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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Motorcycle crash in Chon Buri claims life, leaves mother in despair
A heart-wrenching scene unfolded on a road in Chon Buri province when a 29 year old man’s motorcycle collided with a parked truck, leading to his instant death. The subsequent arrival of his mother, who was overcome with grief, added a tragic dimension to the already grim traffic accident. In the early hours, local police and rescue teams were called…
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Japan’s visa-free privileges for Thais safe despite overstay concerns
Fears of a potential withdrawal of Japan’s visa-free privileges due to an increased number of Thais overstaying their visas have been dismissed by travel operators. The Department of Consular Affairs brought attention to this issue last December, revealing an increase in the number of Thais overstaying from 8,688 in 2021 to 11,472 in 2023. Reports suggest that the Japanese government…
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Thailand eyes visa-free agreement with EU countries
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently announced the country’s ambitions to boost its tourism industry and international relationships, following a promising discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. Held at the prestigious Élysée Palace in Paris, the meeting centred around a visa-free agreement with Schengen area countries, a strategic move that France has expressed support for. The Thai prime minister’s announcement…
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Thailand adds 38 flights to soar past Songkran price surge
Thailand’s Civil Aviation Office (CAAT) has decided to add 38 new flights to its schedule, in an attempt to combat inflated airfare prices during the Songkran festival and improve the overall travel experience for holidaymakers. Deputy Director of the CAAT, Sarun Benjanirat, brought this development to light as a direct response to the call from Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit for…
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Taxi turmoil: Motorbike mayhem as riders brawl with cabbie in Pattaya
A violent clash between motorbike taxi riders and a taxi driver near North Pattaya’s bus station was caught on camera last Sunday, March 10. In a dramatic video obtained by reporters yesterday, the chaos unfolds as motorbike taxi riders, donning their signature orange vests, unleash a barrage of blows on the hapless taxi driver, with his terrified passengers looking on.…
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Frenchman’s trial unveils multi-million euro Rolex replica ring
A Frenchman dubbed “the prince of fake” stands accused of orchestrating a sprawling network that flooded France with counterfeit watches. Admitting to masterminding the operation from Thailand, Julien V confessed to overseeing the production of up to 10 counterfeit watches daily, predominantly knock-offs of the prestigious Swiss brand Rolex, culminating in a staggering turnover of 3 million euros (117 million…
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New measures to protect Thailand’s elephants
As Thailand marks the country’s National Elephant Day, authorities are rolling out ambitious plans to safeguard the majestic creatures and mitigate human-elephant conflicts. With a blend of innovation, community involvement, and legislative actions, the nation aims to secure the future of both wild and domesticated elephants. Thailand, renowned for its vibrant culture and diverse wildlife, is home to a significant…
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Russian and Burmese arrested for illegal employment
In a crackdown on entertainment hotspots, police in Surat Thani Province found a restaurant owned by a Russian national on Koh Pha Ngan which illegally employed three Burmese workers. During a routine inspection, officers stumbled upon the Colorful Hut eatery, owned by a Russian national, known only by the name Boris. The Russian was found guilty of exploiting three Burmese workers.…
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Stocking up: SET chairman tipped for Finance Minister role
The chairman of the Stock of Thailand (SET) is reportedly poised to ascend to the position of Finance Minister, according to insider sources. The anticipated transition is slated to occur at the culmination of the ongoing parliamentary session on April 9, disclosed the informants. This strategic move aims to relieve Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of his dual role, allowing him to…
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Loan shark in Hat Yai nabbed for imposing 120% interest rates
Police in Hat Yai arrested a 62-year-old loan shark for allegedly offering covert loans with exorbitant interest rates of 120% per year, using land title deeds as collateral, and threatening borrowers. The operation was conducted on March 7 under the direction of Major General Warawut Watnakornbancha, Chief of the Special Branch Office 5, along with Lieutenant Colonel Phumiphat Phatarasriwongchai, Chief of…
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Power cables on Bangkok’s Sarasin Road go underground
The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), under the leadership of Khajon Srichawanothai, reported a triumph in the endeavour to relocate power cables underground along Sarasin Road. Amidst the verdant expanse of Lumpini Park, Pathumwan District, Bangkok, a historic announcement ceremony unfolded last Friday, March 8. Joined by Chadchart Sittipunt, Bangkok Governor, Vilas Chalaysat, MEA Governor, and a cadre of network executives,…
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Big Joke associates deny money laundering charges
Two close associates of high-profile police figure Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, vehemently denied all charges in a money laundering case linked to the online gambling website BNKMaster. The two suspects, Sub-Lieutenant Natthawut Huadwaew and Sub-Lieutenant Natthanant Choochak were granted bail of 100,000 baht (US$ 2,800) each at 10am today, March 13, at the Tao Poon Police Station after the Criminal…
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Russian arrested for illegal vehicle rental business in Thailand
The Thai authorities’ crackdown on foreigners working illegally in Thailand continued yesterday when a 21 year old Russian national was apprehended on Koh Pha Ngan island in Surat Thani for running an illegal vehicle rental business. The Russian, Danil Kulnevnich, was nabbed yesterday, March 12, by a joint team of tourist police, local police and officials at a pier in…
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British man arrested in Chiang Mai drug bust
A British man was arrested in a sting operation uncovering a sprawling drug trade targeting unsuspecting tourists in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai police, acting on a tip-off, apprehended 48 year old British man Charly Garcia in an operation at a cannabis products shop in the Mueang district, where he was allegedly peddling narcotics to foreign visitors. Undercover officers, playing their…
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Retired American in Ratchaburi chokes ex-cop, faces legal action
A tense altercation in Ratchaburi resulted in a retired police officer being choked by an American bully at a local shop on the evening of March 6. Initially, the retired cop, Arthaporn Premjit, who did not recognise his US assailant named John, despite having seen him at the shop before, pressed charges at the Mueang Ratchaburi Police Station, vowing to pursue…
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Brief burglary: Panty thief evades Phuket police pursuit
An underwear thief who managed to steal over 20 items of women’s underwear in one swoop is being pursued by the Patong Police in Phuket. The audacious theft, which was captured on CCTV, has been circulating widely across local social media channels since yesterday. The victim of the theft, a 42 year old woman who requested to be referred to…
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Thailand and France forge future partnerships
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and France President Emmanuel Macron united in Paris, pledging to fortify relations spanning diverse domains and to invigorate a symbiotic alliance between their nations. During a joint press conference, Macron accentuated the importance of economic collaboration and trade synergies, emphasising proactive preparation for forthcoming challenges in Southeast Asia. He articulated the pivotal role of robust bilateral…
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British man nabbed with illegal Diazepam in Phuket
A British man was apprehended by authorities in Karon after being caught red-handed with Diazepam yesterday. According to reports from the Karon Police, a routine checkpoint near Nong Harn Lake led to the discovery. Suspicions were raised when a taxi, carrying a foreign passenger identified only as Thomas, a 27 year old British man, attracted attention. While the authorities did…
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Sustainability Week Asia 2024: A call to action for climate crisis
Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke at the Sustainability Week Asia 2024 event hosted by Economist Impact, under The Economist media group, held at The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok. In his opening remarks, Parnpree rallied an esteemed audience comprising business magnates, both domestic and international, alongside government representatives, academia, and experts. Highlighting the gravity of the…
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E-cigarette vending machines uncovered in Central Thailand
Authorities in Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, were left stunned as they uncovered a thriving black market for e-cigarettes, with minors allegedly freely purchasing from a suspicious vending machine. In a bustling market scene in Kamphaeng Saen, the Thai Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) received a tip-off from concerned locals, triggering a jaw-dropping investigation into underage vaping. Responding swiftly to the…
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Thai prime minister graces TIME cover, signaling business revival
In an assertive move to announce Thailand’s readiness for business, TIME magazine featured Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Srettha Thavisin, on its March cover The issue hit the newsstands yesterday, capturing the attention of the international community. In a poignant declaration to the world, the 62 year old former real estate tycoon, graced TIME’s cover under the title…
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Fish fiasco: Truck topples, fresh catch chaos on Pattaya highway
A pickup truck overturned on Highway 331 near Pattaya on Monday, creating a spectacle that left fresh fish strewn across the roadway. The mishap, occurring in Baan Pong Saket, Moo 5, Takhian Tia sub-district, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province, saw emergency responders from the Sawangboriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation swiftly rushing to the scene. Upon arrival, rescue teams discovered a bronze…
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Motorcyclist dies in collision with truck near Saen Suk Temple
A 30 year old man tragically lost his life in a horrific road accident involving his motorcycle and a 10-wheel truck. The incident occurred at a U-turn in front of the Saen Suk Temple, leaving the motorcycle a mangled wreck by the roadside and the victim under the truck. The accident happened yesterday at 8pm, when a Yamaha big bike…
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Massive online scam nets billions, dozens arrested in Thailand
The Thai authorities swooped on a sophisticated online scam that left victims reeling with losses exceeding 800 million baht. The online scam was orchestrated by a criminal syndicate, reportedly handling funds upwards of 5 billion baht, and targeted unsuspecting individuals through the guise of lucrative investments in Thai and foreign stocks, drawing them into financial ruin. Following complaints from over…
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Thai government approves tax benefits for investment tokens
The Thai government has authorised tax measures aimed at fostering capital raising through investment tokens, as confirmed by Kulaya Tantitemit, the director of the Revenue Department. The decree, which was approved during yesterday’s Cabinet gathering, states that individuals who have received income, profit shares, or other benefits from holding digital investment tokens and have had a 15% withholding tax deducted,…
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Six businessmen face PACC summons over illegal land acquisition
Six businessmen are soon to be summoned by the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) on suspicions of unlawfully obtaining land plots allocated for landless farmers. The news was announced on Tuesday by Thanadon Suwannarit, an adviser to the Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister, Thamanat Prompow. Thanadon brought forth this development as he presented officials, well-versed in land distribution laws, to the…
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Arrest warrants issued in money laundering probe linked to illegal gambling
The arrest of three police officers and a civilian is on the horizon as warrants have been sanctioned in relation to allegations of money laundering tied to an illicit online gambling network. A high-ranking police officer has also been issued a summons in connection with the same case. The Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Deputy Commissioner, Thinnakorn Rangmat, confirmed yesterday, March 12,…
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Cambodian worker crushed by cement in crane accident
A 28 year old Cambodian worker was crushed beneath a cascade of cement bags at approximately 10am today at a condominium construction site in Nonthaburi. Upon arrival at the site in Sai Noi district, responders were met with a harrowing sight: the victim, identified as Cambodian worker Boonharn Cherm, lay motionless on the ground floor, her life cut short by…
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Pattaya serves up first IFBT beach tennis comp: sun, sand, serve & volley
The vibrant fun-filled city of Pattaya is all set to host its annual beach tennis tournament amidst the sun-soaked beaches and scenic beauty of the city. From April 5 to April 7, you will find Jomtien Beach, in front of the D’varee Hotel, teeming with tennis enthusiasts and spectators. What sets this year’s tournament apart is that it’s the first…
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Bangkok hitchhiker’s fury: Helmet-wielding road rage riles driver
An angry Thai hitchhiker refused to apologise after scaring a Thai woman and smashing her car with a motorcycle helmet on an expressway in Bangkok on March 9, saying the victim was unhelpful by refusing to give him a ride. The victim, Panhathai Buranaprasoetkun, recounted the incident and shared dashcam footage on Facebook to warn other women travelling alone. Panhathai said…
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