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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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?...
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15 year old British-Thai girl rescued after years of rape by mother’s lover
The Be One organisation rescued a 15 year old half-Thai, half-British girl in the Isaan province of Udon Thani, after her Thai mother’s lover had raped her for four years since she was 11. Be One’s founder, Chalida “Ton Or” Palamart, accompanied the 15 year old British-Thai girl and her 41 year old aunt to file a complaint against the girl’s…
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Two men arrested for cable theft in Bangkok’s Si Phraya area
Two men were arrested yesterday for allegedly stealing communication cables in the Si Phraya area in Bangkok. The suspects were apprehended by police after suspicious behaviour was observed, including inconsistent explanations for their presence at the scene. The arrest was conducted by a team led by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom and several other senior officers, including Police Major General…
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Pattaya on pause: Plan ahead or lose the booze
Local officials in Pattaya issued a gentle reminder to plan carefully for upcoming events in the city including the Chon Buri local elections and the booze bans. Locals, visitors and tourists in Pattaya should mark their calendars as the region is likely to go dry from 5pm on January 31 to 5pm on February 1. While the exact date hasn’t…
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Thailand braces for cold snap with Bangkok at 16 degrees
The Thai Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) today, January 13, issued a weather forecast indicating a further drop in temperatures across Thailand, with Bangkok experiencing lows of 16 degrees Celsius and strong winds. The upper northern and northeastern regions are expected to see cold to very cold weather, with the highest areas experiencing even colder temperatures. The department advises residents…
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Tying the Thai: Same-sex love wins big in the Land of Smiles
Love takes centre stage in the Land of Smiles as same-sex couples across Thailand can legally say “I do” at any district office nationwide and even at Thai embassies abroad starting from January 23. This monumental shift comes thanks to the groundbreaking tying the Thai: love wins big in the Land of Smiles, granting same-sex couples the same legal rights…
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Photographer arrested for obscene content on OnlyFans, earns over 2 million baht
A well-known photographer, 46 year old Thanakrit, was apprehended by the Metropolitan Investigation Bureau for distributing obscene images and videos of models on the subscription platform OnlyFans, reportedly earning over 2 million baht (US$57,590). The photographer, known by the nickname Ohm, has previously faced charges of obscenity. The arrest followed a complaint from a model, who alleged that the photographer…
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Man found dead in garden believed to succumb to cold weather
A 53 year old man was found deceased in his garden in Mueang district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, after reportedly stepping outside to urinate. Identified as Prawet from Ban Kok, the man was discovered by his stepson, who had gone out for a cigarette on the morning of today, January 12. Upon finding Prawet, the stepson alerted the village head and…
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Shocking discovery of newborn’s body in Lat Krabang dormitory
A housekeeper was shocked to discover blood seeping from a garbage bag, which revealed the body of a newborn upon inspection. The infant’s mother later confessed. Yesterday, January 11, Police Lieutenant Thirayu Wongsinghe of Charoen Noy Police Station was alerted to the discovery of a newborn’s body at a dormitory in Lat Krabang 13/8, Lat Krabang subdistrict, Lat Krabang district,…
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Driver shoots woman, takes own life in tragic Pattaya incident
A man working as a driver through an application shot and severely injured a woman before taking his own life in a condominium. Police suspect he was stressed after the woman ended their relationship upon discovering he was already married. Yesterday, January 11, Police Lieutenant Sanan Kotanon, deputy investigator at Mueang Pattaya Police Station (Dong Tan Curve branch), responded to…
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Human skeleton found in Chon Buri suitcase sparks investigation
The discovery of a human skeleton inside a suitcase in Chon Buri has prompted police investigations. No traces of blood or bodily fluids were detected, leading to suspicions about the circumstances of the bones’ presence. The suitcase was found yesterday, January 11, at 7pm, near Huai Yai road, approximately 1 kilometre before the intersection with road 331 in Bang Lamung…
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Tragic crash in Kamphaeng Phet claims two lives, child critical
A tragic accident occurred today, January 12, when a Honda Civic collided with a 10-wheel truck in Kamphaeng Phet province, resulting in the deaths of two individuals from the same family. The accident took place on Phahonyothin Road, where emergency services worked tirelessly to rescue the victims trapped inside the wreckage. The collision, which happened at the median of the…
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Man arrested in Trang for alleged rape of 17 year old niece-in-law
A 37 year old man, named Thavorn (surname withheld), was arrested for allegedly raping his 17 year old niece-in-law for nearly a year. The suspect was apprehended today, January 12, following a warrant issued by the Thung Song Provincial Court on January 6. The charges include rape and abducting a minor aged over 15 but under 18 for indecent acts.…
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Tragic fire claims life of Thai councillor and family
A tragic fire erupted yesterday, January 11, in a three-storey commercial building in Suphan Buri Municipality, resulting in the death of Phusit Rungronchaiporn, a 52 year old candidate for District 1 Provincial Councillor, along with his family members. Phusit’s wife, Kanokwan, their 26 year old son Teerawat, and their 24 year old daughter Warasiri also perished in the incident. The…
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Motorcyclist dies in pickup collision on Soi Nong Ket Yai
A collision occurred between a motorcycle and a pickup truck in Soi Nong Ket Yai, Bang Lamung district, at 5.06am yesterday, January 11, prompting a response from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre in Pattaya. Upon arrival, the rescue team discovered an orange pickup truck with severe damage at the front. The driver, 34 year old Chaiyarat Panpitanusorn, was present…
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Thai wildfire at Khao Loi fully contained after week-long battle
Thai officials have announced the successful containment of a wildfire at Khao Loi, situated within the Khao Siad Ai, Khao Nok Yoong, and Khao Ang Hin National Reserved Forests, located in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima. The fire initially ignited on January 3 behind Udomsuk Temple, affecting an area of 200 rai. Despite initial containment efforts, the fire reignited on…
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No human metapneumovirus cluster reported in Thailand, say officials
Thai health officials have confirmed that there is no cluster of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in the country and have advised the public to remain calm. The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has been monitoring information from the World Health Organisation and China regarding hMPV cases. Doctor Panumas Yanawetsakul, director-general of the DDC, stated that there is no confirmation of a…
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Jomtien Beach bust: 6 arrested for illegal gambling
Six individuals, comprising both Thai and Cambodian nationals, were apprehended for engaging in illegal gambling on Jomtien Beach, Chon Buri province. The open-air gambling occurred yesterday, January 10, with many participants fleeing the scene as law enforcement approached. Police Colonel Navin Theerawit, the superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, received a report of the illicit activity taking place at the…
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Transwoman robbed by teenager in Hua Hin, loses 90k baht items
An 18 year old man befriended and later robbed a transwoman, leaving her with nothing. The victim sought help from the Sai Mai Must Survive Facebook page yesterday, January 10. The incident began when the transwoman met a young man named Ball online on January 4, after he posted in a Hua Hin community group seeking companions. The transwoman, named…
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Petrol prices cut in Thailand for Children’s Day celebrations
PTT Station has announced a reduction in retail prices for various types of petrol and gasohol, coinciding with Children’s Day celebrations. Starting today, January 11, prices will decrease by 0.30 baht per litre for petrol and all types of gasohol, while E20 will see a 0.40 baht reduction, and E85 will drop by 0.50 baht per litre. Following the adjustments,…
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Kanchanaburi school director cleared of negligence allegations
A school director in Kanchanaburi province faced scrutiny after a Facebook page, known as Operation Watchdog, posted allegations of negligence, claiming the director only attended school three times a week. Investigations by education officials have found no misconduct. According to the Facebook post, the director reportedly missed school weeks entirely by claiming official duties, while residing in Tha Maka district,…
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Man falls from 15-storey height in Phuket parasailing accident
A man fell from a parasailing activity off the coast of Phuket, resulting in his death. The fall was reported to be nearly as high as a 15-storey building. The police are actively investigating the situation following a video shared by Phuket Times, which shows the fall accompanied by a message expressing condolences. The incident took place at Karon Beach,…
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Pattaya Dinosaur Kingdom adds Jurassic fun to Children’s Day
Pattaya Dinosaur Kingdom is set to bring life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs to the city in celebration of National Children’s Day today. The event, taking place at King Taksin Monument Plaza in front of Pattaya City Hall, is generating enthusiasm among attendees. In collaboration with Pattaya City, the park will showcase enormous, realistic dinosaur models to mark the occasion. Among the highlights…
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Suphan Buri officers praised for buying food for drunk local (video)
Two officers from the Suphan Buri police department received praise for assisting a drunk local by purchasing food for him when he was unable to drive. They were honoured with an award for their commendable service yesterday, January 10. The incident came to light after a viral clip posted on TikTok by user @phatara_2_66 showed an intoxicated man requesting motorbike…
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Wildfire reignites, threatening homes and resorts in Korat
A wildfire reignited at Khao Loi in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima, at 10am on Thursday, January 9, after previously being contained on January 8. Northeast Forest Fire Control Center 3 dispatched 35 personnel to the scene, collaborating with five agencies, including Khao Yai National Park and the Phayayen Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, to combat the blaze. Firebreaks were established to…
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Russian tourist found dead by hanging in Na Jomtien apartment
A Russian tourist was found dead by hanging in an apartment in Na Jomtien, Sattahip. Na Jomtien police received a report at 11pm on Wednesday, January 8, about the incident involving a foreign national in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri province. Police officers and rescue workers from the Sawang Rojanatham Foundation responded promptly to the scene. The body of…
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Caught red-handed: 6 arrested at illegal gold mining site in Phitchit
Forestry police apprehended a Vietnamese man and five Thai nationals at an unauthorised gold mining site on Panompa Mountain in the northern province of Phichit yesterday, January 10. This action followed a report alleging that a Vietnamese investor had entered the site on the mountain in Nong Phra subdistrict, Wang Sai Phun district, to excavate gold. The Vietnamese individual was…
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Chiang Rai clinic accused of defrauding NHSO 1.8 million baht
Police in Chiang Rai province have been requested by the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to investigate a clinic suspected of defrauding the universal healthcare system. The clinic is alleged to have serviced at least one fraudulent patient. Doctor Attaporn Limpanyalert, deputy secretary-general of the NHSO, lodged a formal complaint at Ban Du Police Station in Wieng Pa Pao district.…
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Ex-inmate arrested in Phuket for 22 million baht crypto scam
An ex-inmate has been apprehended in Phuket for impersonating a well-known politician to entice a woman into investing in a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme, resulting in a loss of 22 million baht. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) police arrested 36 year old Pratya at a residence in Koh Kaew, Mueang district. He faces charges of public fraud and inputting false…
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Bangkok braces for coldest days in 40 years amid fierce winds
Bundle up, Bangkok! Meteorologists predict that the capital will experience its chilliest weather in nearly four decades this Sunday (January 12) and Monday (January 13), with temperatures set to plummet to a frosty 16°C. Meanwhile, the northern and north-eastern regions are forecasted to hit lows of 12°C, marking an unseasonably cold spell for mid-January. Seree Supharathit, director of the Centre…
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Fun, food, and fancy drills: Thailand gears up for Children’s Day
This year’s National Children’s Day is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience, with exciting events planned in Nong Pla Lai and Sattahip, Chon Buri. From bike giveaways to thrilling naval demonstrations, families are in for a treat. In Nong Pla Lai, Mayor Pinyo Homklan has announced a fun-filled celebration at the municipality building, starting with registration at 8.30am tomorrow,…
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