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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Koh Loi residents face severe rubbish and mud post-flood crisis
Residents of Koh Loi in Chiang Rai are grappling with overwhelming amounts of rubbish and mud following severe flooding. The floodwaters from the Kok River, which surged on September 11, have left the community struggling to clean up, with waste accumulating and emitting foul odours. Flooding has severely impacted the Koh Loi and Thoet Phra Kiat communities, causing significant damage…
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Thai Air Force investigates unpaid duty allowances for soldiers
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)addressed the issue of unpaid duty allowances following complaints from soldiers. The RTAF spokesperson, Boonlert Andara, announced that the commander-in-chief ordered an investigation into the matter, highlighting the importance of transparency and adherence to regulations. Yesterday, September 19, Boonlert responded to reports from a social media page, Survive, which claimed that RTAF personnel from Wing…
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Udon Thani family booted out by mother-in-law, walks 60km
A man, his wife, and their three children in Udon Thani province were forced to walk over 60 kilometres back home after being kicked out by his mother-in-law, only to be assisted by kind-hearted police officers who provided transportation and financial aid. Chompoonut Chaiwan shared a story on Facebook about a family pushing a cart from Nong Han Hospital to…
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DES Ministry to hold banks, telecoms accountable for online scams
The Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) is set to amend regulations to hold banks and telecom operators accountable if they are found negligent in addressing online scams, according to DES permanent secretary Wisit Wisitsora-At. Wisit made the new regulation announcement, yesterday, September 19, during the 60 Years of Excellence: Creating Great Leaders, Designing the Future seminar hosted by the…
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Delivery rider wades through flood to deliver package in Nong Khai (video)
A TikTok video showing a dedicated delivery rider wading through knee-deep floodwaters to deliver a package has gone viral, sparking calls for the rider to receive a bonus. The video, posted by user @pukky_laddawan from Nong Khai province, depicts the unexpected and heartwarming moment. Yesterday, September 19, TikTok user @pukky_laddawan, a resident of flood-affected Nong Khai province, shared a video…
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Phanom district honoured at Beautiful District Awards in Bangkok
Phanom district in Bangkok received an honourable mention at the Ministry of Interior’s Beautiful District Awards ceremony held yesterday. The event, organised by the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Interior Housewives Association, and the Department of Local Administration, celebrated districts providing exemplary public services. The ceremony took place at the Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao. Present at the…
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Thailand jumps to 7th in global cybersecurity index
Thailand has leapt to seventh position in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) this year, a significant rise from 44th place in 2020, as reported by the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA). The index, which evaluates 194 countries, is administered by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The GCI, with 46 countries, including Thailand, classified as tier 1, measures cybersecurity commitment across…
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Thai hotels back new co-payment scheme amid fraud cases
Hotel operators in Thailand have embraced a proposal to revive the co-payment scheme for hotel expenses, viewing it as a potential boost for domestic spending. However, concerns have been raised regarding 1,400 unresolved fraud cases from the scheme’s previous phases. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong discussed the matter with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who agreed in principle to reintroduce…
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Scam caller demands 120,000 baht from Surin official
A mysterious call claiming to be from a high-ranking official in Surin province demanded 120,000 baht from the director of the Sri Narong District Lifelong Learning Centre in the province to clear up a complaint against her. The Facebook page Watchdog Operation recently published a post and images accusing Nitaya, the director of the Sri Narong District Lifelong Learning Centre,…
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New SRT governor aims to make Thailand ASEAN rail hub
Veeris Ammarapala, the newly appointed governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), pledged to transform Thailand into a leading railway service hub in the ASEAN region during his four-year tenure. Ready to begin his duties as the 20th governor, Veeris recognises the significance of his role and the SRT’s mission as the nation’s largest state-owned transportation enterprise. The SRT…
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Phuket police intensify search for MG linked to robbery-murder
Phuket police are intensifying their investigation into an MG car linked to a robbery-homicide in Nakhon Chai Si after GPS data revealed its presence in Phuket. Yesterday, September 19, Police Captain Ratchanat Ratsadaproni from Nakhon Chai Si Police Station was alerted to the discovery of 47 year old Thitirat Chatput’s body. Thitirat, who lived in the Lat Phrao district of…
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British-Thai monk and Thai national artist win diplomacy award
Thailand’s Public Diplomacy Award named three remarkable figures as this year’s recipients, the Thailand Foundation revealed yesterday. A revered monk, an iconic composer, and a leading cultural institution will be honoured for their monumental contributions to promoting Thai culture and values across the globe. The prestigious honour has gone to Phra Phrompacharayanmuni (Ajahn Jayasaro), a British-Thai Buddhist monk, whose dedication…
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Thailand video news | Thai authorities shut down 21 illegal villas on Koh Samui, Thai authorities shut down 21 illegal villas on Koh Samui
In Thailand’s video news, Alex and Jay cover various stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Highlights include Thai authorities intensifying their crackdown on illegal properties, and shutting down 21 luxury villas on Koh Samui’s Khao Ma Ngaen mountain due to unauthorized construction. This is part of a larger operation targeting 46 properties built without proper permits, leading to the…
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Thailand unveils destination visa to attract remote workers
The Government of Thailand is intensifying efforts to promote its new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) to attract foreign nationals who wish to work while travelling in the country, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. Maris announced that the ministry is playing a significant role in promoting the DTV, which is anticipated to generate revenue for Thailand. He emphasised that…
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Southern Industrial Council opposes 400 baht minimum wage rise
The Southern Industrial Council opposes the proposed 400 baht minimum wage increase, advocating for region-specific adjustments instead. Businesses face high costs for electricity and oil, alongside competition from Chinese investments. Adisorn Tanaengchuan, President of the Southern Industrial Council and executive member of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), expressed concerns regarding the Labour Wage Committee’s meeting today to consider the…
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Identity theft leaves ex-village headman without essential services
An ex-assistant village headman from Nakhon Ratchasima has found himself in a nightmarish situation after discovering that his identity was stolen by a prisoner. Despite years of seeking help, he remains unable to access essential services due to the mix-up. Komson Tiskratok, a 41 year old man, reported that his name, surname, and 13-digit ID number were used by a…
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Biggus dickus: Rogue penis enlargement doc gets shafted by cops
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the National Health Security Office (NHSO) busted a rogue operator offering dubious penis enlargement procedures to men looking for a bigger package. Unfortunately, one victim, seeking a bit of extra length, has been left with painful infections rather than a bigger pecker. Heading the charge, Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridet and Police Major General…
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Thai household debt hits 13.6 trillion baht as bad loans rise
Thai household debt has surged to alarming levels, reaching 13.6 trillion baht, with non-performing loans (NPLs) climbing to 1.2 trillion baht. The National Credit Bureau reports a consistent rise in bad debts across housing, automotive, and credit card sectors. Data from the end of July indicates that household debt in Thailand reached a staggering 13.6 trillion baht. This figure is…
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Temple turmoil: Abbot arrested over sexual assault of minor
Police detained the abbot of a temple in Kui Buri district for questioning over allegations of sexually assaulting a minor. Villagers believe the abbot, known for accurate lottery predictions, is being falsely accused. The abbot denies the charges, while police reveal seven individuals have surrendered in connection with the case. Yesterday, September 19, at the office of the Kui Buri…
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Patong mayor urges caution after landslips and road damage
Patong Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri called on residents and drivers to remain vigilant following several landslips, potholes forming on rain-soaked roads, and a large tree falling onto power lines between Patong and Kamala. A notice was issued by Patong Municipality today, September 20. “Watch out! Follow the situation of flash floods, forest runoff, flooding, mudslides, and strong wind waves.” Residents affected…
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Phuket teleconference reviews disaster plan for southern provinces
Royal Volunteer Command Center Region 4 held a teleconference yesterday with representatives from 14 southern provinces to review the 2015 National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan. The meeting, chaired by Major General Anusorn Ourai, Deputy Commander of Army Area 4 and Deputy Director of the Royal Volunteer Command Center Region 4, aimed to improve coordination and ensure systematic disaster relief…
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Fire at Sisaket electric bike shop causes million-baht damage
A fire broke out at an electric motorcycle shop, quickly spreading to a nearby mobile phone store and a bank, resulting in millions of baht in damages. Police are investigating the cause of the blaze that occurred yesterday, September 19, at 5.30pm. The incident took place in a two-storey building in the town of Rasisalai, Sisaket province. The fire reportedly…
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Thai man arrested for robbing food vendor in Bang Lamung
Pattaya police apprehended a 51 year old Thai man accused of robbing a street food vendor while pretending to place an order. The suspect was arrested just hours after the incident. Police officers from Bang Lamung Police Station arrested the suspect, Sakon, at 9pm on Wednesday, September 18, at his residence in the Eua Athon Naklua housing estate in Bang…
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Police arrest key suspect in brutal Kalasin double murder
Police apprehended a key suspect in the brutal murder of two cattle traders, a father and son, whose bodies were found in the back of a pickup truck in Kalasin province, Thailand. The investigation continues as police pursue other members of the alleged gang involved in the crime. Police are investigating the murder of 62 year old Rian, and 32…
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Tropical storm Sonca to bring heavy rain to northeast Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning about Tropical Storm Sonca, expected to hit the northeastern regions of the country today, bringing heavy rainfall due to its slow-moving nature. Deputy Director-General Thanasit Iam-ananchai of the TMD provided an update on the storm’s progress, which was located in Khammouane Province, Laos, approximately 130 kilometres from Nakhon Phanom Province at 10pm…
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Malaysia and Cambodia launch cross-border QR payment system
Malaysia and Cambodia have collaboratively launched a cross-border quick response (QR) payment linkage, enabling consumers and merchants to conduct instant retail payments via mobile applications. This initiative, announced by Bank Negara Malaysia and the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), aims to enhance the payment experience and expand market reach for over 5 million merchants in both countries, primarily small businesses.…
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Virtual bank brawl: Thailand’s money movers make their pitch
Competition for virtual bank licences in Thailand is reaching fever pitch, with five heavyweight business groups stepping forward just before the application deadline. The Bank of Thailand and the Ministry of Finance are set to issue an undisclosed number of licences, with the winners announced in the first half of next year. Successful applicants will have a year to kick-start…
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Doctors on a mission: Time for a prescription for change
A group of furious doctors launched a passionate petition to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, demanding urgent action to tackle the dire state of Thailand’s public health system. Spearheaded by Clinical Professor Emeritus Dr Amnaj Kussalanan, a former president of the Medical Council of Thailand, the petition was formally handed over at the Ministry of Public Health, where Dr Watchai Charoonwattana,…
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Governor’s plan to transform Bangkok’s crumbling footpaths
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has taken matters into his own hands, rolling up his sleeves to personally inspect the chaotic renovation of Lat Phrao Road’s battered footpaths. The governor visited the busy Lat Phrao intersection on Tuesday, September 17, where a 20-kilometre overhaul is underway, aimed at bringing the pavements up to scratch. Years of neglect, due to the Yellow…
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Thai AirAsia offers free flights to Paralympic medalists
Thai AirAsia announced free flights for Thai Paralympic athletes who won medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games. Medalists will receive free flights for up to 10 years, both domestically and internationally. Thai AirAsia is offering free flights to all Thai athletes who secure medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games, similar to the benefits previously provided to Thai Olympic athletes. Gold…
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