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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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    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?...

  • Russian driver collides with motorbike, leaving one dead

    Russian driver collides with motorbike, leaving one dead

    Last night, a Russian man driving a car in Pattaya caused a severe accident by colliding with a motorcycle, leaving one person dead and one critically injured. The incident occurred on Sukhumvit Road, near the South Pattaya traffic light, as the driver, appearing inebriated, sped down the road. Local rescue services quickly arrived at the scene, finding the car’s front end…

  • 900-year-old statue returned to Thailand

    900-year-old statue returned to Thailand

    A 900-year-old statue, smuggled out of Thailand by a notorious art dealer in 1975, has finally been returned to its homeland after spending over three decades in the possession of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The 129-centimetre bronze statue, known as the Golden Boy and believed to depict the Hindu god Shiva, along with a smaller statue…

  • IIC chief goes after Israeli and Hamas leaders in legal showdown

    IIC chief goes after Israeli and Hamas leaders in legal showdown

    The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) lodged applications for arrest warrants against prominent Israeli and Hamas figures, in a move marking a significant escalation in legal actions against leaders of both sides. But that’s not all. Alonso Gurmendi, an international law expert at King’s College London, stated that the West must have a moral conscience and decide…

  • Join the laughter for a cause at Royal Queen Seeds’ charity comedy event

    Join the laughter for a cause at Royal Queen Seeds’ charity comedy event

    Royal Queen Seeds is excited to announce a special charity comedy event to be held on May 25 from 8PM to 10PM at their elegant cocktail lounge, Euphoria, located on the second floor in Asoke, Bangkok. This event aims to bring the community together for a night of laughter while raising crucial funds for those adversely affected by the ongoing…

  • Indonesia seeks Tesla EV battery plant with Musk’s interest

    Indonesia seeks Tesla EV battery plant with Musk’s interest

    Indonesia is once again courting Elon Musk’s interest in establishing an electric vehicle (EV) battery plant within its borders. After meeting with President Joko Widodo, the CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk, is set to consider the proposal, as confirmed by Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister of Investment, Luhut Pandjaitan. Musk’s immediate response was not available following the announcement made by Luhut to…

  • Thai PM explores potential projects with Italian investors in Milan

    Thai PM explores potential projects with Italian investors in Milan

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin embarked on a visit to Milan, Italy, where discussions with prominent investors from financial institution Intesa Sanpaolo highlighted potential avenues for collaboration on key infrastructure projects in Thailand. During his meetings, the 62 year old Thai prime minister disclosed plans regarding the Land Bridge project and the possibility of hosting a Formula One race in Thailand.…

  • Thai woman seeks help as daughter’s drug threat endangers baby

    Thai woman seeks help as daughter’s drug threat endangers baby

    A Thai woman is seeking help from the authorities after her junkie daughter made a death threat against her and forced her baby to take drugs. The 59 year old woman, Sanom, turned to social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet for help after her drug-addicted 42 year old daughter, Mod, spiralled out of control. She and locals in the area…

  • Govt to boost 2024 budget by 122 billion baht for handout scheme

    Govt to boost 2024 budget by 122 billion baht for handout scheme

    According to the Budget Bureau Chief, the Thai government plans to increase the 2024 fiscal budget by 122 billion baht to support its primary handout initiative. This announcement follows the recent approval of a delayed 3.48 trillion baht budget. The government is continuing to push forward with fiscal stimulus plans, aiming to distribute 500 billion baht by the fourth quarter…

  • Sister act: Thai woman suspected of poisoning her husband

    Sister act: Thai woman suspected of poisoning her husband

    A Thai woman called upon the Thai authorities to conduct a further investigation into the death of her older brother after suspecting his wife of poisoning him in the Isaan province of Mahasarakham. The owner of a Thai massage training centre, 44 year old Pichit “Ton” Kleepjinda, died on April 16 outside the family home in the Mahasarakham province. The…

  • Stormy times: Thailand braces for thunderstorms, Bangkok to soak

    Stormy times: Thailand braces for thunderstorms, Bangkok to soak

    The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued another weather forecast, warning of thunderstorms in 53 provinces, with Bangkok expected to experience heavy rainfall in 70% of its area. The TMD today, May 20, predicts a southwest wind covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is gaining strength, while the area continues to experience hot weather during the…

  • Gunman surrenders after shooting municipal worker in Nontha Buri

    Gunman surrenders after shooting municipal worker in Nontha Buri

    A man involved in a shooting incident with a municipal employee in Sai Ma municipality surrendered to authorities after firing his gun at a municipal employee in his vehicle. Police have filed four charges against him and granted bail. A Sai Ma municipal employee, 42 year old Saranyut reported to the police yesterday after being shot at while driving his…

  • Corrupt former DSI chief faces 44 million baht asset seizure

    Corrupt former DSI chief faces 44 million baht asset seizure

    Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) concluded investigations into two cases involving the corrupt former Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), resulting in significant asset seizures totalling over 44 million baht (US$10 million). In the initial case, the court ordered the forfeiture of the former DSI’s Director-General Tharit Pengdit’s assets worth 341.80 million baht to the state. A subsequent…

  • Lawyer arrested for alleged rape and threats against female client

    Lawyer arrested for alleged rape and threats against female client

    A prominent lawyer and former parliamentary candidate was arrested yesterday for allegedly raping a female client and issuing multiple threats, leading to the victim’s severe emotional distress and a subsequent suicide attempt on a ship. Police Major General Thiti Saengsawang directed the arrest, carried out by Police Major General Teeradet Thamsutee and his team, including officers from various investigative units.…

  • Bomb attack injures six security officers in Narathiwat patrol

    Bomb attack injures six security officers in Narathiwat patrol

    A bomb attack injured six members of a local security unit in Cho Airong District, Narathiwat Province, while they were on patrol to protect teachers. The assailants fled after a brief exchange of gunfire with the authorities. Reports indicate that the incident occurred when the security team, riding motorcycles, was patrolling to ensure the safety of teachers, only 400 metres…

  • Drunk & disorderly: Chinese vandal wreaks havoc in Bangkok hotel

    Drunk & disorderly: Chinese vandal wreaks havoc in Bangkok hotel

    Police arrested a drunk Chinese vandal after he smashed up electronic devices and furniture at a hotel in the Sathorn district of Bangkok. Tungmahamek Police Station officers were alerted by a hotel manager on the Southern Sathorn Road yesterday, May 19, that the 30 year old Chinese man, whose identity remains undisclosed, went on a rampage. Upon arrival, officers found…

  • Thailand’s economy grows 1.5% in Q1, beats forecasts

    Thailand’s economy grows 1.5% in Q1, beats forecasts

    Thailand’s economy experienced a robust start to the year, expanding by 1.5% in the first quarter compared to the same period last year, according to official data released yesterday. This growth surpassed analysts’ expectations, indicating a positive shift for Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy. Every quarter, the economy grew by a seasonally adjusted 1.1% from January to March, as reported by…

  • Thai woman blames police drug search in vagina for miscarriage

    Thai woman blames police drug search in vagina for miscarriage

    A Thai woman sued the narcotics suppression unit of Samut Prakarn Provincial Police, accusing officers of causing her miscarriage by searching for drugs in her vagina. The 30 year old woman, Orranee Ruangphueng, accompanied by her lawyer, filed a complaint against the Samut Prakarn Provincial Police’s narcotics suppression unit at Bang Bor Police Station on May 18. Orranee claimed she…

  • Iranian president, foreign minister killed in tragic helicopter crash

    Iranian president, foreign minister killed in tragic helicopter crash

    Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister were tragically killed in a helicopter crash amidst mountainous terrain and icy weather, as reported by state media. The wreckage was located in East Azerbaijan province after search teams mobilized. State TV initially provided no immediate cause for yesterday’s crash in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province. Among the casualties was 60 year old…

  • Thailand govt to auction decade-old stash after safety check

    Thailand govt to auction decade-old stash after safety check

    Thailand’s government will move forward with plans to auction off rice from Yingluck Shinawatra’s pledging scheme, stored in two Surin warehouses for a decade, following a laboratory test confirming its safety for consumption. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, currently in Italy, announced that a private laboratory’s tests on samples from the Surin warehouses revealed no aflatoxins or…

  • Man murders drinking friend with concrete block after argument

    Man murders drinking friend with concrete block after argument

    A tragic murder unfolded in Surin province when 67 year old man allegedly killed his 58 year old drinking companion by hitting him with a concrete block and then dragging his body with a motorcycle before dumping it in a canal. The incident occurred at approximately 6.05pm yesterday. Police reported that the suspect Thip and the victim Wantong were drinking…

  • Iranian president’s helicopter drama: Hard landing sparks alarm

    Iranian president’s helicopter drama: Hard landing sparks alarm

    Iranian state media reported a tragic incident involving a helicopter transporting President Ebrahim Raisi, detailing a hard landing on Sunday. The aircraft, reportedly carrying Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian as well, encountered challenging weather conditions, hampering rescue efforts, as conveyed by the Interior Minister. The status of those aboard the helicopter remains uncertain, with no contact established as of now.…

  • Pakistani and Thai wife arrested for murder of Indian in Songkhla

    Pakistani and Thai wife arrested for murder of Indian in Songkhla

    Police arrested a Pakistani man and his Thai wife for the murder of an Indian man in the southern province of Songkhla. The motive is suspected to be a business conflict. The dead body of a foreign man was found on the roadside in Songkhla on May 15 with two stab wounds and a gunshot wound. Police later identified the…

  • Thailand faces cannabis reclassification deadline

    Thailand faces cannabis reclassification deadline

    The Government of Thailand faces a rapidly approaching reclassification deadline set by cannabis advocacy groups. Cannabis Future Network, a prominent pro-cannabis group, stated last week that whether the Public Health Ministry intends to fully or partially reclassify cannabis, the decision must be backed by scientific evidence. The group has given the government 15 days to substantiate its stance. Reclassifying cannabis…

  • Bangkok official arrested for 9 million baht bribe in road plan scam

    Bangkok official arrested for 9 million baht bribe in road plan scam

    A senior Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) official has been arrested for allegedly accepting a 9 million baht bribe to alter road construction plans to avoid a golf course, seizing luxury cars and Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the process. At 6am today, Brigadier General Prasong Chelimpun, head of the Anti-Corruption Division, led a team of officers in the Anti-Corruption Commission Division 2,…

  • Policewoman arrested for role in kidnapping of Indonesian man

    Policewoman arrested for role in kidnapping of Indonesian man

    Police arrested a policewoman on May 19 for her alleged involvement in the kidnapping and ransom of an Indonesian man in the southern province of Phatthalung on May 11. The 29 year old Indonesian victim, Syawana, was rescued from a house in Phatthalung province on May 15 by officers from the Mueang Phatthalung Police Station after he was kidnapped and…

  • Brief bandit: thief strips down to underwear, swipes stash of briefs

    Brief bandit: thief strips down to underwear, swipes stash of briefs

    An underwear thief, dressed only in his undies, drove to a house and stole a collection of underwear, later claiming it was the result of a dare. The incident took place on the morning of May 18 in Ban Pa Tueng Ngam, Pa O Don Chai sub-district, Mueng district, Chiang Rai. The homeowner, 44 year old Somphop shared CCTV footage…

  • Bangkok cops uncover ketamine and cocaine in drug bust

    Bangkok cops uncover ketamine and cocaine in drug bust

    Police officers from Thonglor Police Station uncovered a stash of illicit drugs, including ketamine and cocaine-laced e-cigarette pods, at a condominium in Khlong Toei in a drug bust following a loud argument between a couple. Police officers from Thonglor Police Station responded to a disturbance report in the late hours of yesterday at a condominium in Khlong Toei. Upon arrival,…

  • Police arrest man for selling psilocybin mushrooms in Bangkok

    Police arrest man for selling psilocybin mushrooms in Bangkok

    Police apprehended a 27 year old man in the Bang Chan Subdistrict, Khlong Sam Wa District, Bangkok, on charges of illegal possession and attempted distribution of psilocybin mushrooms, a Category 5 narcotic. Police seized 11 items as evidence. The arrest followed a tip-off from an informant who reported that Chitsanupong was cultivating and selling psilocybin mushrooms online and delivering them…

  • Phuket cracks down on illegal jet-ski operations in Yamu Bay

    Phuket cracks down on illegal jet-ski operations in Yamu Bay

    Phuket police cracked down on illegal jet-ski operations in Yamu Bay and the neighbouring areas of Ao Por, Koh Rang, Koh Rang Noi, and Naka Island, all situated off the east coast of the island. Natchapong Pranit, Director of the Marine Department Region 5 office (Phuket Marine Office), revealed that the operation was initiated following numerous complaints from locals. They…

  • British tourist stabbed in gang assault on Bangla Road, Patong

    British tourist stabbed in gang assault on Bangla Road, Patong

    Patong police are currently pursuing a group of men responsible for a gang assault on Bangla Road that left a British tourist injured early yesterday morning. The incident took place near a 7-Eleven close to Soi Sea Dragon at 4.40am. Charlie Faulkner, a British tourist, was found with a stab wound on his lower left side when officers arrived at…