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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?...

  • Thai Cabinet reshuffle could impact economy and foreign investment

    Thai Cabinet reshuffle could impact economy and foreign investment

    The Thai Cabinet, currently conducting mobile meetings in Nong Bua Lam Phu – the country’s poorest province, is speculated to face potential reshuffles in leadership or dissolution in the coming year, intensifying the political activities across various Thai provinces. Such changes could pose a risk to the country’s economy, given the current administration is only a few months old. The…

  • Six ex-London police officers arrested for offensive messages

    Six ex-London police officers arrested for offensive messages

    Six former London police officers were arrested in connection to offensive messages targeting Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and other political figures. The incident, which took place on December 8, involved racially and sexually offensive messages sent through WhatsApp. The issue came to light following an investigation by BBC’s Newsnight. The accused include Michael Chadwell, Peter Booth, Anthony Elsom, Trevor Lewton,…

  • Surat Thani’s hidden gems captivate American tourists

    Surat Thani’s hidden gems captivate American tourists

    Tourism operators within the southern province of Surat Thani are pivoting their attention to the US market, showcasing the distinctive local attractions. Atirat Danpattaraworawat, who heads the Cheow Lan Lake Tourism Promotion Association, disclosed on Sunday that their recent networking expedition to the United States, spearheaded by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), garnered considerable interest from the US market.…

  • Thai police step up probe into underage assault linked to ex-Olympic boxer

    Thai police step up probe into underage assault linked to ex-Olympic boxer

    Thai police are accelerating their investigation into the case of a 17 year old girl who reported being sexually assaulted after a night out at a club. They are gathering information before summoning Somluck Kamsing, a former Olympic gold medal boxer, for questioning about the underage assault. The incident occurred today, at an entertainment venue on Prachasamran Road, Khon Kaen…

  • Bangkok’s mobile grocery stores to ease living costs

    Bangkok’s mobile grocery stores to ease living costs

    The Ministry of Commerce remains steadfast in its mission to operate mobile grocery stores across Bangkok and its neighbouring provinces, to alleviate the cost of living. Goranij Nonejuie, the Deputy Director-General of the Internal Trade Department, confirmed the continuation of the mobile grocery store initiative, now entering its fifth year of operation. The initiative will see deployment in over 100…

  • China positions Guangxi as Southeast Asia’s primary gateway

    China positions Guangxi as Southeast Asia’s primary gateway

    Guanxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, bordering Vietnam, is being positioned by China as the primary gateway for businesses and tourists from the ASEAN region. Its southern China location and connectivity to Vietnam through land, sea, and air routes make it a strategic point for Southeast Asia. The region is equipped with three international airports and three deep-sea ports which collectively host…

  • New M81 motorway segment open for new year holiday traffic in Thailand

    New M81 motorway segment open for new year holiday traffic in Thailand

    Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that a portion of the new M81 motorway, set to connect Bang Yai district in Nonthaburi to Kanchanaburi province, will be accessible to drivers over the new year holiday season. Suriya and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin were in Kanchanaburi on Saturday, where they conversed with officials about the province’s development. During the period from December…

  • Thailand’s minimum wage increase sparks controversy and calls for revision

    Thailand’s minimum wage increase sparks controversy and calls for revision

    The contentious decision to marginally increase the daily minimum wage in Thailand spurred the Ministry of Labour into seeking discussions with the tripartite committee, which approved the hike. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin critiqued the decision as insignificant, stating that the 2 to 16 baht rise approved last Friday was insufficient. The tripartite committee, also referred to as the wage board,…

  • Brutal murder mystery in Srisaket solved with a shocking family confession

    Brutal murder mystery in Srisaket solved with a shocking family confession

    A shocking case of a man’s brutal murder has been cracked in Srisaket, Thailand. A gruesome discovery of the body of a 48 year old man was made near a reservoir, Huay Haed, between the village of Ban Na and Ban Pho. His body bore deep stab wounds, inflicted by a sharp object, on his neck, chest, and back. The…

  • Lamduan drug gang apprehended in high-speed chase by operation unit 238

    Lamduan drug gang apprehended in high-speed chase by operation unit 238

    Operation Unit 238, tasked with protecting the city of Lamduan, successfully apprehended a drug gang following a high-speed car chase. The operation ended with two young men in custody and almost 70,000 methamphetamine pills confiscated. Another suspect managed to escape during the pursuit yesterday. Anupong Suksomnit, the Provincial Police Region of Sisaket, revealed the details of the drug bust, which…

  • Surat Thani man shoots brother-in-law over land dispute

    Surat Thani man shoots brother-in-law over land dispute

    A brutal domestic dispute escalated to homicide when a man fatally shot his brother-in-law multiple times in front of their family home. The incident, sparked by an argument over inherited land rights, occurred in the Chaiya district of Surat Thani Province. The gunman is now in police custody awaiting prosecution. On the evening of yesterday, at around 10pm, police officers…

  • Siam Paragon’s 18th anniversary: December’s world-class events unveiled

    Siam Paragon’s 18th anniversary: December’s world-class events unveiled

    Siam Paragon, a ‘World-class Destination’ and the top-of-mind destination for local and international shoppers, is collaborating with The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Kasikorn Bank to deliver a unique and unparalleled experience during this festive season with line-up of ‘World Iconic Events’ all through December 2023. “SIAM PARAGON THE GLORIOUS STAGE OF THE WORLD FESTIVAL” is staged as part…

  • Popular Thai meatball franchise accused of unfair practices

    Popular Thai meatball franchise accused of unfair practices

    A well-known meatball franchise is in the midst of a drama, as a customer accuses the franchise owner of unfair practices and taking advantage of buyers. The complainant shared her experience on Facebook, sparking a wave of controversy. Numerous other individuals have allegedly suffered similar mishaps and are considering legal action. The Facebook user detailed her experience with the popular…

  • South Thailand: Fatal crash in Chumphon kills two Indian tourists

    South Thailand: Fatal crash in Chumphon kills two Indian tourists

    A collision in Tha Sae district of Chumphon led to the deaths of two Indian tourists and severe injuries to five others, including four Indian nationals and a Thai driver, today, December 9. The ill-fated van they were travelling in crashed into the back of a truck, leading to this catastrophic event. The crash took place near the kilometre marker…

  • Thailand and Vietnam set for a strategic partnership

    Thailand and Vietnam set for a strategic partnership

    In a diplomatic move, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared the intention to elevate ties with Vietnam to a comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP). During bilateral talks with Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, the 61 year old Thai PM expressed optimism about the lightning-fast progress in their relations. He highlighted the effectiveness of collaboration across various sectors. Thailand and…

  • Private hospitals under fire as government cracks down on skyrocketing costs

    Private hospitals under fire as government cracks down on skyrocketing costs

    The Internal Trade Department tightens control on private hospitals, urging them to play ball in the battle against soaring medical expenses. The government demands transparency and cooperation from over 300 private medical institutions. Wattanasak Sur-iam, the director-general of the Internal Trade Department, has thrown down the gauntlet in a bid to bring down the cost of living for citizens. In a…

  • Thai PM unleashes secret weapon: Muay Thai to conquer the world

    Thai PM unleashes secret weapon: Muay Thai to conquer the world

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin unveiled a bold plan to transform Muay Thai into Thailand‘s ultimate soft power. The Thai PM declared Muay Thai as Thailand’s top soft power, highlighting its vast economic potential. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke conveyed the PM’s vision, stating that the administration is keen on integrating Muay Thai into school curricula to foster a new generation of…

  • Chao Phraya cruise operators slash prices as tourism battles slowdown

    Chao Phraya cruise operators slash prices as tourism battles slowdown

    Chao Phraya cruise operators are keeping prices level due to sluggish tourism and high competition. While tourism is taking its time to recover, business-oriented charters are sailing towards a stronger comeback. Poowadee Kunpalin, Vice-President of the Chao Phraya River Tourism Association, talks about the resurgence. “Business travellers, especially from South Korea and European countries, are leading the charge. These high…

  • China slashes visa fees: Tourists to travel to the PRC for less

    China slashes visa fees: Tourists to travel to the PRC for less

    China has thrown open its doors, slashing visa fees by a whopping 25% with the offer extending to a range of countries including Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, and the Philippines. China, in its latest move to boost tourism and business, has made it more affordable for millions to obtain visas. The unprecedented 25% cut applies to travellers from over a dozen…

  • Thai-Myanmar task force takes on border crisis

    Thai-Myanmar task force takes on border crisis

    Thailand and Myanmar have joined forces to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding along the Thai-Myanmar border. The initiative aims to provide much-needed assistance to the thousands affected by the ongoing conflict, with both nations committed to fostering peace in Myanmar. During a bilateral meeting at the 8th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) in Beijing, Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara underscored Thailand’s dedication…

  • Health department halts bottled water factory production in Roi Et (video)

    Health department halts bottled water factory production in Roi Et (video)

    The Department of Health has ordered an immediate halt to production at a bottled water factory in Roi Et province. The decision was made following the release of a shocking video showing water being manually filled into bottles. The factory, which is a licensed water production facility, was inspected and found to be non-compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.…

  • Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Muang park kicks off nesting season with 118 turtle eggs

    Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Muang park kicks off nesting season with 118 turtle eggs

    The latest nesting season in Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park, Thai Mueang district, kicked off with the discovery of 118 leatherback turtle eggs. The eggs were spotted yesterday, December 8, by park officials during their patrol on the beach for signs of a leatherback turtle, locally known as Tao Mafueng, breeding site. Prarop Plaengngan, the park’s chief, recounted the…

  • Thai farmers warned against smuggling uncertified Vietnamese rice strains

    Thai farmers warned against smuggling uncertified Vietnamese rice strains

    Thailand‘s Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Captain Thamanat Prompow, cautioned local farmers against cultivating or smuggling uncertified Vietnamese rice strains. The warning, issued yesterday, December 8, comes in light of potential complaints from Vietnam, which could negatively impact Thailand’s reputation and bilateral relations. Despite the higher yield per area of Vietnamese rice strains providing increased income for farmers, the minister emphasised the…

  • Shocking stop: Thai Smile Buses Co., face backlash as passengers left stranded

    Shocking stop: Thai Smile Buses Co., face backlash as passengers left stranded

    The Thai Smile Bus Company faced a barrage of criticism as their electric buses ground to a halt, leaving passengers stranded and services disrupted. The uproar prompted an investigation into the sudden cessation of operations, revealing a deep-seated issue affecting the company’s ability to provide a reliable service. The Corporate Communications Department of Thai Smile Bus Company Limited officially addressed…

  • Thai mechanic found dead in sewer highlights lethal risks of heavy drinking

    Thai mechanic found dead in sewer highlights lethal risks of heavy drinking

    Tragedy struck when a 44 year old mechanic, known for his drinking habits, was found dead in a sewer in front of Wat Khae School, located in Pak Klong Bang Pla Kod, Phra Samut Chedi district, Samut Prakan province. The incident was reported today, December 8, at around 7.30am by residents and the local authorities. The tragic discovery was made…

  • Global carbon countdown: Is the world doomed? Shocking revelations from climate talk

    Global carbon countdown: Is the world doomed? Shocking revelations from climate talk

    At the Thai-German conference Climate Talk in Bangkok, Germany’s Ambassador to Thailand, Dr Ernst Reichel, warns that the world is perilously behind in achieving net-zero carbon emissions. As countries grapple with the devastating consequences of climate change, a fossil fuel ban emerges as a contentious issue during Climate Talk, creating challenges for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28)…

  • Loan sharks circle in: 65 year old business owner seeks refuge in Chon Buri

    Loan sharks circle in: 65 year old business owner seeks refuge in Chon Buri

    A 65 year old business owner in Chon Buri approached the Saaih Mai Tong Rod coordination centre at 10.40am today, seeking assistance after being ruthlessly pursued by loan sharks. The business owner, Chai, borrowed just 30,000 baht but has ended up paying over 3 million baht in interest. His lenders, a total of 29, have forced him to become a…

  • Thai national thought held hostage in Gaza found safe in Israel

    Thai national thought held hostage in Gaza found safe in Israel

    A Thai national believed to be among the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza has been found safe in Israel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) reveals this miraculous twist as talks for the release of remaining Thai hostages continue. The Thai embassy in Tel Aviv confirmed that a missing Thai national, initially feared to be among the hostages, recently…

  • EconThai: Thailand’s job market faces limited growth in key sectors predicted for 2024

    EconThai: Thailand’s job market faces limited growth in key sectors predicted for 2024

    The Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) painted a gloomy picture of Thailand‘s job market in 2024. The Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai) is sounding the alarm, predicting a continued slump in Thailand’s job market in the coming year. According to Tanit Sorat, Vice-Chairman of EconThai, the country’s employment landscape remains bleak in the aftermath…

  • Vietnam attracts soaring Chinese investment as US trade dwindles

    Vietnam attracts soaring Chinese investment as US trade dwindles

    With a surge in Chinese investment, Vietnam has become a hotspot for economic activity this year, as figures indicate a decline in US trade and spending. Vietnam’s strategic location along the South China Sea makes it a vital link in global supply chains, particularly for Chinese components and American consumers. September saw United States President Joe Biden elevate diplomatic relations…