: Slippery roads lead to double tragedy with feline fatality

    Tragic twist: Slippery roads lead to double tragedy with feline fatality

    A fatal road accident occurred in Nakhon Pathom in the early hours yesterday, when a car skidded off a slippery road and plunged into a canal. The driver, a 36 year old man named Tsai, and his 35 year old girlfriend Saowaphak, both drowned, while two other passengers sustained injuries. Also found deceased at the scene were two Persian cats…

  • Thailand’s healthcare sector transformed by AI innovations

    Thailand’s healthcare sector transformed by AI innovations

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming Thailand’s healthcare sector, with innovative solutions designed to enhance patient care, ease the workload of medical professionals, and address the specialist shortage. In a collaboration aimed at advancing medical treatment, public hospitals, state agencies, and local startups are joining hands to develop AI-based healthcare products and services. These advancements are expected to boost the…

  • Debt moratorium to benefit 7 million farmers and SMEs

    Debt moratorium to benefit 7 million farmers and SMEs

    Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced that no more than seven million farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will qualify for the initial phase of the debt moratorium. The breakdown of this figure is expected to be around four million small-scale farmers and three million SMEs. The Deputy Finance Minister refrained from providing specifics on the scope and limit…

  • Chiang Rai’s new college to tackle Mekong region drug trafficking

    Chiang Rai’s new college to tackle Mekong region drug trafficking

    The International Narcotics Control College (INCC), a newly founded institution in Chiang Rai, Thailand, is set to provide specialised training for law enforcement agents and associated organisations, with the mission of curbing drug trafficking in the Mekong subregion. Nestled within the compound of the Hall of Opium, Thailand’s opium museum, in Chiang Saen district, the INCC is the first of…

  • Sexual activity aids kidney stone expulsion, suggests Thai doctor’s study

    Sexual activity aids kidney stone expulsion, suggests Thai doctor’s study

    A noteworthy post was made yesterday on the Facebook page Sirianan Prasit by Doctor Sirianan Prasit. The post highlighted an intriguing revelation: Engaging in sexual activity can assist in the natural expulsion of kidney stones. Dr Sirianan shared insights from a conference he attended, where the intriguing research was presented. The study, which was conducted systematically and analysed meticulously, compared…

  • Thai man’s chest hair pillow for long-distance girlfriend sparks online debate

    Thai man’s chest hair pillow for long-distance girlfriend sparks online debate

    A long-distance relationship can be challenging, and couples often find various ways to maintain their bond. Some people even resort to unconventional methods to alleviate the feeling of missing their partner. This became a controversial online topic when a man revealed what he believes to be his “greatest invention” – a pillow for his long-distance girlfriend, adorned with his chest…

  • Universal healthcare pilot scheme offers flexible hospital choice in Thailand

    Universal healthcare pilot scheme offers flexible hospital choice in Thailand

    The Public Health Minister, Cholnan Srikaew, has announced the readiness of a new pilot scheme that will enable members of the universal healthcare (UC) programme to seek health services at any hospital. The initiative is aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery, providing UC members with the flexibility to seek eligible services at any hospital. It is expected that the scheme will…

  • Srettha Thavisin to bolster Thai-Chinese tourism, bilateral ties in China visit

    Srettha Thavisin to bolster Thai-Chinese tourism, bilateral ties in China visit

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is slated for a diplomatic visit to China from Oct 8-10 to negotiate on 10 pivotal issues, among which strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing Thai-Chinese tourism cooperation take precedence. The announcement came yesterday during his visit to Chiang Mai, where he also hinted at the renewal of the Thai-Chinese memorandum of understanding on the loaning of…

  • Weighing passengers to become standard for Bangkok Airways

    Weighing passengers to become standard for Bangkok Airways

    Your chance to weigh in on airport and flight practices in Thailand may be coming, quite literally. Bangkok Airways is looking to join a number of international airlines that will be weighing passengers before boarding. On September 16, it became clear that airlines were getting a bit nosy about passengers’ pounds. Foreign giants like Korean Air and Air New Zealand…

  • Thai citizens suspect state officials’ collusion with mafia-style figures, survey shows

    Thai citizens suspect state officials’ collusion with mafia-style figures, survey shows

    A significant proportion of Thai citizens suspect some state officials, including the police, of colluding with mafia-style influential figures, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). The survey, carried out from September 12 to 14, involved telephone interviews with 1,310 participants over the age of 18, representing a diverse range of educational backgrounds,…

  • Cannabis bill to be reviewed, focusing on medical use only

    Cannabis bill to be reviewed, focusing on medical use only

    Cannabis will come under scrutiny as new Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew announced the formation of a committee to analyse a bill to regulate the plant. The primary objective, he insisted yesterday, is to ensure the use of cannabis remains strictly within the medical and health realm, prohibiting any recreational use. The cannabis and hemp bill, sponsored by the Bhumjaithai…

  • Thailand and Laos in talks to link tourism routes and build second bridge

    Thailand and Laos in talks to link tourism routes and build second bridge

    In a bid to boost tourism and enhance relations, Thailand and Laos initiated discussions to connect tourism routes and expedite the construction of a second Thai-Lao friendship bridge in the Pak Chom district of Loei. The talks took place yesterday between Tawee Sermpakdeekul, the governor of Loei, and Khamphan Sithidampha, the governor of Laos’ Vientiane province, during the 20th Thai-Lao…

  • Alcohol consumption bans at retirement parties win praise

    Alcohol consumption bans at retirement parties win praise

    Two key Thai ministries, the Interior and Education, have gained recognition for their commitment to stamping out alcohol consumption during retirement parties for their staff ending their service after this month. Introduced seven years ago, this policy was brought into effect following requests made by the StopDrink Network Office, the Office of the Basic Education Commission, the Thai Health Promotion…

  • Protein foam to boost elderly nutrition unveiled by researchers

    Protein foam to boost elderly nutrition unveiled by researchers

    A research group at Mahidol University has unveiled a novel plant-based protein supplement aimed at bolstering the protein consumption of the elderly. The supplement, a foam protein derived from Thailand’s acclaimed Hom Mali rice, is designed for effortless consumption. Warangkana Srichamnong, assistant director of the Institute of Nutrition and spearhead of the foam protein project, explained the simplicity of its…

  • Four arrested in Thailand for child sex trafficking operation

    Four arrested in Thailand for child sex trafficking operation

    Four individuals implicated in child sex trafficking have been apprehended in Bangkok and Samut Prakan, according to a police announcement today. The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) of the police force detained the two suspects. Criminal Court arrest warrants had been issued for the pair on September 6. The suspects, 40 year old Noppadol Chanthong and 51 year old Khachaporn…

  • Fiscal budget deficits risks Thai economy, chief economist warns

    Fiscal budget deficits risks Thai economy, chief economist warns

    Kiatnakin Phatra Securities’ chief economist issued a stark warning over the government’s increasing reliance on fiscal budget deficits, cautioning that such an approach could harm the economy over an extended period. Pipat Luengnaruemitchai openly criticised the government’s latest populist strategies, including a digital money initiative and reduced oil costs, stating that these measures could erode fiscal discipline. He further warned…

  • Thailand’s airlines resist price war despite rising operational costs

    Thailand’s airlines resist price war despite rising operational costs

    Despite escalating operational costs, Thailand’s airlines are unlikely to trigger a new price war, while the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) intends to retain the existing ceiling for ticket prices. This information was shared by Suttipong Kongpool, the CAAT director, during a seminar co-hosted by the Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) and CAAT this week. Suttipong indicated that with…

  • New Parliament building nears completion, Constitution Day unveil

    New Parliament building nears completion, Constitution Day unveil

    The near completion of Sappaya-Sapasathan, Thailand’s new Parliament building, is set to be celebrated by House members and staff on Constitution Day, December 10, as stated by Deputy House Speaker, Padipat Santiphada. He disclosed that the structure is virtually finished, with a final audit committee meeting planned for Monday to examine the project’s status. Padipat indicated that if the Parliament…

  • Thai education minister’s appointment in question over Red Bull heir scandal

    Thai education minister’s appointment in question over Red Bull heir scandal

    The recent appointment of Education Minister, Police General Permpoon Chidchob, has been challenged by the Move Forward Party (MFP), following allegations of his involvement in aiding Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, the heir to the Red Bull fortune, to evade prosecution. MFP MP Teerajchai Phunthumas voiced these concerns during a press briefing yesterday, September 15. He drew attention to the National Anti-Corruption…

  • Bangkok nights: From street food to rooftop bars

    Bangkok nights: From street food to rooftop bars

    As the sun sets over Bangkok, the city changes. Busy streets filled with day sounds start to buzz with the sounds of evening. From the soft talks of people to the sounds of cooking, Bangkok becomes a night wonderland. There’s so much to see and do! From tasty food on the streets to fancy places high up in the sky,…

  • Critical condition: Thai activist’s battle against stomach tumour prompts urgent hospital transfer

    Critical condition: Thai activist’s battle against stomach tumour prompts urgent hospital transfer

    Thai political activist Ekachai Hongkangwan remains in a critical condition due to a stomach tumour, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. The lawyers requested the Department of Corrections to urgently transfer Ekachai to Thammasat University Hospital for treatment. The tumour, as revealed by tests, measures 11 centimetres in length and 8cm in width. The 48 year old Thai activist was…

  • Shocking treatment: Thai-American couple demands justice after electric shock in Chon Buri hotel jacuzzi

    Shocking treatment: Thai-American couple demands justice after electric shock in Chon Buri hotel jacuzzi

    A pregnant Thai woman and her American husband demanded compensation after the couple and their son were electrocuted while bathing in a luxury hotel jacuzzi in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri province. The woman is also concerned about the effect of the electric shock on her unborn baby. The 30 year old woman, Monthakan Khansantier, sought the help of…

  • Shocking TikTok video reveals tapeworms in wild bear: Wildlife photographer’s startling discovery

    Shocking TikTok video reveals tapeworms in wild bear: Wildlife photographer’s startling discovery

    A viral video, viewed over 24 million times, features documentary wildlife photographer Mark Bouldoukian, known as @markian.b on TikTok, having a startling encounter with a brown bear with what appeared to be long white ropes attached to its rear but in reality, these were not ropes but rather tapeworms. The video’s creator indicated that tapeworms residing inside bears can grow…

  • EconThai urges government: Debt-lift measures needed for all, not just farmers

    EconThai urges government: Debt-lift measures needed for all, not just farmers

    EconThai, the Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry, called on the government to hasten steps to alleviate the heavy domestic debt burden, aiming to aid not only farmers but also middle-income earners who are bearing substantial financial loads. EconThai Vice-Chairman, Tanit Sorat, highlighted the necessity for debt suspension measures to be inclusive, covering a wide range of individuals in…

  • Charter changes referendum has MFP concerned about government’s procrastination

    Charter changes referendum has MFP concerned about government’s procrastination

    The potential referendum concerning changes to the charter sparked concerns as the Move Forward Party (MFP) suggests the government is procrastinating. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai tasked with forming a panel to study the referendum plans, stated that discussions about the referendum’s necessity are still ongoing. This announcement came after the Cabinet’s first meeting this week. The focus of the Cabinet’s…

  • Thai PM’s digital wallet pick: Pao Tang app unlocks blockchain integration

    Thai PM’s digital wallet pick: Pao Tang app unlocks blockchain integration

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday that the government has chosen the Pao Tang app, operated by Krungthai Bank, for its digital wallet initiative. The integration of the app with blockchain technology was confirmed by Srettha during a policy meeting with executives from the Finance Ministry. The government is prepared with a sufficient budget to roll out a 10,000 baht…

  • ASEAN air force leaders’ meet in Myanmar with Thai Air Force on board

    ASEAN air force leaders’ meet in Myanmar with Thai Air Force on board

    A meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) air force leaders, chaired by Myanmar, is currently underway with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) in attendance. The conference in Nay Pyi Taw sees the participation of ACM Alongkorn Wannarot, the RTAF commander, alongside air force leaders from Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Brunei, according to a report by activist…

  • Shocking video on TikTok: Thai sex worker takes moral stand over misbehaving monk soliciting her services

    Shocking video on TikTok: Thai sex worker takes moral stand over misbehaving monk soliciting her services

    Thai social media was left astounded as they watched a Thai sex worker display a stronger sense of morality than a sinful monk when she declined to offer her services to him. This revelation came to light through a widely circulated video on the TikTok app, exposing the shameful monk’s unbecoming conduct. The monk, insistent on receiving the service, argued…

  • Thai PM extinguishes ‘high’ hopes for recreational cannabis, prioritises medicinal path

    Thai PM extinguishes ‘high’ hopes for recreational cannabis, prioritises medicinal path

    Disagreeing with the notion of recreational cannabis use, the Prime Minister of Thailand indicated that his administration would instead continue to focus on the medicinal usage of the plant. Thai PM Srettha Thavisin, who additionally performs the role of the nation’s Finance Minister, shared his stance with the media today, Friday, September 15. Despite this, the cannabis industry in Thailand…

  • Bangkok Special Prison seeks ‘checkup’ on ex-PM Thaksin at police hospital

    Bangkok Special Prison seeks ‘checkup’ on ex-PM Thaksin at police hospital

    Bangkok Special Prison is set to send an inquiry to the medical team at the Police Hospital about the condition of former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been receiving treatment there. Thaksin has been in the hospital for almost a month, and the prison officials, led by Nasathi Thongplod, insist on following doctors’ orders above all else. Even…