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 8 Pneumonia prevention tips for expat families in Thailand
With World Pneumonia Day on November 9, it’s the perfect time to consider how you can protect your family from this serious illness, especially in Thailand, where unique climate and seasonal factors come into play. Pneumonia can be especially dangerous...
-
111 Thai nationals freed from Myanmar but 10 face charges
A total of 111 Thai nationals stranded amidst Myanmar‘s violent conflict found their way back home to Chiang Rai. The return of the Thai citizens, orchestrated by the Thailand-Myanmar Township Border Committee (TBC), marked the fourth group to be repatriated, tallying up to 179 individuals. Amidst the gripping rescue, however, a shocking twist unfolded at the Second Friendship Bridge in…
-
King’s son returns to Thailand: Grabs first Thai ID and passport
His Majesty the King‘s second eldest son, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, has made a monumental return to Thailand, marking his presence by securing his first-ever Thai ID card and a brand-new passport. The royal revelation was brought to light by political maven Chompoonute Nakornthap, aka Cherie, in a Facebook post that set social media abuzz. The tantalising post yesterday, December 15, featured…
-
Pheu Thai MP in hot water for illicit online campaigning
The Election Commission (EC) has unleashed legal fury upon Pattana Sapso, the Pheu Thai Party MP for Sakhon Nakhon. The EC’s crackdown comes in the wake of a damning investigation revealing Pattana’s alleged breach of election laws by engaging in prohibited online canvassing just hours before the crucial May 14 general election. The EC’s official statement, released on December 8,…
-
Former MFP leader Pita faces court drama over media scandal
The former leader of the Move Forward party (MFP), Pita Limjaroenrat, is gearing up for a courtroom showdown to defend himself against allegations involving a media scandal. Former MFP leader Pita has declared his readiness to face the Constitutional Court next Wednesday, December 20. The political maverick is set to battle allegations that he held shares in the now-defunct iTV…
-
Indian tourist influx in Thailand surpasses expectations due to visa exemptions
A significant influx of Indian tourists has been recorded in Thailand, reaching an impressive 1.5 million so far this year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This figure surpasses the authority’s initial target, thanks to a newly introduced visa exemption scheme for Indian travellers. TAT’s Executive Director of ASEAN, South Asia, and South Pacific Region, Patsee Permvongsenee, disclosed…
-
Thai PM seeks Japanese investment in country’s EV industry
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to persuade top Japanese car manufacturers to invest in Thailand’s burgeoning electronic vehicle (EV) industry, boarded a plane to Japan yesterday. The visit, marking his first to Japan since his tenure as prime minister began, coincides with the 50 Years of the Asean-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Commemorative Summit. Accompanying the 61 year old…
-
Uzbek consul general discusses trade and tourism potential with Phuket governor
Fakhriddin Sultanov, the Consul General of the Republic of Uzbekistan, made a courtesy visit to the Governor of Phuket, Sophon Suwannarat, yesterday, December 14. The visit marked a momentous occasion for Sultanov as it was his 36th trip to the popular Thai island. The delegation was warmly greeted, and the meeting was aimed at discussing potential cooperation between Phuket and…
-
Ex-Labour Ministry secretary faces horror as 40 million baht property title deeds vanish
A former Labour Ministry secretary revealed a shocking case where his mortgage title deeds for a home and land worth 40 million baht have disappeared. The property, a 418 square metre lot in an upscale village in Nonthaburi province, was mortgaged to a reputable bank in 2003. Paisan (surname withheld) explained that he had been regularly servicing the debt, reducing…
-
Northeast Thailand: Local uncovers rare square yams, boosts income by 4,000 baht
A 74 year old local known as Uncle Aum from the Map Krat district of Nakhon Ratchasima province dug almost 3 metres deep to forage for a rare variety of wild yams, referred to as square yams by locals due to their distinct shape. Uncle Aum used his free time after the end of the rice harvest season to supplement…
-
Fine dust pollution spikes across Thailand, Bangkok plans tree-planting pilot
Intensified fine dust pollution has led to heightened levels of fine particulate matter under 2.5 microns, known as PM2.5, in 30 provinces across Thailand, including Bangkok. This development was recorded yesterday through the satellite-based Check Foon application, developed by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). Samut Songkhram experienced the highest dust level, peaking at 84.1 microgrammes per cubic…
-
Thailand’s universal healthcare covers gender-affirming surgery, NHSO confirms
National Health Security Office (NHSO) Secretary-General, Jadet Thammathataree, clarified that Gender-Affirming Surgery (GAS), commonly referred to as sex reassignment surgery, is covered under Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme for patients diagnosed with gender dysphoria. This clarification comes as an exception to the rule that excludes cosmetic surgeries from the scheme, leading to confusion about whether GAS is considered a cosmetic procedure,…
-
Thai tourism boom: 9,000 Chinese flock to Bangkok for game-changing conference
Thailand played host to a jaw-dropping 9,000 Chinese entrepreneurs, propelling the country into the limelight as the ultimate business and leisure destination. Amid the glitz and glamour of Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) held a conference on agricultural products and technology. Chinese agricultural and technology experts, as well as economic professionals, attended the…
-
Phuket switches to ‘seven days of family happiness’ to boost road safety
Phuket is taking a fresh approach to road safety during the forthcoming festive season. The island is rebranding its annual Seven Days of Danger campaign as Seven Days of Family Happiness in a bid to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities on its roads. The revised campaign was announced during a press conference yesterday, December 14, presided over by Sattha Thongkham,…
-
Unemployed Thai man arrested for gold theft after his birthday party
Police arrested an unemployed Thai man for stealing a gold necklace from a shop in Bangkok after paying off debts and throwing himself a belated birthday party at a resort in the central province of Kanchanaburi. Officers at Phetchakasem Police Station received a theft complaint at the Mae Thong Kham gold shop on Phetchakasem Road in Bangkok’s Bang Kae district…
-
Canadian man and Thai wife fatally stabbed in Khon Kaen over parking dispute
Tragedy struck in the early hours of this morning in the Muang district of Khon Kaen, a northeastern province of Thailand, when a Canadian man and his Thai wife were fatally stabbed by a neighbour. The couple, 54 year old Michael Nixon, and his 47 year old wife, Anurak, were found dead outside their two-storey house. A 36 year old…
-
Motorcycle parking fee confusion at Mo Chit 2 terminal clarified by TCL
Transport Company Limited (TCL) clarified a recent complaint about a 1,500 baht fee for a four-day motorcycle parking at Mo Chit 2 terminal. The matter, raised on the Facebook page “Want to be famous, I’ll arrange it with a video clip,” featuring a caption claiming a charge of 1,500 baht for four-day motorcycle parking at Mo Chit 2, has been…
-
Former deputy leader Prinn Panitchpakdi acquitted in indecency case
The Criminal Court yesterday pronounced Prinn Panitchpakdi, previously a deputy leader of the Democrat Party, not guilty in a case where he was indicted for an obscene act on a 17 year old girl back in 2018. The court’s decision was based on the statute of limitations expiration. The prosecution’s lawsuit stated that during the day on April 25, 2018,…
-
Luxury BMW catches fire in Phuket: Engine malfunction suspected
A high-end BMW caught fire near a fuel station in Phuket, causing significant damage to the vehicle in the early hours of the morning today, December 15. The local authorities quickly responded to the incident, extinguishing the blaze to prevent further harm. The owner of the car revealed that smoke began to emit from the engine, prompting suspicions of mechanical malfunction.…
-
Thai man arrested for illegally possessing 30 guns and ammunition
Officers from the Investigation Division Provincial Police Region 4 (INVP4) arrested a Thai man at his house in the Isaan province of Kalasin for illegally possessing 30 guns and over 2,300 rounds of ammunition. The Deputy Commander of the INVP4, Nattanon Prachum, reported that the Royal Thai Police (RTP) introduced an operation to crack down on people involved with illegal…
-
North Thailand: Unique black turtle sparks intrigue and hope among villagers
A large black turtle, weighing over 6 kilogrammes, caused a stir among local villagers who were seeking good fortune. The turtle’s owner, 45 year old Natee Jaisaen discovered the unique creature today, December 15. The turtle’s distinct markings under its belly, resembling powerful talismans, have further ignited the local community’s intrigue. Natee, the owner of the house located at 82…
-
Thailand’s tourism recovery under threat from safety concerns and sluggish Chinese economy
The future of Thailand tour packages hangs in the balance as safety concerns plague the minds of tourism operators in China. They forecast that tourism levels might only return to pre-pandemic figures by 2025. Tourism bookings take an immediate hit whenever safety incidents occur in Thailand, and Chinese social media plays a significant role in the rapid dissemination of such…
-
Dangerous blue-ringed octopus found in seafood in Thailand
Seafood enthusiasts are urged to exercise caution as instances of the dangerous blue-ringed octopus found in food have been increasing, whether in barbecue restaurants, skewers prepared for grilling, or even sushi. But why is this particular species a cause for concern? Let’s delve into the interesting yet perilous world of the blue-ringed octopus, a creature that is 20 times more…
-
Thai woman nabbed for stabbing her husband’s 17 year old mistress
Police arrested a Thai woman after she stabbed her husband’s 17 year old mistress at her home in the central province of Kanchanaburi on December 12. Amarin TV reported that the attack took place on December 12 at a house in the Tha Muang district of Kanchanaburi province. The attacker, 49 year old Auan, was arrested yesterday, December 14, and…
-
Khao San Road unaffected by 4am closing time due to exclusion from approved zone
Tourism operators on Khao San Road expressed their indifference towards the forthcoming 4am closing time set to come into effect from today, stating it will have minimal impact due to the area’s exclusion from the approved zone for extended hours. Sanga Ruangwattanakul, who presides over the Khao San Road Business Association, pointed out that there is a prevailing confusion among…
-
EGCO acquires 30% stake in Indonesia’s PT Chandra Daya Investasi
Electricity Generating (EGCO), the power generation subsidiary of the state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, announced the acquisition of a 30% stake in PT Chandra Daya Investasi, an Indonesia-based company. The deal, valued at US$194 million, was orchestrated via EGCO’s fully-owned subsidiary, Phoenix Power BV, and is expected to be finalised by year-end. PT Chandra Daya Investasi (CDI) is a…
-
Former transport minister Saksayam Chidchob to be judged by charter court
The Constitutional Court will unveil its verdict on January 17 on the contentious share concealment accusations against former Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob. Following a marathon six-hour hearing, Saksayam defended himself against all accusations. “I’ve laid bare the truth about my stake in Burijarearn Construction Limited Partnership. I’ve fully explained the matter.” The court spectacle featured an ensemble cast, including Varaporn Thetsen,…
-
Thailand’s economic growth potentially in decline, SCB EIC warns
The Siam Commercial Bank’s research wing, SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), expressed concern over the potential decline in Thailand’s long-term economic growth. It has attributed this to enduring structural problems, such as low investment, diminished total factor productivity, and the economic impact of the pandemic. Chief Economist at SCB EIC, Somprawin Manprasert, revealed that Thailand’s economic recovery has been more…
-
PTTEP forecasts 9% rise in petroleum sales due to expanded gas production
PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) anticipates a 9% surge in petroleum sales in the coming year, largely due to the expanded gas production from the Erawan field in the Gulf of Thailand. The company’s President and CEO, Montri Rawanchaikul, revealed that the average sales for this year are anticipated to be around 464,000 barrels each day. This increase in…
-
Thai tourism booms as over a quarter vow to return: Visa insights
A Visa study has uncovered that Thailand is set to witness a tourism surge with a whopping 28% of travellers who explored the country this year, expressing their firm intention to make a return within the next 12 months. The 2023 Global Travel Intentions Study by Visa, the largest and longest-running consumer insights study of its kind, has provided a…
-
Bangkok’s Red Cross Fair at Lumpini: Where the fun never ‘cross’-es the deadline
The renowned Red Cross Fair, held at Lumpini Park, Bangkok, is still going strong after it kicked off on December 8. Don’t miss out on the fun and frolics before the fair ends on December 18. A golden location within the event sees vendors bidding for the best spots. With a theme of Joyful Happiness at the Place of Giving,…
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.