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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Armed man shot by police at hospital in Phetchaburi after standoff
A man armed with a gun and a knife caused havoc at Cha-am Hospital in Phetchaburi, resulting in a confrontation with the police that led to him being shot and injured. The incident occurred yesterday evening when local police were alerted to a disturbance in the hospital’s in-patient building. On arrival, they discovered the man, identified as 34 year old…
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Bangkok repays 2.3 billion baht in debt owed to BTS Skytrain
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced yesterday that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) had repaid its 2.3 billion baht in debt to the Bangkok Mass Transit System, commonly known as the BTS. It is hoped that this debt repayment will give the private sector confidence to invest in future projects with the BMA. The debt owed by BMA to the BTS…
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Teen gang fatally shoots boy in Udon Thani province
A group of teenagers ruthlessly chased down and fatally shot a 14 year old boy in the Nong Han District, Udon Thani province, leaving two of his peers severely injured. The horrific incident occurred on the evening of March 31, in the village of Ban Yang. Captured by CCTV, five youths on two motorcycles pursued the group to a dead-end…
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Thai Tourists undeterred by Taiwan earthquakes for Songkran
Despite Taiwan experiencing its most significant earthquake in a quarter of a century and a series of tremors in Japan, Thai tourists are undeterred and continue with their planned holidays during the Songkran period. Charoen Wangananont, President of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), revealed that the majority of Thai tourists had already secured their tour packages, flight tickets, and…
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Thailand grapples with scorching 43C heatwave and health risks
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a health warning today as Thailand grapples with a heatwave as temperatures soar to extreme highs of up to 43 degrees Celsius in the north, northeast, and central regions, compounded by moderate to high levels of dust accumulation and smoke haze. Today, April 5, the country is enveloped in a heat-induced low-pressure system,…
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Laem Phromthep’s sunset threatened by caterpillars (video)
Laem Phromthep, a popular sunset viewpoint in Phuket known for its iconic Palmyra palm trees, is under threat due to an infestation of black-headed caterpillars. The local governor, Sophon Suwannarat, observed this alarming situation during a recent visit to the cape. He attributed the sudden surge in the caterpillar population to the uncharacteristically prolonged dry spell in the past few…
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MFP alleges govt embezzlement in RTN frigate procurement
Thailand’s leading opposition group the Move Forward Party (MFP) has levelled charges at the government for alleged embezzlement about the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) planned acquisition of a new frigate. The controversy, now infamously dubbed as the “change money” scandal, was brought into the limelight by Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, an MP from the MFP, on the final day of a general…
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Thailand’s airports to see more than two million jet-setters
The Transport Ministry anticipates a surge of 2.61 million travellers across Airports of Thailand (AOT)’s six international hubs during the seven-day Songkran festivities. Minister Suriya, in a recent announcement, affirmed preparations for the expected influx, rallying relevant agencies to gear up for the travel onslaught spanning from April 11 to 17. Ensuring passenger comfort and safety remains paramount, Suriya directed…
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Khon Kaen parents forced to pay ‘tea money’ for student admission
Eight secondary schools in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen found themselves in hot water as officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) launched an investigation into alleged corruption practices. Parents have lodged complaints, accusing decision-makers within these schools of demanding exorbitant “tea money” sums, reaching up to 100,000 baht, from families whose children failed the entrance examination. Thirat Bangpetch,…
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Thai monk arrested for drinking alcohol and approaching nuns
Thai police arrested a Thai monk last night and forced him to quit the monkhood after he was caught drinking alcohol and trying to enter the rooms of two nuns at a temple in the Isaan province of Buriram. Two nuns at the unidentified temple in Buriram sought help from Satuek Police Station in the middle of the night after…
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Thai heritage extravaganza takes off in Pattaya
Pattaya burst into life this week with a dazzling celebration of Thai cultural richness, as Mayor Poramet Ngampichet inaugurated the Thai Heritage Conservation Project: Preserving, Promoting, and Safeguarding Thai Identity in honour of HRH Princess Sirindhorn’s 69th birthday. The beachfront of central Pattaya became the stage for a captivating showcase of Thailand’s cultural tapestry. The event was a magnificent exposition…
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Governor warns of fuel station scams this Songkran
To safeguard consumers against potential exploitation during the upcoming Songkran festivities, Prachuap Khiri Khan’s provincial authorities have unleashed a new campaign. Led by Deputy Governor Komkrit Charoenpatanasombat, the crackdown aims to ensure fair pricing at fuel stations across the province. Accompanied by a team of officials including Siriwan Kanasorn, Nopadol Suwongpradit, and Chanthip Niamprad, inspections were conducted yesterday, to prevent…
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3 Russians and Thai arrested for illegally running Phuket restaurant
Police arrested three Russian men and one Thai nominee for illegally operating a restaurant in the Thalang district of Phuket. More than 80 million baht was found circulating in their bank accounts. Provincial Police Region 8 and Phuket Provincial Police officers told Phuket Hotnews that they received a tip-off about suspicious foreigners who frequently gathered at a restaurant called Octopus.…
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Vinfast challenges Chinese targeting Southeast Asia’s EV market
Vinfast, a Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) producer, is contending with Chinese automobile manufacturers to market its EVs within Southeast Asia, leveraging the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA). The firm eyes Thailand as the initial export venue, based on the country’s fast-growing EV market which promises lucrative business opportunities, according to Vu Dang Yen Hang, chief executive of Vinfast Auto (Thailand).…
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Thai comedian’s monkhood plans pickled in debt controversy
Controversy has erupted around a Thai comedian as he prepares to enter monkhood amid a storm of online criticism and debt claims from a pickled crab seller. The comedian’s decision to ordain follows a public dispute over unpaid debts, which has led to widespread condemnation from netizens and creditors alike. The drama unfolded on the popular talk show Hone Krasae,…
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Dark history to exotic delights: Cambodia and Thailand tourist strategy
In the race for international tourist supremacy, Thailand and Cambodia are deploying contrasting tactics. While Thai PM Srettha Thavisin opts for traditional methods, Cambodia is embracing a darker approach, urging visitors to explore its tragic past. Cambodia’s tourist authority has revamped facilities at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, sites synonymous with the horrors of…
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Michelin Guide makes a tasty debut in Thailand culinary hotspot
Representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), government officials, media personalities, and distinguished guests converged at the Okura Prestige Bangkok hotel yesterday for a high-profile press conference for the revelation of Chon Buri as the New City Debut for the Michelin Guide Thailand 2025 edition. Chon Buri, nestled on the eastern coast of Thailand, emerges as the perfect canvas…
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Thai police suspect Russian and Thai firms in money laundering
Police in Phuket yesterday and today carried out a series of eight raids prompted by suspicions of a Russian man’s involvement in money laundering and the establishment of fraudulent companies by certain Thais. These sham firms were purportedly set up to aid foreigners in obtaining visas and work permits, as revealed by Police Major General Montree Theskhan, the commander of…
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Police nab knife-wielding teenagers in Nakhon Ratchasima
A gang of teenagers brandishing knives and causing late-night disturbances with firecrackers in Nakhon Ratchasima province has been apprehended by the police. The group, comprising of both boys and girls, reportedly terrorised the local community with their threatening behaviour. Law enforcement officers from Pak Chong Police Station, led by Police Colonel Veerapol Rabiapthoh, and his team, in collaboration with local…
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Chinese tourist asks govt when 21-day Songkran Festival begins
When does the 21-day Songkran Festival in Thailand begin? A Chinese tourist raised the question as he launched a video of himself getting ready for a water fight in Bangkok without any Songkran events, asking the Thai government when it would start. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, along with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and the National Soft…
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Two more Russians arrested for illegal tour guiding in Phuket
Phuket’s popular tourist spots, Laem Phromthep and Big Buddha viewpoint in Karon, were the scenes of two more arrests involving Russian nationals working unlawfully as tour guides. The Phuket Tourist Police disclosed the arrests yesterday. A 37 year old man, Iurii Blazhko, was apprehended at the Laem Phromthep parking area. He was observed leading a group of tourists from a…
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Mysterious late-night car crash baffles Pattaya police
The peace of Pattaya was interrupted in the early hours of this morning by the sound of a car crash on Bang Dej Hill, near the Map Prachan Reservoir in the Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, of Chon Buri province. The accident, which occurred at approximately 12.16am, involved two vehicles, a black Toyota Yaris and a black Chevrolet Captiva. However, upon…
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The Story of Songkran – All about the Thai New Year
Songkran, or the Thai New Year, is the largest and most famous of Thailand’s many traditional festivals. Known for huge water fights and water blessing ceremonies, it’s been celebrated for centuries and is rich in culture and tradition. Every year, the celebrations begin on April 13 and normally last three days until the 15th. The name was inherited from ancient…
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Analysts predict BoT to maintain policy rate despite weak baht
There’s a growing consensus among financial analysts that the Bank of Thailand (BoT) won’t lower its policy rate during its April 10 meeting, despite a weakening baht and economic outlook. This perspective is strongly held by Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research), according to Kanjana Chockpisansin, the head of research. Kanjana stated that they believe the BoT’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will…
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Bangkok woman arrested for 360 million baht medical glove fraud
Police arrested a 27 year old female sales representative for allegedly defrauding international companies through a fake medical glove business. The arrest took place yesterday at a residence in the Lat Phrao 71 Alley, Lat Phrao Road, Bangkok. The suspect, identified only by her first name, Supanida, is accused of accepting orders and payments for medical gloves from companies based…
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Thai Stop Gambling Campaign criticises government’s plans
The general secretary of the Stop Gambling Campaign Foundation responded to a recent statement by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Tuesday regarding the potential establishment of an entertainment complex to address the issue of illicit gambling activities. The Thai PM had outlined plans for the Provincial Administration and National Security Departments to oversee the situation, acknowledging the existence of covert…
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Sun at zenith dazzles across Thailand without creating hottest day
Today, a solar phenomenon graced all 77 provinces of Thailand, with a sun at zenith event that stretched from the southernmost district of Betong to Mae Sai in Chiang Rai. There’s a common misconception that such an event marks the hottest day of the year, but this is not necessarily the case. The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT)…
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Southeast Asia sees 130% growth in YouTube Shorts daily views
A significant increase in daily views for YouTube Shorts has been observed in Southeast Asia, with a growth of over 130% in the year ending July 2023, according to Niharika Kapoor, the Asia-Pacific head for Shorts scaled partnerships. This format, which limits videos to a maximum of 60 seconds, has been instrumental in attracting new creators to the global YouTube…
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Child swipes phone in swift snatch at Bangkok eatery (video)
Popular Bangkok restaurant Red Panda Yakiniku took to social media to share CCTV footage of a child sprinting into their establishment, stealing a mobile phone from the cashier’s counter, and fleeing. The post is an appeal to the child’s guardians to return the stolen item. The Facebook post featured a clip showing a child dashing into the Red Panda Yakiniku…
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Foreign diver faces fine for touching whale shark in Thailand (video)
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) fined a foreign tourist for touching a whale shark while diving at Mu Koh Surin National Park in the southern province of Phang Nga. Drama erupted among local travel agencies in the southern provinces of Thailand after a video and pictures of a diver touching the tip of a whale…
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