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 Why health insurance costs more each year and how expats in Thailand can save more money
Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning...
-
Thai woman dies after collision with British motorcyclist in Pattaya
A Thai woman tragically died in hospital in Pattaya after a British man crashed his electric off-road motorcycle into her motorbike on Thursday, August 14. The accident occurred in Soi Bonkot 8 in Bang Lamung district at around 11pm on Thursday. The British national, whose name has not been released, reportedly collided with the motorbike of 49 year old Churairat…
-
Thai trainer and Russian student injured in plane crash in Phuket
A small plane crashed into roadside woodland in the Paklok sub-district of Phuket yesterday, August 17, leaving two men injured, a Thai trainer and a Russian flying student. The plane, reportedly belonging to a private company, went down beside a road near a runway at around 4.30pm. The victims were identified as 40 year old Thai trainer Surasak Chana and…
-
Phuket drug raids: Suspects arrested, meth seized in major crackdown
Officials from the Special Operations Unit of the Phuket Provincial Defense Office have apprehended suspected drug dealers and confiscated methamphetamine (ya bah) and crystal meth (ya ice) in coordinated operations across all three districts of the island. The raids, which took place from August 14 to August 17 as part of the No Drugs, No Dealers campaign, were spearheaded by…
-
Thailand cancels invite for US national over false journalist claims
The Thai government has withdrawn an invitation to American national Michael B Alfaro after confirming he is not a recognised White House correspondent, despite his assertions. Jirayu Houngsub, a member of the Ad Hoc Centre for Thailand–Cambodia Border Situation, stated the government’s initial plan was to host Alfaro to allow him to witness the damage caused by Cambodian heavy weapons,…
-
11-car crash on Udon Ratthaya Expressway sparks street racing fears
A collision involving 11 vehicles, including luxury cars, occurred on the outbound lane of the Udon Ratthaya Expressway near the Muang Thong Thani entrance in the Pak Kret district of Nonthaburi province. The incident took place late on August 16, sparking widespread social media discussion about possible street racing leading to the crash. A victim involved in the crash described…
-
Buriram man arrested for attempted murder and firearm offences
Yesterday, August 17, the Crime Suppression Division apprehended 24 year old man in Non Dindaeng district, Buriram province, under a warrant issued by Nang Rong Provincial Court. He is charged with attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Pitak, along with accomplices, allegedly pursued an old rival on a motorcycle and fired six shots in 2024, seriously injuring…
-
Family dispute leads to stabbing tragedy in Amnat Charoen
A family dispute turned tragic in Amnat Charoen province after a brother allegedly stabbed his elder sibling. The incident occurred yesterday, August 17 at 8.30pm, when Police Lieutenant Theerachutha Hongsa, an investigator at Mueang Amnat Charoen District Police Station, received reports of the stabbing. The victim, 47 year old Amorntep, succumbed to his injuries at Amnat Charoen Hospital after being…
-
Laotian man survives horrific motorcycle accident in Chachoengsao
A 30 year old Laotian man narrowly escaped death after a motorcycle accident left him severely injured. The incident occurred at 7pm yesterday, August 17, when police from Bang Pakong Police Station in Chachoengsao province were notified of a motorcycle accident on Bang Na-Trat Road, kilometre marker 46, heading towards Bangkok. The accident site was located in the parallel lane in…
-
Khon Kaen locals find newborn’s remains in sugarcane field kiln
Residents in Khon Kaen province discovered the charred remains of a newborn in a coal kiln situated in a sugarcane field on August 17. The police are actively searching for the mother, while the infant’s body has been sent for a detailed medical examination. Police Lieutenant Colonel Natthawat Kaewhan, deputy investigator at Baan Fang Police Station, was alerted by locals…
-
Severe weather alert: heavy rain and flash flood risk in 32 Thai provinces
On August 18, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe weather warning for 32 provinces, highlighting the risk of heavy rainfall in the northeast, covering approximately 70% of the area. Residents are cautioned about potential flash floods and overflow from mountain streams due to prevailing monsoon conditions. Over the next 24 hours, rainfall across Thailand is expected to decrease,…
-
Man shot dead in Trang over personal conflict
A 24 year old man was fatally shot after leaving a popular entertainment venue in Mueang Trang district, Trang province. Following the initial attack, the perpetrator returned to fire three more shots at the victim in front of his girlfriend. Police have identified a suspect, believed to be motivated by a personal conflict. Today, August 17, Police Lieutenant Nusil Timsil,…
-
Giant python captured in Phuket garden by British volunteer
In Chalong, Phuket, a 4.5-metre reticulated python was captured from a garden yesterday night, August 16. Residents had discovered the large snake concealed beneath a pallet. The incident occurred around 9pm, prompting a call for assistance to British volunteer first responder, 32 year old Vincent “Vinnie” Modell of the Kusoldharm Foundation’s Patong branch. Known locally as the Snake Guy in…
-
Phuket boosts support for autistic and intellectually disabled residents
Phuket City Municipality is set to enhance support for autistic people and those with intellectual disabilities, focusing on equal opportunities and community integration. This initiative aligns with the Leaving No One Behind policy recently developed. Phuket Town mayor, Suphot La-ongphet, revealed that the plan follows the establishment of a comprehensive database identifying residents with autism or intellectual disabilities. “Everyone is…
-
VietJet Thailand launches Phuket-Mumbai flights at 1,400 baht
VietJet Thailand has launched its inaugural flight connecting Phuket and Mumbai, expanding its network to India. Pinyot Phiboolsongkram, vice president of commerce and customer relations at VietJet Thailand, announced the new route on August 14, enhancing travel options between Thailand’s popular tourist destination and India’s largest city. The inaugural flight from Phuket to Mumbai was celebrated at Phuket International Airport,…
-
Flood alert in Mae Sariang after car swept away by creek
Officials in Mae Sariang district, Mae Hong Son province, have issued a flood alert following an incident where a car was swept away while crossing the Mae Ngae creek in Tha Mae Che, Saohin subdistrict. Today, August 17, locals were able to assist in time, preventing any injuries. Worasak Panthong, the district officer of Mae Sariang, has instructed village heads…
-
Airports of Thailand’s Facebook page hacked, unaffected operations assured
The official website of Airports of Thailand (AOT) has announced that their Facebook page was hacked, and discussions are underway with Meta to restore it. The incident has not affected the IT systems or services at any of the six airports managed by AOT. Yesterday, August 16, AOT reported that their official Facebook page, used for disseminating information, was compromised…
-
Thailand’s major drug bust seizes 900 kg of crystal meth
A major drug bust in Thailand resulted in the seizure of 900 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, valued at 135 million baht, being transported from central Thailand to Narathiwat. Additionally, police confiscated related assets worth 20 million baht. Yesterday, August 16, at the Front Operations Centre of the Royal Thai Police in Yala, Phumtham Wechayachai, the deputy prime minister and acting…
-
Prachin Buri teacher wins 18 million baht in lottery
A teacher in Prachin Buri, Pavaris “Kaew” Yusanit, experienced a stroke of luck, winning 18 million baht after her mother-in-law suggested buying lottery tickets online. Despite her newfound wealth, she remains committed to her teaching career. Yesterday, August 16, at 7.45pm, it was reported that the Government Lottery Office announced the winning numbers for the draw, with the first prize…
-
Pickup truck crash in Pattaya scatters meatballs on road
In Pattaya, Thailand, a significant accident took place just after midnight on August 16, when a pickup truck lost control on a wet road, flipped over, and struck an electric pole, resulting in injuries to three people. This incident occurred on Sukhumvit Road, en route to Sattahip, near the motorway underpass intersection in Nongprue. The Pattaya Swang Boriboon Rescue Centre…
-
Family flees home after teenage gang attack in Chon Buri
In the Banglamung district of Chon Buri, a 42 year old woman named Sutharat Deejaivong has reached out to the media for assistance after her home was allegedly attacked by more than 20 teenagers armed with guns and ping-pong bombs. The attack resulted in property damage and forced her family to flee in fear. Despite having filed a police report,…
-
Thailand urges Cambodia to act on landmines, scam networks
Thailand’s Royal Navy has reported that Cambodia has yet to collaborate on landmine clearance and tackling cross-border scam networks. This conclusion followed a Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting held on Saturday in Trat province. The gathering at Barn Talaephu resort in Khlong Yai district aimed to address border issues affecting the eastern provinces of Trat and Chanthaburi. Vice-Admiral Apichart Sapprasert,…
-
Monsoon trough brings heavy rain to 50 Thai provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has announced that a monsoon trough will bring heavy to very heavy rainfall across 50 provinces, significantly affecting three regions including Bangkok, with 80% of the area expected to experience rain. The forecast for August 16 warns of potential flash floods and mountain runoffs due to significant rain accumulation. Residents in provinces such as Phitsanulok,…
-
Bangkok–Butterworth rail service to resume in 2025
Thailand and Malaysia have agreed to restore the Bangkok–Butterworth rail link by the end of this year, 2025, in a move set to boost cross-border travel and tourism. The decision was finalised during a joint conference between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Malaysia’s Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) last week. The talks focused on strengthening bilateral railway cooperation…
-
Motorcyclist dies in crash with 20-wheel truck in Pathum Thani
A motorcyclist was killed in a high-speed crash early this morning, August 16, after colliding with the rear of a 20-wheel truck in Pathum Thani. The accident occurred at 5.30am in Ban Klang, Mueang district, where the motorcyclist was reportedly travelling at high speeds. Police Major Parada Tantirungarun from Suan Phrik Thai Police Station arrived at the scene along with…
-
MPs approve 2026 education budget, but some are sceptic
The House of Representatives has given its approval to the Ministry of Education’s budget proposal during the second reading, as discussions on the 2026 fiscal year budget bill proceeded in a special session. The budget allocations received the support of 253 MPs, while 121 opposed and 26 abstained. The second reading involved a detailed section-by-section review, with the Ministry of…
-
High-speed racing crash on expressway causes hefty pile up
In the early hours of today, August 16, an incident involving high-speed racing led to a collision on the Udon Ratthaya expressway, resulting in damage to approximately ten vehicles. The accident occurred at around 1.30am on the expressway in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province. The crash, captured by a dashcam, showed several cars racing, then crashing, leading to a multi-vehicle…
-
Thailand accuses Cambodia of breaching Ottawa Convention with landmines
Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa has accused Cambodia of consistently breaching the Ottawa Convention and infringing on Thailand’s sovereignty due to recurring incidents involving anti-personnel landmines. During the 10th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Anning, China, Maris addressed the issue via a video briefing. The session, held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry yesterday, August 15, was attended by 67…
-
Pathum Thani police arrest trio with 422kg of crystal meth
Yesterday, August 15, police in Pathum Thani arrested three individuals for possessing nearly 500 kilogrammes of crystal meth. The arrest took place in a three-storey commercial building in Lam Luk Ka district, where the drugs were hidden. Prior investigations by the Sai Mai Police Station revealed that 27 year old Anawin, also known as ‘Win Chon Buri’, was suspected of…
-
Two Thai police officers arrested in major drug network crackdown
Yesterday, August 15, two police officers were arrested for their involvement in a drug network, leading to the seizure and freezing of assets worth 35.2 million baht. The operation involved multiple police units focusing on money laundering activities linked to drug trafficking. Police Lieutenant General Santi Chaiyanirami, Commander of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, and Police Lieutenant General Surapol Prembutr, Commander…
-
People’s Party opposes 2026 budget bill over economic concerns
The People’s Party (PP) has decided to oppose the 2026 fiscal budget bill during its final reading in Parliament yesterday, Friday, August 15, criticising the government’s spending plan for not adequately reflecting the current economic conditions. PP Deputy Leader Sirikanya Tansakul disclosed the party’s decision at around 1pm yesterday in Parliament. She indicated that the PP planned to reject the…
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.