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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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    Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run

    Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...

  • Professor warns against reclassifying cannabis as illegal narcotic

    Professor warns against reclassifying cannabis as illegal narcotic

    Professor Panthep Puapongphan, Dean of the College of Oriental Medicine at Rangsit University, voiced concerns regarding efforts to reclassify cannabis as an illegal narcotic. He believes that such a move could worsen drug-related issues rather than improve them. Prof. Panthep stressed that cannabis has played a significant role in helping individuals quit more harmful substances like methamphetamine and heroin. He…

  • Missing contraband diesel vessels found near Malaysian waters

    Missing contraband diesel vessels found near Malaysian waters

    Three vessels carrying 330,000 litres of contraband diesel that vanished from a police pier in Chon Buri have been located near Malaysian waters, police confirmed. Police Major General Charoonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, announced that the three boats disappeared from the marine police pier in Sattahip district of Chon Buri last week. After travelling through Cambodian…

  • Phuket boosts tourism safety with new lifeguard training initiative

    Phuket boosts tourism safety with new lifeguard training initiative

    Phuket’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS Phuket) is spearheading a workshop to bolster water tourism safety in the Andaman Tourism Development Zone. The Generation 1 project commenced on June 14 and continues through today at the Nai Yang Beach Resort & Spa and Sirinat National Park. Key attendees include Panlop Prajong, a policy and planning analyst at MoTS Phuket,…

  • Russian man arrested in Phuket for stealing over 50 coral rocks

    Russian man arrested in Phuket for stealing over 50 coral rocks

    Police in Phuket detained a Russian man found guilty of stealing more than 50 pieces of coral rock from the sea. The arrest occurred yesterday following a collaborative effort between the local police and tourist police. Officers tracked down 46 year old Alexsandr Krasilov outside the Siberyak restaurant in Rawai. Krasilov was apprehended for illegally removing coral rocks from the…

  • Cannabis decriminalisation not linked to rise in psychiatric patients

    Cannabis decriminalisation not linked to rise in psychiatric patients

    Professor Panthep Puapongphan, Dean of the College of Oriental Medicine at Rangsit University, addressed misinformation about an alleged increase in psychiatric patients following the decriminalisation of cannabis since June 9, 2022. His comments came in response to claims suggesting that this legal change has led to a surge in psychiatric issues. Prof. Panthep refuted these claims by highlighting that comparing…

  • EC intensifies legal push to dissolve opposition MFP

    EC intensifies legal push to dissolve opposition MFP

    The Election Commission (EC) intensified its legal pursuit to disband the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) by submitting additional documents to the Constitutional Court. EC Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee confirmed that these documents pertain to legal issues surrounding the case and were delivered to the court yesterday. Sawaeng stated that presenting a list of witnesses was unnecessary because the court’s previous…

  • Provincial Senate election tomorrow: Candidates must be punctual

    Provincial Senate election tomorrow: Candidates must be punctual

    The nationwide provincial-level Senate election will occur tomorrow, with the Election Commission (EC) urging candidates to arrive at polling stations punctually without introducing themselves during the vote. Election officials, led by EC Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee, inspected the Vayupak Convention Centre at the Centara Life Government Complex Hotel on Chaeng Watthana Road in Lak Si district, a designated polling station for…

  • Pride Month to boost Thai economy by 4.5 billion baht

    Pride Month to boost Thai economy by 4.5 billion baht

    June’s Pride Month is anticipated to stimulate over 4.5 billion baht in economic activity, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham announced yesterday that the government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, is actively endorsing sexual diversity and collaborating with the private sector to organise additional Pride Month festivities. These events aim to attract LGBTQ+ tourists…

  • Police raid Nasa club in Chon Buri, arrest 9, find 105 drug users

    Police raid Nasa club in Chon Buri, arrest 9, find 105 drug users

    Police conducted a significant raid on the Nasa club in Mueang, Chon Buri at 1.30pm yesterday. More than 150 officers from various agencies participated in the operation, aiming to curb illegal activities at the venue. Upon their arrival, officers encountered a bustling crowd enjoying the nightlife. As the police presence became evident, many patrons attempted to flee and dispose of…

  • Excise officers intercept smuggled cigarettes and beer in Chon Buri

    Excise officers intercept smuggled cigarettes and beer in Chon Buri

    Excise Officers at Region 2, along with Phanat Nikhom police intercepted a white pickup truck suspected of smuggling cigarettes and beer into Phanat Nikhom, Chon Bur, at noon on June 14,. The police had been investigating reports of contraband transportation in the area and successfully tracked down the vehicle, which was owned by a private company. Upon inspection, officers seized…

  • Survey reveals pollution as Thai citizens’ biggest worry

    Survey reveals pollution as Thai citizens’ biggest worry

    A survey by Marketbuzzz reveals that Thais have declared environmental issues such as pollution as their top public concern for 2024, with 30% of respondents prioritising it, closely followed by rising prices at 28%. This annual survey, running since 2019, highlights the growing unease about environmental issues among Thais, who also rank other concerns like corruption, healthcare, traffic congestion, crime,…

  • Thailand tourism takes a tumble: WEF report

    Thailand tourism takes a tumble: WEF report

    Thailand’s tourism industry has suffered a dramatic setback, plummeting 11 spots in the latest World Economic Forum (WEF) Travel and Tourism Development Index, leaving experts calling for urgent investment and innovation. In a devastating blow to the Thai government, which reported a modest 1.5% growth in the first quarter of 2024, the WEF index revealed Thailand’s fall from 36th to…

  • Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn vows to reclaim Bangkok seats

    Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn vows to reclaim Bangkok seats

    Pheu Thai’s leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra has stepped into the ring with a new role, aiming to revive the party’s fortunes in Bangkok after last year’s crushing defeat by the Move Forward Party (MFP). Paetongtarn signed an order on Thursday to establish a panel dedicated to crafting political strategies, overseeing MPs and Bangkok Metropolitan councillors, and providing them with crucial advice.…

  • Pattaya mayor’s big bet on Irish tourism

    Pattaya mayor’s big bet on Irish tourism

    In a significant push to boost international tourism, Mayor Poramet Ngampichet welcomed H.E. Patrick Bourne, Ambassador of Ireland to the Kingdom of Thailand, and his delegation. The high-profile visit centred on strengthening tourism ties and introducing measures to support Irish tourists in Pattaya. During the meeting, Mayor Poramet expressed his delight and honour in hosting Irish ambassador Bourne. Poramet emphasised…

  • NHRC urges Thai govt to stop deportation of Vietnamese activist

    NHRC urges Thai govt to stop deportation of Vietnamese activist

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the Thai government to halt plans to deport Vietnamese activist Y Quynh Bdap, expressing concerns for his safety. Authorities arrested 32 year old Y Quynh Bdap in Bangkok this week. He is a prominent figure within the Montagnard ethnic group from Vietnam’s Central Highlands and co-founded Montagnards Stand for Justice, an organisation…

  • Pattaya police drug raid in Jomtien detains 24 suspects

    Pattaya police drug raid in Jomtien detains 24 suspects

    Pattaya police conducted a significant crackdown on the local drug trade, targeting Jomtien Soi 1 to 3. Pattaya City Police, led by Police Colonel Navin Teerawit, along with Banglamung District officials, launched a comprehensive operation to dismantle the underground drug network in the area. The operation began at 3.06pm yesterday, June 14, when law enforcement, including Deputy Chiefs of Banglamung…

  • Thailand free of human bird flu cases since 2006

    Thailand free of human bird flu cases since 2006

    Thailand remains free of human bird flu cases, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC). Authorities urge travellers from H5N2 outbreak areas to self-monitor for respiratory symptoms within 14 days of arrival and seek medical attention if symptoms arise. Travellers entering the country have been advised to remain vigilant for irregular respiratory symptoms. Immediate medical consultation is recommended if…

  • Sustainability needs more than ESG compliance, says expert

    Sustainability needs more than ESG compliance, says expert

    Achieving sustainability requires more than just adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, according to Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO of Stewardship Asia Centre. Speaking at a conference in Bangkok this week, Peshawaria emphasised that a genuine desire for a better future is crucial. The ESG framework, which has been around since the 1990s, is proving effective in some areas but…

  • Southeast Asia leads in anti-corruption initiatives with public support

    Southeast Asia leads in anti-corruption initiatives with public support

    Southeast Asia has emerged as a leading example of public initiatives tackling corruption, as highlighted by legal experts and academics at the Anti-Corruption Innovations in Southeast Asia conference recently held in Bangkok. The conference, which took place on June 7, aimed to share perspectives on innovative strategies to promote integrity and good governance across the region. Experts underscored the importance…

  • Monsoon meltdown: Thailand braces for scattered rain

    Monsoon meltdown: Thailand braces for scattered rain

    The monsoon in southwest Thailand has taken a backseat, leading to reduced rainfall across the country. However, some northern areas are still in for a soaking, prompting warnings for residents to stay vigilant against heavy and accumulated rain. Northern region: Thunderstorms are expected to cover 30% of the area, with particularly heavy rain forecasted for Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai,…

  • PM Srettha dismisses resignation rumours amid court case

    PM Srettha dismisses resignation rumours amid court case

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin dismissed rumours of his potential resignation or dissolution of the House of Representatives before the Constitutional Court rules on a case that could see him removed from office. The controversy stems from his appointment of Pichit Chuenban as a PM’s Office minister. “I never think about resignation or a House dissolution. Let the legal procedure take…

  • Beach vendor arrested in Pattaya for illegal alcohol sales

    Beach vendor arrested in Pattaya for illegal alcohol sales

    Police in Pattaya have arrested a beach vendor for illegally selling alcoholic beverages and resisting officials. The arrest took place in the early hours yesterday, June 14, at Pattaya Beach, following a prior incident where city officials tried to apprehend vendors violating regulations by selling alcohol and renting out beach equipment without proper licences. The incident began at 2.36am, when…

  • What to do in Bangkok this weekend (June 15 to 16)

    What to do in Bangkok this weekend (June 15 to 16)

    Happy Saturday! How has your weekend been treating you thus far? If your schedule for this weekend is still wide open, then this article is for you. Below, we’ve compiled the best things to do in Bangkok this weekend, June 15 to 16. For pride events, check out our list of Bangkok Pride Events 2024. Things to do in Bangkok…

  • Knife attack on Myanmar nationals leads to crash in Phuket

    Knife attack on Myanmar nationals leads to crash in Phuket

    Two Myanmar nationals were attacked and chased by an unknown assailant wielding a knife, leading to a crash with a food delivery driver in Srisoonthorn, Phuket, late yesterday. The incident occurred at the three-way intersection outside Phuket Provincial Prison in Moo 4 at approximately 9.15pm. Thalang Police and rescue workers from Srisoonthorn Municipality responded to the scene, finding two motorbikes…

  • Cyber police arrest online loan shark charging 3% daily interest

    Cyber police arrest online loan shark charging 3% daily interest

    Cyber police raided and arrested an online loan shark charging exorbitant interest rates of 3% per day, threatening, shaming, and destroying the property of those who failed to pay. They seized numerous items of evidence. The operation took place yesterday under the command of Cyber Police Chief, Worawat Watnakornbancha who instructed relevant authorities to execute a search warrant issued by…

  • Thai woman seeks help after brutal assault by ex-boyfriend

    Thai woman seeks help after brutal assault by ex-boyfriend

    A Thai woman in the eastern province of Rayong is seeking help after repeated harassment and a recent physical assault by her ex-boyfriend at her workplace, which left her with severe injuries. The 31 year old victim turned to social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet after officers from the Khao Chamao Police Station ignored her case. She was left living…

  • PM Srettha monitors Bangkok canal development projects

    PM Srettha monitors Bangkok canal development projects

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has taken a hands-on approach to ensure the success of a monumental development project in celebration of His Majesty the King’s 72nd Birthday or 6th Cycle Anniversary on July 28. The ambitious Klong Ong Ang and Klong Bang Lamphu project, one of 10 initiatives aimed at rejuvenating Bangkok, has been hailed for transforming the cityscape, making…

  • Motorcyclist dies in collision with passenger van in Pattaya

    Motorcyclist dies in collision with passenger van in Pattaya

    A fatal collision between a motorcycle and a van in Pattaya this morning resulted in the death of the motorcyclist. The Thai police are currently investigating the incident. At approximately 4.36am, June 14 the police received a report of a motorcycle crashing into a van at an intersection in Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri Province. Officers, along…

  • Pattaya’s peacekeepers tackle homelessness with beachfront initiative

    Pattaya’s peacekeepers tackle homelessness with beachfront initiative

    Efforts to address homelessness in Pattaya took a significant step forward. The Peacekeeping Division of Pattaya’s Social Welfare Office, in collaboration with Chon Buri Provincial Homeless Protection Centre, launched a targeted initiative to assist homeless individuals in the Pattaya Beach area. This joint effort zeroed in on Soi 13/4, the local market vicinity, and Wat Chai Mongkol Temple in South…

  • Ko Samui waterfall rescue: Italian’s ordeal ends with a splash

    Ko Samui waterfall rescue: Italian’s ordeal ends with a splash

    Thai rescuers spent over three hours rescuing an Italian man who suffered injuries to his hips and legs in an accident at Na Mueang Waterfall 2 in Koh Samui, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. Koh Samui Tourist Police were alerted to an accident at Na Mueang Waterfall 2 yesterday, June 13. An Italian man, later identified…