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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Arrested Thai woman laughs after brutal murder of transwoman
Police arrested a Thai woman at the weekend, suspected of having a mental illness, for the brutal murder of a transwoman in the eastern province of Rayong. A 29 year old Thai man, Prasit Yeesunhom, filed a complaint at Pluak Daeng Police Station on Friday, March 14, stating that his friend had stumbled upon the dead body of a woman…
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Nakhon Pathom police seize 50 million baht meth pills haul
Thai police announced the arrest of two men involved in the trafficking of over two million methamphetamine pills in Nakhon Pathom, Region 7. The drugs, hidden in a pickup truck, were being transported to Samut Sakhon, with the suspects reportedly paid 70,000 baht (US$2,080) each. The operation, valued at over 50 million baht (US$1.48 million), is under continued investigation to…
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Slapstick: Foreign man, ladyboy clash in Pattaya showdown (video)
A dispute over a motorcycle in the early hours of this morning spiralled into a fiery face-off between a foreign man and a ladyboy on the vibrant streets of Pattaya. The foreigner found himself on the receiving end of a stinging slap from a ladyboy, sparking a call for order in the bustling seaside resort. The altercation erupted at 1am,…
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Thai woman alleges black magic after ex-colleague’s strange rituals
A woman turned to a social media page for help after accusing a former colleague of using black magic against her. The black magic dabbling colleague alleged Bow stole her boyfriend, despite never meeting him. The incident occurred yesterday, March 16, at the office of the Sai Mai Must Survive page. Bow, a 28 year old woman from the Sukhapiban…
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Police nab drug dealer with 43 kilos of meth in Nakhon Pathom
Thai police apprehended a drug dealer in Nakhon Pathom province, recovering 43 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, 2,000 methamphetamine pills, and over 800 e-cigarettes. Officials suspect connections to a car pawn gang and plan to coordinate with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board for asset seizure. Investigations by Metropolitan Investigation Team 8 led to the arrest of 38 year old…
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Bite club: German man sinks teeth into Korat dentist, sparks panic
A chilling wave of panic has swept through dental clinics in Korat after a German man sunk his teeth into a female dentist in a frenzied attack. The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Dental Association is desperately urging the police to collar this foreign menace. Dentist Wivat Chatwongwan, representing the worried local dental community, today, March 17, escorted victims to Mueang Nakhon…
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Baht luck: German and Indian tourists pickpocketed in Pattaya
A German man yesterday lost about 6,000 baht in cash while an Indian man lost over 13,000 baht in a pickpocketing incident in Pattaya. The 67 year old German victim, Manfred Frey, along with his Thai wife and his friend, visited Mueang Pattaya Police Station yesterday, March 16, to report the theft. He stated that he was pickpocketed outside a…
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Shoddy washing machine sparks fire in Pattaya
A fire broke out in a large housing estate in Pattaya last night when a clothes dryer caught fire in a home within the Ek Mongkol 4 community in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district. Emergency services and Pattaya’s Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan rescue team quickly responded to the scene at at 9pm, yesterday, March 16, to contain the situation. The fire…
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Bolt from the blue: Transport Ministry speeds up rider crackdown
The Ministry of Transport (MoT) has put the pedal to the metal with Bolt, urging a rapid revamp of rider registrations to meet the Department of Land Transport (DLT) standards. The move aims to deliver safe and cost-effective services across Bolt’s platforms, as revealed by MoT Deputy Permanent Secretary Sorapong Paitoonphong. Following a high-profile meeting, Sorapong highlighted key resolutions, including…
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Foreigner assaults Thai man after alleged hit-and-run in Pattaya
A viral video surfaced showing a foreigner physically assaulting a Thai man in the middle of a road, following an alleged hit-and-run incident in Pattaya. The Thai motorist who witnessed the incident shared the video on his Facebook account yesterday, March 16, with a caption that read, “The assault was caused by a motorcycle crash. They ended up at a…
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Community aids suicidal woman at Bang Pakong pier
Police and rescue services in Chachoengsao intervened to aid a 54 year old woman contemplating ending her life at the Bang Pakong pier behind the Chachoengsao Vocational College. The woman, Add, seen crying and wearing a motorcycle taxi vest, was safely brought to safety by rescue personnel yesterday, March 16. Add shared her story, revealing her deep sorrow over her inability…
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Dope busted: British nationals caught in Kho Samui cannabis caper
Four British nationals were collared in Thailand for their alleged role in a colossal cannabis smuggling scheme. The suspects were apprehended at Koh Samui Airport with a staggering 131 kilogrammes of marijuana as they prepared to jet back to the United Kingdom. The bust, yesterday, March 16, was a coordinated effort by the Surat Thani Immigration Investigation Unit, Koh Samui…
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Motorcycle crash on Highway 331 kills couple in Chachoengsao
A tragic accident occurred yesterday involving a motorcycle carrying three people that collided with a Toyota Fortuner on Highway 331 in Phanom Sarakham district, Chachoengsao province. The crash resulted in the death of a married couple, while another person sustained serious injuries. Police Lieutenant Pattana Pinich from the Nong Nae Police Station received a report about the accident and proceeded…
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Bridge over troubled water: BMA’s Bangkok river crossing race
Bangkok’s city planners are racing against the clock to complete the much-anticipated Kiakkai Bridge over the Chao Phraya River by 2026. This ambitious project is set to transform commuting across the bustling city, offering a smoother journey over the river. BMA Public Works Department chief Tawatchai Napasaksri dished out details on the various bridge projects currently weaving through the cityscape.…
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Rescue diver’s body found in Ping River after fishing accident
The body of a 34 year old rescue diver, has been discovered in the Ping River after he went missing while fishing. His body was found yesterday, March 16 at a whirlpool, following an extensive overnight search by a rescue team in Chiang Mai province. On March 15, Tonkla or Ditsakorn was fishing near a sand pier in Hod district,…
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Thailand video news | Chiang Mai tops global air pollution rankings amid regional fires, Java’s sinking coast displaces residents
In today’s Thailand news update, Alex and Jay bring the latest headlines from across the region. Thai authorities arrested four foreign nationals at Samui Airport for smuggling 110 kg of cannabis, just a day after another major bust. Meanwhile, Chiang Mai has topped the global air pollution rankings due to cross-border fires, sparking health concerns. In entertainment, Kim Soo-hyun’s past…
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Pipe dream: Teenagers caught escaping Thai detention centre
Fifteen juveniles who escaped from a detention centre in Nakhon Ratchasima have been apprehended. Armed with metal pipes, they stole a motorcycle from a local, citing unbearable heat and homesickness as reasons for their escape. Police have informed the parents of the incident. Yesterday, March 16, a disturbance occurred at the Juvenile Observation and Protection Centre in Nakhon Ratchasima province,…
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Expressway chaos: Bangkok traffic mayhem as flyover tumbles
Transport chiefs in Thailand have urged motorists to seek alternative routes after a key section of the Bangkok–Thon Buri expressway collapsed on Saturday, causing traffic bedlam and blocking crucial ramps. Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) chief Surachet Laophulsuk warned of severe congestion around the Chalerm Maha Nakhon expressway ramp, particularly near the Dao Khanong toll plaza, starting today, Monday, March…
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Fool’s gold: Man in Bangkok arrested after gold store heist
A 35 year old man was apprehended after allegedly robbing a gold store in the Wat Chula area, stealing five 1-baht gold necklaces before returning home, where police arrested him. The suspect, Pramote Khongsriworakulchai, is accused of pawning one necklace, changing his appearance, and attempting to evade arrest. Yesterday, March 16, at 9pm, Police Colonel Anan Warasat, along with Deputy…
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Pounds meltdown: Phuket hospital weighs in on medical tourism
Vachira Phuket Hospital is stepping up its game in the booming medical tourism sector by inviting international patients to experience its top-notch weight-loss surgery. With demand for such procedures on the rise, the hospital is keen to establish itself as a major player. Dr Thakoon Poonthananiwatkul, a senior surgeon at Vachira, proudly announced the plans. “We have over a decade…
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Last call: Drunk man’s tragic death in a Khlong Tan police cell
A 55 year old man died in a detention cell at Khlong Tan Police Station after being arrested for disorderly conduct while drunk. His family revealed he had a heart condition and a history of drug use. The incident involved a man, Pairoh, whose surname is withheld, causing a disturbance in Soi Phatthanakan 10 Intersection 1. Police from Khlong Tan…
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Grey matters! Labour Ministry’s age-raising proposal stirs debate
The Labour Ministry of Thailand is controversially considering raising the retirement age from 55 to 65, while also encouraging voluntary retirement, in a bid to bolster the financial stability of the Social Security Fund (SSF) as the nation braces for an ageing population boom. Government spokesperson Phumphat Muanchan revealed that Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is keen on ensuring the SSF…
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Two Thais become millionaires in 60 million baht lottery win
The latest lottery draw has turned two people into millionaires with a total prize of 60 million baht. A 48 million baht prize went to one winner, while the other claimed 12 million baht. Phanawat “Nott” Nakwisut, CEO of Lottery Plus, selected the winning tickets, drawing gratitude from the winners. The announcement was made at 4pm yesterday, March 16, following…
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British woman missing after fire on diving boat off Koh Tao (video)
A British woman went missing yesterday after a fire broke out on a boat during her diving trip off Koh Tao, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. The fire on the diving boat, named David Jones’ Locker, was reported to Koh Tao Police Station at about 9am yesterday, March 16. The boat was carrying 22 people, including…
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Bugged out! Mosquito bite leaves British dad in Tourette’s grip
A British father’s dream holiday in Thailand took a nightmarish twist after a vicious mosquito bite not only gave him Tourette’s syndrome, but set off a series of bizarre, life-altering health issues. Ross Constable returned from a family holiday to Phuket, never expecting a simple insect bite to transform his life in the most shocking way. The 48 year old…
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Storm set to rain on 25 provinces, Bangkok in the splash zone
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for a summer storm affecting 25 provinces, including Bangkok, predicting heavy rain in 40% of the area. Strong winds and hail are also expected, with a subsequent drop in temperatures today, March 17. A high-pressure system from China is currently affecting the upper northeastern region, anticipated to expand to cover the…
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Chiang Mai air quality ranks worst globally due to regional fires
Burning activities in Myanmar and Laos have significantly contributed to the poor air quality in Chiang Mai, which has been ranked as having the worst air quality in the world. Today, March 16, 17 provinces in Thailand reported PM2.5 levels exceeding safety standards. Associate Professor Doctor Wisanu Arthawanich from the Faculty of Economics at Kasetsart University highlighted the situation on…
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Boat fire near Koh Tao triggers evacuation by Royal Thai Navy
A fire broke out on a boat carrying 28 tourists for a diving trip near Koh Tao, prompting an evacuation effort by the Royal Thai Navy‘s (RTN) Marine Department in Surat Thani province. The incident occurred at 9.25am, today, March 16, when RTN Captain Natthaphon Sinphunphon, deputy director of the department, received an alert from Koh Tao’s rescue centre about…
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Police raid illegal gambling den in Suthisan, arrest 19 people
Thai metropolitan police raided an illegal gambling den in the Suthisan area, arresting 19 people, including the organiser, and seizing five items of evidence. The incident occurred yesterday, March 15, at around 10.50pm, in a rented room on Suthisan Winitchai Road. The operation was led by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, with support from…
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Drug-influenced man kills one, injures another in Chaiyaphum attack
A 26 year old man, reportedly under the influence of drugs, attacked his neighbours in Chaiyaphum province, resulting in one death and one serious injury. Following the incident, he fled and was later apprehended at a temple, where he confessed his actions. Today, March 16, Police Lieutenant Witoon Phaphong-ngarm from Nong Bua Daeng district Police Station was informed of an…
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