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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    What do you need before moving from the US to Thailand?

    The Thaiger key takeaways The most common medical emergencies for expats in Thailand include motorcycle accidents, tropical diseases, and food or water-borne illnesses. Air pollution and heat-related conditions like heatstroke also pose serious seasonal health risks, especially in northern and...

  • Abhisit tipped to retake reins of struggling Democrat Party | Thaiger

    Abhisit tipped to retake reins of struggling Democrat Party

    Abhisit Vejjajiva will return as leader of the Democrat Party after the resignation of Chalermchai Sri-on, prompting a new leadership transition. Former Prime Minister Abhisit will return as leader of the Democrat Party, according to confirmation from Sathit Wongnongtoei, a former party MP for Trang. The announcement follows the resignation of Chalermchai, who left the leadership citing health issues that…

  • Thailand to test seaplane routes to boost island tourism | Thaiger

    Thailand to test seaplane routes to boost island tourism

    Thailand is launching a pilot project with seaplane routes in Trang, aiming to boost tourism by linking remote islands with major travel destinations. Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has confirmed plans for a pilot seaplane tourism project that could revolutionise the country’s travel industry. The initiative, developed in partnership with private operators Siam Seaplane and Thai Seaplane, will begin test…

  • Buddhist council bans monks from acting as lottery seers | Thaiger

    Buddhist council bans monks from acting as lottery seers

    Thailand’s Sangha Council has reiterated its ban on monks acting as lottery fortune tellers, warning that the practice breaks religious discipline and the law. The reminder comes amid growing concern over monks engaging in inappropriate activities, with recent cases involving even senior clergy members. Officials said these actions not only undermine Buddhist principles but also erode the faith of devotees.…

  • Chao Phraya Dam surge floods Ayutthaya and displaces thousands | Thaiger

    Chao Phraya Dam surge floods Ayutthaya and displaces thousands

    Heavy water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam has triggered flooding across Ayutthaya, affecting thousands of households and prompting urgent safety warnings. Floodwaters have swept through large parts of Ayutthaya after water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam was increased by 2,000 to 2,500 cubic metres per second. The National Water Resources Committee approved the release to handle surging inflows…

  • Thai vendor nearly dies after shingles treated with folk remedy | Thaiger

    Thai vendor nearly dies after shingles treated with folk remedy

    A vegetable vendor in Prachuap Khiri Khan was hospitalised after using a folk remedy for shingles, which led to severe blisters and a dangerous blood infection. A 39 year old vegetable vendor in Mueang district, Prachuap Khiri Khan, has shared her near-death ordeal after a traditional treatment for shingles spiralled into a life-threatening infection. The woman, identified only as A,…

  • NACC pushed to rule on digital wallet fund misuse claims | Thaiger

    NACC pushed to rule on digital wallet fund misuse claims

    Thailand’s anti-graft body is under pressure to wrap up its probe into claims that two governments misused state loan funds for a flagship handout scheme. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has been urged to finalise its investigation into allegations that the administrations of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra breached the constitution by diverting state loan repayment funds to…

  • Phuket hotel mystery: Young woman found dead in room | Thaiger

    Phuket hotel mystery: Young woman found dead in room

    A 26 year old woman was found dead in her hotel room in Phuket, prompting police and forensic teams to investigate the cause of her unexplained death. Police in Cherng Talay are investigating the death of a young woman who was found lifeless in her hotel room within a resort complex yesterday afternoon. Cherng Talay Police received notification of the…

  • Thailand video news Thai PM Anutin Demands Measures to Check Sky-High Baht, Thailand Increases Airline Compensation for Delays and Cancellations | Thaiger

    Thailand video news Thai PM Anutin Demands Measures to Check Sky-High Baht, Thailand Increases Airline Compensation for Delays and Cancellations

        Thailand is rolling out a mix of reforms and upgrades — from tougher rules on nightlife and cannabis in Pattaya to higher airline compensation, currency-stabilisation efforts, and faster action on frozen bank accounts — while also pushing drought-relief cloud seeding and a major facelift for Bangkok’s Victory Monument. Abroad, Britain’s “Unite the Kingdom” rally has underscored deep political…

  • Anutin confirms Cabinet ready, vows swift action on economy | Thaiger

    Anutin confirms Cabinet ready, vows swift action on economy

    Thailand’s new Cabinet lineup has been finalised and is awaiting royal approval, after which the government will present its policy and begin official duties. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has confirmed that Thailand’s new Cabinet list is now complete and awaiting royal endorsement, expected later this week. Once approved, the government will deliver its policy statement to Parliament and begin its…

  • Phuket shines a light on Islamic roots with weekend festival | Thaiger

    Phuket shines a light on Islamic roots with weekend festival

    A cultural event in Phuket celebrated Islamic heritage, bringing residents and officials together to promote unity, awareness, and community engagement. The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) hosted a vibrant two-day event aimed at celebrating the island’s Islamic roots and promoting unity across communities. Titled Retracing the History of Islam in Phuket Province, the event took place on Saturday and Sunday,…

  • Bangkok gran blasts cops for blocking 5 million baht transfer | Thaiger

    Bangkok gran blasts cops for blocking 5 million baht transfer

    An elderly woman nearly handed over 5 million baht to scammers, then turned on the real police who tried to stop her, claiming they were the fraudsters. The 83 year old granny had fallen victim to a sophisticated scam, believing she was following instructions from a suppsed high-ranking officer. When real police showed up at her Bangkok home to stop…

  • Ginger cat ‘Som Bangchak’ brings lottery buzz to Pattaya (video) | Thaiger

    Ginger cat ‘Som Bangchak’ brings lottery buzz to Pattaya (video)

    A stray cat at a Pattaya petrol station has become a local sensation, drawing crowds with a lottery-themed display that blends fun, charm, and social media fame. As lottery fever grips Thailand, a furry local in South Pattaya is bringing smiles, selfies, and a touch of superstition to a Bangchak petrol station. Som Bangchak, a charming ginger stray cat, has…

  • Battered by the storm: 44 Thai provinces face flash flood threat | Thaiger

    Battered by the storm: 44 Thai provinces face flash flood threat

    Heavy rain is forecast across Thailand as dozens of provinces brace for flash floods and landslides caused by intense weather sweeping through the country. Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued warnings for flash floods and landslides, particularly in central and southern regions, including the capital. A powerful low-pressure system hovering over the South China Sea is driving the current weather…

  • AI surveillance helps bust truck with 3.7m meth pills in Chiang Mai | Thaiger

    AI surveillance helps bust truck with 3.7m meth pills in Chiang Mai

    Chiang Mai police have seized over 3.7 million methamphetamine pills and 100 kilograms of crystal meth hidden in a cabbage truck, following a high-speed chase aided by artificial intelligence (AI) surveillance. The suspect, 24 year old Anusorn “Sanook” Masuk from Ratchaburi, was arrested early yesterday morning, September 14, in Chiang Mai’s San Sai district. Police tracked him using an AI-powered…

  • Drunk ex-officer jailed for crash that killed cop and 4 year old boy | Thaiger

    Drunk ex-officer jailed for crash that killed cop and 4 year old boy

    A former provincial agriculture officer has been sentenced to two years in prison without suspension after a drunk driving crash that killed a police officer and a kindergarten student in Nakhon Ratchasima in December 2024. The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court handed down the ruling today, September 15, in a case involving 75 year old Somsak Asaraijao, who was found guilty…

  • Green pit viper on car sparks lottery frenzy in Phetchabun | Thaiger

    Green pit viper on car sparks lottery frenzy in Phetchabun

    A green pit viper wrapped around the front of a parked car in Phetchabun has stirred excitement among lottery hopefuls, who believe the incident may bring luck ahead of the upcoming draw. The snake was discovered yesterday, September 14, in front of a convenience store near a U-turn by the shrine in Si Thep district. Rescue workers from Kok Sai…

  • Thaksin not seeking special prison transfer, says lawyer | Thaiger

    Thaksin not seeking special prison transfer, says lawyer

    Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is not currently seeking detention outside prison, according to his lawyer, who said any such request would only be made in line with Department of Corrections criteria. Winyat Chartmontree, the former premier’s legal counsel, gave the update after visiting Thaksin at Klong Prem Central Prison on Ngamwongwan Road today, September 15. It was the first…

  • Thailand raises compensation for flight delays and cancellations | Thaiger

    Thailand raises compensation for flight delays and cancellations

    Passengers flying in Thailand will soon receive higher flight compensation for long delays and cancellations, under new regulations issued by the Civil Aviation Committee. Regulation No. 101, which outlines measures to protect passenger rights on both domestic and international scheduled flights, will take effect on November 20, 2025. For domestic flights, passengers affected by delays of more than five hours…

  • Uncertainty over new alcohol act leaves Thai operators in limbo | Thaiger

    Uncertainty over new alcohol act leaves Thai operators in limbo

    Uncertainty looms over how Thailand’s revised Alcoholic Beverage Control Act will be enforced, as businesses await further details on new advertising restrictions set to take effect later this year. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (No. 2) of 2025 is scheduled for enactment on November 8, according to the Department of Disease Control under the Public Health Ministry. However, operators in…

  • Thailand video news | BoT to overhaul account freezing rules, Three boats engulfed in flames on the Chao Phraya river | Thaiger

    Thailand video news | BoT to overhaul account freezing rules, Three boats engulfed in flames on the Chao Phraya river

    In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover key stories from across the country. These include confusion over bank account freezes and alcohol sales rules, a fire that destroyed boats on the Chao Phraya River, and, later, a look at how one British retiree is inspiring others to spend their golden years in Thailand. BoT to Overhaul Account Freezing…

  • IKEA Thailand cuts prices, targets hotels and SMEs | Thaiger

    IKEA Thailand cuts prices, targets hotels and SMEs

    IKEA Thailand, part of the Swedish home furnishing company, is addressing economic difficulties by reducing prices and launching the IKEA for Business programme. This initiative targets growing demand from hotels, offices, property developers, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Leonie Hoskin, retail manager for IKEA Thailand and Vietnam, noted that fiscal 2025 (September 2024 to August 2025) was challenging due…

  • Phatthalung work camp attacked in midnight shooting | Thaiger

    Phatthalung work camp attacked in midnight shooting

    A construction camp in Phatthalung province was attacked earlier today, with gunmen opening fire using what appeared to be military-grade weapons. The incident occurred at around 1am on September 15, leaving workers shaken but unharmed.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Thaiger (@thethaigerofficial) Police Colonel Suphat Khunnui from Mueang Phatthalung Police Station arrived at…

  • Pheu Thai faces election setback after Shinawatra controversies | Thaiger

    Pheu Thai faces election setback after Shinawatra controversies

    Pheu Thai list-MP and spokesperson, Danuporn Punnakanta, acknowledged yesterday, September 14, the criticism suggesting the party might secure fewer than 100 seats in the upcoming general election. This follows significant developments involving former prime ministers Thaksin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Danuporn stated that the party would refrain from responding to criticism regarding its waning popularity, which has led to predictions from…

  • Nearly 100 Myanmar migrants arrested in Kanchanaburi orchard | Thaiger

    Nearly 100 Myanmar migrants arrested in Kanchanaburi orchard

    Nearly 100 undocumented Myanmar workers were apprehended by police in Kanchanaburi province, hiding in a pomelo orchard after crossing the Thai border. They reportedly intended to travel to inner provinces for work. Today, September 14, at 12.30am, Athisan Intra, the governor of Kanchanaburi, Major General Atsadawut Panyarachun, commander of the 9th Infantry Division, and other relevant officials, received a tip-off…

  • Cambodian drones spotted near Thailand border, signals disrupted | Thaiger

    Cambodian drones spotted near Thailand border, signals disrupted

    Yesterday, 13 September, the Second Army Region summarised the daily situation along the Thailand-Cambodia border. They noted 12 Cambodian drones flying near the border area. Additionally, signals were successfully disrupted for six of these drones. The summary, released by their operations centre, provides an update as of 2pm. The overall situation revealed movements from the Cambodian side in certain areas.…

  • Vendor expelled for selling pork as beef in Ayutthaya market | Thaiger

    Vendor expelled for selling pork as beef in Ayutthaya market

    A vendor in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya was found to be selling pork and labelling it as beef by applying cow blood to the meat. The market owner discovered the mislabeling during an inspection, and after confirming the deception, the vendor was removed from the market. Chatchai Kittichai, also known as “Chatchai Talad Thai,” who runs a market business, shared…

  • Temple denies funds missing as 40 million baht dispute arises | Thaiger

    Temple denies funds missing as 40 million baht dispute arises

    The Luang Por Ngern Wat Bang Klan Foundation and a former temple committee member have clarified that no funds have gone missing, disputing claims that between 30 and 40 million baht have disappeared. Yesterday, September 13, Porn Panpeng, the foundation’s secretary and former committee member of Wat Hirunyaram or Wat Bang Klan in Pho Thale district, Phichit province, addressed the…

  • Factory worker drowns in Bangkok pond after swim challenge | Thaiger

    Factory worker drowns in Bangkok pond after swim challenge

    A 27 year old factory worker drowned after challenging friends to swim across a pond, ignoring their pleas to stop. This drowning incident occurred near a restaurant in Lat Krabang, Bangkok. Rescue officials were notified to search for the body, which was later sent for an autopsy. Police Lieutenant Pichaya Chujit, a deputy inspector at Chalong Krung Police Station, responded…

  • Manhunt underway after fatal stabbing in Lop Buri | Thaiger

    Manhunt underway after fatal stabbing in Lop Buri

    A man, frustrated in his search for his wife, whom he suspected others were concealing, attacked and fatally stabbed his wife’s friend. The incident took place at 8.30pm yesterday, on September 13, in Lop Buri province. Following the attack, the suspect fled into the nearby forest, prompting a police manhunt. The assault occurred at a rented room in Mueang district,…