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 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?...
-
Strategist shares HIV journey from Thailand at AIDS 2024
A 39 year old strategist working with Hiv-Sverige/HIV-Sweden, a national organisation dedicated to the welfare of people living with HIV, revealed he contracted the virus in Thailand in 2012. Emanuel Karlstrom expressed gratitude to the Thai Red Cross Society’s Anonymous Clinic for providing him with HIV medication and essential guidance on maintaining a healthy life while living with the virus.…
-
High hopes: Anutin’s green light for cannabis bill in Thailand
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed confidence yesterday that the cannabis control bill will be enacted within the tenure of the current coalition government. Meanwhile, a health advocacy group has pushed for a complete ban on recreational cannabis use. The Bhumjaithai Party submitted an initial version of the bill to the House last September. The Ministry of…
-
Thailand eases visa rules to attract long-term visitors
New visa regulations issued by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have made it significantly easier to visit and stay in the country long-term. The number of countries eligible for visa-free entry has increased from 57 to 93, now including India and China. Visitors from these countries will receive a 60-day entry stamp, which can be extended for another 30 days…
-
Homeless Thai couple caught having sex in temple in Isaan (video)
A Thai monk caught a homeless couple having sex in a temple in the Isaan province of Surin and called the police to the scene to stop them from continuing the dirty deed. Officers from Mueang Surin Police Station were called to the temple in the middle of the night after the monk found the homeless couple engaging in sexual…
-
Thailand joins forces with Cambodia to tackle call centre gangs
Top police officials from Thailand and Cambodia have declared war on call centre gangs, vowing to put an end to their reign of terror. The two nations agreed to collaborate during a high-stakes teleconference held today, sparking hope for millions affected by these scams. The critical agreement was struck between the Royal Thai Police, led by Commissioner-General Police General Torsak…
-
Hong Kong policeman’s fatal fall from baht bus sparks safety outcry
Pattaya Tourist Police are offering comprehensive support to the widow of a Hong Kong policeman who tragically lost his life after falling off a baht bus on Pattaya Second Road on July 22. The shocking incident has catapulted road safety in Pattaya into the national spotlight. The grieving widow is receiving assistance from police to navigate the investigation and manage claims…
-
Thaksin’s birthday bash: Alms, lunch, and A-list guests
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to mark his 75th birthday with a private yet lavish celebration at his Chan Song Lar mansion in Bangkok. According to his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin will offer alms to Buddhist monks and host a lunch for a select group of close friends tomorrow. Paetongtarn revealed that her father plans to make…
-
Songkhla raid uncovers smuggled goods worth 8 million baht
Songkhla police raided a warehouse used to store smuggled goods, including e-cigarettes and foreign alcohol, with an estimated loss of 8 million baht. Investigations are underway to apprehend all involved parties. Chamleng Buasong, a Songkhla excise officer, led a coordinated operation with officers from the Excise Department, Region 9 Excise Office, Hat Yai Police Station, and Hat Yai District Administrative…
-
Ex-police officer foiled in Phatthalung gold shop robbery attempt
A former police officer, dismissed from service, attempted to rob a gold shop in Phatthalung’s central market. Armed with a gun and a hammer, the suspect was thwarted by the shop owner who noticed the gun was fake and managed to apprehend him. Phatthalung City Police Station received a report at around 11.30am from a concerned citizen about a robbery…
-
SCG Décor forecasts 10% rise to 30 billion baht in ASEAN market
SCG Décor (SCGD), a key player in the decor surface and bathroom business, projects a 10% year-on-year revenue increase to 30 billion baht, largely fuelled by heightened sales in the ASEAN market, including a significant push for green products. The company anticipates its revenue will double by 2030. Numpol Malichai, Chief Executive and Managing Director of SCGD, revealed the company’s intention…
-
Thai police crack down on ecstasy disguised as cartoon figurines
An alarming rise in a new form of ecstasy, resembling cartoon figurines, has been reported on social media, particularly in Chiang Rai. This new trend makes the drug more appealing and accessible to youth, prompting immediate police action. Police General Kittirat Phanpet, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, addressed the issue of ecstasy disguised as cartoon characters. He acknowledged…
-
Thailand’s SME D Bank offers interest-free loans to entrepreneurs
Thailand’s Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank (SME D Bank) has partnered with the National Innovation Agency (NIA) to offer interest-free loans for up to three years to entrepreneurs developing innovative products and services. Phichit Mitrawong, Managing Director of SME D Bank, announced this initiative following the signing of a cooperation agreement with the NIA yesterday. The agreement aims to…
-
Thai woman accuses ex-husband’s wife of killing him for fortune
A Thai woman in the southern province of Krabi accused her ex-husband’s wife of killing him for his 10 million baht fortune. The wife admitted to killing her husband but did not mention her husband’s assets. Officers from Khao Phanom Police Station were alerted to the death of 52 year old Thai man Preecha at 9pm on July 22. He…
-
Elderly man killed by pit bull in Khon Kaen
A 70 year old Thai man was attacked and killed by an American Pit Bull Terrier in Khon Kaen province. The man’s 33 year old son, Prasert collected his father’s body from the Srinagarind Hospital morgue. The attack occurred at Kho village, Kud Khon Kaen subdistrict, Phuwiang district yesterday, July 24. Prasert, deeply saddened, urged the dog’s owner to take…
-
Sudden bus route changes spark chaos for Bangkok commuters
Chaos ensued for bus commuters in Greater Bangkok, as route changes implemented this morning left many passengers bewildered and stranded. The unannounced alterations disrupted the usual morning commute, resulting in longer wait times and confusion over the new routes. Passengers overwhelmed the Facebook pages of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), the Transport Ministry, and Bangkokbusclub.com with complaints. The sudden…
-
Indian tourist drowns at Surin Beach despite red flag warning
A 27 year old Indian tourist drowned at Surin Beach after getting entangled in a rip current during an early morning swim with friends yesterday, July 24. A red flag, indicating dangerous water conditions, was posted on Surin Beach. Despite this warning, the Indian tourist, Kapoor Manav and his friends ventured into the sea. Thalang Police Station received notification at…
-
Highways Department’s tree-mendous tribute for king’s birthday
The Department of Highways, District 16, recently launched a tree-planting initiative in honour of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 72nd birthday. The event took place at Highway 44, between the kilometre markers 132+700, in Kanchanadit district, Surat Thani. The event saw the participation of over 700 individuals, including executives, highway department officials, employees, and contractors. Led by Paijit Saengthong, Director…
-
Thailand car production hits brakes amid finance woes
Thailand’s car production has skidded to a 20.11% drop in June compared to last year, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). This decline accelerates from May’s 16.19% downturn, driven by stricter financing rules and soaring consumer debt levels. In the first half of this year, car production tumbled by 17.39%, totalling 761,240 units. The FTI attributes this slump…
-
Chao Phraya bridges to shine for King’s 72nd birthday celebrations
Three iconic bridges over the Chao Phraya River will be illuminated starting tomorrow as part of the nationwide celebrations for the 72nd birthday of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. The Rural Roads Department announced this festive display, which will continue until next Tuesday, July 30. Decorative lights will adorn the Bhumibol 1 and 2 Bridges, which connect Bangkok…
-
Rainy morning crash in Chaiyaphum injures four
A road crash in Chaiyaphum province this morning resulted in three heavily damaged pickup trucks and four injuries. A white Toyota Hilux Revo lost control and veered into oncoming traffic, colliding with two other pickups. Chaiyaphum City Police Station received a report at 7.05am today, July 25, of a multi-vehicle collision in front of Chaiyaphum Radiator Shop on the Chaiyaphum-Si…
-
Thai man arrested for arson at Pak Kret Police Station, Bangkok
Police arrested a Thai man for setting fire to Pak Kret Police Station in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok on July 16. The cause of the fire was initially thought to be a short circuit before CCTV footage revealed it as arson. The fire broke out on the second floor of Pak Kret Police Station, which was used to store case…
-
New runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport sparks emergency drill
Suvarnabhumi International Airport conducted a high-stakes emergency exercise under the codename SENOP-24 on Tuesday, July 23. This drill, aimed at preparing for the grand opening of the airport’s third runway set for mid-September, was designed to ensure every team is battle-ready for any potential crisis. Kittipong Kittikachorn, the Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport and a key figure in Airports of Thailand…
-
Indonesia launches golden visa with 10-year residency for investors
Indonesia has introduced a long-term visa scheme aimed at attracting rich, “good-quality” foreign investors, President Joko Widodo announced. The new Golden Visa offers a 10-year residency permit to those rich enough to invest up to US$10 million in Southeast Asia’s largest economy. The scheme includes a five-year visa option, requiring an individual to set up a company worth US$2.5 million,…
-
Bangkok police arrest couple for selling explicit content online
Police raids in Bangkok led to the arrest of a famous couple known for creating explicit online content, which they sold to over 400,000 followers. Sex toys, school uniforms, and wigs were found during the raid. The cyber crime division of the Royal Thai Police discovered the illegal activities involving the sale of explicit material through X, formerly Twitter. The…
-
Lottery enthusiasts visit Phayao temple for lucky numbers
Residents and lottery enthusiasts flocked to the ancient Suan Dok temple, over 1,000 years old, to seek blessings from the revered Phor Suan Dok statue. The temple is located in Ban Huai Luk, T. Tun, Mueang district, Phayao province. Locals brought offerings of flowers, incense, and candles to pay respects to the Buddha statue within the temple. They also sought…
-
Thai police arrest Discord group for underage erotic livestreaming
Thai police arrested a group of individuals running a Discord group with hundreds of thousands of followers, accused of luring a 15 year old girl into livestreaming indecent content and charging members for access. Today, July 25, the police, under the command of Police Major General Saruti Kwangsopa, and led by Police Colonel Phatthanapong Sripinproh and Police Lieutenant Colonel Woraphon…
-
Thailand Video News | Bangkok Named Among Top 30 Most Dangerous Cities for Tourists, Taxi Drivers Arrested for Vicious Assault on App Taxi Driver in Phuket
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex presented stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. The highlights include Bangkok being listed among the top 30 most dangerous cities for tourists, and the arrest of taxi drivers in Phuket for assault. Public transport issues persist, with over 100,000 complaints filed in just nine months. In rural Thailand, a farmer is forced to…
-
Thai mother’s long drive to Samut Songkhram to report son’s death
A Thai mother from Surin faced a tragic ordeal when her son died in their car while travelling from Satun. She drove over 100 kilometres to report the incident in Samut Songkhram early today. The Thai mother, 52 year old Siripak from Rangaeng, Sikhoraphum, Surin, reported the death of her son at the Mueang Samut Songkhram Police Station at 7.30am…
-
Mooring buoys installed off Koh Hei to protect coral reefs
Rawai Municipality and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Region Third Area Command at Cape Panwa spearheaded an initiative yesterday to install more mooring buoys off Koh Hei (Coral Island). The event, held to honour His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday this Sunday, July 28, was led by Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos and Rear Admiral Suchat Thammapitakwet, Commander of the RTN…
-
Myanmar woman killed, husband injured in Samut Prakan attack
A violent altercation in Samut Prakan resulted in the death of a Myanmar woman and severe injuries to her husband. The incident occurred yesterday, July 24, in Klong Dan, Bang Bo district, when a 29 year old man, reportedly intoxicated, attacked the couple, who had attempted to intervene in a domestic dispute. Police Captain Phonchai Komkhuntod from Klong Dan Police…
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.