News
Stay up-to-date with the latest news from across Thailand and beyond with The Thaiger. Our dedicated team brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from this stunning part of the world, covering a diverse range of topics, including local politics, business, culture, and tourism. Keep yourself informed about the Kingdom’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and thriving expat communities, as well as updates on events, attractions, and transportation.
The Thaiger is your essential resource for staying connected with Thailand’s captivating blend of tradition and modernity. To remain in the loop with the country’s most trusted news source, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.
-
Sponsored Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
-
Fire at Hat Yai hotel sparks chaos, guests evacuated
A fire erupted in the ventilation shaft of a prominent hotel in downtown Hat Yai, leading to chaotic scenes as staff and guests scrambled to evacuate. Officials are investigating the incident, initially suspected to be caused by an electrical short circuit. At 7.30pm yesterday, emergency services were alerted to a fire at a well-known hotel on Sanehanusorn Road, within the…
-
PM dismisses concerns over foreign condo ownership plan
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin dismissed allegations that a government proposal to increase the foreign ownership quota in condominiums and extend land leases is akin to “selling off the nation.” “It is about long-term leases, not selling land. It has nothing to do with selling the nation.” Last week, the Cabinet ordered a study into raising the proportion of foreign ownership…
-
Seized drug assets to fund addict rehabilitation in Thailand
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin endorsed initiatives to allocate seized assets from narcotic drug cases towards funding the rehabilitation of drug addicts. Somsak revealed that during his tenure as the Justice Ministry chair, he had amended several narcotic laws, particularly those concerning asset seizures. He noted that the previous laws were too passive, resulting in only 20 million baht annually…
-
Teen becomes officer to hunt grandfather’s killer of 16 years
A 15 year old boy, determined to become a police officer after his grandfather was murdered, spent the next 16 years hunting down the killer until he finally succeeded. This real-life story surpasses any drama. On October 26, 2008, 81 year old farmer Phrom Krodkaew was brutally murdered in Phanom, Surat Thani. That day, Phrom and his wife went to…
-
Government to accelerate Sino-Thai HSR project
The Sino-Thai high-speed rail (HSR) link construction will be a major item on the agenda at next week’s mobile Cabinet meeting in Nakhon Ratchasima, with the government eager to accelerate the project, according to Digital Economy and Society (MDES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong. The 250.77-kilometre high-speed rail link between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima is projected to be completed by 2028. Currently,…
-
Rising travel costs hinder Asia-Pacific corporate travel, Visa reports
Rising travel costs and economic uncertainties are impacting business travel across the Asia-Pacific region, according to Visa. Companies are increasingly investing in digitalisation to manage their travel budgets more effectively. Chavi Jafa, Head of Commercial and Money Movement Solutions for Asia-Pacific at Visa, noted that while business travel may increase in the coming years, current high travel costs and economic…
-
Thailand to adopt offset policy for military procurements
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin emphasised the necessity for the armed forces to adopt an offset policy when procuring weapons and military hardware. This policy aims to secure reciprocal benefits as a precondition for approving new procurement deals. The Thai premier said the policy should include opportunities for Thailand to participate in the development of new defence technology from the country…
-
Weak economy and loan restrictions further plummets pickup sales
Domestic car sales are facing significant challenges as pure pickup sales dropped by 40.8% in the first five months of 2024, primarily due to a weak economy and difficulties in accessing loans, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). From January to May, sales of pickup trucks fell by 40.8% year-on-year to 75,510 units. While sales of pickup passenger…
-
Minor earthquake in Phang Nga prompts safety inspections
An earthquake with a magnitude of 2.2 struck the Bang Toei area in Phang Nga Province, prompting officials to inspect for potential damage. It was confirmed that an earthquake occurred in Bang Toei, Mueang District, Phang Nga Province. The incident occurred in the early hours of today, June 26, as reported by the Earthquake Surveillance Division of the Thai Meteorological…
-
Thai teacher arrested for sexually assaulting schoolboy for 2 years
Police yesterday arrested a male Thai teacher who sexually assaulted a 14 year old schoolboy for almost two years at a school in the Klong Toey neighbourhood of Bangkok. The boy’s mother only found out about the abuse on June 20 after the young victim, Nat, could no longer stand his teacher’s behaviour. According to Nat, his 38 year old…
-
Lao man dies after 12th floor fall in Pattaya amid partner argument
A Lao man tragically died after falling from the 12th floor of a condominium in Pattaya following an argument with his partner. The incident occurred at 3.36am yesterday, June 25, at a condominium on Thappraya Road in the Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. Pattaya police, along with rescue workers, promptly arrived at the scene after being notified. Police…
-
Thailand braces for heavy rain and flash floods in 47 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued an announcement warning of heavy to very heavy rain in 47 provinces, including Bangkok. Residents are advised to be cautious of flash floods and strong winds. The warning remains in effect until tomorrow. TMD’s announcement forecasts significant rainfall across Thailand due to a monsoon trough passing through the northern and upper northeastern regions, combined…
-
Sleep-deprived driver crashes car in torrential rain, injuring two
A sleep-deprived young man driving a car through the rain lost control and crashed into a utility pole at 6am yesterday, resulting in injuries to two women passengers on Suwinthawong Road, Mueang District, Chachoengsao Province. Rescue workers and local police quickly arrived at the scene to assist. The vehicle involved, a Toyota hatchback, was found with significant front-end damage. The…
-
Groundbreaking Thai sci-fi flick ‘Uranus2324’ to release in July
In a historic milestone for Thai cinema, Uranus2324, the nation’s first space science fiction film, is set to premiere on July 4. This highly anticipated film has already garnered significant attention, being one of only four films to receive funding under Thailand’s Soft Power initiative and securing global distribution deals. Produced by Velcurve Studio in collaboration with GM Generators Co.,…
-
Sukhothai temple warns against releasing catfish
A temple in Sukhothai has gained widespread online attention for its warning sign against releasing catfish into local waters, highlighting the ecological damage caused by this practice. The sign at Wat Traphang Thong in Mueang District has sparked a viral discussion on social media. “Warning to those making merit: Do not release catfish as it destroys the ecosystem. “Avoid releasing…
-
Thai Post launches Euro 2024 contest with 10 million baht in prizes
Thai Post kicked off its Euro 2024 lucky prize contest with a vibrant road show through Phuket Town yesterday, marking the beginning of a nationwide campaign to promote the contest. Assistant Postmaster of Phuket Piyavit Siksamat highlighted Thai Post’s collaboration with Thairath to engage the public in the UEFA Euro 2024 Championship taking place in Germany. This campaign, themed Cheer…
-
Thai couple arrested after woman flees cops with boyfriend’s help
A Thai woman arrested for theft escaped from Sattahip Police Station on Sunday thanks to help from her boyfriend. The couple was later arrested last night, June 24. Sattahip Police Station officers arrested the 20 year old woman, Naranya Areepong, at a shopping centre after she attempted to steal two bottles of imported alcohol at about 10.30am on Sunday, June 23.…
-
Bangkok bust: Metal detector detects Thai man’s homemade gun
Police apprehended a suspicious man at Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal after a metal detector revealed he was carrying a homemade gun. The suspect, identified as 43 year old Thanet from Samut Prakan, was found with a .38 calibre gun and six bullets. The incident occurred yesterday when the Superintendent of Bang Sue Police Station, Phuwadon Unphon, along with Deputy Superintendent…
-
Thailand imports shrimp from Ecuador amid local production crisis
Thailand, once the world’s leading shrimp exporter, now finds itself importing shrimp from Ecuador. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed the Department of Fisheries to investigate and report back in the next Cabinet meeting. The nation, which used to produce and export 600,000 tonnes of shrimp annually, now produces only 200,000 tonnes. This significant decline has necessitated the importation of shrimp,…
-
Police hunt for gunmen in Khon Kaen university dormitory area
Royal Thai Police (RTP) are urgently tracking down the perpetrators who shot at a university student’s car and a nearby dormitory in Khon Kaen Municipality, causing significant damages. Fortunately, no one was harmed by the shooting in a seemingly peaceful community. Investigators from the Khon Kaen City Police Station today, June 25, visited the scene in Mittraphap Road, to examine…
-
Chilling tragedy: Ice delivery truck crash in Ratchaburi kills three
An ice delivery truck overturned and collided with a streetlight in Ratchaburi province, resulting in the deaths of three people. Police suspect that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. Surveillance footage confirmed that no other vehicles were involved. Ritthipol Phonsen, an investigative officer at Thung Luang Police Station in Ratchaburi province, received a report of a six-wheeled…
-
Durian festival returns to Pak Chong for 2024 celebration
The third annual Durian GI Festival Pakchong Khao Yai is set to place at the Nong Nam Daeng Subdistrict Administrative Organisation Office in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima. Nakhon Ratchasima Commerce Officer Jirasak Sriphet announced that the province, in collaboration with the Agricultural District Officer of Pak Chong, Bandit Koetmongkol, and the local durian farmers’ community, will host the festival. The…
-
8 Thai women and transwoman arrested in Taiwan for prostitution
Taiwanese police arrested eight Thai women and a Thai transwoman at a hotel in the Zhongshan district of Taipei City last week for illegal prostitution. Radio Taiwan International (RTI) news agency reported that police officers in Taipei continued to crack down on illegal prostitution in the city after the arrest of 24 Thai women on May 20 at a bar…
-
Senators’ showdown: Bangkok hotel hosts candidate meetup
In a bustling gathering at Bangkok’s Amari Don Mueang Airport Hotel, over 500 hopefuls vying for senatorial seats met yesterday, June 24, for an event known as the Meeting of Independent Senate Candidates. This lively assembly saw candidates from across the nation converge, all eager to make their mark on the upcoming election. Sources revealed today that each attendee paid…
-
Former prosecutor indicted for smuggling rhino horns
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) indicted that a former deputy prosecutor was involved in the illegal importation of rhinoceros horns valued at 179 million baht through Suvarnabhumi Airport. The case has been sent to the attorney general for prosecution. Secretary-General of the NACC, and spokesperson, Niwatchai Kasemmongkol announced that the commission had found sufficient grounds to proceed with charges against…
-
Pothole politics: Khon Kaen villagers pave the way to safer travels
Villagers of Ban Rak Chat in Khon Kaen, have taken matters into their own hands to repair their deteriorating village road, which has become riddled with potholes and hazards, making travel perilous and causing frequent accidents. Several dozen locals banded together to break and drill through the sunken concrete road, which had been eroded over time, impeding safe passage, especially…
-
Shop owner fatally stabbed chasing thief in Nakhon Ratchasima
A 27 year old shop owner in Nakhon Ratchasima tragically lost his life after being stabbed seven times while trying to catch a thief. The shop owner’s girlfriend saw the suspect, who had frequently visited the shop, and provided crucial information to the police. Police received a report at around 4am today of a fatal stabbing at a general store…
-
Phuket fraud case crumbles: Dutchman cleared of shopping scam
Phuket Provincial Court dismissed the case against a 40 year old Dutchman accused of operating a fraudulent shopping mall website scam. He was arrested at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok in February of 2021. Several Thai and foreign residents, primarily from Phuket province and Koh Samui island in Surat Thani province, filed a complaint against the Dutchman, accusing him of tricking…
-
Police raid drug party in Bangkok, arrest 29 and seize narcotics
Police raided a drug party, arresting 29 individuals and seizing a substantial amount of narcotics. The raid also revealed 22 individuals testing positive for drugs, further investigations ultimately led to the arrest of the drug supplier. Police conducted the raid at a building in Wang Thonglang District, Bangkok yesterday morning, uncovering a variety of drugs, including 1.1 kilogrammes of crystal…
-
Couple’s king cobra encounter turns into a lotto-tunity
A couple in Suphan Buri were shocked to find a large king cobra under their house, prompting a frantic call to rescue services. They believe the snake might bring them luck and plan to use their house number for lottery tickets. Rescue officers from the Samor Kan Suphan Buri Foundation received a call at 5.30am today, June 24, from a…
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.