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 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...
-
Thai woman arrested in murder for hire case after 16 years
Officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) arrested a Thai woman in Bangkok in a murder for hire case after she evaded arrest for over 16 years. The body of a Thai woman was found in a canal in Pak Poon sub-district, Mueang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province on July 8, 2008. She bore signs of strangling on her neck…
-
PM Srettha heralds visa-free travel between Thailand and China (video)
In a heartening message marking the Lunar New Year, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his optimism about the newly lifted visa requirements between Thailand and China, anticipating a significant boost in bilateral relations and travel. During his well-wishing messages on Lunar New Year, PM Srettha conveyed his hopes that the lifting of visa requirements would foster increased interaction between Thailand…
-
Interior minister condemns student activist’s act of defiance towards Thai royal convoy
Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiseth strongly condemned the actions of student activist Tantawan Tuatulanon and her friend for their behaviour towards a royal motorcade in Bangkok. Chada expressed his disapproval, stating that the motorcade was not causing any traffic obstruction and that the pair could have chosen alternative lanes. The deputy interior minister emphasised that honking at the royal convoy…
-
Alleged drunk police officer threatens with gun after pickup truck accident on Pattaya Road
In the early hours of this morning, a car accident in Pattaya took a disturbing twist as the driver of a pickup truck, reportedly claiming to be a police officer, threatened others with a firearm while allegedly under the influence of alcohol. A collision involving a Honda Sumer motorcycle and a black Toyota Revo pickup truck unfolded at the intersection…
-
Less than 5% pay rise for Thai employees this year
According to Aon Plc’s latest survey, Thai employees are set to experience a modest 4.9% pay rise this year, trailing behind their regional counterparts. The forecast anticipates a slight uptick from 4.7% last year but still falls short of the salary growth expected in Indonesia (6.5%), the Philippines (5.5%), and Malaysia (5%). Meanwhile, Singapore is projected to witness a 4%…
-
Unsuspecting Singapore chef uncovers Thailand-based vice ring
A Singapore chef found himself entangled in a web of illegal vice activities linked to a Thailand-based syndicate. The Singaporean man’s involvement in the illicit operation not only led to his arrest but also shed light on the sophisticated and lucrative nature of the syndicate’s operations in Singapore. After befriending a woman he met at a karaoke lounge in Golden…
-
Thailand News Today | Sedan falls into pit in Bangkok, Hazardous levels of ultrafine dust
The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) has urged the Bank of Thailand to consider reducing interest rates at its next meeting, despite the economy showing signs of recovery. The TCC, led by chairman Sanan Angubolkul, highlighted the economy’s vulnerability to challenges such as geopolitical issues, the impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on shipping and energy prices, and the pressure on…
-
Thai soldier rapes his stepdaughter, mother forgives rapist
A Thai soldier raped his 14 year old stepdaughter and got her pregnant. The victim’s mother and grandmother insist that the charges be dropped because they are family, and the rapist is the household’s breadwinner. A Thai teacher at a school in the Isaan province of Udon Thani filed a complaint at Mueang Ubon Thani Police Station on February 6…
-
Thailand gears up for World Songkran Festival
Preparations are underway for the World Songkran Festival, with a meeting set to take place next week, as per a statement given by Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), on February 8. The meeting, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Interior, the private sector, and other relevant agencies, will focus…
-
Thai Airways takes flight with new Boeing 787 jets
Thai Airways soared to new heights with a firm order for 45 Boeing 787 jets, potentially boosting the deal to around 80 aircraft, in response to the escalating demand for international travel, according to industry sources. The deal, set to be formally unveiled later this month, has already been reflected in Boeing’s published order backlog as a contract for 45…
-
Trip.com foresees significant rise in Thailand tourism expenditure
On February 8, Bangkok bore witness to a revelation from Trip.com Group, a leading global travel service provider. The data released by the company predicts a notable increase in total trip expenditure for inbound bookings in Thailand. A substantial uptick of 44.3% has been projected for this year’s Chinese New Year (CNY) festive period compared to the CNY period in…
-
Peruvian seeks Thai justice as yakuza thugs get ‘light’ punishment
A Peruvian man is seeking justice from the Thai authorities after five Japanese yakuza thugs received light sentences for assaulting him at a restaurant in Bangkok. The victim suffered severe injuries and spent more than 400,000 baht on treatment. The 35 year old Peruvian man, Tetsuo Kobashikawa, contacted non-profit organisation Saimai Survive for help seeking justice. The organisation accompanied him to…
-
Thailand braces for severe weather as storms hit 17 provinces
A powerful weather front is currently affecting Thailand, with the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issuing a severe weather warning for 17 provinces. Eastern regions are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with 30% of the area predicted to experience heavy thunderstorms, strong gusts of wind, and possible hail. The warning comes as a new high-pressure system from…
-
13 year old Thai boy gives gift of life through organ donation
Doctors from Hua Hin Hospital and the Thai Red Cross Society paid tribute to a 13 year old boy who tragically passed away from a brain aneurysm, for his exceptional act of donating organs that will potentially save multiple lives. Patcharaphon Srilert’s family decided to honour his memory by donating his liver, kidneys, and heart valves to aid several patients…
-
British man arrested for counterfeit euro scam in Phuket
Police in Phuket apprehended a British man for his involvement in a counterfeit euro exchange scam across various locations in the province. The alleged suspect, 33 year old British national Tobias Drew was reportedly found in possession of a large sum of counterfeit currency and has been charged under Thai law. A 50 year old Thai woman, Janjira Laowlang was…
-
Royal Thai Navy busts illegal oil smuggling ring in South Thailand
The Second Naval Area Command of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) received a report about a boat allegedly involved in illicit oil smuggling to fishing vessels near Songkhla yesterday, February 8. In response, the RTN launched an investigation which uncovered a vessel specifically adapted for clandestine oil transportation, carrying an astonishing 10,000 litres of illicit oil intended for local fishermen…
-
Canadian man claims fear of criminal gang forced him to open plane door
The Canadian passenger, who attempted to open the door of a Thai Airways plane on February 7, claimed that he had to escape the aircraft because a criminal gang from Vietnam was after him. The foreign man was clean from drugs, and there was no mention of mental health issues. The 40 year old Canadian man, Wong Sai Heung, was…
-
Thai AirAsia boosts flights to visa-free Japan and China
In response to robust demand, Thai AirAsia is set to increase flights to coveted travel destinations like Japan and China, which offer visa-free access to visitors. The airline also plans to introduce a fresh route to Okinawa. The initiative comes from Thai AirAsia’s chief executive, Santisuk Klongchaiya, who also helms SET-listed Asia Aviation (AAV). According to him, the surge in…
-
Supreme court weighs in on vote buying case against PPRP candidate
The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a vote buying case brought forth by the Election Commission (EC) against a candidate from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) from Nakhon Sawan. The candidate, Pornwisit Jaemsai, is accused of vote-buying, an illegal practice that infringes the Organic Act on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives (2018). This announcement was made…
-
Methamphetamine seizures double in Thailand amid increased smuggling
The second half of last year saw a significant spike in methamphetamine seizures in Thailand, with over 250 million pills intercepted, which is twice the quantity seized during the same period the prior year. This rise in the illegal drug trade is reportedly due to increased smuggling activities across the borders from neighbouring nations, as explained by Prime Minister Srettha…
-
Thai taxi driver threatens Japanese man for refusing his service
A Thai taxi driver faces four charges for threatening a Japanese man with a knife after the foreigner refused to use his service because he would not use his meter and demanded 150 baht for a destination only 1 kilometre away. On February 5, the Japanese victim took to his Twitter account, @ginn_taro, to share his experience with a Thai…
-
Appeal to limit Chinese New Year’s paper burning to curb pollution
A pressing call to the public has been made by the Pollution Control Department (PCD), appealing for a reduction in the burning of paper offerings and incense during the Chinese New Year celebrations. This plea is part of a broader initiative to manage the increasing levels of ultra-fine PM2.5 pollutants during the season. The traditional burning of gold and silver…
-
Honouring His Majesty’s 72nd birthday: Lord Buddha’s relics
The Department of Religious Affairs declared that rare relics of the Lord Buddha and his chief disciples Sariputra and Moggallana will be transported from India to be showcased at Sanam Luang, allowing the public to offer their respects from 9am to 8pm, starting from February 22 until March 19. Following this period, the relics will embark on a journey to…
-
Van plunges into ravine on Chiang Mai-Pai route
A passenger van on the Chiang Mai-Pai route lost control of his vehicle and veered off the road, plummeting approximately 15 metres into a ravine yesterday evening. The vehicle was extensively damaged and all 14 passengers on board were injured. Emergency services, including local police, hospital medical teams, and military units, were dispatched to the scene to provide assistance and…
-
Boy, 12, killed in horrific Ayutthaya Road accident
A tragic incident occurred in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province when a 12 year old boy lost his life in a road accident involving a motorcycle and a truck. The incident happened near a U-turn bridge on the Asia Road, heading towards Bangkok, around the 11-kilometre mark in Bang Pa-in District. At the scene, authorities discovered the body of the…
-
Car falls into pit on Bangkok’s Songprapa Road, rescue underway
A car plunged into a construction pit in the Don Mueang district of Bangkok, sparking a flurry of online commentary and concern. The incident occurred on Songprapa Road near the Don Mueang Technical College, close to the Ozone Market One. At approximately 2.55am, the vehicle, identified as a sedan, lost control and fell into an open sewer pit that was…
-
Elderly man alleges Chon Buri police assault after family dispute
A 73 year old man brought to light a troubling incident involving Chon Buri police, claiming officers handcuffed and assaulted him in front of his daughter after a family dispute led to a report of physical assault against him. , Jamras Dokmaiwhai, residing in Chon Buri Province with his daughters and wife, expressed his desire for justice after the alleged…
-
Bangkok police seize 10 million meth pills, 60kg crystal meth in major drug bust
Following a two-month-long surveillance operation, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau of Bangkok’s Division 6 successfully dismantled three drug trafficking networks, seizing 10 million methamphetamine pills and 60 kilogrammes of crystal meth. The haul, intended for distribution in local communities, was intercepted at 1pm yesterday, February 8, at the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 6. Assistant Commissioner of the National…
-
Update: Meet the first female president of the Football Association of Thailand
Nualphan Lamsam clinched a resounding victory to become the new president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), leaving her competitors in the dust. The former men’s team manager secured an impressive 68 out of 73 votes, marking a significant shift in leadership at the association, as she takes over from Police General Somyot Poompunmuang following his eight-year tenure. The…
-
Northern Thailand welcomes famed elephant ‘Indy Jumbo’ (video)
An elephant known as Indy Jumbo has found a new lease on life after a viral video catapulted her to fame. The elephant, affectionately dubbed Indy Jumbo by Thai netizens, shot to stardom after a video of her leisurely beach escapade took social media by storm. The charming clip showcased her unwavering love for nature as she gazed at 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.