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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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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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Thailand braces for heavy rain and floods as Typhoon Yagi nears
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued its seventh warning about Typhoon Yagi. Northern and northeastern Thailand are expected to experience heavy rain and strong winds, with potential flash floods and landslides. Coastal areas face high waves, urging caution for all residents. Today, September 5, the TMD announced Typhoon Yagi’s seventh warning (166/2024). At 4am, the typhoon was positioned over…
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Chiang Rai vendor receives 54-year sentence for lese-majeste
A Chiang Rai clothing vendor has had his prison sentence extended to a record 54 years and 6 months for lese-majeste offences, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR). The appeal court’s decision yesterday, September 4, upheld Mongkol Thirakot’s earlier conviction, adding to his existing sentences to make it the longest ever under Section 112 of the Criminal Code,…
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Swiss man walks free: Shocking gaps in prosecution exposed
In a sensational courtroom drama that gripped Phuket, Swiss businessman Urs Fehr aka David has been acquitted of assault charges after the Phuket Provincial Court found glaring inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case. The owner of an elephant park, David, was accused of kicking Thai doctor Thandao Chandam on Yamu Beach in Thalang district on the night of February 24, but…
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Thai school bus driver accused of sexually assaulting teenage girl
A Thai mother accompanied her 13 year old daughter to file a complaint against a school bus driver who allegedly sexually assaulted her. The accused driver denies the accusation. The 41 year old mother, Ta, brought the sexual assault case to her lawyer, Kritsada Lohitdee, who took her to the Damrongdham Centre, under the Ministry of Interior, to file a…
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Aussies now need an ETA to enter Thailand
Australians planning a getaway to Thailand will soon have an extra step to complete before boarding their flight. The Thai government is introducing a mandatory electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which must be obtained ahead of travel. This new system, introduced by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is designed to enhance the screening and tracking of foreigners entering the country. “The…
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SCB predicts Bank of Thailand to lower rates by 0.25%
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) anticipates the Bank of Thailand (BoT) will initiate a series of policy rate cuts starting later this year, potentially continuing into early next year. This move is expected to trigger a reduction in interest rates across the banking sector. SCB’s Chief Executive Kris Chantanotoke predicts the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee will reduce the policy rate…
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Blocking bad clicks: DES ramps up crackdown on shady sites
The Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) has significantly ramped up efforts to curb access to illicit online content, blocking 138,660 attempts to access unlawful social media pages and website URLs over the past 11 months. This marks an 11-fold increase compared to the same period last year. The DES, led by Prasert Jantararuangtong, has concentrated on fighting cybercrime by…
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Thai man loses millions to masseuse in love scam (video)
A Thai man’s pursuit of love with a masseuse led to a courtroom showdown after she allegedly drained nearly 2 million baht from his account using a mobile banking app. The 47 year old victim, named Wittawat, sought help from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after losing 2 million baht to the masseuse identified as Ray. He was worried that she…
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Bangkok: American teacher arrested for assaulting student
An American language teacher in Bangkok has been arrested on serious charges involving the alleged abuse of a 14 year old student. The American, 41 year old Robert Leroy Keller, was apprehended yesterday, September 3 by officers from Phetkasem Police Station, following a distressing report from the girl’s mother. The incident began on February 16, when the girl’s mother sent…
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10 drug dealers arrested trying to rob undercover police
A prominent drug dealer, known widely on Thai social media, along with 11 gang members, tried to steal 9 million baht from two undercover police officers during a buy-and-bust operation in the central province of Nakhon Nayok. The police successfully arrested ten of the gang members, including their leader. Two officers from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board posed…
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Thai court slaps 35.2m baht fine on pyramid scheme defendants
The Criminal Court of Thailand sentenced defendants in the pyramid scheme case, กองทุนพัฒนาเกษตรกรไทยสู่สากล (Thai Farmers Development Fund to Global) to 352 years in prison and fined them 35.2 million baht. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to detect such scams online. The DSI’s Financial Crime Division had been investigating special case number 40/2559 involving…
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Bangkok’s flood defences on high alert: River embankment boost
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced that the Chao Phraya River embankment is ready to handle the first surge of northern floodwaters, with an additional capacity of 1.75 metres. Officials are ordering drainage in canals and warning 17 communities outside the embankment to prepare for potential flooding tomorrow. Chadchart, alongside Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon and the Drainage and Sewerage Department, inspected…
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Cutting argument: Woman chops dad’s hand over rice and magic
A shocking incident occurred today in Udon Thani, where a woman attacked her father with a large knife, severing his hand from the wrist. The altercation reportedly stemmed from the father’s insistence that she cooks rice daily and accusations of him practicing black magic. Officers from the Mueang Udon Thani Police Station received an emergency call about the incident at…
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Thai man boasts about raping more than 20 drunk women (video)
A Thai man proudly confessed to previously stalking and raping more than 20 drunk women in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima. The most recent victim filed a complaint at Pho Klang Police Station, stating that the rapist, later identified as 23 year old Thanapat, sneaked into her room and raped her on August 3. She also provided CCTV footage…
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Karaoke bar owners jailed for exploiting minors in Sisaket
The Criminal Court of Thailand sentenced two karaoke bar owners to 11 years and 14 months in prison for sexually exploiting minors. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) received a tip-off from the non-profit organisation Operation Underground Railroad (OUR), which supports law enforcement in rescuing children from human trafficking and exploitation. The information revealed the presence of an X (Twitter)…
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Thai woman arrested for call centre scam, money laundering
A 25 year old woman was arrested at Ayutthaya Railway Station for her involvement in a call centre scam linked to money laundering. She faces three arrest warrants for fraud and deception, with victims scammed into transferring money. Police Major General Worawat Watnakornbancha directed Police Colonel Phumipat Phattharasriwongchai and Deputy Police Colonel Bancha Srisuk to apprehend Sirivan following a warrant issued…
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Gay man dies mysteriously in Chon Buri, valuables missing
A gay man died mysteriously in his rented room in Chon Buri. His friends suspect foul play as valuables worth over 200,000 baht went missing. The deceased’s friend, 38 year old Suna Khamkot, reported the death of 49 year old Pradit Sangkrueyoo to Nong Kham Police Station yesterday, September 3. Suna was unable to contact Pradit, so he went to…
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Police dismantle illegal Internet tower near King’s Romans Casino
Police and telecommunication officials dismantled a large signal tower used for illegal Internet transmission across the Mekong River to the King’s Romans area. The operation, conducted yesterday, September 3, involved Cyber Police Chief Worawat Watnakornbancha, along with officers from the 4th Cyber Police Division and regional telecommunication officials, acting on a search warrant issued by the Chiang Rai Provincial Court…
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Petrol station scam caught on video in Phitsanulok (video)
A petrol station employee in Bang Rakam district, Phitsanulok province, allegedly pretended to pump fuel but did not dispense any petrol before attempting to collect payment, prompting a customer to capture the incident on video. A Facebook page known for exposing such incidents, อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 7, highlighted a complaint from a customer about a specific petrol station in Bang…
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Bangkok’s new electric BRT buses first day issues face backlash
Bangkok’s launch of its new electric BRT buses on the Sathorn-Ratchaphruek route sparked significant criticism online due to numerous issues on the first day of service. These problems include an insufficient number of buses, longer waiting times, and malfunctioning doors. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon provided an update on the progress of the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit)…
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Phuket: 80 million baht study for new Sarasin Bridge underway
A feasibility study amounting to 80 million baht is currently in progress for the new Sarasin Bridge project, confirmed Somkid Kittisopit, the new Director of the Phuket Highways Office. Somkid revealed the update during a meeting with Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday. He provided updates on five major transportation projects intended to enhance travel efficiency, reduce…
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Thai man steals Russian woman’s phone after Man United bet loss
A Thai man confessed to stealing a Russian woman’s mobile phone in Chon Buri after losing all his savings betting on Manchester United to beat Liverpool in their latest Premier League match. Man United, led by Erik ten Hag, suffered a 0-3 defeat to their rivals Liverpool during the recent game on Sunday, September 3. This loss devastated Red Devils’…
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Bhumjaithai outlines six key policies for coalition government
Bhumjaithai Party Secretary-General Chaichanok Chidchob, along with the party’s executive committee, held a press conference at 5.30pm on Monday, September 2, to outline their stance on six pivotal policies. As a coalition government member, Bhumjaithai intends to propose these policies to the Pheu Thai Party. Chaichanok disclosed that the party’s focus includes enhancing social order and public safety. The proposed…
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Three dead in Kanchanaphisek Road multi-vehicle collision
A tragic multi-vehicle collision on Kanchanaphisek Road resulted in three fatalities and multiple injuries early today. The incident involved an 18-wheeler truck, a lorry carrying flour, a black Toyota Fortuner, and a white Toyota pickup truck. At around 2.30am, police received a report about a serious accident with several casualties at kilometre marker 7+600 on Kanchanaphisek Road, heading towards Bang…
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Heavy rain forecasted across Thailand with flash flood warnings
Heavy rain is forecasted across nearly all of Thailand, with 42 provinces, including Bangkok and its surrounding areas, expected to face severe weather. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warns of flash floods, overflowing waterways, and high sea waves over 3 metres. TMD issued a 24-hour weather forecast, starting from 5am today, September 4, predicting heavy rainfall in the lower northern…
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Heavy rainfall floods Pattaya, causes extensive vehicle damage
Heavy rainfall which lasted three hours submerged parts of Pattaya, resulting in extensive vehicle damage. Yesterday, September 3, thunderstorms and heavy rain lashed Pattaya, significantly affecting the city as observed by local reporters. The intense downpour led to rapidly rising water levels, overwhelming the drainage system and causing widespread flooding. Areas particularly vulnerable to flooding after just half an hour…
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Russian man found dead near Karon Beach, Phuket, murder suspected
A local discovered the body of a Russian man in a ditch near Karon Beach in Phuket yesterday afternoon. A fatal attack is suspected as the man had wounds all over his body. Officers from Karon Police Station were called to investigate the death of the Russian man, later identified as 27 year old Ilia Orlov, at around 12.50pm yesterday,…
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Teenage boy killed in tragic motorcycle accident in Chachoengsao
A tragic accident involving a car and a motorcycle claimed the life of a 16 year old boy in Chachoengsao. The incident occurred at 9pm yesterday, September 3, on Route 304, with conflicting accounts from those involved and captured footage revealing the truth. Police Lieutenant Decharit Srikacha from Bang Khla Police Station received a report of a fatal collision between…
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Phuket on high tide alert: 49 areas in flood zone
Phuket Town is now on the flood watch radar alongside 48 other vulnerable areas, according to the Mineral Resources Department. The popular tourist hotspot is bracing itself for yet another battering from severe weather. The department has listed 49 high-risk villages, with the Old Quarter and Chartered Bank community in the Mueang district topping the list. The department used cutting-edge…
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Anutin’s high hopes for Thai cannabis green light
In a bold move, Anutin Charnvirakul, the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, declared he’s absolutely certain the new Government of Thailand will back his party’s pro-cannabis stance. This means the green revolution could steam ahead just as it was gaining traction under former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Back in July, Srettha struck a deal with Anutin to move forward with…
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