Thailand News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, and lifestyle—get breaking updates from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. Stay informed on Thai society, economy, tourism, and expat life with The Thaiger.
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Sponsored Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
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Phuket family returns home to theft of 1 million baht safe
A family in Phuket faced an unexpected start to the new year when they returned home from celebrations to discover their house had been burglarised. A safe containing 1 million baht, gold bars, gold necklaces, and passports had been stolen. Police are actively pursuing the case, aiming to recover the stolen items and apprehend the culprits. The incident was reported…
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Man missing after falling into Bang Pakong River on New Year’s
A 50 year old man disappeared after slipping into the Bang Pakong River while celebrating the new year with friends in Chachoengsao. Despite an extensive search using drones and boats, the man remains missing. Police Lieutenant Colonel Wanchai Prathom received a report of a man falling into the river near the clock tower on Maruphong Riverside Road, in the Na…
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Phitsanulok couple fatally shot by relative on New Year’s Eve
Tragedy struck on New Year’s Eve as a couple was fatally shot in the middle of a road in Phitsanulok. The suspect, recently released on bail for a previous murder case, was arrested shortly after the incident. The chilling event unfolded yesterday, December 31, when local police were alerted to a shooting on a bypass road near the Dong Pradok…
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Two children drown at Laem Son Beach on New Year’s Eve
Tragedy struck on the final day of the year as two young children drowned at Laem Son Beach in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Despite efforts from family and onlookers, the children succumbed to the sea’s strong waves and later died in hospital. Around 7pm yesterday, December 31, police were alerted to the drowning incident at Laem Son Beach, Pak Phraek subdistrict,…
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Teenagers arrested for throwing bombs at hospital in Thailand
Two teenagers have been apprehended after they threw ping pong bombs at Khuan Khanun Hospital, causing panic among staff and patients. They admitted to the act, stating it was done on a whim after purchasing the explosives on their way to a friend’s house. The incident occurred at 12.15am yesterday, December 31, when the teenagers, riding a Honda Scoopy i motorcycle,…
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Teenager fatally stabbed in Bangkok new year’s tragedy
A tragic incident marred the New Year’s Eve celebrations when a 17 year old man was fatally stabbed by a group of teenagers. The young victim succumbed to his injuries on the stairs of an apartment building in the Charansanitwong 45 area, while four of his friends were injured. Police are actively reviewing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators. The…
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Cold weather grips Thailand, thunderstorms hit the south
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather advisory indicating that a cold air mass has enveloped upper Thailand, resulting in very cold conditions in mountainous areas. Meanwhile, the southern region is experiencing thunderstorms due to monsoons, with sea waves exceeding 2 metres. Upper Thailand, including the northeastern and northern regions, is experiencing cold to very cold weather due…
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Caretaker killed in brutal Pattaya rent dispute
A shocking incident unfolded yesterday as a violent altercation led to the tragic death of a caretaker at an apartment complex in Pattaya. The conflict erupted after a woman, upset over being asked to pay her rent, allegedly summoned a group of over 10 men who attacked the caretaker, resulting in his death. At 12:10am yesterday, December 31 last year,…
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Farmers guard crops from wild elephants near Thap Lan Park
Farmers near Thap Lan National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima are facing a challenging new year as they work tirelessly to protect their crops from wild elephants. As the rest of the nation celebrates, around 40 farmers in tambon Lampiek, Khon Buri district, are taking turns to guard their fields against the rampaging elephants. A recent incident saw elephants damaging 40…
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Korean tourist drowns after ferry capsizes off Koh Phangan coast
The body of a Korean national who tragically drowned when a long-tail ferry boat capsized was discovered floating off the coast of Koh Phangan around noon yesterday, December 31 last year. The distressing incident unfolded when a long-tail boat, carrying tourists, overturned amid high waves. A boat captain reported the grim finding to the missing persons centre on Koh Phangan…
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Swedish tourist bitten by macaque at Thai landmark
A Swedish tourist, Joel Gilbert, experienced an unexpected encounter with wildlife when he was bitten on the neck by a macaque during a visit to Phra Prang Sam Yot, a renowned landmark in Lop Buri province. Rescue workers swiftly transported him to Phra Narai Maharat Hospital for necessary treatment and vaccination. Banjerd Roisaensuk, the caretaker of Phra Prang Sam Yot,…
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Pregnant woman found dead in Chon Buri amid drug mystery
A tragic discovery unfolded when a 20 year old woman, seven months pregnant, was found lifeless in her accommodation under mysterious circumstances. Scattered drug packets were found in the room. The caretaker revealed that the woman’s mother had called earlier, unable to reach her daughter, prompting an investigation. Police from Chon Buri’s Mueang Chon Buri Police Station were alerted to…
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Gold shop owner stabbed during heist in Phra Pradaeng Market
A daring heist unfolded today, December 31, at a gold shop within Phra Pradaeng Market, Samut Prakan, when a suspect armed with a fake gun executed a robbery, stabbing the shop owner amid morning shoppers. Police are now in pursuit of the culprit. Early today, an alarming incident took place in a gold shop located within the bustling Phra Pradaeng…
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Thailand gold prices rise by 50 baht as year ends
Gold prices in Thailand have risen as the year comes to an end, setting the stage for the new year. On the last day of the year, December 31, the Gold Traders Association announced an increase in gold prices by 50 baht compared to yesterday. Today, ornamental gold is being sold at 42,800 baht per baht weight. According to the…
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Tragic Kanchanaburi crash claims three lives, one injured
A tragic accident occurred when a red Toyota sedan collided with a van, veered off the road, and crashed into a tree in Kanchanaburi, resulting in three fatalities and one serious injury. The incident took place near Wat Thung Kanyong. At approximately 4.40pm yesterday, December 30, police officers from Sai Yok Police Station in Kanchanaburi province received reports of a…
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Domestic violence video sparks outrage and calls for justice
A troubling incident of domestic violence has surfaced, capturing widespread attention after a woman bravely shared a video of her husband aggressively assaulting her. The video, which depicts a man mercilessly beating his wife, has sent shockwaves through social media, prompting calls for justice. In the video, the husband can be seen physically attacking his wife with punches, kicks, and…
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Thailand plans elephant contraception to curb human-wildlife conflict
Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has announced a plan to use contraceptive injections on wild elephants to manage their population and reduce human-elephant conflicts. Chalermchai Sri-on, the minister, has directed the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP), along with other relevant agencies, to implement this strategy as part of the ministry’s efforts to control the wild…
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Thailand’s submarine project to finish in six months amid delays
Thailand‘s Defence Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, has announced that the navy’s submarine procurement project, which has faced multiple delays, is expected to be completed within six months. This project had been stalled due to complications arising from changes in the engine specifications. Phumtham acknowledged pressure to expedite the completion, but he stressed the importance of careful oversight, refusing to hasten the…
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A year in review 2024 – Thaiger’s top stories in Thailand
As 2024 ends, we look back at the top stories on the Thaiger. From the Sukhumvit clash between Thai and Filipina transgender groups to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s luxury stay in Phuket, this year was filled with headlines that captured the attention of all of you. Highlights also include the Bangkok-to-Beijing railway launch, updated foreign land ownership laws, and…
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Bangkok handbag thief caught after motorcycle crash
A dramatic incident unfolded yesterday, December 30, in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district, when a 25 year old man was apprehended after a botched handbag snatching. The suspect collided with a civilian’s motorcycle during his escape, resulting in a head injury. The arrest was made near the entrance of Soi Phahonyothin 61. At approximately 1.14pm, police received a report from the…
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Thailand braces for cold wave with thunderstorms in the south
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted a significant drop in temperature across northern and upper southern Thailand due to a cold air mass, with thunderstorms expected in several provinces in the south. Today’s weather forecast highlights that a moderate cold air mass is covering the upper part of Thailand and the upper southern regions, resulting in cold to chilly…
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Thailand to boost growth with new European trade deals
The Commerce Ministry is gearing up to enhance Thailand’s economic landscape by actively pursuing more free trade agreements (FTAs) next year, aiming for a 3% economic growth rate. This strategic move was detailed by Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan following a crucial meeting with ministry officials and Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) executives, including FTI chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul. Prime Minister Paetongtarn…
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Lisa tops Thailand soft power poll, beating Moo Deng and Butter Bear
Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal has taken the lead in 2024 Thailand’s most powerful soft power poll, demonstrating her wide-reaching influence as a global K-pop star. Following closely behind in the poll are the adorable pygmy hippo named Moo Deng and the popular Butter Bear mascot, also known as Nong Mee Noei. Sanit Siriwisitkul, head of the North Bangkok Poll Centre, revealed…
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1 million baht to compensate families of Khao San Road hotel fire victims
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports plans to compensate the families of those who died in a fire at a hotel near Khao San Road in Bangkok with 1 million baht each. Injured victims are expected to receive 500,000 baht each. Three deaths and seven injuries were reported in the fire, which broke out at The Ember Hotel in the…
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Thai woman allegedly drugged and robbed by Bangkok taxi driver
A female Thai tour guide accused a taxi driver of drugging and robbing her during a trip from Soi Sukhumvit 11 to Soi Sukhumvit 81 in Bangkok on December 26. The 47 year old Thai woman, Angkana “Oil” Rungpaisarn, sought help from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after she woke up on the roadside with injuries across her body and valuables…
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NACC denies lobbying claims in Thaksin hospital case investigation
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) firmly denies any lobbying efforts aimed at altering the commissioner overseeing the investigation into former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s detention at a police hospital. Sarote Phuengramphan, the NACC secretary-general and spokesperson, refuted claims of lobbying to replace the commissioner. These allegations were brought forth by activist and former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan during a Facebook live…
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Thailand video news | A flight from Bangkok to Seoul has become the most deadly crash in Korea’s history, Vietnam sentences 27 to death in major drug trafficking case
Alex and Jay deliver a roundup of compelling news stories from Thailand and across Asia in the latest Good Morning Thailand segment. Highlights include Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster involving a Bangkok-Seoul flight, Thailand’s alarming New Year road accident statistics, and a tragic stabbing of a Japanese tourist in Pattaya. Other stories cover a tourist boat capsize near Koh Phangan, Thailand’s…
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Russian man arrested for rampage and knife attack at Phuket hotel
Police arrested a Russian man who went on a violent rampage at a hotel in the Choeng Thale area of Phuket, physically assaulting other hotel guests and Thai police officers. Officers from Choeng Thale Police Station were called to the hotel to contain the situation after the Russian man, identified only as Sharapov, attacked other guests with a knife. Fortunately,…
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Thailand imposes stricter penalties for unpaid tolls
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is set to enforce stricter penalties for unpaid tolls starting January 1, 2025. Drivers who fail to pay tolls will face fines up to ten times the toll fee, with a maximum of 2,000 baht per incident. This new regulation is part of the enforcement of Section 63 of the EXAT Act of 2007,…
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Five killed in Prachinburi factory concrete slab collapse
A tragic incident unfolded in Prachinburi province when a concrete slab collapsed in a factory located in the 304 Industrial Park, resulting in the loss of five lives with no survivors. The collapse occurred today, December 30, causing widespread alarm among workers and residents in the area. Rescue teams and relevant officials swiftly arrived on the scene to assess the…
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