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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    Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained

    Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...

  • Large cobra invades Thai home, residents rush to buy lottery tickets

    Large cobra invades Thai home, residents rush to buy lottery tickets

    A large cobra was found in a house in Thailand‘s northern Phayao province, resulting in local disaster prevention officers quickly arriving to capture and release it. Meanwhile, residents rushed to buy lottery tickets featuring the house number, hoping for good fortune in the upcoming draw today. Officers from the Phayao Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department were alerted by Thanita Chaisukkoson,…

  • Thai student tests positive for meth, believes it’s from skin whitening supplement

    Thai student tests positive for meth, believes it’s from skin whitening supplement

    A 19 year old Thai student‘s admission to a pharmacy faculty at a university is jeopardised after she tested positive for methamphetamine, which she believes was in a skin whitening supplement she ordered from TikTok. The girl’s mother, a 45 year old woman from the northeast Buriram province, is distraught over the situation. The girl, who is preparing to begin…

  • Coworker fatally shoots truck driver in dispute at housing block in Thailand

    Coworker fatally shoots truck driver in dispute at housing block in Thailand

    A Thai truck driver challenged his coworker to a confrontation, only to face a real 9-millimetre gun in return. The driver fled the scene but later died from gunshot wounds at a five-storey building in the central Saraburi province last night, local police reported. A 31 year-old truck driver named Suwit was fatally shot in his stomach and left arm…

  • Journalist arrested for allegedly demanding millions in bribe to drop charges in Thailand

    Journalist arrested for allegedly demanding millions in bribe to drop charges in Thailand

    There’s been another bribery scandal in Thailand. A journalist has been arrested in Thailand for allegedly using her connections with a senior police officer to demand 14 million baht from a Chinese suspect in return for having charges against her dropped. National deputy police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn revealed the arrest on Saturday, stating that Guo Rui, also known…

  • Thai man dies after hospital removes 12 teeth, family demands answers

    Thai man dies after hospital removes 12 teeth, family demands answers

    A heartbroken Thai daughter has revealed details of her 64 year old father’s tragic death following the removal of 12 teeth. The removal led to uncontrolled bleeding at Singburi Hospital, Khaosod reported. At Wat Sadao Temple in Bang Rachan district of Singburi province, where the body of Som Sak Khum Khrong was taken for his funeral, representatives from the Singburi…

  • Albino turtle discovered by fisherman sparks lottery number craze in Thai village

    Albino turtle discovered by fisherman sparks lottery number craze in Thai village

    A Thai fisherman discovered a rare albino turtle during a night fishing trip, Thai media reported today. Residents flocked to the home of 35 year old Surachet Chawangpan in the northeast Surin province to see the turtle. They believe the turtle will bring them good luck, including in the lottery. Surachet’s wife said her husband caught the turtle the night…

  • Fugitive swindles millions from Thai lottery buyers, eludes arrest for 6 years

    Fugitive swindles millions from Thai lottery buyers, eludes arrest for 6 years

    Police from the PCT5 division arrested a Thai fugitive in connection with a fraudulent investment scheme involving government lottery quotas. The fugitive allegedly swindled victims out of over 50 million baht before evading capture for six years, Khaosod reported. Today, Pol. Lt. Col. Theeradech Thamsuthee, head of the Special Operations Unit 5, led the team of PCT5 officers in arresting…

  • Frustrated Thai delivery rider sets fire to motorbike due to tyre problems

    Frustrated Thai delivery rider sets fire to motorbike due to tyre problems

    A frustrated Thai delivery rider set fire to his motorbike after it frequently malfunctioned and had numerous flat tyres. The incident took place at 10am today in the Sampran district of the central Nakhon Pathom province, where local police discovered the burnt remains of the motorbike. The scene occurred on a newly filled dirt area, where the motorbike was found…

  • Deadly intersection sparks ghostly fears, Thai villagers hold exorcism ceremony

    Deadly intersection sparks ghostly fears, Thai villagers hold exorcism ceremony

    The deadly intersection known as the ‘100-corpse intersection’ in Thailand‘s northern Phayao province has locals on edge, with frequent accidents and fatalities causing ongoing fear. Residents in the Wat Pa Lan Kam community have sought the help of monks to perform an exorcism ceremony in an attempt to ward off evil spirits associated with the so-called ‘spirit of the deceased.’…

  • Large seabird finds refuge on Nonthaburi roof

    Large seabird finds refuge on Nonthaburi roof

    A large seabird found a refuge on a roof in Thailand’s central Nonthaburi province. At 5.30pm yesterday, a 63 year old Thai resident of Lebanese descent, Nadim Salhani, reported a large seabird perching on his home’s roof in Sai Ma sub-district of the main city district. Nadim’s children, 24 year old Kamin, and 26 year old Palisa, alerted him to…

  • THAI collaborating with Bangchak on sustainable fuel initiative

    THAI collaborating with Bangchak on sustainable fuel initiative

    Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) has recently partnered with Bangchak Corporation Plc to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focusing on technical and professional knowledge sharing in the field of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) utilisation. The chief of corporate strategy at THAI, Taviroj Songkumpol, stated that the national carrier has been striving for over 63 years to maintain a balance…

  • Smuggling crackdown thwarts illegal cow import from Myanmar to Thailand

    Smuggling crackdown thwarts illegal cow import from Myanmar to Thailand

    A recent crackdown on illegal livestock smuggling led Thai authorities to intercept a convoy of five trucks, arresting five individuals and seizing 30 cattle. The incident occurred at the Thai-Myanmar border in Tak province, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. The Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, Dr Somchuan Ratanamankalanon, stated that on May 25th,…

  • Foreign buyers fuel 200% surge in Thai luxury property sales

    Foreign buyers fuel 200% surge in Thai luxury property sales

    A surge in foreign interest in luxury property in Thailand has been observed since international tourists began returning in the latter half of 2022, according to property consultancy CBRE. Sales transactions through CBRE have risen by over 200%, indicating a clear trend. In response, developers are preparing to launch new luxury and super-luxury residential projects in 2023, with a focus…

  • Ex-convict strikes again: Thief steals over 100,000 baht from 27 mobile top-up kiosks

    Ex-convict strikes again: Thief steals over 100,000 baht from 27 mobile top-up kiosks

    In a spree of audacious thefts, an ex-convict, released from prison a mere six months ago, targeted and plundered over 100,000 baht from 27 mobile top-up kiosks in Chaiyaphum province, located in the northeastern part of Thailand. The crime wave came to light when the owner of a local grocery store filed a complaint with Mueng Chaiyaphum Police Station on…

  • Myanmar woman gives birth in hotel lobby, traffic police assist safe delivery

    Myanmar woman gives birth in hotel lobby, traffic police assist safe delivery

    A pregnant Myanmar woman safely gave birth in a hotel lobby with assistance from the Thai traffic police force known as Traffic Police Royal Initiative Project. This marks the 257th emergency childbirth event aided by the police force. On 26 May, Pol. Lt. Gen. Nithithorn Chinthakanon, Commander of the Traffic Police Division, shared that the incident happened yesterday at a…

  • Thai government warns of heavy rain, flash floods and landslides during 27-30 May

    Thai government warns of heavy rain, flash floods and landslides during 27-30 May

    Thai citizens have been warned to brace for heavy rainfall, flash floods, and forest runoffs from May 27-30 as an impact of several weather phenomena. The Meteorological Department issued a severe weather warning, covering all regions of the country, and advised people to stay informed about updates. Anucha Burapachaisri, the Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs, acting…

  • Thapanee Kiatphaibool approved as new TAT governor

    Thapanee Kiatphaibool approved as new TAT governor

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced the appointment of Thapanee Kiatphaibool as its new governor, effective from September 1. The 48 year old, who currently serves as the deputy governor for domestic marketing, was chosen by the TAT board yesterday, following a recruitment process that began on February 20. Out of the two finalists, the nomination subcommittee, chaired by…

  • Bangkok seeks 90 billion baht budget approval for green spaces and pollution projects

    Bangkok seeks 90 billion baht budget approval for green spaces and pollution projects

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to request a 90 billion baht budget for 2024, with plans to revise policies in line with global trends and the new cabinet’s direction. This decision follows a recent meeting of the Bangkok Executive Board, chaired by Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. Chadchart revealed that the budget management format would adopt a zero-based budgeting approach.…

  • Thailand and Malaysia collaborate on new transborder road to boost ties

    Thailand and Malaysia collaborate on new transborder road to boost ties

    A new road connecting Thailand’s Sadao border checkpoint in Songkhla to Malaysia’s Bukit Kayu Hitam town in Kedah state is set to be built, following an agreement between the two countries aimed at strengthening their ties. Chonthun Sangpoom, the deputy secretary-general of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC), said yesterday that the SBPAC and state agencies participated in the…

  • Thai woman arrested for operating online durian scam

    Thai woman arrested for operating online durian scam

    Police arrested a Thai woman following numerous complaints from victims across the country who fell prey to her online durian scams. Chananchida Khamwarn, a 27 year old resident, was tracked down and arrested by the Police Cyber Taskforce and Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau. The scammer had previously faced arrest warrants issued in Khon Kaen province and Payao…

  • Deadly dispute over food: Man shoots wife, surrenders to police in Thailand

    Deadly dispute over food: Man shoots wife, surrenders to police in Thailand

    A man in Uthai Thani province, Thailand, shot and killed his 35 year old wife after arguing over food preparation, before surrendering to the police. The couple’s child was left distraught, asking who they would live with following the tragic incident. Today, police in Uthai Thani were informed by the village head that a fatal shooting had occurred the previous…

  • Tragic murder in Chiang Rai: Man stabs wife 11 times

    Tragic murder in Chiang Rai: Man stabs wife 11 times

    A 61 year old Thai man yesterday brutally murdered his wife by stabbing her 11 times at their home in Chaing Rai province, in the northern part of Thailand. The motive behind this horrific act was the wife’s desire to end their relationship, which enraged the husband. Upon arriving at the scene, officers from Chiang Saen Police Station discovered the…

  • Thai durian demand skyrockets as Chinese consumers crave unique taste

    Thai durian demand skyrockets as Chinese consumers crave unique taste

    Durian farmers in the Soeng Sang district of Nakhon Ratchasima province are beaming with joy as the demand for Thai durian in China has soared, leading to a significant increase in their income. The region has over 2,000 rai of farmland dedicated to growing the popular fruit. Thawatchai Saitongtip, a soon-to-be-retired school director, has a durian plantation in Dong Yen…

  • Residents flock to lucky Thai temple, offer cosmetics for winning lottery numbers

    Residents flock to lucky Thai temple, offer cosmetics for winning lottery numbers

    Residents flocked to make offerings and buy beauty products for the Ta Kiean Thong Spirits at a famed temple in Korat after numerous lottery wins. The five Ta Kiean Thong sisters are believed to favour those who adorn them, with many paying respects at the Wat Samanmit temple. Residents have been purchasing Thai outfits and cosmetics to offer to the…

  • Warning: Hot cars cause sealed fizzy drinks to explode

    Warning: Hot cars cause sealed fizzy drinks to explode

    A medical technician warned motorists against leaving pressurised liquids in hot cars as explosions could cause shattered glass. Yesterday, May 25, well-known Medical Science Technician Phakphum Dethatsadin warned in a Facebook post about the risks of leaving tightly sealed fizzy drink containers, whether bottles or cans, inside hot cars. The message quickly went viral, with numerous netizens reading, sharing, and…

  • Mysterious death: Woman discovered lifeless in sedan at Isaan resort

    Mysterious death: Woman discovered lifeless in sedan at Isaan resort

    A woman was found dead in the back seat of a sedan parked at a resort in the Isaan province of Burriam yesterday at around 5.30pm. Her body was covered with bruises as if she had been attacked and murdered. Adding to the woman’s mysterious death, two suspicious people disappeared from the scene. Officers from Lam Plai Mart Police Station…

  • Bangkok International Food Festival 2023 starts today

    Bangkok International Food Festival 2023 starts today

    The Bangkok International Food Festival 2023 starts today (May 26) at centralwOrld shopping plaza and complex. The festival will be held until May 30. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to further elevate Thailand’s standing as a premier gastronomy tourism destination and provide an immersive experience for tourists. This event, centred around the culinary arts, will showcase Thailand’s vibrant…

  • Homeless family of 3 living under bridge in Thailand receives 800,000 baht assistance

    Homeless family of 3 living under bridge in Thailand receives 800,000 baht assistance

    A homeless family of three received over 800,000 baht (US$23,000) in donations after living in makeshift housing under a bridge. The homeless father and two teenage daughters have since closed donation channels, promising to use the funds wisely and cautiously. In Phetchaburi province, Thailand, a journalist highlighted the homeless plight of 15 year old Daladit Somboonsri, a student at Bang Ta…

  • Thailand Post to launch digital mailbox service Prompt Post in Q3

    Thailand Post to launch digital mailbox service Prompt Post in Q3

    Thailand Post is set to launch Prompt Post, a digital mailbox service, by the third quarter of this year. The move is aimed at capitalising on the growing trend of electronic document handling and supporting the company’s Post Digital mission. Thailand Post‘s chief executive, Dhanant Subhadrabandhu, explained that the company has been actively developing its business to offer comprehensive postal…

  • Western man attacks Chinese man on road in Pattaya

    Western man attacks Chinese man on road in Pattaya

    A witness posted a video of a Western man attacking a Chinese man on a pavement along Southern Pattaya Road in Pattaya in the early hours of Wednesday, May 24. The witness, 31 year old Pom, told ThaiRath that she spotted a fracas among a group of people while riding a motorcycle past the scene at 3am. She decided to…