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Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. The Thaiger delivers the latest national news that matters.
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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?...
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Thai PM urged by Human Rights Watch on Cambodia repression
As Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares for her visit to Phnom Penh today, April 23, and tomorrow, April 24, Human Rights Watch is calling on her to raise pressing human rights concerns with Cambodian leaders. The visit, which marks the 75th anniversary of Thai-Cambodian diplomatic relations, will see the 38 year old PM meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun…
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Thai police capture notorious gunman at Surat Thani resort
Thai police successfully apprehended a notorious gunman with an extensive criminal history, in a resort in Chaiya district, Surat Thani province. The 38 year old gunman, Thanawat, who reportedly has nine arrest warrants for various offences including murder and drug trafficking, was taken into custody without incident after being persuaded by his wife. Police from multiple regions, including the Crime…
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Fire destroys Thai museum warehouse, millions in sculptures lost
A devastating fire ravaged the three-storey warehouse of the Thai Human Imagery Museum in Nakhon Chaisri district, Nakhon Pathom province, causing substantial damage estimated at over 10 million baht. The fire, which broke out today, April 23, destroyed the warehouse, although the museum’s exhibition space, featuring lifelike sculptures of Buddhist monks, former kings, and scenes from Thailand’s past, remained unharmed.…
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Phayao park renovation abandoned, 9.6 million baht project in disarray
In Phayao province, a public park renovation project valued at 9.6 million baht remains unfinished as the contractor has abandoned the work. The project site is now deteriorating, with building materials damaged, overgrown grass, and sunken roads. Officials assure that they are actively addressing the issue. Yesterday, April 22, a journalist from the Phayao province examined the Chalerm Phra Kiat…
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Man caught stealing from Buddhist donation tree in Phuket
A man has been captured on CCTV stealing money from a Kathin offerings tree at a shop on Bangkok Road in Phuket Town, inciting anger among residents. The footage, shared online, depicts a grey-haired man in an orange motorcycle taxi vest entering the shop and lingering near the counter. Once confident no one was watching, he approached the Kathin offerings…
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120 million baht compensation for SAO building collapse victims
In a step towards addressing the devastating collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building, China Railway No. 10 (Thailand) has pledged 120 million baht in compensation for the victims, as confirmed by Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong. The move comes amidst ongoing investigations into the tragedy, with no impact on the criminal proceedings. Minister Tawee confirmed yesterday, April…
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Finance Ministry confirms 10,000 baht digital currency distribution
The Finance Ministry has confirmed the distribution of 10,000 baht in digital currency for phase three during the second quarter. The application is ready, with only integration with banks remaining. The release date for phase four has also been announced. Deputy Finance Minister Chulapan Amornvivat yesterday, April 22, stated that the ministry remains committed to its schedule for the economic…
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Bangkok’s new law: Register and microchip pets by January 2026
From January 10 next year, Bangkok residents will be required to register and microchip their cats and dogs under a new city law aimed at tackling the growing problem of stray animals. The bold new regulation, announced by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), will impose strict requirements on pet ownership, including limits on the number of pets allowed in certain living…
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Thailand’s visa-free scheme under scrutiny for overstays
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has raised serious concerns about the misuse of Thailand’s visa-free entry scheme, following a noticeable increase in visa overstays, illegal employment, and other breaches of the programme. The scheme, which allows eligible foreign nationals to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days without a visa, has been a cornerstone of the country’s tourism success. However,…
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Thai tour guide under fire for serving fruits in the sea
An online drama erupted after a Thai tour guide shared a video of her team member serving fruit to foreign tourists while they were swimming in the sea. The tour guide posted the video on her TikTok account but later deleted it following criticism. However, several local news Facebook pages shared screenshots of the footage, further fuelling attention from the…
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Phuket urges residents to save water as dry season drags on
As Phuket approaches the final leg of the dry season, the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) is ramping up calls for water conservation across the island. Marking Earth Day yesterday, April 22, the PWA issued a public plea urging residents to adopt mindful water-use habits and report any burst pipes immediately, reinforcing that every drop counts in the battle against dwindling…
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Perverted panty thief caught after mum lends undies in saucy sting
A perverted panty thief who swiped a Thai woman’s underwear straight off the washing line has been exposed in a cheeky sting, thanks to a mum who lent her daughter her own knickers to lure the knicker-nicking creep. A woman in Nonthaburi was left red-faced, and nearly bare-bottomed, after a serial knicker thief stole nearly all her underwear, forcing her…
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World Bank backs Thailand’s retirement lottery to boost savings
Thailand’s retirement lottery has received international acclaim, with the World Bank calling it a “remarkable innovation” for boosting retirement savings. The scheme, which cleverly combines the public’s love for gambling with the need for financial security, has sparked significant interest at the World Bank-International Monetary Fund (WB-IMF) Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. The World Bank has expressed strong interest in…
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Thai ex-wife and new partner of foreign man brawl in Pattaya bar
Drama erupted in the twilight hours of today as a foreign man’s boozy bar night in Pattaya spiralled into chaos. His Thai ex-wife clashed with his new partner, igniting a fierce brawl that left onlookers stunned. Rescuers from the Sawang Borriboon Dhammastan Foundation rushed to a bar in the Jomtien area of Pattaya to transport two injured women to a…
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Vacuum cleaners and air purifiers controlled to combat PM2.5
To combat the dangers of PM2.5 pollution and protect consumers from inflated prices, the Thai Cabinet has officially classified vacuum cleaners and air purifiers as controlled goods. This new regulation follows a recommendation by the Ministry of Commerce, which highlighted the essential role these devices play in mitigating the effects of harmful air pollution in homes. According to Commerce Minister…
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Pork chop: Police sizzle illegal slaughterhouse in Bangkok bust
Police and the Department of Livestock Development launched an operation to dismantle an illegal pig slaughterhouse in Bangkok’s Bang Sue district. The operation resulted in the seizure of 1.8 tonnes of unapproved pig carcasses. Police Major General Wacharin Poosit, commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, directed the operation yesterday, April 22, along with other officials. They arrested…
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Thailand to honour Pope Francis with 3 days of mourning
In a heartfelt gesture of respect and mourning, the Thai government ordered all government agencies and state enterprises to fly their flags at half-mast for three days in tribute to Pope Francis. The mourning period began today, April 23, and runs through to Friday, April 25, following the death of the beloved pontiff at the age of 88. Prime Minister…
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Chon Buri man mistakenly believes he killed wife and commits suicide
A Thai man committed suicide in an apartment in Chon Buri after physically assaulting his wife and mistakenly believing he had killed her. The 32 year old woman, identified as Noi, reported the death of her husband, 34 year old Wichate, to officers at Laem Chabang Police Station at around 9am yesterday, April 22. She informed police that her husband…
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Pattaya beauty clinic busted for illegal medical practices
Police raided a beauty clinic in Soi Kor Phai, off Thepprasit Road in Pattaya following complaints about unlicensed operations and unqualified staff performing medical procedures. The clinic, which promised beauty enhancement services, was caught red-handed today, April 23, operating without the proper legal permits and medical certifications. Police Major General Teerachai Chamnarnmor, Commander of the Region 2 Investigation Division, led…
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Ancient Takian tree unearthed in Phetchabun sparks lottery frenzy
A giant ancient Takian tree, estimated to be over 1,000 years old, was unearthed by an excavator in Phetchabun province during the expansion of a large water reservoir. The discovery attracted significant local interest, with a medium conducting a ceremonial invitation, naming the tree spirit Chao Mae Ngam Thong, and sparking a search for lucky numbers. Yesterday, April 22, villagers…
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Pregnant Thai woman released on bail after killing mistress
Police released a pregnant woman on bail of 150,000 baht after she fatally attacked her husband’s mistress at a love hotel in the Min Buri district of Bangkok on April 21. Police granted bail to a pregnant woman, posting 150,000 baht, after she allegedly launched a fatal attack on her husband’s mistress at a love hotel in Bangkok’s Min Buri district.…
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Hiss and hers: Woman brings dead king cobra to hospital after bite
A woman bitten by a 3-metre-long king cobra astonished hospital staff by bringing the dead snake with her for treatment in eastern Thailand. The incident, which occurred while she was foraging for mushrooms in the forest, has become a widely shared topic online. According to a Facebook post, the woman was bitten by the cobra and sought medical attention, but…
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Bangkok influencer summoned over online gambling promotion
A Saimai district influencer is facing serious legal trouble after cyber police revealed they would issue a summons over allegations of promoting online gambling. The influencer, known for his social media presence, is now under investigation after presenting what police says is incriminating evidence. The controversy unfolded yesterday, April 22, when Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwpharn, the commander of the…
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Fatal crash in Khon Kaen: Sedan hits truck, driver dies in fire
A tragic accident occurred on the Mittraphap Road in Khon Kaen’s Ban Haet district when a red sedan crashed into the back of a 10-wheel truck, catching fire and resulting in the driver’s death. The incident took place at 1am today, April 23, near Baan Nong Ngong in Baan Haet subdistrict. Passersby and the truck’s passengers attempted to extinguish the…
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Man arrested for assaulting monk over drug deal in Nonthaburi
A 23 year old man was arrested for assaulting a monk at his residence in Mueang district, Nonthaburi province. The incident occurred after the man had reportedly given money to the monk to buy methamphetamine but did not receive the drugs. Consequently, he sought to reclaim his money. When the monk could not return the money, the man attacked him.…
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Fire breaks out at Chiang Mai’s Dara Dhevi Hotel
A fire broke out at the renowned Dara Dhevi Hotel in Chiang Mai early this morning sending emergency services rushing to the scene to contain the blaze. The fire, which started around 2am today, April 23, affected a section of the luxury hotel, causing chaos among guests and staff. As firefighters worked tirelessly to control the flames, the cause of…
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Man tragically killed by lightning while picking kaffir lime leaves
A tragic incident unfolded as a man was struck by lightning while collecting kaffir lime leaves for cooking, resulting in his death in front of his father. The incident occurred at 6.30pm yesterday, April 22, when Police Captain Boonlert Raktong, an investigator from Mueang Amnat Charoen Police Station, received a report of the lightning strike fatality in a paddy field…
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Thailand urges stores to keep pork prices stable amid shortage
The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) urges retail and wholesale stores to maintain stable pork prices despite recent supply-driven increases. Wittayakorn Maneenetr, DIT Director General, stated that consultations with the Department of Livestock Development and the Swine Raisers Association of Thailand have highlighted a reduced availability of pigs. Approximately 60,000 pigs are supplied daily, sufficient for domestic needs. The recent…
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Village headman arrested after crossbow dispute leaves man injured
A 45 year old man has been arrested in Lop Buri province for allegedly shooting his brother-in-law with a crossbow, leaving the victim seriously injured. At around 2pm, yesterday, April 22, Police Colonel Supakorn Onsu-wan, superintendent of Baan Mi Police Station, questioned the suspect, identified as Phanom, a resident of Bang Phung subdistrict. Police detained Phanom at his home following…
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Men caught with more than 600k meth pills in northeast Thailand
Two men were arrested with a staggering 632,360 methamphetamine (meth) pills after a border patrol police chase in Mueang district. The pair, who attempted a brazen getaway, were eventually caught and taken into custody with their stash of illicit drugs. According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Boonlert Wisetchart, deputy commander of Border Patrol Police Subdivision 24, the two suspects were identified…
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