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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    Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run

    Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...

  • The rise of lottery livestreams in Thailand

    The rise of lottery livestreams in Thailand

    Over the last few years, Thailand has had drastic physical, social, and technological changes concerning lottery draws. The Thai Government Lottery Office (GLO) has vested thousands of millions to participate through the live streaming of lotteries. Lottery livestreams are now considered a form of entertainment similar to waiting for that lucky number to get into the six million baht jackpot.…

  • Celebrating Thailand’s sporting heroes: Five iconic Thai athletes

    Celebrating Thailand’s sporting heroes: Five iconic Thai athletes

    Thailand is rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, two of the primary reasons for its popularity with tourists. Many tourists do not know that Thai people love sports, and “The Land of the Smiles” has produced some remarkable athletes over the years. These sports stars excelled in their chosen fields and put Thailand on the global sporting map. Soccer…

  • Teen drowns in Wang River after all-night search effort

    Teen drowns in Wang River after all-night search effort

    A 17 year old student drowned in the Wang River after an all-night search by rescue teams failed to locate him. His parents, calling out his name by the river the following day, witnessed his body resurface shortly after. A young student, referred to as 17 year old A from a vocational college in Lampang, went missing while fishing and…

  • Police halt illegal resort project on Koh Samui

    Police halt illegal resort project on Koh Samui

    Police have ordered an immediate halt to the construction of the Anju Cement Project, a luxury resort on Koh Samui, due to several legal violations. The project, owned by a Chinese investor group, was found to be in breach of building regulations. Police Major General Watcharin Pusit directed Police Colonel Aphisan Chairat, along with municipal engineers, to inspect the construction…

  • Chiang Mai residents scramble for lucky lottery numbers

    Chiang Mai residents scramble for lucky lottery numbers

    Chiang Mai is experiencing a frenzy over lucky lottery numbers, with tickets selling out rapidly across various districts. Key numbers tied to the royal family and significant Buddhist holidays are in high demand, despite the consistently high prices. Residents have flocked to early morning markets in Chiang Mai, particularly on Mahidol Road in the city, Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road in Saraphi…

  • Sa Kaeo police arrest four in 5 million baht gambling bust

    Sa Kaeo police arrest four in 5 million baht gambling bust

    Police in Sa Kaeo have arrested four individuals linked to a major online gambling operation, which included betting on Euro football matches. The operation involved a large number of participants and had a cash flow of 5 million baht (US$ 138,000). Police, led by Deputy Commissioner of Region 2, Ittiporn Photong, and Deputy Director of Region 2’s Operations Centre, ordered…

  • Thailand braces for heavy rainfall and flash floods this week

    Thailand braces for heavy rainfall and flash floods this week

    Thailand faces an alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall from today to July 18, which may cause flash floods and forest runoff, especially in Bangkok. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for the entire country. The Thai Meteorological Department, led by Gorravee Sitthichivapak, announced that from today to July 18, a strong monsoon trough will pass…

  • Police shut down 224 Euro 2024 gambling sites with 2.4 billion baht

    Police shut down 224 Euro 2024 gambling sites with 2.4 billion baht

    Police have shut down over 200 websites involved in Euro 2024 football-related gambling, with 2.4 billion baht in circulation, according to the police. Police released the information following a crackdown on both online and offline gambling activities as the Euro 2024 football matches concluded yesterday. The operation, which began on June 14—the same day the Euro 2024 finals commenced—ended on…

  • Teen motorcyclist kills homeless man in tragic Chon Buri accident

    Teen motorcyclist kills homeless man in tragic Chon Buri accident

    A tragic accident occurred at 10.50pm yesterday when a 14 year old girl, riding a motorcycle with a 13 year old passenger, collided with a homeless man sitting by the roadside in Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri Province, resulting in his death. Police Lieutenant Jatesarit Sukjam from Bang Lamung Police Station in Chon Buri Province received a report of a…

  • Buriram man killed by friend in liquor dispute, community in shock

    Buriram man killed by friend in liquor dispute, community in shock

    A man was fatally assaulted by his friend after an argument over buying liquor in Buriram Province, leaving the community in shock. The incident occurred yesterday in the village of Kradon, Huai Rat District. Police Lieutenant Ongart Manobal, Deputy Inspector of Huai Rat Police Station, received a report about a fatal assault. Upon arriving at the scene with a rescue…

  • Man fatally stabbed in Pathum Thani by hallucinating attacker

    Man fatally stabbed in Pathum Thani by hallucinating attacker

    A rider, suffering from severe hallucinations, stabbed a young man in the eye and fatally wounded his brother, who came to help. The incident occurred yesterday at 5pm in Pathum Thani, prompting immediate police and emergency response. Investigating officers, including Wut Pradetchwong from the Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station, arrived at the scene in Moo 6, Udom Chok Alley, Bang…

  • Thai police bust major illegal alcohol and cigarette ring in Hat Yai

    Thai police bust major illegal alcohol and cigarette ring in Hat Yai

    Police in Songkhla have successfully dismantled a major illegal alcohol and cigarette operation in Hat Yai, following complaints from local businesses about unfair competition. Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed the operation’s success, which took place yesterday at 2pm. The crackdown came after legal businesses reported significant losses due to vendors selling illicit products at lower…

  • North Thailand: Police seize 66,000 smuggled e-cigarettes

    North Thailand: Police seize 66,000 smuggled e-cigarettes

    Police seized 66,000 smuggled e-cigarettes valued at over 15 million baht from a warehouse in Mueang, Uttaradit, northern Thailand. The Thai Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) and other relevant agencies announced the successful operation during a press conference yesterday. CPPD officers had been investigating illegal online e-cigarette sellers who targeted juveniles by disguising the products as cartoon characters. These toy-like…

  • Songkhla police seize over 30 million baht in meth and ice

    Songkhla police seize over 30 million baht in meth and ice

    Police in Songkhla seized more than 1 million methamphetamine (meth) pills and 400 grammes of crystal meth (Ice), valued at over 30 million baht. The suspects, previously involved in multiple serious crimes, are linked to a significant drug distribution network. Police in Songkhla province announced the major drug bust, which took place at the provincial police headquarters yesterday. The press…

  • Thai teenage boy fatally electrocuted at Chai Nat boat race

    Thai teenage boy fatally electrocuted at Chai Nat boat race

    A teenage boy was electrocuted and fell, hitting his head near the stage at a local annual boat race in Chai Nat province. Despite efforts to save him, the boy succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Police from Mueang Chai Nat Station received a report at 8pm yesterday about a boy who had been electrocuted and suffered severe head…

  • Police find 10 million baht dealings from Chon Buri loan shark gang

    Police find 10 million baht dealings from Chon Buri loan shark gang

    Police in Chon Buri raided a loan shark gang’s hideout, uncovering almost 10 million baht in financial transactions over the past three years. Residents and merchants had reported the gang’s menacing behaviour, including threats with firearms. Law enforcement, led by Tianchai Lertmanitavit, and Thawi Kudtalaeng, conducted a raid yesterday in a house on Soi Phorapranimit 14/5, Nong Prue, Banglamung district.…

  • Cypriot man arrested for stalking and burglary in Nakhon Pathom

    Cypriot man arrested for stalking and burglary in Nakhon Pathom

    Immigration officers from the Immigration Bureau 1 apprehended a 36 year old Cypriot man for allegedly stalking and breaking into his ex-girlfriend‘s condominium in Nakhon Pathom province. The suspect, identified as Nicholas, was detained at a hotel in the Rachathewi district in Bangkok yesterday. An arrest warrant for Nicholas had been issued by the Nakhon Pathom Provincial Court for burglary…

  • British tourist crashes into Iranian motorcyclist in Pattaya

    British tourist crashes into Iranian motorcyclist in Pattaya

    A British tourist reportedly cut off an Iranian motorcyclist on a Pattaya road, leading to minor injuries for the latter. The accident occurred on Thapphraya Road, opposite Rita Resort Residence yesterday. The collision involved a Honda Click125 motorcycle and a red Toyota Yaris sedan. Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan rescuers arrived promptly to find an Iranian man, whose name was withheld, in…

  • Senior judge accused of molestation on sleeper train to Chiang Mai

    Senior judge accused of molestation on sleeper train to Chiang Mai

    A female court stenographer has lodged a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), alleging that a senior judge molested her while they were travelling on a sleeper train to Chiang Mai for a personnel development activity. Investigators, led by Police Colonel Ekkasit Panseetha, began their inquiry into the case on Wednesday, July 10, after the stenographer filed her lawsuit.…

  • Thai bus driver fined 2,000 baht for threatening motorist with stick

    Thai bus driver fined 2,000 baht for threatening motorist with stick

    A bus driver wielded a long stick to threaten a fellow motorist, resulting in a 2,000 baht fine and a mandatory three-hour training session to improve his awareness and conduct. The incident, which took place on July 6 on Phetkasem Road near Lotus Bang Khae in Bangkok, was captured in a viral online video. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) summoned…

  • Thai woman wins 9 million baht from UK bet

    Thai woman wins 9 million baht from UK bet

    A 40 year old Thai woman living in the UK transformed her life by winning a substantial £200,000 (approximately 9 million baht) from a £1 bet on the Nifty Fifty game through Betfred. This windfall has allowed her to leave her demanding 14-hour workdays behind and plan a return to Thailand to live her dream life. Araya Curry, who previously…

  • Father arrested for sexually abusing daughter in Chachoengsao

    Father arrested for sexually abusing daughter in Chachoengsao

    Police arrested a 33 year old Thai father for sexually abusing his 11 year old daughter for over a year. The mother, initially in disbelief, broke down after hearing the truth from the child, who had confided in a neighbour. The suspect claimed he was drunk and unable to control himself. At 8pm yesterday, Sumit Phromtong, the superintendent of Bang…

  • Khon Kaen fatal collision leaves one dead

    Khon Kaen fatal collision leaves one dead

    A car accident on a road in Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, resulted in a fatal collision, with one man dead at the scene and efforts underway to locate his relatives. The crash involved a sedan spinning out of control and hitting a pickup truck. Police Lieutenant Kittipol Sripan of Ban Phai Police Station received a report of a car accident…

  • Thai monk’s mention of 730 kip per baht stirs lottery excitement

    Thai monk’s mention of 730 kip per baht stirs lottery excitement

    A renowned Thai monk caused a stir among his followers by unexpectedly mentioning a three-digit number, though he wasn’t discussing the lottery. Phra Ratchawat Wajratam Sopon, better known as Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto, the abbot of Wat Phra That Muen Hin in Khon Kaen province, has become a widely talked-about figure. In recent lottery draws, numbers associated with Luang Pu…

  • Thai Paralympic athletes praised by PM for Paris 2024 slots

    Thai Paralympic athletes praised by PM for Paris 2024 slots

    Thai Paralympic athletes earned praise from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for securing slots to participate in the 17th Paralympic Games in Paris, France, scheduled from August 28 to September 8, 2024. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, as of yesterday, July 11, the Thai team secured 69 slots across 13 sports, with opportunities to secure additional slots until…

  • Thai police bust syndicate exploiting workers for mule accounts

    Thai police bust syndicate exploiting workers for mule accounts

    Police apprehended two individuals connected to a syndicate that exploited foreign workers to establish mule bank accounts, later sold to scammers, facilitating more than 3 billion baht in fraudulent transactions. The syndicate legally brought foreign workers into Thailand, deceiving them into opening accounts at various banks. These accounts were then sold to scammers, including operators of gambling websites. The Cyber…

  • Foreigner and Thai woman get into heated argument on BTS (video)

    Foreigner and Thai woman get into heated argument on BTS (video)

    A video went viral of a foreign man and a Thai woman arguing on the BTS Skytrain in Bangkok after the foreigner almost missed the train because the crowd at the door were reluctant to make space and move inside the carriage. A Thai woman, Jah, shared the video of the argument on social media and later sent it to…

  • Lumpini Park’s stainless steel benches spark safety concerns

    Lumpini Park’s stainless steel benches spark safety concerns

    A debate erupted on social media following the resurfacing of marble benches in Lumpini Park with stainless steel. The move, aimed at enhancing the park’s aesthetic appeal, sparked concerns among netizens about potential safety hazards. A Facebook page shared images of the renovated benches and comments by netizens. “Haha, not sure whose idea this was, likely done by a private…

  • Thai cops make waves with underwater raid on illegal timber stash

    Thai cops make waves with underwater raid on illegal timber stash

    Police in Kanchanaburi, West Thailand, conducted a significant raid on an illegal timber storage site, seizing a large quantity of protected wood both on land and underwater. Individuals have until July 15 to present ownership documents or face legal action. Director of Forest Fire Prevention, Suppression, and Control Narupon Thipmonda ordered the Director of the Forest Protection and Suppression Unit,…

  • Thai highway drama: Cops revive smuggler with life-saving CPR

    Thai highway drama: Cops revive smuggler with life-saving CPR

    Thai Highway Police officers provided CPR to a man who fell unconscious from shock after being arrested for smuggling 111 Myanmar nationals. The incident took place yesterday, July 11, when police stopped a suspicious truck covered with a tarp on Highway 41 in Surat Thani province. Police General Kongkrit Lertsitthikul ordered a team to lead the operation, arresting 33 year…