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 How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Mother and daughter hurt in Honda Jazz crash on Ratchaphruek Road
A mother and her daughter were involved in a serious car accident after their Honda Jazz collided with a truck, causing their vehicle to veer off course and crash into a barrier. The incident, which led to their car overturning and blocking the road, occurred late yesterday evening. Following the initial crash, a subsequent collision took place when a pickup…
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PM Paetongtarn’s absence sparks debate over invasive fish issue
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s decision to skip the opening of the new House of Representatives session yesterday, December 12, sparked a contentious debate between the opposition and the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, a Bangkok representative from the opposition People’s Party (PP), voiced his frustration, expressing a desire for the prime minister to address the public on efforts…
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Cold air mass, monsoon rains hit Thailand, affecting 14 provinces
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warned of another cold air mass approaching, causing temperatures to drop by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius. The southern region faces heavy monsoon rains impacting 14 provinces, while Bangkok will experience rain and wind. The forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that a high-pressure area or cold air mass from China is now covering…
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Thai-German rail partnership renewed for sustainable transport
Thailand and Germany reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing rail transport systems, with a focus on efficiency and environmental sustainability. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced the renewal of the agreement in Bangkok, extending their collaboration for an additional two years. The bilateral agreement, initially signed on November 23, 2016, has been renewed twice, reflecting both nations’ dedication to advancing rail technology…
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Thai man shares footage of woman jumping into his car at red light
A Thai man issued a warning to motorists in Chon Buri after an unknown woman entered his car while he was parked at a red light and urged him to continue driving without providing a clear destination. The Thai man shared dashcam footage of the woman entering his car with Channel 7. The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday, December 10,…
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Thai woman glued to phone hit by electric motorcycle in Pattaya
A dramatic accident unfolded on Pattaya Beach Road in the early hours of today, leaving three people injured after a woman, distracted by her phone, was struck by an electric motorcycle. Pattaya police responded to a call about the incident at 12.10am today, December 12, quickly coordinating with rescue volunteers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan. Upon arriving at the scene, officers…
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Thailand claims best worldwide destination at Irish Travel Awards
Thailand has once again stolen the spotlight on the global tourism stage, clinching the prestigious Best Worldwide Destination title at the Irish Travel Trade Awards (ITTN Awards) 2024. The glittering ceremony, hosted by Irish Travel Trade News, unfolded on November 29 at Dublin’s Clayton Hotel, Burlington, with over 5,000 travel agents casting their votes for excellence in travel and tourism.…
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Thai woman caught smuggling 6 million baht of cocaine into Japan
A Thai woman was arrested at Kansai International Airport in Osaka after she smuggled 6 million baht worth of cocaine into Japan. Local news agencies in Japan recently reported that the 23 year old Thai woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, was arrested at Kansai Airport after 760 grammes of cocaine were found in her possession. The drugs were worth approximately…
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Labour Ministry steps up protection for migrant workers in Thailand
The Labour Ministry is taking decisive steps to safeguard the welfare of migrant workers while ensuring they do not occupy jobs designated for Thai nationals. A workshop was conducted to train a specialised team tasked with overseeing the employment conditions of migrant workers and ensuring adherence to labour laws. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn presided over the workshop, which took place…
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Pad Kaprao strikes back: Thailand’s favourite dishes revealed
Pad Kaprao is back on top! Foodpanda’s 2024 year-end statistics unveiled the nation’s culinary obsessions, and the spicy basil stir-fry has reclaimed its throne as Thailand’s most-ordered dish with over 800,000 orders. After losing the crown to fried rice in 2023, Pad Kaprao has made a fiery comeback, even earning international accolades as the world’s best stir-fried dish, according to…
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Chiang Rai couple arrested for illegal online lottery operation
A couple from Chiang Rai has been apprehended by cyber police for operating an illegal online lottery and gambling website, with monthly financial transactions amounting to millions. They advertised their services via Facebook, leading to their eventual capture and subsequent legal proceedings. Today, December 12, several high-ranking officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, including Trirong Phiwpan, Wiwat Khamchanan, and…
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Motorcyclist attacks public bus with rocks, bottles in Nonthaburi
An unidentified man driving a white motorcycle chased and attacked a public bus with rocks and bottles in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province. The event occurred yesterday, December 11, when 37 year old Kwanchai was driving the public bus on route 32 between Wat Pho and Wat Bo in Pak Kret. Alongside him was 36 year old Nattiporn who managed the…
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Pattaya karaoke raid uncovers illegal workers and minors
Police raided a Pattaya karaoke venue, uncovering illegal employment of foreign women and detaining eight tourists who tested positive for drugs. The operation also revealed four minors, under 14 years old, inside the venue, leading to serious charges. Early today, December 12, Thai law enforcement led a significant raid on a karaoke establishment in Pattaya, Thailand. The operation was spearheaded…
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Phu Kradueng National Park shuts down after elephant attack
Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province has been closed indefinitely after a wild elephant attacked and killed a female tourist. The Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), Atthaphon Charoenchansa, has vowed swift action to ensure safety. In a chilling revelation, the same elephant has returned to the area where the attack occurred,…
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Thailand leads ASEAN in gold-driven financial growth, inclusion
Gold’s role in providing financial stability amid global uncertainties is gaining attention as the world moves into 2025. Traditionally linked to prosperity and wealth in Thai culture, gold remains a symbol of celebration during significant family events such as weddings and birthdays. Despite societal changes, gold’s cultural significance continues to drive strong consumer demand in Thailand, evidenced by the nation’s…
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Australian expat donates van to Pattaya children’s home (video)
A generous act of kindness took place in Pattaya as an Australian expat donated a 2024 Toyota Commuter 15-passenger van to Baan Jing Jai, a local children’s home. The vehicle, valued at 1.3 million baht, was gifted in memory of the Australian, Daryl Evans’ late wife, Tuanjai Naksale, and is intended to support the welfare of children in need. This…
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Tragedy on Phuket bridge: Motorcyclist killed in late-night crash
A tragic late-night collision on Phuket’s notorious Kojan Bridge claimed the life of a motorcyclist just before midnight yesterday, December 11. The crash occurred on Rattanakosin 200 Pi Road in Phuket Town, prompting police to rush to the scene at 11.54pm. Arriving officers found a white Toyota Hilux Vigo, registered locally, stopped in the middle of the road. The driver,…
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Paws and order: Thai man abuses 3 cats after row with boyfriend
Police charged a Thai man in the Isaan province of Sakon Nakhon with physically abusing three pet cats after videos and pictures of the abuse were shared in a Facebook group of animal lovers. A man shared the videos and pictures of his ex-boyfriend strangling their pet cats and throwing them against the wall of a condominium room in a…
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Pier Pressure: IIlegal boat operator nabbed in Phuket crackdown
A 21 year old Myanmar man found himself in hot water after being arrested at Chalong Pier for running an illegal tourist boat operation. The Marine Police pounced during a routine inspection, uncovering a string of violations that landed him in custody. The arrest is part of an ongoing clampdown on unlicensed activities in the popular tourist hotspot. “The Marine…
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Cold front takes Thailand by storm: Brace for a chilling forecast
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning for today, predicting cold to very cold conditions due to a strong cold air mass. Severe thunderstorms are expected to hit 14 provinces, including Bangkok. In the latest forecast, the TMD indicated that a relatively strong high-pressure system or cold air mass from China has now extended to northern Vietnam…
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Van tyre blowout injures 14 Lao workers on Thai highway
A terrifying accident unfolded when a van carrying Lao workers experienced a tyre blowout, nearly resulting in a tragic outcome. The incident, which occurred early today, December 12, left numerous individuals injured. The driver revealed the left rear tyre had issues just before they were en-route to the Nong Khai immigration checkpoint. Around 12.15am today, Preecha Suebrat, an inspector at…
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Bangla Road brawl: Taxi driver and tourist clash in viral showdown (video)
A shocking street brawl between a tourist and a Patong taxi driver has sent social media into overdrive, leaving Bangla Road’s infamous nightlife under scrutiny once again. The 18-second video, shared by the Facebook page โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต captures a chaotic scene of men punching and grappling at the bustling end of Bangla Road. Titled Fighting hard #BanglaRoad, Patong, the clip…
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84 Myanmar immigrants arrested in Thailand after jungle trek
In the early hours of yesterday, police in Kanchanaburi successfully apprehended a group of 84 individuals from Myanmar’s Rakhine State who had entered Thailand illegally. The operation, carried out by Thong Pha Phum police and other relevant agencies, unfolded after a tip-off led them to a suspicious scene involving an abandoned pickup truck with obscured license plates. The truck, which…
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Drink driver finally on trial after arrest and assault of innocent man
Police arrested a drink driver who ran a traffic checkpoint on Prasert-Manukritch Road in Bangkok on December 4, after officers mistakenly arrested an innocent man and allegedly assaulted him on the same day. The conflict between a 33 year old Thai man, Thananop Kirddri, and seven officers from the Traffic Police Division came to light after his family called for…
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Young man’s body found in car sparks police probe in Phetchaburi
A tragic discovery was made this morning in Phetchaburi, where the body of a young man was found lifeless inside a car. Police are actively investigating the incident and have summoned people connected to the case for questioning. Officers from the Nong Ya Plong Police Station in Phetchaburi province received a report of a death inside a vehicle located in…
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Drunken man with shotgun challenges Bangkok police to fist fight
A man caused chaos in a Nong Chok neighbourhood in Bangkok by brandishing a shotgun and challenging police officers to a fist fight. Residents were frustrated by the commotion caused by the inebriated individual. This incident occurred yesterday, December 11, around 10.30pm, following a police report from the local. Police Lieutenant Chairat Charasmetawit, an investigator at Nong Chok Police Station,…
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Krabi man caught with over 6,000 meth pills at Phuket checkpoint
A significant drug bust unfolded as a 41 year old Krabi resident was arrested at a primary checkpoint leading to Phuket. The arrest occurred early yesterday morning, December 11, when police discovered a substantial stash of methamphetamine (meth) pills concealed in the man’s vehicle. The suspect, Wutthachai Klapkhong, was detained at a Phuket Chatchai Checkpoint following a search of his…
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Thai man fatally stabbed after killing 2 relatives in Prachin Buri
A Thai couple fatally stabbed a relative in self-defence after he killed two other family members in Prachin Buri province. The incident began when 38 year old Surat “Jack” Thongbai carried out a shooting spree in two locations in the Mueang district at around 2pm on Tuesday, December 10. The first location was a fresh market, and the second was…
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Condom chaos: Pattaya railway station becomes X-rated litter zone
Shocked residents in Pattaya have raised alarms over a sordid discovery at the local railway station yesterday, December 11. Concerned locals reported finding used condoms, wrappers, and tissues strewn near a pile of track ballast in the station’s multipurpose area, sparking fears of a public health hazard. “This area is popular with tourists and families. We use it for exercise…
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Mitsubishi Pajero crashes into Bangkok karaoke bar, three injured
A shocking incident unfolded last night when a Mitsubishi Pajero SUV veered off the road and crashed into a karaoke bar on Pracha Uthit Road in Bangkok’s Rat Burana district. The accident resulted in three injuries, including one serious case. The 56 year old driver, Taweesap Nilkhong, claimed that she lost control of the steering, prompting police to investigate the…
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