News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. The Thaiger delivers the latest national news that matters.
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Sponsored 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Teacher’s misconduct with female students fall on deaf ears
Reports have emerged from Buriram province, involving allegations against a male teacher accused of inappropriate behaviour towards multiple fourth-grade female students. Parents lodged a complaint, alleging that the teacher engaged in misconduct when students made mistakes in their homework. The series of incidents came to light after a social media post highlighted the situation, stating that the matter had been…
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Thai man dies after falling from Khao Hua Nak Viewpoint in Chaiyaphum
A Thai man fell from the Khao Hua Nak Viewpoint in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum on Saturday and later died in hospital. Rangers from Phu Lan Kha National Park, along with rescuers from Sawang Khunnatum Chaiyaphum, were alerted to the accident at around 5pm on Saturday, December 7. The victim, later identified as 59 year old Sunan, reportedly fell…
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Thailand floods claim lives, deforestation and dams blamed
Flooding has wreaked havoc across Thailand this year, claiming more than 50 lives in the north and at least 25 in the south. While climate change plays a role, Pianporn Deetes, Southeast Asia Programme Director for the NGO International Rivers, attributes specific man-made causes to the disaster. Pianporn identified deforestation, dams, and river encroachment as three main factors exacerbating the…
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Hong Kong hotel bills pile up: Tourism takes a hit amid dollar drama
As Hong Kong’s hospitality sector braces for the new year, a perfect storm of challenges threatens to sour the city’s tourist appeal. With a new lodging tax set to dent visitors’ wallets and geopolitical tensions on the rise, thanks to Donald Trump’s upcoming presidency, the city’s once-thriving tourist industry could face an uphill battle. From January, a 3% hotel guest…
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Fed on the brink: Rate cut looms as US plays interest-ing game
Anticipation is reaching fever pitch as the US Federal Reserve gears up for a crucial meeting, with punters betting on a 25 basis point interest rate cut. Slated for December 18, this decision could have ripple effects all the way to Thailand, where the Bank of Thailand might follow suit in the coming months. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)…
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Man arrested at Udon Thani festival for inappropriate behaviour
A man was apprehended by police at the Thung Sri Muang festival in Udon Thani yesterday after reports surfaced on social media about his inappropriate behaviour towards women. Boonhom, who had recently sold two cows and had been spending his earnings at the festival, claims he was misunderstood. Social media posts warned women attending the Thung Sri Muang festival to…
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Thai woman faced attempted lynching after attacking boy with knife
Police yesterday intervened to prevent a lynching of a Thai woman who brutally attacked an eight year old boy with knives in her rented room in Chon Buri. Officers from Mueang Chon Buri Police Station were alerted to the knife attack in the Nong Ri sub-district of Chon Buri province at approximately 5.20pm, yesterday, December 8. They rushed to the…
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Crypto hits new heights: Bitcoin Trumps US$100k amid election buzz
In a staggering leap that has set the crypto world ablaze, bitcoin shattered the US$100,000 mark for the first time, skyrocketing from around US$69,000 just a month ago. This meteoric rise comes hot on the heels of the US presidential elections, fuelling frenzied speculation among crypto investors about the impact of Donald Trump’s return to prominence. With crypto enthusiasts on…
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British man commits suicide, leaving sand messages for Thai wife
A British man left messages in the sand for his wife and children before taking his own life on Cha-am Beach in the southern province of Phetchaburi. He was reportedly distressed over two legal cases and a 400,000-baht loss to a friend. A Thai tourist discovered the lifeless body of the British man, later identified as 42 year old Antony…
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Thailand video news | Fatal massage incidents in Thailand, Malaysia introduces digital arrival card for travellers
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex delves into a range of stories spanning Thailand and Southeast Asia. From tragic incidents highlighting safety concerns in the Thai massage industry to controversial VAT proposals stirring economic debates, the headlines reflect critical issues impacting locals and tourists alike. Other notable stories include infrastructure safety following a tourist’s electrocution, reckless tourist behaviour in Phuket,…
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Family seeks justice after prison boxing match death in Rayong
The wife and family of a 27 year old boxer are seeking justice who unexpectedly died after participating in a prison boxing match in Rayong, Thailand. The boxer’s wife, 26 year old Suchada, raised suspicions about the circumstances surrounding his death, which occurred shortly after he competed in a sports day boxing event at Rayong Central Prison. The incident took…
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British man’s Thai-high trip goes up in smoke at Manchester customs
Another British man has been nabbed in a high-stakes arrest after being caught returning through Manchester Airport customs with two suitcases full of cannabis from Thailand. The alleged British drug mule, Ahmed Sohail, who claimed he went to Thailand to lose some weight, ended up losing much more than he bargained for. Stopped by eagle-eyed Border Force officials, the 26…
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High stakes: Police roll the dice on Bangkok gambling den
Police in Bangkok have once again raided a notorious gambling den operated by Kiat Don Mueang, also known as Panuae. Over 100 gamblers were caught in the act of playing the traditional Thai game known as hi-lo during the raid. This marks yet another crackdown on the illegal establishment that has been raided multiple times before yet continues to operate.…
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Political scandal: Former Bhumjaithai Party trio out on parole
Three former Bhumjaithai Party members, once sentenced to nine months behind bars for ethical breaches, yesterday strolled out of prison on parole. Having served part of their time, the trio is now back in the spotlight as they re-enter the world beyond bars. Among them, Natee Ratchakitprakarn, once a list MP and the wife of Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, emerged…
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Thailand pushes alternative crops to curb agricultural burning
Thailand is taking significant steps to empower farmers in addressing the persistent issue of agricultural burning, which contributes to PM2.5 dust pollution, particularly in lowland areas. By encouraging the cultivation of high-value alternative crops, the country aims to mitigate the detrimental environmental impact and enhance the sustainability of the agricultural sector. The Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, alongside international…
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Busted: Drug kingpin armed and dangerous in Thung Song swoop
Police in Thailand’s Thung Song district swooped on a suspected drug kingpin, dealing a major blow to the local narcotics trade. The 39 year old, nabbed in a sting at a rented spot in tambon Pak Phraek, was found with an arsenal fitting for an action flick: A menacing M16 assault rifle, 95 rounds of 5.56mm ammo, and a stash…
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Thailand advised to limit economic stimulus as recovery progresses
The Government of Thailand is being urged to reconsider its approach to economic stimulus as the country’s economy shows signs of recovery. The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) advised against implementing large-scale economic stimulus measures, arguing that the economy is on a path to sustainable growth. Nonarit Bisonyabut, a research fellow at TDRI, likened the private sector’s reliance on government…
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Thai singer dies from neck injury allegedly linked to massage in Udon Thani
A Thai female singer died yesterday morning from complications caused by a herniated cervical disc, allegedly linked to a massage at a shop in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. The singer, Chayada “Phing” Praohom, who was associated with Guitar Record, became bedridden and received intensive care at Udon Thani Hospital before her death, yesterday, December 8. Since mid-October, she has…
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Man-made moves make Thailand flood the news, says expert (video)
Pianporn “Pai” Deetes, Southeast Asia Programme Director for International Rivers, has pointed the finger of blame at human actions as major culprits of the floods that have unleashed chaos across Thailand this year. The tragic toll includes over 50 deaths in the north of Thailand earlier this year and more than 25 recently in the south of the country. Pianporn…
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PM Paetongtarn to outline key policies in public address tomorrow
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to deliver a significant public address tomorrow, December 10, where she will highlight her Cabinet’s accomplishments over the past three months and underscore the importance of the government’s key policies for the upcoming year. The address, titled 2025 Empowering Thais: A Real Possibility, will commence at 10am and will be broadcast live on NBT2HD,…
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Monsoon system brings heavy rain to southern Thailand
A new monsoon system is set to sweep across southern Thailand, bringing heavy rainfall to nine provinces. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warned residents to be cautious of potential hazards due to the severe weather. Meanwhile, northern Thailand is experiencing a drop in temperature and strong winds. The latest forecast from the TMD indicates that a new cold air…
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What hospitals are covered by Cigna in Thailand?
Finding healthcare options as an expat in Thailand can feel overwhelming, especially with language barriers and unfamiliar systems. Fortunately, Cigna Global Health offers a range of insurance plans tailored to expats, providing access to top hospitals across the country. Here’s a guide to hospitals covered by Cigna in Thailand and tips for navigating your health needs while living here. Some…
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Four nabbed after Bangkok stabbing leaves teenager dead
Four people have been apprehended following the tragic stabbing of a 19 year old boy, known only as Ratthaphum, in Bang Kae, Bangkok. The grisly incident, which went down on Saturday, December 14, kicked off a rapid police operation. Police trawled through CCTV footage to track the suspects, eventually zeroing in on a property in the Bang Kae area. Here,…
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Naked Russian man rescued by speedboat hero near Pattaya
A naked and exhausted Russian man was dramatically rescued by a heroic speedboat driver headed to Koh Lan off the coast of Pattaya. The incident, which unfolded about six kilometres from Pattaya, grabbed headlines due to the man’s dire predicament. Pracharat Satsuk, a 34 year old speedboat operator, revealed how he stumbled upon the struggling swimmer during his regular route,…
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Van crash on Doi Inthanon injures several, damages vehicles
A van descending Doi Inthanon crashed into a pickup and a Pajero, causing extensive damage and injuring several people. This incident occurred today at 10am on the road descending from Doi Inthanon towards Chom Thong district in Chiang Mai, just before the entrance to the Wachirathan Waterfall. The scene was chaotic, with a white Pajero severely damaged and stationary in…
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Phuket tourist criticised for reckless behaviour near Patong Beach (video)
Tourists in Phuket are drawing criticism after a video surfaced showing a foreign male tourist standing beside a moving car while drinking beer and smoking a cigarette in Patong Beach, Kathu district. Social media users have been quick to condemn the behaviour, questioning whether the driver was aware of the actions taking place. The incident, reported yesterday, has sparked a…
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Drunk driving tragedy claims young footballers’ lives in Thailand
A tragic incident unfolded when a celebratory return journey turned fatal for a group of young footballers. Two teenagers lost their lives, and 10 others sustained injuries after a pickup truck veered off the road and collided with an electricity pole. The accident occurred as the group was heading home from a seven-a-side football championship in Kamphaeng Phet province. The…
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Drunk Thai officer’s gunfire terrorises Pattaya, subdued in standoff
A troubling incident unfolded in Pattaya when a police officer, under the influence of alcohol, fired gunshots into the air, causing alarm among locals and necessitating a large police response. Around 2.36pm yesterday, Banglamung police were alerted to gunfire in Soi Wat Boon Samphan, commonly known as Soi Khao Noi. The officer involved was identified as Police Sergeant Sunthorn Hemphan…
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Patong Festival traffic warning: Road closures from 4pm to 8pm
Patong Municipality is urging motorists to steer clear of Prachanukroh Road and Patong Beach Road, also known as Thaweewong Road, from the Patong Hill Intersection to Soi Bangla this afternoon. These routes will be closed from 4pm to 8pm to accommodate the grand parade that heralds the start of the annual Patong Festival, a key event in Phuket’s calendar. The…
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Phuket residents oppose Nebu Resort over traffic and privacy concerns
Residents of the Pasak Soi 6 area in Cherng Talay, Phuket, have intensified their opposition to the proposed construction of the Nebu Resort Bangtao, a seven-storey hotel. The development has been met with significant criticism from locals who fear the influx of tourist traffic on roads too narrow for such high volumes, potentially disrupting their tranquil neighbourhood. Protests erupted at…
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