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 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?...
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House of cards tumbles: Cops bust Hua Hin gambling ring
Six suspects have been rounded up in a dramatic police raid on an illegal online gambling empire operating out of Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) swooped in on LAVAMAX1688, a shadowy betting network that had raked in over 8 million baht in just eight months. With arrest warrants issued for seven people, officers stormed…
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German man crashes BMW in Phuket, narrowly misses motorbike
Police in Phuket are investigating an accident involving a German man who crashed his BMW sedan into a parked pickup truck in Rawai yesterday, March 22. The BMW exited a side street at a high speed, crossed the main road, struck the central reservation, and became airborne. While airborne, he collided with a pickup truck parked beside the road. The…
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PPRP’s Prawit to challenge PM Paetongtarn in censure debate
Attention has focused on the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader, Prawit Wongsuwon, amid speculation regarding his recruitment of Pheu Thai Party MP, Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung, for the upcoming censure debate against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. They are anticipated to present serious allegations against the government. PPRP Secretary-General, Paiboon Nititawan, confirmed that Prawit will speak following the opening remarks by…
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Illegal nightclub raid in Nakhon Pathom uncovers drug use
In Nakhon Pathom‘s Samphran district, administrative officials conducted a raid at 3am this morning, March 23, at an unlicensed nightclub, discovering 81 patrons with traces of illegal drugs. The Department of Provincial Administration led the raid operation at a local nightclub called Neon Pub following reports of narcotics being available on the premises. During the raid, officials secured the exits…
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Tour bus overturns in Phuket, 41 injured, no fatalities
A tour bus carrying 38 Russian tourists overturned on a steep road in Kamala, Phuket, after its brakes reportedly failed, resulting in 41 individuals sustaining injuries. The incident occurred yesterday, March 22, and caused significant traffic disruptions in the area. Police and rescue teams, including those from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation, arrived at the Khao Khuan Yak curve on the…
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Forest fire officer in Phayao dies during patrol efforts
A forest fire officer in Phayao tragically passed away after collapsing during patrol efforts to prevent and control forest fires. Yesterday, March 22, it was reported that the forest fire situation in Phayao province had eased following artificial rain, which extinguished fires in three district areas. Government officials, local leaders, volunteers, and forest fire patrol teams continue to work to…
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Thai expressway collapse leads to legal action against contractor
The Ministry of Transport and the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) have initiated civil and criminal proceedings against a contractor following the collapse of a beam on the Rama II-Dao Khanong Expressway during construction. The incident resulted in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to 24 others. Transport Ministry spokesperson Krichanont Iyapunya, along with EXAT governor Surachet Laophulsuk, lodged…
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Chinese detained in Bangkok hotel for 11 billion baht fraud
Immigration officers in Bangkok have detained a Chinese man at a luxury hotel in Ratchaprasong, who was evading fraud charges for embezzling billions of baht. The suspect had changed his identity and acquired Vanuatu nationality on March 22. Officers of the Immigration Bureau have directed their units to enhance crime prevention efforts, particularly targeting illegal immigration and foreign nationals involved in…
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Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach businesses urge return to two-way traffic
Business owners and residents in Jomtien, Pattaya are demanding City Hall restore two-way traffic on Jomtien Beach Road, claiming the current one-way system is driving customers away and damaging the local economy. One bar owner on Soi Whitehouse said trade has plummeted by over 40% since the change. “If you ask any bar or restaurant owner here, they’ll tell you…
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Couple confesses to gruesome murder over debt collection
Police have apprehended a couple accused of murdering a young woman over a debt, dismembering her body, and burying the remains behind their home before fleeing to Chiang Mai. They confessed that resentment over debt collection and offensive remarks led to the crime. Yesterday, March 22, at 1pm, Police Lieutenant Somphop Niamjamroen of Don Tum Police Station in Nakhon Pathom…
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Phuket man caught with illegal gun and ammo in Saphan Hin
A man was caught with a firearm and 20 rounds of ammunition during a routine police checkpoint in Phuket earlier on the morning of March 21. The arrest took place around 2am in Soi Saphan Hin when Phuket City Police stopped a vehicle driven by a 43 year old man during a routine inspection. Officers searched the car and discovered…
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Student brawl in Pathum Wan mall leaves five injured (video)
A violent altercation broke out between students from two renowned institutes at MBK Shopping Centre in Pathum Wan, Bangkok, resulting in five injuries. Police intervened and detained both parties involved after the incident, which took place at 7.16pm yesterday, March 22. Police Major Montri Khamkhao, an inspector at Pathum Wan Police Station, responded to a report of a brawl involving…
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Thunderstorms and haze forecasted across Thailand’s provinces
The Meteorological Department has forecasted thunderstorms in 12 provinces, affecting 20% of the area. Northern Thailand is experiencing high temperatures and haze, with Bangkok expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius (°C) today, March 23. The low-pressure system over northern Thailand is increasing temperatures due to the weakening high-pressure system covering upper Thailand. This results in hot and hazy daytime conditions…
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Bangkok to complete 1,000km of upgraded footpaths by 2026
Bangkok is stepping up its game, with major changes underway to improve the city’s footpaths and make them safer, more accessible, and better suited to local character. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is on track to deliver 1,000 kilometres of high-quality footpaths by 2026, and they’re already over 70% of the way there. Yesterday, Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, spokesperson for the BMA,…
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Homeless man arrested for spray-painting Pattaya court sign
A homeless man has been arrested for spray-painting the Pattaya Provincial Court sign in a bizarre act of vandalism that has left local police scratching their heads. Yesterday, Pattaya police detained a 40 year old man, identified only as Weerasak, from Phichit province. He was accused of defacing the Pattaya Provincial Court sign, located on Thapphraya Road in South Pattaya.…
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Education Ministry backs overseas summer camp for Thai students
The Ministry of Education is supporting the One District One Scholarship (ODOS) initiative, encouraging Mathayom 4 (Grade 10) students across Thailand to apply for the newly launched overseas summer camp programme. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, assistant to Education Minister Police General Permpoon Chidchob, explained that the summer camp aims to offer Thai students international exposure and prepare them for future ODOS higher…
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Pattaya police bust drug den in deserted beer bar
Two homeless men broke down in tears after being caught red-handed with crystal meth in a derelict beer bar in a drug raid near one of the Pattaya’s busiest roads. The joint operation, conducted yesterday, March 21, was prompted by complaints from locals who reported homeless squatters allegedly using drugs inside the abandoned venue on Pattaya Second Road, just before…
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Overnight water cuts to hit Phuket twice
Get your buckets ready – large parts of Phuket are set to run dry overnight as the island’s water authority warns of widespread supply cuts affecting homes and businesses across central areas. The Phuket branch of the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) has announced that water supply will be disrupted on two consecutive nights, tomorrow and Monday (March 23 and 24),…
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Mall chaos: Bag frenzy sparks fight in Central Thailand
A chaotic scene unfolded outside the Central Westgate shopping centre in Bang Yai district, Nonthaburi province in Central Thailand, where a group became involved in a physical altercation over queuing spots for purchasing 300 limited edition branded bags. The incident prompted the police to intervene and halt sales for the day. Yesterday at 11pm, a reporter visited the site at the…
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Phuket urges employers to boost worker protection
Phuket’s top officials are urging business owners to get serious about social security – or risk leaving their workers in the lurch and violating the law. The Phuket Social Security Office is pushing for greater awareness of its services and benefits, reminding employers that proper registration and contributions aren’t just red tape – they’re crucial financial lifelines for workers. The…
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Tourist left bloodied in high-heel attack on Pattaya beach
A foreign tourist was left bloodied and dazed after being brutally attacked by a transgender woman wielding a high heel in front of stunned onlookers near Pattaya’s Walking Street in the early hours of today. The shocking brawl unfolded around 12.36am just metres from the entrance to the beachside nightlife strip. Witnesses say the violent outburst was unprovoked and played…
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Heathrow blackout grounds THAI flights, chaos erupts
A massive power failure has plunged London’s Heathrow Airport into chaos, grounding flights and stranding passengers, with Thai travellers among the hardest hit. The meltdown began just after 11pm on Thursday, March 20, when a fire broke out at the North Hyde electrical substation in Hayes, West London. The blaze knocked out both primary and backup power supplies, crippling operations at…
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Bangla Road traswomen busted in police tourism image blitz
Police in Phuket have launched a sweeping crackdown on those accused of tarnishing Thailand’s tourism reputation — with transgender women on Patong’s infamous Bangla Road caught in the crosshairs. In a surprise late-night operation, officers rounded up 37 people, accusing them of causing disturbances and harming the tourism industry. Many of those detained were transgender women working the nightlife strip,…
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Ex-Miss Thailand rescues ant-covered woman from drunk husband
A former Miss Thailand turned social activist has exposed a heart-wrenching case of elder neglect in Prachuap Khiri Khan – finding a frail woman bedridden, covered in ants and fed scraps by her drunken husband. Panadda Wongphudee, 46, chairperson of the Good Deeds Foundation, led the rescue mission yesterday, March 21, alongside officials from the Pak Nam Pran Municipality and…
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Thailand braces for rising temperatures and heavy rain
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted an increase in temperature by 1-3°C and heavy rain in some areas, with thunderstorms and strong winds in upper Thailand. This forecast is effective from yesterday, March 21. The weakening high-pressure system moving across the upper part of Thailand will cause temperatures to rise while maintaining cool morning weather in the north, northeast,…
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Bee chaos at Ubon Ratchathani temple market injures 6 (video)
Chaos ensued at a temple market in Ubon Ratchathani’s Warin Chamrap district yesterday when a swarm of local bees attacked a hive of wild bees brought for sale. Six people, including the elderly and disabled, sustained injuries from bee stings and required medical attention. The incident occurred at the Phasukaram Temple’s amulet market when a vendor attempted to sell a…
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Thai king and queen open Suvarnabhumi’s terminal and runway
King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida yesterday inaugurated the first satellite terminal and the third runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan province. This ceremony coincided with the auspicious royal event marking the king’s 72nd birthday on July 28 last year. Upon their arrival, they were welcomed by key figures, including Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit,…
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Legal pardon offered: Thai man pleads for return of 1 million baht stolen amulets
An owner of a Buddhist amulet store in the Si Racha district of Chon Buri promised to drop legal proceedings if a thief returned four stolen amulets worth nearly 1 million baht. The store owner, 58 year old Boonhome Saen-ubon, reached out to several media outlets in an attempt to locate the thief. Boonhome revealed that the theft took place…
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Tragic murder-suicide leaves child orphaned in Surat Thani
A seven year old boy has been orphaned after his father shot his mother in a heart-wrenching murder-suicide today in Surat Thani’s Ban Na Doem district. The 47 year old gunman, Anu, reportedly shot his wife, 42 year old Sasithorn, before turning the gun on himself, leaving their child orphaned. The grim discovery was reported to Police Sub-Lieutenant Krisada Thongsakul,…
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Trunk wash surprise: Thai car care centre goes viral with elephant baths (video)
In a quirky twist, a car care centre in Chon Buri has gained viral fame for introducing a unique new service—elephant baths! What started as a promotional stunt has captured the hearts of netizens, as a delightful video of an elephant enjoying its bath goes viral across social media. A photo shared by Facebook user Chakkrit Chamnongplee yesterday, March 20,…
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