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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    9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand

    Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...

  • Thai Airways cancels flights to Germany due to strikes | Thaiger

    Thai Airways cancels flights to Germany due to strikes

    Thai Airways announced the cancellation of all flights from Bangkok to Frankfurt and Munich and vice versa today – February 17 – due to labour strikes at airports all over Germany. Airport workers at major hubs in Germany are taking part in a day-long strike today over pay disrupting airline operations. Public sector workers and ground handlers are striking at…

  • Thai Parliament authorises lese majeste law changes, including the word ‘monarchy’ | Thaiger

    Thai Parliament authorises lese majeste law changes, including the word ‘monarchy’

    In a move that could see even more people prosecuted for insulting the Thai monarchy, the far-right Thai Pakdee Party has been given the green light to gather signatures for proposed changes to the lese majeste laws. The changes would expand the definition of those protected by the law to include former Thai kings of the current Chakri Dynasty, princes…

  • Researchers launch first cultural map of Thailand | Thaiger

    Researchers launch first cultural map of Thailand

    Culture enthusiasts will be excited to learn that researchers launched the first cultural map of Thailand, featuring more than 2,000 cultural sites from across the country. The map provides cultural details that are categorized into 11 archetypes, which are: artefacts, architecture, historical sites, cultural spaces, languages, folk literature, knowledge and practices concerning nature and cosmology, performance arts, folk sports games…

  • Big Joke says Canadian businessman didn’t murder Thai girlfriend in Phuket | Thaiger

    Big Joke says Canadian businessman didn’t murder Thai girlfriend in Phuket

    UPDATE 2 Deputy national police chief “Big Joke,” says that a Canadian businessman did not murder his Thai girlfriend who was found hanged in her nail salon in Phuket, southern Thailand, on February 8. Landy came into the spotlight when the deceased’s elder brother Kriengsak accused him of murdering his younger sister Wanvisa Riewklang. Surachat “Big Joke” Hakparn said that…

  • Elderly Thai market vendor wins 12 million baht lottery jackpot | Thaiger

    Elderly Thai market vendor wins 12 million baht lottery jackpot

    An elderly Thai lady says she will continue her career selling fried chive cakes at the market despite winning 12 million baht in the government lottery yesterday. Yesterday afternoon, 72 year old Phuangphet Pelacheun from the northern province of Uttaradit forgot to check the lottery results. When her colleagues started talking about the winning numbers, Grandma Phuangphet leapt up, screamed…

  • Thailand’s smartphone market poised for revival | Thaiger

    Thailand’s smartphone market poised for revival

    As the world starts to emerge from the pandemic, Thailand‘s smartphone market is expected to see a resurgence in the second half of 2023. Despite a decrease in smartphone sales last year, the premium smartphone segment remains strong and is less affected by economic woes. According to Wansiri Fitschen, a senior category manager at Thai Samsung Electronics, pre-orders for the…

  • Thai election explainer – Constitution, House and Senate | Thaiger

    Thai election explainer – Constitution, House and Senate

    Thailand’s democratic structure consists of a Constitution, House of Representatives and Senate. The constitutional monarchy is ruled by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the head of state. The king has limited formal power but is highly influential in politics. He has significant influence over the military. Constitution, House and Senate – Constitution The current constitution was developed by a committee appointed by…

  • Thai ecologist sounds alarm on declining shark numbers | Thaiger

    Thai ecologist sounds alarm on declining shark numbers

    A Thai ecologist is sounding the alarm on the decline in the number of sharks in the country’s waters. The marine ecologist, Assistant Professor Thon Thamrongnawasawat, the deputy dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University, presented some worrying facts about the situation. Dr Thon said that around 75 of the 87 shark species in Thai waters are endangered.…

  • Body of Thai woman killed in Turkey earthquake returns home | Thaiger

    Body of Thai woman killed in Turkey earthquake returns home

    The body of the young Thai woman who was killed by the recent earthquake in Turkey has been returned to her family in Chaiyaphum province in northeast Thailand. At 4am this morning, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs returned the body of 29 year old Chamaiphon “Dao” Homsanthia to her home town in Nong Bua Rawae district in Chaiyaphum.…

  • Thai woman protests agains Polish husband’s deportation in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Thai woman protests agains Polish husband’s deportation in Bangkok

    UPDATE A Thai lady and her relative staged a two-person protest at the United Nations HQ in Bangkok to appeal for “justice” for her Polish husband, who says that forcing him to return to Poland is a certain death sentence for him, reports SiamRath. Sornsiri Khittook’s 37 year old husband Michal Kamil Wielebinski, was arrested and detained in Koh Samui…

  • How to find high-quality cosmetic packaging for multiple use | Thaiger

    How to find high-quality cosmetic packaging for multiple use

    When it comes to finding high-quality cosmetic packaging for multiple use, one of the best options is to work with wholesale cosmetic packaging suppliers. These suppliers specialize in providing a wide range of packaging options for cosmetics and other beauty products, and they often offer bulk discounts and other cost-saving benefits for businesses and individuals who are looking to purchase…

  • 400 people fall victim to Japan tour scam resulting in 14 million baht loss | Thaiger

    400 people fall victim to Japan tour scam resulting in 14 million baht loss

    Representatives from 10 travel agencies filed a complaint with the Central Investigation Bureau after being lured into buying 14 million baht worth of fake tour packages to Japan. Over 400 victims have been duped by the scam so far. Representatives for the group claimed to have purchased tour packages from a major company based in the central province of Pathum…

  • Massive fire breaks out in front of Pattaya massage parlour | Thaiger

    Massive fire breaks out in front of Pattaya massage parlour

    Another devastating fire has struck Pattaya. A massive electrical fire broke out in front of a Pattaya massage parlour last night. Firefighters rushed to the scene on Pattaya Second Road in Soi 13 where a fire was burning overhead wires and signs in front of the fire. Meanwhile, terrified passersby watched as the incident unfolded. The firefighters were eventually able…

  • Best Thai cannabis strains for sleep and insomnia relief | Thaiger

    Best Thai cannabis strains for sleep and insomnia relief

    Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and one of its most common applications is to help with sleep and insomnia. With the growing popularity of cannabis as a sleep aid, it can be challenging to know which strains are the best for promoting a restful night’s sleep. In this article, we will explore some of the best…

  • Siam Paragon invests 3 billion baht to transform the global landmark to the next level | Thaiger

    Siam Paragon invests 3 billion baht to transform the global landmark to the next level

    Siam Paragon, a world-class destination, has officially launched a transformation project to redefine the ‘global landmark in the heart of Bangkok’ and take it to new heights of excellence to meet all the lifestyle needs of the future, reinforcing its positioning as one of the most-visited ‘global landmark destinations’. Starting towards the end of 2022, the 3-billion-baht investment project will…

  • Tearaway teens arrested for robbing four motorists | Thaiger

    Tearaway teens arrested for robbing four motorists

    Three teenagers and a man were arrested for robbing four motorists at the weekend in Samut Prakarn province in Bangkok. The suspects reportedly admitted to committing the crime to obtain funds to buy kratom drinks. Footage captured by a car dashcam went viral on Thai social media. It showed the four thugs intimidating a motorcyclist into surrendering his valuables and…

  • Disney launches special pop-up event at Asiatique The Riverfront  | Thaiger

    Disney launches special pop-up event at Asiatique The Riverfront 

    Walt Disney is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a special event at Asiatique The Riverfront in Bangkok next month. Wanlapa Trisorut, the Managing Director of Asset World Corporation, announced a business expansion plan that involves investing over 800 million baht in Asiatique The Riverfront. The goal is to transform the open-air mall into Bangkok’s largest riverside retail destination, catering to…

  • Phuket health spa slams travel agency for ripping off foreigners | Thaiger

    Phuket health spa slams travel agency for ripping off foreigners

    A Phuket health spa announced that it will no longer accept reservations from travel agencies after one agency ripped off its foreign customers. The decision was made after the agency in question overcharged foreign customers, causing them to file complaints about the high prices of the spa services. Phumontra Cafe & Massage is one of the most popular spa spots in Phuket…

  • Four Thai teens win award for pioneering parasite-killing invention | Thaiger

    Four Thai teens win award for pioneering parasite-killing invention

    Four high school students from Yala in southern Thailand won the New Gen Inventors Award 2023 for inventing a herbal product made from galangal leaves which kills parasites in raw foods in less than six minutes. Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha praised the children for creating a practical product from readily available herbs which will improve the Thai population’s physical…

  • Pattaya to ban parking on beach side of road from March 1 | Thaiger

    Pattaya to ban parking on beach side of road from March 1

    Pattaya City is banning parking on the beach side of the road from March 1. Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches, says the move is in response to an increase in traffic issues after the city has seen more tourists arriving. According to The Pattaya News, the new rule stirred up social media reactions with many residents agreeing with the move. However,…

  • Thai woman who fled from America after alleged hit-and-run agrees to return to face punishment | Thaiger

    Thai woman who fled from America after alleged hit-and-run agrees to return to face punishment

    A Thai woman who left America after an alleged hit-and-run incident has agreed to return to face her punishment. The woman, Tubtim “Sue” Howson, allegedly struck Michigan State University student Benjamin Kable, 22, before dawn on January 1. Kable was killed and Howson allegedly fled to Thailand over fears of being arrested and charged with his murder. The 57 year…

  • Thai activists want humiliating haircut punishments to stop in government schools | Thaiger

    Thai activists want humiliating haircut punishments to stop in government schools

    Thai activists want humiliating haircut punishments to stop in government schools after a teacher was accused of cutting at least 100 students’ hair. According to The Guardian, the activists are calling for clearer guidelines surrounding the haircut rule in government schools after the Ministry of Education revoked the decades-long haircut regulations. Now, the Ministry says schools can develop their own…

  • Thailand’s Wild Boar football team pays tribute to captain “Dom” after his sudden death | Thaiger

    Thailand’s Wild Boar football team pays tribute to captain “Dom” after his sudden death

    Thailand’s Wild Boar football team is paying tribute to Duangpetch “Dom” Promthep, 17, who died suddenly in England. As the captain of the 13 Wild Boars football team, “Dom” was rescued from the Tham Luang Cave in Chiang Rai back in 2018 after the cave flash-flooded leaving them trapped inside for 17 days. According to Khaosod English, the Associated Press…

  • Mosquito bite in Thailand causes Dutchman to lose both legs | Thaiger

    Mosquito bite in Thailand causes Dutchman to lose both legs

    A Dutchman living in Nakhon Rathasima in Thailand is on a mission to spread awareness about “flesh-eating bacteria” (necrotising fasciitis) after a mosquito bite led to the amputation of his left leg and lower right leg. Long-term expat, 62 year old Ed Olieslagers from the Netherlands, went to the hospital in April last year after a mosquito bite became inflamed and…

  • Thai cave survivor ‘found unconscious in dormitory,’ says Coach Zico | Thaiger

    Thai cave survivor ‘found unconscious in dormitory,’ says Coach Zico

    The Wild Boars team captain ‘Dom‘ – one of 12 boys saved from a flooded cave in Thailand in 2018 – was found unconscious in his dormitory room in England on Sunday before tragically passing away on Tuesday, according to the foundation sponsoring his studies. President of the Zico Foundation, Kiatisuk “Coach Zico” Senamuang, told the press via Zoom that…

  • Thailand’s diesel price set to drop | Thaiger

    Thailand’s diesel price set to drop

    Thailand’s diesel price was set to drop yesterday. The country’s domestic price of diesel was expected to drop by 0.5 baht per litre, according to the Oil Fuel Fund Office (Offo). This is the second reduction in diesel prices this month, with another 0.5 baht per litre drop scheduled for February 22. Officials determined last week that the price would…

  • Heroic doctor and nurse save panic attack passenger on Japan-Thailand flight | Thaiger

    Heroic doctor and nurse save panic attack passenger on Japan-Thailand flight

    A quick-thinking doctor and nurse became heroes on a Japan to Thailand flight after they promptly administered aid to an anxious passenger suffering from a panic attack. Thai singer and actor Siwat “Tah” Sirichai shared the heartwarming story of two medical workers who went above and beyond the call of duty to save a passenger suffering from a panic attack…

  • British diver from Thai cave rescue honours team captain who died in UK | Thaiger

    British diver from Thai cave rescue honours team captain who died in UK

    A British diver who participated in the 2018 Thai cave rescue made a statement honouring the captain of the Wild Boars football team, who recently passed away in the UK. The diver, Rick Stanton, expressed his sorrow at the death of Duangphet Phromthep, the 17 year old student he helped to save. Stanton said he was “shocked and saddened” to…

  • Reckless Bangkok GrabBike rider kills motorcycle taxi man, flees scene | Thaiger

    Reckless Bangkok GrabBike rider kills motorcycle taxi man, flees scene

    A reckless GrabBike rider crashed his vehicle into a motorcycle taxi rider and killed him on the Ratchadapisek Road in Bangkok in the early hours of this morning. The suspect fled the scene leaving his drunk, injured passenger with the dead body. Motorists on Ratchadapisek Road reported the accident to the Sutthisarn Police Station at about 5.30am today. Police officers…

  • Live the high life: Get an affordable luxury property in Phuket! | Thaiger

    Live the high life: Get an affordable luxury property in Phuket!

    Are you ready to take the leap and live your best life? Then the sun-kissed shores of Phuket is the perfect destination for you. Not only is it the ultimate destination for sun, sand, and surf, but it’s also a hotspot for affordable luxury properties. That’s right, you can have it all – stunning sea views, private pools, lush gardens,…