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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  • Thailand offers free newborn screening for 24 rare conditions to boost birth rate

    Thailand offers free newborn screening for 24 rare conditions to boost birth rate

    The Department of Medical Sciences (DMS) and the National Health Security Office (NHSO) of Thailand announced a new initiative offering free screening for newborns to detect 24 rare medical conditions. This proactive move is part of a wider strategy designed to bolster the health of the nation’s children. This comes amidst an ongoing decline in the birth rate, with a…

  • Tragic twist: Pickup driver kills motorcyclist fleeing alcohol test in Bangkok

    Tragic twist: Pickup driver kills motorcyclist fleeing alcohol test in Bangkok

    A Thai pickup driver ran over and killed a motorcycle rider on Chalong Krung Road in the Lat Krabang district of Bangkok. The driver reportedly made a quick escape from an alcohol test at a police checkpoint, resulting in the fatal accident. Lam Pakchee Police Station officers and rescuers were notified about the fatal accident on the Chalong Krung Road…

  • Bangkok man arrested amid drug trafficking and firearm charges

    Bangkok man arrested amid drug trafficking and firearm charges

    Officers from the Ratchaburi Police Station, including Police Lieutenant Wacharaphon Suwananuwong, Deputy Inspector Thanaphon Thanaphakorn, and Police Lieutenant Tawich Petchamphorn, recently apprehended a 32 year old man involved in drug trafficking. The arrest of the man, Sittichok, also known as Mayd, took place in his condominium room located in Pracha Uthit Soi 33, Bang Mod, Thung Khru, Bangkok. Sithadsion of…

  • Bus crash leaves young boy battling life-threatening injuries in Thailand

    Bus crash leaves young boy battling life-threatening injuries in Thailand

    A ten year old boy was seriously injured when a minibus, operated by a joint bus company under the jurisdiction of the Department of Land Transport, struck the motorbike he was riding with his mother. The boy was thrown from the bike and subsequently run over by the bus. The child suffered life-threatening injuries including a ruptured bladder, damaged spleen,…

  • Parking dispute: Thai TikTok user exposes obstructive neighbour

    Parking dispute: Thai TikTok user exposes obstructive neighbour

    A Thai TikTok user exposed an ongoing feud over a neighbour blocking access to his home, even during emergencies. The parking dispute situation has escalated to such a point that even when his sick mother needed to visit the doctor, they had to wait for the neighbour to move their car. The TikTok user, @goldenhens1688, revealed the obstructive parking of…

  • Businessman arrested for raping schoolgirl denies accusation

    Businessman arrested for raping schoolgirl denies accusation

    Police arrested a Thai businessman accused of raping a 13 year old schoolgirl yesterday. The accused admitted to sexually harassing the victim but denied raping her. The non-profit organisation Win Win Foundation revealed to the public on Wednesday, August 23, that a 67 year old businessman, named Charnpit “Charn” Sunthonkloi, lured a schoolgirl to work at his company and later…

  • Mentally ill man trapped in apartment complex due to unsecured door

    Mentally ill man trapped in apartment complex due to unsecured door

    A mental health sufferer found himself trapped in an apartment complex after a resident had left the door open. The young mentally ill man, who was unable to operate the automatic lock system, was eventually forced to smash a glass door to escape. The incident was shared on TikTok by a user named @tasapong_ruk yesterday, as a warning to others…

  • Lights out: Dispute over leaving light on ends in tragic shooting in Trang

    Lights out: Dispute over leaving light on ends in tragic shooting in Trang

    A heated dispute over leaving a light on resulted in a fatal shooting incident in Trang, Thailand. A 61 year old man named Udom was reportedly shot by his 24 year old adopted son, Kritsada Chunglok, after a confrontation in their home yesterday. The scene was promptly attended by officials from the Huai Yot Police Station, forensic experts from Trang…

  • Temple rampage: Knife-wielding man threatens novices, injures officer

    Temple rampage: Knife-wielding man threatens novices, injures officer

    A 39 year old man went on a temple rampage wielding a knife and threatening to attack three novices. Upon receiving the report, a team of voluntary police officers rushed to the scene, with one officer sustaining injuries in the process. Upon reaching the temple rampage scene, located at Wat Pa Somanat Santayaram in Nong Khon Kwang, a 63 year…

  • Pheu Thai leadership welcomed by tourism operators

    Pheu Thai leadership welcomed by tourism operators

    The Pheu Thai political party’s potential leadership of the Tourism and Sports Ministry has been warmly welcomed by tourism operators. This development arises from growing speculation around the formation of the new Cabinet. Numerous news outlets suggest that the ministry might transition from the Bhumjaithai Party to Pheu Thai. Adith Chairattananon, the honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel…

  • Srettha Thavisin endorsed by US, EU, and Singapore

    Srettha Thavisin endorsed by US, EU, and Singapore

    Srettha Thavisin, recently elected as Thailand’s 30th prime minister, received a warm welcome and expression of support from the United States, the European Union, and Singapore. The allies are enthusiastic about further strengthening their strategic alliances with Thailand under the new leadership. Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, emphasized the shared values between the two nations and their joint…

  • Monkey free certification launched in Thailand for coconut products amid Peta allegations

    Monkey free certification launched in Thailand for coconut products amid Peta allegations

    Striving to counter allegations of animal cruelty, the Department of Agriculture in Thailand announced the launch of a new certification system, Monkey Free Plus (MFP), for coconut products not harvested by monkeys. This move comes in response to claims put forward by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which has negatively impacted the export of Thai coconuts…

  • Swift response tackles major fire behind Prawet Police Station

    Swift response tackles major fire behind Prawet Police Station

    A devastating fire rapidly spread through a residential area behind the Prawet Police Station, causing significant damage to the investigation department’s office. The incident took place at 8.44pm yesterday, as reported by Yuttakan Suwanpong, Deputy Investigation Officer at the Prawet Police Station. Two fire engines from the Prawet district, along with several local volunteers, immediately responded to the Prawet fire…

  • Surviver’s struggle: Teenager fights for justice after brutal ex-boyfriend’s knife attack

    Surviver’s struggle: Teenager fights for justice after brutal ex-boyfriend’s knife attack

    An 18 year old woman from the central province of Suphan Buri seeks justice after surviving a brutal attack from her knife-wielding ex–boyfriend who slashed her arm, and throat, and almost pierced her heart. She says she is constantly living in fear as the police have not processed the case despite apprehending him at the scene of the crime. The…

  • Korat restaurant’s unique billing system in Laotian kip amuses diners

    Korat restaurant’s unique billing system in Laotian kip amuses diners

    Imagine enjoying a fine meal and, when the bill comes, it costs hundreds of thousands. A Laotian restaurant in Korat has been giving a shock that turns into amusement amongst diners with its unusual billing system. The eatery, which has been widely shared on social media, charges customers hundreds of thousands for their meals – but in Laotian kip, not…

  • Digital wallet pioneering: Prime Minister’s blueprint for national advancement

    Digital wallet pioneering: Prime Minister’s blueprint for national advancement

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed his readiness to manage the country’s development and drive full-fledged policies. The concept of a digital wallet is at the top of his agenda. PM Srettha emphasised that the current coalition government, comprising various political parties, needs to respect each other’s policies. The formation of the Cabinet is still in progress, with negotiations and discussions…

  • Breast cancer screenings now available to all insured Thai citizens

    Breast cancer screenings now available to all insured Thai citizens

    The National Health Security Office (NHSO) of Thailand announced that breast cancer screenings will now be available to all Thai citizens insured under any healthcare scheme, conditional on certain criteria. Deputy Secretary-General of NHSO, Attaporn Limpanyalert, emphasised the critical need for preventive healthcare measures in combatting the disease. This move comes as an extension of the existing provisions within the…

  • Crash and corkage: DDPM offical’s drink driving wreck raises glass and eyebrows

    Crash and corkage: DDPM offical’s drink driving wreck raises glass and eyebrows

    A Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) employee was accused of being drunk and disorderly at the wheel after causing an accident while driving an official company car. Several broken bottles of wine were found inside the woman’s vehicle after the accident. The accusation against the woman, the assistant and acting director of Payao Provincial DDPM, was brought to…

  • Twisted affairs unveiled: Bangkok mistress weaves crooked web of deceit (video)

    Twisted affairs unveiled: Bangkok mistress weaves crooked web of deceit (video)

    The confrontation between a married woman and her husband’s mistress yesterday uncovered a complex crooked web of deceit in Bangkok. The mistress, who was injured after being stabbed by her lover’s wife, is also married. The mistress’ husband had no idea about the secret affair that later led to her injury. The Thai woman was arrested yesterday after she stabbed…

  • Thai woman arrested for alleged 9 million baht pyramid scheme that left 100 investors in the red

    Thai woman arrested for alleged 9 million baht pyramid scheme that left 100 investors in the red

    A 34 year old woman was arrested this morning following accusations of running a pyramid scheme that duped over 100 investors and led to losses exceeding 9 million baht (US$257,880). Kanittha Senkhoksung was arrested in her home located in Moo 1 village, Tambon Nong Nam Daeng of Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police.…

  • Security guard fights off python attack and then wins lottery

    Security guard fights off python attack and then wins lottery

    Sarayut Malachan had a rollercoaster of luck this past week. After purchasing some lottery tickets and boiling up some snake eggs to eat, he was attacked by a large python. While recovering from the vengeful snake bite, he discovered he won the lottery. The 68 year old man was sleeping in a security post on a chicken farm when the…

  • Narrow escape at sea: Quick action prevents speedboat disaster off Phuket’s coast

    Narrow escape at sea: Quick action prevents speedboat disaster off Phuket’s coast

    A near-drowning incident involving five individuals on a speedboat off the coast of Maithon Island, Phuket, was averted by swift action from local authorities. The vessel was in danger of capsizing due to water ingress but was successfully brought ashore at Chalong Bay, with all passengers safe. An investigation into the cause of the incident is underway. The alarming news…

  • Thai Cyber Police arrest man selling millions of personal data, evading bank regulations for large transactions

    Thai Cyber Police arrest man selling millions of personal data, evading bank regulations for large transactions

    A recent crackdown by Thai Cyber Police led to the arrest of a 24 year old Bangkok man selling the personal data of 15 million individuals. This information was obtained from the customer base of a well-known supplement brand and a grey business group. The suspect, who was apprehended from his residence in Thawi Watthana District, Bangkok also offered software…

  • Teen’s high-risk hustle: 16 year old busted smuggling 14 Burmese migrant workers in stolen ride

    Teen’s high-risk hustle: 16 year old busted smuggling 14 Burmese migrant workers in stolen ride

    A 16 year old boy has been caught in Ayutthaya for smuggling 14 Burmese migrant workers in a stolen vehicle, in exchange for a fee of 15,000 baht (US$429). Highway Police yesterday noticed a suspicious grey Isuzu MU-X with Phitsanulok registration, which looked overloaded compared to regular vehicles. The teenage driver attempted to evade the police, who signalled for the…

  • Thai actress among 31 charged over illicit cyanide procurement

    Thai actress among 31 charged over illicit cyanide procurement

    Deputy National Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn revealed that 31 individuals, including renowned Thai actress Preechaya “Ice” Phongthananikorn, are set to be summoned by the police next week. They are to face charges of allegedly procuring cyanide for illicit purposes. The charges were initiated by the Department of Industrial Works (DIW), which lodged complaints with the Crime Suppression Division…

  • 13 year old Thai student stabs classmate due to persistent bullying in Isaan

    13 year old Thai student stabs classmate due to persistent bullying in Isaan

    A 13 year old schoolboy stabbed his classmate claiming that the victim had subjected him to constant bullying at a high school in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. The Sam Phrao Sub-district Administration Organisation (SAO) rescue team rushed to the school to aid the injured schoolboy, 13 year old Joe. He was found lying on the bed in the…

  • Karaoke chaos: Scout’s dishonour as bar’s Girl Scout-themed staff raises eyebrows

    Karaoke chaos: Scout’s dishonour as bar’s Girl Scout-themed staff raises eyebrows

    A karaoke bar in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri province has come under public scrutiny after images of its staff dressed as Girl Scouts surfaced online. The incident, which was initially justified as a birthday theme, sparked widespread criticism, prompting the individuals involved to apologise to the public and vow that such an event would not happen again. The…

  • Peruvian man caught in Bangkok Airport: Tourist’s cocaine-smuggling scheme foiled

    Peruvian man caught in Bangkok Airport: Tourist’s cocaine-smuggling scheme foiled

    Thai authorities apprehended a Peruvian man at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok on Monday after the foreigner smuggled cocaine into the country. Thai Customs Department spokesperson Phanthong Loykunlanan yesterday made a report regarding the arrest of the Peruvian man on Monday, August 21. He reported that the authorities received a tip-off on a suspicious passenger aboard an Air France airline.…

  • Severe weather warning issued for Thailand: Expect heavy rain and potential flash floods

    Severe weather warning issued for Thailand: Expect heavy rain and potential flash floods

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe weather warning for the entire country today, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected in 32 provinces. Bangkok could see a chance of 70% rainfall from the afternoon till dusk, posing a potential risk of flash floods. The department also advises boat operators to exercise caution, especially in the Andaman Sea and Gulf…

  • Chiang Mai faces dual health threat: Monkeypox cases and rising dengue fever

    Chiang Mai faces dual health threat: Monkeypox cases and rising dengue fever

    Monkeypox (mpox) has found its way into Chiang Mai, with two confirmed cases reported, according to Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office. The office also raised an alarm over an escalating number of dengue fever patients, which it estimates to surpass 5,000 in the province’s capital. The two individuals afflicted by mpox are reportedly homosexual patients. The first case involves…