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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    How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?

    Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....

  • Buddhist tradition meets eco-friendly innovation

    Buddhist tradition meets eco-friendly innovation

    As Visakha Bucha Day approaches tomorrow, Buddhists worldwide prepare to honour the birth, enlightenment, and attainment of complete Nibbana of the Lord Buddha according to tradition. This sacred day, steeped in tradition, sees millions making merit, observing religious precepts, and performing the evening ceremony of wian tian, where devotees walk around temple chapels in a candlelit procession, commemorating the Buddha’s…

  • Cash clash: Temple abbot stabbed over 20-baht in Phuket

    Cash clash: Temple abbot stabbed over 20-baht in Phuket

    A suspected drug addict stabbed an abbot from the Phra Thong Temple in Phuket after the monk delayed giving the attacker 20 baht in cash. Officers from Thalang Police Station investigated Phra Thong Temple after being notified of the stabbing at around 11pm on May 19. The temple’s abbot, Phra Kru Suwan Phuttapiban, was the victim. He sustained a stab…

  • Nun gifts 7 million baht BMW to famous preacher

    Nun gifts 7 million baht BMW to famous preacher

    A social media sensation ensued when a nun and her disciples gifted a brand-new luxury BMW car worth 7 million baht to a renowned preacher, Luang Ta Sinsap, at Wat Pa Bo Nam Phra In in Ubon Ratchathani. The Facebook page of Nun Chen, from the same temple, yesterday posted images of a black BMW sedan with red license plates…

  • Thailand Video News | Thai woman blames police drug search for miscarriage, Former DSI chief faces 44 million baht asset seizure

    Thailand Video News | Thai woman blames police drug search for miscarriage, Former DSI chief faces 44 million baht asset seizure

    In this Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover the recent news across the nation. Beginning with Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission seized 44 million baht from former DSI Director-General Tharit Pengdit for accumulating unusual wealth. A Thai woman, Orranee, is suing the police after a vaginal drug search allegedly caused her miscarriage. Pichit Kleepjinda’s mysterious death raises suspicions of poisoning…

  • Bangkok holds five-day Pride fest to boost LGBTQ+ tourism

    Bangkok holds five-day Pride fest to boost LGBTQ+ tourism

    Thailand is gearing up to host a five-day Pride event in Bangkok, aiming to establish itself as Asia’s rainbow capital. This event, organised by the government alongside private and civil sectors, will feature a series of activities running from May 31 to June 4 under the theme Celebration of Love. Ann Chumaporn, founder and president of the Bangkok Pride Parade,…

  • Thai hotels urge reform of unfair land and building tax rates

    Thai hotels urge reform of unfair land and building tax rates

    Hotels are calling for a revision of the property tax calculation based on land appraisal prices and business income to address the uneven recovery within the hospitality industry. President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA) Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun highlighted that the land and building tax remains a significant challenge for hotel operators. This year, the full rate is set to be…

  • Eye spy: Thai man uses CCTV cameras to stalk female neighbour

    Eye spy: Thai man uses CCTV cameras to stalk female neighbour

    A Thai woman in the northern province of Chiang Rai is seeking help after her neighbour used CCTV cameras to spy on her, flew a drone over her home, and threatened to break into her residence. The victim, Pennapha, who also goes by the name Yui, disclosed the particulars of a dispute with her male neighbour to ThaiRath and extended…

  • Russian driver collides with motorbike, leaving one dead

    Russian driver collides with motorbike, leaving one dead

    Last night, a Russian man driving a car in Pattaya caused a severe accident by colliding with a motorcycle, leaving one person dead and one critically injured. The incident occurred on Sukhumvit Road, near the South Pattaya traffic light, as the driver, appearing inebriated, sped down the road. Local rescue services quickly arrived at the scene, finding the car’s front end…

  • IIC chief goes after Israeli and Hamas leaders in legal showdown

    IIC chief goes after Israeli and Hamas leaders in legal showdown

    The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) lodged applications for arrest warrants against prominent Israeli and Hamas figures, in a move marking a significant escalation in legal actions against leaders of both sides. But that’s not all. Alonso Gurmendi, an international law expert at King’s College London, stated that the West must have a moral conscience and decide…

  • Thailand drives PromptPay QR code payments forward

    Thailand drives PromptPay QR code payments forward

    The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is accelerating its efforts to expand the digital payments ecosystem, aiming to make transactions more accessible and convenient for both Thai citizens and foreign visitors. This strategic move aligns with the growing global trend toward digital financial solutions and aims to enhance financial inclusion and cross-border transactions. A key focus of the BOT‘s initiative is…

  • Assange granted appeal: A Wikibreak in his extradition case (video)

    Assange granted appeal: A Wikibreak in his extradition case (video)

    Julian Assange lives to fight another day after the UK High Court ruled that the embattled, award-winning journalist could appeal against his extradition to the United States. The WikiLeaks founder, a thorn in the side of the so-called democratic Western political powers, was granted permission to challenge the order demanding his transfer to the US, where he faces charges for…

  • Thailand plans Formula One circuit near U-Tapao airport by 2028

    Thailand plans Formula One circuit near U-Tapao airport by 2028

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced plans to construct a Formula One racing circuit near U-Tapao Airport in Rayong province within the next three to four years. The prime minister shared this vision after meeting with Formula One Group executives in Milan yesterday. The 62 year old prime minister emphasised the importance of international sporting events for boosting tourism, expressing the…

  • Thai PM explores potential projects with Italian investors in Milan

    Thai PM explores potential projects with Italian investors in Milan

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin embarked on a visit to Milan, Italy, where discussions with prominent investors from financial institution Intesa Sanpaolo highlighted potential avenues for collaboration on key infrastructure projects in Thailand. During his meetings, the 62 year old Thai prime minister disclosed plans regarding the Land Bridge project and the possibility of hosting a Formula One race in Thailand.…

  • Thai woman seeks help as daughter’s drug threat endangers baby

    Thai woman seeks help as daughter’s drug threat endangers baby

    A Thai woman is seeking help from the authorities after her junkie daughter made a death threat against her and forced her baby to take drugs. The 59 year old woman, Sanom, turned to social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet for help after her drug-addicted 42 year old daughter, Mod, spiralled out of control. She and locals in the area…

  • Govt to boost 2024 budget by 122 billion baht for handout scheme

    Govt to boost 2024 budget by 122 billion baht for handout scheme

    According to the Budget Bureau Chief, the Thai government plans to increase the 2024 fiscal budget by 122 billion baht to support its primary handout initiative. This announcement follows the recent approval of a delayed 3.48 trillion baht budget. The government is continuing to push forward with fiscal stimulus plans, aiming to distribute 500 billion baht by the fourth quarter…

  • Woman discusses love and deceit in 40-year age gap

    Woman discusses love and deceit in 40-year age gap

    A 59 year old woman opened up about her tumultuous relationship with her former lover on a talk show. The couple had a notable 40 year age gap, which drew public attention. The woman, P’Phon, accused her former beau, Nong Wave, of deceiving her over a product review job, where the actual payment was 200,000 baht, but he told her…

  • Sister act: Thai woman suspected of poisoning her husband

    Sister act: Thai woman suspected of poisoning her husband

    A Thai woman called upon the Thai authorities to conduct a further investigation into the death of her older brother after suspecting his wife of poisoning him in the Isaan province of Mahasarakham. The owner of a Thai massage training centre, 44 year old Pichit “Ton” Kleepjinda, died on April 16 outside the family home in the Mahasarakham province. The…

  • Stormy times: Thailand braces for thunderstorms, Bangkok to soak

    Stormy times: Thailand braces for thunderstorms, Bangkok to soak

    The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued another weather forecast, warning of thunderstorms in 53 provinces, with Bangkok expected to experience heavy rainfall in 70% of its area. The TMD today, May 20, predicts a southwest wind covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is gaining strength, while the area continues to experience hot weather during the…

  • Principal removed after child trafficking allegations in Khon Kaen

    Principal removed after child trafficking allegations in Khon Kaen

    The Director of the Khon Kaen Primary Educational Service Area Office 5 issued an order for a school principal to be removed from their position, following allegations of involvement in a child trafficking ring. The principal is accused of engaging in sexual activities with a 12 year old girl. Authorities from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, along with the Paweena…

  • Double home victory for Thai badminton players in the Toyota Open

    Double home victory for Thai badminton players in the Toyota Open

    The National Stadium in Bangkok witnessed an electrifying display of badminton prowess as Thai players clinched two titles in the prestigious Toyota Thailand Open yesterday. Supanida Katethong, ranked 16th globally, stunned spectators by defeating China’s 7th-ranked Han Yue in a thrilling final to secure the women’s singles title. In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Supanida emerged victorious over…

  • Corrupt former DSI chief faces 44 million baht asset seizure

    Corrupt former DSI chief faces 44 million baht asset seizure

    Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) concluded investigations into two cases involving the corrupt former Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), resulting in significant asset seizures totalling over 44 million baht (US$10 million). In the initial case, the court ordered the forfeiture of the former DSI’s Director-General Tharit Pengdit’s assets worth 341.80 million baht to the state. A subsequent…

  • Japanese student in agony after falling asleep in bath for 5 hours

    Japanese student in agony after falling asleep in bath for 5 hours

    A Japanese student shared a startling experience of falling asleep for five and a half hours while taking a bath, waking up to find his fingers in a disturbing state and severe pain. The 20 year old student, who posted about the incident on the former Twitter platform, now X, (@nattsunyan), described returning to his parent’s home and dozing off…

  • Thai man with mental health issues leaps from Bangkok BTS station

    Thai man with mental health issues leaps from Bangkok BTS station

    A Thai man with mental health issues jumped to his death off the Royal Thai Air Force Museum BTS Station in Bangkok on Saturday. Saimai Police Station officers investigated the death of the 25 year old Thai man, Nithi Thipthep, on Pahonyothin Road in the Bang Khen district of Bangkok. Nithi was wearing a dark blue T-shirt, black shorts, and…

  • Vietnam prioritises economic growth despite global challenges

    Vietnam prioritises economic growth despite global challenges

    Vietnam will focus on bolstering economic growth despite ongoing challenges from weak global demand, announced Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai. Addressing the National Assembly during its summer session, Khai noted that while gross domestic product (GDP) growth has improved, significant hurdles remain. Industrial activity is recovering, albeit at a slow pace. Vietnam, now a manufacturing hub benefiting from shifting…

  • Bomb attack injures six security officers in Narathiwat patrol

    Bomb attack injures six security officers in Narathiwat patrol

    A bomb attack injured six members of a local security unit in Cho Airong District, Narathiwat Province, while they were on patrol to protect teachers. The assailants fled after a brief exchange of gunfire with the authorities. Reports indicate that the incident occurred when the security team, riding motorcycles, was patrolling to ensure the safety of teachers, only 400 metres…

  • Drunk & disorderly: Chinese vandal wreaks havoc in Bangkok hotel

    Drunk & disorderly: Chinese vandal wreaks havoc in Bangkok hotel

    Police arrested a drunk Chinese vandal after he smashed up electronic devices and furniture at a hotel in the Sathorn district of Bangkok. Tungmahamek Police Station officers were alerted by a hotel manager on the Southern Sathorn Road yesterday, May 19, that the 30 year old Chinese man, whose identity remains undisclosed, went on a rampage. Upon arrival, officers found…

  • Thailand bans alcohol sales nationwide for Visakha Bucha Day

    Thailand bans alcohol sales nationwide for Visakha Bucha Day

    Immigration and various government offices will be closed at midnight tomorrow as Thailand observes Visakha Bucha Day, a significant Buddhist holiday. As Thailand’s holy occasion, the sale of alcohol is banned nationwide for the entire day. This restriction begins at midnight tomorrow and continues until midnight on Wednesday, May 22, affecting all shops, bars, and restaurants. The only exception is…

  • Labubu yantra tattoos capture spiritual community’s interest

    Labubu yantra tattoos capture spiritual community’s interest

    The ongoing trend for Popmart’s Labubu art toys has now expanded beyond fashion enthusiasts to also captivate the spiritual community. The Labu Bu Phoksap Yantra, a new tattoo design, originated from AjarnAmsri Ohromyan’s Facebook post, where he shared images of the Yantra inspired by the popular Labubu character. AjarnAmsri explained that the yantra’s creation stemmed from his daughter’s love for…

  • Thailand’s future depends on nurturing innovative talent

    Thailand’s future depends on nurturing innovative talent

    Thailand’s future hinges on becoming a dynamic centre of innovative talent and progress. The pivotal element in realising this vision lies in securing the right talent—those who bring ideas to life and spearhead transformative change. Throughout a lengthy career, it has been evident that exceptional talents do not merely meet expectations, they redefine them. Good performers play their roles well,…

  • Health risks associated with getting a tattoo

    Health risks associated with getting a tattoo

    Tattoos have transitioned from ancient cultural rites to mainstream expressions of individuality. Their popularity spans continents and demographics, yet this surge in acceptance has not been without its concerns. As more individuals opt to decorate their bodies with intricate designs and meaningful symbols, an essential question arises: Are tattoos safe? Recent studies and medical reports suggest that while tattoos can…