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 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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NHSO adds six medications to national health insurance scheme
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) board approved the addition of six medications to the national health insurance system yesterday, February 3. This initiative aims to ensure patients have comprehensive access to essential treatments, particularly for tuberculosis, nephritis, and lymphoma. The decision follows approval from various subcommittees and aligns with recommendations from the World Health Organisation on tuberculosis treatment. The…
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Five Myanmar nationals caught crossing into Thailand illegally
Five Myanmar nationals were apprehended by the Ratchamanu Special Task Force for illegally crossing into Thailand near the Moei River today. The team, led by the Naresuan Mobile Unit, was patrolling the area of Don Chai village in Mae Tao subdistrict, Mae Sot district, Tak province, today, February 4 at 1.30am, when they noticed suspicious movement in the grasslands by…
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Drunk French tourist crashes into Patong cop, arrested on the spot
A drunk French tourist crashed his motorcycle into a traffic police officer in Patong early this morning, leaving both men injured and prompting an immediate arrest. The incident occurred at 7.14am, today, February 4, on Phra Metta Road, in front of the Bangkok Bank branch. Patong police were alerted and rushed to the scene, where they found two damaged motorcycles…
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4 from over 100 Thai women rescued from illegal surrogacy in Georgia
The Paveena Foundation for Children and Women rescued four women from a group of over 100 Thai women who were deceived into travelling to Georgia for illegal surrogacy operations run by Chinese nationals. One of the victims, Na, paid 70,000 baht for her freedom and returned to Thailand to seek help from the foundation to rescue other Thai women still…
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Thailand’s 34 billion baht railway plan to boost trade and tourism
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is pushing for an 80-million-baht budget to conduct a feasibility study for a new double-track railway linking Hat Yai in Songkhla to Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat. The massive 34.59 billion baht project aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s policy to enhance railway efficiency, improve connectivity between Thailand and neighbouring countries, and stimulate border trade,…
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Blaze at Trang car repair shop causes 10 million baht damage
A severe fire broke out at a major car repair shop in Mueang district, Trang province, affecting over 30 vehicles being serviced. At least seven cars were destroyed, with damages exceeding 10 million baht, as firefighters worked for 90 minutes to control the blaze. Nattapong Niamsom, Mayor of Nataluang subdistrict, mobilised fire engines and coordinated with local administrative organisations for…
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Drunken tourist passes out in front of Pattaya Police Station
A heavily intoxicated foreign man sparked alarm after collapsing unconscious outside Pattaya Police Station, leaving bystanders and officers scrambling to assist. The unnamed tourist was found lying in the parking area on Sunday night, February 2, blocking visitors from retrieving their vehicles. Police and rescue workers examined him and found no signs of assault, determining that his extreme alcohol consumption…
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Thailand caps airfares to curb Songkran holiday price hikes
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced yesterday, February 3, its plans to address the issue of high airfares during peak travel periods, especially around the Songkran holiday. According to CAAT chief Suttipong Kongpool, the initiative is in response to a directive from Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, aimed at regulating airfares for the benefit of…
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Thai couple seeks answers after unborn baby vanishes from womb and hospital records
A Thai couple is demanding an explanation from a hospital in Pathum Thani province, near Bangkok, after one of their unborn children went missing from both the woman’s womb and the hospital’s database. The couple, 42 year old Wicharn and 38 year old Rungarun, sought help from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after the loss of their unborn twins and confusion…
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Bangkok commits to dust-free classrooms amidst pollution concerns
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has committed to increasing the number of dust-free classrooms within its schools by the end of the year. During a community inspection in Watthana district, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt highlighted the need to address public concerns, particularly those related to environmental and public health issues. The 58 year old Bangkok chief confirmed that 744 out…
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Pattaya offers free Thai massages: Free job training
Pattaya residents and visitors can now enjoy free Thai massages and foot reflexology, thanks to a city initiative aimed at boosting employment and tackling poverty. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet recently visited a Thai massage and foot massage training programme, where participants were honing their skills as part of their certification process. Organised by the Social Welfare Office, the initiative aligns with…
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3 Thai exchange students accuse Filipina host in Ireland of racism
Three Thai exchange students accused a Filipina host in Ireland of racism, claiming she treated them unfairly and complained about them without reason, despite their weekly payment for accommodation. One of the students took to her TikTok account, @ekongza, to share a video of them moving out of their host’s home in Ireland, with a caption that read… “We are exchange…
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Chiang Mai teen arrested for arranging underage prostitution
A 16 year old girl in Chiang Mai has been arrested for allegedly acting as a pimp, arranging sexual services for a 14 year old girl with a fee of 3,500 baht. The arrest, made by police following a sting operation, occurred at a hotel. The suspect admitted to earning a commission of 500 baht per client. Yesterday, February 3,…
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Chiang Mai Night Safari welcomes adorable young hyenas (video)
Chiang Mai Night Safari has introduced two young striped hyenas, a male and a female, following in the footsteps of the much-loved tiger Eva. The hyenas’ debut occurred yesterday, February 3, attracting many visitors charmed by the new arrivals. The young hyenas, born to parents Sonic and Sanya on December 13 last year, represent a significant success in breeding rare…
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Cybercrime crackdown: New law holds Big Tech accountable
In a landmark move against the surging tide of cybercrime, a significant amendment proposal is set to be unveiled in the Royal Gazette this month, aimed at reinforcing the fight against online fraud. Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced that the bold step comes in response to rising concerns over the financial havoc wreaked by cybercriminals. In a…
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Man arrested for setting fire to sugarcane field in Buriram
A 53 year old man has been arrested for setting fire to a sugarcane field in the Mueang district of Buriram province, causing damage to over 30 rai with losses estimated in hundreds of thousands of baht. He claims alcohol and stress from a marital dispute impaired his judgment. Police Colonel Chamras Siriliang, along with other officers, apprehended Sombat yesterday,…
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Thailand video news | E-cigarette crisis in Thailand becomes a national agenda, Thai sex content creator retires and warns fans of impersonation scam
In today’s Thailand news roundup, Jay covers a mix of serious concerns and intriguing developments from across the country. The rising e-cigarette crisis has prompted civil networks to push for national-level action as youth vaping reaches alarming levels. Meanwhile, police in Nakhon Ratchasima took an unconventional approach to law enforcement, posing as delivery riders to arrest drug smugglers in a…
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China’s high-tech research ship docks in Phuket
In a grand display of diplomatic and scientific collaboration, Phuket welcomed China’s cutting-edge marine research vessel, R.V. Xiang Yang Hong 01, in a ceremony marking 50 years of Thailand-China relations. The reception, held at the Phuket Deep Sea Port yesterday, February 3, was presided over by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and attended by senior officials from both nations. Among…
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Thai scammer posing as police caught after decieving beauty queens
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested a leading Thai call centre scammer who posed as a police officer and swindled money from at least 163 victims, including two famous beauty queens, Charlotte Austin and Anchilee Scott-Kemmis. CIB officers arrested two call centre scammers upon their return to Thailand from Cambodia. The first suspect, 31 year old Ramil, was arrested in…
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Former prisoner shot dead at petrol station in Chaiyaphum
A 31 year old former prisoner was fatally shot at a coin-operated petrol station, with initial suspicions pointing towards a drug-related motive. The incident occurred in Chaiyaphum province yesterday, February 3, at 2.11pm, just months after his release from prison. Police Colonel Prasit Premkamol from the Mueang Chaiyaphum Police Station received a report about a shooting at a petrol station…
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Thai police seize meth pills worth 14 million baht during elections
Thai police seized 700,000 methamphetamine pills in Amnat Charoen province, arresting four people involved in drug trafficking. The operation occurred as local elections for the provincial administrative organisation chief were underway, providing a distraction for the smugglers. The capture took place on February 1, after officers received a tip-off about suspicious sacks hidden in a cassava plantation along the road…
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Hunter found dead in Khao Yai Park, police investigate
A 58 year old hunter was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Khao Yai National Park. His wife revealed he used ripe jackfruit to lure wild boars and never returned home. Police found spent shotgun shells at the scene. Police Colonel Prasit Phakdi from Nadi Police Station in Prachinburi province received a report about a death near Khao Yai National…
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Foreign man attacks Phuket woman for honking while crossing road
A Thai woman is seeking justice after a foreign man attacked her for honking her horn at him while he was crossing a road in Phuket. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, shared details of the assault with the Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ today, February 4. The incident occurred at 9.10pm on Saturday, February 1. The page reported… “This foreigner in…
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Pattaya Mayor rushes to aid injured tourist after road crash
Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet turned into a first responder after a tourist was injured in a motorcycle accident on South Pattaya Road yesterday, February 3. The dramatic moment unfolded as the mayor and local council members were conducting a field visit to oversee new parking regulations. Their routine inspection quickly turned into an emergency response when they came across the…
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Lufthansa extends A380 service to Bangkok
Lufthansa is giving travellers to Thailand an upgrade, extending its Airbus A380 service on the Munich-Bangkok route due to surging demand during Songkran, Thailand’s biggest festival. Originally set for a limited run, the airline has now confirmed the superjumbo will continue flying until April 25, offering passengers a spacious, top-tier experience. The decision cements Lufthansa’s commitment to premium long-haul service,…
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Foreign couple exposed for repeated taxi fare scams in Phuket
A foreign couple in Phuket allegedly attempted to avoid paying a taxi fare yesterday, February 3, but ultimately paid after the driver threatened them with legal action. The female Thai taxi driver took to social media to warn other drivers to be cautious of the foreign couple. The Phuket Times also shared her story to alert taxi drivers working mainly…
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Manhunt intensifies for escaped prisoner in Nonthaburi forest
A search operation in a forest has yet to yield results in the hunt for an escaped prisoner. CCTV footage shows the 32 year old inmate, convicted of theft, riding a motorcycle from Nonthaburi to Bangkok yesterday, February 3. Wasan Obnual, who was serving a sentence of one year and 12 months, had completed nine months with a remaining term…
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Turkish man caught packing more than just bags at Phuket Airport
A Turkish man was detained at Phuket International Airport after airport security uncovered ammunition hidden in his luggage. The man, Isa Ates, found himself at the centre of a dramatic scene, insisting he had no idea how the bullets ended up in his suitcase. The incident unfolded yesterday, February 3, when eagle-eyed airport officials, conducting a routine security check, spotted…
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3 foreign men attack Phuket tuk tuk driver over parking dispute
Three foreign men attacked a Thai tuk tuk driver in a gang assault on Sunday, February 2, following a parking dispute on a road in Phuket, leaving the victim with serious injuries. The injured tuk tuk driver, Narin, filed a complaint against the three foreign attackers at Patong Police Station and shared details of the incident with the Facebook news…
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Pregnant Thai woman accuses husband of domestic violence
A 32 year old woman accused her new husband of domestic violence in front of her three year old son. The incident left her unconscious with a broken jaw and nose. The victim, A, who is three months pregnant with her husband, Sommai’s child, expressed a desire to leave the relationship but fears for her safety due to Sommai’s threats to…
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