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 Top 10 reasons for expats to get a comprehensive health insurance in Thailand
Moving to Thailand offers plenty of excitement and adventure, but the local healthcare system can be complex to navigate as an expat. From unique health risks to high costs at private hospitals, having a comprehensive health insurance plan is essential....
-
Cannabis bill to be reviewed, focusing on medical use only
Cannabis will come under scrutiny as new Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew announced the formation of a committee to analyse a bill to regulate the plant. The primary objective, he insisted yesterday, is to ensure the use of cannabis remains strictly within the medical and health realm, prohibiting any recreational use. The cannabis and hemp bill, sponsored by the Bhumjaithai…
-
Thailand and Laos in talks to link tourism routes and build second bridge
In a bid to boost tourism and enhance relations, Thailand and Laos initiated discussions to connect tourism routes and expedite the construction of a second Thai-Lao friendship bridge in the Pak Chom district of Loei. The talks took place yesterday between Tawee Sermpakdeekul, the governor of Loei, and Khamphan Sithidampha, the governor of Laos’ Vientiane province, during the 20th Thai-Lao…
-
Thailand and China’s Guangxi discuss bolstering trade via ILSTC route
Trade discussions took place yesterday between Thailand and China‘s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, focusing on the potential use of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) to enhance trade cooperation. Guangxi Zhuang, a southern Chinese region adjacent to Vietnam, is the operational hub of the ILSTC, a trade and logistics channel. The route extends from Chongqing to the Beibu Gulf…
-
Alcohol consumption bans at retirement parties win praise
Two key Thai ministries, the Interior and Education, have gained recognition for their commitment to stamping out alcohol consumption during retirement parties for their staff ending their service after this month. Introduced seven years ago, this policy was brought into effect following requests made by the StopDrink Network Office, the Office of the Basic Education Commission, the Thai Health Promotion…
-
Four arrested in Thailand for child sex trafficking operation
Four individuals implicated in child sex trafficking have been apprehended in Bangkok and Samut Prakan, according to a police announcement today. The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) of the police force detained the two suspects. Criminal Court arrest warrants had been issued for the pair on September 6. The suspects, 40 year old Noppadol Chanthong and 51 year old Khachaporn…
-
Fiscal budget deficits risks Thai economy, chief economist warns
Kiatnakin Phatra Securities’ chief economist issued a stark warning over the government’s increasing reliance on fiscal budget deficits, cautioning that such an approach could harm the economy over an extended period. Pipat Luengnaruemitchai openly criticised the government’s latest populist strategies, including a digital money initiative and reduced oil costs, stating that these measures could erode fiscal discipline. He further warned…
-
Online immigration system launched for foreign tenant registration
Phuket Immigration called for property owners and managers across Thailand to register for the new online notification system for foreign tenants. This system, which became operational yesterday, replaces the previous one. This digital registration demands the submission of pertinent documents, but immigration officials have guaranteed that the approval process will be automatic. They further stipulated that property owners previously registered…
-
Thailand’s airlines resist price war despite rising operational costs
Despite escalating operational costs, Thailand’s airlines are unlikely to trigger a new price war, while the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) intends to retain the existing ceiling for ticket prices. This information was shared by Suttipong Kongpool, the CAAT director, during a seminar co-hosted by the Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) and CAAT this week. Suttipong indicated that with…
-
Thai education minister’s appointment in question over Red Bull heir scandal
The recent appointment of Education Minister, Police General Permpoon Chidchob, has been challenged by the Move Forward Party (MFP), following allegations of his involvement in aiding Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, the heir to the Red Bull fortune, to evade prosecution. MFP MP Teerajchai Phunthumas voiced these concerns during a press briefing yesterday, September 15. He drew attention to the National Anti-Corruption…
-
Bangkok nights: From street food to rooftop bars
As the sun sets over Bangkok, the city changes. Busy streets filled with day sounds start to buzz with the sounds of evening. From the soft talks of people to the sounds of cooking, Bangkok becomes a night wonderland. There’s so much to see and do! From tasty food on the streets to fancy places high up in the sky,…
-
Thai Education Minister plants ‘sufficiency seeds’ in teacher finance debate
Education Minister Pheeraphon Nitikorn sparked controversy by suggesting teachers and educational staff adopt a sufficiency economy philosophy to reduce their debt and financial planning burdens. This proposal was made during the presentation of educational policies and guidelines for the Good Study, Happy Policy. Another issue related to reducing the burden of teachers and educational staff is addressing their debt problems.…
-
Critical condition: Thai activist’s battle against stomach tumour prompts urgent hospital transfer
Thai political activist Ekachai Hongkangwan remains in a critical condition due to a stomach tumour, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. The lawyers requested the Department of Corrections to urgently transfer Ekachai to Thammasat University Hospital for treatment. The tumour, as revealed by tests, measures 11 centimetres in length and 8cm in width. The 48 year old Thai activist was…
-
Shocking TikTok video reveals tapeworms in wild bear: Wildlife photographer’s startling discovery
A viral video, viewed over 24 million times, features documentary wildlife photographer Mark Bouldoukian, known as @markian.b on TikTok, having a startling encounter with a brown bear with what appeared to be long white ropes attached to its rear but in reality, these were not ropes but rather tapeworms. The video’s creator indicated that tapeworms residing inside bears can grow…
-
EconThai urges government: Debt-lift measures needed for all, not just farmers
EconThai, the Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry, called on the government to hasten steps to alleviate the heavy domestic debt burden, aiming to aid not only farmers but also middle-income earners who are bearing substantial financial loads. EconThai Vice-Chairman, Tanit Sorat, highlighted the necessity for debt suspension measures to be inclusive, covering a wide range of individuals in…
-
Police launches special probe into suspect ‘Nok’s’ bidding capers amidst murder inquiry
A special investigative team has been established by the Royal Thai Police to delve into the alleged bidding price manipulation by two businesses owned by Praween Chanklai, also known as Nok. Nok is an alleged suspect in the recent murder of a highway police officer. The investigative team is composed of officials from various departments including the Revenue Department, State…
-
Charter changes referendum has MFP concerned about government’s procrastination
The potential referendum concerning changes to the charter sparked concerns as the Move Forward Party (MFP) suggests the government is procrastinating. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai tasked with forming a panel to study the referendum plans, stated that discussions about the referendum’s necessity are still ongoing. This announcement came after the Cabinet’s first meeting this week. The focus of the Cabinet’s…
-
ASEAN air force leaders’ meet in Myanmar with Thai Air Force on board
A meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) air force leaders, chaired by Myanmar, is currently underway with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) in attendance. The conference in Nay Pyi Taw sees the participation of ACM Alongkorn Wannarot, the RTAF commander, alongside air force leaders from Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Brunei, according to a report by activist…
-
Shocking video on TikTok: Thai sex worker takes moral stand over misbehaving monk soliciting her services
Thai social media was left astounded as they watched a Thai sex worker display a stronger sense of morality than a sinful monk when she declined to offer her services to him. This revelation came to light through a widely circulated video on the TikTok app, exposing the shameful monk’s unbecoming conduct. The monk, insistent on receiving the service, argued…
-
Chinese embassy applauds visa-free ‘tour-de-force’ to revive Thai tourism
The Chinese embassy expressed gratitude towards the Thai government’s visa-free policy, anticipating it would encourage an influx of tourists from China and rejuvenate Thailand’s tourism industry. The embassy, in a Facebook post, conveyed the Chinese government’s support for the initiative but simultaneously emphasised the necessity for the Thai government to safeguard Chinese tourists during their stay. The visa-free scheme, unveiled…
-
Thai PM extinguishes ‘high’ hopes for recreational cannabis, prioritises medicinal path
Disagreeing with the notion of recreational cannabis use, the Prime Minister of Thailand indicated that his administration would instead continue to focus on the medicinal usage of the plant. Thai PM Srettha Thavisin, who additionally performs the role of the nation’s Finance Minister, shared his stance with the media today, Friday, September 15. Despite this, the cannabis industry in Thailand…
-
Fatal folly: Rubbernecking motorcyclist’s abrupt stop leads to tragic crash in northern Thailand
A tragic fatality occurred as a result of an unforeseen incident when a motorist abruptly braked to observe an accident scene in Lamphun, northern Thailand. The incident transpired around 7.20pm yesterday when a motorcyclist lost his life due to a six-wheeled lorry failing to come to a halt in time, colliding with the back of the motorcycle. The initial accident…
-
Scandal unearthed: Thai minister’s wife faces corruption charges over 20 million baht construction project
Rodjana Kantinan, the spouse of Kriang Kantinan, Deputy Interior Minister and a member of the Pheu Thai Party, is currently under investigation for allegations of malfeasance surrounding a construction project. The project in question unfolded in 2012 during Rodjana’s tenure as the Mayor of Nakhon Ubon Ratchathani Municipality, situated within the Ubon Ratchathani province. Isranews Agency reported on Monday that…
-
Pedophile nabbed for rape attempt, plan thwarted by his impotence in northeast Thailand
Police officers arrested a 51 year old pedophile for attempting to rape an eight year old girl in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani. His plan to commit the sexual assault was reportedly thwarted by his impotence. The man attempted to evade arrest by hiding in his car but his plan failed. On Tuesday, September 5, the alleged suspect, Sakda…
-
Phuket’s ‘Brother Helps Younger Brother’ initiative: Keeping lives afloat with recycled life jackets
In a bid to buoy up water safety standards in Phuket, the Phuket Regional Harbour Office has launched a heartwarming initiative with recycled life jackets aptly named Brother Helps Younger Brother. This campaign is steering towards recycling and repurposing marine equipment, particularly life jackets, to extend their serviceable life and save lives in potential accidents. The campaign takes a two-pronged…
-
Big Joke cracks the case: CCTV reveals Thai police officers caught in lie after officer’s tragic death
Following the tragic death of Police Major Siwakorn Saibua, the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, reviewed CCTV footage from the house of the community leader, Praween Chanklai, also known as Nok, and found that police officers at the scene lied about the circumstances of the incident. Pol. Maj. Siwakorn lost his life at a…
-
Thailand’s e-cigarette ban draws ‘smokin’ support from concerned parents
The ban on the import and sale of e-cigarettes in Thailand gained substantial approval, primarily from parents of students, as a recent survey conducted by the Research Centre for Social and Business Development (SAB) revealed. The majority of respondents voiced concerns over potential health risks, urging the government to keep the prohibition in place. The SAB unveiled these results during…
-
ASEAN air chiefs unite with RTAF to ‘clear the air’ in Thailand pollution battle
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is gearing up to join forces with its ASEAN counterparts to combat air pollution, specifically honing in on the issue of fine particulate matter PM2.5. This announcement took flight during the annual ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, which concluded today, with a mission to ‘clean up’ the skies. The conference…
-
Thai government to revoke redundant NCPO directives, streamlining functions
The Government of Thailand has initiated plans to consult the Council of State, its legal advisory body, on revoking certain directives and proclamations issued by the now-disbanded National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, announced this move, citing that some of the NCPO’s orders are currently redundant or seen as hindrances to the smooth operation of government…
-
Unexpected twist: Chinese accident investigation unveils chilling kidnap-ransom scheme in Bangkok
Royal Thai Police officers, investigating a car accident between Thai and Chinese drivers on Bangkok’s Sirat Expressway, stumbled upon a shocking twist—an unexpected link to a chilling kidnap-for-ransom scheme. ThaiRath yesterday afternoon reported that Expressway Police Station 2 was called to the scene of a car accident on the Sirat Expressway by a 33 year old Thai man, Somphong Sisod.…
-
Thai PM ‘splits’ salary option sparks debate among civil servants
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday responded to criticisms surrounding the recent Cabinet resolution, which offers civil servants the option of receiving their monthly salary in two instalments instead of the usual single payment. The resolution, primarily aimed at stimulating the economy, was unveiled during the first Cabinet meeting of his administration on Wednesday and is tentatively set to start in January.…
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.