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 Answers to the most common questions about international health insurance
If you’ve been thinking of staying in Thailand long-term, you’ve probably already asked the big question, “Do I actually need international health insurance?” It’s a question that often comes up among expats, digital nomads, retirees, and even frequent travellers. Sure,...
-
Pattaya raid busts South Korean gambling in coffee shop
Authorities in Pattaya arrested 10 South Korean nationals during a raid on a coffee shop that doubled as a gambling den. The police operation took place yesterday evening on the second floor of Sand Coffee in Bang Lamung district. Bang Lamung district chief Veekit Manarojkiit and Pattaya Police Colonel Navin Thirawit led the raid at 9.26pm. Upon entering, they discovered…
-
British family leaves UK for Thailand for cheaper living costs
A young British family has swapped the grey skies of Cheshire for the sunny shores of Thailand, seeking refuge from the UK’s crippling cost of living crisis. Jess, her partner Harry (surnames withheld), and their two year old daughter Cece uprooted their lives in Congleton to start afresh in Southeast Asia. Their decision was driven by surging energy bills that…
-
Bangkok beats the heat: A top summer destination
Bangkok clinched a spot among the world’s top 10 summer destinations, according to the latest Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) report. The MEI’s Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries reveals that Bangkok is set to see a surge in tourist demand over the next three months, ranking 7th globally. David Mann, Mastercard’s chief economist for Asia Pacific (APAC), highlighted that Thailand’s tourism…
-
SpiceJet launches daily flights from Delhi to Phuket
Indian low-cost airline SpiceJet unveiled its latest venture: daily non-stop flights connecting Delhi to Phuket, commencing on May 31. Ajay Singh, SpiceJet’s Chairman and Managing Director, expressed his enthusiasm for the new route. “We are incredibly excited to launch our first-ever service to Phuket, a world-renowned destination. We are confident that our new daily non-stop flights will be a popular choice…
-
Patong: Intoxicated tourist causes chaos on Thaweewong Road
Authorities in Patong had to intervene when a foreign tourist, heavily intoxicated, caused a disturbance on Thaweewong Road early Tuesday morning, May 14. Despite the incident occurring four days prior, details were released today, underscoring that officers adhered to standard police protocols. At approximately 2.30am on Tuesday, Patong Police Station received multiple alerts from concerned citizens and tourists about a…
-
E-cigarette drug ring busted in Bangkok: Meth-infused vapes
Thai authorities announced the capture of an international drug ring after a dramatic raid on several Bangkok condominiums on Thursday. The Thai Special Service Division (SSD) and other agencies revealed their findings in a high-profile press conference. According to the SSD, the operation targeted a criminal network distributing modified e-cigarettes laced with methamphetamine and other dangerous substances. The investigation began…
-
Southern Thailand: Locals unite to halt Land Bridge project
People’s networks from Ranong and Chumphon provinces rallied yesterday in front of the Lang Suan district office, vehemently opposing the controversial multi-billion baht Land Bridge project planned for their region. Protesters issued a powerful statement demanding the immediate cancellation of the project, arguing it would deplete vital resources better preserved for future generations. “Our children and grandchildren deserve a sustainable…
-
Black May deceased protesters honoured: Demand for democracy
In a poignant gathering to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the Black May protests, politicians, academics, activists, and relatives of those killed in the 1992 crackdown honoured the fallen democracy heroes. The Black May 1992 Memorial on Ratchadamnoen Avenue was the site of a solemn ceremony and merit-making rituals for the deceased yesterday. Officially, 44 lives were lost, though the…
-
Flash flood warning issued for 26 provinces due to heavy rain
Residents in 26 provinces have been alerted to the risk of flash floods starting today until May 25 as heavy rainfall is anticipated across various regions, prompting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to intensify efforts to clear the city’s drainage system and install water pumps. Deputy government spokesperson Karom Phonphonklang announced that heavy rain is forecasted for 26 provinces, including…
-
Thailand and Italy to strengthen ties in renewable energy
Thailand and Italy will intensify cooperation in renewable energy, sports tourism, medical science, pharmaceuticals, and defence, according to Deputy Government Spokeswoman Radklao Intawong Suwankiri. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni will discuss these topics to bolster bilateral ties during the premier’s official five-day visit to Italy which started yesterday. Celebrating the 156th anniversary of diplomatic relations,…
-
The case for legal gambling in Thailand
The gambling industry has seen massive growth internationally in recent years. With iGaming coming to the fore, players worldwide can legally try their luck and enjoy the thrills that gambling is famous for. In some countries, however, the act of gambling is not only frowned upon but wholly illegal. Thailand is one of these places, and it has strict legislation…
-
Buffalo farmer in Phetchabun wins 6 million baht lottery
A buffalo farmer in Phetchabun scooped first prize in Thailand’s latest lottery draw, receiving a whopping 6 million baht. The Thai farmer attributed his luck to confiding in his buffalo named Jao Thapthim after a storm damaged his pen. Samrerng, a resident of Village No. 1 in Thaidong Subdistrict, Wang Pong District, Phetchabun Province, became the lucky winner of the first…
-
Plane pain: Soaring airfares hit turbulence amid shortage struggles
Soaring airfares are expected to persist as airlines grapple with a shortage of planes, labour, and spare parts, making it challenging to meet the surging demand for travel. A recent report by ING Bank NV highlights the myriad issues plaguing the global aviation industry, noting ongoing supply-chain constraints. Air travel demand is anticipated to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year but…
-
FIFA’s Infantino takes to the pitch with legends in Bangkok (video)
In a prelude to the 74th FIFA Congress, held in Bangkok, FIFA President Gianni Infantino laced up his boots for a friendly football clash alongside iconic stars of yesteryears. The pitch saw a gathering of stars including Luis Figo, Cafu, El-Hadji Diouf, Emmanuel Adebayor, Andriy Shevchenko, and Clarence Seedorf, each representing their footballing confederations. Post-match, former Arsenal ace Emmanuel Adebayor,…
-
Commerce ministry acts to control prices amid minimum wage hike
The Ministry of Commerce implemented two measures to tackle rising product prices following the minimum wage increase to 400 baht. Officials are closely monitoring clothing prices and urging businesses to maintain prices for essential goods in eight categories. Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade Wattanasak Sueaiam stated yesterday May 16 that the private sector is preparing to raise product…
-
From smog to serenity: Bangkok’s Benjakitti Park breathes new life
Bangkok, former home to a sprawling industrial estate, where Thailand’s state-owned tobacco monopoly churned out millions of cigarettes for over half a century, emerges from the smog. Benjakitti Park, an urban oasis, has rapidly become a beloved haven for Bangkok’s 11 million residents. Officially opened in August 2022 to honour Queen Sirikit’s 90th birthday, the now 40-hectare Benjakitti Park boasts…
-
Trendy Thai festival takes Shanghai by storm
Shanghai’s Super Brand Mall buzzed with excitement as the much-anticipated Thai Festival 2024, themed Trendy Thai, kicked off last Friday, May 10. During the opening ceremony, Prinat Apirat, Thailand’s Consul General in Shanghai stated that the festival serves as a bridge connecting rich cultures and peoples, fostering mutual understanding, appreciation, and an enduring friendship. The three-day extravaganza, which ran from May…
-
27 mischievous macaques relocated to new high-security habitat
To curb the rising menace of aggressive macaques terrorising Lopburi, officials unveiled a new sanctuary at the Pho Khao Ton Monkey Garden. The first 27 macaques were ceremoniously released into their luxurious new home yesterday, May 16, complete with a pool and swinging vines fashioned from motorcycle tyres. This relocation is the province’s strategic response to the escalating conflicts between…
-
Delivering laughs: Thai food rider mistaken for customer’s lover
A food delivery rider offered some food for thought when he shared a humorous video on TikTok after being mistaken for a customer’s lover and facing a complaint from the customer’s boyfriend. The video, shared on the TikTok account @basnobu23 yesterday, May 16, shows the food delivery rider, Bas, talking on the phone with the customer’s boyfriend. Customer’s boyfriend: Why…
-
Jealous durian vendor’s ex-partner opens fire, injuring two
The serene atmosphere of the Thung Kok Police Station was shattered yesterday evening as a durian vendor raced to the station, revealing the gunshot wounds he received from his jealous ex-wife. The incident transpired at a Suphan Buri residence, approximately 5 kilometres away from the police station. The driver, 55 year old Aphichot was shot, and sustained injuries to his…
-
Lopburi landlady’s daughter in law locks in tenants over deposit row
A house owner’s daughter in law in the central province of Lopburi trapped five tenants inside the property after the family failed to pay a tenancy deposit of 2,500 baht. One of the trapped tenants, a 25 year old woman, Siriwan, sought help from police and a rescue team after she, and her husband, were unable to leave the house for…
-
Car fire creates traffic jam near Buffalo Market in South Pattaya
A car fire erupted on Thepprasit Road in South Pattaya yesterday, causing chaos near the Buffalo Market. A black Kia van burst into flames, sending thick smoke billowing across the road towards Jomtien Beach, bringing traffic to a standstill. The incident sparked when 36 year old Patcharaporn Chatmong had just dropped her child off at school. Moments later, the brakes…
-
Thailand’s unemployment crisis soars despite tourism boom
Thailand’s unemployment rate continues to climb, with a staggering 410,000 people out of work in the first quarter of this year, according to the National Statistical Office. The hardest-hit group is those with higher education degrees. Office director Piyanuch Wuttisorn revealed that of the total, around 79,000 people have been unemployed for more than a year.” The statistics paint a…
-
Taxi dispute disrupts tourists at Phuket’s Cafe del Mar
Taxi drivers in front of Cafe del Mar in Kamala have once again caused a disturbance that has negatively impacted tourists’ experiences in Phuket. A complaint was lodged at Kamala Police Station following an incident on Wednesday night. A metered taxi driver, 40 year old Chalermphon Kwanyuen, received a booking via the Bolt app to pick up passengers from Cafe…
-
Israeli girl dies in tuk tuk accident on Patong Beach Road
A tragic accident claimed the life of a young Israeli girl on Patong Beach Road last night. Patong police received a report at 10.40pm that a five year old girl, Nbaa Bahnasi from Jerusalem, had fallen from a tuk tuk while travelling with her family on Thaweewong Road. The tuk tuk driver, 51 year old Bunyang Kaewaksorn, explained to the…
-
Heavy rainfall warnings for Thailand’s 54 provinces
Thailand is braced for heavy rainfall today as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issues warnings for 54 provinces, including Bangkok, which faces a 60% chance of storms. The southern region is expected to be hit the hardest, with 70% of the area affected. The TMD forecasted the weather for the next 24 hours, indicating that high-pressure systems or cold air…
-
Beloved Brit found dead in Thailand hotel room
A 47 year old machine operator from Pontypridd, South Wales was found dead in his hotel room in Thailand, leaving family and friends devastated. Simon Brown, known as Browny, was discovered lifeless last Saturday, and an investigation into his untimely death is underway. Loved ones describe their state as one of total shock and sadness, as there were no prior…
-
Red carpet rollout: Thaksin spotted at ex-redshirt’s new restaurant
In a surprising public appearance today, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra surfaced to congratulate an ex-redshirt leader on the grand opening of his second southern Thai cuisine restaurant in Bangkok. The 74 year old ex PM was warmly welcomed at Yeam Tai on Chaiyaphruk Road by a cadre of influential political figures. Among them were Bhumjaithai Party leader and Deputy…
-
Mango mania: Thailand’s sweet export boom
Thailand’s mango exports soared by a staggering 130% in the first quarter of this year, reaching an impressive 1.6 billion baht, compared to the same period last year. Not to be outdone, exports of sticky rice saw a notable increase of 13%, totalling about 1 billion baht. Chotima Iemsawasdikul, the Director-General of the Trade Negotiations Department, attributed this surge to…
-
Thai man seeks justice after assault by Bangkok nightclub thug (video)
A Thai man is seeking justice after being brutally assaulted by a thug outside an entertainment venue in Bangkok. His crime? Intervening to protect a female friend from harassment. The 21 year old victim, Prayut, reached out to non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after the attacker, Parkphoom, remained at large despite the serious assault on him on April 21. Prayut revealed that…
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.