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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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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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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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Thai outbound tourism recovery slower than expected due to high costs
This year has been bleak for both inbound and outbound tourism in Thailand, with a weaker recovery than anticipated. Only 60-70% of Thais who travelled abroad in 2019 are expected to do so present year. High living costs, household debt, and a slump in the stock market have made most Thais prefer saving over spending on outbound trips, which usually…
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Peninsula Bangkok: festive feasts and holiday stay offers
For decades, The Peninsula Bangkok has served as a cherished “holiday home” to guests during the Christmas and New Year’s seasons. At this special time of year, travellers from around the world – as well as local Bangkok residents – converge at the resort along the Chao Phraya River to take part in an array of festive meals, performances, activities,…
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Thai man’s test drive goes viral as EV’s AI says ‘I quit’
An amusing incident involving a young man test-driving an electric vehicle (EV) has gone viral on social media today. While attempting to command the vehicle’s artificial intelligence (AI) to lower the windows, the AI responded with the unexpected phrase, “I quit,” causing a wave of laughter across the online community. The story was shared by a user on Facebook’s EV…
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Thailand’s Central Plain faces escalating smog crisis with soaring PM2.5 levels
Thailand’s Central Plain is grappling with an increasing smog crisis, as PM2.5 dust levels surged to a staggering 134.8 micrograms per cubic metre of air on Tuesday morning, a significant jump from Monday’s reading of 96.6µg/m³, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported. This morning, December 12, saw 15 provinces in the Central Plain, inclusive of Greater Bangkok,…
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Update: Former Thai boxer denies sexual assault allegations
A renowned former Thai boxer denies sexually assaulting a 17 year old girl from Kalasin province after she lodged a complaint with Khon Kaen police. The incident allegedly took place in a hotel in Khon Kaen after they met at a local club. The accused, Somsak Singmanee, however, vehemently denied the sexual assault accusations, asserting his innocence and respect for his…
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Slowing Chinese economy may impact Thailand’s exports, tourism and investment
Economic experts are voicing apprehension over the slowing Chinese economy, citing that the mainland’s deceleration and escalating tensions with the US could potentially affect Thailand in terms of exports, tourism, direct investment, and property. Despite China’s economy surpassing estimates by growing 4.5% in the first quarter, it has since experienced a slowdown. The disappointing figures in terms of investment, consumption,…
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Thai soldier arrested with 11 kilogrammes of crystal meth
The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) arrested a Thai soldier at Rattanaphon Military Camp in the southern province of Songkhla yesterday for possessing and selling 11 kilogrammes of crystal meth. ONCB officers received a tip-off that a 29 year old soldier working in an administrative office at the Rattanaphon Military Camp was a member of a drug trafficking…
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Electronics firms poised for a shocking surge in the new year
Electronics companies listed on the stock market are set to witness a performance upturn in the new year, owing to a forecasted global recovery across all industry sub-sectors, according to KGI Securities. The firm predicts a higher growth rate in the second half of the year on the back of continuing inventory restocking. The outlook is based on the steady…
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Unjust arrest sparks outrage over police corruption in Thailand
A 50 year old Thai man aired his grievances about police corruption after being unjustly arrested for illegal possession of a gun that was not his. The police demanded a 50,000 baht bail fee, which was eventually negotiated to 20,000 baht, in exchange for his release. The victim, Piboon Tanthai, claimed that someone had left the gun at his house…
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Thai minister heats up COP28 with climate change commitment
At the COP28 climate talks in Dubai, Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Police General Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, took centre stage, making bold declarations and unveiling ambitious plans to combat climate change. In a fervent address on December 10, Phatcharavat reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, sending shockwaves through the climate change talks. He underlined the urgency…
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Thai military doctor with mental illness surrenders after shooting near Bangkok
A Thai military doctor surrendered to police last night after a shooting incident in a village on the Srinakarin Road in the Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok. Bang Kaew Police Station officers received a report of a shooting at 4.45pm yesterday, December 11, and rushed to the scene to find the gunman shouting and waving a gun around outside of…
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Thai labour minister takes wages for a spin: Cabinet gears up for minimum wage review
Thai Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced that the Cabinet will be looking into a review of the new daily minimum wage rates. This comes after several business organisations urged the government to uphold the decision made by a tripartite wage committee regarding the increase in wages. Phiphat disclosed that he has no authority to review the rates approved by the…
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Major drug trafficking bust in Mukdahan seizes over 600,000 meth pills
A drug trafficking gang was apprehended in the province of Mukdahan, as Region 4 Police seized a staggering haul of over 600,000 meth pills on December 10. Acting on intelligence, the law enforcement officers intercepted a white Mitsubishi Attrage sedan en route from Don Tan district to Mueang Mukdahan district. Behind the wheels was 30 year old Daeng, a resident…
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Drug suspect accuses police of 300,000 baht extortion and rape
A Thai drug suspect accused Pathum Thani Provincial Police officers of illegally reducing her sentence, extorting 300,000 baht and raping her. The Thai woman and her boyfriend sought help from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive. The organisation accompanied them in filing a complaint at the Office of the Prime Minister at Government House yesterday, December 11. Addressing the media, the…
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Thailand’s Democrat Party in crisis following mass leadership change
The Democrat Party in Thailand teeters on the brink of a crisis, following an overwhelming loss of members due to a recent change in leadership, according to the party’s former leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. Chalermchai Sri-on, the ninth elected leader of the Democrats, took over the reins amidst internal turmoil. Abhisit, in his first public comment since the leadership election on December 9,…
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Air Canada flight revival: Bangkok to Vancouver route takes off for a holiday high
Great news for holidaymakers in North America and Thailand, as Air Canada today announced the reinstatement of direct flights between Bangkok and Vancouver. H E Ping Kitnikone, the Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Thailand, extended invitations to esteemed guests and partners for Air Canada’s Agency Reception at the Ambassador’s Official Residence. Air Canada has officially reinstated direct flights…
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Tragic phone distraction causes fatal motorbike collision in Thailand
A tragic incident occurred when a woman driving a Nissan March car was searching for her mobile phone in the passenger seat, causing the vehicle to lose control and collide with a motorbike. The collision resulted in the death of an 18 year old female student, returning from her Test of General Aptitude (TGAT) examination. The accident took place around…
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Thailand’s nightlife gets green light: Entertainment venues now open until 6am
The Interior Ministry today gave the green light for entertainment venues across Thailand to remain open until 6am in a move to bolster tourism and add extra sparkle to new year celebrations. Interior Ministry Spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul said the temporary extension of the closing time at entertainment venues across Thailand was aimed at promoting tourism and new year celebrations. Traisuree…
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Thai high-value sectors to boost economy, exports in 2024 says FTI
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) forecasted that the country’s high-value sectors such as agriculture, food, automotive, and bio-, circular and green (BCG) manufacturing will bolster the economy and exports in the coming year. The BCG initiative, launched as a national agenda in 2021, aligns with global environmental campaigns, encouraging manufacturers to adopt environmentally friendly technologies. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, FTI chairman,…
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Suvarnabhumi Airport opens automated channels to foreign travellers
The Immigration Bureau (IB) announced that Suvarnabhumi International Airport’s automated channels are now accessible to foreigners to alleviate congestion for outbound travel. This decision, effective from December 15, aligns with the Prime Minister’s directive, enforced by Srettha Thavasin, to enhance the outbound immigration system. The move is aimed at reducing the density of passengers who need to rush to catch…
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Festive hamper market heats up as retailers vie for consumer spend
The festive hamper and gift market is witnessing a surge in competition, with major supermarket chains and beauty brands leveraging aggressive campaigns and attractive offers to boost consumer spending during the Christmas holiday season. Following a full recovery from the pandemic’s impact on the retail sector, a substantial budget has been set aside this year to mark the inauguration of…
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Football field gunman caught in Chanthaburi following dramatic escape
The gunman responsible for an attack at a football field has been apprehended in Chanthaburi province after fleeing the scene. He confessed to the crime, revealing that he had discarded his firearm in a canal. Police are rapidly investigating the motive behind the incident. Today, news emerged that the suspect had been spotted at a checkpoint in Chanthaburi’s Ban Laem…
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Ultrafine dust blankets 50 Thai provinces posing serious health risks
Hazardous levels of ultrafine dust engulfed 50 Thai provinces today, as reported by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). The Central Plains and the Mortheast were the hardest hit regions. GISTDA’s 7am update on its website PM25.gistda.or.th today, December 11, highlighted that mostly central plains and northeastern provinces were among the 50 out of 77 provinces cloaked in…
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Plastic predicament: Thailand faces a ton(ne) of trouble with a 62% surge in waste
Plastic waste in Thailand has witnessed a surge of 62%, escalating from 2.12 million tonnes in 2019 to 3.4 million tonnes in 2020, according to the Thailand Environment Institute. This increase has been largely attributed to lifestyle changes induced by the pandemic, such as an increased reliance on food delivery services. The Prayut Chan-o-cha government initiated a policy in 2018…
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