Hot News
Thailand hot news, breaking stories, crime, politics, tourism, and business—stay updated with in-depth reports and exclusive interviews on the latest events across the country. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted Thailand news source.
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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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Gambling site link to academic scandal uncovered in Bangkok
Evidence, consisting of secret chat logs and money transfer slips, has emerged linking a notorious gambling website operator to an academic scandal involving a police general. Yesterday, April 23, at the Technology Crime Suppression Division 1, Police Major General Siriwat Deephor, head of the division, announced the arrest of 53 year old Kanittha. She was apprehended at her residence in…
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Chinese tourists favour Vietnam over Thailand amid rising costs
Thailand has fallen behind Vietnam as the most-visited Southeast Asian destination for Chinese tourists in the first quarter. The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) subsequently urged the government to lower travel costs, which are currently 30% higher than Vietnam’s, and enhance Thailand’s appeal with new attractions. The Tourism and Sports Ministry recorded 1.3 million Chinese visitors to Thailand during…
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Jealous Thai teen confesses to fatal abuse of 4 year old adopted brother
Police arrested an 18 year old Thai teen in the central province of Prachin Buri for the fatal abuse of a four year old boy, whom his father had adopted. The suspect reportedly admitted to harming the child out of jealousy. The 52 year old man, Rattana Saengsuwimon, reported the death of his adopted son, Kao, to officers at Rabopai…
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Commerce Ministry targets foreign nominees in 6 sectors
The Commerce Ministry has updated its nominee inspection strategy, focusing on six high-risk sectors. Auramon Supthaweethum, Director General of the Department of Business Development (DBD), stated that the agency is intensifying investigations into businesses suspected of using Thai nationals as nominees to conceal foreign ownership. This initiative aims to address the issue of foreign-operated nominee businesses that affect investor confidence…
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Deadly heatwave to scorch Phuket, Bangkok and 35 provinces
Thailand is bracing for a brutal blast of heat, with public health officials warning that a life-threatening heatwave is set to grip Phuket, Bangkok, and 35 other provinces. The Department of Health has raised the alarm, predicting the heat index, the temperature people feel when humidity is factored in, will soar to dangerously high levels. Phuket is expected to hit…
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Bangkok man arrested after deadly dispute over motorcycle noise
A 29 year old man was apprehended at the emergency room of Bhumibol Hospital in Bangkok after fatally stabbing his 64 year old neighbour. The incident stemmed from a heated argument over motorcycle noise. The suspect, Jeerapat also known as Beer, claimed the engine was stalling, necessitating constant revving. Yesterday, April 23, around 8pm, police received reports of a violent…
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Phumtham denies visa scandal derailed US trade talks
Rumours are swirling about US visa sanctions throwing a spanner in Thailand’s trade negotiations but Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai says it’s all smoke and no fire. In a press briefing yesterday, April 23, Phumtham hit back at claims that visa bans, imposed over Thailand’s controversial deportation of Uyghur refugees to China in February, had sidelined key Thai negotiators from upcoming…
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South Korean man injured in restaurant bill dispute with Pattaya women
A South Korean man sustained a cut wound to his hand after attempting to wrest a knife from a Thai woman during a dispute over a restaurant bill in Pattaya. Rescuers from the Sawang Borriboon Dhammasathan Foundation were dispatched to a small alley near Pattaya Walking Street at around 9am, yesterday, April 23, to provide first aid to the 32…
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14 million baht vanishes from Thai Parliament savings co-op
A scandal is brewing at Parliament’s doorstep after a whopping 14 million baht mysteriously vanished from the Parliamentary Official Saving and Credit Cooperative. But despite the jaw-dropping fraud, House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha insists there’s no need to panic. According to Wan, the massive embezzlement won’t affect the cooperative’s members or its day-to-day operations. “It was fortunate that we…
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The Art of Glow – Evening of creative expression, beauty & a gifted day of wellness
Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness presents the third edition of its monthly series: Soul & Sole Sunset Journeys, themed The Art of Glow. As part of the celebration, guests will enjoy an evening of beauty and restoration, one invitation will be extended for a full day of complimentary wellness experiences, thoughtfully curated as a gesture of self-care. This special…
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Love-sick monk shoots foreigner’s wife then kills himself in Thailand
A love-sick monk disrobed to go in search of a Norwegian man’s wife but when she rejected him he shot her before turning the gun on himself in a grisly murder–suicide attempt in southern Thailand. Officers in Nakhon Si Thammarat were called to a luxury two-storey home in Village 12, Klai Subdistrict, at around 4am, today, April 24, after neighbours…
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Thai coral recovery: over 60% of bleached reefs saved
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has successfully rescued over 60% of the coral affected by bleaching since last year. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director General of the DMCR, reported that since April last year, approximately 60-80% of coral in Thailand’s waters experienced bleaching. Of these, 60% have been successfully revived, while the remainder perished. The bleaching was attributed to…
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Miss Universe strips Thai beauty pageant of title after controversy
Thailand’s beauty pageant scene has been rocked by a shocking decision from the Miss Universe Organisation, which has officially stripped Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri of her third runner-up title following her participation in the Miss World Thailand event. The controversy began when Opal appeared at a business announcement for the Miss World 2025 competition, violating her contract by participating in another…
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Thailand scraps mandatory scout uniforms, ease parents’ burden
Parents across Thailand are breathing a collective sigh of relief as the Ministry of Education announces a major change in school regulations. The compulsory wearing of full scout uniforms will be scrapped, offering much-needed financial respite to families as the new school term approaches. Deputy Education Minister Surasak Phancharoenworrakul made the announcement during a meeting with senior officials today, April…
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Thailand’s 3.78 trillion baht budget faces US tariff concerns
The Thai Parliament will hold a special session next month to debate the government’s proposed 3.78-trillion-baht budget for the 2026 fiscal year, as concerns over a potential trade war with the United States loom large. With Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government seeking to minimise the economic impact of looming US tariffs, the upcoming session promises to be a pivotal moment…
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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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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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Thaksin’s hospitalisation defended amid ombudsman review
Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong has downplayed concerns surrounding the Ombudsman’s review of Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospitalisation, calling it legally justified. The former prime minister’s six-month stay at Police General Hospital (PGH) sparked controversy, with critics questioning whether it constituted privileged treatment. However, the justice minister remains unfazed, stating the arrangement complied with legal standards. In a statement yesterday, April…
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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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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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Saraburi firm probed over Chinese workforce, only 13 found violating laws
The Immigration Bureau Commissioner has ordered an investigation into a construction company in Saraburi following complaints of an entirely Chinese workforce. Of the 250 workers checked, only 13 were found to violate the law. Yesterday, April 22, Police Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonyaluck, alongside Police Major General Phanthana Nuchanarot and Police Major General Chairit On-orat, directed a search team led by…
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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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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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Passenger numbers soar at Thai airports during Songkran festival
Airports of Thailand (AOT) reported that passenger numbers over the Songkran festival period exceeded 2.6 million, marking a 4.3% increase. Some 16,064 flights were operated. AOT chief Kirati Kitmanawat shared insights into this growth during the Songkran festival from April 11 to April 17. The six airports under AOT’s management, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang…
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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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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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FBS brings joy to vulnerable communities during Ramadan
FBS, a leading global broker, proudly concluded its Ramadan 2025 charitable efforts in partnership with SUKA Society in Malaysia and the Peduli Anak Foundation in Indonesia. With a total donation of US$20,000, FBS supported over 400 people across both regions. In collaboration with SUKA Society, FBS provided essential food supplies and Ramadan care packages to vulnerable communities. From March 18…
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