Eastern Thailand News
Eastern Thailand news, Pattaya news, Isaan news, Rayong updates, and Chonburi developments—stay informed on local events, business, tourism, and culture, including attractions like the Sanctuary of Truth and Koh Samet. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted Eastern Thailand news source.
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Sponsored How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Elderly woman leaps to safety after snake scare in Roi Et (video)
An elderly woman in Roi Et shocked her neighbours – and the Internet – by pulling off a move worthy of an action film after spotting a slithering intruder beneath a house. Kan Kong Suthiprapa, an 80 year old grandmother from Don Hat village in Selaphum district, was sitting on the steps of a neighbour’s house yesterday, June 4, when a…
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Udon Thani temple funeral turns violent as monk and man fight (video)
A confrontation occurred at a renowned temple in Udon Thani’s Mueang district, where a monk and a local man engaged in a physical altercation. The incident was captured on video and shared on social media, prompting public concern. The video shows a man in a black shirt restraining another man, while a monk uses his feet and fists against him.…
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False alarm: No volcano threat in Isaan’s Buriram
A mysterious rumbling heard by mushroom pickers near a long-dormant volcano outside Buriram city sparked local fears of an eruption, but officials have now confirmed it was merely the sound of underground water. Last Thursday, May 22, villagers collecting wild mushrooms at the base of Khao Kradong in Mueang district recorded eerie rumbling noises on their phones. One man shared…
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Udon Thani motorist fined for repainting no-parking kerb
A well-intentioned motorist’s attempt to boost business at a local food stall backfired spectacularly after he was caught painting over a red-and-white no-parking kerb in Udon Thani. The 45 year old auto mechanic, who is not connected to the eatery, took matters into his own hands on Saturday, May 24. Spotting an empty stretch outside the food outlet, he decided…
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Udon Thani boy flees home from alleged abuse by father (video)
In Udon Thani, a 12 year old boy ran away to sleep in an abandoned school, taking a photograph of his deceased mother with him. The boy claimed he left due to being physically harmed by his father and unequal treatment from his grandparents. Ata is now under the care of the Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office and…
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‘Spider-Man’ thieves caught after rooftop escape in Sakon Nakhon
Three daring men pulled off a rooftop escape attempt straight out of a superhero movie — but their ‘Spider-Man’ stunt ended in arrest. Yesterday, May 22, in Sakon Nakhon province, the trio was caught sneaking into a commercial building on Sakon-Nakae Road, only to be cornered by police and rescue workers after a thrilling rooftop chase. A vigilant local alerted…
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New plant species discovered at Phu Kradueng National Park
Researchers from Chulalongkorn University have identified three previously unknown plant species during a survey at Phu Kradueng National Park in the northeastern province of Loei. The team, with support from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), focused on spore-bearing plants, including ferns, collecting specimens along the park’s trails. The survey resulted in the collection of 288…
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Thai man goes viral for ‘sleep-riding’ motorbike stunt on a mattress (video)
Who says you can’t sleep on the job and get paid? One Thai man is living the dream after a bizarre and hilarious motorbike stunt sent the Internet into a frenzy. In a now-viral video that’s racked up over 11 million views, the man was seen riding a motorcycle while lying face-down on a mattress, clinging to the handlebars as he cruised down…
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Indian man found dead after going missing from Koh Samet resort
Local fishermen discovered the body of an Indian man in the sea off the eastern province of Rayong on Saturday, May 17, three days after he had disappeared from a resort on Koh Samet. Officers from Phe Police Station had earlier received a report of a missing Indian national, 49 year old Kakumanu, from a resort on Koh Samet. Resort…
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Maha Sarakham man nets 12 million baht lottery windfall (video)
A man from Mueang Phayakkhaphum Phisai district in Maha Sarakham province recently became a multi-millionaire after winning 12 million baht in the Thai lottery. The winning numbers were announced yesterday, May 16, with the first prize number being 251309. The news quickly spread on social media, with the village head of Khok Lam, Asda Nuek Kaewbutsa, expressing his joy on…
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Phu Kradueng cable car sparks sustainability fears
The proposed cable car project in Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei province, has once again been thrust into the spotlight, with questions being raised about its compliance with sustainable development objectives. Opponents argue that the project exemplifies a trend of government-supported large-scale initiatives that could exploit natural resources under the guise of tourism growth. The issue re-emerged late last month…
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31 Thai and Chinese suspects arrested in Rayong for money laundering
Police arrested 18 Thai and 13 Chinese suspects at an accommodation in the eastern province of Rayong for operating a money laundering scheme linked to a scam gang. Officers raided properties in the Ban Chang district of Rayong on two occasions, April 8 and May 7, and arrested 31 suspects involved in the money laundering operation. They also discovered several…
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Tour bus flips in northeast Thailand, 36 injured in midnight crash
Dozens of terrified passengers were left bloodied and bruised after a packed tour bus flipped onto its side in the dead of night in northeast Thailand — with many suspecting the driver had dozed off behind the wheel. The crash occurred around 3am yesterday, May 9, as the Chan Tour bus, en route from Rayong to Nakhon Phanom, veered off…
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Ancient Buddhist relics unearthed in Korat temple dig
In an archaeological breakthrough, ancient Buddhist relics dating back over 1,300 years have been unearthed beneath a historic temple in northeastern Thailand — and experts say the find could reshape our understanding of early Buddhist art in the region. The rare artefacts were discovered in April during a conservation project at Wat Dhammachak Semaram in Sung Noen district, Nakhon Ratchasima.…
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Thai teen in coma after hospital allegedly dismisses snake bite as unimportant
A hospital in the eastern province of Rayong reportedly provided inadequate treatment for a Thai man who was bitten by a snake, leaving the victim in a critical condition. A Thai woman, Paweena Tubtimhom, took to her Facebook account on Wednesday, May 7, to criticise Wang Chan Hospital after her 18 year old employee fell into a coma due to…
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Thai officials brace for rocket risks at Bun Bang Fai festival
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has directed the Department of Airports (DoA) to work closely with communities to ensure compliance with aviation safety protocols during the forthcoming Bun Bang Fai festival. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has established guidelines to mitigate risks, as festival rockets may ascend to altitudes that could endanger aircraft. Approaching festival dates have prompted…
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No new anthrax infections found in Thailand’s Mukdahan province
The anthrax situation in Mukdahan province is showing signs of improvement, with the Public Health Ministry reporting no new cases as of yesterday, May 5. The province has recorded three anthrax cases, according to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin. Of these cases, one person has died, while two remain hospitalised. Some 636 people in the province have come into contact…
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Northeast Thailand’s billion-baht cable car gets green light
A long-proposed cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park in northeast Thailand is officially shifting into gear after a 25.7 million baht budget was approved for its design. Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), confirmed the scheme would see a 3-kilometre route constructed, potentially beginning at the Pha Mak Dook…
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Thailand reports first anthrax death in 30 years, health alert issued
Thailand has experienced its first anthrax-related death in 30 years, resulting in a public health alert after hundreds in Mukdahan province were possibly exposed to the bacteria. A 53 year old man from Mukdahan passed away on Wednesday, April 30, after contracting anthrax. A second confirmed case and three additional suspected cases are also being investigated in the same province,…
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Jackpot! Sisaket couple clears debt with Thai lottery win
A couple from Sisaket province experienced a life-changing event after winning 6 million baht in the latest lottery draw. At their residence in Lin Fa subdistrict, Yang Chum Noi district, family and locals gathered yesterday, May 2, to congratulate 58 year old Lamphong and his 56 year old wife, Kanokwan, who won the first prize in the Thai Government Lottery…
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450kg of crystal meth seized in northeast Thailand chase
A high-speed police chase in Thailand’s northeast ended with a massive drug haul and three traffickers in cuffs. Police in Nong Khai province have arrested three men and seized a staggering 450 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, known as “Ice”, following a dramatic pursuit through Tha Bo district. The suspects, 23 year old Prasobsuk, 28 year old Thongthawat, and 20 year…
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Cock-up confession: Heartbroken drug addict begs to go to jail
A lovesick drug addict handed himself over to police in a tearful plea to be locked up, claiming life had lost all meaning after his marriage collapsed and his bedroom antics dried up because he couldn’t get erect. The 48 year old man, devastated by the breakdown of his relationship, said prison seemed better than facing the daily heartache on…
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Thai agriculture minister boosts lychee farming in Nakhon Phanom
Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat yesterday visited a major lychee farm in Nakhon Phanom province to observe the implementation of policies aimed at enhancing high-value agricultural products and services. Accompanied by Anongnat Jakaew, the agriculture minister’s secretary, and a team of officials, she engaged with local farmers to understand their challenges. The Uthai Rasmilichit Nakhon Phanom 1 lychee variety is a…
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PM Paetongtarn’s health scare disrupts Nakhon Phanom visit
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s official visit to Nakhon Phanom province took an unexpected turn yesterday as she battled a high fever and fatigue, forcing her to cancel several key activities. The premier, who appeared visibly unwell, was seen struggling to stay focused during a briefing about cross-border drug issues along the Mekong River. Despite her efforts to push through, Paetongtarn’s…
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Thunderbolt sets Isaan home ablaze in terrifying storm (video)
A ferocious thunderstorm sent shockwaves through Na Chueak district, Maha Sarakham province, last night after a bolt of lightning struck a house and sparked a raging fire that gutted the entire property. At 7.10pm yesterday, April 28, Police Lieutenant Somwang Prangprakhon, Deputy Inspector at Por Phan Police Station, received an urgent call about a house fire in Baan Por Phan,…
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8-year-old girl drowns in Buriram’s Mun River, mother distraught
An eight year old girl tragically drowned after a boat capsized in the Mun River in Buriram province. Her 45 year old mother was left distraught. Survivors recounted the incident, highlighting attempts to bail water from the boat and the rescue efforts by a seven year old boy. Yesterday, April 25, Phasakorn Phokham, a Police Lieutenant Colonel at Phutthaisong Police…
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Tourism in Mukdahan drops by 50% after Songkran festival
The Mukdahan Hotel Association has highlighted a significant decline in tourism activity following the Songkran festival, with accommodation bookings plummeting by over 50%. The lack of major events in this secondary tourist destination is affecting employment, with thousands at risk of losing their jobs. Pramin Wongpralab, chairman of the Mukdahan Hotel Association, noted that the sluggish economic conditions in April…
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2 Thai men confess to killing dog for sun-dried meat in Sa Kaeo
Two Thai men have sparked outrage after confessing to shooting their neighbour’s dog and using its remains to make sun-dried meat. The chilling incident, which occurred in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, has left the local community in disbelief. The suspects, identified as 68 year old Sawaeng and 56 year old Prasit, were arrested after a complaint was filed by…
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Motorcycle rider killed in Nakhon Ratchasima road accident
A tragic accident occurred on Mittraphap Road yesterday, April 18 when a motorcycle collided with a pickup truck and was subsequently struck by a trailer truck, resulting in the death of the rider. Police Colonel Anon Sajanthuek, an investigator with the Pho Klang Police Station, received a report of the accident near the entrance to Ther Thai Market in Suranaree…
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Khon Kaen ICU called ‘slaughterhouse’, complaint filed
Mancha Khiri Hospital in Khon Kaen province has requested police intervention after a man expressed his frustration towards nurses in the intensive care unit, referring to the facility as a “slaughterhouse.” The hospital director, Pornpol Laowithaya, stated yesterday, April 18, that a formal complaint had been lodged with Mancha Khiri police against 45 year old Anucha Chuenjai, accusing him of…
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