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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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    Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run

    Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...

  • Drug smuggler killed, 4.2 million meth pills seized in Chiang Rai shootout

    Drug smuggler killed, 4.2 million meth pills seized in Chiang Rai shootout

    In Chiang Rai‘s Mae Fah Luang district, a drug smuggler was killed and 4.2 million methamphetamine pills were seized following a 10-minute exchange of gunfire between armed traffickers and an army patrol early on June 6. Soldiers from the Phra Chao Taksin special units of the Pha Muang task force encountered a group of 15 to 20 men carrying rucksacks…

  • Heavy rainfall warning issued for 38 provinces in Thailand

    Heavy rainfall warning issued for 38 provinces in Thailand

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather warning for heavy rainfall in 38 provinces, with 60% of Bangkok’s area expected to be affected. Residents are advised to be cautious of flash floods and forest runoffs on June 8. An increase in rainfall is anticipated across Thailand, with some regions experiencing significant downpours, particularly in eastern and southwest areas.…

  • Imposter monk drags motorcycle along road in Korat (video)

    Imposter monk drags motorcycle along road in Korat (video)

    A video showing a man dressed as a monk, tying his robe to a motorcycle with a sidecar and dragging it along a road, has surfaced on Facebook. The incident took place on Mittraphap Road, near Khao Yai Thiang in Si Khio district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, yesterday, June 6. The man is seen crawling on all fours and appeared to…

  • Phuket cops team up with school to fight drugs and helmet rebels

    Phuket cops team up with school to fight drugs and helmet rebels

    Wichit Police have joined forces with Darasamut School in Phuket in a bold new campaign to tackle teen drug use, vaping, and traffic law violations, all while promoting safer, smarter behaviour among students. The initiative, held under the direction of Wichit Police Chief Police Colonel Somsak Thongkliang, was led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Wutthawat Liangbunchinda, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation. He…

  • 5th Thai-Laos bridge to boost trade to over 28 billion baht

    5th Thai-Laos bridge to boost trade to over 28 billion baht

    The fifth Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge is set to open by the end of the year, boosting cross-border trade to over 28 billion baht. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, alongside Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, attended the concrete pouring ceremony for the bridge connecting Bueng Kan in Thailand and Bolikhamxai in Laos. This development aims to enhance…

  • Motorcycle repairman dies in Bangkok collision with pickup truck

    Motorcycle repairman dies in Bangkok collision with pickup truck

    A tragic accident occurred last night when a collision between a motorcycle and a pickup truck resulted in the death of a 34 year old motorcycle repairman. The incident took place at the entrance of Wat Thung Khru, located on Pracha Uthit Road in Bangkok’s Thung Khru district. Police Colonel Aphiwat Phuakinsang, Deputy Investigator of Thung Khru Police Station, responded…

  • Knife-wielding man removed from Phuket streets

    Knife-wielding man removed from Phuket streets

    A mentally ill man accused of causing repeated panic in Phuket’s Soi Palai area has finally been removed from the community after over a year of complaints. The man, identified as Thiranai Chanphong, was taken into custody and transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital for psychiatric treatment on Thursday, June 5. The breakthrough came after frustrated landlady Pranee Boonsawang, 51, took…

  • ‘Arabian racers’ return: Daylight street chaos rocks Pattaya again

    ‘Arabian racers’ return: Daylight street chaos rocks Pattaya again

    Street racing is once again plaguing Pattaya, with groups of Middle Eastern tourists — often referred to by locals as “Arabian racers” — taking over Sukhumvit Road in broad daylight. A viral dashcam clip circulating online shows three helmetless riders blasting off at a red light near Na Jomtien, treating the road like a racetrack while ignoring all traffic laws.…

  • Chon Buri oil spill sparks swift cleanup effort

    Chon Buri oil spill sparks swift cleanup effort

    An oil spill off Chon Buri’s coast triggered an urgent response, but officials say there’s no danger to Pattaya or Bang Saen. Thai authorities have sprung into action following a minor oil spill involving approximately 8,000 litres of Murban crude oil from the MT Phoenix Jamnagar, a massive 160,000-tonne VLCC tanker. The leak occurred around 1am yesterday, June 6, at…

  • Thai navy vows to guard seas as Cambodia drills near Koh Kut

    Thai navy vows to guard seas as Cambodia drills near Koh Kut

    The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) chief has reiterated the navy’s commitment to defending Thailand’s sovereignty, emphasising the necessity to repel any incursions into Thai territory promptly. Admiral Jirapol Wongwit made these remarks in Nakhon Si Thammarat amid reports that Cambodian naval forces were planning live-fire exercises near Koh Kut in Trat province. This latest issue between Thailand and Cambodia primarily…

  • Princess Sirindhorn opens National Rice and Farmers Day event

    Princess Sirindhorn opens National Rice and Farmers Day event

    Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the opening of the 2025 National Rice and Farmers Day yesterday, June 6. The event, themed Advanced Agricultural Technology: Promoting New Age Farming and Sustaining Thai Farmers, saw the princess presenting certificates of honour to the central committee of national community rice centres and four outstanding farmers and agricultural institutions. The…

  • Monster rains, surging seas and storm warnings slam Thailand

    Monster rains, surging seas and storm warnings slam Thailand

    Thailand is bracing for more rain and isolated heavy downpours, with the lower central region — including Bangkok — along with the east and south facing the highest risk, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD)’s latest warning. The weather office said a moderate monsoon trough is moving south across the north, northeast, and upper central regions into a low-pressure…

  • Thailand rejects ICJ jurisdiction in land dispute with Cambodia

    Thailand rejects ICJ jurisdiction in land dispute with Cambodia

    Thailand does not acknowledge the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its land dispute with Cambodia. Yesterday, the Thai government issued its second statement about the border situation, indicating that since the clash in the Chong Bok area on May 28, both countries have agreed to use existing bilateral mechanisms for resolution. These include the Joint Boundary…

  • 4 suspects questioned after murder of gay Thai man in Surin

    4 suspects questioned after murder of gay Thai man in Surin

    Police questioned four suspects after a gay Thai man was found dead in his home in the Isaan province of Surin on Wednesday, June 4, and his gold accessories, worth over 1 million baht, were reported missing. The 63 year old victim, Pratheep Kongthawee, was discovered lifeless near a sofa inside his home in Surin’s Mueang district. He sustained a…

  • Phuket marine life in crisis as biologists save species

    Phuket marine life in crisis as biologists save species

    Marine biologists in Phuket are working tirelessly to protect the island’s marine life, with two sea turtle rescues and an investigation into the mysterious death of a dolphin. Yesterday, June 5, the Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC) and the Rare Marine Animal Rescue Network sprang into action after receiving reports of two critically endangered species in distress. The first rescue…

  • Car flips on Pattaya highway; driver, passengers escape injuries

    Car flips on Pattaya highway; driver, passengers escape injuries

    A car crash on Highway 36 in Pattaya left several people injured after a sedan overturned late yesterday. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation’s rescue centre received a call at 8.10pm yesterday, June 5, reporting the accident, and rescue teams rushed to the scene. The incident occurred near the intersection with Highway 331, heading towards Sattahip, in the Pong subdistrict. When…

  • Thailand secures 12 Saab Gripen jets in 60 billion baht deal

    Thailand secures 12 Saab Gripen jets in 60 billion baht deal

    The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has confirmed its plan to acquire 12 Saab Gripen E and F fighter jets from Sweden, in a deal valued at 60 billion baht. The initial delivery is expected by 2029. Commander of the RTAF, Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, announced yesterday, June 5, that the acquisition aims to replace Thailand’s ageing fleet of…

  • Thailand launches free alcohol quality tests in 3 provinces

    Thailand launches free alcohol quality tests in 3 provinces

    Thailand’s Excise Department is stepping up its efforts to improve the quality and safety of locally produced alcohol by launching a groundbreaking initiative aimed at ensuring community-made liquor meets safety standards. The Community Liquor Lab on Wheels programme, announced yesterday, June 5, by Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul, will deploy mobile laboratories to Lampang, Sakon Nakhon, and Songkhla—three provinces with…

  • Loan officer arrested for embezzling nearly 700,000 baht from client

    Loan officer arrested for embezzling nearly 700,000 baht from client

    Police arrested a loan officer for embezzling nearly 700,000 baht from a client in the Isaan province of Buriram by deceiving the victim into applying for a loan. Over ten additional victims came forward after the initial complaint. A 32 year old Thai woman, Phatchara, filed a complaint against the loan officer, Weerayut, at Mueang Buriram Police Station on September…

  • Thai healthcare scheme stable with 46 billion baht in reserves

    Thai healthcare scheme stable with 46 billion baht in reserves

    Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has assured the public that the 30-baht “gold card” Universal Healthcare Coverage scheme remains financially stable, with hospitals holding reserve funds of 46 billion baht after liabilities. During a meeting of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) board, Somsak addressed concerns regarding hospital budget deficits, which some attribute to the scheme’s compensation mechanism. Critics argue…

  • Chiang Mai Univeristy students scammed of millions in single day

    Chiang Mai Univeristy students scammed of millions in single day

    Ten students at Chiang Mai University experienced scams in a single day, resulting in losses amounting to several million baht. This has led the university and local police to issue a warning about the scams. The scams intensified during a long holiday from May 31 to June 2, according to Police Colonel Manatchai Inthean, superintendent of Bhubing Rajanives Police Station.…

  • Tensions rise: Thai-Cambodian border dispute intensifies

    Tensions rise: Thai-Cambodian border dispute intensifies

    Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia are reaching new heights, with the border dispute now a hot topic among the top military brass. Military leaders, including General Songwit Noonpakdee (Chief of Defence Forces) and General Phana Klaewplodthuk (Army Chief), remain on high alert despite believing the conflict is driven by motives other than actual combat. Both countries have deployed fully armed…

  • Phuket tackles plastic pollution for World Environment Day

    Phuket tackles plastic pollution for World Environment Day

    Over 350 participants gathered at Dragon Square in Phuket Town yesterday as the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) launched its World Environment Day campaign. The event, held at Queen Sirikit Park, focused on the urgent need to eliminate single-use plastics, aligning with the United Nations’ 2025 global theme, Beat Plastic Pollution. The event, presided over by PPAO President Rewat Areerob,…

  • Wall collapse horror: Pattaya construction mishap injures workers

    Wall collapse horror: Pattaya construction mishap injures workers

    A construction site in Pattaya turned into a scene of chaos yesterday when a concrete wall collapsed, trapping multiple workers and leaving two Myanmar nationals severely injured. The terrifying incident unfolded at 2.10pm yesterday, June 5, along the railway road in Soi Khao Talo, prompting an immediate response from local rescue teams and medical staff. The Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre…

  • Taiwanese trio busted at Thai airport for smuggling scam phones

    Taiwanese trio busted at Thai airport for smuggling scam phones

    Three Taiwanese men were arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport after Thai customs officials discovered mobile phones in their luggage linked to scam cases across the country. The suspects were detained on arrival after officers found bank account data tied to fraudulent activities in Thailand. The men, whose identities have not been revealed, were taken into custody on Tuesday, June 3, when…

  • Fraudster mobbed in Pattaya after attempting iPhone scam

    Fraudster mobbed in Pattaya after attempting iPhone scam

    A man was caught in the act and mobbed by angry residents in Pattaya after attempting to scam a mobile phone shop with a fake bank transfer slip. The incident unfolded at 3.30am yesterday, June 5, in Soi Rungland Village, South Pattaya, when the suspect was detained by locals after trying to flee with two high-end iPhones. The suspect, identified…

  • British man flees after crashing sedan into house in Udon Thani

    British man flees after crashing sedan into house in Udon Thani

    A British man crashed his saloon car into a local house in the Isaan province of Udon Thani, narrowly missing a young Thai girl, before fleeing the scene. The homeowner, 52 year old Prayoon Saenwian, filed a complaint with officers at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station at around 4pm on Wednesday following the incident. He also submitted CCTV footage from…

  • Phuket school flouts rules as education office struggles for action

    Phuket school flouts rules as education office struggles for action

    An unregistered kindergarten in Cherng Talay continues to promote itself as a legitimate school despite lacking formal approval from the Phuket Provincial Education Area Office (PPEAO), raising concerns over education oversight on the island. Despite weeks of questioning, the PPEAO has failed to provide clear answers on the legal status of the school, leaving many concerned about the oversight of…

  • International School Golf Tour 2024/25 season closes with a flourish

    International School Golf Tour 2024/25 season closes with a flourish

    The grand finale of the International School Golf Tour (ISGT) Season 24/25, held at the prestigious Amata Springs Country Club, wrapped up on May 6. Proudly hosted by Wellington International School, and spanning over 18 events, including the introduction of 6 ISGT Development Tour events, the tour was designed to give aspiring golfers a valuable tournament experience. More than 400…

  • Thailand urged to cut interest rates amid economic challenges

    Thailand urged to cut interest rates amid economic challenges

    Thailand needs to adopt a more assertive approach in reducing interest rates due to its challenging growth outlook and low inflation, according to Somprawin Manprasert, a candidate for the position of Bank of Thailand (BoT)’s new governor. The benchmark interest rate, currently set at 1.75%, could be reduced by 75 to 100 basis points, Somprawin stated during an interview in Bangkok.…