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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.
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Sponsored Thailand health insurance that covers chronic conditions: What expats need to know
The Thaiger key takeaways Managing chronic conditions in Thailand requires health insurance that covers specialist visits, medications, tests, and hospital stays. Cigna offers high-coverage plans with access to top hospitals, direct billing, and telemedicine support for convenient long-term care. Expats...
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Man’s kidney sale for iPhone leaves him disabled at 31
The story of a Chinese man who once sold a kidney to purchase an iPhone 4 and iPad 2 has resurfaced, highlighting his current life at 31 years old. He is now permanently disabled, unable to work, and requires lifelong dialysis, serving as a stark lesson about the consequences of a hasty decision made at 17. In 2010, the iPhone…
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Ayutthaya restaurant brawl leaves owner’s father injured (video)
Yesterday, on September 27, the Ayutthaya brawl between a restaurant owner and a customer escalated to a physical altercation and car collision, leaving the restaurant owner’s father seriously injured. Police are set to summon all involved for questioning. Police Lieutenant Colonel Samart Raksasat, an investigative officer in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district, responded to reports of a dispute involving vehicles…
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Transport pioneer Je Kiew dies at 88, leaves billion-baht legacy
The passing of Suchinda Chirdchai, fondly known as “Jae Kiew,” marks the end of an era for Thailand’s transportation industry. The 88 year old businesswoman, who founded the Cherdchai Tour and Cherdchai Industry, built a multi-billion-baht empire from humble beginnings. Suchinda was born on March 20, 1937, in Nakhon Ratchasima province, the sixth child in an ordinary family. Despite completing…
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Thai minister accuses Cambodia of violating ceasefire at UN assembly
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow addressed the United Nations General Assembly, accusing Cambodia of provocative actions and breaching a ceasefire agreement with Thailand. His remarks were a response to Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sokhonn Prak, who claimed Cambodian civilians had faced eviction and an unprovoked attack. The Cambodian official was likely referencing Thailand’s efforts to reclaim parts of Ban Nong…
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MG sedan crashes into Chiang Mai shop, narrowly missing tourists
A red MG sedan crashed into a popular Mala shop in Chang Phueak, Chiang Mai district, narrowly missing two foreign tourists and other patrons. Police are investigating the incident that occurred yesterday, September 27. Surveillance footage captured the moment the vehicle collided with the shop, where both local and international tourists were dining. The tourists fled in panic, with one…
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Historic Phuket temple hall demolished for safety despite local upset
Residents of Thalang District in Phuket have expressed their dismay following the unexpected demolition of the main ordination hall at Wat Phra Nang Sang, an ancient temple with a history spanning over 250 years. The building, known as the Ubosot, was central to religious ceremonies and rituals. The Ubosot, adorned with murals depicting local history and legends, was a symbol…
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Malaysia strengthens halal economy through digital ecosystem and partnerships
Malaysia has positioned itself as a major force in the global halal economy by building a strong digital halal ecosystem that provides financing, advisory services, and business intelligence to help local SMEs expand abroad. This model, which underpins Malaysia’s success in exporting halal products, is now being adapted to support neighbouring Thailand in strengthening its own halal sector. Malaysia and…
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Military crackdown at Sa Kaeo border nabs 19 in trafficking bust
Military forces from the Eastern Border Special Task Force arrested 19 individuals in connection with an international human trafficking network at the border region of Ban Non Khilek, Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province. The operation, carried out today, September 28, also uncovered illegal substances on the group’s leader. The operation was led by Colonel Chainarong Kasee, commander of the Aranyaprathet…
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Lawyers in Thailand accused of faking papers to steal estate
Heirs in Thailand filed a complaint against lawyers who allegedly forged documents to seize assets in a case now under investigation by legal authorities. A representative of a deceased estate has filed a formal complaint against several lawyers, accusing them of conspiring to forge legal documents and unlawfully seize assets worth over 57 million baht. Yesterday, September 26, Chanwut Mekraksawanit,…
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Man stabs friend to death in jealous rage at Korat party
A 49 year old man allegedly stabbed his friend to death and injured his wife during a drinking session in Nakhon Ratchasima, northeastern Thailand, reportedly driven by jealousy. The fatal incident occurred on Thursday, September 25, in the Phimai district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, when the suspect, identified as Prasong, allegedly lost control after seeing his wife, Toei Namsai, speaking…
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Bags of cannabis dumped outside Udon Thani home baffle locals
Villagers in Udon Thani were shocked when sealed bags of cannabis were found dumped outside a house, prompting a police investigation into the source. Residents of Ban Si Wilai in Mueang district, Udon Thani, were left both alarmed and confused after discovering 16 bags of dried cannabis dumped outside a home yesterday, September 26. The incident was reported to local…
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Intoxicated man rescued after sprinting into Jomtien sea
A man was rescued from the sea at Jomtien Beach after running into the water while intoxicated, prompting an emergency response late at night. Emergency services in Pattaya were called into action after a 36 year old man had to be rescued from the sea at Jomtien Beach, near Dongtan Curve, late on Thursday, September 25. The incident occurred around…
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Lotto hopefuls flock to Ang Thong’s 200 year old ‘lucky tree’
Locals in Ang Thong province, central Thailand, gathered at a revered temple tree, hoping to uncover lucky numbers as the next lottery draw approaches, continuing a long-held tradition. As lottery fever grips Thailand once again, residents of Pho Thong district in Ang Thong are heading to Chulamuni Temple, hoping to uncover lucky numbers from the famed Mae Ya Sroi Thong…
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Thais urged to check credit yearly and escape debt traps
With debt hanging over many Thai households, financial experts are urging citizens to take control, starting with a yearly credit check and smart planning. The National Credit Bureau (NCB) is encouraging Thai citizens to review their credit reports annually to monitor their debt and prevent financial fraud. The advice comes amid rising concerns over Thailand’s high household debt, which now…
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Teen futsal player dies in motorbike crash on Bangkok bridge
A teenage futsal player died and his friend was injured when their motorbike crashed into a truck on a Bangkok bridge during the early morning hours. The incident occurred around 1am today, September 27, on Bang Khun Si Bridge, a four-lane bridge heading towards Ratchaphruek Road. The grey Yamaha NMAX, registered in Bangkok, was found overturned at the scene with…
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Californian man found dead in Patong hotel room
An American tourist was found dead in his Patong hotel room, prompting police to launch an investigation into the cause of death. Police have launched an investigation after a 31 year old American man was found dead in his hotel room on Nanai Road in Patong, Phuket. The tourist, who had travelled from California and checked into the hotel alone,…
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More Thai women opting out of motherhood, survey shows
A nationwide survey conducted by the Thai Health Department has revealed that only 63% of Thai women aged 19 to 49 wish to have children, raising concerns about future birth rates and the need for stronger state support around reproductive health. The study, which included 404 women with an average age of 34.2, also found that just 53% possessed sufficient…
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Patong’s promenade revamp drags on with no end in sight
A major promenade upgrade in Patong has fallen behind schedule, with only partial progress made and no confirmed completion date. The long-awaited redevelopment of the Thaweewong Road promenade in Patong has hit a major snag, with only 30% of the work completed, well past its deadline and with no firm end date in sight. Kittisak Morasilp, Director of Patong Municipality’s…
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Bangkok hosts ASEAN’s biggest sustainability expo
Southeast Asia’s largest sustainability expo kicked off in Bangkok, bringing together global changemakers to tackle health, food, and housing challenges. The Sustainability Expo 2025 (SX2025), the largest sustainability event in Southeast Asia, opened its doors yesterday, September 26, at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. The 10-day event, running until October 5, serves as a regional platform for innovation, inspiration,…
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Chon Buri truck crash kills woman, injures 5 in pile-up
A fatal crash occurred when a truck overturned on a Chon Buri highway, triggering a multi-vehicle collision that left one person dead and several injured. The crash rocked Highway 331 in the early hours of yesterday, September 26, after an 18-wheeler lost control and triggered a four-vehicle pile-up in Khao Mai Kaew, Chon Buri. The incident occurred at 1.06am on…
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‘Eel of fortune’ has locals hooked on lucky lottery numbers (video)
A rare albino eel with golden markings was discovered by a villager in Phetchabun, central Thailand, sparking a local lottery frenzy as residents sought lucky numbers. The fishy phenomenon emerged yesterday, September 25, after a video clip showing the striking eel went viral on social media. Filmed by Amnat Phonok, a resident of Phu Toei village in Wichian Buri district,…
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Russian pickup driver surrenders over viral sex video in Phuket
A Russian man surrendered to police today, September 26, admitting that he was the driver of the black pickup truck featured in the viral sex video in Phuket. The explicit footage, showing 23 year old Russian national Georgii and a 42 year old Thai woman engaging in sexual activity on the moving vehicle along Phuket Bypass Road, to the ire…
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AI crackdown launched to lure 2 million Chinese tourists to Thailand
Thailand has launched a major security upgrade using advanced technology to boost tourist safety and attract two million Chinese visitors in the coming months. The initiative was unveiled during an inter-agency meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Captain Thammanat Prompao at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The plan aims to restore Chinese tourist…
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RTAF signs mega deal for high-tech Airbus tanker jet
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has announced the purchase of an advanced Airbus 330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+) to strengthen aerial refuelling, transport, and rescue capabilities. The RTAF has taken a major leap in defence capabilities by placing an order for the A330 MRTT+, a cutting-edge refuelling and transport aircraft based on the advanced A330neo platform. The…
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Old woman saved after being left to scavenge for food in Bangkok condo
A non-profit organisation, Be One, rescued an elderly woman who had been abandoned to live alone in a Bangkok condominium and was forced to search for scraps of food in rubbish bins. A 35 year old resident of the same condominium, identified only as A, reported the matter to Be One in the hope of finding a solution. A explained…
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Apple Watch saves kayaker stranded at sea off Pattaya coast
A young kayaker was rescued off the coast of Pattaya after rough sea conditions capsized his vessel, prompting him to send an SOS alert via his Apple Watch. The man, identified as 24 year old Santiphong, was paddling from Krating Lai Beach to Koh Larn last night, September 25, when strong waves overwhelmed his kayak, flipping it and leaving him…
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100000 baht missing following suspicious house fire in Phrae
A Thai man is suspected of theft after a fire broke out in his room in Phrae province, and 100,000 baht in cash he had hidden behind a picture disappeared. Officers from Phra That Cho Hae Police Station received an alert about the fire at 9.10am yesterday, September 25, and rushed to the scene, a house in the Bang Pa…
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Thai government pushes capital shake-up to win back investors
Thailand’s new government has unveiled plans to overhaul capital market regulations in a bid to restore investor confidence and boost economic growth. The newly installed administration has pledged to roll out urgent capital market reforms ahead of the next election in a bid to boost investor sentiment and economic momentum. At the centre of the plan is a sweeping regulatory…
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Hungry elephant raids Korat BBQ shop in midnight rampage
A wild elephant from Khao Yai wandered into a barbecue restaurant in Nakhon Ratchasima during the night, causing damage while searching for food. The elephant, named Plai Biang Lek, was caught on CCTV casually wandering into a pork barbecue restaurant in Nakhon Ratchasima province during the early hours of yesterday, September 25, rummaging through the kitchen in search of a…
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Chiang Mai police caught extorting money from foreign tourist
A viral video emerged showing a police officer in Chiang Mai extorting money from a foreign motorcyclist, prompting an investigation into alleged corruption. The Facebook page Guru Guroo Chiang Mai shared the video yesterday, September 25, with the caption, “Another viral video! Thai police asked for ‘something’ from a foreign tourist. What’s that thing? The incident occurred near Chiang Mai…
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