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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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Sponsored 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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Thailand video news Tourism Downslide: Sky-High Costs Drive Fewer Visitors to Thailand, “Primate Panic in Lopburi: Hundreds of Monkeys Break Free and Run Wild”
Thailand faces a week of contrasting headlines — from pushback against a BBC documentary and a dip in tourist arrivals to renewed political maneuvering by Abhisit Vejjajiva and Thaksin’s prison transfer. At the same time, the country makes strides in science with its first ISS experiment, grapples with chaos in Lopburi’s streets as monkeys run wild, and braces for…
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Trang Airport opens new terminal after 4-year delay
Trang Airport has opened a new domestic terminal after years of construction delays, boosting capacity and marking a major step in regional air travel. The 1.07-billion-baht project finally saw a soft opening on September 5, when the terminal welcomed its first travellers. The launch followed extensive testing, including a simulation with 50 trial passengers to assess service procedures and identify…
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Japanese teens caught smuggling cannabis from Thailand to Japan
Two Japanese teenagers were arrested at Fukuoka Airport after flying in from Thailand with 14 kilogrammes of cannabis extract disguised inside instant curry packets. The 17 year old high school student from Kishiwada City in Osaka Prefecture, along with his 16 year old friend, was stopped by police after officers discovered 14kg of liquid containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in their luggage.…
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Khon Kaen man scoops 12 million baht lottery jackpot (video)
A resident of Khon Kaen has become Thailand’s latest millionaire after winning 12 million baht in the government lottery draw. The man struck gold with two first-prize tickets in a moment that has sent his entire village into celebration. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Thaiger (@thethaigerofficial) The winning number in the draw yesterday,…
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XRP and BTC holders in Thailand are earning daily income with Invro Mining
Thailand’s growing interest in cryptocurrency is no secret; from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, crypto holders, gamers, and freelancers are seeking new ways to accumulate wealth beyond traditional methods. But there’s a catch: traditional crypto mining is expensive, noisy, and downright complicated. Invro Mining, a UK-based cloud mining company, offers global mining services, allowing you to mine cryptocurrency without a mining…
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Monsoon mayhem: TMD warns of floods and dangerous seas
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of thunderstorms, flash floods and rough seas as the monsoon brings heavy rain across several regions. The monsoon trough lies across the lower Central, upper South and the East into an active low-pressure cell over the South China Sea, while a moderate southwesterly wind prevails over the Andaman Sea, the South and the Gulf…
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Thailand’s casino bill could return in 2026 amid political shifts
Thailand’s long-running casino debate refuses to fade away. The cabinet had, earlier this year, given a green light to a draft law to create regulated casino-entertainment complexes, which led to a surge of optimism among investors and tourism operators. But the optimism didn’t last. Opposition from the Bhumjaithai Party, which quit the ruling coalition over the issue, and widespread protests…
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Phuket airport skips memorial for deadly One-Two-Go crash
Eighteen years after the One-Two-Go crash killed 90 people in Phuket, no memorial was held again, as Phuket International Airport instead staged dance shows. The crash of One-Two-Go flight OG269 on September 16, 2007, claimed 90 lives, yet Airports of Thailand (AoT) and its staff at Phuket airport have never held a memorial. No service was held in the days…
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Thai lottery results announced, rituals fuel lucky number craze
The Government Lottery Office (GLO) released the latest national lottery results, with winners confirmed as fortune seekers turn to rituals and events for lucky numbers. The winning numbers are as follows: 2-digit straight prize: 58 3-digit straight prize: 646 3-digit swap prize: 466, 664 Special prize: 646 000 000 732 Officials reminded players that the three-digit straight and swap prizes…
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Abhisit tipped to retake reins of struggling Democrat Party
Abhisit Vejjajiva will return as leader of the Democrat Party after the resignation of Chalermchai Sri-on, prompting a new leadership transition. Former Prime Minister Abhisit will return as leader of the Democrat Party, according to confirmation from Sathit Wongnongtoei, a former party MP for Trang. The announcement follows the resignation of Chalermchai, who left the leadership citing health issues that…
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Thailand to test seaplane routes to boost island tourism
Thailand is launching a pilot project with seaplane routes in Trang, aiming to boost tourism by linking remote islands with major travel destinations. Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has confirmed plans for a pilot seaplane tourism project that could revolutionise the country’s travel industry. The initiative, developed in partnership with private operators Siam Seaplane and Thai Seaplane, will begin test…
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Buddhist council bans monks from acting as lottery seers
Thailand’s Sangha Council has reiterated its ban on monks acting as lottery fortune tellers, warning that the practice breaks religious discipline and the law. The reminder comes amid growing concern over monks engaging in inappropriate activities, with recent cases involving even senior clergy members. Officials said these actions not only undermine Buddhist principles but also erode the faith of devotees.…
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Monkey madness: Hundreds escape cages and run riot in Lopburi
Chaos erupted in Lopburi when hundreds of monkeys broke free from a shelter, invading homes, ransacking cars, and even storming a police station. Residents of Lopburi faced a wild spectacle today, September 16, as more than 100 monkeys escaped from the Pho Kao Ton Monkey Shelter in Mueang district. The mass breakout sparked panic in the area, with troops of…
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Thai vendor nearly dies after shingles treated with folk remedy
A vegetable vendor in Prachuap Khiri Khan was hospitalised after using a folk remedy for shingles, which led to severe blisters and a dangerous blood infection. A 39 year old vegetable vendor in Mueang district, Prachuap Khiri Khan, has shared her near-death ordeal after a traditional treatment for shingles spiralled into a life-threatening infection. The woman, identified only as A,…
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NACC pushed to rule on digital wallet fund misuse claims
Thailand’s anti-graft body is under pressure to wrap up its probe into claims that two governments misused state loan funds for a flagship handout scheme. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has been urged to finalise its investigation into allegations that the administrations of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra breached the constitution by diverting state loan repayment funds to…
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Phuket hotel mystery: Young woman found dead in room
A 26 year old woman was found dead in her hotel room in Phuket, prompting police and forensic teams to investigate the cause of her unexplained death. Police in Cherng Talay are investigating the death of a young woman who was found lifeless in her hotel room within a resort complex yesterday afternoon. Cherng Talay Police received notification of the…
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Pattaya teens terrorise street in explosive gang showdown
Two rival youth gangs clashed in Pattaya’s Khao Talo area, where weapons and explosives were used in a late-night street fight that alarmed nearby residents. A violent clash between two rival youth gangs erupted in Pattaya’s Khao Talo area in the early hours of yesterday, September 15, leaving locals shaken and demanding answers. The altercation broke out around 2am on…
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Anutin confirms Cabinet ready, vows swift action on economy
Thailand’s new Cabinet lineup has been finalised and is awaiting royal approval, after which the government will present its policy and begin official duties. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has confirmed that Thailand’s new Cabinet list is now complete and awaiting royal endorsement, expected later this week. Once approved, the government will deliver its policy statement to Parliament and begin its…
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Phuket shines a light on Islamic roots with weekend festival
A cultural event in Phuket celebrated Islamic heritage, bringing residents and officials together to promote unity, awareness, and community engagement. The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) hosted a vibrant two-day event aimed at celebrating the island’s Islamic roots and promoting unity across communities. Titled Retracing the History of Islam in Phuket Province, the event took place on Saturday and Sunday,…
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Bangkok gran blasts cops for blocking 5 million baht transfer
An elderly woman nearly handed over 5 million baht to scammers, then turned on the real police who tried to stop her, claiming they were the fraudsters. The 83 year old granny had fallen victim to a sophisticated scam, believing she was following instructions from a suppsed high-ranking officer. When real police showed up at her Bangkok home to stop…
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Chaos on Chao Phraya: 3 boats go up in flames, no injuries (video)
Three passenger boats caught fire on a major river in Bangkok on Sunday evening, prompting a swift emergency response and warnings for the public to stay clear. Chaos erupted on the Chao Phraya River on Sunday evening, September 14, when three passenger boats were engulfed in flames near Wat Ratcha Singkhon Pier in Bangkok’s Bang Kholaem district. The fire reportedly…
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Battered by the storm: 44 Thai provinces face flash flood threat
Heavy rain is forecast across Thailand as dozens of provinces brace for flash floods and landslides caused by intense weather sweeping through the country. Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued warnings for flash floods and landslides, particularly in central and southern regions, including the capital. A powerful low-pressure system hovering over the South China Sea is driving the current weather…
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AI surveillance helps bust truck with 3.7m meth pills in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai police have seized over 3.7 million methamphetamine pills and 100 kilograms of crystal meth hidden in a cabbage truck, following a high-speed chase aided by artificial intelligence (AI) surveillance. The suspect, 24 year old Anusorn “Sanook” Masuk from Ratchaburi, was arrested early yesterday morning, September 14, in Chiang Mai’s San Sai district. Police tracked him using an AI-powered…
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Bangkok greenlights 136m baht upgrade for Victory Monument
Bangkok Metropolitan Council has approved over 136 million baht in funding for the long-overdue upgrade of the Victory Monument area, a central public transport hub used by more than 100,000 people daily. The budget includes more than 46.5 million baht from the city council and an additional 90 million baht allocated for the landscape and bus stop improvement project at…
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New ASEAN Express freight rail set to cut delivery time by 60%
A new international rail service, the ASEAN Express, is set to shake up trade in Southeast Asia, cutting freight delivery time between Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, and China from up to three weeks to just nine days. The project, hailed as a major step in regional logistics, is expected to boost economic competitiveness across ASEAN, especially for Thailand, which could soon…
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Ministry sets up ‘war room’ to tackle frozen bank account issues
Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry has launched a dedicated “war room” to handle complaints from people whose bank accounts were suddenly frozen over suspected links to mule account scams. The move follows a surge in cases involving online sellers and everyday users finding their accounts suspended temporarily, while authorities investigate possible fraud links. The measure was agreed on…
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Man found dead after Bangkok shophouse fire sparked by refrigerated truck
A man died in a fire that broke out early this morning, September 15, at a four-storey shophouse in Bangkok’s Yan Nawa district. Authorities believe the blaze began in a refrigerated truck parked in front of the building. The incident occurred at 5.05am when Thung Maha Mek Police Station received reports of a fire near the Nang Linchi intersection on Ratchadaphisek…
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Green pit viper on car sparks lottery frenzy in Phetchabun
A green pit viper wrapped around the front of a parked car in Phetchabun has stirred excitement among lottery hopefuls, who believe the incident may bring luck ahead of the upcoming draw. The snake was discovered yesterday, September 14, in front of a convenience store near a U-turn by the shrine in Si Thep district. Rescue workers from Kok Sai…
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Thaksin not seeking special prison transfer, says lawyer
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is not currently seeking detention outside prison, according to his lawyer, who said any such request would only be made in line with Department of Corrections criteria. Winyat Chartmontree, the former premier’s legal counsel, gave the update after visiting Thaksin at Klong Prem Central Prison on Ngamwongwan Road today, September 15. It was the first…
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Thailand raises compensation for flight delays and cancellations
Passengers flying in Thailand will soon receive higher flight compensation for long delays and cancellations, under new regulations issued by the Civil Aviation Committee. Regulation No. 101, which outlines measures to protect passenger rights on both domestic and international scheduled flights, will take effect on November 20, 2025. For domestic flights, passengers affected by delays of more than five hours…
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