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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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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Security guard shot dead at Bangkok waste centre, suspect sought
A security guard was shot dead at the maintenance office of a waste disposal centre in Pravet district, Bangkok, in the early hours of today, May 9. His wife revealed a mysterious warning he had given before the incident, providing clues about potential suspects. At 1am, Police Captain Worawit Meekham, an investigator from Pravet Police Station, received a report about…
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Teen arrested in Bangkok with firearm for self-defence
A 17 year old was apprehended by police after exhibiting suspicious behaviour and found in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The teenager claimed the items were taken from a rival for self-defence. Legal proceedings ensued promptly. At 4am today, May 9, Police Colonel Anan Warasart, the superintendent of Bang Khen Police Station, directed investigation deputy superintendent, Police Colonel Sanpich…
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Nowhere to hide: ‘Digital Crime Clock’ targets Pattaya’s criminals
In a high-tech twist straight out of a crime thriller, Pattaya police have rolled out a mobile crime-tracking system that could change the game for criminals lurking in the shadows. Dubbed the “Digital Crime Clock,” this innovative platform is the first of its kind in Thailand’s Provincial Police Region 2 and offers real-time crime data at officers’ fingertips. The system…
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Thai weather alert: storms and strong winds in 53 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for May 9 regarding severe weather conditions across 53 provinces. The northeast will experience summer storms with thunderstorms, strong winds, and occasional hail. Residents are advised to stay alert and avoid open areas during these conditions. A moderate high-pressure system from China is expected to cover Vietnam and the South China…
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North Thailand home invaders arrested with 20 guns and ammo
Four men, wanted for a violent attempted murder and home invasion in Uttaradit province last December, have been arrested in a series of dramatic police raids across Bangkok and two central provinces. Along with their capture, a cache of 20 firearms and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition was seized, sparking concern over illegal weapon distribution. The Crime Suppression Division (CSD)…
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Chumphon chief faces backlash over monitor lizard cooking (video)
Locals in the southern province of Chumphon are demanding legal action against a community leader who shared a video of himself cooking and eating a monitor lizard, a protected species in Thailand. Residents in the Pathio district of Chumphon came across a Facebook post by the male community leader and shared it with various news agencies, calling for legal action…
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Bangkok SWAT busts online gun dealers selling modified weapons
Two suspects were arrested in Bangkok for allegedly modifying and selling guns online, sparking fears of a growing black market for weapons. The SWAT team swooped into a house in Suan Luang district, where they detained the duo, identified as 29 year old Natthakiat, also known as “New,” and 31 year old Suppasit, aka “Peach.” The arrests follow a series…
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Compensation for SAO building collapse victims to begin tomorrow
The first wave of compensation is set to be delivered tomorrow to the families of victims affected by the tragic collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok. A total of 21 relatives from the first batch will receive financial assistance after a series of negotiations with the ITD-CREC Joint Venture, involving Italian-Thai Development and China Railway No.10…
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2 Thai attackers assault and try to urinate on victim in game dispute
Police arrested two attackers who physically assaulted a victim and attempted to urinate on his face outside a convenience store in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district, following a dispute related to an online game. A video of the assault was shared on the Facebook page “อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6” and received significant attention. More than 2,200 users reacted to the video,…
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Thai ministry discusses agricultural product labelling for safety
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Itti Sirilattayakarn chaired a meeting to discuss plans for agricultural product labelling. The meeting, held in meeting room 134 at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, involved representatives from key departments such as the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS), the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Livestock Development, the Rice…
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Phuket to enforce 30-hour alcohol ban for Buddhist holiday
Phuket residents are in for a weekend of sobriety as two significant events, a municipal election and the Buddhist holiday Visakha Bucha Day, trigger a major alcohol sales ban. From Saturday evening, May 10 to Sunday evening, May 11, Phuket will see a 30-hour alcohol ban in areas with municipal elections, while a separate 24-hour ban will also be enforced…
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Hailstorm wreaks havoc in That Phanom, topples power lines
A hailstorm struck That Phanom district yesterday, causing severe damage with high winds toppling 26 high-voltage electricity poles along the Nakhon Phanom-That Phanom road, leading to widespread power outages. Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) teams are working to repair the damage. The storm, yesterday, May 7, with hail and strong winds hit That Phanom district, particularly affecting Ban Bung Hee in…
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Men arrested in Bang Khen over gaming dispute assault
Police in Bang Khen arrested two 21 year old men for allegedly assaulting a younger man following a gaming-related dispute. The arrest of the suspects, Kittinai also known as Frame, and Supawit, also known as Arm, ordered by Police Colonel Anant Warasart, took place after a viral social media post described the incident, which occurred at 3am on April 29…
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Thai woman at large after swindling money from taxi riders
A Thai woman remains at large after swindling money from at least three motorcycle taxi riders in Bangkok. The most recent victim lost 2,300 baht to the suspect. Natthida, the owner of a salon near Victory Monument, took to Facebook to warn motorcycle taxi riders in the area and nearby locations after a scammer posed as the owner of her…
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Bangkok woman arrested for selling meth to aid bedridden father
Police apprehended a 43 year old woman suspected of selling methamphetamine, to support her bedridden father. The arrest of the woman, Yui, today, May 7, in the Min Buri district, Bangkok, uncovered five bags containing 121 pills and other evidence, following a tip-off from an informant. The operation was part of the government’s anti-drug policy and led by several high-ranking police officers.…
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Senate committee to grill PM Paetongtarn on casino bill next week
The special Senate committee examining the government’s casino-entertainment complex bill plans to invite Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to elaborate on the bill’s rationale in the upcoming week. The committee, led by Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, announced yesterday, May 7, that it will conduct its second meeting to review the project today. Despite media speculations, Dr Veerapun clarified that the Thai PM…
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Phuket Airport expansion set to handle 18 million passengers
Phuket is set to soar to new heights as Airports of Thailand (AOT) pushes forward with Phase 2 of its ambitious Phuket Airport Development Project. The expansion will increase the airport’s capacity to accommodate a whopping 18 million passengers annually, positioning Thailand as a key player in regional aviation. Yesterday, May 7, AOT hosted the first public seminar for the…
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Fire at Sa Kaeo warehouse sends smoke across city
A significant fire broke out at a second-hand goods shop and warehouse in Mueang Sa Kaeo district, Sa Kaeo province, covering the city with smoke visible from over 10 kilometres away. The blaze started at 3pm yesterday, May 7. Police Lieutenant Saroj Buppha from Sa Kaeo Police Station was informed of the fire at a location on the 359 Highway,…
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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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Teenage Thai girl missing after taxi ride from Bangkok to Pattaya
A 17 year old Thai girl has gone missing in the central province of Chachoengsao while taking a taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya. Today marks one week since her disappearance. The family of the missing teenager, Naphatsorn “Namtan” Plerphukiao, took to social media to gather information about her whereabouts. Namtan left her dormitory in the Rangsit area of Pathum Thani…
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Krabi locals team up to tackle marine waste in coastal cleanup
A stunning community effort in Krabi has seen volunteers from across the region band together to tackle the growing problem of marine waste along the Ao Ching Chang coastline. The clean-up, which took place yesterday, May 7, focused on removing harmful debris and preserving the area’s fragile marine environment. Led by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) and…
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Surat Thani police hunt suspect in 3 million baht ticket scam
Police in Surat Thani intensified efforts to apprehend a woman accused of defrauding over 50 people by selling unusable airline tickets, resulting in damages exceeding 3 million baht. A warrant for her arrest was issued yesterday, May 7. Police Major General Sermpan Sirikhong, commander of Surat Thani provincial police, disclosed that Kaewta Chookhao deceived victims by claiming she could secure discounted…
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Thai Airways warns of delays as airspace dispute disrupts flights
Travel chaos looms for passengers heading to South Asia and Europe as Thai Airways International issues a crucial warning about potential delays due to the ongoing airspace closure between Pakistan and India. Last night, May 7, the Thai flag carrier urged passengers flying to India, Pakistan, and European destinations to double-check their flight details. While flights between Thailand and India…
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Man arrested with drugs and firearm after evading Lop Buri checkpoint
A 40 year old man was apprehended by police yesterday, May 7, after attempting to evade a checkpoint in Lop Buri. Officers discovered drugs, including 595 methamphetamine pills and 17.1 grammes of crystal meth, a firearm, and ammunition in his possession. The incident unfolded when police, led by Police Colonel Thatch Phosuwan and Police Lieutenant Vissanon Sringam, were conducting a routine…
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Thai mother physically assaults daughter in Khon Kaen restaurant
Government officials rescued a three year old girl after a horrifying viral video showed her mother physically assaulting the child and pouring water over her head at a barbecue restaurant in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen province. CCTV footage from the restaurant captured the moment of physical and verbal abuse, which occurred on the night of Tuesday, May 6.…
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Teen girl found working at Mae Chan karaoke sparks trafficking fears
Police and administrative officials raided a karaoke bar in Mae Chan, located along Phahon Yothin Road, after discovering a 15 year old girl was hired to entertain guests, raising concerns of human trafficking. Yesterday, May 7, Police Colonel Kiattisak Jitprasarn, the head of Mae Chan Police Station, received a report from the 191 patrol police, in collaboration with Mae Chan…
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Homeless man’s martial arts dance stops traffic on Thai road
A disturbed homeless man, seen performing a martial arts dance in the middle of a busy road, recently alarmed passing motorists to manoeuvre around him. TikTok user @suttida.25 shared a video of the shocking incident, capturing the man holding an umbrella while showcasing his moves. The incident occurred on Sunday, May 4 at around 3pm, as reported by KhaoSod Online.…
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Thailand video news | Israeli tourist sparks outrage on Koh Pha Ngan, Irish tourist arrested after violent brawl in Pattaya
Today’s Thailand and regional headlines spotlight a series of dramatic and troubling incidents involving foreign nationals, aviation emergencies, border tensions, and cross-border crime. From a viral cultural clash on Koh Pha Ngan and explosive arrests in Phuket, to air defence scares near Myanmar and a mysterious disappearance in Malaysia, here’s your round-up of key developments shaping the news across Southeast…
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Robot smashes hole in Pattaya car park wall
Tourists and locals were left stunned after a large hole mysteriously appeared in the side of Pattaya City’s automated parking garage near Bali Hai Pier, triggering concerns over the safety of the city’s high-tech car park. The incident unfolded at around 12.30pm yesterday, May 7, when a mechanical lift arm inside the facility smashed through a wall during what should…
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Thai police break major drug operation in Ayutthaya
Thai police successfully dismantled a major drug storage operation in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, seizing over 8.7 million methamphetamine pills and 720 kilogrammes of crystal meth. The arrest occurred yesterday, May 7, with the suspect allegedly earning 100,000 baht per shipment. Police General Prachuap Wongsuk, Deputy Police Chief, along with key officials from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, led an…
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