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.
-
Sponsored
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...
-
2 foreigners in Phuket caught running businesses without licences
Phuket Provincial Tourist Police arrested two foreigners for running their businesses, a money exchange shop and a travel agency, without licences. The arrests stem from a crackdown on illegal foreigners and their businesses following the Swiss man scandal. Prompted by the conflict between the Swiss man and the Thai doctor, as well as complaints from locals, all Phuket police departments…
-
Thailand Video News | 10 million+ sought medical attention for pollution in 2023, Formula One coming to Thailand?
Stay informed with Alex and Jay as they cover Thailand’s top stories. From the Prime Minister’s trade-focused international tour to arrests in Chon Buri after a drugs and firearms raid, we’ve got you covered. Plus, learn about the impact of pollution on public health and efforts to protect Thailand’s beaches. Don’t miss the latest on a daring red panda rescue…
-
Bangkok governor inspects Soi Nana post-transgender fracas
In a recent inspection sweep in Watthana, Bangkok’s Soi Nana Nuea neighbourhood, the city’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, alongside several agencies, carried out a comprehensive check for illegal activities. The activities under the microscope included the so-called taxi mafia, supposed prostitution, and unauthorised tour guides operating in the area. This operation was carried out on March 5 and attracted national media…
-
Drug mule busted with 30 kg of cannabis at Manchester Airport
Manchester Crown Court witnessed a case where a 27 year old man was exposed as a drug mule caught with a staggering 30 kilogrammes of cannabis at Manchester Airport. Mohammad Arif’s involvement in the smuggling saga began when a dispute emerged following a charity boxing event. In a bid to settle the feud, Arif embarked on a trip to Thailand…
-
Swiss man’s visa revoked after physical assault on Thai doctor
The Immigration Bureau revoked the visa of the Swiss man involved in the physical assault on a female Thai doctor near Yamu Cape in Phuket last week. The Thai doctor, 26 year old Tarndao Chandam, filed a complaint against Urs Fehr after the Swiss man attacked her on Saturday, February 24 when she and her friend sat on the steps…
-
Thailand to build local pharmaceutical facilities to reduce import reliance
The National Committee on Drug System Development has greenlit the construction of local pharmaceutical production facilities, a notable stride towards decreasing the nation’s dependence on foreign-made medicines. This ambitious initiative comes with a budget exceeding 10 billion baht (US$280 million), as revealed by Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, who presided over the recent committee meeting. Beyond the borders, another significant…
-
Drug dealing British backpacker celebrated wedding days before arrest
Andrew Brett, the British backpacker arrested for drug dealing in Koh Tao was reported to have just celebrated his wedding to a Thai-born wife just days before he was apprehended. The British man’s distraught parents, John and Ann, expressed profound disbelief as news of their son’s arrest shattered the blissful memories of the recently concluded nuptials. “We haven’t been told…
-
Thai opposition parties call for debate over govt’s slow policy fulfilment
The six opposition parties in Thailand have decided to demand a general debate, alleging that the government has been slow to fulfil its core policies declared when it assumed office six months ago. The decision, reached in a meeting yesterday, involves the Move Forward Party (MFP), Democrat Party, Thai Sang Thai Party (TSTP), Fair Party, Thai Teachers for People Party…
-
Illegal migrant labour and sex work challenge Thailand’s tourism
Migrant workers, who have illegally entered Thailand by taking advantage of visa-free privileges, continue to pose a challenge in the country’s tourism sector, particularly within the sex industry. This issue has led to calls from operators for the government to legalise sex work. A recent confrontation between Filipino transgender women and their Thai counterparts in Soi Sukhumvit 11, Bangkok, has…
-
Conservation factions call for review into Land Bridge initiative
A call for a thorough investigation of the government’s Land Bridge initiative has been made by Chumphon and Ranong conservation factions, citing concerns about potential corruption and negative societal impacts. This large-scale project, which has already encountered significant opposition, could lead to locals losing their homes and livelihoods, according to the conservationists. Yesterday, representatives from the Rak Phato Network and…
-
Thailand proposes four Songkhla town clusters for UNESCO list
A proposal for the inclusion of four historic town clusters located in the southern province of Songkhla in UNESCO’s tentative list of potential new world heritage sites has been forwarded by Thailand’s national committee on the World Heritage Convention. The recommendation was made yesterday, with the old town clusters representing communities and sites linked to Songkhla Lake. The committee meeting,…
-
National Telecom’s spectrum rights expiry threatens mobile traffic quality
National Telecom (NT), a state telecom company, faces a potential threat to its spectrums as the rights to three of its spectrum ranges are set to expire in September next year. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has been urged to devise a transparent plan to reallocate these spectrums, which are currently held by NT. The spectrum ranges in…
-
Over 400 Thai firms suspected of foreign nominee operations
An inspection by the Business Development Department has revealed that over 400 firms across Thailand’s major tourist hotspots may be operating under foreign nominees. The firms under scrutiny are located in bustling provinces including Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, and Chon Buri. The businesses investigated span various sectors, such as tour guides, restaurants, car rentals, hotels, and real estate.…
-
Thai PM to visit Europe, aiming to bolster trade and investment
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand is set to travel to Germany and France in an official capacity. The visit, scheduled for March 7 to March 14, aims to bolster trade and investment between Thailand and these European nations. Accelerating the completion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and advocating for visa exemptions for Thai passport holders are top priorities.…
-
Thai trio arrested in Ban Bueng raid with drugs and firearms seized
A trio of Thai men, hailing from the Ban Bueng area in Chon Buri, were apprehended by local law enforcement during a police raid. Police from the Ban Bueng Police Station conducted the operation, which resulted in the seizure of drugs and firearms from the suspects’ abode. The raid was set into motion following an informant’s tip-off. The primary suspect,…
-
Suvarnabhumi Airport uncovers shocking wild animal smuggling operation
In an episode that shook Suvarnabhumi International Airport on March 5, a remarkable seizure of 87 wild animals was carried out. The operation was a joint effort by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Customs Office, and other pertinent authorities. This intervention unfolded when airport security personnel caught sight of these creatures, secreted away within eight pieces…
-
The rise of Digital Nomadism: A guide for Thailand’s wanderers
These days, work is no longer defined by being locked within four office walls from 9 to 5. The world is going through a transformation and that includes the way we work. The nomadism trend is just an example of how the borders between the types of lifestyle disappear and people become able to combine different elements of travel, adventures,…
-
Lazada celebrates Women’s Day with MERGE jeans
In a bid to celebrate International Women’s Day, Lazada is turning the spotlight on the women sellers dominating the e-commerce platform. From Thailand to beyond, these female entrepreneurs are inspiring a new generation to chase their business dreams. In the heart of Thailand’s vibrant marketplace, Lazada shines a light on MERGE, a denim brand that caters to the diverse needs…
-
Restaurant encroachment threatens Hua Hin’s sandy shores
Yamu Beach in Phuket may have just played second fiddle to an encroachment crisis engulfing the pristine sands of Hua Hin. Evidence surfaced on the Prachuap News Facebook page, showcasing a long line of eateries and guesthouses that have sunk their claws deep into Hua Hin’s main beach. Witnesses describe a scene akin to invasion, with some structures extending a…
-
PM Srettha revs up plans for Thailand’s Formula One debut
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is scheduled to meet with representatives from the renowned world of Formula One (F1) during his official trip to France in a bid to host an F1 event in Thailand. PM Srettha spoke to the media at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok on March 4, discussing his upcoming trips to Australia, Germany, and France. He revealed…
-
Tourists banned from Kyoto’s Geisha District
In a bold move to protect Kyoto’s iconic geisha from relentless harassment by tourists, the local council in Gion has decided to ban sightseers from the district’s narrow backstreets. The decision comes after a surge in appalling incidents where traditional entertainers found themselves accosted and disrespected by unruly visitors. This move marks the latest effort to safeguard the revered geisha…
-
Brave pup Cola who lost legs in horrific attack begins new life (video)
In a heartwarming tale of canine resilience, brave pup Cola defied the odds after a horrific machete attack left him two legs short. Abandoned in a Bangkok gutter at just nine months old, his spirit endured thanks to a pair of specially crafted prosthetics, granting him the freedom to frolic once more. Rescued by retirees John and Gill Dalley, founders of…
-
Danger of LSD death stamps in Thailand
The Department of Medical Services (DMS) sounded the alarm on the perilous rise of death stamps–Â LSD-infused blotting paper wreaking havoc on mental health. Placed innocuously under the tongue, these vibrant tabs promise an initial euphoria before plunging users into a nightmarish realm of hallucinations, auditory disturbances, and warped perceptions. Deputy Director-General of DMS, Pairoj Surattanawanich, underscores the sinister effects of…
-
Kalasin celebrates temple land title deed with traditional procession
A ceremonial procession in Kalasin province involving over a hundred participants in traditional attire recently celebrated the issuance of a land title deed for a local temple. The event honoured the revered monk Luang Pu Ha Supharo, affectionately known as Dinosaur Monk, whose passing on November 24 last year marked the end of an era. The procession, which spanned 25…
-
Australian child sex offender’s attempt to flee to Papua New Guinea foiled
An Australian child sex offender tried to evade the law by embarking on a risky voyage to Papua New Guinea. The 53 year old Queensland man, registered as a sex offender in Australia, attempted a daring escape by sailing from Australia to Papua New Guinea. His audacious plan hit rough waters when he was intercepted by PNG customs officers upon…
-
Over 10 million Thais suffered illnesses linked to toxic air in 2023
More than 10 million Thai citizens sought medical treatment for illnesses connected to toxic air in 2023, as disclosed by authorities. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) disclosed this data amidst a toxic air pollution crisis in Thailand. The root of this crisis lies in widespread farm burning and forest fires, particularly rampant in the country’s northern regions, which…
-
Thai police seize 10 million meth pills, arrest major dealer
A major drug bust led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul resulted in the seizure of 10 million methamphetamine pills and the arrest of a key suspect in Pathum Thani province. In a significant clampdown on drug trafficking, Thai police apprehended a major drug dealer and seized a colossal haul of 10 million methamphetamine pills.…
-
Jetstar Asia soars to Krabi and Clark, Philippines
Jetstar Asia announced two direct routes to Krabi and Clark, Philippines, promising to whisk passengers away to paradise. Starting June 7, thrill-seekers can jet off to the mesmerising shores of Krabi, with the low-cost carrier offering six weekly services to this South Thai gem. From June 16, travellers can hop aboard for a journey to the heart of the Philippines’…
-
Phuket anti-corruption commission probes Cape Yamu Villas land legitimacy
A thorough investigation has been initiated by the Phuket branch of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC Phuket) into the legitimacy of land documents for the luxury Cape Yamu Villas. This probe was motivated by concerns about potential encroachment onto public land at Yamu Beach in Pa Klok and the possible involvement of corrupt officials. NACC Phuket’s Director, Suwat Saowaran, alongside…
-
Thai artists revive childhood nostalgia at enchanting exhibition
In a whirlwind of nostalgia and creativity, three Thai artists, Chanathip Chuenbumroong, Napol Isaracheewa, and Toon Kaewkerd, delve into the cherished memories of childhood to craft mesmerising wood carvings showcased at the exhibition …With A Time Capsule. Chanathip, revered as a master woodcarver renowned for his iconic characters Fat Fox and Moon, has reimagined his craft with a captivating twist.…
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.