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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Body of foreign tourist found on Kata Beach, Phuket
A grim discovery cast a shadow over Kata Beach in Phuket yesterday, as the lifeless body of a female foreign tourist, believed to be in her 50s, was found face down in the sand. The solo traveller’s body was unearthed near the Karon subdistrict municipal office yesterday, March 5, leaving officials stumped and scrambling for answers. With the cause of…
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Election commission skips key meeting on Senate vote-fixing probe
The Election Commission (EC) refused to attend a key Department of Special Investigation (DSI) board meeting today, where officials were set to decide on launching an investigation into alleged collusion in last year’s Senate election. Instead, the EC opted to send a formal letter asserting its sole authority over the matter. The decision was made during an internal meeting on…
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Bang Bon Market shooting leaves fish vendor seriously injured
A shooting incident at Bang Bon Market resulted in a fish vendor being seriously injured due to a dispute between the wives of two vendors. The altercation led to chaos as shoppers fled. Police Lieutenant Sarayut Santhat, Deputy Inspector from Bang Khun Thian Police Station, yesterday, March 5, responded to reports of a shooting at Bang Bon-Ekachai Fresh Market in…
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Thailand to discuss Tri Muk Pavilion fire with Cambodia
Thai government officials are gearing up for urgent talks with Cambodia following a fire that tore through the Tri Muk Pavilion in the Emerald Triangle, a symbolic structure of unity between Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed the discussions will take place at the 17th Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) tomorrow,…
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Bet and busted: Poker faces flop in 51 million baht Bangkok bust
Thai police made a full house of arrests on Tuesday, swooping down on a clandestine poker den tucked away in a Bangkok warehouse. The audacious raid on March 4, led by officers from Ladprao Police Station, captured 52 gamblers, both locals and foreigners, caught red-handed amidst a sea of chips worth a staggering 51.4 million baht. Tipped off about the…
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Pipe bomb attack in Yala injures seven near market (video)
Two assailants attacked a police booth in Yala with a pipe bomb yesterday resulting in several injuries. The incident occurred, yesterday, March 5, at 7.50pm, on the railway track road near Pimolchai Market, prompting an emergency response from local police and security forces. At the scene, near Pimolchai Market, seven people sustained injuries from bomb shrapnel and were promptly transported…
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Phuket officials probe ‘extra-large’ condo scandal
A major investigation is underway in Phuket as officials probe two controversial condominium developments in Cherng Talay. The projects, described as “extra-large,” have raised legal and environmental concerns, prompting high-level scrutiny from the Ministry of Interior. Leading the charge is Supoj Rotruang Na Nongkhai, Chief Inspector of the Ministry of Interior, who is conducting a two-day inspection on the island.…
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Thai dancer shocked after drink spiked with sexual stimulant
A Thai dancer had a terrifying brush with death after suffering a severe shock mid-performance at a temple in Kamphaeng Phet. The culprit? A mystery drink laced with a sexual stimulant, handed to him by a member of the audience. The official Facebook page of the Mor Lam performance band, หมอลำใจเกินร้อย (Mor Lam Jai Kern Roi, meaning over 100% spirit…
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Holy spirits: Pattaya toasts to temple tipple alcohol tweak
Pattaya officials and business moguls are toasting the National Alcohol Policy Committee’s bold decision to uncork alcohol sales at select venues on major religious holidays, a move set to pour life into the city’s tourism juggernaut. The clinking of glasses will be heard in hotels, entertainment hotspots, and international airports, while other public areas remain dry. Optimists predict the change…
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Firefighters turn up the heat in Pattaya condo blaze
Firefighters were hot on the scene yesterday in Pattaya’s Soi Kor Phai after a blaze broke out in a plush condominium, causing panic among holidaymakers. The Land Disaster Relief Center got the call, sending fire crews and valiant rescue volunteers racing to the flaming fiasco, at 3.06am, yesterday, March 5. On arrival, both Thai and foreign guests were seen scrambling…
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World’s longest kiss Thai couple split after record-breaking romance
A Thai couple who set the Guinness World Record for the longest kiss have now separated, ending their record-breaking love story more than a decade after their historic smooch. Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat became global sensations in 2013 when they locked lips for an astonishing 58 hours and 35 minutes, breaking their own 2011 record of 46 hours and 24…
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Ex-mayor arrested over 900,000 baht mobile toilet scam
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) arrested a former mayor in a bathroom after allegations of corruption involving the purchase of a mobile toilet vehicle, causing damages exceeding 900,000 baht. The arrest took place yesterday, March 4, as Saroj Phuengrampan, NACC Secretary General, reported that the NACC Region 1 office tracked down and apprehended Saijai, former mayor of Khao Sam Yot…
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Phuket taxi driver’s dash after runaway Russian fare dodgers
A Thai taxi driver chased after a Russian couple who allegedly fled without paying their fare upon arriving at their destination in Phuket. The couple still refused to settle the bill after the driver caught up with them. The Phuket Times shared pictures and a video of the argument between the Russian couple and the Thai taxi driver today, March…
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Chiang Mai police capture six Tai Yai gang members after stabbing
Police in Chiang Mai have apprehended six members of the Tai Yai gang, known as 575, following the fatal stabbing of an 18 year old Thai male. Two suspects remain at large. The incident stemmed from a confrontation over eye contact. Yesterday, March 4, at 2pm, investigative officers at Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station detained six members of the 575…
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Thai woman crashes car into boyfriend’s vehicle over jealousy
A Thai woman crashed her car into her boyfriend’s vehicle on a road in the Romklao district of Bangkok last night, following a dispute driven by jealousy. The argument arose after her boyfriend had repeatedly sneaked out to party with his friends. The Facebook page ZOOM Rayong shared a video of the incident, with a caption reading, “The couple argued,…
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Grill and illegal thrills: Cops smoke out e-cig and kratom juice joint
Investigation Division 1 police conducted a raid on a dual-purpose establishment masquerading as a grill restaurant while illicitly selling e-cigarettes and bottled kratom juice. The operation resulted in the arrest of four workers, both Thai and Lao nationals, who confessed to merely overseeing operations for a daily wage of 600 baht (US$18). The raid took place at 3pm yesterday, March…
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Suranaree task force seizes 196,000 meth pills in drug bust
The Suranaree Task Force seized approximately 196,000 methamphetamine pills and arrested a 26 year old suspect during an operation yesterday, March 4. The suspect was caught transporting the drugs in an ant army style operation and has since been handed over to the police for further legal action. Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, commander of the Second Army Region and head…
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Thailand makes biggest-ever showcase at ITB Berlin 2025
Thailand is making its biggest-ever splash at ITB Berlin 2025, the world’s largest travel trade show, with an expanded exhibition space and a record-breaking delegation of 160 Thai tourism operators. The event, running from March 4 to 6 in Berlin, Germany, will mark Thailand’s strongest push yet to capture the European travel market. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced…
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Former boxer accused of killing mother in Trang province
Police yesterday escorted a former Thai boxer from detention for questioning at Mueang District, Trang Province. He is accused of killing his 46 year old mother, Sudarat, a vegetable and fruit vendor, at their home in Koh Pia subdistrict, Yantakhao district, Trang, on February 28. The former pugilist, 28 year old Nattaphon Thongtriphan, also known as Khiam, was apprehended in…
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Bangkok Airways suspends northern flights due to smog
Bangkok Airways announced the temporary suspension of all flights between Suvarnabhumi International Airport and the northern destinations of Lampang and Mae Hong Son, as thick smog and hazardous air pollution continue to engulf the region. The airline confirmed that services would be grounded from March 15 to April 20 due to dangerously low visibility caused by persistent haze, which has…
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Fast & felonious: Patong car thief caught after high-speed chase
A brazen thief who stole a car from Patong beachfront on Sunday night was caught just hours later in Chumphon province following a high-speed police chase across multiple jurisdictions. The 32 year old Thai suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was arrested at 1.10am on Monday, March 3 at the Baan Phala checkpoint in Chumphon. His capture was the…
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Illegal durian plantation found in Chanthaburi forest reserve
A durian and banana plantation has been uncovered on a 400-rai plot in a national reserved forest located in Khlung district, Chanthaburi province. Efforts are underway to determine the ownership of the land. The discovery is part of a series of recent findings in the eastern province, where officials suspect that some Chinese investors have established operations by using Thai…
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AirAsia and TAT launch budget flights to 16 Thai cities
AirAsia is making domestic travel more affordable than ever, joining forces with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to encourage travellers to explore hidden gems across the country. The budget airline is rolling out one-way fares starting at just 880 baht, giving tourists the chance to visit 16 destinations spanning all four regions of Thailand. The limited-time promotion is available…
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Coconut-laden truck crash claims life on Phetkasem Road
A pickup truck carrying coconuts lost control, collided with a parked vehicle, and crashed into a tree, causing it to fall into a ditch. The driver, a 34 year old man named Rungroj, was declared dead at the scene. The incident occurred at 4.40am today, March 5, on Phetkasem Road, inbound to Bangkok, at kilometre marker 177+200 in Cha-am district,…
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Thai diver stung by sea creatures but online critics take a bigger bite
A Thai woman issued a warning to diving enthusiasts after sustaining injuries from sea anemones and sea urchins while diving in the southern province of Chumphon. The incident occurred due to strong waves, but instead of sympathy, she found herself facing online criticism over her choice of swimsuit. The victim, identified as Fon Nongnaphat, shared a video of the incident…
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Phuket cracks down on deadly road accidents with safety workshop
Phuket officials are stepping up their fight against dangerous road accidents with a new strategy aimed at reducing fatalities and making roads safer. With alarming accident statistics continuing to rise, officials gathered for a high-level road safety workshop to analyse crash causes and implement life-saving measures. The Phuket Road Safety Centre hosted the event yesterday, March 4, at Phuket Provincial…
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Digging trouble: Bangkok man arrested for shovelling blows at cops
A 38 year old man was arrested in Bangkok after allegedly assaulting two police officers with a shovel. The incident occurred on March 3, when the man, Kamla, was reportedly found engaging in indecent behaviour in public. Subsequently, he fled into a construction building, where the confrontation ensued. At approximately 9.04pm, police received a report of a man undressing and engaging…
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AIS wired to untangle Thailand’s messy power poles
AIS is stepping up its game in supporting the government and public safety by tackling one of Thailand’s most notorious urban eyesores: tangled, overloaded power poles. In a major collaboration with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), AIS dispatched a specialist team of engineers to Ban Chang district in Rayong province to dismantle and organise telecommunications cables and equipment attached to…
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Parcel farce: Thai woman’s bomb scare turns out to be ex-plosive gift
A Thai woman called officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit to investigate a suspicious parcel at her home in the northern province of Nan, only to discover that the item inside was not a bomb but a gift from an ex-boyfriend. The woman contacted EOD officials at her home in the Du Tai sub-district of Nan after finding…
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Thailand allegedly snubbed US, Canada, Oz, Uyghur asylum offers
Thailand snubbed asylum offers, from the US, Canada, and Australia, and deported 48 ethnic Uyghurs to China, according to Reuters. The move comes despite a decade-long detention limbo and impassioned calls from UN human rights experts for the Uyghurs’ safety. The Government of Thailand staunchly defended the deportation, asserting it was carried out in line with their legal and human…
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