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 Limited-time deal: Save 20% on Cigna's expat health plans forever
Starting a new life abroad is exciting—new culture, new lifestyle, and new chances to grow. But living far from home also means taking steps to protect your health in unfamiliar surroundings. Without the right coverage, even small health issues can...
-
Train smash tragedy: Two dead, child miraculously survives
Tragedy struck in Chumphon today when a pickup truck was obliterated by a speeding train at a railway crossing, killing the two adults inside but miraculously sparing a child found alive amidst the wreckage. The horrifying collision occurred around 10.30am, today, September 17, when Special Express train No.40, travelling from Surat Thani to Bangkok, smashed into the vehicle just 30…
-
RTAF deploys helicopter to survey Mekong River floods
Floods in two northeastern provinces, Udon Thani and Nong Khai, prompted the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to deploy an EC-725 helicopter to survey the situation and assist affected residents. The water level in the Mekong River has been steadily rising, necessitating close monitoring in provinces along its banks. RTAF Commander, Air Chief Marshal Phanpakdi Phatthanakun, yesterday, September 16, ordered…
-
Nong Khai floods: Shop owner sacrifices wall to save neighbours (video)
A shop owner in Nong Khai sacrificed his home’s wall to allow Mekong River floodwaters to pass through, reducing the impact on neighbouring houses. His property suffered significant damage but he prioritised the community’s safety. Nong Khai province faced severe flooding yesterday, impacting six districts. The Mekong River’s water level, measured at the Nong Khai Hydrology Division, stood at 13.46…
-
Borderline chaos: Malaysian tourists banned from entering Thailand
Border drama unfolded yesterday when 39 Malaysian tourists found themselves banned from entering Thailand, thanks to unresolved passport issues, outstanding tax debts, and past criminal records. Kedah Immigration Director Mohd Ridzzuan Mohd Zain spilled the details yesterday, September 16, revealing an array of reasons for the entry denials. “We had 10 cases of damaged passports, torn, waterlogged, missing pages, and…
-
Two Bangkok districts to become pedestrian paradise
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is shaking things up with a plan to transform the eastern districts of Phra Khanong and Bang Na into a pedestrian’s dream. In a move that will have locals leaving their cars at home, the new zones will encourage walking, running, and biking as part of a healthier, greener lifestyle. Deputy Bangkok Governor Tavida Kamolvej…
-
Thai couple could face firing squad for Indonesia drug bust
Two Thai nationals face execution for drug trafficking charges in Indonesia. Rachanon Jongseeha and his girlfriend Woranawan Wongsuwan were among six people arrested in Bali last week on drug charges by Indonesian police. Four could face execution under the country’s strict drug laws. The 33 year old Rachanon and his 31 year old girlfriend were arrested upon arrival at Bali’s…
-
Mentally unstable Thai woman causes stir at Sisaket university
A mentally unstable woman caused a commotion at a university sports field, claiming she needed to catch a flight to assist with flood relief in Chiang Rai. Police were called to the scene, and she was taken to a hospital for further care. Police in Mueang Sisaket received a report on Sunday, September 15 about a woman, believed to be…
-
Satun province faces severe flooding amid heavy rainfall
Heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in four districts of Satun province, affecting eight subdistricts and 26 villages. The continuous downpour led officials to establish boats in flood-prone areas and mobilise resources for 24-hour monitoring and assistance. Heavy rain has been battering Satun province since yesterday, September 16, resulting in significant flooding in the districts of Khuan Don, Mueang Satun, Tha…
-
Jet fuel boom: Thailand’s aviation set for sky-high growth
Thailand’s aviation sector is ready to soar, fuelled by a surge in air travel and jet fuel demand, according to Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services Plc (BAFS). The refuelling giant, which serves Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, is seeing a bright future as the aviation industry bounces back from the pandemic slump. BAFS President ML Nathasit Diskul revealed the company’s expected…
-
Tying the not: Wat Ratchabophit bans wedding snaps
In a striking move to maintain its sacred aura, the Wat Ratchabophit temple declared that wedding ceremonies and pre-wedding photoshoots are now strictly off-limits within its idyllic grounds. Social media had been buzzing with misleading chatter, but the temple has made it crystal clear: it’s a no-go for nuptial celebrations. On September 15, Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram made a sweeping statement,…
-
Thai woman caught lying on baggage conveyor at Krabi Airport
A video of a Thai woman lying on a baggage conveyor belt at Krabi Airport has gone viral, drawing heavy criticism on social media. The incident, which occurred yesterday, September 16, was shared by the account @RedSkullxxx with the caption, “Can you lie down like this? I saw it on Instagram, it seems to be a Thai at Krabi Airport.”…
-
Gold rush: Fed’s policy shift sparks record-breaking prices
Gold prices soared to an all-time high today as traders anticipate the Federal Reserve’s first shift towards easing monetary policy in over four years. The price of bullion jumped by up to 0.4%, hitting a peak of US$2,589.03 per ounce during Asian trading hours, today, September 17. This comes after a 3.2% increase last week, with eyes now on the…
-
Minimum wage decision delayed after employer reps’ no-show
The Wage Committee’s scheduled meeting was abruptly cancelled due to the absence of employer representatives, postponing the decision to raise the minimum wage to 400 baht set to take effect on October 1. Government and employee committee members were left waiting at the Ministry of Labour yesterday. Pairote Chotikasathien, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Chairman of the…
-
Watermelon carving of Thai hippo Moo Deng captivates the nation
Baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng isn’t the only sensation to hit Thailand’s social media this week. A watermelon carved to resemble the adorable hippo by a Thai food vendor has also caused a social media storm in the Land of Smiles. Yesterday, September 16, Visanu Somjaiwong shared images on Facebook of an intricately carved miniature hippo from a whole watermelon, impressing…
-
Thailand and Myanmar to expand catchment areas amid flood crisis
Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is negotiating with Myanmar officials to find collaborative solutions to the regional flood crisis. Discussions focus on expanding catchment areas to alleviate the flooding impact. Myanmar faces severe flooding due to storms and water flowing from the highlands into the Salween River. The Thai embassy in Myanmar is facilitating discussions between agencies from both nations…
-
Ex-British PM Tony Blair joins Bangkok’s AI revolution
In a high-stakes meeting at Bangkok City Hall, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair sat down with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) could revolutionise public management. The duo’s discussions centred on one burning question: Can AI make Bangkok a more liveable city? Blair, executive chairman of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI), shared…
-
Muay Thai instructor dies after Si Racha canal motorcycle plunge
A Muay Thai instructor from Pattaya met a tragic end after his motorcycle accidentally plunged into a canal in the Si Racha district. Nong Kham police were alerted yesterday, September 16, to the discovery of a body in a public canal along Highway 331, in front of the Caltex gas station in the Nong Kham subdistrict of Si Racha, Chon…
-
Boat with four people vanishes en route to Sukorn Island
A passenger boat named Pornthavee, carrying four individuals, including the driver, disappeared amidst a storm while en route to Sukorn Island. Despite extensive search efforts, the boat remains missing. The boat, captained by Supit Khaodee, who is also known as Bang Poo, departed from Khlong Palian in Trang province heading towards Sukorn Island. Alongside Supit were three passengers: Fak Khaodee,…
-
Police raid Jomtien bar for illegal laughing gas balloon sales
Pattaya police executed a raid on a Jomtien bar yesterday for the illegal sale of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) balloons. Officers targeted See You Beach Bar on Jomtien Soi 11, Nong Prue subdistrict in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province at 3.36am yesterday, September 16. During the operation, police confiscated two nitrous oxide tanks, three balloons filled with nitrous oxide…
-
Suphan Buri bar raided for selling alcohol to underage patrons
Police in Suphan Buri swooped on a bar illegally selling alcohol to underage patrons, causing a group of teenagers to flee the scene in panic. The operation was conducted yesterday, September 16, by Chatchatch Jesadapakorn, Deputy District Chief of Mueang Suphan Buri, and Narong Krueyoo, Police Captain of Mueang Suphan Buri Police Station, along with over 20 officers from the…
-
Lopburi police conduct drug tests on public transport drivers
Lopburi’s Tourist Police, along with other relevant agencies, conducted drug tests on public transport drivers yesterday. The operation, led by Saksila Phueak-am and other senior officers, aimed to ensure road safety for tourists and commuters. Police and health officials from Lopburi, along with transport and municipal officers, collaborated to test the physical fitness of public transport drivers in the area.…
-
Ukrainian woman reports motorcycle rental scam in Pattaya
A Ukrainian woman and her friend have reported a motorcycle rental scam in Pattaya after discovering that their rental bikes were stolen and taken across Thailand’s border. Kateryna, a Ukrainian national, and her unidentified friend presented surveillance camera footage from their motorbike rental shop and filed a complaint with Pattaya police. The duo claimed that customers who rented their motorcycles…
-
Digital wallet scheme falls short of 45 million target, saves 100 billion baht
Online registrations for the government’s digital wallet handout scheme have recently closed, with only 36 million people signing up, falling short of the 45 million target. The Finance Ministry reported that this shortfall has resulted in a saving of 100 billion baht (US$3 billion) from the project’s budget. When asked whether the lower registration numbers indicated a lack of public…
-
Thai nationals arrested for smuggling wildlife from Indonesia
Thai police apprehended two men yesterday for smuggling wildlife from Indonesia into Thailand. The Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NED), working with various agencies, detained the two suspects in Lam Thap district, Krabi. The suspects, 28 year old Thosaphon and 30 year old Somporn were found with 10 yellow tortoises, 11 Moluccan cockatoos, and other wildlife species. A…
-
Squid fishing boat sinks near Koh Chun near Pattaya, two rescued
Two men survived a perilous experience at sea after their boat sank during a squid fishing trip near Koh Chun in Na Kluea, Pattaya. The incident unfolded in the evening, with a distress call received at 10.06pm on Sunday, September 15, reporting tourists adrift. Marine rescue teams, including the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya Rescue Team and Pattaya Special Affairs Officers,…
-
Thailand video news | Employee’s tragic death at Samut Prakan Industrial Estate sparks outrage, Haunted bed for sale in Bangkok goes viral with eerie tales
In Thailand video news, Jay covered the stories from across Thailand. Outrage grows following the tragic death of an employee at Samut Prakan Industrial Estate, raising concerns over workplace safety. In Bangkok, a haunted bed for sale goes viral, captivating the public with ghostly tales. Meanwhile, a hospital faces scrutiny after a shocking newborn swap, with the affected father demanding…
-
Dogs cause motorcycle crash, owner denies responsibility
Two dogs chasing each other caused a motorcycle accident, leading to injuries and damage to a pickup truck. The owner of the dogs denies responsibility, despite CCTV footage showing the dogs leaving and returning to the house. On September 16, 38 year old Kritsanapon Sukcharoen, who works at a law office in Nang Rong district, Buriram province, and 43 year…
-
Chon Buri police crack down on illegal workers on fishing boats
Police in Na Kluea, Pattaya undertook a comprehensive inspection of foreign workers on fishing boats yesterday, responding to concerns about illegal labour in local waters. Police Lieutenant Colonel Wirachai Thinkamut, Chief of the Immigration Bureau in Chon Buri, led the operation involving over 50 officers. Officers dispersed throughout the area, from Saphan Yao Na Kluea to Soi Sam Yaek Thammada,…
-
Ruling party loyalist set to chair Bank of Thailand amid rate dispute
A ruling party loyalist and critic of the central bank governor is set to be nominated as the chair of the Bank of Thailand (BoT), as the government seeks to assert influence over the institution amid ongoing disputes over interest rates. The Pheu Thai Party-led government plans to back 66 year old former deputy premier and Finance Minister Kittiratt Na…
-
Severe storm hits Phatthalung, leaving homes roofless
A severe storm hit Phatthalung, causing significant damage to homes and property. Strong winds, referred to as a Lom Hua Duan by locals, and heavy rain devastated the area, leaving at least 14 homes roofless and five homes completely destroyed. Yesterday evening, strong gusts of wind combined with heavy rainfall struck the Khuan Sawaeng village in Khok Sai subdistrict, Pa…
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.