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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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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Thai government boosts welfare benefits for workers
Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke indicated that the Thai government is committed to improving welfare benefits to enhance the quality of life for all workers in the country. This commitment follows a recent roll-out of new regulations aimed at supporting the needs of the informal workforce, a significant demographic in Thailand. “The government is determined to push for regulations that will…
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Chinese tourists roll with the non-ed visa punches in Phuket
A group of Chinese tourists swept into Phuket this weekend, kickstarting Thailand’s tourism revival under the Non-Immigrant ED Visa, playfully dubbed the Non-Ed Visa. This special pass unlocks the punchline: tourists can now spar in Muay Thai classes, stretching their stay to a whopping 90 days, delivering a knockout blow to the former 60-day limit. The welcoming party at Phuket…
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Myanmar man ignores swimming warning, drowns at Phuket beach
Tragedy unfolded as a 20 year old Myanmar man drowned at Kalim Beach in Phuket. Despite the presence of a red no swimming flag, Nay Myo Zaw and his friends decided to swim in the area. The incident transpired around 12.23pm yesterday, May 5, with local authorities promptly informed. Nay Myo Zaw arrived at the beach with three of his…
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Thai farmers feeling the heat: Climate change threatens crop yields
Farmers in Thailand are facing a significant threat from climate change, with an alarming drop in crop yields predicted over the next seven decades. This growing crisis has prompted calls for the government to implement strategies to safeguard food security. Witsanu Attavanich, a lecturer in economics at Kasetsart University, is at the forefront of research into the impact of climate…
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Thailand schools advised to halt in-person teaching during extreme heat
The Basic Education Commission’s secretary-general issued guidance to all school administrations to halt in-person teachings during periods of extreme heat. Thanu Wongchinda’s announcement, made yesterday, aims to safeguard the health of both students and teachers, considering the potential risk of heat stroke. The first half of April is predicted to bring intense heat, particularly affecting regions such as the northeast,…
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Motorcyclist severely injured in Maha Sawat tunnel crash
A motorcycle accident in the Mahai Sawan tunnel en route to Dao Khanong left a man with severe injuries. The incident occurred early this morning, and emergency personnel were quickly dispatched to the scene to assist. Motorcycle accidents are an unfortunate but common occurrence on the roads, and the Mahai Sawan tunnel has been the site of another serious mishap.…
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OnlyFans creator fined in Bangsaen for explicit beach display
A content creator on the adult platform OnlyFans has been fined by Bangsaen police for a sexually explicit public display after her video garnered over two million views. The incident, which took place on the popular Bangsaen Beach in Chon Buri province, involved the woman engaging in sexual acts with a fan. The video, initially posted between November and December…
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Thailand imposes hefty fines on e-cigarette importers to curb sales
The Customs Department of Thailand imposed a hefty fine on e-cigarette importers, now demanding double the item’s value plus tax in an attempt to curb the increasing sales among the public, particularly the youth. Panthong Loykulnan, the spokesperson for the department, announced yesterday that importers of e-cigarettes, barakus, shishas, and e-barakus will be mandated to pay a fine equivalent to…
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Chinese interpreter linked to notorious gang arrested in Thailand
A 36 year old Chinese-language interpreter was apprehended on May 3 due to his ties with a criminal gang notorious for kidnapping Chinese nationals. The arrest took place in the Din Daeng district following an abduction incident on April 25, as reported by Deputy Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Noppasin Poonsawat. Theerachai Chaloemwanpen was apprehended by the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) alongside…
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Tourist boat capsizes in Trang Sea, one dead and several injured
A tragic incident unfolded yesterday at 4.30pm when a longtail tourist boat capsized near the Pak Meng Bridge in the Trang Sea, leaving 14 individuals adrift, including a 68 year old woman who sadly drowned. The accident took place approximately 2 kilometres from the pier at Pom Jatukham area, Mai Fat Subdistrict, Sikao District, Trang Province. The boat, carrying 11…
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Thai hailstorm causes 3 million baht damage, kills 21,000 chickens
A devastating hailstorm, with stones as large as chicken eggs, wreaked havoc in Chaiyaphum, causing widespread damage, including significant losses for a local poultry farm where power outages led to a tragic number of chicken deaths. The storm, which occurred yesterday, May 4, also resulted in damaged homes and infrastructure, with preliminary estimates placing the cost at over 3 million…
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Over 40 million baht in valuables stolen from Thai businesswoman
The theft of over 40 million baht worth of cash, diamonds, and gold from a prominent businesswoman’s home in Phetchaburi has sent shockwaves through the community, with close associates being eyed as potential suspects. On the evening of yesterday, May 4, local police were alerted to the robbery at a two-story concrete residence in the Mueang Phetchaburi district. Virunpat Vichittapanyarak,…
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Saraburi explosion prompts health checks for chemical risks
The health implications of a fireworks factory explosion in Saraburi province are under rigorous scrutiny following orders from the Public Health Minister. The incident, which resulted in one fatality, has prompted immediate investigations to ensure the safety of the local environment and public health. Today, May 4, the Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsuthin, addressed the fireworks factory explosion in Saraburi…
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Chiang Mai sting seizes 5.6 million meth pills with teen involved
A drug bust in Chiang Mai province led to the shocking discovery that a 14 year old boy was among two individuals apprehended with a massive haul of 5.6 million methamphetamine pills. The early morning operation conducted by the police successfully intercepted the drug transport before it could pass through a checkpoint. Chiang Mai police, in an orchestrated sting operation,…
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Thailand’s dominance in durian exports to China under threat
Thailand‘s reign as the leading exporter of fresh durians to China is teetering, as reported by an industry insider to Xinhua News Agency. The news has emerged in the wake of a report that China’s major land border checkpoint, Youyiguan, has received 48,000 tonnes of durian shipments in this year’s first quarter. The shipment detailed 35,000 tonnes of durians from…
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Man fatally stabbed in Pathum Thani underpass confrontation
In a tragic turn of events, a 33 year old man met his demise after being brutally attacked and stabbed beneath a motorway bridge in Pathum Thani province. The victim from Lat Phrao district, Bangkok, had arranged to meet his girlfriend to retrieve his mobile phone, a meeting that culminated in his death. The incident occurred last night when Theerawut…
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Woman kills attacker in self-defense during home invasion in Ban Non Samakkhi
A woman‘s desperate struggle for survival turned fatal when she inadvertently killed a man trying to assault her in her own home. The incident took place in the small community of Ban Non Samakkhi, Bueng Kan, where a 42 year old homeowner, faced an intruder with violent intentions. On the night of the attack, the tranquillity of Ban Non Samakkhi…
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Two dead, three injured in Kamphaeng Phet road crash
A tragic accident on Phaholyothin Road in Kamphaeng Phet province claimed the lives of two individuals and left three others injured when a pickup truck swerved to avoid a taxi that was making an illegal U-turn and crashed into a tree. The incident occurred yesterday at 6.20pm and involved a white Isuzu pickup with a Bangkok registration. Police Lieutenant Ek…
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Thai government’s digital wallet scheme under scrutiny
The Thai government’s digital wallet policy, specifically the planned usage of funds from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to support the initiative, will continue to be scrutinised by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The agency has previously raised concerns about potential corruption and legal risks linked to the 10,000 baht distribution scheme and will observe the government’s…
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Thailand’s headline CPI rises unexpectedly in April, ends slump.
Commerce Ministry officials in Thailand announced today that the country’s headline consumer price index (CPI) experienced a year-on-year increase of 0.19% this April. This is a notable shift from the previous month’s 0.47% year-on-year decrease and considerably exceeds the 0.25% fall projected by a Reuters poll. Such a rise in inflation after a seven-month negative streak indicates a significant change in…
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Thai PM scores with legendary Liverpool stars in tourism boost
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin welcomed three legendary Liverpool players to the Government House of Thailand as part of a campaign to promote Thai tourism. It is well known among Thai football fans that PM Srettha is a big Liverpool fan and is obsessed with football, even inspiring him to write a book called Srettha and Sports. The 62 year…
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Thai energy business reports 2.6% decline in Q1 fuel consumption
The Department of Energy Business (DOEB) reported a 2.6% decline in fuel consumption in the first quarter of the year, amounting to 156.7 million litres per day. This decrease is attributed to the expiration of the capped price policy. The Director General of DOEB, Sarawut Kaewtathip, noted a rise in the daily average volume of jet fuel and liquefied petroleum…
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Chinese student rescued from scam gang kidnapping attempt
A young Chinese student was deceived by a call centre scam gang in a kidnapping attempt, demanding a ransom of 7 million baht, has been rescued in Chiang Mai. Initially lured from Australia, she faced threats of visa revocation for non-compliance. Thai police successfully located her today at 11am, following coordination with Samut Prakan police. The rescue operation led by…
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Pattaya restaurant under fire for excessive pricing of food dish
A restaurant in Pattaya, Chon Buri Province, has come under scrutiny for reportedly charging an excessive 70 baht for a basic dish of rice with two fried eggs. Following this, the Department of Internal Trade ordered provincial commerce officials to conduct inspections of made-to-order food outlets in the region. The restaurant’s alleged high pricing and lack of clear price signage…
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Purrilous pickle: AOT warns pet owners after airport cat caper
Airports of Thailand (AOT) issued a stern warning to pet owners not to let their cats roam free in airport areas to prevent potential damage and ensure the safety of travellers. This announcement follows an incident at Suvarnabhumi International Airport where a cat was filmed wandering the premises without supervision. The feline in question, an orange cat named Nuarang became…
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Udon Thani land dispute ends in brother fatally shooting sibling
A family dispute in Udon Thani this morning ended tragically, resulting in a 62 year old man being fatally shot by his brother, who then calmly waited for the police with a bottle of alcohol. The tranquillity of a small village in Udon Thani was shattered when a 62 year old man was shot dead by his younger brother over a…
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Saudi Arabian man reunites with Thai nanny after 20 years (video)
A 33 year old Saudi Arabian man reunited with his former Thai babysitter after searching for her for over 20 years. He wished to express gratitude for her care during his childhood. Several Thai media outlets shared the story of the 33 year old Saudi Arabian man, Ali Bokhari, and his Thai babysitter, 77 year old Banyen Thongchaitanawut, after they…
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Man arrested for selling counterfeit shampoos in Nonthaburi
The Thai authorities arrested a man for producing counterfeit shampoo by refilling old bottles and distributing them at significantly lower market prices. Garnering his knowledge from YouTube tutorials, the individual’s actions have led to a coordinated crackdown by the Central Investigation Police and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), revealing that counterfeit products could pose serious risks to consumers’ eye…
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Bangkok man falls to death as utility shaft lid collapses
A tragic accident occurred today in the heart of Bangkok when a man estimated to be between 55 and 60 years old, fell to his death down a deep manhole utility shaft at the mouth of Soi Lat Phrao 49. Rescuers have retrieved his body from the shaft measuring over 20 metres deep, prompting an urgent investigation by the authorities.…
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Finance ministry secures deals for 250 billion baht investments
Following the passing of the fiscal 2024 Budget Expenditure Act, the Finance Ministry has confirmed that new financial agreements for investment projects totalling 250 billion baht have been finalised. Deputy Finance Minister Krisada Chinavicharana revealed that during the delay in the act’s signing, governmental bodies with pending investment projects initiated their procurement processes. These processes included creating terms of reference…
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