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.

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    9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand

    Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...

  • AirAsia unveils new mouth-watering Thai menu

    AirAsia unveils new mouth-watering Thai menu

    AirAsia takes inflight dining to a whole new level with the introduction of a truly Thai menu, delighting travellers from Thailand and beyond. Starting July 1, passengers on Thai AirAsia (FD) and Thai AirAsia X (XJ) flights can savour the authentic flavours of Thailand, crafted to perfection. The highlight of the new menu is the Flying Kuai Tiew Ruea (Chicken…

  • Tourist trap: Fake guides from Vietnam rob compatriots in Thailand

    Tourist trap: Fake guides from Vietnam rob compatriots in Thailand

    A Vietnamese man faces legal punishment after he and his friends posed as tour guides to trick Vietnamese victims into travelling to Thailand and later robbing them, causing over 1 million baht in damages. The theft occurred at a rented house in Soi Sukhumvit 101 in the Phra Khanong district of Bangkok at around 11.30am on August 21 of last…

  • Thailand’s airports hit new highs as passenger numbers increase

    Thailand’s airports hit new highs as passenger numbers increase

    Thailand’s six international airports, operated by Airports of Thailand (AOT), witnessed a record-breaking influx of passengers in the first five months of 2024. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced a whopping 52.16 million travellers, marking a 20.28% rise compared to the same period last year. AOT manages six key airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang, Phuket, and Hat…

  • Son confesses to stabbing bedridden mother in Kamphaeng Phet

    Son confesses to stabbing bedridden mother in Kamphaeng Phet

    A tragic event unfolded yesterday when a son confessed to fatally stabbing his bedridden mother in Kamphaeng Phet, neighbour noted his longstanding frustration with caring for his mother, whom the son considered a burden. Police received the distress call yesterday evening and arrived at the scene, accompanied by rescue personnel from Sawang Kamphaeng Phet Dhammasathan. The victim, 54 year old…

  • NACC calls for probe into BMA’s electric truck project

    NACC calls for probe into BMA’s electric truck project

    The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) urged the Secretariat of the Cabinet to scrutinise the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) 3.99-billion-baht project aimed at leasing electric garbage trucks, amid concerns of potential corruption. NACC chairman Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit submitted a formal letter to the secretariat yesterday, July 3, providing detailed recommendations on how to prevent corruption in these large-scale projects. The commission had…

  • Pattaya taxi driver assaults 2 women over signal dispute (video)

    Pattaya taxi driver assaults 2 women over signal dispute (video)

    Two women reached out to several Thai news agencies to seek justice after a motorcycle taxi rider physically assaulted them in Soi Pattaya 4 after they complained about the rider failing to signal before turning. The victims, 42 year old Mayom and 25 year old Arthitiya, revealed to Channel 3 and other news agencies that the assault occurred on July…

  • Khon Kaen man decapitates grandfather in drug-fuelled frenzy

    Khon Kaen man decapitates grandfather in drug-fuelled frenzy

    A truly gruesome scene unfolded in Khon Kaen when a 22 year old drug addict, experienced a severe withdrawal episode, and decapitated his grandfather with a machete, leaving his father in shock upon discovering the horrific scene. Police were alerted to a frenzied attack at 4pm yesterday, July 3, involving a young man using a machete to behead his grandfather…

  • Thailand’s aviation hub vision depends on domestic travel options

    Thailand’s aviation hub vision depends on domestic travel options

    For Thailand to recognise its goal of becoming a regional aviation hub by 2030, a stronger emphasis must be placed on enhancing its domestic travel capabilities by integrating and developing the various transport modes currently available. Managing Director of Alton Aviation Consultancy, Mabel Kwan emphasised the importance of collaboration within the aviation ecosystem, involving airlines, airports, customers, ground handling, and…

  • Toy story: Thailand art toys boom with adult collectors’ creativity

    Toy story: Thailand art toys boom with adult collectors’ creativity

    The local art toys sector in Thailand is experiencing significant growth, primarily driven by the purchasing power of mainly adult collectors, compounded by the creativity of small toy manufacturers. According to the Director-General of the Business Development Department, Auramon Supthaweethum, the art toy business is set for continued expansion due to rising consumer demand, presenting promising opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs.…

  • Thai mascot assaulted by foreigner seeks public’s help

    Thai mascot assaulted by foreigner seeks public’s help

    A man dressed in a mascot costume was unexpectedly assaulted by a foreigner who first asked to shake his hand. The incident left him unconscious, marking the most severe attack he has faced in his 10-year career. He is now seeking an apology. Nantawat Palawat posted a plea on his Facebook page for help after being attacked by an unknown…

  • Pheu Thai urged to uphold transparency, military reforms by MFP

    Pheu Thai urged to uphold transparency, military reforms by MFP

    Pheu Thai Party is being urged to uphold its commitments to enhance transparency and efficiency in Parliament, introduce a new political amnesty bill, and accelerate military reforms, according to Move Forward Party (MFP) chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat. These commitments were outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that Pheu Thai and MFP signed before agreeing on the allocation of the…

  • Thai police arrest key suspect in major Bangkok shooting incident

    Thai police arrest key suspect in major Bangkok shooting incident

    Thai police arrested a 26 year old man on charges of conspiracy, premeditated murder, and other crimes following a shooting incident in Bang Na, Bangkok. The suspect, Danai Bangkha, was arrested during a large-scale operation named “Crackdown on Influential Criminals” in Mueang, Samut Prakan, led by Police Major General Theeradech Thamsuthee of the Metropolitan Police Investigation. Over 100 officers from…

  • Car crash in Lampang leaves one dead, another seriously injured

    Car crash in Lampang leaves one dead, another seriously injured

    A tragic car crash in Lampang resulting from a vehicle veering off course and crashing into a tree has resulted in one fatality and serious injury to the passenger, requiring substantial rescue efforts involving hydraulic tools. The incident occurred yesterday, July 3, at 9.15pm when police received reports of an accident involving a sedan in Thoen district, Lampang province. Officers…

  • Thai police seize 13 million pills, 746 firearms in national crackdown

    Thai police seize 13 million pills, 746 firearms in national crackdown

    National Police Chief Torsak Sukvimol disclosed the outcomes of Operation 767, a nationwide crackdown by Thai police on influential groups, hired gunmen, and crime syndicates. The operation, conducted across 183 locations, targeted criminal gangs, loan sharks, figures linked to local politicians, bid-rigging groups, and public land encroachers. Police managed to apprehend 87 suspects. In the course of the operation, the…

  • Teen driving against traffic tragically collides with six-wheeler truck

    Teen driving against traffic tragically collides with six-wheeler truck

    A tragic accident occurred when a teenage student drove his motorcycle against the flow of traffic, slipped on a patch of mud and collided head-on with a six-wheeler. The incident took place around 5pm yesterday, July 3, prompting an immediate response from the Chaiyapruek Police Station and Ruamkatanyu Foundation officials. The crash happened at the U-turn point under the Phra…

  • Pattaya Sea Walker accident prompts police dive into safety checks

    Pattaya Sea Walker accident prompts police dive into safety checks

    An unfortunate incident involving an Indian tourist prompted the Pattaya Tourist Police to inspect a Sea Walker business, a popular water activity in the area. The tourist suffered severe injuries while participating in the Sea Walker experience and needed urgent medical care at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital. The Sea Walker activity involves participants wearing helmets that supply air while they explore…

  • OnlyFans star arrested for explicit outdoor videos with minors

    OnlyFans star arrested for explicit outdoor videos with minors

    Thai police apprehended a transgender OnlyFans content creator accused of luring minors into producing explicit videos, generating a substantial monthly income. The arrest followed a detailed investigation into child pornography on social media platforms. Police officers from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, directed by Police Major General Saruti Kwangsopa, executed the arrest warrant for 27 year old Patipat at his…

  • Thailand vows stronger action against transboundary haze pollution

    Thailand vows stronger action against transboundary haze pollution

    Thailand has pledged to intensify efforts against transboundary haze pollution in collaboration with regional partners, according to Environment Minister Phatcharavat Wongsuwan. Phatcharavat announced yesterday, July 3, at an ASEAN sub-regional ministerial committee meeting on haze pollution in Bangkok. Representatives from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand attended the meeting, with Timor-Leste participating as an observer. Expressing gratitude for the collaborative…

  • Pattaya introduces beach zoning to improve water tourism safety

    Pattaya introduces beach zoning to improve water tourism safety

    Pattaya City and the Pattaya Marine Department are taking steps to revitalise the Pattaya Model plan to better regulate water tourism activities in Pattaya Bay. The initiative aims to enhance marine safety by implementing crucial zoning measures. Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampichet and Director of the Pattaya Regional Marine Department, Ekkarat Kantaro, discussed these plans in a recent meeting. Poramase noted that…

  • Government scandal: PM Srettha orders probe into ‘pay-for-passes’

    Government scandal: PM Srettha orders probe into ‘pay-for-passes’

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin launched an urgent investigation into claims that entry passes to Government House are being sold for cash. Speaking to reporters, the Thai PM expressed his dismay at the allegations. “I have never heard of such activity, but I find it utterly unacceptable. I have ordered those concerned to look into the reports and hope that they…

  • British couple outraged over price of Heinz Beanz in Thailand (video)

    British couple outraged over price of Heinz Beanz in Thailand (video)

    A British couple holidaying in Thailand discovered that home comforts come at a shocking price abroad. Mark and Nadine, originally from the UK and Ireland but residing in Australia, embarked on their tropical getaway only to be floored by the cost of a simple can of Heinz Baked Beanz. While perusing a local supermarket, the pair stumbled upon the familiar…

  • Retired cop threatens delivery rider over payment dispute

    Retired cop threatens delivery rider over payment dispute

    A Thai parcel delivery rider from logistics company Flash Express took to social media to seek justice after a man, believed to be a retired police officer or soldier, threatened to physically assault and shoot him over a payment dispute. A video of the incident, which was recorded by the rider, 22 year old Phonpipat, was shared by his brother…

  • Police turns blind eye to knife-wielding man demanding beach fee

    Police turns blind eye to knife-wielding man demanding beach fee

    An alarming incident unfolded recently at a Phuket beach, involving a man allegedly threatening two fishermen with a machete while demanding a beach fee. Despite having evidence, the local police dismissed the complaint, deeming it a mere story. Today, July 3, a local fisherman who recorded the video, Wut, recounted the events. He and two friends initially went fishing at…

  • Koh Samui’s drought nightmare vs Phuket’s flooding chaos

    Koh Samui’s drought nightmare vs Phuket’s flooding chaos

    Koh Samui is reeling from an acute water shortage as its reservoirs are drying up amid a prolonged drought. On the neighbouring island of Phuket, residents are battling heavy rainfall and flooding. Koh Samui’s main reservoir, with a capacity of 800,000 cubic metres, is down to a mere 10%, enough to last just two weeks. The Krajood reservoir fares slightly…

  • Blackchin tilapia fish threatens Songkhla Lake

    Blackchin tilapia fish threatens Songkhla Lake

    The Songkhla provincial fisheries office is urging the public to report any sightings of the invasive blackchin tilapia in local waterways. This predatory fish, originally from Africa, poses a severe threat to the delicate balance of Songkhla’s aquatic ecosystems. Sightings of the blackchin tilapia have been confirmed in several canals within the Ranot district, which are directly connected to Songkhla…

  • Consumer protection laws drafted to safeguard online shoppers

    Consumer protection laws drafted to safeguard online shoppers

    Shoppers in Thailand can now rejoice as new consumer protection laws have been introduced to safeguard online shoppers. These laws allow buyers to inspect goods before payment and request refunds within five days. Channel 3 reported that Prime Minister’s Office Minister, Jiraporn Sinthuprai revealed that many citizens have lodged complaints with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB). Issues…

  • Pattaya’s youth dive into new swimming programme

    Pattaya’s youth dive into new swimming programme

    To promote youth development and safety, Pattaya City launched its Youth Recreation Activities Project with a focus on the Basic Swimming Programme at Pattaya City School 11 (Mathayom Sathit). Running from July 2 to September 3, the Basic Swimming Programme aims to integrate essential aquatic skills into the school curriculum. Recognising the importance of swimming for both safety and physical…

  • Thai singer battle swarm of termites while on stage (video)

    Thai singer battle swarm of termites while on stage (video)

    A young singer found himself battling a swarm of flying termites while performing on stage, a bizarre situation captured and shared widely online, earning him considerable support from online users. In a viral clip posted on the Mongkhon Sound & Studio Facebook page, the singer, identified as 29 year old Witthaya Siwakrothok from Mueang district, Buriram Province, can be seen…

  • Revised debt management plan pushes borrowing to 1.03t baht

    Revised debt management plan pushes borrowing to 1.03t baht

    The Thai Cabinet approved a revised public debt management plan for the 2024 fiscal year, incorporating an additional 275.87 billion baht in borrowing. Of this, 269 billion baht is designated for direct government use and lending to state enterprises for debt restructuring. According to Deputy government spokesperson Rudklao Suwankiri, this revision increases the total new borrowing for the current fiscal…

  • PM Srettha orders ‘X-ray’ ops to sniff out drug abusers

    PM Srettha orders ‘X-ray’ ops to sniff out drug abusers

    To combat the narcotics epidemic, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin launched an aggressive nationwide crackdown on drug abuse and trafficking. Dubbed the “X-ray” operations, this initiative aims to root out drug abusers and dismantle trafficking networks across the country. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke declared that drug abusers will be sent to rehab centres, while traffickers will be arrested and face justice.…