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Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
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Thailand health insurance that covers chronic conditions: What expats need to know
The Thaiger key takeaways Managing chronic conditions in Thailand requires health insurance that covers specialist visits, medications, tests, and hospital stays. Cigna offers high-coverage plans with access to top hospitals, direct billing, and telemedicine support for convenient long-term care. Expats...
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Pheu Thai on edge as court rules on Paetongtarn case
Tensions are running high in Thai politics as the Constitutional Court prepares to rule on suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s fate, with the Pheu Thai Party adopting a cautious wait-and-see stance. Speaking at Government House today, August 29, PM’s Office Minister and Pheu Thai list-MP Chousak Sirinil said the party had made no contingency plans in the event of an…
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Royal closure: Sanam Luang shut down for big Bangkok facelift
Bangkok’s historic Sanam Luang has been closed off for a major makeover, with city officials confirming the popular site will be out of action until mid-November. The Phra Nakhon District Office announced the temporary closure from August 25 to November 15, citing the need for significant renovations after years of heavy use had left damage across the lawn and parking…
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Russian man arrested on Koh Samui over Phuket cryptocurrency robbery
Police arrested a Russian man on Koh Samui, an island in Surat Thani, for his involvement in a cryptocurrency robbery that took place in Phuket on August 26. The 28 year old Russian victim, Aleksandr, filed a complaint at Chalong Police Station in Phuket, reporting that he had lost cryptocurrency worth 35,000 USDT, or about 1.2 million baht, to four…
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Thailand’s rights body urges halt to mega land bridge plan
Thailand’s ambitious Ranong–Chumphon land bridge project has hit a major roadblock after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) called for it to be suspended over fears of human rights abuses, flawed economics, and a lack of genuine public input. At its meeting on Tuesday, August 26, the NHRC advised the government to put the project on hold until comprehensive public…
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Caught out: Suspected Phuket cat burglar faces fresh charges
A suspected cat burglar already behind bars in Phang Nga is now staring down more charges in Phuket, after police linked him to a string of break-ins in Wichit and Chalong. Wichit Police Chief, Colonel Somsak Thongkliang, confirmed yesterday, August 28, that investigators are pushing the Phuket Provincial Court to issue an arrest warrant for the suspect, identified only as…
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Vietjet turbocharges fleet with new Boeing jets and routes
Budget airline Vietjet Thailand is gearing up for a massive fleet expansion, rolling out new aircraft and routes in a bold bid to challenge rivals and scoop up millions more passengers. Chief Executive Woranate Laprabang confirmed the airline will acquire nine new Boeing 737-8 jets this year, moving towards a full Boeing fleet within five years. The switch will give…
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Lights, camera, Pattaya: Film festival brings global cinema buzz
Pattaya rolled out the red carpet yesterday as the third Pattaya Film Festival burst onto the scene, promising free screenings, cultural exchange, and a boost for the city’s tourism economy. The event kicked off yesterday, August 28, at SF Cinema Central Pattaya, with filmmakers, actors, and film buffs from across Thailand and overseas flocking to the seaside city. Running until…
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Thai woman and foreign boyfriend physically assaulted at Pattaya bar
A Thai woman and her foreign boyfriend filed a complaint yesterday, August 28, against a Pattaya bar owner and several staff members, accusing them of physical assault. The 35 year old Thai woman, identified as Angkana, reported the incident at Mueang Pattaya Police Station at around 5am. She stated that the assault took place at Laila Bar, near the Marine…
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Outta control: Runaway truck ploughs into Patong ditch
A Bangkok-registered six-wheeled truck caused a stir in Patong yesterday after careering off Phra Barami Road and crashing into a roadside ditch, just metres away from a local temple. The dramatic accident occurred around 11.10am yesterday, August 28, when the driver reportedly suffered brake failure while descending the notoriously steep Patong Hill. The truck lost control at the dangerous Pla…
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Thailand video news Suspended PM Won’t Attend Court, Will Monitor from Govt House,Chuwit Sentenced for Defamation, Freed Pending Appeal
Thailand is entering a turbulent week marked by political suspense, courtroom drama, and shifting social narratives. Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces a looming Constitutional Court verdict, while former MP Chuwit Kamolvisit begins his legal battle over a defamation conviction. Prosecutors are also moving to appeal the acquittal in the notorious “Boss” hit-and-run case. Beyond politics, a YouTuber’s controversial stunt…
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Buzzed and breathless: Bee sting sends biker to Pattaya ER
A routine motorbike ride turned into a medical emergency for a Rayong man after a rogue bee sting left him gasping for air and fighting for his life in Pattaya. At around 11.30am yesterday, August 28, rescue teams from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation rushed to a scene along Highway 331, near a construction materials shop on the road to…
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NACC swoops on shady Phuket land works in corruption blitz
Corruption busters are getting their boots dirty in Phuket as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) zeroes in on suspicious land excavation and filling projects across the island. The NACC Phuket office, led by Chief Suwat Saowarat, launched a new initiative titled Pinning Areas at Risk of Corruption, targeting projects carried out by local administrations. The inspections, which took place from…
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Power play: Anutin eyes PM seat if Paetongtarn falls
Political winds are swirling in Bangkok as reports emerge of a secret pact that could see Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul take over as prime minister if Paetongtarn Shinawatra is booted from office. According to Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) deputy leader Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, Anutin has urged PPRP leader Prawit Wongsuwan to back him for a six-month interim premiership, should the…
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Thailand to slam the gate shut with Cambodia border wall
Thailand will construct its first permanent border fence with Cambodia this year. The project, confirmed by the Royal Thai Army (RTA), will begin near Aranyaprathet to address ongoing security concerns along the shared boundary. The permanent 10-kilometre fence along the Thai-Cambodian border, planned to rise near boundary markers 50 and 51 in Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo province, comes after a joint…
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Monsoon mayhem: Thailand braces for more heavy rainfall
Thailand is bracing for a soaking as the Meteorological Department (TMD) warns that widespread thunderstorms and torrential rain will slam 37 provinces today, including Bangkok. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Thaiger (@thethaigerofficial) From 6am today, August 29, until 6am tomorrow, August 30, the country will face volatile weather caused by a monsoon trough…
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Hopefuls flock to central Thailand temple for lottery blessings
Lottery dreams are being made and broken at a temple in Nakhon Pathom, central Thailand, where visitors are hoping for a divine touch from the revered Thao Wessuwan. A steady stream of worshippers arrived yesterday, August 27, at Wat Klang Bang Phra in Bang Phra subdistrict, eager to participate in merit-making activities and seek blessings from the temple’s sacred figures.…
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Bangkok court jails Chuwit for defamation, grants bail on appeal
He called out a rival live on YouTube; now, firebrand former MP Chuwit Kamolvisit is heading back to jail. Yesterday, August 27, the Bangkok South Criminal Court sentenced Chuwit to 12 months in prison without suspension. He was found guilty of defaming and insulting former Special Branch deputy superintendent Santhana Prayoonrat. The sentence was later reduced to eight months because…
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Royal honour: Thai princess named national artist for painting
Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana has been awarded the honorary title of Sirisinlapin National Artist for her achievements in painting, announced by the Culture Ministry. Culture Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is currently suspended as the prime minister, revealed the National Culture Committee’s annual selection of individuals who have significantly contributed to Thai culture and national identity through their artistic work.…
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Financial stress linked to body found hanging at Phuket shrine
Worshippers arriving at Phuket’s famous Jui Tui Shrine this morning were confronted with a grim discovery: a man had died by hanging before dawn. Phuket City Police reported that they were alerted at 7.55am today, August 28, to the death of 56 year old Montree Jongthirawong. Rescue workers and forensic doctors were dispatched to the shrine, located in Phuket Town,…
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‘Naga coconut tree’ in Phetchabun sparks lucky number frenzy
It’s not every day a coconut tree grows into the shape of a mythical serpent, but villagers in Phetchabun believe they have found one that could change their fortunes. As the next national lottery approaches on September 1, residents of Bueng Sam Phan district in Phetchabun province rushed yesterday to witness a bizarre phenomenon: a five year old dwarf aromatic…
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Thailand recruits 10,000 Sri Lankan workers to tackle labour shortages
Labour Minister Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit has confirmed the government’s strategy to recruit foreign labour, including an initial group of 10,000 workers from Sri Lanka, approved by the Cabinet. This initiative aims to mitigate potential labour shortages and provide immediate assistance to businesses. The Labour Ministry plans to present an expanded proposal for Cabinet approval this week and is considering mobilising local…
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Paetongtarn to skip court ruling, waits from Govt House
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is currently suspended, will not attend the Constitutional Court for the ruling tomorrow regarding her leaked phone call with Hun Sen. She plans to monitor proceedings from Government House. Yesterday, August 27, Deputy Prime Minister’s Secretary-General Somkid Chueakong stated that the 39 year old Pheu Thai leader would arrive at Government House around noon tomorrow,…
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Thai police arrest duo for selling wildlife on Facebook
Thai police arrested a 22 year old woman and a 39 year old man for illegally selling protected wildlife online. The operation also involved the seizure of firearms in a separate case in Bangkok. Police investigations revealed that protected wildlife, including one bearcat and one slow loris, were being advertised for sale on Facebook under the account name Chatree Kodkan.…
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Thai Airways fast-tracks mega Boeing and Airbus fleet expansion
Bigger planes, more routes, faster growth: Thai Airways is betting big on a massive aircraft order to secure its future skies. Thai Airways International has confirmed an accelerated aircraft acquisition plan, placing orders for both Boeing and Airbus jets to expand its fleet and strengthen its Network Airline strategy. Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri revealed that the carrier is shifting…
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Trip.com touts AI future at Forbes Thailand forum
Adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and swiftly responding to consumer demand are crucial for success in the evolving travel sector, according to the online travel agent Trip.com. Trip.com Group Vice-President Edison Chen noted that a decade ago, the potential of AI to improve efficiency in customer service and itinerary planning was unforeseen. During his address at Forbes Thailand: The Next Tycoons…
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Police hunt violent youth gang for shooting teen on Phuket road
A quiet Phuket road turned into a shooting scene when a teenager was gunned down by a gang member riding past on a motorbike. The incident occurred on the evening of August 24 along Muang Thong-Khao Khad Road near Muang Thong Market in Wichit subdistrict, Mueang district. The victim, identified as 18 year old Thanwa, was shot in the back while…
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Crypto cash: Thailand warns over iris scan scams offering rewards
Thai police issued a warning over iris-scanning schemes in shopping malls, where people are lured with cryptocurrency rewards but risk serious privacy breaches. The Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) has issued a nationwide alert urging village heads to crack down on suspicious iris-scanning activities taking place in shopping malls across Thailand. Reports suggest that groups armed with a device known…
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Bangkok woman arrested for illegal surrogacy with foreigners
Yesterday, August 27, at approximately 1.50pm, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) apprehended a woman involved in illegal surrogacy arrangements for foreigners. Police Lieutenant Colonel Yuthana Praedum ordered the operation, which was led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Chatupol Bongkotmas, deputy chief of the DSI. The arrest was carried out by the Centre for Investigation and Intelligence of the DSI, a…
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Thai Airways takes Michelin street food and local flavours sky-high
Thai Airways is taking in-flight dining to new heights, transforming ordinary meals into cultural experiences through its Good Taste for a Good Cause initiative. The national carrier says the programme not only celebrates Thai cuisine but also provides vital support for local farmers, artisans, and community enterprises. Central to the effort is the revolutionary Streets to Sky programme, which brings…
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Thailand video news Landslide in Rain-Soaked Chiang Mai Claims Two Lives,Dusit Thani Scion Vows to Resist a Family Coup in Hotel Firm
Thailand faces big shifts and surprises this week: visa crackdowns in Pattaya, deadly Chiang Mai landslide, Surin landmine blast, Dusit Thani family feud, Don Mueang parking hike, legal work for Myanmar refugees, plus quirky and lifestyle highlights. “Visa Crackdowns and QR-Code Rules Fuel Worry Among Pattaya Expats” Pattaya’s reputation as a laid-back expat haven is shifting as authorities roll…
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