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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Swiss man’s peaceful Pattaya night shattered by youth attack
A peaceful evening in Pattaya turned into a night of chaos for a 66 year old Swiss man as he faced a brutal assault by local youths, leaving him injured and his car in tatters. Manoutcher Kamel Kamai, a Swiss national, yesterday, December 15, stumbled into the Pattaya City Police Station, visibly shaken and wounded, seeking justice for the unprovoked…
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Thai driver flees after crashing into old man, dragging body 10km
A Thai man claimed he fled in shock after crashing into an 84 year old man and dragging the lifeless body for 10 kilometres from the scene of the incident in the central province of Ratchaburi. Officers from Photharam Police Station were alerted to the discovery of a corpse on a road alongside a railway track in the Photharam district…
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Rain havoc: Four southern provinces swamped by floods (video)
Four southern Thai provinces are battling major flooding after a deluge that’s thrown daily life into chaos and knocked out key transport links, leaving thousands of families high and dry. Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, and Surat Thani are bearing the brunt of relentless rain, with deluges forcing a halt to many bus and train services. Pasakorn Boonyalak, Director General…
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Building trouble: Chinese workers nailed for illegal jobs in Bangkok
Bangkok police officers arrested five Chinese nationals for working illegally as construction workers. They were earning 2,200 baht per day, significantly higher than Thailand’s minimum wage and the standard pay rate for legal construction workers. Officers from Huay Kwang Police Station received a complaint about illegal Chinese workers at a construction site in the Huay Kwang neighbourhood of Bangkok on…
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Prachin Buri police raid five sites in mafia crackdown
It’s showdown time in Prachin Buri as police launch a full-scale blitz against organised crime, swooping on five locations tied to the shocking case of Soonthorn Vilawan, the alleged mastermind behind his adopted son’s murder. In a dramatic turn, over 100 police officers from the Crime Suppression Division and local forces descended upon the province yesterday, December 15, part of…
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Senate to vote on divisive referendum double-majority rule
The Senate is set to convene tomorrow, December 17, to cast votes on a contentious referendum bill concerning constitutional amendments. The majority of senators are anticipated to uphold the divisive double-majority requirement, a decision that has sparked significant debate. Following a vote by a joint MP-Senate committee, the double-majority rule, necessary for passing a charter rewrite referendum, has been endorsed.…
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Bangkok’s Purple Line extension nears halfway mark
The construction of the Purple Line’s southern extension, a crucial link between Tao Poon in the Bang Sue district and Rat Burana in southern Bangkok, is making significant progress. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) reported that the project is nearly halfway finished. During an inspection conducted yesterday, December 15, Montri Dechasakulsom, alongside board members and executives, assessed…
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Bangkok app-based rider steals 15,000 baht from Russian woman
Police arrested a Thai app-based motorcycle taxi rider for stealing 15,000 baht from a Russian woman in Bangkok and spending all the money on gambling. The Russian victim, 25 year old Anna Petrova Andreevna, filed a complaint at the Royal Palace Police Station on Friday, December 13, stating that she lost 15,000 baht in cash to the app-based motorcycle taxi…
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Severe storms and flash floods threaten 12 Thai provinces
The Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather warning predicting severe storms in 12 provinces, with heavy rain expected to cover 70% of the area. This could lead to flash floods and severe weather conditions, with temperatures dropping. The northeast monsoon, which is currently quite strong, is affecting the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region. A low-pressure system also covers…
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Thai and mighty: Tourism takes off with a Bangkok load of visitors
Thailand’s back on the world’s travel map with a record-breaking wave of tourists flooding its shores, boosting the nation’s coffers and setting sights on even sunnier outcomes. In a spectacular show of popularity, more than 37.72 million globe-trotters have flocked to the Land of Smiles between January 1 and December 8 this year, according to Government Spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap. This…
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Police arrest loan shark gang at Ministry of Culture
A dramatic arrest unfolded at the Ministry of Culture when police apprehended members of a loan shark gang accused of charging extortionate interest rates and intimidating debtors. The operation, led by Montri Teshakun, targeted 30 year old Veeraphat, and 23 year old Meentada, who were charged with operating an unauthorised personal loan business and lending money at rates exceeding legal…
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Police Region 5 seizes 6.8 million meth pills in major bust
Police Region 5 coordinated with various agencies to announce a major drug bust, seizing 6.8 million methamphetamine pills from a drug trafficking network along the border. The operation, aiming to curb drug distribution within the country, was highlighted in a press conference held yesterday at the Police Region 5 headquarters. Key figures including Police Lieutenant General Kritthapol Yeesakhorn, the Commissioner…
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Grenade attack at Tak fair leaves three dead and 48 injured
A grenade attack disrupted the Amazing Highland Land Fair in Umphang district, Tak province, late yesterday evening, resulting in three fatalities and 48 injuries. The explosion took place around 11.30pm near a retro dance stage where over 8,000 people were enjoying live music. As panic swept through the crowd, emergency responders rushed to aid the injured and transport them to…
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Heavy rains and strong winds expected in 19 Thai provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather warning, predicting heavy rains across 19 provinces with rainfall affecting 80% of the area. The Gulf of Thailand is expected to experience waves over 3 metres high, and temperatures are set to drop by 3 degrees Celsius with strong winds. The strong northeast monsoon sweeping through the Gulf of Thailand and the…
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Hua Hin Airport to gain international status by next year
The Transport Ministry announced plans to elevate Hua Hin Airport to international status by next year, marking a significant step in enhancing regional connectivity. Transport Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri revealed this initiative yesterday, directing the Department of Airports, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, and other relevant agencies to develop Hua Hin’s operations and secure the necessary international airport certification. Heightened passenger…
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Chinese murder suspect caught at Phuket Airport
A Chinese national, wanted in his home country for murder, was apprehended at Phuket Airport. The suspect, identified as Qian Guofeng, arrived on a flight from Shanghai to the popular Thai resort island. On the night of December 13, immigration police revealed that they received orders to intercept Qian, who became a suspect following a fatal altercation in China. Chinese…
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Motorcyclist dragged 800 metres in Phuket hit-and-run
A white saloon car collided with a motorcycle in Thalang district, Phuket, early this morning, dragging the rider’s lifeless body for 800 metres before fleeing the scene. Police have identified the vehicle’s owner and are preparing to launch an investigation. A white saloon car, with an unregistered number plate, was reported to have left Bang Jo Alley and turned right…
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Woman arrested with 2,000 meth pills in Bang Yai
Police in Bang Yai, Nonthaburi, in collaboration with Bang Mae Nang police, have arrested a woman found with 2,000 methamphetamine (meth) pills hidden in a mango bag. The woman claimed she was unaware of the bag’s contents, stating a friend had asked her to pick it up. The incident took place yesterday, December 13, under the directive of Yanipat Srikhot,…
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British suspect arrested for Pattaya gold chain thefts
A muscular British man was apprehended for his involvement in a series of daring gold chain snatches from tourists in Pattaya. Despite denying the accusations, CCTV footage and witness testimonies have implicated him in the crimes. The arrest took place at 4.30pm yesterday, December 13, when Thananon Athipansri, Deputy Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, along with the Provincial Investigation…
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Rangers intercept 200kg crystal meth from Laos at Loei border
Rangers at the Sri Song Rak Camp in Loei province recently disrupted a significant drug smuggling operation, seizing 200 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine (Ice). Following a tip-off received two days earlier about drug trafficking from Laos into Ban Huai Pao, Pak Chom, a rapid-response team was dispatched to patrol the suspected area. During their surveillance, rangers identified two pickup trucks…
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Krungthai Bank warns customers of scam letters
Krungthai Bank has issued a cautionary notice urging its customers to remain vigilant against scammers impersonating both the bank and police. These fraudsters have been distributing counterfeit letters alleging irregularities in bank accounts that necessitate financial scrutiny. Customers are advised to directly contact the bank or law enforcement if they have any doubts. Krungthai Bank took to their Facebook page,…
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Beach wars: Kata’s shores overrun by chair chaos
Kata and Kata Noi beaches, once postcard-perfect stretches of Phuket paradise, are now under siege—by a sea of sunbeds and umbrellas. Locals are outraged as beach chair operators sprawl unchecked, with one resident calling Kata Beach “the world’s ugliest beach” and lamenting over 10,000 umbrellas crammed from the road to the waterline. The infamous “10% rule,” meant to cap commercial…
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Former officer arrested after abducting wife in Surat Thani
A former police officer, under the influence of methamphetamine (meth), was apprehended after abducting his estranged wife in Surat Thani province. The dramatic chase unfolded over more than an hour, following a family dispute and divorce request. Police in Surat Thani arrested 27 year old Phasakorn Kheawphakdee after a tense highway pursuit. The incident began when Sutheemas, his 25 year…
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Thai entertainment shines at Singapore’s Asia TV Forum 2024
Thailand’s entertainment industry has made a dazzling splash at the Asia TV Forum & Market 2024 (ATF) in Singapore, proving its growing appeal on the global stage. With a vibrant showcase of films, dramas, and BL series, Thai producers left international buyers and collaborators eager for more. Held from December 3 to 6 at Marina Bay Sands, the event saw…
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Myanmar man struck by train in Pattaya, minor injuries
A Myanmar man experienced a close brush with danger after being struck by a train while walking along the railway tracks in Pattaya. The Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre received an urgent report at 7pm on Thursday, December 12 concerning a pedestrian incident in front of the Lek Arhan Pa Restaurant. Rescue workers swiftly made their way to the location. Upon…
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Hong Kong master’s student duped into Thai nightmare
A Hong Kong master’s student was swept into an international scam that cost her over HK$500,000 (approximately 2.2 million baht) and led her to an alarming detour to Thailand. This unprecedented case pushed Hong Kong police to seek Interpol’s help, marking the first time a victim was lured overseas. The victim, identified as K, a 22 year old student from…
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UN urges Thailand to decriminalise sex work for healthcare access
The United Nations (UN) has recommended that Thailand should decriminalise sex work to ensure equal access to healthcare services and integrate victim support. This announcement was made during a press conference at the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, where the Working Group on Discrimination Against Women and Girls discussed the state of women’s and girls’ rights in Thailand. This marks the UN’s…
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Thai PM’s first official visit to Malaysia to boost trade ties
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to embark on her inaugural official visit to Malaysia, where she will co-chair the 7th Annual Consultation. The consultation will take place in Putrajaya, located just south of Kuala Lumpur, as confirmed by deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan. Spanning two days, the visit will begin on Monday, December 16, marking Paetongtarn’s first official…
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Fire at Trat co-op narrowly avoided major disaster
A security guard mistook a fire for burning rubbish, only to discover a forklift engulfed in flames, which spread to a pile of wooden pallets and over 40 trolleys. The blaze narrowly missed the co-op store building, prompting an urgent firefighting effort. Officers from the Mueang Trat Police Station received a report of a fire at the Trat Provincial Cooperative…
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Thai teacher accused of striking boy’s penis with steel ruler
A Thai mother exposed the cruel behaviour of a teacher in the central province of Prachin Buri who allegedly struck her three year old son’s penis with a steel ruler causing severe injury. The mother contacted several Thai news agencies to publicise her son’s story and seek appropriate punishment for the accused teacher. Channel 7 interviewed the family on December 12 and…
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