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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Fiery destruction in Phuket leaves 29 homeless: Safety warning
A fire in Phuket’s Mueang district destroyed six rental homes and left 29 residents in urgent need of temporary shelter. The fire, which broke out yesterday, January 20, prompted the provincial governor to call for increased vigilance during the Chinese New Year festivities. Emergency services, including the Phuket Municipality’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, responded swiftly to the fire…
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Thailand urges release of hostages amid Israel-Hamas ceasefire
Thailand is urging the release of Thai hostages from the Gaza Strip following the initiation of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire on January 19. Yesterday, January 20, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) issued a statement concerning the agreement. The statement called for the release of hostages allegedly captured by Hamas during the conflict in southern Israel which kicked off on October…
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Buriram stray cat survives dart attack, raises 10,000 baht for care
A stray cat was found severely injured with a dart embedded in its head in Buriram province. Concerned residents notified rescue services to assist the animal and the public has since raised funds for its medical treatment. Rescue personnel from the Buriram Highway Police were alerted by villagers in Kradueang village, Thanon Hak subdistrict, Nang Rong district, about a stray…
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Rising PM2.5 pollution forces Bangkok schools to close
Schools throughout the capital city were compelled to close due to rising PM2.5 pollutant levels reaching unhealthy thresholds yesterday, January 20. Nong Khaem district experienced particularly high concentrations, measuring 77.8 microgrammes per cubic metre at 12.30pm, significantly surpassing the Pollution Control Department’s 24-hour safe exposure limit of 37.5µg/m³. Consequently, two schools in the district were instructed to close, as stated…
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Foreign motorcycle rider crashes on dangerous curve in Phuket
A foreign motorcycle rider lost control of the vehicle last night at a curve along Kalim Beach in Phuket, cutting off a Thai man’s car before crashing into a barrier and parked motorcycles. A Thai motorist shared a dash cam video of the accident yesterday, January 20, on Facebook account Mai All Star, with a caption that read… “A foreigner…
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Thai Armed Forces Day cannon explosion injures two soldiers (video)
A video capturing the moment a cannon exploded, and severely injuring two soldiers during a Thai Armed Forces Day salute, has been released. The explosion occurred on Saturday, January 18 at Surasi Camp, where the 9th Infantry Division was firing a ceremonial 21-gun salute using 105mm artillery. As the 17th round was fired, the cannon’s breech exploded, causing significant injuries to…
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Motorcyclist dies in Chon Buri collision with parked truck
A tragic accident occurred in Chon Buri when a 36 year old woman collided with a parked pickup truck while riding her motorcycle. The accident, which took place on a dimly lit road near the Sattahip Naval Base, resulted in her death at the scene. Rescue volunteers from the Sawang Rojanathammasathan Foundation attempted CPR on the victim, Somboon Chomsiri, but…
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Fire at Phichit biomass plant burns 1,000 tonnes of fuel
A fire broke out at a biomass power plant in Taphan Hin district, Phichit province, engulfing over 1,000 tonnes of compressed fuel. Emergency services, including 15 fire trucks, responded to the incident. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and no injuries have been reported. The facility, operated by Thip Phichit Hybrid Energy Company, started operations on December 24, 2022.…
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Dealers dealt a blow: 13 nabbed in Bangkok Nana drug bust
Thirteen drug dealers found themselves in handcuffs in Bangkok’s bustling Phra Khanong district as Royal Thai Police (RTP) swooped on illegal narcotic deals over the weekend. The suspects, accused of peddling illegal drugs to unsuspecting tourists along the infamous Sukhumvit Road, mark a significant win for RTP officers determined to clean up the city’s inner areas. Commissioner of the Narcotics…
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Boozy alibi: Thai cop blames fatigue after drink driving crash
A Thai police officer in the southern province of Narathiwat, who crashed his car into two motorcycles and claimed exhaustion from work as the cause, had an alcohol level of 213 milligrammes per cent in his system. The accident occurred on the Chanae-Du Song Yo Road in the Chanae district of Narathiwat at around 5.12am on Saturday, January 18. Security…
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Thailand to rethink visa-free policy for Chinese citizens: Senate
The Senate has urged the Government of Thailand to reconsider its visa-free policy for Chinese citizens, expressing concerns that Thailand may become a centre for criminal activities. Senator Wanchai Ekpornpichit raised these issues during a recent Senate meeting led by Speaker Mongkol Surasajja. Wanchai pointed out that the policy, initially designed to boost tourism, has been misused by criminal groups.…
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Preschool teacher in Sisaket accused of husband’s murder
A tragic incident occurred in Kanthararom district, Sisaket province, where a 53 year old preschool teacher, Somjit, allegedly killed her husband, 58 year old Prasit, while he was asleep. The incident took place on January 19 at their rural home in Ban Khlor. Prasit, also known as Changsit, was found with a neck wound. Somjit, who suffers from mental health…
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More jobs: Thaksin defends casino complex in Maha Sarakham
In Maha Sarakham province, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra criticised opponents of the government’s proposed casino entertainment complex, accusing them of misrepresenting the project as merely a casino. Thaksin defended the plan, stating that less than 10% of the complex’s activities would involve gaming, with the majority dedicated to other attractions. The 75 year old former prime minister highlighted that each…
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Thai transwoman and boyfriend steal 3 million baht in cash and gold
Police arrested a Thai transwoman and her boyfriend for stealing a safe containing 3 million baht in cash and gold from a house in the Isaan province of Loei on Sunday. A homeowner filed a complaint with officers at Phu Ruea Police Station after the 50-kilogramme safe was stolen at approximately 11.23am on Sunday, January 19. The safe contained nearly 400,000…
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15 minor earthquakes shake Pai district in Mae Hong Son
A series of 15 minor earthquakes impacted the Pai district in Mae Hong Son province from Sunday evening, January 19 through yesterday afternoon. The Earthquake Observation Division of the Meteorological Department of Thailand reported these events took place in Wiang Nuea subdistrict, Pai district, between 9.56pm on Sunday and 3.46pm yesterday, January 20. The earthquakes registered magnitudes between 1.7 and…
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3 foreigners arrested for drugs at Phuket EDC music festival
Police arrested three foreigners, a Japanese man, a Malaysian man, and a Burmese man, at the Electric Daisy Carnival Thailand 2025 (EDC Thailand 2025) in Phuket for possessing illegal drugs. The three-day music festival, EDC Thailand 2025, was held at the Boat Avenue Lakefront in the Choeng Thale district of Phuket, concluding on Sunday. While many partygoers and locals praised…
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Thailand weather: Rising temperatures as cold air mass weakens
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasted that the moderate cold air mass covering upper Thailand is weakening, leading to rising temperatures. Rain is expected in the south on January 20. The current high-pressure system over upper Thailand and the South China Sea is diminishing, resulting in higher temperatures and morning fog. Northern and northeastern regions will experience cold to very…
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2 Canadian men run police checkpoint, claim assault triggers escape
Two Canadian men ran a police checkpoint in the Patong to Karon area of Phuket on Sunday, January 19, claiming they were fleeing from attackers. Officers from Patong Police Station sought assistance from Karon Police Station to intercept the black Ford Raptor pickup truck, which sped through the checkpoint in Patong. A high-speed chase ensued, with police pursuing the Ford…
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Thaksin blames Prawit for political turmoil amid coup fallout
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra responded to complaints from Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader General Prawit Wongsuwon about political victimisation, attributing the current political turmoil to the general’s actions. Thaksin questioned the necessity of the coup that initially disrupted the political landscape. General Prawit was a key figure in the government led by Prayut Chan-o-cha, established by the National Council…
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Lecturer accused of assaulting deputy during karaoke in Ubon Ratchathani (video)
A viral incident in Ubon Ratchathani involving a technical college lecturer allegedly assaulting a district deputy while singing in a restaurant has captured social media attention. The incident also saw a highway section chief attempting to use a chair as a weapon before being stopped. The incident reportedly occurred on January 9, as captured by a CCTV camera in a…
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Where to celebrate Chinese New Year in Bangkok (2025)
It’s not hard to find authentic Chinese flavours in Bangkok to welcome the Year of the Snake, the only difficult part is deciding where to go. From a true dim sum experience to a lavish set menu best shared with loved ones, restaurants across Bangkok are offering Chinese New Year specials that will delight your taste buds. Below, we’ve picked…
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Fake hug scam strikes again: Indian man loses gold necklace to 3 ladyboys
Three Thai ladyboys offered an Indian man a seemingly friendly hug before stealing his gold necklace, worth about 132,000 baht, from him on Pattaya Beach in the early hours of today. The 42 year old Indian businessman, Pravin Manik Tavada, filed a theft complaint with officers at Mueang Pattaya Police Station at around 12.20am, today, January 20. Tavada reported that he…
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Thailand bets big on casino boom under entertainment banner
In a daring move set to shake up the Land of Smiles, the Government of Thailand is pushing forward with a controversial plan to legalise casinos, sneakily packaged as entertainment complexes. This bold move comes hot on the heels of outspoken former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s call to legalise online gambling, promising a windfall of tax revenue. Now, the Digital Economy…
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Jealous Thai man attacks wife and mother-in-law with pestle
A Thai man consumed by a jealous rage surrendered to the police after brutally attacking his wife and mother-in-law with a pestle. The source of his anger and jealously? His wife always dressed nicely for work. The 32 year old Sujittra escaped her abusive husband, Thanakrit, by travelling in her neighbour’s truck from the southern province of Chumphon to seek…
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Red light: Thailand’s car industry caught in hybrid dilemma
Thailand’s car production industry, a powerhouse of the national economy, stands at a pivotal red light crossroads. The decision now looms large: should the focus be on propelling battery electric vehicles (BEVs) into the spotlight, or should there be a concerted effort to guide the internal combustion engine (ICE) sector through a transitional phase towards electric vehicles (EVs)? With the…
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Teacher’s murder suspect identified, evidence found near scene
A suspect has been identified in the fatal shooting of a teacher in Bang Pa-In district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, with key evidence found 2 kilometres from the crime scene. Efforts are underway to gather evidence for an arrest warrant. Yesterday, January 19, at the Bang Pa-In Police Station, Police Major General Naruenat Phuttaisong, commander of the Phra Nakhon…
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Buriram gold shop owner saves woman from call centre scam
A Thai gold shop owner in the Isaan province of Buriram successfully prevented a woman from falling victim to a call centre scam after she attempted to sell gold at the shop yesterday, January 19, to transfer money to the scammer. The Thai Wijarn gold shop owner in Nang Rong district, 45 year old Dutjadee Piaopong, shared the story of…
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Thailand locks in on crop burning with strict new measures
Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives announced strict new measures on January 17 to combat the growing PM2.5 air pollution crisis, with a particular focus on penalising farmers for crop burning. Deputy Minister Itthi Sirilatthayakorn signed the announcement, highlighting how agricultural burning has become a major contributor to the country’s deteriorating air quality. The practice generates smoke and fine particulate…
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Thaksin’s power tariff cut plan sparks debate on electricity pricing
Thaksin Shinawatra‘s proposal to lower the power tariff from 4.15 to 3.70 baht per kilowatt-hour has ignited a discussion on the future of electricity pricing, which has remained elevated since 2022. The adjustment of tariff rates directly impacts electricity bills, with a reduced tariff leading to lower costs for businesses and households. The former prime minister introduced the tariff reduction…
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Theft at Add Carabao’s daughter’s home incurs 100,000 baht loss
A theft at the under-construction home of Nenicha Opakul, daughter of renowned singer Yuenyong Opakul, more commonly known as Add Carabao, resulted in losses estimated at over 100,000 baht. The incident, reported by Nenicha’s legal representative, Melita, is under police investigation. Today, January 20, Phuvanes Viviekhatkan, a deputy investigator at Pravet Police Station, received a report about the theft. The…
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