Thailand News
Discover the most recent and relevant news from across Thailand on The Thaiger’s National News page. Covering a wide range of topics, including politics, business, crime, and lifestyle, our dedicated team brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
Stay informed about the latest developments in Thai society, economy, and culture, as well as updates on travel, tourism, and expat life. With The Thaiger, you’ll never miss out on the essential news that matters to you.
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Sponsored Is tap water in Thailand safe to consume?
Wondering if you can drink the tap water in Thailand? From brushing your teeth to filling up a bottle, it’s helpful to understand a few basics. Tap water safety in Thailand varies by location, and while some people use it...
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Young man arrested after fatal knife attack in Samut Prakan
A 21 year old man was taken into custody following a fatal altercation with a 16 year old. The incident, which involved a knife attack, occurred after a confrontation over perceived hostility. The suspect expressed remorse and apologised to the victim’s family. The tragic event unfolded yesterday, December 18, at 9.46pm when police in Samut Prakan received a report of…
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Highway rescue worker killed in Prachuap Khiri Khan lorry collision
A tragic accident occurred when a car collided with a lorry in Prachuap Khiri Khan, resulting in the death of a 39 year old municipal worker from Thap Sakae. The crash, taking place at a U-turn on Phetkasem Road, raised questions about visibility issues due to the sun’s glare. The accident unfolded around 2pm yesterday, December 18. Supalak Wanwacha, a…
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Love struck Thai teen ignores injuries to save girlfriend’s sandals
In a heart-stopping dramatic scene that unfolded yesterday afternoon, a love struck teen ignored his own well-being and injuries following a violent collision with a pickup truck to save a treasured gift from his girlfriend. The 17 year old motorcyclist, affectionately known as Off, had a brush with disaster yesterday, December 18, in front of a school on Road 3371…
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2 foreigners caught pulling police-seized motorcycle in Phuket (video)
A viral video surfaced yesterday showing two foreigners ignoring a Thai police wheel clamp and legal consequences, as they pulled a police-seized motorcycle along a road in Phuket. The video, shared on Facebook by a Thai man named Somsak Lerchai, quickly gained attention. In his caption, Somsak sarcastically remarked, “Wheel lock doesn’t work with Grade A tourists. #OneDayButThousandsSituations.” In the…
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Khlong Toei residents unite to control fire in Bangkok village
A fire erupted in the Khlong Toei community in Bangkok, specifically in the 70 Rai Village, where residents joined forces to extinguish the flames. The fire was brought under control by 10.41pm yesterday, December 18 after a quick response from local firefighters. The Rama Radio Centre received a report via hotline 199 about a blaze affecting residential homes in the…
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12 year old girl freed from sexual assaults by uncle, grandfather
The non-profit organisation Be One rescued a 12 year old Thai girl in the central province of Kanchanaburi who had been a victim of sexual assaults by her uncle and grandfather. Her father claimed he was too embarrassed to take legal action. Be One President Wanna “Ton Or” Palamart and her team members visited a school in the Tha Mueang…
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Chumphon businessman dies from electrocution amid flooding
A tragic incident unfolded in Chumphon, as a prominent local businessman succumbed to electrocution while attempting to pump water out of his flooded home. The entrepreneur, who owned multiple petrol stations, was deeply mourned by his employees, who regarded him as a father figure. Yesterday, December 18, police and emergency services received reports of an unconscious man at a residence adjacent…
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Thailand faces pressure over trafficking in Myanmar
Thailand is at the centre of an international appeal for assistance, as two House committees engage in discussions prompted by 14 countries seeking help to rescue their citizens trafficked into Myanmar by scam centre gangs. Hundreds of foreigners find themselves ensnared by these online scamming and human trafficking networks, which operate just across the Moei River from Mae Sot in…
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Myanmar babies in Thai hospitals not eligible for free healthcare
Babies born to Myanmar parents in Thailand’s border hospitals are not eligible for free healthcare benefits like Thai nationals, despite receiving a 13-digit identification number. The National Health Security Office (NHSO) clarified this policy yesterday, December 18, highlighting that these ID cards specifically categorise the newborns as migrants born in Thailand, not as Thai citizens. Dr Jadej Thammatacharee, NHSO Secretary…
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Australian father mourns ‘perfect’ daughter lost to methanol tragedy
The devastated father of an Australian teenager who died from methanol poisoning last month in Laos has opened up about the heart-wrenching loss of his “perfect” daughter. Shaun Bowles, father of 19 year old Holly Bowles, confessed his shock when he realised she wouldn’t survive. Shaun described Holly as “everything you’d want your daughter to be.” The Aussie teenager was…
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2 Vietnamese men arrested for thefts at love hotel, over 500 evidence seized
Police arrested two Vietnamese men at a love hotel in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok yesterday, December 18, following a spate of thefts in the area. Over 500 pieces of evidence were seized. Officers from Chaiyaphruek Police Station received multiple complaints regarding thefts in the Bang Bua Thong, Bang Kruai, Bang Si Mueang, and Chaiyaphruek areas of the province. A covert…
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Thailand prepares for chill, temperature drop and strong winds
Thailand braces for a cold snap as a mass of cool air spreads across the country, bringing a drop in temperatures and strong winds. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts a temperature decrease of 1 to 3 degrees Celsius, with frost expected in some mountainous areas. The latest weather forecast from the TMD reveals that a moderate high-pressure system from…
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CCTV footage leads to arrest of caretaker for abuse of old woman
Police arrested a Thai caretaker for brutally abusing an 85 year old bedridden woman during her employment at the victim’s home in Bangkok. The victim’s son sought help from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after viewing the CCTV footage of the brutal abuse of his mother. He filed a complaint against the suspect, later identified as 49 year old Napasorn, with…
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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? Yes, you do get access to some healthcare for free only if you have a work permit and contribute to…
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Apply for international driving licences via Paotang app in Thailand
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) and Krungthai Bank launched a new service allowing people to apply for international driving licences through the Paotang app, offering convenience and speed with 24-hour accessibility. This collaboration aims to enhance public services through digital technology. The initiative was announced by Suparpong Piyachote, Deputy Minister of Transport, alongside Jirut Wisanjit, DLT Director General, and…
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Thailand goes high-tech: New E-Visa set to transform travel
Thailand is taking a leap into the digital age with the launch of its revolutionary Thai E-Visa system, simplifying life for globe-trotters everywhere. From January 1, 2025, international travellers can kiss goodbye to cumbersome paperwork and apply for their visas online with ease. This slick new development promises to make the visa process faster, safer, and more convenient, ensuring the…
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Hair today, gone tomorrow: Bangkok cops snip illegal Myanmar barbers
Police in Bang Khun Thian district arrested four Myanmar nationals working as barbers, allegedly taking jobs from Thai citizens. This incident unfolded yesterday, December 17, at the ANGEL-20 hair salon located at the end of Nai Riang Market, Bang Bon, Bangkok. The arrest followed a tip-off received by Kittisak Bunsermsak, a police inspector at Bang Khun Thian Police Station. He…
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Thailand rolls out red carpet with bigger rebates for filmmakers
The Thail Cabinet approved an increase in the rebate offered to foreign film productions, raising it to a range of 15 to 30% to attract more international filmmakers to shoot in the country. This decision, announced by Jirayu Huangsap, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, is part of a revised strategy to bolster Thailand’s appeal as a filming destination. The…
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BB gun vendors spark shootout on Pattaya Walking Street (video)
More than 20 police officers intervened in a violent clash between two BB gun vendors on Pattaya Walking Street yesterday, December 17. Fortunately, no innocent people were injured in the incident. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station were called to Pattaya Walking Street on the night of December 16 after a 43 year old BB gun vendor, Chart “Job” Sukboondaeng, punched…
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Teen girl murdered by drug-induced killer in Krabi
A tragic incident unfolded yesterday when a 15 year old girl was brutally murdered in the kitchen of a rented house in Krabi province. The police reported that Dolkanee, the 42 year old brother of the girl’s boyfriend, admitted to killing her. He confessed to having consumed two methamphetamine (meth) pills before committing the crime. Local police received a report…
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Thai man tricked in car sale scam with fake nurse in Nonthaburi
A man from Nonthaburi found himself entangled in a sophisticated scam involving a fake nurse and a fraudulent car sale, resulting in a loss of half a million baht. A 30 year old man, Thawatchai, filed a complaint with Tevagrit Maneerat, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation at Bang Yai Police Station, Nonthaburi, after being deceived by a 41 year old woman…
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Thailand’s first F1 race planned for Bangkok’s Chatuchak by 2027
The Thai government is continuing the Formula One (F1) project initiated by former Prime Minister (PM) Srettha Thavisin, with plans to hold Thailand’s first F1 race in the Chatuchak neighbourhood of Bangkok. F1 enthusiasts were given hope after former PM Srettha discussed the project with the race organisers during his visit to France in March this year. The former PM…
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Young man confesses to fatal stabbing of teen in Samut Prakan
A 21 year old man admitted to fatally stabbing a 16 year old boy in a heated confrontation over a perceived slight. The incident occurred last night, December 17, in a car park in Samut Prakan, resulting in the younger man’s death. Police in Samut Prakan were alerted to a violent altercation involving a knife at a shopping centre’s car…
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Entertainment worker assaulted at Surat Thani party
A night meant for work ended in distress for a young entertainment worker who attended a party to serve drinks, only to be assaulted by the host’s partner. The altercation left her with bruises and prompted her to file a police report. The incident took place on December 14 at a riverside establishment in Mueang, Surat Thani province, opposite Koh…
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Thai couple arrested for illegal online gambling in Mae Sai
Police apprehended a young couple for allegedly operating an illegal online gambling website in the heart of Mae Sai. Police from the Technology Crime Suppression Division of Provincial Police Region 5 (PCT Region 5) and local law enforcement carried out the arrest of 25 year old Anuthai, also known as Golf Las Vegas, and his girlfriend 22 year old Phon,…
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Squid vendor’s bribery allegation shakes Pattaya officials
Pattaya’s image-polishing efforts took a dramatic turn after a street vendor’s explosive accusations exposed alleged corruption among city officers. During a crackdown on illegal street vending near Walking Street, police arrested Nicha, a grilled squid vendor, who unleashed a fiery claim that certain officers had been extorting her for free food and bribes while turning a blind eye to her…
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Thai husband shoots wife dead after alleged affair with tomboy
A Thai man in the Isaan province of Roi Et shot his wife dead in front of their son and the wife’s tomboy friend after suspecting his wife of having an affair with the tomboy. Police arrested the 49 year old Thai man, Boonlai, in the Nikhom Kham Soi district of Mukdahan yesterday, December 17, for the murder of his…
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Thai Cabinet approves increase in foreign worker quotas
The Thai Cabinet has given the green light to a proposal aimed at addressing the current shortage of foreign workers in businesses by increasing their numbers. This initiative comes in response to the outdated laws that have been in place since 1979, which limit foreign workers to 100 per business and stateless workers to 50. Government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsab stated…
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Police officer killed in Kamphaeng Phet migrant smuggling incident
A tragic event unfolded yesterday when a pickup truck transporting illegal migrants crashed into a police officer at a checkpoint in Kamphaeng Phet, resulting in the officer’s death. The driver, along with two other suspects, was apprehended following the incident. The operation, led by Opas Khongmueang, Provincial Police Commander of Kamphaeng Phet, was initiated after police received intelligence about a…
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Srinagarind Hospital overwhelmed by 830% rise in cancer patients
Srinagarind Hospital in Khon Kaen called on the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to address the overwhelming demand for cancer treatment, following a staggering 830% increase in patients seeking care under the Cancer Anywhere (CA) programme. Hospital director Somsak Tiamkao yesterday, December 17, highlighted that the facility is struggling to cope with the significant rise in cancer patients referred through…
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