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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. The Thaiger delivers the latest national news that matters.

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    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?...

  • Thai woman sexually harassed by motorcycle rider on road in Yala

    Thai woman sexually harassed by motorcycle rider on road in Yala

    A 17 year old woman faced a perverted man on the road in the southern province of Yala. The degenerate cut her motorcycle off and sexually harassed her. The teenage victim, Nam, shared a video of the incident on social media to warn others on Siroros Road. Nam, who was on a motorcycle, was seen engaging in a conversation with…

  • Stinking situation: Thai community fights factory stench, faces relocation woes

    Stinking situation: Thai community fights factory stench, faces relocation woes

    For years, the residents of the Ban Thammarat community in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been tormented by the foul odour emitted by the wastewater from a local rubber factory. Despite their pleas for regular inspections and serious action towards wastewater management, the issue remains unresolved, forcing some to relocate. The community, located in Area 5, has long complained about the…

  • Scam of hearts and bahts: Nigerian and 13 Thais arrested for operating romance scam

    Scam of hearts and bahts: Nigerian and 13 Thais arrested for operating romance scam

    Royal Thai Police yesterday arrested a Nigerian man and 13 Thais for operating a covert romance scam. The scam operation managed to deceive hundreds of victims across Thailand out of over 800 million baht in the past four years. The Commissioner of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), Montri Tatekhan, revealed the arrest details to the public today. Montri explained that the…

  • Online fraudster arrested after six year chase, 6 million baht embezzlement unveiled

    Online fraudster arrested after six year chase, 6 million baht embezzlement unveiled

    A high-profile online fraudster who falsified her educational qualifications to secure high-level positions in large companies, and stole assets worth over 6 million baht, has been arrested after more than six years on the run. The arrest, which occurred yesterday, was made in the Bang Chak district of Phra Khanong, Bangkok. The 37 year old fraudster, Chicha Chaiyasit, was found…

  • TikTok twist: Thai man faces charges after Chalong Police checkpoint cash claim goes viral

    TikTok twist: Thai man faces charges after Chalong Police checkpoint cash claim goes viral

    A TikTok post accusing Chalong Traffic Police officers in Thailand of stopping motorists at a checkpoint for monetary gain has led to a man being charged with criminal defamation. The unnamed man uploaded a video that showed officers from the Traffic Police Division of the Royal Thai Police stopping motorcyclists at a checkpoint. The accompanying note in Thai read, “Chalong…

  • Phuket earmarks 156 million baht for 24 EV buses and charging stations

    Phuket earmarks 156 million baht for 24 EV buses and charging stations

    The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) confirmed the allocation of 156 million baht (US$4.7 million) from this year’s budget for the purchase of 24 electric vehicle (EV) buses. These air-conditioned buses, each with a capacity of 21 seats, are set to serve three public routes across the province. The announcement was made during a Phuket Provincial Land Traffic Subcommittee meeting,…

  • Domestic violence: Northern Thai man shoots brother-in-law amid jealous rage

    Domestic violence: Northern Thai man shoots brother-in-law amid jealous rage

    A brutal violent act of jealousy unfolded in Nong Khai’s Tha Bo district today when a 28 year old man invaded his estranged wife’s home and shot her 56 year old brother, six times. The man, Palm, tracked his 40 year old wife, Bee (pseudonym), to the residence of her brother Wirat and shot him with a .22 calibre gun,…

  • Pressing matters: News reporter grilled by police over social media scoop on gambling den robbery

    Pressing matters: News reporter grilled by police over social media scoop on gambling den robbery

    Khao Chaison Police Station in the southern province of Phattalung summoned a news reporter for further questioning after he posted a story on social media about a robbery that occurred at a gambling den. On August 15, the unnamed news reporter took to Facebook to share information about a robbery at the gambling den. “Robbery at a gambling den in…

  • Songkhla shooting: 67 year old man fatally shot, motorcycle and gun stolen

    Songkhla shooting: 67 year old man fatally shot, motorcycle and gun stolen

    In a brutal act of violence, a 67 year old man was shot and killed last night in his home in Songkhla, Thailand. The perpetrator swiftly fled the scene, stealing the victim’s gun and motorcycle. Police are meticulously investigating the case, which they believe was driven by a long-standing grudge. The deceased, identified as Arun, a 67 year old local,…

  • German Hells Angels suspect detained in Thailand, extradition underway

    German Hells Angels suspect detained in Thailand, extradition underway

    A German man suspected of being a Hells Angels member has been detained by immigration officials in Chiang Rai. The arrest of the suspect, Dennis Fischer, took place at a hotel in the northern province’s Muang district this Tuesday, as revealed by Phanthana Nuchanart, deputy commissioner of the Immigration Bureau. Fischer was reportedly in possession of a one-year non-immigrant visa,…

  • Thailand offers free newborn screening for 24 rare conditions to boost birth rate

    Thailand offers free newborn screening for 24 rare conditions to boost birth rate

    The Department of Medical Sciences (DMS) and the National Health Security Office (NHSO) of Thailand announced a new initiative offering free screening for newborns to detect 24 rare medical conditions. This proactive move is part of a wider strategy designed to bolster the health of the nation’s children. This comes amidst an ongoing decline in the birth rate, with a…

  • Scowl Play: Trump’s mug shot sparks questions on jail time and future US President run

    Scowl Play: Trump’s mug shot sparks questions on jail time and future US President run

    The mug shot of a scowling Donald Trump last night was a bewildering sight for both supporters and opponents of the former US President – but what does it mean, can he be jailed, and can he still run for office? The 77 year old former US President yesterday surrendered at Fulton County Jail in Atlanta on charges of illegally scheming…

  • Bangkok man arrested amid drug trafficking and firearm charges

    Bangkok man arrested amid drug trafficking and firearm charges

    Officers from the Ratchaburi Police Station, including Police Lieutenant Wacharaphon Suwananuwong, Deputy Inspector Thanaphon Thanaphakorn, and Police Lieutenant Tawich Petchamphorn, recently apprehended a 32 year old man involved in drug trafficking. The arrest of the man, Sittichok, also known as Mayd, took place in his condominium room located in Pracha Uthit Soi 33, Bang Mod, Thung Khru, Bangkok. Sithadsion of…

  • Double trouble: Bali lounge Pattaya hit by second burglary in a month, deja vu for devastated owners

    Double trouble: Bali lounge Pattaya hit by second burglary in a month, deja vu for devastated owners

    The Bali Lounge Bar & Restaurant, nestled on Pattaya’s lively Third Road, was subjected to a second burglary in less than a month. The first theft saw the establishment losing a staggering over 1 million baht worth of assets. The second incident unfolded at 6pm on Wednesday, August 23. A 32 year old man, Worawut, happened to be on the…

  • Bus crash leaves young boy battling life-threatening injuries in Thailand

    Bus crash leaves young boy battling life-threatening injuries in Thailand

    A ten year old boy was seriously injured when a minibus, operated by a joint bus company under the jurisdiction of the Department of Land Transport, struck the motorbike he was riding with his mother. The boy was thrown from the bike and subsequently run over by the bus. The child suffered life-threatening injuries including a ruptured bladder, damaged spleen,…

  • Fugitive murder suspect nabbed after 15 years hiding as grilled meatball vendor in northeast Thailand

    Fugitive murder suspect nabbed after 15 years hiding as grilled meatball vendor in northeast Thailand

    A fugitive murder suspect, who had been on the run for 15 years, was arrested in Surin province for a murder case dating back to 2008. The suspect Preecha, who had been operating a grilled meatball stall while in hiding, was apprehended at his residence in Sri Khoraphum district, Surin, on orders from the Provincial Police Region 5. The case…

  • Businessman arrested for raping schoolgirl denies accusation

    Businessman arrested for raping schoolgirl denies accusation

    Police arrested a Thai businessman accused of raping a 13 year old schoolgirl yesterday. The accused admitted to sexually harassing the victim but denied raping her. The non-profit organisation Win Win Foundation revealed to the public on Wednesday, August 23, that a 67 year old businessman, named Charnpit “Charn” Sunthonkloi, lured a schoolgirl to work at his company and later…

  • Mentally ill man trapped in apartment complex due to unsecured door

    Mentally ill man trapped in apartment complex due to unsecured door

    A mental health sufferer found himself trapped in an apartment complex after a resident had left the door open. The young mentally ill man, who was unable to operate the automatic lock system, was eventually forced to smash a glass door to escape. The incident was shared on TikTok by a user named @tasapong_ruk yesterday, as a warning to others…

  • Lights out: Dispute over leaving light on ends in tragic shooting in Trang

    Lights out: Dispute over leaving light on ends in tragic shooting in Trang

    A heated dispute over leaving a light on resulted in a fatal shooting incident in Trang, Thailand. A 61 year old man named Udom was reportedly shot by his 24 year old adopted son, Kritsada Chunglok, after a confrontation in their home yesterday. The scene was promptly attended by officials from the Huai Yot Police Station, forensic experts from Trang…

  • Brewing a social media storm: Thai woman discovers clear teeth brace in tea

    Brewing a social media storm: Thai woman discovers clear teeth brace in tea

    A Thai woman took to Facebook to share that she found a clear teeth brace in a beverage she had bought from a well-known Thai beverage brand. From the picture, it is believed to be the popular Thai tea brand ChaTraMue. The woman shared a picture of the clear teeth brace last night on her Facebook account, Ploy Chutinan. The…

  • Pheu Thai leadership welcomed by tourism operators

    Pheu Thai leadership welcomed by tourism operators

    The Pheu Thai political party’s potential leadership of the Tourism and Sports Ministry has been warmly welcomed by tourism operators. This development arises from growing speculation around the formation of the new Cabinet. Numerous news outlets suggest that the ministry might transition from the Bhumjaithai Party to Pheu Thai. Adith Chairattananon, the honorary secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel…

  • Srettha Thavisin endorsed by US, EU, and Singapore

    Srettha Thavisin endorsed by US, EU, and Singapore

    Srettha Thavisin, recently elected as Thailand’s 30th prime minister, received a warm welcome and expression of support from the United States, the European Union, and Singapore. The allies are enthusiastic about further strengthening their strategic alliances with Thailand under the new leadership. Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, emphasized the shared values between the two nations and their joint…

  • Monkey free certification launched in Thailand for coconut products amid Peta allegations

    Monkey free certification launched in Thailand for coconut products amid Peta allegations

    Striving to counter allegations of animal cruelty, the Department of Agriculture in Thailand announced the launch of a new certification system, Monkey Free Plus (MFP), for coconut products not harvested by monkeys. This move comes in response to claims put forward by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which has negatively impacted the export of Thai coconuts…

  • Stabbing incident: Meth user fatally attacks friend over drug theft in Patthalung

    Stabbing incident: Meth user fatally attacks friend over drug theft in Patthalung

    A 21 year old man, high on eight methamphetamine pills, committed a brutal stabbing attack on his friend, inflicting 13 wounds that led to his death. The stabbing incident occurred yesterday and was promptly investigated by the local police who used CCTV footage to quickly apprehend the suspect. Officer Soros Chanapan, of Khao Chaison Police Station, Patthalung province, was informed…

  • Train confrontation: Mother buying extra seats for son sparks debate in China

    Train confrontation: Mother buying extra seats for son sparks debate in China

    A train confrontation occurred in China’s Shandong City when a mother was berated for purchasing three tickets to allow her recently operated son to lie down. The contentious incident happened on August 16 as a male passenger, who did not possess a seat ticket, verbally assaulted the mother and son over the three occupied seats. The mother, who had bought…

  • Surat Thani tourism rebounds to pre-pandemic levels, Koh Samui flights surge

    Surat Thani tourism rebounds to pre-pandemic levels, Koh Samui flights surge

    Thailand’s southern province of Surat Thani is rejoicing at the return of tourism levels reminiscent of the pre-pandemic era, as confirmed by the provincial governor, Wichawut Jinto. The popular holiday island of Koh Samui, arguably the tourism highlight of Surat Thani, has experienced an upsurge in both flight frequencies and tourist footfalls during the month of July, aligning with the…

  • Surviver’s struggle: Teenager fights for justice after brutal ex-boyfriend’s knife attack

    Surviver’s struggle: Teenager fights for justice after brutal ex-boyfriend’s knife attack

    An 18 year old woman from the central province of Suphan Buri seeks justice after surviving a brutal attack from her knife-wielding ex–boyfriend who slashed her arm, and throat, and almost pierced her heart. She says she is constantly living in fear as the police have not processed the case despite apprehending him at the scene of the crime. The…

  • Chemical tank explosion causes panic in Bangkok district

    Chemical tank explosion causes panic in Bangkok district

    A dramatic scene in Bangkok’s Bang Bon district this morning saw a chemical tank at Chalermchaicharn Co, a printing ink factory, suddenly erupt in an explosive burst. This chemical tank explosion incident, although unsettling, thankfully did not result in any significant injuries or fatalities. The explosion occurred around 9.52am at Soi Ekkachai 66/3 and 66/4, situated off Ekkachai Road. According to…

  • Phayao government official under investigation for accident involving state vehicle

    Phayao government official under investigation for accident involving state vehicle

    The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) ordered an investigation into a government official in Phayao province. The woman in question was caught using a state vehicle for personal use. The government official may have escaped with the abuse of state property for personal use, except that, while driving the car, she crashed the vehicle. The incident happened today…

  • Whale of a surprise: Rare humpback sighting stuns off Phuket’s coast

    Whale of a surprise: Rare humpback sighting stuns off Phuket’s coast

    The incredibly rare sight of a humpback whale was spotted off the coast of Phuket this morning. Charoen Chanaphon, a tour boat operator, reported the unusual encounter. Sailing from Phuket towards Phi Phi island around 11.45am today, he noticed the majestic mammal. The tour boat operator did not confirm if any tourists were present on the boat during the whale’s sighting.…