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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    How one hospital visit in Thailand could cost more than your whole trip

    Thailand is a favourite spot for travellers who want to enjoy more while spending less. From cheap street food to low-cost hotels and fun attractions, it’s easy to stretch your budget here. But there’s one thing many people don’t think...

  • Thai man caught smuggling 18 million baht cash from Myanmar

    Thai man caught smuggling 18 million baht cash from Myanmar

    A Thai man has been apprehended for smuggling 18 million baht in cash from Myanmar into Thailand via the Sangkhlaburi border. He claimed the money was intended for bank deposit to settle outstanding payments for his company. Yesterday, May 26, police at the Namgek checkpoint, in collaboration with Border Patrol Police Company 134 and local administrative officials in Sangkhlaburi district,…

  • SSO approves 900 baht refund for flood-hit Thai provinces

    SSO approves 900 baht refund for flood-hit Thai provinces

    The Royal Gazette has announced new regulations from the Social Security Office (SSO) regarding a 900 baht refund for those insured in 55 affected provinces. This measure, effective today, May 27, aims to alleviate impacts from storms and floods between October 2024 and March 2025. The Ministry of Labour and the SSO have implemented measures to support businesses and insured…

  • Chiang Rai drug bust uncovers 500,000 methamphetamine pills

    Chiang Rai drug bust uncovers 500,000 methamphetamine pills

    The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) in Din Daeng announced the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of 500,000 methamphetamine pills in Chiang Rai province. The suspects are linked to a drug trafficking network led by a former convict who had previously served 17 years in prison. Police Lieutenant General Phanurat Lakboon, ONCB Secretary-General, yesterday, May 26,…

  • Thailand eyes 100,000-tonne rice boom at global convention

    Thailand eyes 100,000-tonne rice boom at global convention

    Thailand is actively promoting its unique and high-quality rice varieties, with expectations that the Thailand Rice Convention will result in orders for 100,000 tonnes and generate revenue exceeding 2 billion baht. During the 10th Thailand Rice Convention 2025 held in Bangkok yesterday, May 26, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan emphasised the government’s dedication to advancing Thailand’s rice sector. The Ministry of…

  • Former dancer speaks out on brutal abuse by boyfriend

    Former dancer speaks out on brutal abuse by boyfriend

    A 26 year old former dancer reported to media in Udon Thani that she had been violently abused by her boyfriend, with whom she had been in a relationship for just two months. The abuse included severe beatings, stabbings, and burning with a lighter, causing the victim, known as Aomsin, to jump from a second-floor building in an attempted escape,…

  • Pakistan’s top envoy brings friendship mission to Phuket

    Pakistan’s top envoy brings friendship mission to Phuket

    In a warm show of diplomacy and island hospitality, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Thailand Rukhsana Afzal paid a high-profile visit to Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat yesterday, reaffirming her country’s commitment to deepening ties with the popular tourist province. The meeting, held at Phuket Provincial Hall, was more than just a polite exchange of pleasantries. According to an official report, it marked a…

  • Thailand video news | British tourists targeted in Thai drug mule scam, Cambodia delays opening of Techo International Airport

    Thailand video news | British tourists targeted in Thai drug mule scam, Cambodia delays opening of Techo International Airport

    In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay deliver top stories from Thailand and across Southeast Asia. British tourists fall victim to drug mule scams, a fake mini-marathon in Bangkok leaves runners stranded, and coyote dancers in Samut Prakan face theft charges. Meanwhile, Pattaya sees two bizarre incidents involving a trans woman gang and a faked robbery. Koh Samui struggles…

  • Deadly flu surge sparks star-backed vaccine push in Pattaya

    Deadly flu surge sparks star-backed vaccine push in Pattaya

    Bangkok Hospital Pattaya has launched a high-profile vaccine campaign to combat influenza following Thailand’s deadly flu outbreak earlier this year. Held in the lobby of Building E, the BDMS Preventive Vaccine event drew attention not only for its critical public health message, but also for its star power. Thai actor Art Phasut Banyam and his mother took centre stage to…

  • LPG truck overturns, causes gas leak in Prachuap Khiri Khan

    LPG truck overturns, causes gas leak in Prachuap Khiri Khan

    A truck transporting LPG overturned on Phetkasem Road heading south at kilometre marker 320 in Mueang district, Prachuap Khiri Khan. The incident, yesterday, May 26, occurring near Baan Suan Khwan in Khlong Wan subdistrict, led to gas leakage. Emergency services quickly responded by closing the road to manage the situation safely. By 1pm, the truck had been righted, but gas…

  • Thailand seeks ASEAN Heritage status for Doi Inthanon park

    Thailand seeks ASEAN Heritage status for Doi Inthanon park

    Efforts are underway by the government to have Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai recognised as an ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP), according to Attapol Charoenshunsa, the chief of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). The announcement followed the 12th ASEAN Heritage Park Committee Meeting (AHPCM) in Bangkok, chaired by Attapol. The meeting included over 100…

  • Visa-vamps: Vietnamese sex workers steal Bangkok spotlight

    Visa-vamps: Vietnamese sex workers steal Bangkok spotlight

    Vietnamese sex workers have taken over the streets of Bangkok, with a bombshell report revealing there are now more of them plying their trade in Thailand than Thai prostitutes, and it’s all thanks to the kingdom’s easy-entry visa system. Channel 7 News lifted the lid on the capital’s growing sex-for-sale scandal, pointing the finger at generous tourist visa policies that…

  • Chon Buri restaurant assault leaves two Myanmar workers injured

    Chon Buri restaurant assault leaves two Myanmar workers injured

    In Chon Buri, a dispute between Myanmar employees at a local restaurant led to an assault involving a knife, resulting in injuries. The incident was reported to Pattaya City Police Station, where police are currently investigating the case. Today, May 27, two Myanmar nationals, 27 year old Aung Kyaw Thu and 25 year old Maunng Htan Bahardu, filed a complaint…

  • Thai police ground aircraft for safety checks after fatal crashes

    Thai police ground aircraft for safety checks after fatal crashes

    The national police chief has suspended all police aircraft for comprehensive safety evaluations following two crashes within a month that resulted in the deaths of nine people. Police General Kittharath Punpetch announced yesterday, May 26, that all planes belonging to the Thai Police Aviation Division (TPAD) would remain grounded until they complete new safety inspections. “Experiencing two crashes in a…

  • Soil search ends in heartbreak as boy, 11, loses fight for life

    Soil search ends in heartbreak as boy, 11, loses fight for life

    A Thai village has been left in mourning after an obese 11 year old boy with a bizarre craving for dirt tragically died following weeks of hospital treatment for a string of serious health issues. Nong Phum, from Dong Bang village in Nakhon Phanom province, became the focus of local concern after relatives revealed his unusual habit of eating soil.…

  • Heavy rainfall forecast in Thailand with 59 provinces on alert

    Heavy rainfall forecast in Thailand with 59 provinces on alert

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather forecast predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in 59 provinces across Thailand, with Bangkok expected to experience significant precipitation in 80% of its area. Residents are advised to exercise caution due to potential flash floods, forest runoff, and landslides, especially in hilly regions and low-lying areas. It is recommended to avoid travelling…

  • Thai transgender YouTuber alleges sexist treatment at Chinese airport

    Thai transgender YouTuber alleges sexist treatment at Chinese airport

    A renowned Thai transgender YouTuber accused officers at a Chinese airport of being sexist during her family trip to China. The YouTuber, Nisamanee “Nut” Lertvorapong, shared her unpleasant experience on her Instagram account, @nisamanee_nutt. She posted a video with a caption that read… “No one should be treated differently, no matter what their gender is. I came here (China) with seven…

  • Thai-tanic Toy Story discovery: Villagers unbox temple surprises

    Thai-tanic Toy Story discovery: Villagers unbox temple surprises

    A Thai village turned into a real-life Toy Story treasure hunt when stunned locals discovered piles of brand-new children’s toys dumped behind a temple and wasted no time swooping in with sacks to scoop them up. The Toy Story frenzy kicked off when a photo began circulating on social media showing a huge mound of untouched children’s toys discarded behind…

  • Coyote dancers arrested for convenience store theft in Samut Prakan

    Coyote dancers arrested for convenience store theft in Samut Prakan

    Police arrested three Thai nationals, including two coyote dancers, for stealing from at least nine convenience stores in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok, between May 16 and 17. Employees at the convenience stores filed a complaint with Phra Samut Chedi Police Station after CCTV footage showed two Thai women stealing products from the shops. The security cameras clearly captured their…

  • PM attends 46th ASEAN Summit, calls for deeper cooperation

    PM attends 46th ASEAN Summit, calls for deeper cooperation

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra joined fellow ASEAN leaders at the 46th ASEAN Summit yesterday, May 25, hosted at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia. The summit, held under the theme Inclusive Participation and Sustainability, brought together leaders from nine ASEAN member states, including Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. The Prime Minister of Timor-Leste…

  • Thailand tightens checks on frozen durian imports to boost safety

    Thailand tightens checks on frozen durian imports to boost safety

    Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat has directed a thorough inspection of frozen durian imports to Thailand, ensuring they are contaminant-free as part of the ministry’s aims to elevate standards and boost the value of this high-demand product. Narumon has tasked the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS) and the Department of Agriculture with inspecting facilities that…

  • Falling tree kills couple in Mukdahan, teenage daughter survives

    Falling tree kills couple in Mukdahan, teenage daughter survives

    A tragic incident occurred when a large tree fell onto a pickup truck, resulting in the deaths of a married couple, while their teenage daughter survived with minor injuries. The family was en route to visit a relative in a hospital when the tree collapsed during a stint of heavy rain. Today, May 26, police from Mueang Kham Soi district…

  • Paetongtarn denies using public funds for UK, Monaco trips

    Paetongtarn denies using public funds for UK, Monaco trips

    Yesterday, May 25, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra dismissed claims that her recent visits to the United Kingdom and Monaco were privately motivated and funded by taxpayer money. Speaking at Wing 6 of the Royal Thai Air Force Base in Don Mueang, Bangkok, the 37 year old premier clarified that the trips were not personal holidays. She also addressed an online…

  • From run to ruin: mini-marathon at Bangkok park turns out to be scam

    From run to ruin: mini-marathon at Bangkok park turns out to be scam

    Nearly 2,000 runners fell victim to a scam mini-marathon at Suan Luang Rama IX Public Park in Bangkok. The total amount of financial loss remains under investigation. Several runners took to social media yesterday, May 25, to condemn the organiser of the mini-marathon, Run for Destination 2025. Around 1,800 runners arrived at the venue only to find an eerily quiet…

  • Public health response team aids flood-stricken Mae Sai communities

    Public health response team aids flood-stricken Mae Sai communities

    The Public Health Ministry has deployed a medical operations team to assist four flood-affected communities in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai. A patient care centre has been established, with medications and medical supplies prepared, and bedridden patients are being evacuated to safer locations. The minister highlighted the concern of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra regarding the floods and relayed her directive…

  • 2 British tourists expose Chiang Mai monk for inappropriate kissing

    2 British tourists expose Chiang Mai monk for inappropriate kissing

    Two British tourists exposed a monk at a temple in the northern province of Chiang Mai for inappropriately kissing her and her friend on the cheek during a visit on March 30. The monk reportedly responded to the foreigners with rude and aggressive language after the incident was made public. A Thai man named Thanawat shared the account, which he…

  • 11 tonnes of smuggled avocados seized in Thailand’s Pathum Thani market

    11 tonnes of smuggled avocados seized in Thailand’s Pathum Thani market

    Approximately 11 tonnes of avocados from Vietnam, mislabelled as mangoes, were illicitly brought into Thailand and sold at a prominent wholesale market in Pathum Thani province. Yesterday, May 25, consumer protection police, along with customs and agriculture officials, conducted a raid at Talad Thai fresh market located on Phahon Yothin Road in Khlong Luang district. A total of 421 boxes…

  • Fatal motorcycle taxi driver stabbing in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei

    Fatal motorcycle taxi driver stabbing in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei

    A dispute between two intoxicated motorcycle taxi drivers in Bangkok escalated into a fatal stabbing, resulting in the death of one person. The incident occurred on Ratchadaphisek Road in Khlong Toei district on May 24 at approximately 11pm. During the altercation, 32 year old Apivat, who was drinking beer at the scene, got into a heated argument with 27 year…

  • Muay Thai coaches in Japan certified for soft power initiative

    Muay Thai coaches in Japan certified for soft power initiative

    The Department of Skill Development (DSD) is promoting soft power by certifying Muay Thai coaches in Japan to enhance economic value and increase Thai income while sharing martial arts culture with Japanese and other international communities. Yesterday, May 25, Decha Prukpatanarak, the Director-General of the DSD under the Ministry of Labour, officially launched the project to promote the capability standards…

  • Myanmar man’s body found after tragic Phuket fishing accident

    Myanmar man’s body found after tragic Phuket fishing accident

    The body of a 26 year old Myanmar man, who was swept into the sea while fishing with friends near Paradise Beach, Phuket, has been recovered, as confirmed by the police. The incident occurred on May 24. Wasana Khamchomphu reported the disappearance of her employee, Lone Lone, to Patong Police at 5.53pm on the same day. Lone Lone and two…

  • Thailand video news | Thai monsoon alert: 15 days of heavy rain & flood risk, Vietnam moves to ban telegram

    Thailand video news | Thai monsoon alert: 15 days of heavy rain & flood risk, Vietnam moves to ban telegram

    In today’s Thailand news roundup, Alex and Jay bring you the top stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Highlights include Thailand’s 15-day monsoon warning, a deadly gang clash in Pattaya, British fugitives arrested on Koh Samui, and a bomb hoax that delayed an AirAsia flight. Plus, updates from Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore—including a Telegram ban, an extradited tycoon,…