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
Travel vs international health insurance: Which coverage do you need overseas?
The Thaiger key takeaways Travel insurance is ideal for short-term trips, covering emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage, but not routine care. International health insurance suits expats and long-term residents, offering full medical coverage, including checkups, maternity, and chronic care. Choosing...
-
Cebu Pacific launches direct flights to Don Mueang Airport
Cebu Pacific will soar between Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) three times a week, whisking eager travellers away on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, starting July 16. This latest addition boosts Cebu Pacific’s Manila-Bangkok flights to a whopping 17 times weekly, making it easier than ever to experience the magic of Thailand.…
-
Thailand’s biometric scheme for Myanmar nationals
Thailand’s latest move has sent shockwaves through the region as the government unveils a plan to gather biometric data from Myanmar nationals. But behind the guise of healthcare efficiency lies a shadow of suspicion and fear. To streamline healthcare for its transient population, Thailand has launched a controversial programme, gathering iris and face biometrics from Myanmar nationals. But as concerns…
-
Commerce Minister aims to boost Thai-Japan trade
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Phumtham Wechayachai, embarked on an international mission to amplify Thailand’s soft power and enhance Thai-Japan trade. This trip, scheduled for May 11-12, will take the Minister to Tokyo, Japan, where he will participate in the 24th Thai Festival Tokyo event. Wittaya Maneenet, the Ministry of Commerce spokesperson, clarified that the purpose of the…
-
Smoke chaos engulfs Hua Hin: Landfill fire threatens public health
A noxious haze descended upon Hua Hin for days, emanating from a blaze at an old landfill between Soi 102 and Soi 112 in Thap Thai. Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday, May 8, marshalled resources to combat the enduring landfill inferno, which has stubbornly smouldered for five relentless days. Initially subdued by recent rains, the inferno reignited yesterday morning,…
-
Military’s risky rice plan revealed
Thailand’s Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang unveiled a bold plan regarding the nation’s rice surplus, promising to purchase rice stored under a contentious scheme. Responding to the alleged disclosure by Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Sutin confirms that a portion of the 15,000-tonne rice stockpile could be destined for the bellies of military personnel. Sutin addressed concerns about oversupply.…
-
Thailand’s seaplane tourism venture set for December
Deputy Minister of Transport Manaporn Charoensri paved the way for Thailand’s first seaplane tourism venture yesterday in Phuket, by inaugurating a three-day workshop titled First Seaplane Operations Toward Thailand’s Aviation Hub. Manaporn asserted that the initiative was in line with Prime Minister Settha Thavisin’s policies focused on revitalising the national economy, enhancing air transportation efficiency, and positioning Thailand as a…
-
Did violent tunes hint at Thai heiress’s grim fate?
A fresh discovery has been made on the murder of Thai heiress Kamonnan Thiamphanit, known as Angela, as haunting echoes of violent tunes reverberated through the luxurious halls of her Hyde Park mansion. In the heart of London’s opulent Hyde Park, tragedy struck when 27 year old Angela was found brutally murdered in her lavish £4 million (approximately 184 million…
-
Car industry faces crunch as EV demand slumps and costs rise
The automobile industry, stretching from Europe to Asia, is bracing for a tough year ahead as rising costs and a slump in electric vehicle (EV) demand begin to take their toll on profits. Mercedes-Benz Group AG, yesterday, revealed plans to extend the lifespan of their combustion-engine cars due to underwhelming EV sales. Toyota Motor Corp, anticipating a 20% drop in…
-
Comedian seeks justice after drunk driver blames him for accident
A Thai comedian is fighting for justice after a drunk driver allegedly blamed him for causing a car accident on the Ratchaphruek Road in Bangkok on March 21. The intoxicated woman allegedly tried to evade charges with help from a former senior soldier. The comedian, 43 year old Prasert Prasertsunthon, known by his stage name Tummeng Terd Terng, recounted the…
-
Jurassic World 4 to film in UK, Thailand, and Malta (video)
A fresh scoop from industry insiders has unleashed details about the highly anticipated Jurassic World 4, revealing filming locations including the UK, Thailand and Malta. The franchise director, Gareth Edwards is set to take audiences across the globe through his cinematic lens to London, the exotic locales of Thailand and the picturesque landscapes of Malta. “We’re thrilled to bring the…
-
Former Thai police officer arrested in murders of 2 men 9 years ago
Special Service Division (SSD) officers yesterday arrested a former police officer at his home in the southern province of Narathiwat in connection with the murders of two Thai men nine years ago in 2015. The SSD officers, also known as Commando Police, apprehended the 39 year old former Police Sergeant Komkrit at his home in the Cho-airong district of Narathiwat…
-
Thai Airways launches game-changing mobile app upgrade
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited unleashed a revamped version of its mobile application, promising a range of features across various platforms. With this latest iteration, passengers are in for a treat as they gain unprecedented control over their travel arrangements. Designed with Royal Orchid Plus (ROP) members in mind, the new application boasts a suite of functions to cater…
-
Thief in lion’s clothing: Dance troupe man nabbed
A 37 year old man associated with a lion dance troupe was apprehended for a string of thefts targeting drunk individuals and the homeless sleeping in public areas. A 37 year old man was arrested following a police operation in Bangkok’s Thonburi district after being under investigation for mobile phone and cash thefts, which he admitted to committing to finance…
-
Viral sensation meets silver screen at Planet of the Apes premiere
The Thai girl photographed aiming an air gun at a monkey in a viral, award-winning picture, was guest of honour at the gala premiere of the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes movie at Siam Paragon mall in Bangkok yesterday. She shared her experiences of living with troops of monkeys in the central province of Lopburi. ” Back in…
-
China’s imports and exports rebound showing positive shift in April
After experiencing a contraction in the previous month, China’s imports and exports rebounded in April, according to customs data released today. This positive shift indicates a promising enhancement in both local and international demand, providing a vital lift to the nation’s fragile economic recovery. The upswing in data suggests that the numerous policy support measures introduced in recent times are…
-
High stakes: Thai PM leads talks on weed reclassification
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin spearheaded a meeting yesterday to discuss the country’s narcotics issues and the potential reclassification of cannabis as a type 5 narcotic drug. The conference saw the involvement of key officials such as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, the newly appointed Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin and the Minister of Justice,…
-
Fuelling fury: Map Ta Phut blaze sparks urgent evacuation (video)
A catastrophic blaze engulfed a fuel storage tank in the heart of the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, leading to continuous explosions and an urgent evacuation, left one person dead and four injured. The incident, which caused at least one injury, occurred at 10.30am today, May 9, when the Eastern Environmental Monitoring and Control Centre (EMCC) in the Rayong province…
-
Coach carrying Chinese tourists crashes in northern Thailand
A late-night journey turned deadly as a coach carrying 33 Chinese tourists met with a horrific accident on Phahonyothin Road, Thoen, Lampang in northern Thailand. Thoen police officers rushed to the scene after receiving a fatal accident report at 11.20pm on Tuesday, May 7. They found the coach severely damaged, having crashed into roadside trees. Tragically, the driver, identified as…
-
Suphan Buri’s Mae Buay Salay restaurant preprares for PM’s visit
Suphan Buri’s Mae Buay Salay restaurant, a renowned culinary landmark with over 80 years of history, is bustling with preparations to welcome the prime minister and Cabinet members on their upcoming visit. The restaurant, famed for its delectable river prawns and enduring tradition, is set to showcase its signature dishes to high-profile guests. Mae Buay Salay, located in the Bang…
-
Deepfake dilemma: AI scam rise, posing as kin for data snatch
Artificial intelligence (AI) deepfakes, used for identity theft and impersonating identities of the victim’s relatives are now being used for personal data collection, in a rising trend of scams in Thailand. Titinun Suttinaraphan, the Regional Marketing Director of Southeast Asia for Gogolook, developer of the Whoscall app, states that the total number of Thai were victims of 217,047 scams per…
-
Demolished dreams: Ex MP’s pickup crash claims husband’s life
A former Democrat Party MP allegedly crashed a pickup into an electric pole in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima, losing her husband in the accident. The couple previously hit tabloid headlines on issues involving their relationship but were reunited just three months before the fatal accident. The deceased, 42 year old Pongphumphat Chuedee, made headlines in February after seeking…
-
Deputy PM to discuss government strategies with military chiefs
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced plans to engage in discussions with the heads of the armed forces in Thailand. These meetings, scheduled to take place at the military chiefs’ workplaces, aim to brief them about the government’s strategies and protocols. Following his recent appointment to oversee the Ministry of Defence, Phumtham expressed his intent to maintain…
-
Froggy forecast: Rain brings ‘eung pao’ craze, hopping sales in Phayao
The onset of rain in Phayao province sparked a flurry of activity as the local delicacy, eung pao, better known as balloon frog, became available for a limited time, leading to bustling markets and a significant boost in income for local villagers. Selling for as much as 600 baht per kilogramme, these creatures are a source of culinary delight and…
-
Peed off: Outrage erupts as foreign child pees outside Thai temple
The Thai tourism and sports minister and netizens nationwide condemned a foreign couple for allowing their daughter to urinate in public at Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, in Bangkok. However, many Thais felt that the foreigners’ actions were not so serious. A Thai man shared a picture of the incident on his Facebook…
-
Russian arrested in Phuket for illegal mushroom possession
A 29 year old Russian national was arrested in Phuket for possessing hallucinogenic buffalo dung mushrooms, a substance classified under Thailand’s Type 5 narcotics, without permission. The arrest occurred today, May 9, during a coordinated operation by police in Patong, a district in the Kathu area of the island. The operation, led by police chiefs Chalermchai Hernsawat and Sompron Surin,…
-
Thai deputy finance minister’s shock resignation
Thailand Deputy Minister of Finance Kritsada Jinavijarana sent shockwaves through the political corridors with his offer of resignation. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin intervened, urging Kritsada to reconsider his decision. Expressing discontent with task allocation, Kritsada tendered his resignation from the Cabinet. But the 62 year old Thai prime minister, not ready to lose a key figure, stepped in swiftly to…
-
Thai govt’s digital wallet project: A cash splash on the horizon
The Government of Thailand is still finalising its digital wallet project, a financial aid initiative which promises a 10,000 baht disbursement to eligible citizens. The specific criteria for eligibility include an age threshold, and a deposit cap to ensure the aid reaches those intended. Citizens who are 16 years old as of September 30 of this year, or born before…
-
Liverpool dad and army veteran dies suddenly during Thai getaway
A dream holiday abroad quickly turned into a nightmare for a British man from Liverpool as the former army veteran passed away unexpectedly while enjoying the Songkran festivities in Thailand. In a twist of fate, 69 year old Roy Mitchell met his untimely end during the Songkran festival in Pattaya, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and service. Known for…
-
Severe weather alert for 48 Thai provinces, thunderstorm risks
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a severe weather warning for today, forecasting thunderstorms across 48 provinces, affecting 60% of the area, including Bangkok. The agency cautions of potential dangers, including strong winds and flash floods. As southeast monsoon and southern winds cover north and upper central Thailand, thunderstorms, strong gusts, and heavy downpours are expected in these regions.…
-
Thailand becomes first ASEAN nation to host FIFA Congress
The government announced yesterday that Thailand will become the first ASEAN nation and fifth in Asia to host the prestigious FIFA Congress. The event will be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) in Bangkok from May 13 to 17. During yesterday’s press conference at the QSNCC, it was announced that Thailand will host the 74th FIFA Congress.…
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.