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 Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
-
Brew discovery: Rare ancient tea plants sparks conservation efforts
The discovery of rare ancient tea varieties in Chiang Mai has significant implications for global tea conservation. The area now holds Thailand’s largest collection of ancient tea genetics. The Director of the 16th Conservation Area Administration Office in Chiang Mai, Kritsiyam Khongsatri commissioned the survey. The team, including the Head of the Doi Chiang Dao Watershed Research Station, Manop Kaewfoo…
-
Thaksin Shinawatra declares war on MFP in Nonthaburi
In a dramatic comeback, paroled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra pledged to reclaim all parliamentary seats in Nonthaburi Province from the Move Forward Party (MFP), setting the stage for a fierce political battle. Thaksin, without directly naming the MFP, made his intentions clear. “In the last General Election, all Parliament seats in Nonthaburi were taken from us, but we will…
-
Consumer confidence lowest this year amid political instability
Thai consumer confidence has plummeted for the third consecutive month, reaching its lowest point since October of last year, amid worries over a sluggish economic recovery and political instability, according to a survey released yesterday. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) reported that its consumer index dropped to 60.5 in May from 62.1 in April. This decline…
-
BMW flips after hitting old toll booth at Chaeng Watthana
A black BMW crashed into an old toll booth at Chaeng Watthana, flipping over and injuring one person. The accident occurred when the driver momentarily took their eyes off the road. Facebook page JS100 Radio reported that the incident happened yesterday at the old toll booth which has not been dismantled yet. The car, travelling at around 40 kilometres per…
-
Pheu Thai in crisis: Will new strategies save the day?
Political analysts predict the ruling Pheu Thai Party will deploy fresh strategies to revive its sagging popularity after a lacklustre performance over the past nine months. Despite a government survey by the National Statistical Office showing 44.3% satisfaction with the administration, a NIDA Poll tells a grimmer story: only 25.19% of the public are content. A significant 34.35% of respondents…
-
Caught on cam: Teens blaze through vandalism at cannabis shop
CCTV cameras captured a group of teenagers vandalising the Stoner Area cannabis shop in front of the Bang Saray Night Market in Sattahip. The incidents unfolded over several days, culminating in a brazen attack in the early hours of June 11. Approximately three days earlier, the same group of teenagers arrived at the shop armed with baseball bats, threatening staff…
-
Caught in the act: Man arrested for luring women into online porn
Police arrested a 20 year old Thai man in the northern province of Lamphun for tricking women, the youngest as young as 12, into making porn and selling explicit content online. Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT) officers acted on a tip-off and investigated a Telegram account sharing explicit videos of several women until they managed to arrest the suspect, 20 year…
-
Krungsri First Choice launches new campaign for young people
Krungsri First Choice has launched a brand campaign targeting young consumers and is aiming for a 10% growth in new customer accounts and spending through credit cards. The campaign, Take Time to Try, Take Time to Fail, features PP Krit Amnuaydechkorn as the brand presenter for the second consecutive year, aiming to communicate with young people. Athip Silpagijkarn, Managing Director…
-
Thailand to boost computer chip investments for EV industry growth
Thailand is poised to ramp up its investments in computer chips, aligning with the state’s strategy to establish a national semiconductor board, in a bid to bolster the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry. According to the Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI), Narit Therdsteerasukdi, as domestic EV manufacturing gains traction due to increased foreign investment, the development of related…
-
Phuket ramps up flood prevention as rainy season nears
Phuket City Municipality is ramping up flood prevention efforts as the rainy season approaches, deploying a comprehensive strategy to protect residents and maintain city infrastructure from imminent rain damage. Preparations include mobilising manpower to combat incoming floods, deploying machinery, and distributing sandbags across vulnerable areas to minimise damages, according to Phuket Town Mayor Saroj Angkhanapilas. The municipality aims to ensure both…
-
Train travel from Bangkok to Beijing inching closer
Train travel between Bangkok and Beijing is moving closer to reality as Thailand gears up to expand its rail network. This new venture promises to transform travel and trade in the region, connecting major cities in Thailand, Laos, and China. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced a trial service between Bangkok and Vientiane, the capital of Laos, on July…
-
Thai man’s toothbrush with danger, nearly chokes to death
A Thai man accidentally swallowed a toothbrush and almost choked to death while brushing his teeth last night. The victim is now safe after a doctor managed to remove the toothbrush from his throat. Ruamkatanyu Rescue Foundation was alerted to the emergency incident at around 9pm yesterday, June 12, and rushed to the scene at a rented room in Soi…
-
White Mitsubishi Pajero with 19 illegal immigrants crashes in Lamphun
A white Mitsubishi Pajero, carrying 19 illegal immigrants, collided with a motorcycle and fled the scene last night in Lamphun. The incident occurred around 8.40pm, yesterday, June 12, injuring a mother and her child at the three-way clock tower intersection in Ban Pa Puai, Ban Hong District. Officers from Ban Hong Police Station and rescue workers from Phutthaisawan Rescue Unit pursued…
-
Shock to the system: Chinese EV makers’ global charge struggle
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers face a challenge in maintaining their global image as price competition abroad raises concerns about the quality and reliability of their cars, according to consultancy Bain & Co. Bain & Co advises Chinese EV manufacturers, who already have a cost advantage over international competitors, to shift their focus to premium and expensive models rather than…
-
The health dangers of ultra-processed plant-based meat substitutes
Eating plant-based foods is often hailed as a healthier choice, but new research suggests that not all plant-based foods are created equal. While fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are beneficial, ultra-processed plant-based foods (UPFs) such as vegan meat substitutes, vegan burgers, vegan nuggets or sausages etc. might actually increase your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study: What researchers discovered…
-
White Lotus effect: Thai resorts brace for tourist tsunami
As the fictional guests of Season 3 of The White Lotus bid farewell to their lavish Thai resort, tourists are gearing up for their tropical escape. The series recently concluded filming at multiple luxurious locations in Thailand. Although the show won’t air until next year, hotels and tour operators are already anticipating a White Lotus boom. The previous seasons of…
-
TikTok warning: Bolt rider assaults Thai woman over fare dispute
A Thai woman took to TikTok to warn other users about her experience with the Bolt ride-hailing application, where the rider in Bangkok physically assaulted her after she refused to pay his inflated fare. The victim shared security camera footage of the physical assault on her TikTok account, @picnicka, yesterday, June 12. According to the victim, the violent app-based rider…
-
Thai court reviews PM and Move Forward Party dissolution
The Thai Constitutional Court convened to address significant political issues, including the alleged subversion by the Move Forward Party (MFP) and a petition questioning Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s qualifications following the appointment of Pichit Chuenban as Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office. The court reviewed a petition from the Election Commission (EC), filed by the political party registrar, that…
-
TikTok teams up with Thailand’s biz dept to boost SME impact
TikTok Shop has taken a significant step by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Thailand’s Department of Business Development to boost the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to 40% of the GDP by 2027, up from the current 35%. TikTok Live data from Thailand shows that in 2023, there were 700,000 Thai creators live streaming on the…
-
Thailand tourism: A sustainable future for long-haul travel
Thailand’s tourism sector is turning its attention to long-haul travellers, leveraging enhanced flight connectivity and a commitment to sustainability. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled an ambitious strategy to attract visitors from far-flung destinations, with a focus on boosting airline routes and promoting eco-friendly tourism. At the recent Thailand Travel Mart+ (TTM+ 2024) in Khao Lak, Phang Nga Province,…
-
Tired thief caught red-handed: Motorcycle stolen in Songkhla
A thief was apprehended in Songkhla after stealing a sidecar motorcycle, claiming he was too exhausted from walking and saw the vehicle with the key left in the ignition. Police issued a warning to owners about leaving keys in vehicles to prevent such incidents. Today, captured CCTV footage reveals the theft of a Honda sidecar motorcycle in Songkhla on the…
-
Thailand reviews property tax law after five years
The Finance Ministry is currently reviewing the Land and Building Tax Act, which has been in effect for five years, marking a crucial phase in reforming Thailand’s property tax regime. Public hearings have been conducted to gather opinions from the public and stakeholders. Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit says the amended version of the land and building tax law will…
-
Siberian Husky in urgent need of blood donation after snake bite
A Siberian Husky faces a dire situation after being bitten by a snake and requiring an urgent blood donation at Kasetsart Animal Hospital in Bang Khen. The dog’s condition necessitated an immediate amputation of its right hind leg to prevent the spread of infection. The heartfelt plea for help was posted on the Facebook page ปู่ลà¸à¸¢à¸”์, urging dog owners to…
-
Oily trouble: Thieves swipe 330,000 litres from Thai police dock
Illegal oil smugglers stole three tankers carrying about 330,000 litres of diesel from the Thai Marine Police (TMP) dock in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri on Tuesday night. TMP officers filed a complaint with Sattahip Police Station in the early hours of June 12 after three out of five oil tankers disappeared from their parking spots. The relevant authorities…
-
Fishy business: Neighbour caught stealing prawns in Thailand
A local fishpond owner faced significant distress after a series of thefts targeting her prawn traps over two consecutive days. When the thief returned on the third day, she was ready with a plan to catch him. Shockingly, the culprit turned out to be her neighbour, who claimed desperation led him to steal. Police Lieutenant Colonel Wiroj Tethong and a…
-
MRT wins legal battle to extend Orange Line
The Supreme Administrative Court has upheld a previous ruling by the Central Administrative Court, greenlighting the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRT) to ink a deal with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company (BEM) for the Orange Line extension from Bang Khun Non to Min Buri. The legal tussle began when Bangkok Mass Transit System Company (BTSC) took the MRT to…
-
Soldiers praised for returning lost wallet with 30,000 baht to vendor
A senior military official commended two soldiers for returning a lost wallet containing valuables to a market vendor. The heartwarming incident unfolded yesterday at the Nong Phai Lom, Nakhon Ratchasima market, where Sergeant Parinya Chongsangaunklang and Private Tewarat Singthong were on duty. The owner of the wallet, 61 year old Phuangkeo Srinawakul, shared her immense relief and gratitude upon the…
-
Thailand Video News | Man admits to paying girl to drink alcohol causing coma, Chinese men attack young Thai waiter, slashing his arm
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex looks at stories from across the country. A man after turning himself into authorities has admitted to paying a girl to drink alcohol, causing her to collapse and fall into a coma. A group of Chinese men have attacked a Thai waiter and slashed his arm over a disputed restaurant bill. A weather alert…
-
Elderly woman forgives robbers after 200,000 baht theft in Buriram
An elderly woman, who fell victim to a theft by two seemingly Good Samaritans who stole cash and gold worth nearly 200,000 baht, has remarkably forgiven the suspects. After accepting their offer of a ride, she was robbed of all her belongings, threatened at gunpoint, and left stranded by a pond. The Thai police apprehended one of the suspects, 39…
-
What you need to know about the rising cases of medical treatment mishaps
Recent studies show a worrying trend: cases of harm from medical treatment mishaps have significantly increased globally over the past 30 years. According to a study published in BMJ Quality & Safety, incidents of patient harm rose from 11 million in 1990 to 18 million in 2019. This 59% increase surpasses the 45% growth in the global population during the…
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.