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

    5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)

    Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...

  • Thai Group launches health-focused marketplace in Silom

    Thai Group launches health-focused marketplace in Silom

    Arthinan Pichanont, vice chairperson of Thai Group Holdings, announced the launch of A Root by Thai Group, an initiative focused on promoting health and well-being through a marketplace of health-conscious products and food. The organisation, committed to ensuring financial stability and sustainable well-being for all Thais, recognises the importance of preparing for new and challenging risks. This venture aligns with…

  • Cruise ship caught dumping trash into Chao Phraya River (video)

    Cruise ship caught dumping trash into Chao Phraya River (video)

    Outrage is sweeping Bangkok after shocking footage emerged of cruise ship staff dumping large amounts of trash into the Chao Phraya River every day. The scandal was exposed by former beauty queen Carla Porter, first runner-up of Miss Thailand World 2009, who posted the incriminating video on her Facebook page. The clip, secretly filmed by a friend, shows staff from…

  • Thailand to introduce 300-baht tourism tax

    Thailand to introduce 300-baht tourism tax

    Thailand is set to introduce a 300-baht tourism tax for foreign visitors by the end of this year, sparking debate over its potential impact on the travel industry. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong confirmed that the fee is expected to take effect during Thailand’s High Season, provided it is approved and published in the Royal Gazette by March. The…

  • Villagers seek lottery luck from ancient neem tree on holy day

    Villagers seek lottery luck from ancient neem tree on holy day

    As the night deepens, residents seek lottery numbers on a Buddhist holy day, gathering around a neem tree over 100 years old situated near an abandoned house in the rice fields at the edge of Nong Sai village. Yesterday, February 26, local villagers in Mueang district, Surin province, offered flowers, incense, candles, and red drinks to the ancient tree, hoping…

  • Pregnant Thai teen refuses medical help, leading to baby’s death

    Pregnant Thai teen refuses medical help, leading to baby’s death

    A pregnant Thai teenager refused to go to hospital and declined medical help from a rescue team, leading to her baby’s death in a rented room in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat yesterday, February 26. Neighbours called rescuers to a rented room in the Mueang district of Nakhon Si Thammarat at about 10am yesterday to transport the 16 year…

  • No-confidence motion targets PM Paetongtarn

    No-confidence motion targets PM Paetongtarn

    Opposition Leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has launched a political firestorm by filing a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, accusing her of incompetence and corruption. The motion, submitted under Section 151 of the Constitution at Parliament today, February 27, aims to unseat Paetongtarn amid claims of poor governance and political manipulation. Natthaphong, head of the People’s Party, announced that while…

  • Ceremony at Wat Kham Chanod reveals lucky numbers in sacred water

    Ceremony at Wat Kham Chanod reveals lucky numbers in sacred water

    At Wat Kham Chanod in Udon Thani’s Ban Dung district, a ceremony was conducted to seek blessings and prosperity, coinciding with a significant Buddhist holy day. Although fewer tourists visited the site compared to weekends, the ritual drew attention, particularly due to auspicious numbers believed to bring luck. The ceremony took place yesterday, February 26, aligning with the Buddhist holy…

  • Man threatens Bangkok police with machete over 1,000 baht fine (video)

    Man threatens Bangkok police with machete over 1,000 baht fine (video)

    A man, upset after his car was wheel-clamped for parking in a no-parking zone, threatened police with a machete, causing a commotion on a Bangkok street yesterday, February 26. The confrontation occurred in Soi Yothee, Bangkok, after police wheel-clamped a vehicle parked during restricted hours. The encounter was captured in a video posted on the Facebook page อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part…

  • Thailand to boost tourism with ‘Thai Charm’ and must-visit cities

    Thailand to boost tourism with ‘Thai Charm’ and must-visit cities

    Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), announced that in 2025, the primary strategy to attract global tourists to Thailand will focus on emphasising Thai pride through Thai Charm or soft power. This will be coupled with promoting Must-Visit Cities to create valuable experiences that stimulate travel demand, expand market bases, and increase travel frequency and distribution…

  • Thai woman catches Chinese man stealing on flight to Hong Kong

    Thai woman catches Chinese man stealing on flight to Hong Kong

    A Thai woman witnessed a crime during her flight from Thailand to Hong Kong, which ultimately led to the arrest of a Chinese man who stole valuables from other passengers onboard. The Thai woman shared her experience in a Facebook group, recounting how she witnessed a theft on the flight to Hong Kong and warning others to take care of…

  • Navy officer charged with drink-driving after Chon Buri crash

    Navy officer charged with drink-driving after Chon Buri crash

    Chaos erupted on Sukhumvit Road in Chon Buri’s Sattahip district when a drunken navy officer crashed his car, only to have armed soldiers show up demanding his release. Lieutenant Commander Kriangsak Taeklang allegedly smashed his white Toyota Vios into a brown Honda City driven by Tharanya, damaging the rear right side of the vehicle. Police arriving at the scene found…

  • Thai ranger slams Italian tourists for breaking snorkelling ban

    Thai ranger slams Italian tourists for breaking snorkelling ban

    A Thai park ranger took to social media to expose a disrespectful Italian tourist who ignored a warning from officials after he and another foreigner went snorkelling in a restricted area, endangering the coral reef. The ranger, identified only as Sai, shared a video of the two tourists who broke the rules on his Facebook and Instagram accounts today, February…

  • Chiang Mai e-cigarette seller arrested with 1,269 items seized

    Chiang Mai e-cigarette seller arrested with 1,269 items seized

    An online electronic cigarette seller in Chiang Mai, operating through Facebook and LINE groups, was apprehended with an estimated daily revenue of 10,000 baht, averaging over 100,000 baht monthly. The suspect led police to his home, where a substantial amount of goods was seized. Police from Special Operations Division 5 conducted a sting operation at approximately 1pm yesterday, February 26,…

  • Man arrested in Phrae for selling e-cigarettes to students

    Man arrested in Phrae for selling e-cigarettes to students

    Police from Rong Kwang station apprehended a 42 year old man for selling e-cigarettes to students, seizing a significant amount of evidence from his residence. Yesterday, February 26, Police Colonel Tharadorn Hemphat, head of Rong Kwang Police Station, instructed Deputy Superintendent of Operations, Police Lieutenant Colonel Christmas Hiangkoh, to lead a team comprising several officers, including Police Major Watcharapong Pannasan,…

  • Scam alert: Fake cop targeting Chiang Mai residents

    Scam alert: Fake cop targeting Chiang Mai residents

    Chiang Mai residents are on high alert after the Mae Jo Police Station issued a warning about a cunning con artist known as “Phuy Kong Poi Phet,” who is impersonating a police officer to scam victims out of their money. The audacious fraudster is allegedly posing as a Mae Jo police officer and using sophisticated tactics to deceive unsuspecting locals.…

  • Tragic tiger cub incident investigated in Chanthaburi

    Tragic tiger cub incident investigated in Chanthaburi

    Police and veterinary teams investigated a tragic incident involving a tiger cub yesterday, February 26 at 2pm in Chanthaburi province. The cub escaped its enclosure during transit to a police station and was fatally struck by a vehicle. Initial examinations revealed its left hind leg was broken, and internal injuries were evident, but the exact cause of these injuries remains…

  • Udon Thani lecturer accused of selling explicit content online

    Udon Thani lecturer accused of selling explicit content online

    A university lecturer in Udon Thani province has allegedly been running a secret online group selling explicit images and videos, prompting students to gather evidence and file complaints with university management. The lecturer, who has denied these allegations, has a history of misconduct, including a previous incident of motorcycle theft. According to reports yesterday, February 26, the lecturer, a doctor…

  • Phuket officials under fire: Ombudsman probes corruption claims

    Phuket officials under fire: Ombudsman probes corruption claims

    Allegations of corruption and negligence are rocking Phuket as Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of the Ombudsman, Khanitnan Aphicharn, arrived to investigate a series of complaints against local officials accused of turning a blind eye to illegal activities. The explosive allegations were discussed at a high-stakes meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on Monday, February 24, chaired by Phuket Vice Governor…

  • Chachoengsao railway thief causes millions in cable damage

    Chachoengsao railway thief causes millions in cable damage

    A notorious thief has been cutting railway cables in Chachoengsao, causing millions in damages. Discovered hiding under a bridge, the suspect has consistently evaded capture. Yesterday, February 26, railway inspector Boonyong Tanplong, along with railway staff, initiated a search after frequent signal malfunctions were reported along the Chachoengsao railway line, particularly affecting train crossings and barriers. Upon reaching the bridge…

  • Thai housemaid rescued after 5 years of abuse by employer

    Thai housemaid rescued after 5 years of abuse by employer

    Thai social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet rescued a housemaid who had been suffering from physical abuse at the hands of her employer in Nonthaburi province for more than five years. The 22 year old housemaid sought Gun’s help after escaping from her employer’s home to save her life. She revealed the whole story with the public that her employer…

  • Police seize SIM box used for scams in Bangkok condo

    Police seize SIM box used for scams in Bangkok condo

    Police operations led to the seizure of a Chinese-operated SIM box at a Bangkok condominium, used for financial scams. The room’s registered owner was a Chinese national using a Thai nominee. This operation took place yesterday, February 26 at 11.30am, under the direction of Police Lieutenant General Surapol Prembutr, Commissioner of Region 1. The team included Police Major General Chayanan…

  • Police raid Buriram store for illegal gamecock medication

    Police raid Buriram store for illegal gamecock medication

    Police in Buriram, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, conducted a raid on a store selling gamecock medication, following reports of substandard drugs causing multiple chicken deaths. The unregistered medications were seized during the operation yesterday, February 26. Police Major General Narongsak Promtha, the Provincial Police Region Commander of Buriram, received a tip-off from the Ministry of Public…

  • Death toll in Prachin Buri bus crash rises to 19, victim’s valuables missing

    Death toll in Prachin Buri bus crash rises to 19, victim’s valuables missing

    The bus driver blamed a brake system failure for the accident on Prachin Buri Road, which resulted in 19 deaths. One of the victims’ families is searching for missing valuables worth over 460,000 baht. The coach bus collided with a traffic barrier and overturned on Road Number 304 in Prachin Buri province at about 3.30am yesterday during a work trip for…

  • DSI investigates potential rigging in last year’s Senate election

    DSI investigates potential rigging in last year’s Senate election

    The Department of Special Investigation’s (DSI) special cases board will address complaints related to the Senate election held last year with transparency, according to Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. Yesterday, February 26, the minister met with unsuccessful candidates and those on the reserve list of senators who supported him amid rising tensions between the DSI and the Senate. Some senators have…

  • Two workers killed in landslide during pipe installation

    Two workers killed in landslide during pipe installation

    Two workers tragically lost their lives while another narrowly escaped when a landslide buried them during a drainage pipe installation. The incident occurred around 6.30pm,yesterday, February 26, in Ban Huana, Khok Thai subdistrict, Pak Thong Chai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. Police Colonel Boonprod Prasertsak, superintendent of Pak Thong Chai Police Station, received the report and promptly dispatched officers to the…

  • Over 7,000 foreign nationals rescued from Myanmar scam centres

    Over 7,000 foreign nationals rescued from Myanmar scam centres

    More than 7,000 foreign nationals trapped in scam call centres in Myanmar’s Myawaddy region have been freed and are awaiting repatriation, according to the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF). The victims, totalling 7,141 people from 28 nationalities, were rescued from the notorious Shwe Kokko and KK Park complexes, areas known for human trafficking and cybercrime activities. The BGF, led by…

  • Extreme heat advisory: Thailand braces for soaring temperatures

    Extreme heat advisory: Thailand braces for soaring temperatures

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has predicted extreme heat conditions in several regions from today until March 5, with temperatures expected to soar above 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. Detailed forecasts reveal varying heat levels across the country. From today, February 27 to March 4, a weakening high-pressure system over the northeast and South China Sea will lead to reduced…

  • Bang Lamung turns up heat on illegal activities

    Bang Lamung turns up heat on illegal activities

    Bang Lamung district officials are rolling out the red carpet for regulation, tightening the screws on illegal activities in the area’s raucous nightlife. In a bid to pull the plug on illegal antics and alleged extortion, a high-level meeting took centre stage yesterday, February 26, at the glittering Alcazar Cabaret. The main focus? Enforcing laws on underage entry, drugs, human…

  • U-Tapao Airport expansion cut as high-speed rail delays continue

    U-Tapao Airport expansion cut as high-speed rail delays continue

    The ambitious U-Tapao Airport expansion is being drastically scaled back as the Bangkok-Rayong high-speed rail project faces ongoing delays and uncertainty. The airport, a key component of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development, was initially designed to handle 12 million passengers annually. However, with the high-speed rail link stalled for nearly five years, those plans are being significantly downsized. U-Tapao…

  • Cold-blooded encounter: Brave dogs kill snake in Thai garden

    Cold-blooded encounter: Brave dogs kill snake in Thai garden

    A large snake met its demise after mistakenly entering a garden where two dogs, known for their hunting prowess, attacked and killed it. The incident occurred on February 25 when a Facebook user shared a video showing the dogs engaging with the snake, which had slithered into their garden, possibly in search of frogs kept there. The dogs, both of…