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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Drunk municipal worker causes crash with district chief’s family
A municipal employee, heavily intoxicated, ran a red light and caused a severe accident involving the district chief’s car, which was carrying his family for a Mother’s Day outing. The incident resulted in significant injuries and property damage. Today, August 14, reports emerged detailing a serious accident that occurred when a drunk driver in a white pickup truck ran a…
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Bolt rider arrested for raping 18 year old passenger in Pattaya
More than 10 teenagers yesterday apprehended a Thai Bolt motorcycle rider for raping an 18 year old friend while drunk in May. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station were later called to detain the rapist. Officers from Meuang Pattaya Police Station were called to arrest the rapist, 37 year old Prakob Singhplod, at a car park on Marine Road at…
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DEPA proposes single window to boost digital tourism in Thailand
The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) called for the establishment of a single-window paradigm to streamline business operations for foreigners and bolster the digital-driven tourism industry in Thailand. This initiative aims to unify data exchanges among various state agencies, enhancing the ease of doing business. The proposed single window would function as a platform-as-a-service, operated via a centralised data portal…
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Toyota Fortuner crash injures six migrants after police chase
A Toyota Fortuner carrying nine illegal migrant workers flipped over multiple times after attempting to evade a police checkpoint, leaving several injured. The incident occurred around 1am yesterday, August 13, when officers from Sam Roi Yot Police Station set up a checkpoint on the Pranburi-Khao Daeng rural road at Ban Bang Pu intersection in Sam Roi Yot district, Prachuap Khiri…
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Thailand poised to profit amid US-China trade war
Thailand might be about to cash in on the US-China trade war. According to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE), the ongoing clash between Washington and Beijing could see a major boost in Thai exports as American buyers look to replace Chinese shipments that are in jeopardy. OIE Director-General Warawan Chitaroon stated that Thailand is a key manufacturing nation in…
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Tesla’s Thailand gamble: EV plans still in the slow lane
Tesla’s investment plans in Thailand remain uncertain as the Government of Thailand awaits confirmation from the United States-based electric vehicle (EV) maker. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke highlighted that Tesla is reassessing its global investment strategy, which has been affected by slowing sales growth and intense competition, particularly from Chinese EV manufacturers. Reports suggest Tesla aims to concentrate on its existing…
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Teen severs soldier’s arm in brutal sword attack in Udon Thani
A young soldier‘s dream of climbing the military ranks was shattered when he returned home for a visit and was attacked by a 15 year old with a sword, severing his arm. The incident occurred near a school in Udon Thani. Police Colonel Chakkapad Wichitwaithaya from Nam Som Police Station in Udon Thani provided an update on the case. He…
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Thai transport twist: No chinese takeover in the fast lane, says DLT
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) dismissed media reports suggesting Chinese companies are increasingly taking over struggling Thai transport businesses, emphasising that licences issued to one business cannot be transferred in the event of a takeover. “More importantly, only Thai legal entities registered and headquartered in Thailand are eligible to hold the licences.” The DLT clarified that at least 51%…
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Thai PM orders swift action on Chinese goods influx
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin tasked Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai with fast-tracking measures this month to tackle the surge of Chinese goods into Thailand. Following the weekly Cabinet meeting held yesterday, August 13, PM Srettha announced that the Commerce Ministry would spearhead efforts to prevent substandard goods from entering the country. This initiative will be a collaborative effort with the Finance…
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Landslides trap 400 in Mae Hong Son village, urgent aid needed
Over 400 residents in a hillside village in Mae Hong Son‘s Khun Yuam district urgently called for help as they awaited evacuation following several landslides. The main road leading into the village became impassable after heavy rain on Monday, leaving them stranded. Phachat Chomchopdi, a resident, reached out to local government officials yesterday, August 13, reporting that while no injuries…
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Fatal truck accident in Ratchaburi highlights dangerous U-turn point
A tragic accident involving a six-wheel truck carrying animal feed resulted in one fatality and two injuries yesterday in Ratchaburi province. The incident occurred near a U-turn point on Nong Bua Road, sparking calls for police to investigate the hazardous location. At noon yesterday, August 13, Norn Sodok, Deputy Inspector of Pak Tho Police Station in Ratchaburi, received reports of…
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Bangkok councillors support port relocation to ease congestion
Bangkok councillors have thrown their weight behind the Transport Ministry‘s proposal to shift the capital’s port operations to a new location, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce air pollution. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced yesterday, August 13, that five councillors have formally backed the plan through a letter submitted to the ministry. Kittipong Ruayfupan, Bangkok councillor for Thung…
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Retired janitor dies in Chai Nat motorcycle crash
A tragic accident claimed the life of a recently retired school janitor when his motorcycle was struck by a pickup truck at a U-turn point in Chai Nat. The collision occurred despite the pickup driver’s attempts to warn and stop. Police from the Chai Nat City Police Station were alerted to the accident yesterday, August 13, and promptly arrived at…
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Berry bad: Ex-boss faces 5 years for human trafficking scandal
Finnish prosecutors are gunning for a hefty five-year prison sentence for the former head of a berry company and his Thai business partner over shocking human trafficking charges. The Lapland District Court kicked off the trial yesterday, August 13, with the duo facing a staggering 77 counts of aggravated human trafficking. Jukka Kristo, the ex-CEO of Polarica, and his Thai…
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Heavy rain warning for three Thai regions, Bangkok to see showers
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for heavy rain in three regions, with the northern region expected to face 70% rainfall. Bangkok will experience heavy showers from afternoon to evening. Residents are advised to be cautious of potential flooding and flash floods. The weather forecast for today indicates a possibility of heavy rainfall in the northern, upper…
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Thailand govt addresses TEMU’s impact on local SMEs
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce raised concerns over the impact of the global e-commerce platform TEMU on Thai SMEs. Immediate protective measures are being discussed with eight agencies to curb the influx of online goods into the country. Phumtham Wechayachai shared his views on Facebook, stating that while international e-commerce platforms bring opportunities, they also present significant…
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Hat Yai in southern Thailand hailed Asia’s most affordable travel destination
One of the globe’s most popular online travel platforms hailed Hat Yai district in the southern province of Songkhla as the most affordable travel destination in Asia. Agoda released a ranking of cities that offer the most affordable stays in Asia, providing suggestions for users seeking budget-friendly holidays or those wishing to extend their trips within a limited budget. The…
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Thailand’s tourism boom: Revenue set to soar to 2.8 trillion baht
Hold onto your sun hats! Thailand’s tourism sector is on the brink of a massive surge in the latter half of the year, with an eye-popping revenue forecast of 1.46 trillion baht. That’s set to push the annual total to a whopping 2.8 trillion baht—up a staggering 25% from last year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The…
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Rubber plantation worker shot dead near home in Songkhla
A rubber plantation caretaker was fatally shot in Songkhla’s Sadao district while riding his motorcycle home, just 20 metres from his house. Police are actively investigating to apprehend the perpetrator. The Deputy Inspector at Sadao Police Station, Phongsakon Paochanarong, today, August 13, revealed the incident. The shooting occurred at about 8pm yesterday at the entrance of Ban Rai Tok Dan…
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Thai rice faces sticky situation as Vietnamese rice steals the show
Rice exporters are sounding the alarm over the possible disappearance of local Thai rice varieties, as farmers increasingly switch to a Vietnamese strain celebrated for its soft texture. Charoen Laothamatas, President of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, raised concerns about the dire state of the industry. Production of beloved Thai varieties like Pathum Thani fragrant rice and KB 79 has…
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Thailand aims to be global tech talent hub by 2030
Thailand is on the brink of becoming a global hub hotspot, thanks to its strategic location, abundant resources, and savvy policies aimed at drawing in young professionals, according to industry bigwigs. The strategy, highlighted at the Techsauce Global Summit 2024 Home for Tech Talent panel, seeks to boost knowledge transfer and export future talent. Karndee Leopairote, chief of foresight and…
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Thai man caught for Bangkok rape after 3 week-manhunt (video)
Police arrested a Thai man who evaded capture for three weeks after raping a 59 year old woman at an apartment in the Srinakarin neighbourhood of Bangkok. The suspect, 38 year old Surapong, also known as Bang Pakchong, escaped arrest after sexually assaulting the victim on July 23. Surapong reportedly sneaked into the victim’s apartment and placed a pillow over…
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Ministry tackles chemical waste crisis with 14.9 million baht cleanup
The Ministry of Industry initiated a collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and other relevant agencies to address areas recently contaminated with chemical waste. The Permanent Secretary of the Industry Ministry, Nattapol Rangsitpol, informed the media of the coordinated efforts yesterday, August 12. Nattapol acknowledged the issues arising from the illegal dumping of hazardous substances in Rayong,…
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Thai teen allegedly shoots himself in face while playing with gun
A Thai teenager in the southern province of Phattalung allegedly shot himself in the face while playing with a gun, but his father doubts this, believing that his son may have been attacked by someone. Officers from Kong Ra Police Station rushed to a wooden hut in the Kong Ra district of Phattalung after being notified of the shooting at…
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Pattaya rolls out the red carpet: Aiming for film-tastic UNESCO spot
The seaside resort of Pattaya is gearing up to host the Pattaya Film Festival 2024 in a bid to establish itself as a UNESCO Creative City of Film. The festival seeks to boost tourism through film-related activities and position Pattaya as a central hub in the film industry as part of its development plan for 2023-2030. A press conference was…
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Transgender caretaker suspected after camera found in air-con
A transgender caretaker of an apartment in Chon Buri has become the prime suspect after a Thai woman found a hidden camera in the air-conditioning unit within her room. The transgender woman vanished from the apartment shortly after the discovery. The victim, identified only as Noon, shared the story on the Facebook group Volunteer Lawyers, Free Consultation in Groups by…
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Thailand launches new double-track railway, enhancing logistics
Thailand’s double-track railway on the State Railway of Thailand’s southern line, spanning from Nakhon Pathom to Chumphon, has officially started operations. The announcement was made yesterday, August 12, by the agency. The head of the SRT governor’s office, Ekarat Sri-arayanpong, stated that the new track will enhance logistical operations along the 421-kilometre route. The upgrade is set to reduce journey…
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Ringing in trouble: Bangkok thief swaps gold for cold hard cash
Police arrested a man for stealing a gold ring by posing as a customer. He swapped the real ring with a fake one while the staff were distracted and later confessed to selling the ring for money. Police yesterday, August 12, arrested 33 year old Sakda following a warrant issued by the Criminal Court on August 1. He was apprehended…
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Russian-Canadian arrested for overstaying, begging on Koh Pha Ngan
Residents on Koh Pha Ngan island in the southern province of Surat Thani alerted the Tourist Police to a Russian-Canadian man found overstaying his visa and begging for food from locals. Residents on the island reported to the Tourist Police that they witnessed a foreign man begging for food from various households and sleeping on a footpath. The foreigner’s begging…
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New law proposed for quick tech crime recovery in Thailand
A special law to protect victims of technology crimes and expedite their recovery of losses will be introduced by the government, Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced yesterday. The new legislation aims to address the surge in technology-related crimes and was agreed upon during a recent committee meeting focused on suppressing and preventing these offences. The committee…
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