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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    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 hospital suspends doctor amid medication sale probe

    Thai hospital suspends doctor amid medication sale probe

    The Veterans General Hospital in Bangkok has suspended a female doctor from her medical duties amid an investigation into allegations of selling medication outside the hospital. The hospital assures a fair inquiry for all parties involved. The incident came to light when Thanadet Phengsuk, a Bangkok Member of Parliament from the People’s Party and deputy chairperson of the Military Commission, shared a…

  • Pattaya’s iconic sign gets a dazzling upgrade

    Pattaya’s iconic sign gets a dazzling upgrade

    Pattaya City’s famous hillside sign is getting a stunning new look, with a high-tech lighting upgrade set to be completed by February 27. Deputy Mayor Manoch Nongyai recently inspected the site on Pratumnak Hill, where contractors demonstrated the state-of-the-art lighting system. “The Pattaya City sign has been a landmark for over 20 years, but time has taken its toll. This…

  • Police confiscate illegal sexual enhancers worth 1.5 million baht

    Police confiscate illegal sexual enhancers worth 1.5 million baht

    Police have seized and confiscated a range of sexual enhancement products branded as “Nam Phueng Pueng Pang” containing the active ingredient in Viagra, posing a potential danger to users. The operation, conducted yesterday, February 14, successfully seized items valued at over 1.5 million baht. Police Major General Pattanasak Bubpasuwan, head of the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), led the operation…

  • Deputy PM denies family’s golf course encroaches on reform land

    Deputy PM denies family’s golf course encroaches on reform land

    Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has responded to allegations that a golf course owned by his family in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pak Chong district might be encroaching on agricultural reform land. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives intends to examine the land title of the Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club, owned by the Bhumjaithai Party leader and current interior minister.…

  • Lottery fans turn to popular Facebook page for winning numbers

    Lottery fans turn to popular Facebook page for winning numbers

    Lottery enthusiasts are paying close attention to the popular Facebook page Petchkla Dekchai Nam Chok for this week’s lottery guidance. The numbers for the draw tomorrow, February 16, have been revealed by the page, which has gained fame for its accurate predictions over multiple draws. For the upcoming lottery, Petchkla Dekchai Nam Chok has shared its favoured numbers for the…

  • Bangkok braces for thunderstorms, high dust and hot afternoons

    Bangkok braces for thunderstorms, high dust and hot afternoons

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts scattered thunderstorms in Bangkok and its vicinity, with cool mornings and hot, hazy afternoons. High dust levels persist. The next 24 hours will see weak high pressure over the upper northeastern region and westerly winds over the north, leading to cold mornings with fog in the north and northeast. Meanwhile, southerly and southeasterly winds…

  • Most watched sports in Thailand

    Most watched sports in Thailand

    While Thailand may be best known for the likes of its rich cultural heritage, stunning views, and warm hospitality, it also has a thriving sports scene. There is a deep passion for traditional sports, such as Muay Thai, but there is increasing interest in international sports which are now gaining a strong following. Sports fans are now watching, and engaging,…

  • Phuket motorcycle taxi feud turns bloody in street stabbing

    Phuket motorcycle taxi feud turns bloody in street stabbing

    A long-standing rivalry between two motorcycle taxi drivers erupted into a brutal knife fight outside Vachira Phuket Hospital last night, leaving one man seriously injured. The violent altercation, which unfolded at around 9pm yesterday, February 13, saw the men stab each other in a heated dispute over passengers. Phuket City Police, led by Deputy Chief of Investigation Police Captain Pawinut…

  • Thailand rolls out new tollway speed limits to enhance safety

    Thailand rolls out new tollway speed limits to enhance safety

    Thailand’s transport ministry has introduced new speed limits for tollways, aiming to improve traffic flow and enhance safety. The regulation, issued under the Highway Act 1992, applies specifically to concession highways, marking the first time such roads have been subject to speed restrictions. Under the new rule, different vehicle categories must adhere to strict speed limits: Trucks over 2.2 tonnes…

  • Tragic temple fire in New York kills Buddhist monk

    Tragic temple fire in New York kills Buddhist monk

    A devastating fire tore through a Buddhist temple in The Bronx, New York City, early Wednesday morning, February 12, leaving two people dead, including a Buddhist monk. The blaze, which erupted around 6am, quickly engulfed the small temple and a neighbouring residence for monks, causing irreversible damage. FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito confirmed the tragedy. “We had fire throughout…

  • Thailand’s MMA boom in 2025: How the Land of Muay Thai is embracing mixed martial arts

    Thailand’s MMA boom in 2025: How the Land of Muay Thai is embracing mixed martial arts

    Thailand, long celebrated as the birthplace of Muay Thai, is experiencing a dynamic shift in its combat sports landscape. In 2025, the nation is witnessing an unprecedented surge in the popularity of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), signalling a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in the fighting arts. Historically, Muay Thai has been the cornerstone of Thailand’s martial arts identity.…

  • Myanmar woman arrested for illegal e-cigarette sales in Chumphon

    Myanmar woman arrested for illegal e-cigarette sales in Chumphon

    Cyber police in collaboration with local police in Chumphon arrested a 20 year old Myanmar national yesterday for allegedly selling illegal e-cigarettes near a prominent school. She was reportedly hired by a local politician’s child and had previously faced similar charges last year. The arrest involved multiple agencies, including Chumphon Provincial Investigation, Sawi Police Station, and other local bodies. The…

  • Volt-face: Volvo shifts gears with new EV offerings in Thailand

    Volt-face: Volvo shifts gears with new EV offerings in Thailand

    Volvo Car Thailand is gearing up for modest growth in car sales, capped at 5% this year, by revving up its appeal with fresh electric vehicle models and an innovative battery repair service. This bold strategy aims to keep long-term maintenance costs low for drivers and attract more eco-conscious consumers. Chris Wailes, managing director of Volvo Car Thailand and Malaysia,…

  • Thai culture: Spiritual beliefs on social media

    Thai culture: Spiritual beliefs on social media

    Thai culture is one of the most amazing cultures on Earth that you can explore because if you are connected to spirituality, this culture will amaze you. Thais have always been deeply connected to spirituality, with beliefs in ghosts, sacred rituals, and astrology. In the past, people would visit temples, consult monks, or seek fortune tellers in person, but now,…

  • Thai woman found dead under tree after online gambling debts

    Thai woman found dead under tree after online gambling debts

    A 22 year old woman was found dead beneath a mango tree in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, reportedly overwhelmed by debt after extensive online slot gambling. Her husband discovered her absence from their home around midday and later found her lifeless body yesterday, February 13. Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Rungrueng from the Thap Sakae Police Station received a report of…

  • Net gains: Fishing ban to boost marine life in Thailand

    Net gains: Fishing ban to boost marine life in Thailand

    In a sweeping move to rejuvenate dwindling fish stocks, the Department of Fishery rolled out a crucial fishing ban spanning the coasts from Prachuap Khiri Khan to Surat Thani. Effective in two phases, from tomorrow, February 15 to May 15, and May 16 to June 14, the initiative targets different maritime zones, aiming to give marine life a much-needed break.…

  • Foreign affair: Embassies huddle with RTP over trafficking drama

    Foreign affair: Embassies huddle with RTP over trafficking drama

    In a bid to untangle a complex web of human trafficking in Southeast Asia, Bangkok embassies have been summoned to the Royal Thai Police (RTP) headquarters for a crucial meeting. The agenda: sorting out who among the over 260 foreigners recently rescued from neighbouring countries are genuine victims and who might be wolves in sheep’s clothing. Under the spotlight are…

  • Tricycle hit-and-run leaves rider critically injured in Phetchabun

    Tricycle hit-and-run leaves rider critically injured in Phetchabun

    A tricycle was severely damaged after being hit by an 18-wheel truck in Phetchabun province, leaving the female driver critically injured. The woman’s nine year old daughter has had to take a two-week break from school to care for her, while her husband, who is blind, also depends on her. Yesterday, February 13, a Facebook user posted about an incident…

  • Dust to dust: Toxic haze blankets Bangkok and beyond

    Dust to dust: Toxic haze blankets Bangkok and beyond

    A thick shroud of ultrafine dust pollution has descended upon Bangkok and 53 of Thailand’s 76 provinces, leaving the air quality in a perilous state, according to the latest findings from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). The Central Plains and the east bore the brunt of this hazardous haze. GISTDA’s report, released at 8am, today, February 14,…

  • AirAsia soars to new heights with record passenger growth in 2024

    AirAsia soars to new heights with record passenger growth in 2024

    AirAsia is flying high after recording a surge in passenger numbers throughout 2024, as the budget airline group expanded its fleet to meet booming travel demand. The carrier welcomed over 63 million passengers last year, an 11% increase from 2023, while its load factor climbed to 89%. The final quarter of 2024 was particularly strong, with 16.2 million passengers flying…

  • Phuket forest fire sparks panic before firefighters contain blaze

    Phuket forest fire sparks panic before firefighters contain blaze

    A raging forest fire in Thepkrasattri subdistrict, Phuket, sent firefighters and locals scrambling to contain the fast-spreading blaze yesterday, February 13. The fire engulfed over 6 rai of land in Khao Kluay, Baan Pak Pli, before emergency crews managed to bring it under control after a tense four-hour battle. The Thepkrasattri Subdistrict Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) first reported the incident, which…

  • Bangkok police launch drunk driving crackdown near nightclubs

    Bangkok police launch drunk driving crackdown near nightclubs

    Traffic police have established checkpoints in front of entertainment venues as part of the Breath Before You Drive, Get Home Safely initiative. The campaign encourages tourists to refrain from driving under the influence, aiming to reduce road accidents. Last night, officials, including Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Police Major General Thawat Wongsanga, alongside the traffic police division led by…

  • Temple turmoil: Thai teens attack as fair turns into a video nasty

    Temple turmoil: Thai teens attack as fair turns into a video nasty

    A temple fair in Pathum Thani turned into a scene straight out of a violent video nasty when a group of teenagers launched a brutal attack on a rival, leaving chaos in their wake. The violent altercation, which erupted around 10pm, yesterday, February 13, saw gunfire and knife violence break out before the culprits sped off on motorcycles. Police and…

  • Phuket mum on the run after wild high-speed chase

    Phuket mum on the run after wild high-speed chase

    A high-speed rampage through Thalang district has left Phuket residents in shock after a pickup-driving mother smashed into multiple vehicles before fleeing the scene, leaving behind her terrified three year old son. The dramatic series of crashes began in front of a fresh market in Thepkrasattri, where municipal officers witnessed a pickup truck colliding with several vehicles and motorcycles. The…

  • Lao-American man arrested for stealing iPhone at Bangkok airport

    Lao-American man arrested for stealing iPhone at Bangkok airport

    A 58 year old man of Lao-American nationality was apprehended for allegedly stealing an iPhone 16 from a Japanese tourist at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Initially denying the accusation, he was confronted with evidence leading to his arrest. Police Lieutenant Colonel Seksanti Thiraruangrat and Police Lieutenant Colonel Papassorn Maituk, along with a team from the tourist police at Suvarnabhumi Airport, detained…

  • Karaoke crackdown: Police hit the wrong note with trafficking bust

    Karaoke crackdown: Police hit the wrong note with trafficking bust

    Royal Thai Police (RTP) swooped on a notorious karaoke bar in Kamphaeng Phet province, exposing a tangled web of human trafficking allegations involving minors and LGBTQ youths under 18. The high-profile undercover operation, today, February 14, was designed to rescue the victims and gather crucial evidence against the accused. Led by the Department of Provincial Administration’s special operations team, the…

  • Ex-legal officer caught for embezzling 10 million baht in Bangkok

    Ex-legal officer caught for embezzling 10 million baht in Bangkok

    Police apprehended a former legal officer of the Social Security Office accused of embezzling 10 million baht from the social security fund. The suspect, who had been on the run, was captured while working at a shop in the Rama 9 area of Bangkok yesterday, February 13. Poomwisal Kasemsuk, Secretary-General of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), along with Ekachai…

  • Whale of a tale: Chilean kayaker swallowed by humpback (video)

    Whale of a tale: Chilean kayaker swallowed by humpback (video)

    In a heart-stopping incident off Chilean Patagonia, a kayaker found himself briefly swallowed by a humpback whale before being miraculously released unharmed. The jaw-dropping event was caught on camera and rapidly swept through social media, captivating viewers worldwide. Last Saturday, adventurer Adrian Simancas was enjoying a day of kayaking with his father, Dell, in Bahía El Aguila, near the San…

  • Thailand video news | Thai PM considers easing alcohol sales rules to boost tourism, Cambodia warns tourists about aggressive monkeys at Angkor Wat

    Thailand video news | Thai PM considers easing alcohol sales rules to boost tourism, Cambodia warns tourists about aggressive monkeys at Angkor Wat

    In the Thailand video news, Alex covers news stories from across Thailand and Asia region. The stories include a rise in in-flight thefts, the weakening Thai Baht and a rise in the cost of hotels, and a little later the increasingly aggressive behaviour of monkeys in Angkor Wat. Thai PM Considers Easing Alcohol Sales Rules to Boost Tourism Prime Minister…

  • School shame: Bangkok security guard accused of sexual assault

    School shame: Bangkok security guard accused of sexual assault

    A 21 year old security guard at a well-known Don Mueang school in Bangkok has been accused of sexually assaulting a 12 year old student in the school’s bathroom. What’s more alarming, the school director allegedly brushed off the incident, reportedly offering a measly 5,000 baht to make it all go away. The harrowing ordeal, which took place on February…