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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Saab swoops to supply Gripen jets to RTAF in 19-billion-baht deal
Saab AB, the Swedish aerospace company, yesterday announced its intention to supply Gripen fighter jets to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). The company’s proposal aligns with the Thai government’s offset policy and other requirements for national capability development set by the RTAF. The offset policy mandates that suppliers of new military equipment to Thailand provide equal economic evaluations in…
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Thai govt assures no loss of Koh Kood sovereignty in future talks
A reassurance has been issued by the Thai government, stating that the country will not surrender sovereignty over Koh Kood, located in Trat province, to Cambodia during future negotiations concerning the partitioning of marine resources in their shared Overlapping Claims Area (OCA). In a statement during the Senate’s general debate on Monday night, Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara referred to…
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Friend of Thai comedian suspected of stealing from shoe collection
A close acquaintance of renowned Thai comedian Jazz Chuanchuen has been issued with an arrest warrant for making off with several items from Jazz’s extensive shoe collection, worth over 300,000 baht. Min Buri Police Station Chief, Police Colonel Kris Komnoi, stated that investigators had gathered evidence, particularly from a social media livestream by the individual claiming responsibility for the break-in and…
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Parents of eye doctor killed in hit-and-run to receive 27 million baht
A court ruling yesterday determined that a 23 year old police officer must pay 27.3 million baht in compensation to the parents of a doctor he fatally hit while riding a motorcycle in 2022. The incident occurred when the officer, Norawich Buadok, who was travelling between 108 and 128 kilometres per hour on his Ducati Monster big bike, struck 33…
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Thai Lion Air & Krabi Airport has worst WiFi in the world
Thai Lion Air and Krabi International Airport in southern Thailand have garnered notoriety as some of the worst WiFi service providers, according to reviews from travellers on Airline Quality (also known as Skytrax). EletronicsHub, an online tech gadget review and information platform, conducted an analysis of WiFi connectivity based on reviews of airports and airlines worldwide on the Airline Quality…
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TikTok user draws from Chinese calendar for April lottery
Lottery buffs remain undeterred in their search for lucky numbers, with the Thai government lottery draw scheduled for April 1, drawing considerable attention. As always, the quest for the winning digits is on, with participants scouring various sources for their preferred numbers. These sources range from celebrities’ suggestions to social media buzz, as well as tried-and-true methods like the Chinese…
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Shooting and Molotov cocktails attack rocks Phuket Town
Phuket City police are currently investigating a violent incident on the outskirts of Phuket Town which resulted in a young man being shot in the foot, with accompanying reports of Molotov cocktails being hurled. The authorities were alerted to the event by the staff at Vachira Phuket Hospital, who reported a patient admitted with a bullet wound in his left…
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Court clears Thai lawyer’s remark against Thaksin
Thai lawyer and politician Chuan Leekpai’s controversial statement branding ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra as a “harbinger of doom” for the Deep South has been deemed fair game by the South Bangkok Criminal Court. The legal battle, which teetered on the edge of defamation, reached its climax today with a verdict that left both sides reeling. The lawsuit, initiated just three days…
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Thaksin Shinawatra’s secretive meet-up sparks political uproar
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s sudden appearance at the Pheu Thai Party’s headquarters has sparked intense speculation about his true intentions. To dispel mounting rumours, Phumtham Wechayachai, former Pheu Thai Secretary-General, clarified that Thaksin’s scheduled rendezvous on Tuesday was merely a gesture of convenience. “It’s not about control. It’s about respect.” Phumtham asserted that the visit was solely to facilitate…
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Russian graffiti vandals busted in Patong
The two Russian men on a graffiti rampage after a booze-fuelled escapade in Patong, Phuket, have been arrested. Police Major General Saranyu Chamnarnrat, Deputy Chief of the Provincial Police Region 8, revealed the arrest of the Russian vandals today. Identified as 23 year old Evgenii Egorov and 22 year old Oleg Shirshov, the spray-painting mischievous pair were nabbed from a dormitory…
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Beachside business caught red-handed with Pattaya city floats
Pattaya officials swooped in on a beachside entrepreneur’s operation, seizing floats that were allegedly repurposed from government property for commercial gain. Residents raised eyebrows at the brazen use of what appeared to be city-owned pontoons for private enterprise on Krating Lai Beach in north Pattaya. The Deputy Mayor of Pattaya City, Manot Nongyai, spearheaded a team of city officials yesterday…
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Tiktok tiff: Thai singer takes legal note after Filipino plagarises song
A Thai singer filed a lawsuit against a Filipino TikToker for plagiarising one of his songs. The Filipino, Shad, allegedly put a translated version of the song up for sale without giving credit or obtaining a license. Drama emerged on Thai social media after the Filipino TikToker offered a translated version of a song by Chetkit “Phon” Thunmark called พี่ชà¸à¸šà¸«à¸™à¸¹à¸—ี่สุดเลย (I…
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Visa-free travel sparks surge in Thai-Chinese tourism expectations
A recent measure granting visa-free travel between Thailand and China has sparked a surge in tourism expectations. As per the reports collected by five Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) overseas offices located in Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, Chengdu, and Guangzhou, it’s predicted that tourism between the two nations could dramatically rise by the end of 2024. The visa-exemption agreement, which has…
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Rare two-headed-like snake spotted in Sukhothai
A peculiar snake with an extraordinary appearance caused a stir on social media after it was found slithering into a home in Sukhothai in the middle of the night last night. The snake, with its unique black and purplish colour and distinctive white ring patterns, was unlike anything ever seen before by the residents and sparked an intense online debate…
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Kenyan man claiming to be Jesus flees from crucifixion test
A Kenyan man fled after villagers demanded a test of his claim to be Jesus Christ by suggesting he be crucified. Eliud Simiyu’s proclamation led to a viral social media frenzy, with the international media outlet Fatu Network reporting on the controversy that has now ensnared the small Kenyan town. Simiyu found himself at the centre of a potentially life-threatening…
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Surin man travels 2,589 kilometres to witness snow in China
A young man from Surin Province completed a daring journey from Thailand to China, spanning a staggering 2,589 kilometres. Riding a Honda Wave motorcycle through rugged terrain, the man embarked on this adventure to fulfil his dream of riding through snow, a quest that took seven days to complete, starting on March 17. The man who goes by the name…
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Thai telecom tycoon ties the knot
Somchai Lertsutiwong, the CEO of Thai telecommunication giant Advanced Info Service (AIS), finally tied the knot. The media mogul yesterday stunned many with his hush-hush marriage announcement. Somchai exchanged vows with 31 year old Kuntita Chartsomboonchai, also known as Pear, a standout brand representative from the AIS Smart Gen 2018 project. This covert ceremony, held on March 23, was a…
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Uthai Thani homeowner gets 5,000 baht bill after meter upgrade
A homeowner in Uthai Thani was in for a shock when she received an electricity bill that surged to over 5,000 baht, a steep increase from the usual monthly payment of around 300 baht, following the installation of a new digital meter. Despite complaining to the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), the issue remains unresolved. A citizen from the Uthai Thani municipality…
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Mae Hong Son village assistant assaults wildlife officer
Authorities in Mae Hong Son launched a severe disciplinary investigation against a village assistant for leading a group of 20 locals in a brazen attempt to free two suspects from wildlife officers. The incident, coupled with the seizure of firearms, methamphetamine, and animal remains, sparked a potential dismissal from the position of the village assistant involved. A bold confrontation erupted…
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Rapid test kit set to combat kidney disease epidemic
Chulalongkorn Hospital unveils the nation’s first rapid kidney disease test kit, a potential game-changer in battling a growing health crisis. A research team, spearheaded by Dr Nattachai Srisawat, unveils the ALB11 kit, designed to swiftly detect microalbuminuria, a crucial marker for kidney disease, in the comfort of one’s home. “An initial screening for the disease is pivotal for swift medical…
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Lights out! Thalang Town braces for blackout blitz
The populous Thalang Town region in Phuket is set to experience a significant power outage on the upcoming Saturday. The announcement was made by the Thalang branch of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA Thalang), citing necessary repairs and maintenance to the high-voltage system in the area as the reason for the disruption. From 9am to 5pm, electricity will be suspended, affecting a…
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US ambassador Godec to address town hall meeting in Phuket
The US Ambassador to Thailand is set to visit Phuket next week for a town hall meeting. The event will address issues concerning consular services and other matters impacting US citizens residing on the island. The town hall with US Ambassador Robert F. Godec gathering is scheduled to take place at The Westin Siray Bay Resort and Spa on Thursday, April 4.…
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Srettha fires back: Defends overseas trips amid criticism
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin staunchly defended his international excursions and trips to neighbouring nations, asserting their vital role in ramping up foreign investment in Thailand and fostering stronger regional ties. Addressing critics head-on, the 62 year old PM justified his frequent forays into provinces to tackle local issues, such as combating the PM2.5 airborne pollution blighting Chiang Mai. Responding to…
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Surge in beggars in Malaysia’s Kelantan state during Ramadan
The streets of Malaysia’s Kelantan state, which shares its borders with Thailand, have witnessed a surge in the number of beggars this year, according to a report by the Kelantan Social Welfare Department. This surge, notably observed during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, includes Thai nationals among other foreign beggars. Kelantan state official, Said Sudip, noted an unprecedented increase…
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Nan Province: Next UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site?
Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich announced the Cabinet’s approval of the Culture Ministry’s proposal to nominate Nan as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. This exciting development comprises two key subprojects geared towards enhancing public awareness, revealed the minister yesterday, March 25. Nan Province’s inclusion in the nomination list stems from its vibrant cultural heritage, boasting meticulously preserved pre-historic archaeological findings,…
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Glowing gold and sleek black eels captivate crowds at Thai temple
Villagers and tourists alike flocked to a Thai temple in Chon Buri to witness the enchanting sight of two extraordinary eels, one shimmering in dazzling gold, the other sleek in jet black. The eels swam in a basin at Wat Worapot Sangkhavas Temple in Phan Thong District, Chon Buri. The frenzy was sparked by a viral social media post showcasing…
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Thai women dodge death as drunk driver turns beauty clinic into crash zone (video)
Two Thai women narrowly escaped death after a drunk driver crashed a sedan into a beauty clinic in the central province of Lob Buri. A news Facebook page shared a video capturing the shocking incident on Sunday, March 24. The footage shows a red sedan crashing through the glass door of a beauty clinic, striking a reception desk where a…
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Motorcycle crash claims teen’s life in Samut Prakan
A tragic accident occurred this morning when a 17 year old male motorcyclist was killed and his girlfriend critically injured after their motorcycle crashed into a stationary pickup truck in Samut Prakan. The incident took place around 2.30am this morning near the entrance to the Samut Prakan Hospital on Suk Sawat Road, in the Pak Klong Bang Pla Kot subdistrict of…
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Thai govt’s digital wallet handout scheme faces legal queries
The Thai government plans to launch its main digital wallet handout scheme in the year’s final quarter. This plan’s timeline will be more concrete post-April 10 when the digital wallet policy committee convenes, says Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. A sum of 500 billion baht has been set aside for the scheme, tentatively slated for a May launch. However, expectations…
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Homeowner wins 1 million baht settlement in property dispute
A gang involved in a property dispute has agreed to pay 1 million baht in damages to an elderly homeowner, with the payment to be made in three instalments. The Min Buri Civil Court will deliver the final judgment in the trespassing case on May 7. At the Min Buri Civil Court today, lawyer Amnuayporn Maneevan, representing the homeowner in…
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