News

Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.

  • Sponsored

    Live smarter, live greener with Electrolux, redefining sustainable living

    Electrolux is leading the way in creating smarter, more eco-friendly homes. Their appliances, partly made with recycled materials, are designed to help reduce environmental impact while offering advanced technology to make daily tasks easier. With Electrolux, you get modern, stylish...

  • Koh Samui set for tourism boost with influx of cruise liner visits | Thaiger

    Koh Samui set for tourism boost with influx of cruise liner visits

    Surat Thani province’s popular resort island Koh Samui is expecting a significant boost in tourism this year, with 47 cruise liners set to dock and unload around 25,000 international travellers, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). As stated by Kanokkittika Kritwuthikorn, TAT’s director for Koh Samui, the majority of these tourists will be hailing from the United States, Europe,…

  • Drunk driving incident leads to major car pileup in Pattaya | Thaiger

    Drunk driving incident leads to major car pileup in Pattaya

    Early this morning, a serious car pileup occurred on Jomtien Beach Road in Pattaya, instigated by a Thai woman who, according to police, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. The chaotic scene unfolded in front of Soi 8 around 2.30am today, with seven cars severely damaged and blocking traffic. The emergency services and local police were promptly dispatched…

  • Rubber trees in Rayong bestow lottery luck according to local Thai folklore | Thaiger

    Rubber trees in Rayong bestow lottery luck according to local Thai folklore

    A legendary tale of fortune has emerged from the Ban Chang-Pla road in Rayong province, where three intertwined rubber trees have become the subject of a lottery luck charm. Locals believe that the spirits residing beneath these trees, which are estimated to be over 100 years old, have bestowed lottery luck upon numerous individuals. On January 8, around 3.30pm, a…

  • Thailand’s tourism authority to boost Chiang Mai visits with year-round campaigns | Thaiger

    Thailand’s tourism authority to boost Chiang Mai visits with year-round campaigns

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to initiate year-round campaigns aimed at elevating tourism in Chiang Mai. The news was delivered by TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, who reported a surge in tourism in the region following the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions. From January to November of last year, Chiang Mai saw around 9.4 million tourists grace its attractions,…

  • Chinese man faces hefty bill for shattering supermarket escalator glass | Thaiger

    Chinese man faces hefty bill for shattering supermarket escalator glass

    A Chinese man, identified as Jue, faced a perilous situation at a supermarket in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, when the glass railing of an escalator he had just used suddenly shattered. As Jue descended the escalator and lightly touched the glass railing, it violently shook and broke, leaving a large crack as immediate evidence. Jue was left stunned and motionless,…

  • Youth gang wreaks havoc in Buriram, Thailand: Teen seriously hurt | Thaiger

    Youth gang wreaks havoc in Buriram, Thailand: Teen seriously hurt

    A gang of reckless youths caused havoc on the streets of Buriram, Thailand. A 13 year old boy was injured after the group pursued and attacked him amidst moving traffic. The incident was followed by the gang posting a taunt on Facebook, ridiculing their victim. Following the incident last night, police are now urgently hunting down the culprits. Upon arrival…

  • Thailand courts Hungary for investment to boost global influence | Thaiger

    Thailand courts Hungary for investment to boost global influence

    Hungary has been courted by Thailand for potential investment opportunities in a bid to broaden the Southeast Asian nation’s global influence or soft power. This strategic call for investment was made by the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Phumtham Wechayachai, in a recent conversation with Sandor Sipos, the Hungarian Ambassador to Thailand. The dialogue, which took place yesterday, comes ahead…

  • Chon Buri forest mystery solved: Charred body on forest tyres identified | Thaiger

    Chon Buri forest mystery solved: Charred body on forest tyres identified

    The identity of a man whose charred body was found sitting on tyres in a forest has been ascertained. Chon Buri authorities discovered his national identity card in his trouser pocket and have asked for time to investigate the incident. They have also accelerated their efforts to track down the ruthless killer. The body was found in a forest on…

  • Tragic accident post-Children’s Day event claims life of one sister, leaves two unconscious | Thaiger

    Tragic accident post-Children’s Day event claims life of one sister, leaves two unconscious

    On a sorrowful Children’s Day, three young sisters were involved in a fatal accident after returning from a late-night event where they had been hoping to win prizes. The incident occurred around 12.30am today when the motorcycle they were riding collided with an electricity pole in Prachin Buri province. The 12 year old older sister, who was driving the motorcycle,…

  • Thailand’s Transport Ministry plans to increase airport slots for summer season | Thaiger

    Thailand’s Transport Ministry plans to increase airport slots for summer season

    A surge in foreign arrivals expected for the summer season has prompted the Transport Ministry to direct the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to expand the number of available airport slots. These slots, which denote the time-bound authorisation for airlines to take off and land, are set to be increased at key transport hubs, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang…

  • Land dispute turns violent in Buriram: Man injured in car and harpoon attack | Thaiger

    Land dispute turns violent in Buriram: Man injured in car and harpoon attack

    In a violent dispute over land ownership, a 50 year old man was injured when a mechanic allegedly rammed him with his vehicle and stabbed him with a harpoon. The incident occurred yesterday in a lane opposite Buriram prison. The victim, Nopporn Thianwan, suffered a punctured wound to his back and several bruises. The argument was reported to stem from a…

  • Thailand’s new 30-baht plus healthcare scheme takes off | Thaiger

    Thailand’s new 30-baht plus healthcare scheme takes off

    Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew expressed satisfaction with the new 30-baht plus healthcare scheme in Thailand, which was launched last Sunday in Roi Et province. The programme, operating under the One Card for All concept, allows members of the universal healthcare card scheme, also known as the gold card scheme, to access medical services from any hospital in Roi Et,…

  • Unpredictable weather warning for 40 northern Thailand provinces | Thaiger

    Unpredictable weather warning for 40 northern Thailand provinces

    A forecast from the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for 40 provinces in northern Thailand of unpredictable weather conditions, including storms and hail, from January 13 to 16, 2024. Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are expected to experience a drop in temperature starting from today. The Director of the TMD, Karnwi Sitthijiphak, announced the fourth weather alert…

  • Jehovah’s witness sues hospital over unwanted blood transfusion | Thaiger

    Jehovah’s witness sues hospital over unwanted blood transfusion

    A 53 year old Ecuadorian woman living in Spain, a Jehovah’s Witness, sued a hospital after she underwent surgery and was given a blood transfusion without her consent. Rosa Edelmira Pindo Mulla filled out three forms before the surgery in 2018, expressing her religious objection to any blood transfusion, even if her life was at stake. During the operation, however, doctors…

  • Easy e-receipt scheme may not boost Thai tourism says hotel association | Thaiger

    Easy e-receipt scheme may not boost Thai tourism says hotel association

    The recently introduced Easy E-Receipt scheme, aimed at boosting tourism spending by offering tax rebates, may fall short of its goal, according to hotel operators. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, Thai Hotels Association (THA) president, argues that the scheme might instead push eligible individuals towards purchasing consumer products. She highlighted that a significant number of hotels and airlines are yet to adopt…

  • Thai lithium deposits outmatch global counterparts boosting EV production | Thaiger

    Thai lithium deposits outmatch global counterparts boosting EV production

    A Thai geochemistry specialist recently confirmed that two primary lithium deposits located in Phang Nga hold an elevated concentration of lithium, surpassing many other significant deposits worldwide. This discovery reinforces the Thai government’s ambitious strategy to establish Thailand as a key producer of electric vehicles (EVs) and their components. The lithium sites in this southern province have been identified by…

  • Fatal crash on Motorway M6 claims life of young Thai motorcyclist | Thaiger

    Fatal crash on Motorway M6 claims life of young Thai motorcyclist

    A 29 year old motorcyclist was killed in a severe collision with a car on the Motorway M6. The incident occurred yesterday, at around 9.30pm near kilometre marker 189, linking Simum and Phongkrang districts in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The motorcyclist was reportedly riding against traffic when he collided with an oncoming car. Emergency medical teams from rescue service Huk 31…

  • Pattaya lands seventh spot on TripAdvisor’s top emerging destinations | Thaiger

    Pattaya lands seventh spot on TripAdvisor’s top emerging destinations

    The coastal city of Pattaya made a remarkable stride in the global travel sector by securing the seventh position in TripAdvisor’s esteemed list of the Top Emerging Destinations. The ranking was revealed yesterday and it is determined based on a multitude of reviews and ratings that have been submitted by the TripAdvisor community over the past year. The platform lists…

  • Four MFP MPs resign over 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject | Thaiger

    Four MFP MPs resign over 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject

    A quartet of MPs from the Move Forward Party (MFP) resigned from a House committee that was examining the 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject. Their reason for stepping down was their refusal to passively approve a venture they fundamentally disagreed with. MFP MP Julapong Yukate reported that the committee’s final meeting was held yesterday, where they were supposed to endorse a…

  • Thai police raid gambling den, seize assets over 1 million baht | Thaiger

    Thai police raid gambling den, seize assets over 1 million baht

    A gambling den in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Muang district was raided on Thursday evening, resulting in the arrest of nearly 130 people and the seizure of assets worth approximately 1 million baht. The Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) executed the raid in Soi Kru Somboon, located on Saphan Yao Road in Tambon Na Kian, following a lead hinting at the…

  • Songwriter faces backlash for liking cover of his own song on Facebook | Thaiger

    Songwriter faces backlash for liking cover of his own song on Facebook

    A songwriter known as Pratchaya Chitra, nicknamed Beer, found himself at the receiving end of a bullying incident after simply liking a video clip of his song being covered by a woman. The woman, feeling affronted, launched into a tirade against Beer, questioning his motives and mocking his appearance. It all began when Beer showed appreciation for the cover of…

  • Democrat Party leader denies ties with billion-baht pork smuggling suspect | Thaiger

    Democrat Party leader denies ties with billion-baht pork smuggling suspect

    Democrat Party leader Chalermchai Sri-on yesterday refuted whispers of familial connections with the primary suspect in a billion-baht pork smuggling saga. Li Sheng Jiao, also known as Hia Kao (Brother Kao), is among four individuals sought by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on multiple charges including money laundering, customs act infringements and tax evasion. Earlier this week, arrest warrants were…

  • History makes a splash: World’s rarest whale steals the spotlight in cinematic encore (Video) | Thaiger

    History makes a splash: World’s rarest whale steals the spotlight in cinematic encore (Video)

    History has once again etched a remarkable sighting into its records, with the world’s rarest whale being captured on film for only the second time. This exceptional event transpired in the waters off Thailand, where a pair of elusive Omura’s whales were spotted swimming together in the Andaman Sea, one of which bore a distinctive, all-white hue. The surprise encounter…

  • UBE pivots towards functional food sector for increased revenue | Thaiger

    UBE pivots towards functional food sector for increased revenue

    Following its listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand two years ago, Ubon Bio Ethanol Plc (UBE) is actively pursuing a shift in its corporate branding. The company, originally known for its ethanol business, is now focusing on the development of value-added products, primarily in the functional food sector. This new direction is expected to increase revenue and offer innovative…

  • School director transferred after student’s criticism of lunch quality sparks protest | Thaiger

    School director transferred after student’s criticism of lunch quality sparks protest

    A recent student protest has led to the imminent transfer of a school director in the Mae La Noi district, Mae Hong Son. The unrest was sparked when the director, Sineenat Rodkrue, complained to the local police about a student who had criticised the quality of school lunches on social media. The controversy unfolded on yesterday, January 12, at Rat…

  • Thai Government plans digital shift for lottery sales | Thaiger

    Thai Government plans digital shift for lottery sales

    The Government Lottery Office (GLO), under the umbrella of the Finance Ministry, unveiled plans to transition from traditional lottery stalls to digital ones. Lavaron Sangsnit, the permanent finance secretary and chairman of the GLO board, revealed this strategy, which will be initiated from next month. The GLO has been selling digital lottery tickets through the Pao Tang app since 2022…

  • House Committee denied access to hospitalised ex-PM Thaksin | Thaiger

    House Committee denied access to hospitalised ex-PM Thaksin

    A visit to the Police General Hospital by members of the House Committee on police affairs was met with resistance yesterday, as they were denied access to the hospitalised former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The committee’s objective was to verify if Thaksin was indeed under treatment at the hospital, following approval for the visit granted on Monday. The committee, led…

  • Mental health incident in Chon Buri leads to swift police intervention | Thaiger

    Mental health incident in Chon Buri leads to swift police intervention

    An incident of public disturbance in Ban Bueng municipality, in Chon Buri, led to the swift intervention of local law enforcement on Wednesday. A Thai man, whose identity is being kept confidential due to his mental health condition, was apprehended after causing a series of disturbances, including car vandalism near a local school. Ban Bueng police, in collaboration with the…

  • Phayam Island children’s struggle to school spurs calls for new bridge | Thaiger

    Phayam Island children’s struggle to school spurs calls for new bridge

    Children in Phayam Island in the Ranong province have been struggling to reach their schools due to the lack of a bridge. An online post appealing for help has sparked a call for government intervention, suggesting that before the economic bridge is built, these children need assistance. Monsoongarbage Thailand a Facebook page, shared the plight of the schoolchildren. “Can we…

  • UNICEF open house sees youngsters voicing ambitions | Thaiger

    UNICEF open house sees youngsters voicing ambitions

    In celebration of National Children’s Day, youthful voices echoed through UNICEF Thailand’s inaugural Open House, hosted at its bustling Bangkok headquarters last Saturday, January 6. Children and teenagers flocked from every corner of the country, transforming the event into a vibrant tapestry of dreams and aspirations. The primary goal? To empower the younger generation as they stride into the realms…