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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Judicial penalty box: ‘Uncle Thotsaphon’ slapped with jail time and 70,000 baht fine for assaulting political leader
The judicial court issued a six-month imprisonment and over 70,000 baht fine to a retired official, known as “Uncle Thotsaphon,” for assaulting and defaming the political leader of the Love the Nation organisation. The assault incident, which took place outside the Election Commission Office at the Government Complex Building B on 11 May, occurred after 54 year old Srisuwan Janya…
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Father’s daring rescue saves child from watery dock gap at Italian harbour (video)
An eight year old child lost his balance and fell into a small gap in the dock in Salerno, Italy, resulting in a distressing event. The boy’s father lost no time in jumping into the water to save his child in a heart-stopping act of parental love and instinct. As a terrible twist of fate, their adventure took a terrifying…
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Rise in Thai gun ownership raises alarm after Siam Paragon murders
The tragic shooting which claimed the lives of two women at the Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok sparked public concern over how a young man could obtain firearms. More startling was the discovery of a trove of guns and ammunition at the young man’s residence, along with videos of him expertly demonstrating gun use. This incident has raised questions…
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Flash flood in Sikkim, India, claims ten lives, 82 missing
A sudden downpour over the Lhonak Lake in India’s northeastern Sikkim state resulted in a catastrophic flash flood, claiming at least ten lives with 82 people still unaccounted for. The deluge swept through the Teesta River, submerging vast areas and causing widespread damage. Local authorities initially reported five fatalities with three more bodies recovered later. However, the BBC put the…
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Thai patient’s ‘threesome’ encounter sparks mpox alert in northern Thailand
A Thai patient visited an entertainment venue in Chaing Mai and allegedly admitted to having a threesome with two foreigners, subsequently testing positive for mpox. The Lamphun Provincial Public Health Office confirmed the latest mpox case in Thailand yesterday, October 4, marking it as the province’s first recorded instance. Provincial public health doctor Suriyapong Suriyapongtakun reported today, October 5, that…
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Fin-tastic feast: Seafood sensation set to make waves in Sri Racha
In the coastal district of Sri Racha, a fin-tastic feast is on the horizon as the year-end seafood festival gears up to tantalize taste buds from tomorrow until October 8. The Sri Racha Clean Food & Seafood Festival 2023, an eagerly awaited annual event, will be hosted on the third floor of the Central Sri Racha Shopping Centre. Seafood enthusiasts…
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Chinese bride’s sombre pout sets social media abuzz with forced marriage debate
A newlywed couple from Ju’matien, Henan, China, is under online scrutiny after photos of the bride’s sombre expression during post-nuptial rituals went viral on social media. The images, capturing the groom’s jovial demeanour contrasted with the bride’s seemingly forced participation, were shot at the groom’s residence following their wedding ceremony. The bride’s lack of enthusiasm during the post-wedding photoshoot sparked…
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Rare Tiffany Blue snake slithers into Thai woman’s backyard, sparking a ‘hiss-teria’ on lotto day
A rare blue snake, also known as a “Tiffany Blue” snake, was discovered by a 62 year old Thai woman in her backyard in Photharam, causing “hiss-teria” among her local community. The sighting, which has a one-in-a-million chance of occurring, coincidentally happened on a lottery day, leading locals to believe it to be a sign of good luck. The Thai…
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Rare sun bear cub arrives, ‘pawsitively’ brightening the day at Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo
In a ‘bear-y’ rare occurrence, a one-month-old sun bear, a species on the brink of extinction and under protection, has been joyfully welcomed at Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo Zoo director, Thanachon Khensing, shared the news of the cub’s arrival today, October 5, stating that the young bear is robust and in good health. Its parents, both sun bears aged 10 years,…
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Heavy rain refrain: TMD issues another stormy warning for Thailand
Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) issued yet another alarming warning today to 40 provinces across Thailand, cautioning against continuous heavy rain. The central region is bearing the brunt of the deluge, with 80% of the area experiencing significant downpours. As the capital city remains waterlogged, the public in Bangkok is urged to remain vigilant against potential dangers. Today the TMD forecasted…
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Bangkok police seek warrants in Siam Paragon shooting case
The diligent efforts of the Yannawa Station Police officers are currently focused on compiling substantial evidence to secure arrest warrants for three individuals embroiled in the grave incident which resulted in two deaths and five injuries. These individuals are alleged to have engaged in the illicit sale of a blank gun to a 14 year old boy, a transaction that…
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Influenza outbreak in Thailand schools kills two children, vaccinations urged
The tragic loss of two young lives to influenza, compounded by encephalitis, has cast a sobering light on the importance of vaccination and vigilant healthcare practices. A prominent medical source issued a fervent plea for influenza vaccinations, especially as we enter the rainy season when respiratory illnesses tend to proliferate. The spectrum of common diseases during this period includes influenza,…
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Global stocks take a rollercoaster ride as investors chase ‘oil-usive’ recovery
Global stocks experienced a mixed performance yesterday, as investors sought recovery from the significant drop in the previous session, induced by a sharp dip in oil prices. The 10-year US Treasury note, which reached a 16-year high on Tuesday, experienced a retreat after a disappointing US recruitment report surfaced. Adam Sarhan of 50 Park Investments stated that investors are entering…
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Croc courtship gets ‘snappier’ at Koorana Crocodile Farm as mating season leaps ahead in Queensland, Australia
In a rather ‘snappy’ turn of events, the crocodile mating season at the Koorana Crocodile Farm in Queensland, Australia, has kicked off earlier than its usual schedule this year. The farm’s owner, John Lever, is attributing this unconventional phenomenon to the frequent flyovers of military helicopters. The farm, which plays host to a colossal population of over 3,000 crocodiles, happens…
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Bangkok bust: CIB officers nab 18,000 imported sex toys, couple faces sticky situation
Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) embarked on a rather titillating mission at a luxury house in Bangkok‘s Lat Krabang district yesterday where they seized 18,000 sex toys imported from China. A Chinese man and his Thai wife were arrested for illegally importing and selling sex toys. Patthawit Wongpinit, director of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), told Channel…
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TikTok user spends 13 hours locked in bathroom (video)
A TikTok user, known as tncybss, was trapped in a bathroom for a staggering 13 hours, from 4pm until 11am the following day. Despite attempts to follow YouTube tutorials to free herself by removing the doorknob, she was unable to unlock the door and eventually had to resort to breaking through it. The incident started at 4pm when the user…
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Royal revelation: Johor Crown Prince shares harrowing encounter at Siam Paragon shooting
Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the Crown Prince of Johor, a state in southern Malaysia revealed the shooting at the Siam Paragon mall in Bangkok was “the worst experience I have ever gone through.” Tunku Ismail, speaking from a hotel near the crime scene shooting in the Thai capital, was with his family to watch a football match between his team,…
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Thai PM vows enhanced security after deadly Siam Paragon shooting
Two people, both foreign nationals, met their unfortunate end while five others sustained injuries in a shocking shooting incident at the Siam Paragon shopping mall on Tuesday. In response to the tragic event, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed various state agencies to enhance security precautions to avert future occurrences. The 61 year old Srettha took to Twitter to express his…
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Thai baht hits new low against US dollar amid gold price drop
The 2023 financial year has seen the Thai baht rank as one of the region’s poorest performing currencies, depreciating to a low of 37.14 to the US dollar on Tuesday – a level not seen since November of the previous year. The recent plummet in gold prices, with a decline of around 5% or US$7.45 (274.65 baht) per ounce, has…
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Thai teacher accused of assaulting student, mother demands justice in Thailand
A shocking incident unfolded in the district of Phran Kratai, Kamphaeng Phet, as a secondary school teacher was accused of physically assaulting a 13 year old student. The incident, captured in a 20-second video clip, was brought to the attention of the media by the 44 year old victim’s mother, Sathip. The video reveals the teacher, identified only by his…
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Siam Paragon shooting prompts new mental health unit
A new mental health consultation unit, established to assist individuals emotionally distressed by the recent fatal shooting in Siam Paragon, started operations yesterday. The tragic incident, involving a teenage boy who killed two women, left many feeling traumatised and in need of psychological support. Amporn Benjaponpitak, the leading authority of the Department of Mental Health, revealed that she, along with…
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Bottom’s up: 50 year old Thai woman takes legal action against cheeky neighbour in morning merit mishap
A 50 year old Thai woman filed a police complaint against her 66 year old neighbour for flashing her bottom while she was doing her morning merit. The accused neighbour defended herself by saying that the complainant was bothering residents in the community by banging a bucket. The 50 year old complainant, Watinee, filed a complaint against her 66 year…
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Ayutthaya builds dykes to protect homes amid rising Chao Phraya River levels
The fast-rising waters of the Chao Phraya River have led to the construction of dykes along its banks in the province of Ayutthaya. There is a growing concern that the swelling river may overflow, potentially flooding homes and historical landmarks. The Chao Phraya River’s rising levels are attributed to an increased water volume from upstream provinces. However, on Wednesday, it…
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Thai defence minister proposes public distribution of military-owned land
Sutin Klungsang, the Defence Minister, put forth a proposition to distribute some military-owned land to the local populace, as part of the governmental strategy to modernise the armed forces. This was revealed by the Defence Ministry’s spokesperson, Thanitpong Sirisawetsak, post a Defence Council meeting. The 62 year old Sutin presented policies to the ministry’s department heads and the leaders of…
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Thai woman found dead in Pattaya condominium, suicide suspected
A tragic incident occurred last night in the Naklua sub-district of Pattaya, where a Thai woman lost her life in what is suspected to be a case of suicide at a 32-story condominium complex. The Pattaya Police Station’s Deputy Investigator, Chanan Kaserabua, received a direct notification regarding an individual who had fallen from a building situated on Naklua Road in…
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Fuelled for trouble: Police pickup Thai thief’s cross-province chase ends in arrest
A young man sparked a cross-province chase after stealing a police pickup truck from a station in Phichit and fleeing to a petrol station where he fuelled up and left without paying. The incident, which took place today, ended in Sing Buri, where the police finally apprehended the suspect. The director of Bueng Na Rang Police Station in Phichit revealed…
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Monkey business cleaned up: Tourists cheer innovative solution at Samila Beach, Songkhla
Tourists visiting Samila Beach in Songkhla are delighted by an innovative solution to the issue of macaque monkeys scavenging through rubbish bins, causing odour and litter. Complaints had been previously made about the monkeys rummaging through the bins, spilling litter and creating a foul smell, disturbing the natural environment of the beach and causing fear among the visitors. The Songkhla…
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Thailand’s firearm frenzy: Tops ASEAN in guns, 13th in global tragedy
Thailand has the most firearms in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and lies 13th in the world for the most firearm deaths according to Switzerland’s Small Arms Survey (SAS). Following yesterday’s shooting at the Siam Paragon mall in Bangkok, questions have been raised about the ease with which Thais can access and own guns. Locals say that Thai…
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Critical look at emergency alert systems: Thai agencies lag behind global counterparts
The Cell Broadcast or the modern Emergency Alert System has become a crucial tool for many countries around the world in times of crises that affect public safety. This mobile phone-based warning system, compatible with 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G, is used by various governments globally to issue wide-ranging emergency alerts or disaster situations. Cell Broadcast is a method of sending…
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Foreign survivor criticises slow response of Thai police in Siam Paragon shooting (video)
A foreign man shared his experience of the shooting incident at Bangkok’s Siam Paragon shopping mall on October 3 with Thai media and accused the Thai police and authorities of being slow to act. The Royal Thai Police (RTP) faced substantial criticism from Thai citizens on social media in the aftermath of the mall shooting. People accused the officers of…
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