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.

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    What is the 5 year visa for the digital nomad in Thailand?

    The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a great option for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers who want to stay in Thailand for a long time. This multiple-entry visa is valid for five years, allowing stays of up to 180...

  • Thailand eyes visa-free agreement with EU countries

    Thailand eyes visa-free agreement with EU countries

    Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently announced the country’s ambitions to boost its tourism industry and international relationships, following a promising discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. Held at the prestigious Élysée Palace in Paris, the meeting centred around a visa-free agreement with Schengen area countries, a strategic move that France has expressed support for. The Thai prime minister’s announcement…

  • Gas explosion in China destroys restaurant, leaves one dead (video)

    Gas explosion in China destroys restaurant, leaves one dead (video)

    A suspected gas leak wreaked havoc at a restaurant in Hebei, northern China, causing a devastating blast that tore through buildings, wrecked cars and left one dead and 22 injured, as reported by state media and authorities today. According to CCTV News, the injured victims were swiftly transported to hospital following the explosion, which occurred around 8am in Sanhe County,…

  • Thailand adds 38 flights to soar past Songkran price surge

    Thailand adds 38 flights to soar past Songkran price surge

    Thailand’s Civil Aviation Office (CAAT) has decided to add 38 new flights to its schedule, in an attempt to combat inflated airfare prices during the Songkran festival and improve the overall travel experience for holidaymakers. Deputy Director of the CAAT, Sarun Benjanirat, brought this development to light as a direct response to the call from Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit for…

  • Three million meth pills found in cow pat in Songkhla

    Three million meth pills found in cow pat in Songkhla

    Local authorities were left stunned when they stumbled upon a haul of 2.93 million meth pills worth 58 million baht in some cow pat nestled amidst the forsaken grounds of the derelict station in Songkhla. The discovery marks a significant breakthrough in the relentless battle against narcotics in the southern border province. Prompted by suspicions, vigilant officials and police undertook a…

  • Frenchman’s trial unveils multi-million euro Rolex replica ring

    Frenchman’s trial unveils multi-million euro Rolex replica ring

    A Frenchman dubbed “the prince of fake” stands accused of orchestrating a sprawling network that flooded France with counterfeit watches. Admitting to masterminding the operation from Thailand, Julien V confessed to overseeing the production of up to 10 counterfeit watches daily, predominantly knock-offs of the prestigious Swiss brand Rolex, culminating in a staggering turnover of 3 million euros (117 million…

  • New measures to protect Thailand’s elephants

    New measures to protect Thailand’s elephants

    As Thailand marks the country’s National Elephant Day, authorities are rolling out ambitious plans to safeguard the majestic creatures and mitigate human-elephant conflicts. With a blend of innovation, community involvement, and legislative actions, the nation aims to secure the future of both wild and domesticated elephants. Thailand, renowned for its vibrant culture and diverse wildlife, is home to a significant…

  • Russian and Burmese arrested for illegal employment

    Russian and Burmese arrested for illegal employment

    In a crackdown on entertainment hotspots, police in Surat Thani Province found a restaurant owned by a Russian national on Koh Pha Ngan which illegally employed three Burmese workers. During a routine inspection, officers stumbled upon the Colorful Hut eatery, owned by a Russian national, known only by the name Boris. The Russian was found guilty of exploiting three Burmese workers.…

  • Koh Samui police shut down illegal beauty clinic run by foreigners

    Koh Samui police shut down illegal beauty clinic run by foreigners

    Police recently apprehended a female doctor operating an illicit beauty clinic in Koh Samui, offering dangerous treatments including blood platelet injections. The raid, conducted at 10am today, March 13, found unregistered medications and controlled substances on the premises while services were being rendered. The Immigration Bureau, along with police forces, revealed that the clandestine beauty clinic, offering various unauthorised medical…

  • Loan shark in Hat Yai nabbed for imposing 120% interest rates

    Loan shark in Hat Yai nabbed for imposing 120% interest rates

    Police in Hat Yai arrested a 62-year-old loan shark for allegedly offering covert loans with exorbitant interest rates of 120% per year, using land title deeds as collateral, and threatening borrowers. The operation was conducted on March 7 under the direction of Major General Warawut Watnakornbancha, Chief of the Special Branch Office 5, along with Lieutenant Colonel Phumiphat Phatarasriwongchai, Chief of…

  • Power cables on Bangkok’s Sarasin Road go underground

    Power cables on Bangkok’s Sarasin Road go underground

    The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), under the leadership of Khajon Srichawanothai, reported a triumph in the endeavour to relocate power cables underground along Sarasin Road. Amidst the verdant expanse of Lumpini Park, Pathumwan District, Bangkok, a historic announcement ceremony unfolded last Friday, March 8. Joined by Chadchart Sittipunt, Bangkok Governor, Vilas Chalaysat, MEA Governor, and a cadre of network executives,…

  • Big Joke associates deny money laundering charges

    Big Joke associates deny money laundering charges

    Two close associates of high-profile police figure Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, vehemently denied all charges in a money laundering case linked to the online gambling website BNKMaster. The two suspects, Sub-Lieutenant Natthawut Huadwaew and Sub-Lieutenant Natthanant Choochak were granted bail of 100,000 baht (US$ 2,800) each at 10am today, March 13, at the Tao Poon Police Station after the Criminal…

  • iCare Foundation transforms lives in northern Thai villages

    iCare Foundation transforms lives in northern Thai villages

    iCare Thailand Foundation, founded by Danish-Norwegian visionaries, unveils its latest endeavour in the northern Thai countryside. Led by Michael and Karin Andreassen, the iCare Thailand Foundation sets out on a poignant mission to uplift remote communities, one dormitory at a time. Arriving at Huay Pu Kaeng Village, nestled along the Myanmar border, the team’s dedication radiates amidst the sweltering Thai…

  • Thai industrial sentiment dips despite tourism boost

    Thai industrial sentiment dips despite tourism boost

    The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported a minor dip in the industrial sentiment index for February, which fell to 90.0 from 90.6 in the preceding month. This decline was attributed to a slowdown in both domestic demand and exports, despite a boost from the tourism sector. The FTI revealed that household concerns over high living costs and debt issues…

  • Visually impaired students explore Khao Yai National Park

    Visually impaired students explore Khao Yai National Park

    In a remarkable display of inclusion and environmental appreciation, nearly 30 visually impaired students, accompanied by sighted peers, embarked on an educational trek through the lush trails of Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. The event, yesterday March 12, titled Friends Lead Friends (Blind) Through Khao Yai Forest, entered its second year,…

  • Russian arrested for illegal vehicle rental business in Thailand

    Russian arrested for illegal vehicle rental business in Thailand

    The Thai authorities’ crackdown on foreigners working illegally in Thailand continued yesterday when a 21 year old Russian national was apprehended on Koh Pha Ngan island in Surat Thani for running an illegal vehicle rental business. The Russian, Danil Kulnevnich, was nabbed yesterday, March 12, by a joint team of tourist police, local police and officials at a pier in…

  • British man arrested in Chiang Mai drug bust

    British man arrested in Chiang Mai drug bust

    A British man was arrested in a sting operation uncovering a sprawling drug trade targeting unsuspecting tourists in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai police, acting on a tip-off, apprehended 48 year old British man Charly Garcia in an operation at a cannabis products shop in the Mueang district, where he was allegedly peddling narcotics to foreign visitors. Undercover officers, playing their…

  • Tourists injured as sleepy driver crashes Fortuner into truck near Bangkok

    Tourists injured as sleepy driver crashes Fortuner into truck near Bangkok

    A Toyota Fortuner carrying two tourists to Suvarnabhumi Airport was involved in a collision after the driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel. The incident occurred at 6.30am today, March 13, when the SUV veered off course and slammed into the back of a 10-wheeler truck. The aftermath of the crash left passengers injured, requiring immediate medical attention. At the…

  • Thailand and France forge future partnerships

    Thailand and France forge future partnerships

    Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and France President Emmanuel Macron united in Paris, pledging to fortify relations spanning diverse domains and to invigorate a symbiotic alliance between their nations. During a joint press conference, Macron accentuated the importance of economic collaboration and trade synergies, emphasising proactive preparation for forthcoming challenges in Southeast Asia. He articulated the pivotal role of robust bilateral…

  • Buddha statue and celebrity tips stir lottery frenzy ahead of March 16 draw

    Buddha statue and celebrity tips stir lottery frenzy ahead of March 16 draw

    Lottery enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the draw on March 16, as a host of lucky numbers have been highlighted from various sources, including ancient Buddha statues, famous country singers, Chinese calendars, and even the license plate of a high-profile politician’s car. The anticipation for the Saturday, March 16 lottery draw is palpable, with the buzz around lucky numbers reaching a…

  • Trang couple’s 70-year love story ends in joint funeral

    Trang couple’s 70-year love story ends in joint funeral

    A touching tale of enduring love comes to light as a couple from Trang Province, Thailand, passed away just two days apart after sharing seven decades of life together. The couple’s grand funeral rites, a testament to their inseparable bond, were held yesterday, with generations of family and friends in attendance to bid them farewell. Ninety-two-year old Kleuon Kaewklang, and…

  • Buriram issues health alert over anthrax after Laos cases

    Buriram issues health alert over anthrax after Laos cases

    The province of Buriram in Thailand issued a health warning over the threat of anthrax, a severe bacterial disease, following the identification of three cases in neighbouring Laos. The disease, which can spread from animals to humans, particularly through the consumption of raw bovine and buffalo meat, prompted heightened surveillance and precautionary measures. Today, the provincial livestock office, led by…

  • British man nabbed with illegal Diazepam in Phuket

    British man nabbed with illegal Diazepam in Phuket

    A British man was apprehended by authorities in Karon after being caught red-handed with Diazepam yesterday. According to reports from the Karon Police, a routine checkpoint near Nong Harn Lake led to the discovery. Suspicions were raised when a taxi, carrying a foreign passenger identified only as Thomas, a 27 year old British man, attracted attention. While the authorities did…

  • Loei woman vanishes after job switch to Kanchanaburi

    Loei woman vanishes after job switch to Kanchanaburi

    A young woman from Loei province has been reported missing since March 8, after she left for work and subsequently lost contact with her family. The 26 year old, known as Care, was initially headed to Samut Prakan to work as a PR at a karaoke bar but then decided to take a job in Kanchanaburi instead, a decision that…

  • Thailand to launch 50 billion baht SME support scheme

    Thailand to launch 50 billion baht SME support scheme

    Thailand’s Ministry of Finance is set to endorse a new credit guarantee scheme, known as PGS 11, with a funding pool of 50 billion baht (US$1.4 billion baht). This initiative, revealed by Radaklao Intawong Suwankiri, the Deputy Government Spokesperson, is designed to bolster small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in three key industries. Radaklao announced today that Krissada Chinavicharana, the Deputy…

  • Gold prices in Thailand retreat but stay over 37,000 baht mark

    Gold prices in Thailand retreat but stay over 37,000 baht mark

    Gold prices in Thailand took a dip today after a continuous climb, with the Gold Traders Association (GTA) reporting a decrease of 100 baht compared to the closing figures yesterday, March 12. Despite the fall, prices remained above the 37,000 baht mark. As of the latest update from the association at 9.05am today, the price for gold ornaments was set…

  • Thailand Video News | MFP could face dissolution over lese majeste, Songkran sees alcohol sale restrictions

    Thailand Video News | MFP could face dissolution over lese majeste, Songkran sees alcohol sale restrictions

    In this video, Alex and Jay delve into a diverse array of news stories in Thailand, each with its own unique impact. From impending alcohol sales restrictions during Songkran for safety considerations, to the profound influence this festival holds over the Thai economy, viewers will gain insight into current affairs. Amidst the headlines, they discuss a local man’s astonishing survival…

  • AirAsia Malaysia resumes flights to Pattaya in June

    AirAsia Malaysia resumes flights to Pattaya in June

    AirAsia Malaysia (AK) has thrilled travellers with news of its revival of services between Kuala Lumpur and Pattaya, launching three weekly flights starting from June 17. The announcement marks the airline’s bold step in resurrecting its ninth direct route to Thailand from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Penang post-pandemic. Alongside destinations like Bangkok, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Hat Yai,…

  • E-cigarette vending machines uncovered in Central Thailand

    E-cigarette vending machines uncovered in Central Thailand

    Authorities in Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, were left stunned as they uncovered a thriving black market for e-cigarettes, with minors allegedly freely purchasing from a suspicious vending machine. In a bustling market scene in Kamphaeng Saen, the Thai Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) received a tip-off from concerned locals, triggering a jaw-dropping investigation into underage vaping. Responding swiftly to the…

  • British woman’s Thailand epiphany leads to £6K savings a year (video)

    British woman’s Thailand epiphany leads to £6K savings a year (video)

    A British woman revealed her ability to save 274,000 baht (£6,000) a year after having an epiphany during a trip to Thailand. Chrissie Milan embarked on a no-spend challenge and is on course to accumulate nearly £6,000 by eliminating extravagant clothes shopping and costly dining experiences. The 25 year old Londoner began reassessing what she considers essential expenditure after having…

  • Thai prime minister graces TIME cover, signaling business revival

    Thai prime minister graces TIME cover, signaling business revival

    In an assertive move to announce Thailand’s readiness for business, TIME magazine featured Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Srettha Thavisin, on its March cover The issue hit the newsstands yesterday, capturing the attention of the international community. In a poignant declaration to the world, the 62 year old former real estate tycoon, graced TIME’s cover under the title…