Thailand News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, and lifestyle—get breaking updates from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. Stay informed on Thai society, economy, tourism, and expat life with The Thaiger.
-
Sponsored How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
-
Police dismantle online prostitution ring, arrest 10 in Thailand
Police have dismantled an online prostitution ring operating through a prominent platform, arresting 10 women involved in the operation. The raid took place at two locations, a condominium and an apartment, situated in the Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani districts. Legal action is being pursued against the platform administrators. Yesterday, May 3, Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwpan, alongside Police Major General…
-
Thailand, Malaysia to enhance cross-border transport links
The Thai government is working towards enhanced collaboration with Malaysia to improve infrastructure and cross-border connectivity, with a focus on connecting roads and railways. Transport Minister Suriya Juengrunreangkit hosted Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke in Bangkok on May 2, where both parties discussed improving transport networks for faster and safer travel and freight between the two countries. Key outcomes from…
-
Bee attack at Nakhon Ratchasima temple injures over 30 people
A ceremony at Wat Bandai Ma in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, was disrupted after a swarm of bees attacked attendees, resulting in injuries to over 30 people, including one severe case. The incident occurred yesterday, May 3, around 12.54pm during a monk ordination for Theeraphat Harnkhokkruad, also known as Ohm, when a child’s balloon accidentally struck a large…
-
Thai man dies in lightning strike while on motorcycle
A 61 year old man from Mueang district, Buriram province, Amnat, tragically died after being struck by lightning while riding his motorcycle with a sidecar to inspect his sugarcane field. The incident occurred yesterday, May 3, at approximately 8am. Police found only a mobile phone on his body. His wife disclosed that despite her warnings against leaving due to the…
-
Former abbot in Si Racha faces indecent conduct charges
A former abbot from a temple in Si Racha district, Chon Buri, has been defrocked and is facing accusations of indecent conduct involving a 13 year old girl. The case has expanded with a new victim, a 16 year old boy, who was allegedly abused and paid a small amount of money. The boy’s mother expressed concerns about the police…
-
Man surrenders after viral Pattaya traffic altercation
A man involved in a heated incident in Pattaya, Chon Buri, has surrendered to the police. The altercation, which gained significant attention online, involved him jumping on and kicking a white Mazda car due to frustration over a traffic disagreement. Identified as 40 year old Chai, the man attempted to drive against the flow of traffic and became agitated when…
-
Friend arrested for fatal shooting of bank worker in Nonthaburi
A close friend has been apprehended after pursuing and fatally shooting a 39 year old bank employee, Weerawat, in a shocking incident in Nonthaburi province. The suspect, 41 year old Sitthipong, was arrested near a resort in Suphan Buri and faces three serious charges. The tragic event unfolded yesterday, May 3, at 1am, when Sitthipong allegedly fired nearly 20 shots…
-
Violence in Narathiwat claims lives, sparking urgent security measures
A recent spate of violence in Narathiwat province has led to the tragic deaths of a nine year old girl and a blind elderly woman. Regional Army Commander Paisal Nusang condemned these acts as inhumane. The incidents were reported on May 3 at the Office of the Islamic Committee in Pattani province. On May 2, unidentified assailants on three motorcycles…
-
Fire erupts on yacht off Na Jomtien coast, no casualties reported
In Chon Buri’s Sattahip district, a fire broke out on a yacht off the coast of Na Jomtien yesterday morning, May 3, with no reported casualties. The incident occurred at approximately 6.20am, prompting a quick response from the Na Jomtien disaster prevention and mitigation office. Initially moored at Ao Ban Amphur, the yacht was attended to by small boats from…
-
Heavy rain warning issued for Thailand with potential flash floods
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning of heavy rainfall across most of Thailand, cautioning against potential flash floods and forest runoffs, especially in foothill areas. As of 5pm yesterday, May 3, the TMD forecast severe weather conditions over the next 24 hours, with southern regions experiencing significant rainfall. Residents in these areas are advised to be cautious…
-
Pattaya police bust illegal gambling ring, 10 arrested
A midday raid in Pattaya uncovered a group of gamblers caught red-handed playing Thai gambling card game Pok Deng at a local restaurant. But what seemed like a harmless card game quickly escalated into a major bust, with police seizing cash and cards, and 10 suspects arrested. On Thursday, May 1 at 12.30pm, Pattaya City Police received a tip-off from…
-
Thailand urged to adopt single cigarette tax rate to boost revenue
Thailand’s current tiered tax system on cigarettes has been criticised by academics, who urge the government to switch to a single excise tax rate as advised by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The existing system is said to neither reduce illegal cigarette sales nor increase state revenue or deter new smokers. Dr Roengrudee Patanavanich from Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine…
-
Thailand hotel prices soar, low season sparks price war fears
Room rates experienced a significant rise during the recent tourism High Season, drawing criticism from travellers who perceived Thai hotels as more costly than those in neighbouring countries. As the low season now takes hold, some hoteliers express concerns over potential price wars due to reduced arrivals. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, the president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), reported that the…
-
Jackpot! Sisaket couple clears debt with Thai lottery win
A couple from Sisaket province experienced a life-changing event after winning 6 million baht in the latest lottery draw. At their residence in Lin Fa subdistrict, Yang Chum Noi district, family and locals gathered yesterday, May 2, to congratulate 58 year old Lamphong and his 56 year old wife, Kanokwan, who won the first prize in the Thai Government Lottery…
-
400 shark fins seized in major smuggling bust at Bangkok airport
Thai Customs seized over 400 shark fins in a major bust. The fins were on their way to China, but thanks to a swift operation, their illegal journey has been stopped. Thailand’s Customs Department, in collaboration with Chinese authorities, successfully intercepted more than 400 shark fins in a significant smuggling operation aimed at curbing illegal wildlife trafficking. The 402 fins,…
-
Fatal fall: Polish tourist plunges to his death from Phuket condo
A Polish tourist fell to his death from a fifth-floor condo in Kathu district, Phuket, while his wife witnessed the incident. The 34 year old man, identified as Swalomir, lost his balance after standing up and toppled over the balcony. This was confirmed by his wife, who was present at the time. The incident occurred at 12.13am today, May 3.…
-
No plans to quit: Roi Et man wins 12 million baht, keeps working
In the northeastern province of Roi Et, a 45 year old department store employee experienced a significant change in fortune after winning 12 million baht from two first-prize lottery tickets. Despite his newfound wealth, he plans to continue working. Yesterday, May 2, Vilai Phakacherd visited Roi Et Police Station to register his lottery win as evidence before claiming his prize…
-
Patong brawl: Ladyboys wreak havoc again on Soi Bangla (video)
A video of a ladyboy brawl in Patong’s Soi Bangla has gone viral, sparking heated online discussions. Netizens expressed concern over the incident damaging Phuket’s image as a tourist destination. Calls for stricter law enforcement have emerged, while others stress the importance of addressing the behaviour without targeting a community. The โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต Facebook page shared a disturbing video of a…
-
Dealers resist arrest in violent drug bust in Pattaya’s Jomtien
A chaotic scene unfolded in Jomtien in Pattaya as police raided a drug operation after reports of a man attacking civilians and claiming his father was a police officer. The arrest quickly turned violent, with one dealer injuring an officer, but both suspects were captured, revealing a major meth operation in the area. Yesterday, May 2 at 4.36pm, Lieutenant Colonel…
-
Phuket labour day funds cancer centre amid workers’ struggles
Phuket provincial officials marked National Labour Day 2025 with the event Labourers for the Light on Thursday, raising more than 150,000 baht to support the construction of the province’s first government cancer centre at Vachira Phuket Hospital. The event, which took place at Bang Wad Dam, was presided over by Phuket Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam and brought together over 900…
-
Concrete chaos: Maniac hurls slab from Bangkok’s Bang Na bridge
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has confirmed that a chunk of concrete that shattered a car’s windscreen earlier this week was deliberately thrown from a pedestrian overpass – and not a result of any structural failure. The shocking incident unfolded on Tuesday, April 29, on Bang Na-Trat Road, prompting immediate fears that debris had fallen from the Burapha Withi…
-
Heavy rain lashes 43 provinces, Bangkok braces for floods
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts heavy rain across 43 provinces today, with significant impact expected in the South and 60% of Bangkok. Residents are advised to be cautious of potential flash floods and forest run-off, particularly in areas near water flows or low-lying regions. The forecast for today, May 3, indicates that the South will experience increased rainfall with…
-
Thai engineer loses over 8 million baht to call centre scam
A Thai engineer lost more than 8 million baht to call centre scammers after being deceived into speaking with them on the phone for seven consecutive days. The 32 year old victim, Siwat, sought help from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive yesterday, May 1, after going bankrupt and being forced to close his restaurant in the Khlong Sam neighbourhood of…
-
Thailand mulls motorcycle cut amid China slowdown, US tariff fears
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is contemplating a reduction in Thailand’s motorcycle manufacturing target, despite an increase in production in the first quarter of this year. The decision arises from a sluggish domestic economy, decreased foreign tourist arrivals, especially from China, and uncertainties linked to US President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice-chairman of the FTI and spokesperson for…
-
Thailand ranked 7th happiest country in the world
The Thai government is inviting the public to celebrate after Thailand was ranked the seventh happiest country in the world, according to global market research and public opinion specialist Ipsos. The Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, Anukool Pruksanusak, shared the good news during a press conference yesterday, May 1. Anukool stated that Thailand placed seventh in the 2025 Global…
-
Lottery luck heats up Thailand with hot picks for May 2 draw
Fortune hunters, get ready – May’s lottery buzz is here and Thailand’s favourite number whisperers have spoken. With the Thai Government Lottery draw set for today, May 2, lottery hopefuls across the country are once again diving deep into predictions, calendars, and social media gurus to hunt down those elusive lucky numbers. And leading the charge this month? The much-anticipated…
-
Phuket scammer busted after conning restaurants for drug cash
A 29 year old con artist in Phuket who posed as a food delivery customer to trick restaurant owners out of their cash has been arrested after weeks on the run. The man, known only by his nickname “Knot,” rode around Phuket on a black M-Slash motorcycle, preying on small eateries with a scam that left at least 10 victims…
-
Pattaya wrong-way driver damages car, claims police ties
A Thai man took to social media to seek justice after police failed to arrest a suspect who damaged his car because he did not let him drive against the traffic flow on a Pattaya road. The victim, Nawakorn Thongpha, shared a video of the incident on his Facebook account on April 30, along with a description of the events. The…
-
US tariffs force Thailand to cut growth forecast to 2.1%
The Ministry of Finance has revised its forecast for Thailand’s economic growth this year to 2.1%, down from the previous 3%, citing the impact of US tariffs and a global economic slowdown on Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy. Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office, indicated that if the US imposes a 10% tariff on Thai imports instead of the…
-
Multiple affairs discovered after woman’s murder in Chon Buri
A Thai man fatally stabbed a woman in a rented house in the Si Racha district of Chon Buri on April 29 before attempting a failed suicide. The suspected motive was jealousy as the woman was reportedly involved in affairs with seven men. The 50 year old Thai man, Sanya, was shocked to discover the lifeless body of his girlfriend, 51…
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.