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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    Top 10 reasons for expats to get a comprehensive health insurance in Thailand

    Moving to Thailand offers a prospect full of excitement and adventure, but in the same vein, if any injuries were to occur (and god forbid it does), the local healthcare system can be confusing at first glance for many expats...

  • Scottish expat loses legs in Bangkok lorry crash | Thaiger

    Scottish expat loses legs in Bangkok lorry crash

    A British man living in Thailand had both legs amputated after a horror motorbike crash with a lorry in Bangkok. Willie Braid, a 54 year old expat from Scotland, was hit while riding his motorbike in the capital on July 27. The driver of the lorry is alleged to have fled the scene in what appears to be a hit-and-run…

  • Influencer arrested with drugs and vehicles in Suphan Buri raid | Thaiger

    Influencer arrested with drugs and vehicles in Suphan Buri raid

    A prominent influencer has been arrested along with the seizure of methamphetamine and several vehicles after being linked to a major drug network in Suphan Buri. The operation was conducted by Suphan Buri police and the Region 7 investigative team yesterday, August 6. Under the direction of Police Major General Wacharin Prasopdee and Police Colonel Peera Atsawapiboonphon, the police apprehended…

  • Thai-British woman escapes attempted rape by condo manager | Thaiger

    Thai-British woman escapes attempted rape by condo manager

    A Thai-British woman narrowly escaped an attempted rape by a condominium manager in Pathum Thani province. The suspect reportedly entered her room, immediately undressed, and took a shower before trying to trick the victim into having sexual intercourse. The 21 year old victim and her 29 year old boyfriend filed a complaint with Chulalongkorn Pratunam Police Station after the incident,…

  • Cambodian national investigated in Buriram for data links | Thaiger

    Cambodian national investigated in Buriram for data links

    Police in Buriram are investigating data from three mobile phones belonging to 36 year old Vin Da, a Cambodian national, who was arrested for allegedly sending information to Cambodia. Police discovered a firearm, Cambodian military uniforms with a captain rank, and insignia of BHQ, Hun Sen’s bodyguard unit. Vin admitted to being part of the BHQ unit but claimed to…

  • Suphan Buri police seize 2.4 million meth tablets, arrest teens | Thaiger

    Suphan Buri police seize 2.4 million meth tablets, arrest teens

    Police in Suphan Buri seized over 2.4 million methamphetamine tablets and detained two 17 year olds involved in transporting the drugs from northern Thailand. Police Colonel Thaththep Lertlakmiphan, superintendent of Dan Chang Police Station, led the operation to apprehend a major drug trafficking gang from the north. The operation took place on Highway 333 in Village No. 3, Wang Khan…

  • Singaporean tourist’s Pattaya drone flight ends in cuffs | Thaiger

    Singaporean tourist’s Pattaya drone flight ends in cuffs

    A tourist’s late-night drone flight over Pattaya’s Walking Street landed him in handcuffs for breaking aviation laws. At around 12.19am today, August 7, a Singaporean man was arrested for illegally operating a drone in Pattaya’s busy nightlife district, despite a nationwide ban currently in place. Pattaya City Special Affairs officers caught 44 year old Goh Chia Hsien piloting a drone…

  • Pickup and sedan plunge into pond after collision near Thammasat | Thaiger

    Pickup and sedan plunge into pond after collision near Thammasat

    A collision between a pickup truck and a sedan took place near Thammasat University, Rangsit Centre, resulting in both vehicles plunging into a pond. The incident occurred on Phahonyothin Road today, August 7. Police Lieutenant Supachai Chamchoi from Khlong Luang Police Station received the report and attended the scene alongside traffic officers and emergency services. At the location, a Nissan…

  • Thailand braces for severe thunderstorms and strong winds | Thaiger

    Thailand braces for severe thunderstorms and strong winds

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for thunderstorms across Thailand, with the north and south regions expected to face the heaviest downpours. Residents are advised to be cautious of strong winds and heavy rain, particularly in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, where waves could reach up to 2 metres. In the next 24 hours,…

  • Trump teases new tariffs on drugs and chips | Thaiger

    Trump teases new tariffs on drugs and chips

    US President Donald Trump indicated yesterday that new tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals and semiconductors might be announced as early as next week as part of his ongoing efforts to reshape global trade. These comments were made during an interview with CNBC, occurring just days before another set of tariff increases is set to impact several economies later this week. The…

  • Phuket copper thief caught red-handed stripping stolen wire | Thaiger

    Phuket copper thief caught red-handed stripping stolen wire

    A Phuket man was caught red-handed slicing up stolen copper wire in what police say is part of a wider cable theft ring fuelling local drug habits. The suspect, identified only as 55 year old Somchai, was arrested on Monday, August 4, at a property in Village 3, Ratsada, where he was actively stripping insulation from a pile of stolen…

  • Pattaya launches sticker crackdown on Koh Larn vehicles | Thaiger

    Pattaya launches sticker crackdown on Koh Larn vehicles

    Koh Larn’s wild west of unregulated rental bikes, mystery fares, and traffic chaos is about to get a serious reality check. Pattaya officials have launched a sweeping new initiative to bring order to the island’s unruly public transport and rental vehicle scene — and it starts with colourful stickers. Over 3,500 vehicles will now be categorised, monitored, and regulated under…

  • Thai spiritual medium denies embezzling donations for AIDS patients | Thaiger

    Thai spiritual medium denies embezzling donations for AIDS patients

    A Thai spiritual medium denied allegations that he embezzled donations from a fundraising campaign for Wat Phrabat Nampu, a temple that cares for underprivileged AIDS patients. It was alleged that he used the funds to build a luxury home worth approximately 50 million baht. Online rumours have circulated around the well-known medium, Sakesan “Bee” Subsuebsakun, better known as Bee the Ghost…

  • Thai thief fails necklace snatching but gets 100 baht from kind victim | Thaiger

    Thai thief fails necklace snatching but gets 100 baht from kind victim

    A Thai man, who failed in an attempt to snatch a gold necklace from a woman, has issued an apology at the scene, prompting the victim to give him 100 baht to buy food. The Facebook page Jmoi V+ shared a video of the attempted theft on August 4, with a caption that read… “Amateur thief. The victim is kind…

  • Patong unites to support troops at Thai border | Thaiger

    Patong unites to support troops at Thai border

    Locals in Phuket’s party capital are proving they’ve got more than just nightlife in their veins—they’ve got heart. In a powerful show of solidarity, Patong’s officials, business leaders and residents have come together to donate a haul of essential supplies and cash to support Thai citizens and military personnel affected by the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border conflict. The handover ceremony took…

  • Thai fortune teller faces legal action over border clash prediction | Thaiger

    Thai fortune teller faces legal action over border clash prediction

    Two Thai lawyers filed a complaint against a well-known fortune teller, accusing her of spreading panic after she predicted an upcoming clash at the Thailand-Cambodia border. The fortune teller, Worracha “Plai” Pinitrokakorn, better known as Plai Prai Krasip, gave an interview to the media on August 2, during which she commented on Thai politics. Plai initially spoke about the new…

  • Man survives ambush and canal crash after late-night trap | Thaiger

    Man survives ambush and canal crash after late-night trap

    A 27 year old man was lured into a late-night meeting by a woman known as Tawan, only to be ambushed and shot at, resulting in a harrowing 20-kilometre escape that ended with his car crashing into a 2-metre deep canal. The police are urgently pursuing the suspects. At 2am today, August 6, Police Lieutenant Sawak Srikaew, deputy inspector of…

  • Police dismantle illegal gambling ring, seize assets worth 56 million baht | Thaiger

    Police dismantle illegal gambling ring, seize assets worth 56 million baht

    Police dismantled an illegal gambling operation linked to Auto888vip.com, seizing assets worth 56 million baht, including luxury vehicles valued at 10 million baht and a collection of high-end jewellery and watches. The operation reportedly generated around 20 million baht monthly from online gambling activities. Today, August 6, Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwphun, head of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, directed…

  • Jurassic World shoot sparks tourism surge in Thailand | Thaiger

    Jurassic World shoot sparks tourism surge in Thailand

    Thailand’s stunning southern landscapes just scored a Hollywood blockbuster boost—and the dinosaurs aren’t the only stars drawing attention. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has teamed up with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment for a global influencer campaign to promote Jurassic World Rebirth, the latest instalment in the iconic franchise. The campaign flew in 30 top influencers from around the world…

  • Thai police raid drone company over permit violations | Thaiger

    Thai police raid drone company over permit violations

    The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Crime Suppression Division conducted a raid on a renowned drone manufacturing company in Samut Prakan yesterday, August 5. A significant amount of equipment was seized, and the company caretaker was questioned, as the owner is currently overseas. Tairat Wiriyasirikul, the acting secretary-general of the NBTC, revealed the operation involved collaboration between…

  • American tourist floors British man for slapping Pattaya bar girl | Thaiger

    American tourist floors British man for slapping Pattaya bar girl

    A British man suffered a broken wrist after being thrown to the ground by an American man, allegedly in response to the Brit slapping a bar girl in Pattaya out of jealousy. Rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation were called to Soi 11 on Pattaya Second Road to assist a British man, later identified as 66 year old…

  • Bangkok BTS trains wrapped in Thai flag as tribute to border soldiers | Thaiger

    Bangkok BTS trains wrapped in Thai flag as tribute to border soldiers

    The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) wrapped its trains in the Thai national flag to honour soldiers who sacrificed their lives protecting Thailand’s territory and citizens during recent border clashes with Cambodia. Tensions along the Thailand–Cambodia border escalated into military conflict in mid-July. After weeks of confrontation, the two countries agreed to a ceasefire on July 29, bringing the fighting…

  • China denies drone donation claims in border conflict | Thaiger

    China denies drone donation claims in border conflict

    China has hit back at reports claiming it supplied drones to Cambodia amid ongoing tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, branding the allegations “completely false.” In a firm statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, officials clarified that the viral photos allegedly showing Chinese drones gifted to Cambodia were taken during a flight demonstration back in January and had nothing…

  • Thailand to acquire four Gripen jets in US$19.5 billion deal | Thaiger

    Thailand to acquire four Gripen jets in US$19.5 billion deal

    The Thai Cabinet has sanctioned the Royal Thai Air Force’s acquisition of four Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, formalised through a government-to-government agreement. The initial phase of this procurement, valued at 19.5 billion baht (US$602 million), anticipates a contract signing on August 25. According to government sources, this purchase aligns with the RTAF’s long-term strategy to enhance…

  • Thailand explores lawsuits against Cambodia over criminal activities | Thaiger

    Thailand explores lawsuits against Cambodia over criminal activities

    At 8.40am on August 6 at the Government House, Phumtham Wechayachai, who is serving as acting prime minister and is the deputy prime minister and interior minister, addressed the Cabinet meeting held on August 5. The meeting resulted in directives for relevant agencies to explore civil and criminal lawsuits against Cambodia due to serious criminal activities. He clarified that this…

  • Thaksin’s niece to take legal action over Cambodian spy claims | Thaiger

    Thaksin’s niece to take legal action over Cambodian spy claims

    The niece of former Thai Prime Minister (PM) Thaksin Shinawatra is taking legal action against netizens who accused her and her family of being spies for the Cambodian military. Chayika Wongnapachant, Advisor to the Foreign Affairs Minister, visited the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) yesterday, August 5, to provide further details of her complaint to CCIB Commander, Trairong Pewphan. She…

  • Thailand tops global infidelity list with 51% rate | Thaiger

    Thailand tops global infidelity list with 51% rate

    Research conducted in 2024 highlights Thailand as the leading country where spouses most frequently engage in infidelity. It is the only Asian nation to make the list of the top 20 countries with the highest rates of marital cheating. Infidelity remains a significant issue affecting relationships worldwide, transcending cultural differences. The study, which included data from BedBible, World Population Review,…

  • Thai Airways denies US pressure behind Boeing deal | Thaiger

    Thai Airways denies US pressure behind Boeing deal

    Thai Airways (THAI) has grounded speculation that its planned multibillion-baht aircraft acquisition is tied to US trade deals, insisting the fleet expansion is based purely on business logic—not political bargaining. The national carrier is pushing back hard against claims its recent deal to acquire up to 80 aircraft, including 45 firm orders from Boeing, is part of backroom trade talks…

  • Sergeant Major’s body found in Chao Phraya River, investigation ongoing | Thaiger

    Sergeant Major’s body found in Chao Phraya River, investigation ongoing

    The body of a 41 year old Sergeant Major was discovered floating face down in the Chao Phraya River under mysterious circumstances. Police are investigating the cause of death, which is estimated to have occurred over 48 hours prior. Yesterday, August 5, officers from the Pak Khlong San Police Station were alerted to a body found in the river near…

  • Hippo star Moo Deng raises 300k baht for border aid | Thaiger

    Hippo star Moo Deng raises 300k baht for border aid

    Thailand’s favourite pygmy hippo is on a mission – and it’s not just stealing hearts. Moo Deng, the adorable social media star from Khao Kheow Open Zoo, has helped raise a whopping 300,000 baht for border soldiers and struggling families in Surin province. In a heartwarming show of unity and compassion, Khao Kheow Open Zoo teamed up with Leila Toys…

  • Man arrested for fatal knife attack in Sisaket | Thaiger

    Man arrested for fatal knife attack in Sisaket

    A 54 year old man has been detained after allegedly fatally assaulting a 44 year old friend with a knife in Sisaket province. The incident occurred yesterday, August 5, following a drinking session at the suspect’s home, which ended in a heated argument fuelled by jealousy. Police Lieutenant Colonel Thongchai Torpimai of Nam Kliang Police Station in Sisaket province was…