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?...
-
Nakhon Ratchasima farmer wins 12 million baht lottery
A timely stroke of luck has befallen a widowed farmer in Nakhon Ratchasima as he won a staggering 12 million baht in the lottery, with plans to generously donate a boat to a local rowing club because of his grandchild’s national team success. Manat Samleeklang, a 58 year old widowed farmer, yesterday, April 16, experienced a life-changing moment when he…
-
Foreign man drowns while retrieving water gun in canal in Bangkok
A foreign man drowned while reportedly retrieving his water gun in the Saen Saep Canal in Bangkok during the Songkran Festival on April 14. His nationality wasn’t specified. Phayathai Police Station officers were notified about the drowning near Pratunam Pier in the Saen Saep Canal on the evening of April 14. Then, police officers rushed to the scene with volunteer…
-
Chiang Mai Zoo splashes 29 million baht on renovated aquarium
Chiang Mai Zoo proudly unveiled its renovated aquarium following a substantial financial investment of over 29 million baht. The refurbishment of this unique mountain-based aquarium, the first of its kind in Thailand, is projected to draw an increased number of visitors. Wuthichai Muangman, the zoo’s director, shared that Attapon Srihayrun, the director-general of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand (ZPO),…
-
Nearly 100k return to Bangkok post-Songkran via public transport
The acting director and president of Transport Company Ltd made a public announcement yesterday, disclosing the substantial numbers of citizens returning to Bangkok after the Songkran festival. Between April 15 and 17, passenger logs recorded more than 99,995 individuals making their round trips using public buses and vans. The total number of trips during this period exceeded 6,689. Atthawit Rakchamroon…
-
Liquor firms exploit music marketing to boost product visibility
Stop-Drink Network Thailand has raised concerns about liquor corporations’ use of music marketing tactics to advertise their products. Teera Watcharapranee, the network’s director, unveiled that a network survey revealed beverage enterprises leveraging music marketing to fuse artists and performers, conducting concerts to boost their product’s visibility, particularly across social media platforms. The investigation was carried out during the Songkran festival…
-
Pathum Thani taxi attack: Children injured as teens open fire
A shocking act of violence shook the community of Pathum Thani when three reckless teenagers on a motorcycle exhibited extreme indifference to human life by shooting at a taxi filled with passengers, including small children, injuring two. The incident, which occurred last night, is currently under intense investigation by local authorities. The 51 year old taxi driver, Surapol, escaped injury,…
-
Thai banks set for expansion amid ASEAN economies’ growth
A surge in regional business expansion is forecasted for major local banks in Thailand due to the growth potential of ASEAN economies. This outlook has been provided by Fitch Ratings Thailand, indicating promising revenue prospects for these banks through increased regional operations. In 2023, a noticeable upturn in the regional business of large local banks was observed, primarily due to…
-
Gold prices in Thailand surge to historic 42,050 baht high
Gold prices reached a new high today, with the Gold Traders Association (GTA) reporting a significant increase to 42,050 baht per baht weight, marking a historic surge. In a remarkable shift, gold ornament prices soared by 600 baht compared to the previous day’s closing figures. The GTA website showed that as of 9.02am, domestic gold bars were purchased at 41,450…
-
Tourism sector divided over elected versus appointed governors
The debate over elected provincial governors versus appointed heads is intensifying, revealing a divide among tourism operators. This issue gained momentum during last year’s general election, when several political parties, including Pheu Thai, proposed allowing locals to elect their governors, a practice already in place in Bangkok and Pattaya. Pheu Thai’s coalition government, during its policy announcement, introduced a CEO-governor…
-
Procession brawl in Chiang Mai leads to hefty 75,000 baht fines
Chaos erupted during a traditional procession in Chom Thong, Chiang Mai, when a violent brawl broke out among participants, undeterred by the potential for a hefty fine of 75,000 baht. The incident took place yesterday, April 15, as 19 groups paraded the sacred Bo tree supports into Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong amid loud music and a large crowd.…
-
Thai lottery fever spikes as lucky numbers circulate ahead of draw
The excitement is palpable as the Thai lottery draw for today’s draw approaches, with lottery enthusiasts eagerly seeking out lucky numbers in anticipation of becoming the next millionaire. The draw, set to take place at the Government Lottery Office in Nonthaburi, has sparked a frenzy among the public, with special attention to numbers associated with various auspicious signs and popular…
-
Four arrested in Phuket with over 12,000 meth pills seized
Four individuals have been apprehended by Thalang Police in Phuket on charges related to drugs, with over 12,000 methamphetamine pills, locally known as Yaba, confiscated in the process. The arrests were carried out across three distinct operations yesterday. Among those apprehended was Duean Jarachit, a 42 year old resident of Moo 1, Mai Khao. She was taken into custody on…
-
Thai govt plan for energy cost surge amid Israel-Iran conflict
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce issued directives to state bodies to devise strategies to mitigate potential surges in energy costs in the event of an escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict. The directive follows Iran’s missile and drone assault on Israel, a retaliatory move against Israel’s alleged attack on Iran’s consulate in Damascus earlier this month. This marked the first direct attack…
-
Thailand’s CPPD calls for collective action against youth vaping
A plea has been made by the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) for collective action to safeguard Thai youngsters from the adverse health effects of e-cigarettes. Police Major General Wittaya Sriprasert, CPPD chief, stressed the need for educators, school personnel, parents, and relatives of young children to collaborate in imparting knowledge about the health hazards linked with vaping. In addition,…
-
Thief snatches 210,000 baht gold necklace in a daring mall heist
A bold theft occurred yesterday at 7pm when a lone robber seized a 5-baht weight gold necklace valued at over 210,000 baht from the Aurora gold shop located inside a shopping mall in Bang Kaeo, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province. The thief, under the guise of examining the jewellery, snatched the necklace and fled the scene, leaving the shop…
-
Post-Songkran travel surge leads to heavy traffic into Bangkok
Traffic swelled on the roads heading towards Bangkok as the long holiday season drew to a close, with authorities opening additional lanes to manage the influx. Yesterday, citizens began returning to the capital in droves after celebrating the Songkran festival. The Mittraphap Road, a major thoroughfare connecting the northeastern region of Thailand to Bangkok, experienced significant congestion, particularly at the…
-
Chiang Mai battles extensive forest fires and severe air pollution
Chiang Mai, a city in the northern region of Thailand, is currently combating an alarming number of forest fires, with over 15 fires reported, some of which have been persisting for three days. As per the local authorities, 17 out of 153 hotspots were detected in the city yesterday. Five of these hotspots are located in the Chiang Dao district,…
-
Japanese man dies in Bangkok hotel fall, lands on car
A 52 year old Japanese man died after falling from a Bangkok hotel, landing on a parked car. He was staying alone and no signs of violence were found when the room was searched. The Thai authorities responded to the incident at 1am today, April 15, and coordinated with the Japanese Embassy to notify the man’s relatives. The tranquillity of…
-
Car fire at Bangkok temple parking spurs emergency response
A sudden car fire erupted in the parking lot of a well-known temple in the Bang Chak area of Bangkok, prompting a swift response from firefighting teams. The incident was reported today, April 15, and officials are currently investigating the cause. Panic spread rapidly as a car caught fire in the parking lot of the famed Wat Thammongkol Thaobunnonthawihan in…
-
Sudden scaffolding collapse prompts investigation on Rama II Road
A sudden scaffolding collapse on Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon province prompted an immediate investigation, as ordered by Department of Highways Director-General Sarawut Songsivilai. Alongside the investigation, all steel scaffolding along the elevated Motorway 82 (M82) project is set to undergo a thorough security check. The M82 project, which stretches over 81 kilometres above Rama II Road (Highway 35),…
-
Young woman nabbed for running fake loan scam in Thailand
A young woman was arrested in Nakhon Ratchasima for her involvement in a sophisticated loan scam operation that duped victims into transferring money for non-existent loans. The sophistication of online financial scams and the importance of being vigilant when sharing personal information and transferring money over the Internet is been crucial these days. The police urge the public to be…
-
Bangkok ramps up AI security for safe Songkran festivities
Bangkok tightens security for Songkran celebrations with artificial intelligence (AI) and emergency measures. Bangkok is bracing for Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, with stringent security measures in place, particularly in popular celebration areas such as Silom and Khao San Road. In previous years, overcrowding has been a significant concern, prompting authorities to implement new strategies to ensure public safety.…
-
Thai Airways adjusts Europe flights amid Iran-Israel tension
Thai Airways International has realigned its Europe-bound flights to circumvent the Middle East following Iran’s onslaught on Israel. Concurrently, the Foreign Ministry has reported no immediate repercussions on Thai nationals in Iran and Israel. Thai Airways International President Chai Eamsiri yesterday confirmed that the airline has made minor alterations to some flight paths to evade the Middle East airspace. However,…
-
Thai government profits from increasing Philippine rice imports
As the Philippines’ demand for rice imports swells, the Thai government is capitalising on this increasing requirement. The Southeast Asian country is set to import more rice this year than previously estimated, providing a lucrative opportunity for Thailand’s rice export market. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has thus instructed the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) and the commercial attaché in the…
-
Bitcoin rebounds amid Middle East military escalation uncertainty
Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency, recently bounced back from its steepest drop in over a year, marking the beginning of potential volatility across asset markets as investors grapple with the looming prospect of a military escalation in the Middle East. Bitcoin yesterday rose by a maximum of 5.9% and was traded at around US$64,600 as of 11.40am in London. Smaller cryptocurrencies…
-
Myanmar’s rebel groups seize border trade hub of Myawaddy
Ethnic armed groups in Myanmar, namely the Karen National Union (KNU) and People’s Defence Force (PDF), have successfully seized the significant border trade hub of Myawaddy. In response, approximately 100 soldiers loyal to the Myanmar junta have regrouped near the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, anticipating reinforcements for a counterattack. These soldiers, defying surrender to the rebel forces, retreated towards the…
-
Durian exports to undergo regulatory revamp in Thailand
Thailand’s durian exports are set for a regulatory overhaul to ensure quality and competitiveness on the global stage, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. As the leading global durian exporter, Thailand’s move towards stricter quality control aims to bolster its market position. The export of durians has become a significant revenue source for the country, with earnings reaching 120 billion…
-
Referee attack at Thai boxing match sparks sport integrity debate
Chaos erupted at a traditional Thai boxing match when a controversial draw decision by the referee led to an assault on the official and the opposing sides. The incident, captured in a widely criticised video, has sparked a debate about violence and fairness in sports. Yesterday, a boxing match took the term fighting spirit too literally when the referee’s decision…
-
Severe weather alert for 36 Thai provinces amid heatwave
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today issued a severe weather warning for 36 provinces, forecasting thunderstorms, strong winds, and potential hailstorms across the regions. This alert comes amid a period of intense heat enveloping the country, with scorching temperatures and sporadic thunderstorms expected throughout the day. As of 6am, today, April 15, the low-pressure system caused by the prevailing heat…
-
Voluntary enlistment in Thai army sees notable increase
An increase in voluntary enlistment for the Royal Thai Army (RTA) was announced yesterday by an assistant army spokesperson. Compared to last year’s enlistment season, there is a notable rise in the number of males opting to join the ranks voluntarily. Assistant Army spokesperson, Captain Juthapat Prembanyat noted that from April 1 to 12 this year, 38,160 males across Thailand…
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.