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 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....
-
LGBTQ+ couples flock to homophobic countries for honeymoons
A recent survey unveiled that LGBTQ+ couples are setting their sights on honeymoon destinations where homosexuality remains illegal, defying conventional norms. Dubai, the Maldives, East Africa, and the Caribbean are just some of the places identified by LGBTQ+ couples as dream honeymoon spots, according to Kuoni’s latest LGBTQ+ Honeymoon report. While 44% of respondents prioritise the overall destination experience over…
-
Summer storm alert for 38 Thai provinces including Bangkok
A summer storm warning has been issued for 38 provinces across northern, northeastern, and central Thailand, and Bangkok, as the country braces for possible severe weather conditions expected to hit from March 8 to March 10. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), in conjunction with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, has been closely monitoring atmospheric conditions and has advised…
-
15 year old schoolboy opens fire, injuring 2 rival students in Buriram
A 15 year old schoolboy opened fire at a temple near his school in the Isaan province of Buriram, injuring two rival students. The victims are in a stable condition. Officers from Nongki Police Station were alerted to the temple shooting at Wat Mai Chai Mongkhon at about 12.30pm yesterday, March 6. Police arrived at the scene with the Nongki…
-
Thai government urged to prepare for Myanmar refugee influx
In anticipation of a potential surge in refugees from Myanmar, a security expert called on the Thai government to take immediate action by establishing a safety zone or humanitarian corridor near the Thai-Myanmar border. Associate Professor Panitan Wattanayagorn, speaking to Thai PBS, warned of intensified fighting between government troops and rebel forces during the upcoming dry season, fuelled by Myanmar’s…
-
Thai reporter acquitted of defamation charges in landmark case
In a landmark verdict, a reporter has been cleared of three counts of defamation, marking a victory against the backdrop of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) cases. The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court’s decision yesterday to clear Chutima Sidasathian serves as a beacon of hope for free speech advocates in the country, who have long battled against such oppressive legal…
-
American woman charged for unlicensed nursery in Koh Pha Ngan
Police charged an American woman for running an unlicensed nursery on Koh Phra Ngan, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. Seven foreigners were found working at the site without permits. Officers from the Immigration Bureau, Tourist Police, Koh Phra Ngan Police Station, and district office raided a rented house on a coconut plantation on the island which…
-
Chiang Mai now world’s third most polluted city
Chiang Mai ranks as the third most polluted city globally amid a severe air quality crisis in northern Thailand, with particulate matter (PM)2.5 levels surging due to widespread forest fires. The situation, which peaked today, March 7, has triggered health concerns and advisories. Northern Thailand is grappling with a significant air pollution crisis. Today, the Air Pollution Crisis Resolution Centre…
-
Thailand’s revamped tax system promises economic boost
In a bid to shield the public from economic turmoil, Thailand’s Finance and Interior Ministries have unleashed a slew of reforms, spearheaded by Paopoom Rojanasakul, secretary to the finance minister. Addressing a high-profile property seminar, Paopoom asserted that the proposed alterations to the land and building tax are geared towards bolstering collection efficiency and ensuring a fair tax rate. “We…
-
Trang locals vexed by PEA’s abrupt power cuts over minimal dues
Residents in Trang province are experiencing a wave of frustration following a stringent new policy by the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) that has led to the abrupt disconnection of electricity services and the removal of metres for overdue payments as low as 100 baht. Without warning, many are caught off guard by the aggressive enforcement that has seen meters removed…
-
CISW medical cannabis festival comes to Pattaya
In a groundbreaking announcement, Dr Kampon Sriwatanakul, chairman of the Thailand National Charter of Health and other industry bigwigs, unveiled plans for the much-anticipated CISW MedCann Festival International (CMCF) 2024 for medical cannabis. This year’s CMCF pledges to dazzle attendees with an array of innovative products, exclusive items, and exhilarating activities, all centred around the burgeoning medical cannabis sector. Acting…
-
2 foreigners in Phuket caught running businesses without licences
Phuket Provincial Tourist Police arrested two foreigners for running their businesses, a money exchange shop and a travel agency, without licences. The arrests stem from a crackdown on illegal foreigners and their businesses following the Swiss man scandal. Prompted by the conflict between the Swiss man and the Thai doctor, as well as complaints from locals, all Phuket police departments…
-
Thailand Video News | 10 million+ sought medical attention for pollution in 2023, Formula One coming to Thailand?
Stay informed with Alex and Jay as they cover Thailand’s top stories. From the Prime Minister’s trade-focused international tour to arrests in Chon Buri after a drugs and firearms raid, we’ve got you covered. Plus, learn about the impact of pollution on public health and efforts to protect Thailand’s beaches. Don’t miss the latest on a daring red panda rescue…
-
Drug mule busted with 30 kg of cannabis at Manchester Airport
Manchester Crown Court witnessed a case where a 27 year old man was exposed as a drug mule caught with a staggering 30 kilogrammes of cannabis at Manchester Airport. Mohammad Arif’s involvement in the smuggling saga began when a dispute emerged following a charity boxing event. In a bid to settle the feud, Arif embarked on a trip to Thailand…
-
Swiss man’s visa revoked after physical assault on Thai doctor
The Immigration Bureau revoked the visa of the Swiss man involved in the physical assault on a female Thai doctor near Yamu Cape in Phuket last week. The Thai doctor, 26 year old Tarndao Chandam, filed a complaint against Urs Fehr after the Swiss man attacked her on Saturday, February 24 when she and her friend sat on the steps…
-
Thailand to build local pharmaceutical facilities to reduce import reliance
The National Committee on Drug System Development has greenlit the construction of local pharmaceutical production facilities, a notable stride towards decreasing the nation’s dependence on foreign-made medicines. This ambitious initiative comes with a budget exceeding 10 billion baht (US$280 million), as revealed by Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, who presided over the recent committee meeting. Beyond the borders, another significant…
-
Drug dealing British backpacker celebrated wedding days before arrest
Andrew Brett, the British backpacker arrested for drug dealing in Koh Tao was reported to have just celebrated his wedding to a Thai-born wife just days before he was apprehended. The British man’s distraught parents, John and Ann, expressed profound disbelief as news of their son’s arrest shattered the blissful memories of the recently concluded nuptials. “We haven’t been told…
-
Raids in Sam Phran uncover non-certified diesel engines
Police raided a warehouse in Sam Phran, Nakhon Pathom, and seized many non-standard industrial products yesterday, March 6. The operation was led by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in collaboration with the Thai Industrial Standards Institute and local law enforcement. Yesterday, a coordinated force spearheaded by Yuthana Praedam, the acting director-general of the DSI, along with Theva Jularee, director…
-
Conservation factions call for review into Land Bridge initiative
A call for a thorough investigation of the government’s Land Bridge initiative has been made by Chumphon and Ranong conservation factions, citing concerns about potential corruption and negative societal impacts. This large-scale project, which has already encountered significant opposition, could lead to locals losing their homes and livelihoods, according to the conservationists. Yesterday, representatives from the Rak Phato Network and…
-
Thailand proposes four Songkhla town clusters for UNESCO list
A proposal for the inclusion of four historic town clusters located in the southern province of Songkhla in UNESCO’s tentative list of potential new world heritage sites has been forwarded by Thailand’s national committee on the World Heritage Convention. The recommendation was made yesterday, with the old town clusters representing communities and sites linked to Songkhla Lake. The committee meeting,…
-
Koh Taen locals oppose inclusion in new national park plan
Koh Taen island locals, situated in the Koh Samui district, handed in a petition yesterday in opposition to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation’s (DNP) plan. The proposal is to include the island, along with its neighbouring area, in the soon-to-be-established Hat Khanom-Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park. This has sparked controversy among the locals, who point…
-
Thai PM to visit Europe, aiming to bolster trade and investment
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand is set to travel to Germany and France in an official capacity. The visit, scheduled for March 7 to March 14, aims to bolster trade and investment between Thailand and these European nations. Accelerating the completion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and advocating for visa exemptions for Thai passport holders are top priorities.…
-
Lazada celebrates Women’s Day with MERGE jeans
In a bid to celebrate International Women’s Day, Lazada is turning the spotlight on the women sellers dominating the e-commerce platform. From Thailand to beyond, these female entrepreneurs are inspiring a new generation to chase their business dreams. In the heart of Thailand’s vibrant marketplace, Lazada shines a light on MERGE, a denim brand that caters to the diverse needs…
-
Restaurant encroachment threatens Hua Hin’s sandy shores
Yamu Beach in Phuket may have just played second fiddle to an encroachment crisis engulfing the pristine sands of Hua Hin. Evidence surfaced on the Prachuap News Facebook page, showcasing a long line of eateries and guesthouses that have sunk their claws deep into Hua Hin’s main beach. Witnesses describe a scene akin to invasion, with some structures extending a…
-
PM Srettha revs up plans for Thailand’s Formula One debut
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is scheduled to meet with representatives from the renowned world of Formula One (F1) during his official trip to France in a bid to host an F1 event in Thailand. PM Srettha spoke to the media at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok on March 4, discussing his upcoming trips to Australia, Germany, and France. He revealed…
-
Tourists banned from Kyoto’s Geisha District
In a bold move to protect Kyoto’s iconic geisha from relentless harassment by tourists, the local council in Gion has decided to ban sightseers from the district’s narrow backstreets. The decision comes after a surge in appalling incidents where traditional entertainers found themselves accosted and disrespected by unruly visitors. This move marks the latest effort to safeguard the revered geisha…
-
Brave pup Cola who lost legs in horrific attack begins new life (video)
In a heartwarming tale of canine resilience, brave pup Cola defied the odds after a horrific machete attack left him two legs short. Abandoned in a Bangkok gutter at just nine months old, his spirit endured thanks to a pair of specially crafted prosthetics, granting him the freedom to frolic once more. Rescued by retirees John and Gill Dalley, founders of…
-
Danger of LSD death stamps in Thailand
The Department of Medical Services (DMS) sounded the alarm on the perilous rise of death stamps– LSD-infused blotting paper wreaking havoc on mental health. Placed innocuously under the tongue, these vibrant tabs promise an initial euphoria before plunging users into a nightmarish realm of hallucinations, auditory disturbances, and warped perceptions. Deputy Director-General of DMS, Pairoj Surattanawanich, underscores the sinister effects of…
-
Kalasin celebrates temple land title deed with traditional procession
A ceremonial procession in Kalasin province involving over a hundred participants in traditional attire recently celebrated the issuance of a land title deed for a local temple. The event honoured the revered monk Luang Pu Ha Supharo, affectionately known as Dinosaur Monk, whose passing on November 24 last year marked the end of an era. The procession, which spanned 25…
-
Australian child sex offender’s attempt to flee to Papua New Guinea foiled
An Australian child sex offender tried to evade the law by embarking on a risky voyage to Papua New Guinea. The 53 year old Queensland man, registered as a sex offender in Australia, attempted a daring escape by sailing from Australia to Papua New Guinea. His audacious plan hit rough waters when he was intercepted by PNG customs officers upon…
-
Over 10 million Thais suffered illnesses linked to toxic air in 2023
More than 10 million Thai citizens sought medical treatment for illnesses connected to toxic air in 2023, as disclosed by authorities. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) disclosed this data amidst a toxic air pollution crisis in Thailand. The root of this crisis lies in widespread farm burning and forest fires, particularly rampant in the country’s northern regions, which…
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.