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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?...
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Thai woman fatally struck crossing dim road in Pattaya
A local Thai woman lost her life after being struck by a car on a perilously dim road beneath a darkened overpass in Bang Lamung. At 10.06pm, Tuesday, February 11, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre received a chilling report of a fatal collision on the notorious stretch of Highway 331, heading towards Sattahip, in Chon Buri province’s Bang Lamung…
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Myanmar and Rohingya migrants found abandoned in Thai forest
More than 50 people, identified as Myanmar and Rohingya nationals, were discovered hiding in a forest near a village in Rim Si Muang subdistrict, Khao Kho district. They had been abandoned after being smuggled into the country and left without assistance. The discovery emerged after a Facebook post by Phaitoon Khotsombat, a district official, shared a video of the group…
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Pregnant woman mourns husband shot by police in Bangkok theft
A nine-month pregnant woman was left in mourning after her husband was shot dead by police during a motorcycle theft incident in Bangkok. The man, part of a gang involved in stealing motorcycles, was confronted by investigators and shot after allegedly threatening officers with a firearm. The family claims the police response was excessive. The shooting occurred near the entrance…
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Tragedy in Trat as rubber worker kills toddler
A 25 year old rubber-tapping labourer was apprehended by the police for the murder of a one year old boy in Bo Rai, Trat province. The incident, involving multiple stab wounds, occurred after he allegedly consumed methamphetamine and claimed he was threatened by the child’s father. Police Colonel Thanapon Temsara, deputy inspector at Bo Rai Police Station, reported the arrest…
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Phuket probes kindergarten injuries amid social media uproar
Officials in Phuket have launched an investigation into alleged student injuries at Patong Kindergarten following concerns highlighted on social media. A high-level meeting was convened on February 10, with officials committing to a comprehensive and impartial inquiry. Attendees of the meeting included Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri, Patong Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri, Deputy Mayor Lalita Maneesri, Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, senior…
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Phuket cybercrime bust: Six arrested in online gambling crackdown
A significant operation against international cybercrime in Phuket has led to the arrest of six people, including three Taiwanese nationals, connected to a complex online gambling and money laundering scheme. This was part of an initiative by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB). The arrests were publicised yesterday, February 11, at the CCIB headquarters in Bangkok. The operation, named Hunting…
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Chinese factories in Thailand raided for legal violations
Three Chinese-owned factories in Samut Sakhon’s Mueang district were raided and had their operations suspended for multiple legal violations. The Industry Ministry and the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division of the Royal Thai Police led the inspections after residents raised concerns about night-time black smoke emissions. The factories were engaged in metal smelting and processing non-hazardous waste like…
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Teen attacked by classmates in Buriram school incident
In the Lahan Sai district of Buriram, a 13 year old student has reported to the police that a group of her schoolmates physically assaulted her for approximately one hour. The Grade 7 student, accompanied by her parents, approached the Lahan Sai Police Station yesterday, February 11, after being attacked by at least 10 classmates from both Grade 7 and Grade…
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Eerie occurrence: Music plays on after car crashes in Ratchaburi
In an unusual incident, a car involved in a crash mysteriously began playing a country music song, despite a damaged battery and the keys being turned off. The incident was captured in a TikTok video, which left social media users puzzled. Yesterday, February 10, Chakkrit Hadee, the owner of a slide car garage and a related car cemetery, shared his…
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Thailand launches global task force to combat human trafficking
Thailand is stepping up its fight against human trafficking and scam call centres by establishing an international coordination centre to rescue victims trapped in Myanmar, Police Inspector-General Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot announced. Speaking from Tak province yesterday, February 10, Thatchai confirmed that the centre will work with international law enforcement to track down and free people, regardless of nationality, who…
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Foreign motorcyclist flees after hitting Thai delivery rider (video)
A Thai food delivery rider is seeking justice after a foreign motorcyclist hit him on a road in Pattaya and immediately sped away, even though he was injured in the accident. The 35 year old victim, Surasak, shared dashcam footage of the incident with various news agencies to locate the foreign motorcyclist. He told Channel 7 that the incident took…
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Brit arrested at Manchester Airport for drug offences after Thai trip
A 21 year old British man’s holiday ended in handcuffs after he was arrested at Manchester Airport upon returning home from Thailand. Matthew Crehan, of Dentons Green Lane, St Helens, was taken into custody on Saturday, February 8, before being charged with multiple drug supply offences. Merseyside Police confirmed that Crehan faces charges related to the supply of class A,…
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Fare play: Bolt driver warns after Indian couple scams free airport ride
A Thai Bolt driver took to social media to issue a warning to others after an Indian couple tricked him into providing them with a free ride to Phuket International Airport. The driver urged the Facebook news page โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต (which translates to Phuket is brutal) to share his story and warn others not to fall victim to similar fraudulent…
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Thailand’s LGBTQ tourism surge as spending hits record high
Thailand is fast becoming the globe’s top LGBTQ travel destination, with spending among LGBTQ tourists skyrocketing 38% to over 73,000 baht per trip, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The number of first-time LGBTQ visitors has also jumped 19.9%, signalling a major shift in the country’s tourism landscape. Following the Marriage Equality Act, LGBTQ travellers have increasingly inquired…
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Illegal factory in Nonthaburi busted for fake sterile cotton balls
Thai police shut down an illegal medical supply factory in Nonthaburi after uncovering a massive operation producing unlicenced cotton balls soaked in diluted alcohol, potentially endangering thousands of patients. Consumer Protection Police (CPP) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials raided the factory in Khlong Khoi subdistrict yesterday, February 10, following a tip-off. Inside, they found over 9,000 packs of…
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Scorching summer ahead: Thailand braces for 43°C heatwave
Thailand is set to officially enter its sizzling summer season at the end of February, with temperatures expected to soar as high as 43°C, the Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) announced today. The scorching season will last until May, driven by hot southerly winds sweeping across the country. However, the north and northeast will continue to see cool mornings throughout March…
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Black water crisis: Pollution hits Kamala Beach again
Phuket’s paradise image is once again under threat as black wastewater was seen gushing onto Kamala Beach, where unsuspecting tourists and locals swim. Despite repeated promises of urgent action, pollution continues to plague the island’s beaches, raising serious health concerns. Following public outrage, Pollution Control Department (PCD) Director General Preeyaporn Suwannaket ordered an urgent investigation into the foul-smelling wastewater contaminating…
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Disabled man killed in Surin after argument turns deadly
A 52 year old man with a disability was tragically killed following an altercation in the Surin province. The incident occurred yesterday afternoon, February 10, when police were alerted to an assault resulting in death near the village hall in Mueang, Sangkhla district, Surin. Upon arrival, police found the body of An, a local with a prosthetic leg, lying on…
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Canadian man found dead in car near Phuket beach
Police have launched an investigation after a Canadian man was found dead inside a parked car near Nui Beach in Karon yesterday morning, leaving officers puzzled over the circumstances of his death. Karon Police were alerted to the scene at approximately 9.15am yesterday, February 10, where they found the man’s body inside a Mitsubishi Xpander with Phuket registration. His lifeless…
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Vietjet’s Valentine’s surprise: Fly with fares from just 690 baht
Vietjet Thailand is celebrating the season of love with an irresistible Valentine’s – Fly for Love promotion, offering special fares starting at just 690 baht for domestic routes and 1,690 baht for international flights. Lovebirds and travel enthusiasts can book their dream getaway between February 10 to 14, with travel available from March 16 to October 25 (excluding public holidays, terms apply).…
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FDA allows colour in tea but urges caution with additives
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that adding colour to tea is permissible, advising consumers to check for FDA approval on labels. They recommend against consuming multiple cups daily and suggest choosing teas with a natural appearance. Yesterday, February 10, Doctor Surachoke Tangwiwat, Secretary General of the FDA, addressed concerns about the use of Yellow No. 6 or Sunset…
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PM mulls lifting alcohol restrictions for tourists on Buddhist holidays
Thailand’s strict alcohol sales restrictions could soon be scrapped as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra orders a review of outdated laws limiting alcohol sales on Buddhist holidays and between 2pm and 5pm. The move aims to boost tourism, with concerns that foreign visitors are unaware of these restrictions and find them inconvenient. Following a Cabinet meeting, the 38 year old prime…
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Pattaya tourists fuming as Makha Bucha shuts down nightlife
Pattaya’s famous nightlife is set to go silent as officials enforce a strict alcohol ban in observance of Makha Bucha Day, leaving frustrated tourists scrambling for alternative plans. From 12.01am to 11.59pm tomorrow, February 12, all businesses—including shops, pubs, and bars—are strictly prohibited from selling alcohol. The Pattaya Police Department issued a stern warning, urging establishments to comply or risk…
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Thai MP’s friend accuses police of demanding bribe in rape case
A friend of the Thai MP accused of raping a Taiwanese woman said police officers demanded a 400,000 baht bribe to make the case go away. Chiang Mai Police Station officers last week revealed to the public that a Taiwanese woman filed a complaint against Thai Progressive Party MP Chaiyamphawan “Puaut” Manpianjit for raping her on January 9 at a hotel in Chiang…
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Police dial in on call centre scams at Thai-Cambodian border
Police recently conducted an inspection of Internet and mobile phone signals near the Thai-Cambodian border, specifically targeting call centre gangs in Poipet. Yesterday, February 10, at 4pm, Police Lieutenant General Yingyos Thepchamnong and Trairat Viriyasirikul, acting Secretary General of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), visited the area to inspect mobile phone base stations and international connection points, collaborating…
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Firefighters contain forest fire threat near Pattaya homes
A forest fire near Pattaya was successfully contained by firefighters after it posed a threat to nearby homes. At 3.06pm on Sunday, February 9, the Nong Prue Municipality’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation team, in conjunction with the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre, was alerted to a forest fire at Soi Boon Samphan 14, near Pattaya. Emergency services responded promptly to…
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Thailand govt eases spending rules for 10000 baht digital wallet
The Thai government plans to relax conditions for spending under the third phase of the 10,000 baht digital wallet programme, ensuring access for those without smartphones. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed that the funds would be disbursed in the second quarter of this year. The Economic Stimulus Subcommittee has shown readiness and confidence in the blockchain system, with banks…
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Police in Lampang seize six million meth pills, arrest two
Police in Lampang province successfully apprehended two Hmong men involved in transporting a large quantity of methamphetamine amounting to six million pills. Residents assisted in the capture after a high-speed chase. The suspects revealed they were paid 500,000 baht (US$14,680) to drive the vehicle, and police are seeking three more people connected to the operation. Yesterday, February 10, at 11am,…
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Burmese man jailed 15 days for throwing dog into sea
A Burmese national has been sentenced to 15 days in prison without probation after a shocking video emerged showing the man repeatedly throwing a helpless puppy into the sea off Koh Samui. The disturbing footage, which went viral on February 7, captured the man forcefully hurling the terrified stray dog into the water. Each time the puppy desperately swam back…
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Thai soldier dies in Bangkok public park in suspected suicide
A Thai soldier reportedly took his own life at a public volleyball court in Wachirabenchathat Park, also known as Rot Fai Park, in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok last night. A group of people playing volleyball fled the court after hearing a gunshot close to them at around 8pm, yesterday, February 10. Once the situation calmed, they returned to the…
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