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 Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
-
Hospital slip up swaps newborns, father demands 200,000 baht
A shocking incident of baby swapping at a hospital left a father devastated after discovering his newborn daughter had been switched with another baby. The hospital has admitted to the mistake, corrected its actions and has since scheduled a meeting to discuss compensation for the families involved. The father initially noticed the issue when his newborn daughter’s appearance seemed different…
-
Drain expectations: Water woes in Thailand get fast-tracked fix
Government officials are pulling out all the stops to accelerate water drainage in the flood-stricken northeastern provinces of Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, and Bung Kan, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced. The 58 year old deputy PM emphasised that swift action in draining water into the Mekong River could dramatically lessen the flood impacts compared to the…
-
Ex-Thai Farmers Association president dies after 15m baht scam
The former President of the Thai Farmers Association passed away after being duped into mortgaging and selling his home for 15 million baht, leaving him destitute. His son, Nattapong, was heartbroken as he arrived too late to see his father one last time and has now brought his father’s body back to Sai Noi, Nonthaburi for religious rites. Reports confirm…
-
Phuket plans sustainable tourism overhaul to boost economy
Phuket’s sustainable tourism took centre stage yesterday, September 15, as the House of Representatives Tourism Committee held a seminar to explore new directions for the island’s tourism sector and delve into the creative economy. The event, Transforming Phuket’s Future, was held at Dara Hotel and saw participation from significant figures in government, the private sector, and civil society. Phuket Vice…
-
Zoo sees 12,000 visitors daily for baby hippo Moo Deng
A surge of 12,000 visitors flocked to Khao Kheow Open Zoo yesterday, September 15, to see the increasingly popular baby pygmy hippopotamus known as Moo Deng. The zoo plans to introduce a new sloth family next month, urging tourists to avoid disturbing animals. The Director of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand, Attaporn Srirang, reported that the popularity of Moo…
-
Cluck’s up: Texas Chicken to fly the coop in Thailand after 9 years
In a shock announcement, Texas Chicken has revealed that it will be shuttering all its outlets in Thailand by the end of this month, ending a nine-year run that has left fans of the crispy treat crestfallen. The bombshell was dropped on their official Facebook page, and there was no explanation for the abrupt exit. “It’s time to say goodbye…
-
Chon Buri police arrest blacksmith for illegal gun manufacturing
Police in Chon Buri arrested a local blacksmith moonlighting as an illegal gun manufacturer, seizing homemade guns and various illegal gun parts from his residence. Police Lieutenant Colonel Somchanok Fakphairot and Police Lieutenant Colonel Apichat Boonkerd of the Nong Prue Police Station led the operation yesterday, September 15, apprehending 38 year old Boonmee in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district. The…
-
Storm alert: Phuket’s rain game is just getting started
Hold onto your umbrellas, folks, the driving rain that drenched southern parts of Phuket this morning is just a taste of what’s to come, warns Wirote Lewcharoenthrap, Director of the Southern Meteorological Centre (west coast). Thanks to a vigorous southwest monsoon hammering the Andaman Sea and the west coast, southern Thailand is bracing for heavy downpours and choppy seas from…
-
Thailand video news | Flooding Affects About 30,000 Families in 12 Thai Provinces, Myanmar’s Death Toll Rises Amid Typhoon Yagi’s Wrath
In Thailand video news, Jay delves into the stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia countries. In Phuket, violent altercations in Patong have left several tourists injured, raising concerns over safety in the popular nightlife district. Meanwhile, severe flooding continues to disrupt lives across 12 Thai provinces, with heavy rainfall and potential further flooding looming over the country. On a…
-
Thailand’s ‘Wellness on a Plate’ campaign serves up health benefits
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is cooking up something special! In a bold move, the TAT has launched a dazzling new campaign titled Wellness on a Plate, spotlighting the health perks of Thailand’s eclectic culinary delights. Aiming to marry the nation’s rich food culture with wellness tourism, this initiative promises a feast for both the senses and the soul.…
-
How to choose the best health insurance for expats aged 40-60 in Thailand
Moving to Thailand as an expat brings exciting new experiences, but it also comes with the responsibility of securing quality healthcare, especially for those between 40 and 60. At this stage in life, it’s important to find a health insurance plan that covers your specific needs and ensures peace of mind. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best…
-
Rapist claims teenage daughter complied for financial gain
Police have detained alleged rapist James Tosakan at Khlong Luang Police Station, as he continues to deny accusations of imprisoning and raping his 14 year old daughter for over a week, claiming she consented for financial gain. Police are seeking additional warrants for both him and his new partner on charges of producing pornographic material. Around 1.10pm yesterday, September 15,…
-
Thailand launches app to replace physical driving licences
Thailand’s Department of Land Transport (DLT) has launched a new mobile application, QR Licence, designed to eliminate the need for motorists to carry a physical driver’s licence. This innovative app allows users to display their digital driving licence on electronic devices like smartphones and tablets. Director-General of the DLT, Seksom Akraphand highlighted the convenience offered by the app. He stated…
-
Chinese men arrested for using remote jammer to steal from cars
Police apprehended two Chinese nationals accused of using a remote jammer to unlock newly parked cars and steal valuables from them. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) detained 38 year old Zhangjin, and 31 year old Zhenghong, at a rest area on the Bangkok-Chon Buri Motorway in Bang Pakong district, on Saturday, September 14. Police caught the pair attempting to open…
-
Thailand’s tourism shake-up: Private sector dives into man-made marvels
Thailand is gearing up to revamp its tourism scene with a fresh array of man-made attractions, and the private sector is already jumping on board. The government is drawing up plans for entertainment complexes that will include legal casinos, marking a bold new direction for the country’s tourism strategy. Private firms are keen to get in on the action. Asset…
-
Stall-ing for help: Pattaya veggie thief leaves owner in a pickle
A spate of thefts at a fresh vegetable stall in Soi Khao Talo Market, Nongprue, near Pattaya, left its owner desperate for help. On September 14 at 4pm, the owner Wirasak, went public with CCTV footage in a bid to catch the thief who’s been targeting his stall. The footage reveals a man, around 160 to 170 centimetres tall and…
-
Mekong your way to better flood control: Experts call for joint effort
The International Rivers Network issued a stark warning, calling on the government to urgently team up with neighbouring nations to manage the Mekong River more effectively. The aim? To cut economic losses and save lives when future floods hit. Pianporn Deetes, the Campaign Director for the Southeast Asia Programme at the International Rivers Network, revealed that recent devastating floods in…
-
Man arrested for imprisoning, raping daughter in adult film scandal
A 32 year old man has been arrested for allegedly imprisoning and raping his 14 year old daughter while forcing her to participate in adult film productions over seven days. He denies the accusations, claiming his daughter fabricated the story. On September 15, police officials, including Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang and Police Major General Napasin Poolsawat directed an investigation…
-
Fire destroys over 3 million baht of cannabis at Phuket warehouse
A fire at a warehouse in Srisoonthorn early today resulted in the destruction of more than 3 million baht worth of cannabis. The blaze broke out at a facility owned by J.L. Development in Moo 4 and was reported just before 7.30am. Police and firefighters from Srisoonthorn and Cheng Talay Municipalities quickly responded to the call. Firefighters battled the flames…
-
Driver submerges 4.2 million baht in pond, only 400,000 baht found
A lorry owner faces financial distress after a broker drove a pickup truck into a pond, submerging 4.2 million baht in cash, with only 400,000 baht recovered so far. Efforts are underway to pump out the water and find the remaining 3.8 million baht. At 7.30pm yesterday, September 14, a report emerged that a pickup truck had sunk into a…
-
Villagers flock to sacred tree spirit for lottery blessings
Villagers in Lan Sak, Uthai Thani, flocked to Wat Pa Sak to seek blessings from Mae Ya Takian Thong, a sacred tree spirit believed to be over 100 years old, after seeing lucky numbers appear on its chest. Locals have long revered the Takian tree, which was ceremoniously raised from the water by a former abbot who, notably, passed away…
-
Rescue vehicle crashes in Phichit, injuring five after flood relief
A rescue vehicle returning from flood relief efforts in Chiang Rai crashed into a tree in Phichit, injuring five people and leaving one in serious condition. Emergency personnel promptly transported the wounded to local hospitals for immediate medical attention. Fire & Rescue Thailand reports that around 6.12am today, September 15, Phichit Por Tek Tung Foundation received a notification of a…
-
Mercedes-Benz crashes on Ram Inthra Expressway, driver flees
A Mercedes-Benz C-350 E crashed into a steel road barrier on the sharp curve of Ram Inthra Expressway, causing extensive damage and deploying all eight airbags. The driver abandoned the vehicle and walked away, prompting police to investigate the incident further. At 3am today, September 15, Kireeaek Boonmongkol, the Deputy Inspector (Investigation) of Bang Khen Police Station, received a report…
-
Cyber police dismantle illegal moneylending networks in Songkhla
Cyber police forces have successfully dismantled two major networks of illegal moneylenders charging exorbitant interest rates of 30 to 60% per month, seizing extensive customer lists. This operation took place yesterday, following confessions obtained on September 14. Police General Worawat Wattanakornbunchachai, the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau Commissioner, directed Police Major General Phumipat Patrasrivongchai, the Commander of Cyber Crime Investigation Division…
-
Teenager injured in Pattaya youth clash, mother demands police action
A 15 year old boy was attacked and injured after a confrontation with a rival group in Pattaya, resulting in his mother filing a police report after officers advised her to wait until he recovered. At 2.20am yesterday, September 14, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya Radio Centre received a report of a violent clash among teenagers at the Mitkamol intersection…
-
Police raid in Na Jomtien uncovers Indian call scam operation
Police raided a residence in Na Jomtien, Chon Buri, targeting an Indian call scam operation. Acting on a Pattaya court warrant, Chon Buri police investigators, immigration officers, and other relevant officials conducted the raid after receiving reports about Indian nationals engaging in illegal activities. A 20 year old Indian man claimed ownership of the residence, where 23 other Indian men…
-
Insurgents bomb ATM, set fire to Songkhla office, no injuries
Insurgents are believed to be behind the bombing of an ATM booth and a fire at a local government office in Saba Yoi district, Songkhla province, early yesterday. No injuries were reported. The ATM booth, located in front of the Ban Nod Tambon Administration Organisation (TAO) office, was targeted by a bomb around 1.50am, yesterday, September 14, according to Police…
-
Bangkok couple arrested for exploiting Shan state minors
Police arrested a couple in Bangkok’s Pracha Chuen area on allegations of exploiting minors from Myanmar’s Shan state for forced labour. The arrests took place yesterday morning when officials from the Department of Provincial Administration, alongside Pracha Chuen police officers, raided a house on Ngamwongwan Road in the Lak Si district. The suspects, identified only as 35 year old Golf,…
-
Landslide claims four lives in Mae Fa Luang district, Chiang Rai
A landslide has devastated a hillside community in Mae Fa Luang district, Chiang Rai province, resulting in the tragic death of four people, including an eight year old girl. Over 150 homes have been severely damaged. A teacher expressed her sorrow over the loss of a beloved student. A Facebook user named Woww Natthipha yesterday shared a heartfelt post mourning…
-
Chemical leak hospitalises 21 workers in Samut Sakhon
Chemical fumes led to 21 workers being hospitalised, with two in serious condition, after a leak at a factory in Samut Sakhon. Officials are still investigating the source of the chemical odour and plan to inspect a nearby factory today. Officials are yet to identify the origin of the chemical fumes that caused severe dizziness and vomiting among employees at…
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.