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 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
-
Thailand plans visa-free travel expansion to stimulate tourism
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed the government’s intent to extend visa-free travel to citizens of several additional countries. This development follows Thailand’s recent decision to waive visas for Chinese and Indian citizens, an attempt to stimulate the tourism sector, a vital component of Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy. During Wednesday’s meeting at Government House, PM Srettha and Australia’s Governor-General, David…
-
Thailand TikTok user lets dog pick lottery numbers (video)
A local TikTok user hopes to strike it lucky in the upcoming national lottery draw by letting her dog pick the numbers. The dog, named Poi Sian, has become the protagonist of a viral video, where it is seen selecting numbers written on paper. This peculiar approach to choosing lottery numbers has garnered attention for its creativity and novelty. A…
-
Thailand’s newest UNESCO learning cities revealed, Bangkok on the list
Bangkok, Khon Kaen, and Yala have clinched spots in UNESCO’s 2024 Global Network for Learning Cities (GNLC), heralding a new era of lifelong learning across Thailand. Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob unveiled the exciting news, showcasing Thailand’s commitment to fostering continuous education and development. Joining the ranks of previously listed cities such as Chiang Rai (2019), Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Chachoengsao…
-
Pattaya preps to tee off with Honda LPGA Thailand 2024 tourney
Pattaya, Chon Buri is set to host the world-renowned Honda LPGA Thailand 2024 tournament. Organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the event will feature 72 of the globe’s top female golfers, all vying for a total prize of US$1.7 million (62 million baht) from February 22-25. Honda has also promised a brand-new Honda Accord e:HEV, e:HEV RS variant,…
-
Trang single mother of nine faces dire straits on 200 baht a day
Battling against overwhelming odds, a 30 year old single mother, identified only by her nickname Dam, shoulders the responsibility of caring for nine lives in a cramped rental home in Trang province. Her household includes her five children, two siblings with support needs, and a nephew. The family’s struggle is compounded by a meagre income, making their daily survival a…
-
Muscle madness: Strongman showdown set for Pattaya, Thailand
Prepare to witness the power and prowess of Thailand’s strongest individuals. An exciting strongman competition, hosted by Bench Fitness Equipment and Thai Strength Club, is set to take place tomorrow, February 17, by the picturesque Mapprachan Lake in Pattaya. This thrilling event will showcase the strength and endurance of 55 robust competitors hailing from 14 different countries, all vying for…
-
Thailand Video News | 500,000 Baht Medical Insurance for Tourists, Man seeks jail time for welfare
In this video, Alex and Jay dive into the latest from Thailand, tackling stories that range from a man using theft as an escape from family drama, to the country’s new tourist insurance scheme, pollution battles, Mike Tyson’s cannabis business, and a bizarre revival after death. They’re here to give you the scoop on Thailand’s current affairs, covering everything from…
-
Hua Hin Hospital issues urgent warning as air quality worsens
Hua Hin Hospital issued a warning over the deteriorating air quality gripping the district. Hua Hin Hospital’s Facebook announcement revealed alarming statistics regarding the current air pollution levels plaguing the area. The Air Quality Index (AQI) skyrocketed to a staggering 196 by 8am, nearly doubling the safety threshold. Health experts stress that AQI values above 100 pose severe health risks.…
-
Two monks defrocked for misconduct in Thailand
Two senior monks, one aged 70 and another 60, were defrocked following complaints of inappropriate behaviour. Luang Pi Namfon, from the local Buddhist office, led the intervention after reports of the monks not residing at their temples and engaging in activities unbecoming of their monastic vows surfaced. Luang Pi Namfon today, February 16, accompanied by a deputy, coordinated with the…
-
NBTC crackdowns on unregistered SIM cards in Thailand
Statistics disclosed to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) revealed that over half of those owning over 100 SIM cards in Thailand have reportedly registered themselves with operator AIS. Amid a crackdown initiated by the NBTC in December to curb potential misuse, February 14 marked the deadline for individuals holding more than six SIM cards to authenticate their identities…
-
Bangkok on alert for thunderstorms, hot days ahead in Thailand
Thirteen provinces across Thailand, including the capital city of Bangkok, are on high alert for thunderstorms, with heavy rainfall predicted to affect 10% of the area. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning today, signalling that a weakening high-pressure system over the upper part of the country is causing a slight temperature rise, with foggy mornings and hot daytime…
-
School van driver seriously injured with students unscathed in Chon Buri accident
A school van careened into a sign on Sukprayun Road in Chon Buri, leaving the driver critically injured but students unscathed. Responding swiftly to the scene were officers from the Don Hua Lo Police Station and rescue personnel, confronted with a scene of wreckage and distress. The once-sturdy bronze school van now lay mangled, its front obliterated by the force…
-
Thai farmers advised against off-season rice due to climate change
Climate change and the moderate effects of the El Niño phenomenon have led to a reduction in Thailand’s water supply, prompting authorities to advise second-crop farmers against the cultivation of off-season rice. The lower water levels have necessitated a revised water distribution plan to support existing plantations where crops are yet to be harvested. Krongsak Songraksa, Deputy Director-General of the…
-
Unruly British man goes berserk on Bangkok-London flight (video)
An unruly British man was arrested after his flight from Bangkok to London Heathrow landed following a cowardly attack on a Thai Airways member of staff. The 35 year old unnamed British man went berserk only minutes after the flight from the Thai capital took off on February 7 and proceeded to smash up the aircraft’s toilet. A passenger managed…
-
Locals rally to clean up messy situation for Thai-Scottish family in Pattaya
Locals sought help for a Thai woman and her half Thai half Scottish sons living in an unhealthy, rubbish-strewn house in Pattaya. The three were reportedly in financial trouble after the woman’s Scottish husband left Thailand four years ago. Residents in the northern Pattaya neighbourhood urged Amarin TV to tell the family’s story in a bid to find help for…
-
Debt dispute drives Thai woman to fatal self-immolation with niece
Tragedy struck yesterday when a 66 year old woman and her 14 year old disabled niece were found dead after self-immolation (the act of setting fire to oneself) in a remote area of Chumphon Province, Thailand. The harrowing incident was reported to the police by local authorities, prompting an immediate investigation by officers from Na Sak Police Station, alongside forensic…
-
Thailand’s Education Ministry to launch enhanced O-Net Plus exam system
The Education Ministry of Thailand is gearing up to introduce the enhanced O-Net Plus exam system, a move that will rejuvenate equivalency testing and provide a benchmark for assessing teaching quality. Education Minister Police General Permpoon Chidchob affirmed the necessity of a benchmark to evaluate students’ knowledge and skill levels, a role that the National Institute of Educational Testing Service’s…
-
Thailand govt urges use of public transport amid rising PM2.5 pollution
The escalating issue of PM2.5 pollution in Thailand has led the government to encourage the public to utilise public transportation, particularly in the most polluted areas. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called for the public’s cooperation in the battle against the country’s increasing air pollution, which has seen a significant rise in recent days. “We must work on improving the situation…
-
Cabinet meeting to discuss constitutional amendment referendum parameters
Phumtham Wechayachai, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, announced that next month’s Cabinet meeting will focus on the parameters required for a constitutional amendment referendum. Phumtham, who is also the head of a panel examining the referendum requirements for the charter amendment, has stated that the report will be submitted to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the Cabinet for…
-
Roses from the Tourist Police on Valentine’s Day in Lopburi
Tourists in Lopburi were greeted with an unexpected gesture of goodwill this Valentine’s Day, as the city’s Tourist Police distributed roses to visitors. The act of kindness was part of a broader initiative to ensure safety and spread good cheer among locals and foreigners alike. Patrols were not only focused on maintaining order and safety but also on fostering a…
-
Thailand heritage meets modern flair: Kaomai Museums blend past and present
In Chiang Mai, the Kaomai Museums, a project conceived by PAVA Architects, stands as a testament to the fusion of Thailand’s rich architectural and cultural heritage with modern functionality. The museums offer a captivating narrative that bridges the past and the present. The restoration process, meticulously executed, breathed new life into a cluster of colonial-era warehouses. These historical structures, once…
-
Thai government’s plan to boost NBT channel ratings
The National Public Relations Committee convened yesterday, led by Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin, to tackle the crisis of low ratings for the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) channel. Currently languishing in 17th place, NBT faces an uphill battle to resonate with viewers amidst fierce competition. The committee, comprising top brass from the Government Public Relations Department, dissected the…
-
Thaksin’s parole won’t alter Thailand’s politics, says Pheu Thai
Pheu Thai Party Deputy Leader Chusak Sirinil recently threw light on the potential impact of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra‘s impending parole, stating that it won’t significantly alter the political landscape of the nation. He expressed confidence in the current government’s performance and the prime minister’s full functionality, dismissing the speculations of major changes anticipated by many political observers. Chusak…
-
Activist Surachai declared missing by Thai court after fleeing to exile
A court in Nakhon Si Thammarat officially declared activist Surachai Danwattananusorn missing, igniting concerns over his fate after years of silence since his exile in Laos in 2018. The ruling, delivered on Monday, grants his wife, Pranee Danwattananusorn, the authority to handle his assets, shedding light on the ordeal endured by his family in the absence of any trace of…
-
Thailand tourists to get medical coverage of up to 500,000 baht
The Thai government pledged unprecedented medical insurance and compensation packages, promising travellers a worry-free experience. Under the scheme, tourists will receive medical coverage of up to 500,000 baht in case of accidents, along with compensation of up to 1 million baht in the unfortunate event of death. At the campaign launch, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol declared the initiative,…
-
Spirited debate: Health ministry’s alcohol curfew talks hit a hiccup
The Ministry of Public Health held a meeting today, February 15, to deliberate on the potential abolition of the time restriction for alcohol sales, currently set between 11am and 2pm. However, the meeting failed to reach a clear conclusion. The Public Health Minister, Chonlnan Srikaew, reported that the proposal to cancel the time limit for alcohol sales was submitted to…
-
Paws unite: Happy Doggo & Soi Dog tackle Asia’s strays
Happy Doggo and Soi Dog Foundation have joined forces to tackle Asia’s stray animal crisis head-on with a colossal campaign. Aimed at putting an end to the suffering of homeless animals across the continent, this ambitious initiative promises to revolutionize the fight against the stray population. Animals 24-7, jaded by seeing grandiose claims in appeals and media releases a zillion…
-
Thai cyber police shut down online gambling rings, seize 18 million baht
Thai cyber police successfully dismantled two major online gambling networks, confiscating over 18 million baht (US$498,000) in cash and revealing a staggering 300 million baht (US$8,296,000) monthly circulation. The crackdown occurred on February 15, under the operation of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD). The operation was a collaborative effort involving Prasert Jantararuangtong, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society;…
-
Thai bank officer nabbed for selling customer data in Nonthaburi
A Thai bank loan officer has been arrested for selling the personal data of over 5,000 customers, a lucrative side business that netted him tens of thousands of baht per month for over the past two years. The capture took place at 11am today, at the Technology Crime Suppression Division in Mueang Thong Thani. The digital economy and society minister,…
-
Mike Tyson’s Thailand high: The cannabis 2.0 comeback
In an exclusive interview with Mike Tyson, the boxing legend revealed his daring venture into Thailand’s cannabis market with Tyson 2.0, sparking both business strategy and personal mission. In a deep dive discussion, Tyson unveils the intertwined relationship between cannabis and combat sports, recounting his escapade in Thailand and the serendipity that spared him from the long arm of the…
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.