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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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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Foreigner causing disturbance on Sukhumvit Road arrested by Pattaya City police
An incident that caught the public’s attention unfolded on the bustling Sukhumvit Road, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, at around 9.30pm on March 29. A foreign individual, whose identity was not disclosed, was reported to be under the influence of drugs and causing a disturbance among the locals. Upon receipt of the report, the Pattaya City police were promptly dispatched to…
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Thailand consumers council calls for investigation into yellow line malfunctions
An urgent call for an independent examination of the Yellow Line’s recent malfunctions has been made by the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC). The TCC, led by Dr Anuchar Sethasathien who presides over the transport and vehicle sub-committee, has requested that transport experts along with the Rail Transport Department and Consumer Protection Board conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents that…
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Korea aerospace industries proposes to sell FA50 light fighters to Royal Thai Air Force
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has presented a proposal to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), offering to sell its FA50 light fighters. The RTAF has earmarked 19 billion baht for the procurement of new fighter jets in the forthcoming fiscal year, as revealed by an insider from the Defence Ministry. The pitch was made by the CEO of KAI, Kang…
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Thailand responds to surge in flesh-eating disease cases in Japan
A surge in the number of flesh-eating disease cases, officially known as necrotising fasciitis, in Japan, has prompted a response from Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC). The DDC gave reassurances yesterday that no instances of the rare but deadly bacterial infection have been reported in Thailand this year. The DDC is keeping a close eye on the developments in…
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Phuket karaoke owner arrested for operating underage prostitution
Authorities in Phuket conducted a sting operation at a local karaoke establishment after uncovering evidence of minors being exploited for prostitution. A 13 year old was found among those being offered for sexual services. The operation, spearheaded by high-ranking police officials, led to the arrest of the 39 year old owner, who confessed to knowingly profiting from the illicit trade.…
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Workers get million-baht compensation for Rayong crane accident
Following a harrowing crane collapse tragedy in Rayong’s Pluak Daeng district where seven lives were lost, negotiations between workers and authorities have culminated in a million-baht compensation deal. The predominantly Myanmar workforce reluctantly reopened the site this morning only after the construction firm, under pressure, agreed to a compensation package amounting to 1.6 million baht for each fatality. The turmoil…
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NACC cracks down on corruption in government top brass
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has set its sights on high-ranking government officials, leaving no stone unturned in the battle for transparency and accountability. The NACC, led by President Police General Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit, is leading a proposal to extend asset reporting laws to encompass agencies notorious for corruption risks. Under this plan, heavyweights from the Revenue Department, Excise Department, and…
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Srettha inaugurates Thailand Tourism Festival 2024
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin inaugurated the 42nd Thailand Tourism Festival 2024 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok. Joined by officials from the government and private sectors, including Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the event kicked off with grandeur. “Tourism is at the forefront of our nation’s socio-economic development. We’re leveraging our…
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Parliament in favour of legalising gambling to boost economy
The House of Representatives voted in favour of legalising gambling while boosting the nation’s economy. The special commission championing the creation of integrated entertainment complexes unveiled its plan, urging the government to join hands with the private sector. The commission stressed that public involvement is key, advocating for the legalisation of specific gambling forms like Thai boxing to drive this…
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Pattaya Port Authority prepares 700 speedboats for Songkran
As the Songkran Festival looms closer, Pattaya Port Authority prepares for an influx of travellers with an initiative to ensure safety and convenience. From April 11 to 17, they are set to facilitate seamless water travel between Koh Larn and Pattaya. To cater to the needs of both locals and tourists, the authority has orchestrated a fleet comprising 60 passenger…
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Korean call centre kingpin arrested in Thailand
Immigration police arrested a 51 year old South Korean fugitive wanted for orchestrating a call centre scam that drained victims of millions. Operating from China, the South Korean national, known as Oh, masterminded a sophisticated operation, manipulating phone calls and text messages to deceive unsuspecting South Koreans. Under various guises, he coerced victims into transferring substantial sums, amassing a staggering…
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Thailand, China, and Laos forge new routes
Thailand is in talks with China and Laos to revolutionise their airspace, with Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co Ltd (Aerothai) president Nopasit Chakpitak revealing plans to accommodate a staggering 100,000 more flights. The proposed parallel routes aim to alleviate congestion in the current flight path, labelled a bottleneck in northwestern Laos by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Once the…
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Bangkok Airways anticipates 20% revenue growth
A projected 20% growth in passenger revenue is on the horizon for Bangkok Airways this year as the company shifts its pricing strategy in response to a resurgence in demand. The airline’s forward bookings for the Songkran festival and the second quarter are looking strong. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, the airline’s president, voiced optimism about the Thai aviation industry’s recovery from last…
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Sutin visits China for submarine acquisition talks
Sutin Klungsang, the Minister of Defence, along with other related agencies, embarked on a trip to China on Thursday to discuss with the Chinese private sectors and other concerned agencies regarding the anticipated acquisition of a submarine for Thailand. The meetings were held to assess whether the procurement process should proceed or be abandoned and to comprehend its potential implications.…
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Rayong fishing groups sue Star Petroleum over oil spill devastation
A class action lawsuit has been initiated by 14 individuals from Rayong, representing fishing groups and local businesses. They are suing Star Petroleum Refining Company (SPRC), the owner of an underwater oil pipeline that ruptured in 2022, claiming that the subsequent major oil spill has devastated their livelihoods. These individuals are part of a local fishing community known as Pak…
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Man confesses to killing wife after hiding body in Lopburi
A 58 year old man in Lopburi confessed to the murder of his wife, after nearly a year of deceitfully pretending to search for her. The case came to light when the man’s behaviour raised suspicions among the police, leading to the discovery of his wife’s buried remains next to their home in Lopburi Province. The victim’s 44 year old…
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Thai fugitive arrested in Chiang Rai for murder 18 years ago
A fugitive involved in a fatal shooting at a restaurant in Surat Thani who fled to Chiang Rai has been arrested at his son’s ordination ceremony. Police Major General Mantri Teskhan, Chief of Provincial Police, ordered Police Colonel Patthanasak Buppasuwannakorn, along with his deputies, to capture 49 year old Charan (surname withheld) under a warrant issued by the Wiang Sa…
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Cockfighting arena owner’s body found, murder suspected
A grisly murder case has unfolded with the discovery of a body believed to be that of a 56 year old cockfighting arena owner who had been missing since February 1. The body was found near a palm plantation, approximately four kilometres from the main road, tied up and with evidence suggesting acid had been poured over it. The body…
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Thai man exposes father for stealing electricity to run ice factory
A Thai man exposed his father for stealing electricity to run an ice manufacturing plant in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. He also accused officers from the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of conspiring with his father. The 39 year old man, identified only as L, revealed to Channel 3 that he is his father’s eldest son and used to be a…
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Murdered teen’s body found in reservoir in Chiang Mai
A 15 year old boy was savagely beaten and murdered by a group of five teenagers, who then concealed his body by throwing it into a reservoir in Chiang Mai. The assailants, aged between 15 and 17, admitted to the crime, citing a dislike for the victim’s character as the motive. Law enforcement officials apprehended five youths responsible for the…
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Chon Buri bridge marred by graffiti, locals demand action
Graffiti vandalism on the Chon Buri bridge has sparked outrage among locals, leading to calls for swift action by authorities. Social media was abuzz with criticism after images of spray-painted railings on the bridge surfaced online. The Chon Buri bridge, a landmark of the city, was defaced with large, blue spray-painted words, including crude language that has not only marred…
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Bus collides with truck in central Thailand due to brake failure
A bus carrying a group of 25 teachers experienced brake failure while descending a hill in Prachin Buri province, Central Thailand, leading to a collision with a 22-wheel truck. The accident, which occurred in the Nadi district, Prachin Buri, left several passengers injured, with three sustaining serious injuries. In the aftermath of the brake failure, the tour bus driver lost…
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Thai man warns locals about perverted ladyboy while fishing
A Thai man warned locals about a ladyboy he encountered while fishing at the Kok River in the northern province of Chiang Rai. The transwoman appeared naked, offered sex, and masturbated in front of him. The 35 year old Thai man shared pictures of the naked ladyboy on a Facebook group of local fishers in Chiang Rai. “Losing another fishing…
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Flushed: Woman’s toilet stolen by ex in post-breakup revenge
In a bizarre turn of events, a woman in America took to Reddit to share a story of post-breakup revenge that has captured the attention of social media users worldwide. After ending her relationship, her ex-boyfriend, a licensed plumber, retaliated by removing the toilet from her bathroom, leaving her in a rather inconvenient predicament. The woman expressed her frustration, stating…
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Bangkok’s MRT Yellow Line resumes limited service after disruption
The Metropolitan Rapid Transit’s (MRT) Yellow Line in Bangkok recommenced limited operations following a disruption caused by loose parts falling from the track. From today, March 29, the service will operate with a temporary 20% fare discount until full service resumes. The incident yesterday prompted a collaborative investigation involving representatives from the Eastern Bangkok Monorail Co. Ltd. (EBM), the Transport…
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Massive turnout for sacred coin giveaway at Surin temple event
Thousands gathered at a temple in Surin Province, eagerly awaiting the distribution of sacred coins and other charitable gifts by the revered monk Luang Pu Heng, known as the god of fortune in southern Isaan. The event, also known as Wat Ban Dan Chong Jom, saw the distribution of 3,000 kilogrammes of rice and 200,000 baht in cash, drawing a…
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2 Thai doctors attack waiter after alleged sexual assault (video)
Two Thai doctors attacked a waiter at a restaurant in the eastern province of Trat. The doctors claimed that the waiter stared at them while the staff accused one of them of sexually assaulting his girlfriend, who worked as a waitress. Security camera footage from a restaurant in the Bor Rai district of Trat province showed an altercation that occurred…
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Thai police seize 20 kg of meth from Chinese nationals in Bangkok
Thai authorities have apprehended two Chinese nationals involved in the illicit trade of meth pills in Rama 9 district, Bangkok. The individuals, identified as 25 year old Li Xiang Song and 29 year old Yang Zhou, were arrested in a high-end condominium in the Rama 9 district. Upon their capture, an astounding 18.8 kilogrammes of methamphetamine was seized along with…
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Boy reports father’s illegal gun after threat over studies in China
In a dramatic turn of events, an 11 year old boy from Guizhou province, in China, called the police on his father after being threatened with punishment for his reluctance to study. The situation escalated when the boy feared retribution for his academic disinterest, leading him to report his father’s illegal gun as a self-made firearm. The young student, enrolled…
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Female off-duty ranger shot dead in Narathiwat province
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Dusongyor market in Chanae district, Narathiwat province, southern Thailand, tragedy struck when a lone gunman fatally shot a female para-military ranger. Without warning, the assailant drew a 9mm handgun and fired a fatal shot into the 30 year old off-duty ranger’s head, killing Nurisan Phromsri instantly. The sudden gunfire sent shockwaves throughout the…
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