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.

  • Pakistani man caught smuggling 80,000 pills into Thailand | Thaiger

    Pakistani man caught smuggling 80,000 pills into Thailand

    A Pakistani man was arrested at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday after he attempted to smuggle a suitcase brimming with drugs from Pakistan into the Kingdom of Thailand. Airport security flagged down a suspicious suitcase from Karachi, Pakistan, found to contain a plethora of Type 2 and Type 4 psychotropic substances. In total, police at the airport seized 79,200 pills…

  • Thailand Startup Pitch Competition | Thaiger Cage | Thaiger

    Thailand Startup Pitch Competition | Thaiger Cage

    The Thaiger launched a new start-up technology pitch event ‘The Thaiger Cage’ on 16th January 2023 at the Conrad Bangkok. It is a special prequel to the Thailand Tourism Forum (TTF) 2023, the country’s leading annual hospitality event. This event featured 5 Thailand-based start-ups who have specifically developed hospitality or tourism digital products or apps, pitching to 3 expert judges…

  • Jealous Thai wife accepts job at brothel after tracking cheating husband to the den of iniquity | Thaiger

    Jealous Thai wife accepts job at brothel after tracking cheating husband to the den of iniquity

    A jealous Thai wife who suspected her husband was cheating tracked him down to a brothel in Chiang Mai and was promptly offered a job. She accepted. The unnamed wife told a reporter that she had been suspicious of her husband’s adulterous affairs for a while and curiosity got the better of her so she checked his wallet, reported Bangkok…

  • Musk’s Twitter cuts keep Thai pedo clips online | Thaiger

    Musk’s Twitter cuts keep Thai pedo clips online

    A number of video clips showing alleged sexual abuse by a Thai art teacher and his underage victims have been circulating on Twitter for many days now. The videos first appeared on January 17. Prachatai English found the videos circulating the same day the suspect was arrested by police in Nakhon Ratchasima. The teacher, identified by local media as “Kanthapit,”…

  • Belgian man turns to garbage collecting to be with Thai boyfriend | Thaiger

    Belgian man turns to garbage collecting to be with Thai boyfriend

    A Belgian man spotted collecting garbage on the roadside in Sara Buri province in central Thailand told reporters he is trying to make money so he can stay with and support his Thai boyfriend. Yesterday, reporters happened to come across a 61 year old man, of Belgian nationality, collecting bottles and leaves on the side of the Asian Highway, reports…

  • Pad Thai in top 5 most requested meals by US foodies | Thaiger

    Pad Thai in top 5 most requested meals by US foodies

    A recent survey revealed that the popular Thailand dish pad Thai is the fourth most-requested meal by US foodies. US food delivery platform Grubhub announced the result of its top food ordering trends in its report “2022 Delivered: A Year of Takeout Wrapped in Layers of Comfort,” and pad Thai ranked the fourth most–delivered dish to the doorsteps of hungry…

  • British woman who fell from KPN balcony goes home | Thaiger

    British woman who fell from KPN balcony goes home

    The British woman who fell from a hotel balcony while on holiday on Koh Pha Ngan returned home to the UK after a successful fundraiser brought in £75,000 (3 million baht, US$100,000) in donations. Maddi Neale-Shankster, 21, was on a three-week trip to Thailand with her partner when she fell from the second floor of her accommodation on New Year’s Eve.…

  • Freerunning Frenchmen warned by police after thrillseeking exploits in Thailand | Thaiger

    Freerunning Frenchmen warned by police after thrillseeking exploits in Thailand

    Police warned five thrill-seeking Frenchmen that they face fines and time in prison if they are caught freerunning on residential buildings in Thailand. Trang Provincial Police received complaints from locals yesterday of the Frenchmen, aged between 25 and 30, filming their freerunning (also known as parkour) exploits over eight residential buildings in the southern province of Trang. Residents told police…

  • Govt to give away 100 million free rubber johnnies to Thailand’s sexually active | Thaiger

    Govt to give away 100 million free rubber johnnies to Thailand’s sexually active

    In a bid to crackdown on unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV, the government is giving away free rubber johnnies to holders of the 30 baht universal healthcare card. The National Health Security Office (NHSO) intends to distribute about 100 million condoms to sexually active holders of 30 baht universal healthcare cards. NHSO Secretary-General Dr Chadet Thammathat-aree made known…

  • Tourist collapses and dies on Pattaya’s major party road | Thaiger

    Tourist collapses and dies on Pattaya’s major party road

    A tourist tragically collapsed and died on Pattaya’s major party road, Walking Street, in the early hours of yesterday morning. Dozens of witnesses watched as the man suddenly collapsed in front of a strip of beer bars. The man collapsed without making any noise and hit his head hard on the pavement. Rescuers tried to provide CPR, but the man…

  • Bangkok barber botches pawnshop job | Thaiger

    Bangkok barber botches pawnshop job

    Bangkok barber Phuttarak “Chang Tong” Nakaew was minding his own business in his shop last week when a police officer came calling, pretending to be a customer. The officer arrested Chang Tong in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district after he’d finished cutting his hair. Sharp-eyed officers immediately seized a plastic revolver which the 40 year old used in an attempted…

  • Malware, not charging cable, to blame for phone hack | Thaiger

    Malware, not charging cable, to blame for phone hack

    A man’s Facebook post sparked controversy on social media after he reported that 101,560 baht (about US$3,300) had disappeared from his bank account while he was charging his phone at a public charging station. Many began to suspect that the charging cable had been tampered with to steal data from his device, leading to widespread concerns and panic. People vowed…

  • Police airport pick-up service delights Chinese tourists | Thaiger

    Police airport pick-up service delights Chinese tourists

    Nothing divides opinion in Thailand like Chinese tourists today. For the past few months, The Thaiger has run more stories about China and Chinese tourists than any other subject. Thailand’s public health minister says Chinese tourists won’t be discriminated against! Thailand prepares to welcome the infected tide of Chinese tourists! Chinese tourists expected to flock back to Phuket and Chiang…

  • Peace Corps return to Thailand Post-Covid | Thaiger

    Peace Corps return to Thailand Post-Covid

    On Friday, the Peace Corps in Thailand saw the return of 52 American volunteers, who will be serving alongside community members throughout the country. This marks the first time since the evacuation of volunteers in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The evacuation of volunteers in 2020 was a historical moment as it marked the first time in the…

  • Cheating Thai professors who research everything | Thaiger

    Cheating Thai professors who research everything

    When a student is caught cheating in an exam, the penalty, at the very least, is a failing grade. So when it became public recently that cheating Thai professors had bought their research papers, the student body, among many others, was eager to see what punishment would result. The Higher Education Ministry has told all universities to check the source…

  • Getting to Bangkok’s floating markets | Thaiger

    Getting to Bangkok’s floating markets

    Getting to Bangkok‘s floating markets just got a whole lot easier thanks to new feeder bus services from the MRT Blue Line to Bangkok’s four top floating markets. Bangkok’s floating markets might not be the capital’s biggest draw, but they are a must-see for almost every visitor to the city. Moreover, for those who live in the city, they are…

  • Is BMW really Thailand’s favourite car? | Thaiger

    Is BMW really Thailand’s favourite car?

    BMW is Thailand’s favourite car marque. It might not be the best-selling vehicle, but when Thai people have plenty of money to spend, they choose BMW. The company saw growth in registrations across its range, driven by last year’s marketing initiatives. BMW and Mini have led Thailand’s premium market for the past three years. Both have seen an increase in their…

  • China gives green light to Chinese tour groups | Thaiger

    China gives green light to Chinese tour groups

    China has lifted its restriction on group tours travelling to Thailand and 19 other countries. The reopening of tour groups officially started yesterday, marking a significant step towards normalising international travel for Chinese tourists. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism in China made the announcement yesterday. This move will officially allow tour agencies and online travel companies to begin booking…

  • Thai Ring Announcing and Fitness ft. Mark Abbott | Thaiger Podcast Ep.21 | Thaiger

    Thai Ring Announcing and Fitness ft. Mark Abbott | Thaiger Podcast Ep.21

    https://youtu.be/GSC0FR_Bm9Q Mark Abbott. Fitness Youtuber, MC, Combat sports, Ring announcer, and One of the Voices of the world-famous Muay Thai boxing venue, Lumpinee Stadium. Mark came to Thailand 17 years ago and is one of the top bilingual MCs and Fitness Youtubers in the country. We sit with him today to talk about his journey to becoming the voice of…

  • Exclusive Beachfront Property for Sale in Phuket | Twin Palms Residences Montazure | Thaiger

    Exclusive Beachfront Property for Sale in Phuket | Twin Palms Residences Montazure

    https://youtu.be/d1iBRg7RfkU Welcome to Twin Palms Residences Montazure in Kamala, Phuket, where luxury and serenity meet. Nestled on the picturesque Kamala beach, this exclusive beachfront condominium is the epitome of tropical living. This stunning condo boasts a spacious open floor plan with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking ocean views. The condo features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a private balcony. The…

  • Chinese-Thais pack Bangkok road for ‘day for shopping’ | Thaiger

    Chinese-Thais pack Bangkok road for ‘day for shopping’

    Chinese-Thais packed one road in Bangkok today for ‘day for shopping,’ a day that comes two days before Chinese New Year. Bangkok’s Yaowarat Road is celebrating Chinese New Year until February 15, Nation Thailand reported. On ‘day for shopping,’ Chinese-Thais usually buy food and other offerings for deities and gifts for relatives. Tomorrow, Saturday, will be the ‘day to pay…

  • Police ordain as monks to pray for Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha | Thaiger

    Police ordain as monks to pray for Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha

    Police officers and local men ordained as monks at Bang Phlee Yai Klang Temple in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok yesterday to make merit and pray for the recovery of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati. In total, 49 police officers and local men took part in the ordination ceremony. The group will observe 227 rules for monks outlined…

  • The ultimate travel experience awaits at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort | Thaiger

    The ultimate travel experience awaits at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort

    Press Release Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort is the ultimate destination for guests seeking work and life balance, with 600 guest rooms conveniently located in the heart of Phuket’s most famous beach district. Nestled in a crescent-shaped bay of white sand, overlooking the turquoise sea on Phuket’s highly sought-after west coast, Patong Beach is one of Thailand’s…

  • ‘Tuhao’ and 40 others indicted on multiple charges | Thaiger

    ‘Tuhao’ and 40 others indicted on multiple charges

    Chinese businessman “Tuhao” and 40 accomplices were indicted in Bangkok on Thursday on a wide variety of charges, including drug trafficking and money laundering. The indictment of Chaiyanat “Tuhao” Kornchayanant comes after attorney-general Naree Tantasathien gave the go-ahead. The AG ordered the Office of Narcotics Litigation to arraign Chaiyanat and the other suspects at the Bangkok South Criminal Court. Charges…

  • Do you still need Covid-19 travel insurance to enter Thailand? Here’s what you need to know | Thaiger

    Do you still need Covid-19 travel insurance to enter Thailand? Here’s what you need to know

    With its stunning white sandy beaches, majestic temples, and delectable cuisine, Thailand is a paradise waiting to be explored. And if you’ve been dreaming of visiting the Land of Smiles during the pandemic, it’s time to start dusting off those suitcases and planning that dream vacation! After months (years!) of stringent restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, travellers looking to…

  • Sick wild elephant treated in central Thailand | Thaiger

    Sick wild elephant treated in central Thailand

    A sick wild elephant had to be shot with a tranquilliser dart and sedated before wildlife officials and veterinarians could treat the animal in a forest in Tha Takiap district of Chachoengsao Province on Wednesday. Two elephants were found wandering in Ang Toei forest on Tuesday. One of them was clearly very sick, with a bad wound on the left…

  • Military reform top of electioneering agenda | Thaiger

    Military reform top of electioneering agenda

    Military reform has been at the top of this weeks electioneering agenda. Pheu Thai and Move Forward both want to see widespread reform of the military, including the ending of conscription. Though the move will be popular among younger Thais, it is not universally supported. Both Thai Sang Thai and the Democrat Party believe that military conscription is necessary and…

  • Passengers left waiting hours at Bangkok’s new central train station | Thaiger

    Passengers left waiting hours at Bangkok’s new central train station

    The opening of Bangkok‘s new central train station Bangkok Aphiwat Central Station did not go so smoothly yesterday with the first service to Chiang Mai departing three hours later than scheduled and many more delayed services. BBC Thai and CH7 report that services were delayed to await the arrival of Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob, who was rather late to an…

  • Southeast Asia’s biggest railway station opens to passengers | Thaiger

    Southeast Asia’s biggest railway station opens to passengers

    Southeast Asia’s biggest railway station officially began operations yesterday, a potential new age of train travel in Thailand. The cost of the new terminal, including the station, tracks and a connecting station for Bangkok’s mass transit system, was around US$1 billion (30 billion baht). Officially, the station’s name is Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, a name bestowed by the king,…

  • Thailand welcomes 900,000 foreign tourists during Jan 1-15 | Thaiger

    Thailand welcomes 900,000 foreign tourists during Jan 1-15

    In the first half of January, Thailand welcomed a grand total of 913,013 foreign tourists, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Governor of the TAT Yuthasak Supsasorn revealed that Russia has overtaken Malaysia as the Number 1 tourism market… Foreign Arrivals in Thailand by Nationality January 1 – 15, 2023 Russians (99,593) Malaysians (89,461) South Koreans (47,471) Indians…