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. The Thaiger delivers the latest national news that matters.

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    Travel insurance vs digital nomad insurance: What’s the difference?

    Travel insurance and digital nomad insurance protect travellers but cater to different needs. Travel insurance is for short trips, like vacations or business trips. It covers things like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost bags. It works best for people...

  • Would you eat 10 year old rice? Activist demands court intervention

    Would you eat 10 year old rice? Activist demands court intervention

    Prominent solo activist Srisuwan Janya approached the Central Administrative Court, seeking an urgent suspension of the Commerce Ministry’s plan to auction off approximately 15,000 tonnes of rice from the scandal-tainted rice pledging scheme of the Yingluck Shinawatra government. In his court petition, Srisuwan highlighted the concerns of numerous rice experts who oppose the auction. They argue that rice stored for…

  • Ancient treasure chest unearthed in Laos along Mekong River

    Ancient treasure chest unearthed in Laos along Mekong River

    A treasure chest was unearthed along the banks of the Mekong River in Bokeo Province, Laos, revealing a trove of Buddha statues, gemstones, coloured stones, metal artefacts, and other valuable items. The discovery follows earlier findings of Buddha statues and ancient artefacts in the same area, believed to be the site of an old temple and city from the fabled…

  • BREAKING: Keto diets can cause premature ageing of the organs

    BREAKING: Keto diets can cause premature ageing of the organs

    The ketogenic diet, commonly known as the keto diet, has gained immense popularity due to its efficacy in rapid weight loss. Originally developed as a treatment for epilepsy, the diet involves a high intake of fats and a significant reduction in carbohydrates. While many people achieve their desired weight loss outcomes through this diet, recent research suggests that the long-term…

  • Thailand’s unique flower symbol for World No Tobacco Day

    Thailand’s unique flower symbol for World No Tobacco Day

    Every year on May 31, World No Tobacco Day is marked with ashtrays and fresh flowers symbolising the fight against tobacco. But in Thailand, a unique flower takes centre stage – the leelawadee, also known as plumeria or frangipani. Leelawadee, a delicate flowering tree often seen adorning gardens, carries profound symbolism in Thai culture. Historically known as lan thom, the…

  • Factory owner donates 10 million baht to Chachoengsao hospital

    Factory owner donates 10 million baht to Chachoengsao hospital

    A factory owner has garnered significant online attention by donating 10 million baht to a temple, meticulously folding the money into floral arrangements. This generous contribution aims to support the construction of a hospital and acquire medical equipment for Wat Saman Rattanaram Hospital in Chachoengsao Province. The donation, amounting to 10 million baht, was made by Wanthanee Saeseng, the owner…

  • Thai man stabbed by girlfriend’s ex, attacker flees with woman

    Thai man stabbed by girlfriend’s ex, attacker flees with woman

    A Thai man is seeking justice after being stabbed by his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend at a condominium in Bangkok. The attacker escaped arrest and fled to the central province of Chainart with the victim’s girlfriend. The victim, 21 year old Thanawat Phontaecha, urged non-profit organisation Saimai Survive to follow up on the complaint of the physical assault for him. Thanawat claimed…

  • Thai land bridge project faces concerns over land disputes

    Thai land bridge project faces concerns over land disputes

    Private companies, eager to invest in the Thai government’s ambitious land bridge project in the south of the country, voiced concerns over potential legal hurdles that could impede the construction of the mega project. The project aims to establish a crucial link between the Pacific and Indian oceans in the southern region of Thailand. Chumphon and Ranong are to act…

  • Lottery enthusiasts turn to Chinese lunar calendars for June 1 draw

    Lottery enthusiasts turn to Chinese lunar calendars for June 1 draw

    Lottery enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the upcoming draw tomorrow, June 1, with the spotlight on numbers from Chinese lunar calendars. The excitement revolves around four versions of the Chinese calendar that are believed to hold lucky numbers for this draw. As the lottery draw date nears, fans and seasoned players alike are on the lookout for the next set of…

  • Golden pumpkin vine in Phayao draws villagers seeking luck

    Golden pumpkin vine in Phayao draws villagers seeking luck

    A unique golden-hued pumpkin vine has captured the attention of villagers in Phayao, prompting them to seek luck and fortune. The vine, located in the vegetable garden of Amphorn Chaithong’s home, has drawn a crowd eager to witness and worship the unusual plant. The golden pumpkin vine, planted near the fence of Amphorn Chaithong’s residence in Cham Pa Wai, Mueang…

  • Taxing times: Tourism Minister stands firm with 300 baht tourist tax

    Taxing times: Tourism Minister stands firm with 300 baht tourist tax

    In a recent press conference, Thailand’s new Tourism and Sports Minister, Sermsak Pongpanich, hinted at the impending introduction of a tourist tax, known as the Kha Yeap Pan Din, translating to a landing fee. Although no specific timeline was provided for its implementation, the newly-appointed minister emphasised the unlikelihood of abandoning the proposed tax. Sermsak, formerly the Culture Minister, assumed…

  • Rare albino frog discovery in Kamphaeng Phet sparks lottery frenzy

    Rare albino frog discovery in Kamphaeng Phet sparks lottery frenzy

    A rare albino frog discovered during a rainstorm in Kamphaeng Phet sparked local excitement and speculation about potential lottery numbers. The unusual amphibian was found by 51 year old Sompong Tongteng outside his home in Ban Nong Jok, Khamphaeng Phet Province. Two days ago, heavy rainfall in the village brought a chorus of frogs onto the streets. Sompong, while riding…

  • Homeless Khon Kaen couple fined for having sex in public

    Homeless Khon Kaen couple fined for having sex in public

    Police summoned a homeless couple to pay a fine after a viral video showed them having sex in public in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen on Tuesday, May 28. The video, widely shared on Thai social media, depicted the man and woman engaging in sexual activity on a roadside wooden bench. The incident reportedly occurred around 9pm on May…

  • LGBTQ+ community migrating Bangkok for freedom & fun’s sake

    LGBTQ+ community migrating Bangkok for freedom & fun’s sake

    A Chinese real estate agent revealed the LGBTQ+ community is flocking to Bangkok to escape persecution and seek a new life that offers them more freedom. In 2019, 40 year old Owen Zhu’s real estate career was flourishing, with Chinese investors eagerly buying Bangkok properties, but the pandemic struck, halting travel and spending. Although Chinese buyers were slow to return, one…

  • London couple ‘blown away’ by resort-like Thai airport (video)

    London couple ‘blown away’ by resort-like Thai airport (video)

    A couple from London were utterly blown away by the stunning design of an airport in Thailand. Their video clip on TikTok via the account @dcandkd took viewers around the airport, amassing an impressive 146,900 views since its debut on March 26. Daniel, a 32 year old content creator and songwriter, and Nakita, a 27 year old content creator and…

  • Covid-19 will make you stupid

    Covid-19 will make you stupid

    Recent studies have unveiled a troubling connection between Covid-19 and cognitive decline, suggesting that even mild infections can lead to a measurable reduction in intelligence. This revelation, supported by extensive research from institutions around the world, has sparked concern among scientists and the general public alike. These study findings and the implications for individuals and society are worrisome and unsettling.…

  • Toll fees waived on three expressways to honour Queen’s birthday

    Toll fees waived on three expressways to honour Queen’s birthday

    Toll fees will be waived on three expressways to commemorate the Queen’s birthday. The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), along with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) and Northern Bangkok Expressway Company Limited (NECL), have announced this special exemption. The announcement, made yesterday, specifies that the toll-free access is in honour of the Queen’s birthday on June 3.…

  • Thai abbot denies rape allegation by transwoman and plans lawsuit

    Thai abbot denies rape allegation by transwoman and plans lawsuit

    A Thai abbot at Phra Phutthabat Pha Nam Temple in the northern province of Lamphun denied raping a transwoman and accused her of fabricating the story after a conflict over flower decoration costs. A complaint warrant was circulated on social media, detailing the alleged sexual assault of a 38 year old transgender victim by the abbot, Phra Kru Sunthorn Auttakarn,…

  • Thailand leads in fresh durian exports to China, 121 tonnes by April

    Thailand leads in fresh durian exports to China, 121 tonnes by April

    Thailand firmly established itself as the top exporter of fresh durians to China, with over 121,398 tonnes shipped in 2024, according to Global Trade Atlas (GTA) data. Additionally, mango exports to South Korea have surged, influenced by favourable trade agreements. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharong announced that Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce revealed new data showing the country exported fresh durians to…

  • Sisaket school attack leaves boy severely injured

    Sisaket school attack leaves boy severely injured

    A violent incident occurred at a school in Khun Han district, Sisaket province, where a 12 year old boy was brutally attacked by older students after refusing to buy cigarettes for them. The incident has raised concerns about student safety and prompted intervention from educational authorities. A Facebook post by a concerned relative highlighted the severe injuries sustained by the…

  • Two million meth pills seized in Chiang Rai raid, driver escapes

    Two million meth pills seized in Chiang Rai raid, driver escapes

    The authorities in Chiang Rai intensified border security in the northern region, collaborating with multiple agencies to intercept drug trafficking operations, culminating in a seizure of two million meth pills today in Ban Mae Salong Nai. Commander of the Northern Border Drug Suppression Command Unit (NBDU 35), General Narit Thawornwong announced that the government has approved expanding urgent operational areas in…

  • Thailand Video News | Drunken Scotsman hit by car after brawl in Pattaya, Bangkok residents seek help for man performing spooky rituals

    Thailand Video News | Drunken Scotsman hit by car after brawl in Pattaya, Bangkok residents seek help for man performing spooky rituals

    In this Thailand video news, Alex and Jay delve into the diverse stories from across Thailand. Beginning with, a man’s nightly rituals involving chanting and lighting candles have raised community concerns over safety and mental health in Bangkok. In Pattaya, a drunken Scotsman sustains a serious head injury after being hit by a car, with authorities investigating the incident. In…

  • Murder suspect poses as foreigner and flees to Hua Hin

    Murder suspect poses as foreigner and flees to Hua Hin

    A Thai man posing as a Hong Kong tourist fled from Pattaya to Hua Hin after allegedly murdering his boyfriend at a condominium in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. The Thai authorities believe the suspect is heading towards Surat Thani. The unidentified man is the prime suspect in the murder of a 54 year old Thai man named Paisaen Thong-on. He…

  • Father and daughter targetted by gunmen over land dispute

    Father and daughter targetted by gunmen over land dispute

    A father and daughter are living in fear after their home was targeted by gunmen, prompting them to post police reports on their door and trees to deter further attacks. The incident is believed to be linked to a dispute over valuable land. Kamin, a 74 year old homeowner in Thung Pho, Nong Chang District, Uthai Thani Province, reported that…

  • Pattani volunteer shot dead after local football match

    Pattani volunteer shot dead after local football match

    A government volunteer in Pattani was shot dead in an ambush by a group of gunmen while returning home on his motorcycle after a football match at 5.45pm yesterday. The District Chief of Sai Buri was informed by the village head of Moo 6, Kadunong subdistrict, Sai Buri district, Pattani, about the tragic event. Athar Hama, a member of the…

  • British man arrested on Koh Pha Ngan for illegal tour operations

    British man arrested on Koh Pha Ngan for illegal tour operations

    Police arrested a British man in Koh Pha Ngan yesterday for illegally working as a tour guide, charging foreign tourists 70,000 baht each and enjoying free accommodations in Thailand. Reports received today detail that Deputy Superintendent of the Tourist Police Division 5, Sak Sirah Phueak-am, Commissioner of the Tourist Police, in collaboration with the district chief of Koh Phangan, had…

  • Pickup truck crashes into streetlight in Pattaya, driver injured

    Pickup truck crashes into streetlight in Pattaya, driver injured

    A pickup truck crashed into a streetlight in Pattaya early yesterday morning, leaving the driver seriously injured. The accident took place at 2.20am on Sukhumvit Road in the Banglamung district of Chon Buri province. Emergency responders and local news teams quickly arrived at the scene following reports of the incident. Upon arrival, rescue workers discovered a white Nissan Navara pickup…

  • Thai drug addict arrested after brutally assaulting 3 month old baby

    Thai drug addict arrested after brutally assaulting 3 month old baby

    Police arrested a Thai drug addict for brutally assaulting a three month old baby in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen, leaving the infant in critical condition. The infant, Captain, was admitted to Srinakarin Hospital on May 26 with severe injuries, including bite marks on his nipples, a depressed skull, and multiple bruises. He is currently on a respirator and…

  • Thailand strikes new submarine deal with China

    Thailand strikes new submarine deal with China

    Thailand and China finally wrapped up negotiations on the Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN) much-anticipated purchase of a Chinese-made S26T Yuan-class submarine. RTN Commander-in-Chief Admiral Adoong Pan-iam announced today that the agreement is now awaiting the final nod from the Thai Cabinet. “If approved, we will promptly amend the deal with the Chinese manufacturer.” Admiral Adoong expects the submarine to be…

  • Thailand and China forge stronger ties ahead of anniversary

    Thailand and China forge stronger ties ahead of anniversary

    In a high-profile meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, representing the Thai prime minister, engaged in crucial talks with Shohrat Zakir, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China. The discussions focused on reinforcing the robust relationship between Thailand and China as the two nations approach the 50th…

  • Major Thai fugitive arrested in Bali after 7 months on the run

    Major Thai fugitive arrested in Bali after 7 months on the run

    The Thai Ministry of Justice, in coordination with Indonesian authorities, successfully arrested a major fugitive in Bali, Indonesia, after he had been on the run since October of last year. The fugitive, Chaowalit “Paeng” Thongduang, faced a sentence of 20 years and six months for aiding the escape of a gang member arrested on drug charges. He was also implicated in…