News
Stay up-to-date with the latest news from across Thailand and beyond with The Thaiger. Our dedicated team brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from this stunning part of the world, covering a diverse range of topics, including local politics, business, culture, and tourism. Keep yourself informed about the Kingdom’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and thriving expat communities, as well as updates on events, attractions, and transportation.
The Thaiger is your essential resource for staying connected with Thailand’s captivating blend of tradition and modernity. To remain in the loop with the country’s most trusted news source, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.
-
Sponsored Debunking the top 5 myths about cannabis with Four Twenty
Let's clear the smoke in the room and address the elephant in it: cannabis, also known as marijuana, also known as weed. Although it has been legal in Thailand for almost two years now, the mere mention of it still...
-
British DJ plans seventh girlfriend to complete weekly roster
A British DJ and producer residing in the United States captured public interest with his unconventional approach to relationships. Already in relationships with six women, the DJ expressed his intent to add a seventh to ensure a date for every day of the week, challenging traditional romance norms. Despite criticism, the Brit, known as LX, insists he is not a…
-
Invasive sucker fish crisis threatens Thailand’s waterways
Thailand is currently grappling with a severe invasive sucker fish crisis, exacerbated by human actions that have released non-native fish into waterways without considering the environmental impact. These invasive species are wreaking havoc on Thailand’s native ecosystems, causing environmental, economic, and health-related damage. This issue is frequently highlighted in various media outlets. In a recent social media sensation, a fish…
-
Chilli shoppers feel the heat as market prices surge amid dry spell
Shoppers at Naklua Market were left stunned by an unexpected surge in veggie costs, particularly garden chilli peppers, driven by a relentless dry spell gripping the region. A survey yesterday revealed a dramatic spike in the cost of garden chilli peppers, which have skyrocketed from 200 to 400 baht per kilogramme. To cope with the steep prices, vendors have resorted…
-
Thai woman suffers panic attack after Isaan rocket lands on lawn
A Thai woman suffered from a panic attack after a missile from a rocket festival in the Isaan province of Roi Et landed on her front lawn. Her son demanded accountability from the relevant parties. Thai television host Thanasub Ounsuang is seeking justice for his family by sharing the rocket incident at his home in Roi Et on Facebook last…
-
Bangkok scam: Youth nabbed for fake amulet auction
Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police apprehended a 23 year old Thai man for his alleged involvement in a fraudulent online auction of a famous amulet. The man, Thanabodee, was detained in the Sai Noi district of Nontha Buri province yesterday, May 13, following an arrest warrant issued by the Thon Buri Criminal Court. The arrest warrant, dated May 2 convicts Thanabodee on…
-
Phetchaburi’s plan to lure 10 million tourists each year
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports revealed an ambitious blueprint to entice over 10 million tourists to Phetchaburi Province each year, harnessing soft power to drive sustainable tourism and unleash substantial economic rewards. The groundbreaking announcement, made on May 13 ahead of Thailand’s Cabinet meeting, unfolded in the scenic backdrop of Phetchaburi, setting the stage for a tourism renaissance in…
-
Ex-minister dodges jail over Pattaya luxury condo scandal
The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases acquitted former Culture Minister and ex-mayor of Pattaya City Itthipol Khunpluem in a luxury condo scandal case. The high-profile case, involving allegations of abuse of power, reached its statute of limitations, allowing Itthipol to escape legal repercussions. Itthipol, who attended the court session in Rayong province yesterday, left without addressing the media…
-
Bangkok hotels ‘MICE’ their way back to pre-pandemic occupancy levels
Bangkok hotel occupancy rates in the first quarter of 2024 have nearly hit pre-pandemic levels, driven largely by a surge in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) travellers. Tanakorn Thanuthanud, manager of the valuation and advisory services department at Colliers Thailand, revealed the exciting news. “The resumption of international events in Bangkok attracted more tourists to the city. Fan meetings…
-
Shady ex-monk accused of leaking naked images in major scandal
An ex-monk from Uthai Thani is embroiled in a major scandal, facing serious allegations of physical violence and coercing his ex-girlfriend into a compromising video call. This incident resulted in the unauthorised distribution of her naked images within his temple community. The victim, Manita, sought assistance from a government advisor and the founder of the Sai Mai Must Survive Facebook…
-
Thai airlines soar with record profits despite rising costs
Thailand’s booming aviation sector has given Thai airlines Bangkok Airways and Thai AirAsia a profitable first quarter, despite the challenges posed by escalating costs. Bangkok Airways, known for catering to leisure travellers, reported a robust comeback with tourist arrivals reaching 87% of pre-pandemic levels in the first three months of 2024. A standout achievement was the launch of direct flights…
-
Hospital director accused of assaulting teen for smoking
A disturbing incident unfolded at Mongkutwattana Hospital yesterday, where the director, Doctor Rianthong Nanna, is accused of physically assaulting a 14 year old boy and ordering him to strip naked as punishment for smoking in the hospital’s restroom. The case, which has escalated to a formal complaint by the boy’s mother, raises serious questions about the appropriate measures for enforcing…
-
Thai Vietjet halts Phuket-Chiang Rai flights
Thai Vietjet has abruptly cancelled its direct flights between Chiang Rai, in northern Thailand, and Phuket, a favourite destination on the Andaman Sea coast. The budget airline remained tight-lipped about the sudden suspension. However, the timetable for May 1 to 31, filed with Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport and posted on its Facebook page, indicates that the final…
-
Doctor Climax: Netflix’s bold new series explores taboo Thai culture
Netflix is no stranger to controversy, and their latest series, Doctor Climax, is poised to push boundaries once again. Following the exploration of Thai Buddhism’s commercialisation in The Believers, Netflix is diving into the secretive world of Thailand in the 1970s with a show that promises to reveal what was once unspoken. Directed by the dynamic duo Kongdej Jaturanrasmee, known…
-
Thai cult leader claims to cure all illnesses with pot ritual (video)
A cult leader in the Isaan province of Buriram claims he can cure all illnesses by placing an aluminium cooking pot over patients’ heads. Despite the seemingly absurd nature of the treatment, both Thai and foreign followers have shared testimonials of successful outcomes on social media. The cult‘s Facebook page features videos of the Thai man, known as Ajarn Pu…
-
Nakhon Ratchasima farmer earns big with sweetleaf bush
In a remarkable agricultural venture in Nakhon Ratchasima, a Thai farmer transformed a 1-acre plot of land into a thriving sweetleaf bush plantation, with a yield that commands an impressive price of 200 baht per kilogramme. The 63 year old farmer, Aatthakorn Kaewmorakot, resides in Chan Kho, Mu 3, Rang Ka Yai Sub-district, Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and is…
-
Motocross group slammed for racing through protected forest
A local motocross group has come under fire for allegedly organising an off-road motorbike event in a protected forest area in Phetchabun province, Thailand. The event, titled ENDURO MEETING reportedly saw around 300 riders entering the Khao Phlok Lhon National Forest Reserve and the community forest of Ban Sok Duea on May 12. Community forest committee members claimed the event…
-
Mind the gap: Criticism mounts as authorities fail to rein in cult
The National Office of Buddhism and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (M-Society) are facing criticism for not taking action against a mind connection cult led by an eight year old Thai boy and his parents. The Thai couple and their son, known as the Nice Mind Connection, are facing criticism for establishing a religious cult centred on…
-
Japanese tourist’s 6,000 baht tuk tuk ripoff shocker in Bangkok
A Japanese tourist shared a truly shocking experience on social media yesterday, detailing how they were ripped off by an unscrupulous Bangkok tuk tuk driver. The tourist was charged an extortionate 6,000 baht (US$162) for a trip from Asoke to the Sala Daeng area, a journey that would normally cost around 32 baht on the BTS Skytrain. Travelling in a…
-
Umphang-Sangkhla Buri route to boost tourism and border security
Tak Province recently inaugurated a new route connecting Umphang and Sangkhla Buri, serving as a scenic corridor for tourism and bolstering security along the Thai-Myanmar border. The opening of this pathway is a strategic move to enhance travel and stimulate economic growth between Tak and Kanchanaburi provinces through the beauty of nature. District Chief Manoch Pohtinium of Umphang, in collaboration…
-
Nakhon Ratchasima hotel workers nabbed for underage trafficking
Two employees of a certain curtain hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima have been arrested for allegedly operating as pimps and trafficking underage girls for sexual services. The suspects, 46 year old Jansunun and 47 year old Tongta were apprehended in a sting operation by the Anti-Human Trafficking Division (AHTD) of the Royal Thai Police. The police operation, led by Police Major…
-
Phuket’s Sarasin Bridge to remain amid new construction plans
Phuket’s iconic Sarasin Bridge is set to remain untouched amid plans to construct a new bridge connecting the island to the mainland, according to Yutthana Phitak, the Chief of Phuket Highways Office. The announcement was made at a meeting held yesterday to address concerns over the Sarasin Bridge’s future, sparked by social media rumours of its potential demolition. The Sarasin…
-
Amphetamine possession review by health minister sparks debate
The maximum number of amphetamine pills one can possess without facing criminal prosecution is under review, as revealed by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin. A meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 16, aims to reassess this limit, currently set at five pills. The existing regulation, enacted under previous Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew on February 9, designates individuals found with five…
-
Tragedy in Pattaya: Estonian toddler killed in car crash
In a heart-wrenching incident at Sukhsiri Village, East Pattaya, an Estonian toddler tragically lost his life in a devastating car accident yesterday. Filipp Naumov was found lifeless on the road, suffering severe head injuries and extensive bleeding. Despite the valiant efforts of rescuers and medical personnel, who performed CPR and rushed him to the hospital, Naumov succumbed to his injuries shortly…
-
Mangoes are beneficial for pregnant women and older individuals
Known as “Mamuang” in Thai, the mango, revered as the king of fruits, is a staple in both sweet and savoury dishes in Thailand. Tourists flock to the streets of Bangkok or Phuket, eager to indulge in local delights like mango with sticky rice or crispy catfish with mango salad. This subtropical fruit, with its unique flavour, is not only…
-
Political activist detainee passes away after cardiac arrest
Political activist Nethiporn, also known as Bung, of the Thaluwang Group, passed away at 11.52pm today following her hospitalisation this morning due to a cardiac arrest. After several life-saving efforts by the medical team at Ratchadon Hospital, attempts were made to transfer her to Thammasart University Hospital, where her treatment would continue. But as medical officials instead transferred her from…
-
Trillion-baht gamble: Deputy minister defends Land Bridge project
In a heated defence yesterday, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri championed the government’s ambitious 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge project, which she claims has sparked considerable interest from foreign investors. Her statement came in response to sharp criticisms from former Democrat leader Samart Ratchapolsitte, who cast doubt on the project’s cost-effectiveness and feasibility. Despite his scepticism, Manaporn insists the initiative is attracting…
-
Khon Kaen residents demand action against wild night bikers
The city of Khon Kaen has recently been disrupted by a gang of daredevil bikers, whose brazen stunts on public roads have triggered alarm and concern among residents. The local community is calling for police action against these reckless motorcyclists, fearing for the safety of other road users. In an unsettling display of audacity, one masked biker has been caught…
-
Drug-addicted monk arrested after petrol theft and car crash chaos
A drug-addicted Thai monk joined the illustrious list of monastic figures behaving disgracefully in Thailand when he was arrested yesterday for avoiding a 1,300 petrol station bill and crashing his car into a police motorcycle and a baht bus in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham. A petrol station manager in Kantara Wichai district reported the petrol theft to Mueang…
-
PM Srettha’s plan to rename Hua Hin Airport
During a visit to Hua Hin yesterday, Prime Minister Srettha revealed his support for renaming the airport to Phetch-Hua Hin. This strategic move aims to highlight the adjoining province of Phetchaburi and tap into its potential as a tourist hotspot. Currently situated in the Hua Hin district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, Hua Hin Airport is positioned right on the…
-
Barking mad: Residents howl over stray dog treatment in Chon Buri
A local teacher and a resident in the Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri province yesterday raised concerns over the handling of stray dogs by municipal officers, alleging inhumane treatment after the animals were sedated and left in a forest, leading to the death of one dog. The incident sparked a plea for more compassionate and responsible animal control practices.…
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.