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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Daylight shooting in Pattaya leaves news reporter’s assistant critically injured
A brutal shooting incident occurred at 7am today, leaving a 28 year old assistant to a Pattaya City news reporter critically injured with more than 40 bullet wounds to his face and head. The incident took place within the Soi Saisamtadpettrakul, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chon Buri. The police, led by Assistant Inspector Dorkrak Sairoj along with Station Inspector Navin Thirawit, rushed…
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Major drug bust in Thai-Myanmar border, 50 million amphetamine pills found
A major drug suspect was apprehended by Thai authorities as they stormed an old shop, uncovering a stash of approximately 50 million amphetamine pills. The premises, discovered today, were found to have secret entrances leading to the Thai-Myanmar border, facilitating illicit cross-border activities. The suspects, 30 year old Pitiphan Nomsoongnern, also known as Num, and 24 year old Pornsiri Kongnandi,…
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Thai art maverick unveils tech artistry: Limited edition Casetify collection
In a groundbreaking collaboration, a Thai artist has joined forces with Casetify, the international lifestyle brand celebrated for its tech accessories. Kantapon Metheekul, also known as Gongkan, stands alongside renowned Thai artists Phannapast Taychamaythakool, aka Yoon, and Nakrob Moonmanas in the prestigious league of Casetify collaborators. A distinguished alumnus of Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Decorative Arts, Gongkan’s influence extends beyond…
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Thai teen’s fall from grace: Bangkok boy’s suicide attempt after family exposes theft
A Thai teen made a suicide attempt last night by leaping off a pedestrian overpass in the Thon Buri district of Bangkok after being confronted by his family for repeated theft. Bukkalo Police Station officers responded to the incident near Soi Somdet Phra Chao Taksin 40. They discovered the victim, Rung, on the road beneath the overpass with two broken…
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Bangkok MP Rukchanok Srinork sentenced to six years for tweets
The Criminal Court has sentenced Rukchanok Srinork, a Bangkok MP from the Move Forward Party (MFP), to six years in prison without suspension. The charges stem from her tweets and retweets of others’ messages in 2020, in violation of Section 112 of the Criminal Code and the Computer Crime Act and lèse majesté. The verdict was delivered at 9am today,…
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Thailand sees improvement in air quality despite high PM2.5 levels
A sharp decline in air quality was observed across 33 provinces of Thailand this morning as dangerously high levels of ultrafine dust posed health risks. This, however, was an improvement from yesterday morning, when air pollution blanketed 47 provinces. The peak pollution level also saw a drop. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTADA) revealed this morning that five…
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Tragic accident on Phetchakasem Road claims multiple lives
A tragic incident unfolded at 8am today on the Phetchakasem Road, Pattalung-Hatyai route when a pickup truck carrying construction workers was involved in a fatal collision with a motorbike. The incident transpired in the vicinity of Moo 13, Kok Sak Sub-District, Bang Kaeo District, Pattalung Province. Following the alert, local police and volunteer rescuers from Mae Kari, Bang Kaeo Hospital,…
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Thailand’s central bank forecasts export revival and low inflation
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) anticipates an export revival in the coming year, as revealed in a recent statement. The Bank also projects low inflation rates for the same period, attributing it to government subsidies, albeit with a gradual increase within an acceptable range. Meeting minutes from the BoT’s November 29 monetary policy gathering, released on Wednesday, indicated that while…
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Thai business bounces back: Surprising catalysts revealed by FTI
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) explained the significant rise in Thailand’s Industry Sentiment Index (TISI) after a five-month slump including a tourism boom and strategic government measures. Breaking through the economic gloom, the TISI soared to 90.9 points in November, marking a triumphant comeback after five consecutive months of decline, according to the FTI. In stark contrast to October’s…
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Call scams: Ministry’s shocking move to suspend thousands of numbers
In a bold move to tackle the rising tide of call scams, the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry unveiled a groundbreaking plan: any telephone number making over 100 calls per day will face immediate suspension. DES Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong dropped this bombshell yesterday, December 12, revealing that an astonishing 80,000 individuals had reported falling victim to call scams within…
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Economic growth predicted at 3.6% next year in Thailand
Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch) revealed Thailand‘s economic outlook for 2024, which paints a gloomier picture than anticipated. Managing Director and Chief Economist Burin Adulwattana reveals that the global economy is slowing down, impacting global trade. “This is reflected in the deceleration of the manufacturing sector worldwide, especially in China and Germany, which are both heavily reliant on exports.” The Thai…
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Malaysia and Singapore lure Chinese travellers with visa-free policies
The Chinese traveller market could see a significant rise to 7 million arrivals next year as Malaysia and Singapore become increasingly attractive due to reciprocal visa-free policies. Thailand, however, has yet to secure such an agreement with China. Following the introduction of a visa exemption for Malaysians, Beijing is speculated to extend a 30-day visa exemption to Singapore in the…
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Thai restaurant owner loses 600,000 baht during family trip to France
A 30 year old restaurant owner from Nonthaburi suffered a loss of over 600,000 baht during his recent family trip to France. He has shared his harrowing experience to alert others and prevent them from becoming victims. Thalerngsak Khongkwanmuang revealed yesterday, December 12, his ordeal which occurred between November 7 and 21 during his holiday in France with his 48 year…
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High-flying stash: Wirral man’s 260 kilo cannabis catch worth 33 million baht seized at Birmingham Airport
A man from the Wirral in Merseyside, Liverpool was found with a staggering 260 kilogrammes worth of cannabis worth 750,000 British pounds (33 million baht) at Birmingham Airport after landing via a flight from Bangkok. The man landed in the UK on November 29 when police discovered two suitcases of cannabis worth 30 kilogrammes. The arrest is not a single incident.…
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Italian man rescued after attempted suicide in Chon Buri Police Station
Sriracha Police Station officers in Chon Buri province rescued an Italian man who tried to commit suicide in a detention room. It was his second suicide attempt. Police officers called Sawang Pratheep Sriracha Rescue team for help after the Italian man was stopped from hanging himself. The rescuers administered CPR and oxygen before taking him to Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital.…
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Transgender woman accused of 200,000 baht gold theft in Pattaya
Pattaya police recorded yet another transgender magpie thief case involving some gold and an Indian man in Sin City. This time a 39 year old transgender woman was apprehended at a condominium in Pattaya’s Nong Prue district, following allegations of theft in the middle of the night. The victim, a 40 year old Indian tourist, reported the loss of a…
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Join in the month-long New Year celebration at Topgolf Megacity with the Golden Ball Extravaganza
Topgolf Megacity is gearing up to kick off the New Year with a month-long celebration like no other! From December 1st to December 31st, Topgolf is excited to announce the return of the Golden Ball Campaign, which is here to spread holiday cheer. More than 50 golden golf balls per day will appear at any of the 102 bays, waiting…
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DOC denies policy to detain prisoners outside prison favours ex-PM Thaksin
The Department of Corrections (DOC) refuted allegations that its latest policy, permitting the detention of prisoners outside of prison, is designed to favour Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister. The 74 year old former PM was recently sentenced to eight years for three separate cases and was immediately moved to a police hospital. The newly introduced regulation, announced on Thursday…
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Thailand DSI files charges in major pork smuggling case
Charges have been filed against 22 suspects, inclusive of 12 individuals and 10 legal entities, by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in Thailand, following their involvement in a significant pork smuggling operation. Their assets, worth approximately 90 million baht (US$2,516,567), have been confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation. The head investigator of the smuggling case, Police Major Nathapol…
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Thailand extends visa-free entry for Japanese business visitors
Thailand’s Cabinet has given the green light to extend the 30-day visa-free entry privilege for Japanese visitors. The update, effective from January 1 next year, now includes Japanese business travellers. The Cabinet, convening today, December 12, waved the magic wand on a proposal brought forth by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Deputy government spokesman Kharom Polpornklang spilt the beans, sharing that…
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Thai woman manipulated by scammer into swindling her mother
Police in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani rescued a 21 year old Thai woman who was manipulated by a call centre scammer into swindling her mother out of 250,000 baht. A Thai woman reached out to Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station officer and Chief of Khemarat district after her daughter, 21 year old Su, was allegedly kidnapped for ransom.…
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Weather warning: Thailand set for thunderous theatrics and chilly mornings
The Thailand Meteorology Department (TMD) warns of thunderstorms across 14 provinces, with foggy mornings and cooler temperatures in the north and northeast regions of Thailand. The south experiences waves up to 2 metres high, while Bangkok sees fog and a minimum temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, as reported on today. The TMD’s 24-hour forecast states that high atmospheric pressure, or…
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Anchalee Tephabutra resigns from Thailand’s Democrat Party after 31 years
Anchalee Tephabutra, a prominent political figure and a devoted member of the Democrat Party for over 31 years, announced her resignation, causing ripples in the political landscape of Thailand. Having been a confidante to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva during his tenure, her departure from the party marks a significant event. Anchalee has been a cornerstone for the Democrats in Phuket…
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Thai organisations demand stronger action against sexual harassment in education
A network of over 100 child and women’s organisations led by Ticha Na Nakorn today submitted a petition to the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Thailand, demanding stronger action against sexual harassment following the life imprisonment of six perpetrators. The defendants, four teachers and two older students were convicted of sexually abusing three students in Mukdahan Province. Ticha, an advisor…
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Taiwanese man dies after hospital in Thailand refuses to treat him
Taiwan media platform TVBS reported that a private hospital in Thailand refused to treat a Taiwanese man who later died as a result of his injuries in a car accident. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the Thai government to improve its healthcare system. TVBS reported yesterday, December 11, that the Taiwanese man, whose identity was not revealed, was fatally…
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PTT’s OR diversifies with budget hotels and community malls at petrol stations
PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc (OR) is renewing its focus on diversifying its non-oil business ventures, with plans to construct budget hotels within its petrol stations and incorporate community malls catering to tourists. The company’s President and Chief Executive, Disathat Panyarachun, shared these developments. The next quarter will see OR onboarding a business consultant to oversee the hotel project.…
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Myanmar overtakes Afghanistan as world’s opium giant
Myanmar surpassed Afghanistan to become the globe’s leading opium producer, leaving the world stunned. The United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) dropped a bombshell report today, December 12, disclosing alarming figures that signal a seismic shift in the illicit drug trade landscape. Myanmar, the new opium powerhouse, produced a staggering 1,080 metric tonnes of opium this year, eclipsing…
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Tourists evicted from makeshift camp on Patong Beach, Phuket
An unexpected event unfolded on the sandy shores of Patong Beach when a group of international tourists found themselves in a bit of a pickle with the local authorities. Having set up a makeshift camp, complete with a tent on the beach, they were informed by the Phuket Tourist Police that such arrangements were simply not allowed. The incident came…
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Family ties unravel in murder mystery: Thai trio nabbed for alleged Isaan killing, daughter smells foul play
Police arrested a Thai woman and her two children for the alleged murder of a Thai man in the Isaan province of Sisaket. The suspects accused the deceased of alcohol addiction and abusive behaviour but, in a remarkable twist, the deceased’s biological daughter believes the suspects murdered her father for his money and property. The dead body of the 48…
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Thai government proposes 15 billion baht plan for informal debtors relief
The Ministry of Finance proposed a plan to the Cabinet to assist informal debtors, allocating a budget of 15 billion baht through the Government Savings Bank (GSB) and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). This initiative will also aid debtors affected by the Covid-19 situation who have lost their credit bureau records. At the Government House at 10am…
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