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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Bomb in Narathiwat kills police officer during murder investigation
A police officer tragically passed away following a bomb explosion at a lamppost in Narathiwat province. The explosion occurred as the police officer was retrieving evidence from a CCTV camera during an investigation into the fatal shooting of a blind elderly woman and her son on May 2. The explosion took place yesterday, May 4, at 1.30pm in the Chang…
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Heavy rain and storms to affect 50 provinces across Thailand
Weather forecasts for today, May 5, indicate heavy rain affecting 50 provinces across Thailand, including Bangkok. The Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned that the southern region could see rainfall affecting 70% of the area, with risks of strong winds, flash floods, and forest runoff. The TMD advised people in the south to be cautious of heavy and persistent rain, which…
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Surat Thani arrests: youth-targeted online gambling busted
In the southern province of Surat Thani, three people in their 20s were apprehended on allegations of hosting online football gambling activities that particularly attracted young participants. The arrests, which took place in Mueang district, were carried out by police and administrative officials. Surat Thani governor, Theeroot Supawibulpol, revealed that the arrests occurred yesterday, May 3, following the discovery of…
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Police dismantle online prostitution ring, arrest 10 in Thailand
Police have dismantled an online prostitution ring operating through a prominent platform, arresting 10 women involved in the operation. The raid took place at two locations, a condominium and an apartment, situated in the Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani districts. Legal action is being pursued against the platform administrators. Yesterday, May 3, Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwpan, alongside Police Major General…
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Man arrested after fatal sickle attack over neighbour dispute
A 40 year old man was arrested for fatally attacking his 64 year old neighbour with a sickle in Mueang Phra Phloeng, Khao Chakan district, Sa Kaeo province. The incident occurred on May 2, with the suspect claiming provocation due to harassment of his wife and ongoing disputes. Yesterday, May 3, Police Colonel Montri Chuying, acting as superintendent of Khao…
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Former abbot in Si Racha faces indecent conduct charges
A former abbot from a temple in Si Racha district, Chon Buri, has been defrocked and is facing accusations of indecent conduct involving a 13 year old girl. The case has expanded with a new victim, a 16 year old boy, who was allegedly abused and paid a small amount of money. The boy’s mother expressed concerns about the police…
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Man surrenders after viral Pattaya traffic altercation
A man involved in a heated incident in Pattaya, Chon Buri, has surrendered to the police. The altercation, which gained significant attention online, involved him jumping on and kicking a white Mazda car due to frustration over a traffic disagreement. Identified as 40 year old Chai, the man attempted to drive against the flow of traffic and became agitated when…
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Friend arrested for fatal shooting of bank worker in Nonthaburi
A close friend has been apprehended after pursuing and fatally shooting a 39 year old bank employee, Weerawat, in a shocking incident in Nonthaburi province. The suspect, 41 year old Sitthipong, was arrested near a resort in Suphan Buri and faces three serious charges. The tragic event unfolded yesterday, May 3, at 1am, when Sitthipong allegedly fired nearly 20 shots…
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Heavy rain warning issued for Thailand with potential flash floods
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning of heavy rainfall across most of Thailand, cautioning against potential flash floods and forest runoffs, especially in foothill areas. As of 5pm yesterday, May 3, the TMD forecast severe weather conditions over the next 24 hours, with southern regions experiencing significant rainfall. Residents in these areas are advised to be cautious…
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Pattaya police bust illegal gambling ring, 10 arrested
A midday raid in Pattaya uncovered a group of gamblers caught red-handed playing Thai gambling card game Pok Deng at a local restaurant. But what seemed like a harmless card game quickly escalated into a major bust, with police seizing cash and cards, and 10 suspects arrested. On Thursday, May 1 at 12.30pm, Pattaya City Police received a tip-off from…
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Thailand urged to adopt single cigarette tax rate to boost revenue
Thailand’s current tiered tax system on cigarettes has been criticised by academics, who urge the government to switch to a single excise tax rate as advised by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The existing system is said to neither reduce illegal cigarette sales nor increase state revenue or deter new smokers. Dr Roengrudee Patanavanich from Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine…
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Thailand hotel prices soar, low season sparks price war fears
Room rates experienced a significant rise during the recent tourism High Season, drawing criticism from travellers who perceived Thai hotels as more costly than those in neighbouring countries. As the low season now takes hold, some hoteliers express concerns over potential price wars due to reduced arrivals. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, the president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), reported that the…
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Fatal fall: Polish tourist plunges to his death from Phuket condo
A Polish tourist fell to his death from a fifth-floor condo in Kathu district, Phuket, while his wife witnessed the incident. The 34 year old man, identified as Swalomir, lost his balance after standing up and toppled over the balcony. This was confirmed by his wife, who was present at the time. The incident occurred at 12.13am today, May 3.…
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Pattaya gang attacks security guards over loud music in Jomtien
A violent encounter in Na Jomtien has left two security guards injured after they tried to intervene in a heated dispute between youths. Armed with knives and sticks, a gang of teenagers launched a brutal attack, leaving the guards with destroyed property and serious concerns over the lawlessness in the area. Yesterday, May 2, two security guards from Na Jomtien…
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Patong brawl: Ladyboys wreak havoc again on Soi Bangla (video)
A video of a ladyboy brawl in Patong’s Soi Bangla has gone viral, sparking heated online discussions. Netizens expressed concern over the incident damaging Phuket’s image as a tourist destination. Calls for stricter law enforcement have emerged, while others stress the importance of addressing the behaviour without targeting a community. The โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต Facebook page shared a disturbing video of a…
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Dealers resist arrest in violent drug bust in Pattaya’s Jomtien
A chaotic scene unfolded in Jomtien in Pattaya as police raided a drug operation after reports of a man attacking civilians and claiming his father was a police officer. The arrest quickly turned violent, with one dealer injuring an officer, but both suspects were captured, revealing a major meth operation in the area. Yesterday, May 2 at 4.36pm, Lieutenant Colonel…
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Concrete chaos: Maniac hurls slab from Bangkok’s Bang Na bridge
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has confirmed that a chunk of concrete that shattered a car’s windscreen earlier this week was deliberately thrown from a pedestrian overpass – and not a result of any structural failure. The shocking incident unfolded on Tuesday, April 29, on Bang Na-Trat Road, prompting immediate fears that debris had fallen from the Burapha Withi…
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Heavy rain lashes 43 provinces, Bangkok braces for floods
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts heavy rain across 43 provinces today, with significant impact expected in the South and 60% of Bangkok. Residents are advised to be cautious of potential flash floods and forest run-off, particularly in areas near water flows or low-lying regions. The forecast for today, May 3, indicates that the South will experience increased rainfall with…
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What to do in Bangkok this weekend (May 2 to 4)
Movie festivals, Star Wars day, Cinco de Mayo… Bangkok is booked and busy this weekend. The only question is: how many versions of you are available to attend? With the hot season still in full swing, the city isn’t slowing down. The skies might be teasing rain, but that hasn’t stopped anyone from heading out. Indoor plans are your best…
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Thai engineer loses over 8 million baht to call centre scam
A Thai engineer lost more than 8 million baht to call centre scammers after being deceived into speaking with them on the phone for seven consecutive days. The 32 year old victim, Siwat, sought help from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive yesterday, May 1, after going bankrupt and being forced to close his restaurant in the Khlong Sam neighbourhood of…
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Phuket scammer busted after conning restaurants for drug cash
A 29 year old con artist in Phuket who posed as a food delivery customer to trick restaurant owners out of their cash has been arrested after weeks on the run. The man, known only by his nickname “Knot,” rode around Phuket on a black M-Slash motorcycle, preying on small eateries with a scam that left at least 10 victims…
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Pattaya wrong-way driver damages car, claims police ties
A Thai man took to social media to seek justice after police failed to arrest a suspect who damaged his car because he did not let him drive against the traffic flow on a Pattaya road. The victim, Nawakorn Thongpha, shared a video of the incident on his Facebook account on April 30, along with a description of the events. The…
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Giant monitor lizard statue draws crowds to Bangkok park
It slinks, it swims, and now it poses — Bangkok’s iconic monitor lizard just got a supersized tribute in the city’s most famous park. Tourists and locals heading to Lumphini Park can now snap selfies with a massive foam monitor lizard statue — a new temporary installation celebrating one of Bangkok’s most misunderstood but iconic residents. Sanon Wangsangboon, Deputy Governor…
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US tariffs force Thailand to cut growth forecast to 2.1%
The Ministry of Finance has revised its forecast for Thailand’s economic growth this year to 2.1%, down from the previous 3%, citing the impact of US tariffs and a global economic slowdown on Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy. Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office, indicated that if the US imposes a 10% tariff on Thai imports instead of the…
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Thai police detain Chinese nationals over 2 billion baht land deal
Thai police have detained a group led by Chinese nationals suspected of acquiring land valued at 2 billion baht for a luxury condominium project in Rayong province. The group secured 72 rai of land for a project intended to be managed entirely by Chinese foreigners, from management to construction, as stated by Police Major General Thatphum Jaruprat, chief of the…
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Pattaya’s long-delayed stadium finally back on track
Once dubbed a never-ending construction nightmare, Pattaya’s 20,000-seat stadium is finally rising — and could open early. After years of delays, controversies, and abandoned construction, Pattaya’s Eastern Sports Stadium is finally back in the spotlight — for the right reasons. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet has revealed that the long-stalled project is now around 53% complete and 51 days ahead of schedule.…
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Bangkok overhaul plan could hand governor more power
Should Bangkok be run more like a country than a city? Politicians think so — and big changes could be coming. Yesterday, May 1, at Bangkok City Hall’s Nopparat Room near the Giant Swing, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt welcomed Members of Parliament to discuss sweeping proposals to overhaul the city’s outdated administration system. The meeting brought together top Bangkok executives and…
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Bangkok SAO death toll hits 68 after 5 more bodies found
Five more bodies have been recovered from the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building, bringing the death toll to 68. Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, reported that the bodies were discovered in Zone D between 10pm on Wednesday, April 30, and 9am yesterday, May 1. The search for the missing continues, with heavy machinery operating…
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450kg of crystal meth seized in northeast Thailand chase
A high-speed police chase in Thailand’s northeast ended with a massive drug haul and three traffickers in cuffs. Police in Nong Khai province have arrested three men and seized a staggering 450 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, known as “Ice”, following a dramatic pursuit through Tha Bo district. The suspects, 23 year old Prasobsuk, 28 year old Thongthawat, and 20 year…
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Phuket honours real-life heroes for lifesaving acts
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat has honoured eight everyday heroes with certificates of recognition for their bravery, kindness and unwavering service to others throughout 2024. The awards were presented during a ceremony held at Phuket Provincial Hall on Monday, April 28, alongside the 4th meeting of the Phuket Provincial Committee and Department Heads for 2025. Governor Sophon, who presided over the…
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