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 What is the 5 year visa for the digital nomad in Thailand?
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a great option for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers who want to stay in Thailand for a long time. This multiple-entry visa is valid for five years, allowing stays of up to 180...
-
Brew-haha: Coffee shop clash near Chanthaburi temple boils over
A dispute over the ownership of a coffee shop near a temple in Chanthaburi province escalated into a chaotic confrontation, with people vandalising property and engaging in public altercations. The incident at Ko Proet Temple in Laem Sing district saw a group of people demolishing a wall and removing signage, all of which was captured by CCTV cameras. This conflict…
-
Bangkok traffic cop under fire for fine collection via tuk tuk driver
Concerns over corruption arose after a Bangkok traffic police officer was caught in a viral video instructing a motorist to pay a fine through the bank account of a tuk tuk driver. The alleged misconduct came to light after a TikTok account, Talk with the Police, shared a video of the questionable incident at the end of November. The caption…
-
Phuket and the Netherlands strengthen ties over tourism and traffic
H.E. Remco van Wijngaarden, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Thailand, met with Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai at Phuket Provincial Hall, alongside Sven Smolders, Honorary Consul for the Netherlands in southern Thailand. The gathering highlighted a shared commitment to bolstering ties through tourism, infrastructure development, and citizen welfare. With 500 Dutch nationals residing in Phuket and over 250,000 Dutch tourists…
-
Thailand proposes VAT hike, cuts income tax to boost economy
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has proposed a shift in Thailand’s tax strategy to bolster state revenue and enhance the nation’s economic standing. The plan includes raising the value-added tax (VAT) while reducing corporate and personal income tax rates. This approach aims to drive national development, increase competitiveness, and address domestic disparities. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development recently set…
-
Man in Bang Bua Thong accused of sexually assaulting young girl
A deeply disturbing incident unfolded in Bang Bua Thong where a 50 year old man allegedly lured a 13 year old girl into his home under the pretext of playing with his cats before attempting to sexually assault her. The distressing event came to light when the girl’s blind grandmother, along with a neighbour, reported the matter to the local police.…
-
Ready for takeoff: Thai SmartLynx poised to shake up Thai skies
Thailand’s aviation industry is about to soar with the arrival of Thai SmartLynx Airlines, set to launch operations in January 2025. Its inaugural aircraft, an Airbus A320, is currently undergoing meticulous engine inspections in Bali, preparing to meet the country’s growing demand for air travel as tourism rebounds. With tourism projected to bring in 40 million visitors in 2025, Thai…
-
Man arrested for naked stroll in Samut Prakan village
A 25 year old man from Pathum Thani was apprehended for wandering around a village in Samut Prakan late at night without any clothes on. Footage from CCTV cameras captured his actions. He confessed to doing so out of excitement and recklessness. The incident occurred in a village in Bang Kaeo, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, where residents reported seeing a…
-
Airbus partnership aims to turn Thailand into aviation powerhouse
Thailand is gearing up to soar as the region’s top aviation hub, thanks to a high-flying partnership with European aerospace giant Airbus. In a bid to revolutionise the nation’s aviation infrastructure and safety standards, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit met Airbus Asia-Pacific president Anand Stanley in Bangkok yesterday, December 3, to map out ambitious plans. The partnership focuses on transforming Thailand…
-
Chinese man arrested in Bangkok for alleged rape of Thai student
A 33 year old Chinese man has been apprehended by police in Bangkok following allegations of rape involving an 18 year old university student. The incident, which was reportedly filmed by the suspect, raised significant concerns about the safety of young women in the capital city. The victim recounted to police that she encountered the suspect, identified as Su Xing…
-
Smoke signals: Dad’s bad habits lights way for Thai teens to vape
Nearly 40% of fathers in Thailand are smokers, a habit significantly impacting their children as the trend of vaping among youth rises, with the average age of vapers decreasing yearly. Survey findings reveal these insights, highlighting concerns over the influence of paternal smoking on the younger generation. A recent survey, encompassing 1,159 fathers and other male figures involved in child-rearing…
-
Thai man arrested for driving into wife outside police station (video)
Police in the southern province of Krabi yesterday arrested a Thai man after he drove his pickup into his wife and her family outside a police station in Nakhon Si Thammarat on November 20. The domestic violence case initially went largely unnoticed despite occurring over two weeks ago. However, it gained public attention after officers apprehended the suspect yesterday, December…
-
Four Thai nationals safe after Myanmar sea detainment
Four Thai nationals detained in Myanmar are reportedly safe after their boat allegedly entered Myanmar waters in the Andaman Sea over the weekend. The government reported this information yesterday, December 3, following an incident where Myanmar navy vessels reportedly opened fire on some of the 15 Thai fishing boats that strayed 6 to 7 kilometres into Myanmar waters on November…
-
Thai Cabinet approves 5 billion baht flood aid for 16 provinces
The Thai Cabinet has sanctioned a budget of 5 billion baht to aid households in 16 more provinces beset by recent flooding, expanding the scope of assistance previously extended to other affected areas. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that every flood-impacted household within these 16 provinces, including several in the southern region, will receive a uniform payout of 9,000 baht…
-
Thai police officer denies sexually assaulting teenage girl (video)
Alarming viral footage on social media allegedly shows a Thai police officer sexually assaulting a young girl in the Isaan province of Sisaket. The officer vehemently denied the accusation. The local social media influencer in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani shared videos of the incident on his Facebook account, บ้านเฮียชาญ อุ้ยอุบล (Ban Hia Charn, Aui Ubon), on November 29.…
-
Nakhon Phanom lottery scam leaves woman 4000 baht short
A woman from the Nakhon Phanom province found herself in a distressing situation when she discovered that her lottery tickets were past their valid date, just as she was preparing to celebrate her supposed win with a grand meal. This incident has raised concerns about fraudulent sellers in the area. Nang Maew Thai, a 53 year old resident of Saen…
-
Eight arrested in 2 billion baht digital wallet scam bust
A major crackdown on a digital wallet scam involving 2 billion baht resulted in the arrest of eight people accused of orchestrating an online stock trading fraud. Law enforcement seized assets worth 80 million baht, including luxurious properties and vehicles. Police at the Central Investigation Bureau, led by Jiraphop Phuridej, held a press conference detailing the arrests of 36 year…
-
Ancient human remains discovered in Nakhon Ratchasima
Villagers in Nakhon Ratchasima stumbled upon human skulls and bone fragments believed to be centuries old, alongside broken pottery shards. Police have been notified and archaeological experts are being consulted. The discovery occurred near the Sap Pradu Reservoir in Sikhiu district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, when 60 year old local Somkhuan Phangkaewkam, was tending to his cattle. He noticed what initially…
-
British man arrested in Chon Buri for sexual assault of 7 year old
A British man has been arrested in Chon Buri province following allegations of sexual assault against a minor after police received crucial information from international partners. A shocking discovery by the child’s mother on her mobile phone led to the 30 year old alleged pedophile’s arrest. The arrest of Luke Adam Lawrence, the British national, took place after a warrant…
-
Investigation launched into police over extrajudicial killing of gunman
The Khon Kaen Provincial Police commander ordered an investigation into officers involved in the extrajudicial killing of a gunman following the fatal shooting of the chairman of the Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO). The 49 year old gunman, Yutthaphon “Yuth” Morktaisai, shot dead the PAO chairman, 56 year old Vinai Maneerat, at the victim’s home in the Isaan province of Nakhon…
-
Shock treatment: Blind electrician left reeling after brutal assault
A 33 year old partially blind electrician reported a harrowing assault that left him with severe injuries, including a double jaw fracture. The incident occurred after the electrician, named Jakraphan, was lured by a group claiming to be influential figures to discuss a missing battery issue, only to be brutally attacked. Jakraphan and his father, 61 year old Jinda, have…
-
Elderly man loses 120k baht cash and gold in Udon Thani
An elderly man is in distress after losing a substantial sum of money while tending to his cattle in a field. The incident occurred yesterday, December 3 in a village in Udon Thani, where the 85 year old man misplaced 80,000 baht in cash along with a gold ring worth 41,000 baht, totalling 121,000 baht. The elderly man, identified as…
-
Foreign man safely rescued after suicide attempt in Pattaya condo
Mueang Pattaya Police Station successfully rescued a foreign man from joining the Pattaya Flying Club after a suicide attempt at a beachfront condominium on Thappaya Road in Pattaya today, December 4. Police rushed to the 22-storey condominium following reports of a suicide attempt. The man, estimated to be between 70 and 75 years old, was spotted on the 21st floor,…
-
Rain check: Southern Thailand braced for monsoon-soaked splash
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning for 10 provinces in southern Thailand, alerting residents of potentially heavy to very heavy rainfall due to a low-pressure system and monsoon conditions affecting the region today and tomorrow. Sukanyanee Yawincharn, TMD Director General, released the sixth announcement concerning the heavy rainfall expected in southern Thailand. The warning, which is effective from…
-
Kalasin warns of rising ‘farmer’s fever’ cases with 120 infections
Kalasin’s public health sector is on high alert as they warn residents about the rising tide of melioidosis cases, with 120 reported infections and three fatalities. Known locally as “soil fever,” this bacterial infection poses a significant risk to farmers, and currently, no vaccine exists for prevention. Melioidosis, often referred to as “farmer’s fever,” is emerging as a serious public…
-
Rainmaking flights reduce air pollution in Bangkok
The air quality index (AQI) in Bangkok, neighbouring provinces, and certain northern regions has shown improvement following the initial efforts of rainmaking flights conducted by the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation (DRRAA). The initiative aimed to address the high levels of PM2.5 fine particulate matter affecting the region. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Itthi Sirilathayakorn, announced that…
-
Road collapse in Betong disrupts traffic until December next year
A road collapse in Betong, Yala Province, has caused significant disruption, with officials warning motorists to avoid the area due to safety concerns. The road, which has sunk over 10 metres deep, is closed for repairs from today, December 4 until further notice. A report from locals alerted the acting head of the Betong District Transport Office, Thararath Sangthong, to…
-
Illegal Myanmar migrants caught in Thailand with 2,750 bullets
Nine illegal migrants from Myanmar were apprehended in Kanchanaburi, leading to a significant find of nearly 3,000 bullets in a residence where the group had taken shelter. Law enforcement disclosed this information yesterday, December 3, as they detailed the sequence of events. Police officers on routine patrol noticed a group of men, suspected of being illegal migrants, attempting to conceal…
-
UNESCO honours Thailand’s Tom Yum Kung as intangible cultural heritage
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) today, December 4, approved the renowned Thai dish Tom Yum Kung (hot and sour shrimp soup) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Thailand proposed the country’s iconic dish, Tom Yum Kung, for UNESCO’s consideration, and the proposal was officially approved today. The announcement was made during the 19th Session of…
-
UNESCO experts to assess Ayutthaya rail project impact
UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee will send experts to review the high-speed rail track construction project in Ayutthaya next month. The visit aims to discuss the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and provide technical recommendations for preserving the integrity of the world heritage site. These experts, while offering guidance, do not have the power to…
-
Tragic Pattaya incident: Daughter finds mother drowned in basin
A tragic incident unfolded yesterday when an 18 year old girl returned home from work to find her mother dead, face down in a washing basin. Despite immediate efforts to save her, the mother could not be revived, leaving the family heartbroken. The distressing event occurred late at night when the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Radio Centre in Pattaya was informed…
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.