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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10 questions to ask an insurance provider when purchasing an insurance policy
When you’re buying insurance coverage, it’s important to ask questions that can give you a better understanding of what the policy offers you regarding protection and benefits. Here are ten specific questions to think about so you can make a well-informed choice that fits your requirements: 1. What type of insurance plan is this? Knowing the kind of insurance is…
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Thai boy arrested for killing close friend over alleged insult
A 15 year old Thai boy arrested for the murder of his close friend in the southern province of Songkhla, claimed that the deceased insulted him with vulgar language. A resident in the Khlong Hoi Khong district of Songkhla discovered the body of 15 year old Konnawan “Fang” O-thong in a puddle in the forest at around 9.45am yesterday, September 29.…
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EEC housing market crashes: It’s a real estate shake-up
Sales of residential units in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) have taken a nosedive, particularly near industrial estates, following a wave of factory closures. Vichai Viratkapan, acting director-general of the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), pointed the finger at the shuttering of large factories since last year, which has severely impacted housing demand in Chon Buri and Rayong. “New sales…
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Thailand braces for severe weather with heavy rain, strong winds
Thailand faces severe weather conditions today, as the Meteorological Department (TMD) issues warnings of heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flash floods across 51 provinces. The northern and northeastern regions are expected to be particularly affected, with rain predicted to cover 70% of these areas. TMD forecasted the weather for the next 24 hours, declaring that a moderate southwest monsoon…
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Used car market in a jam as electric vehicles spark trouble
The used car market is in dire straits, with a shocking downturn blamed on the economic slump, soaring non-performing loans (NPLs), and the growing allure of electric vehicles (EVs), warns Tris Rating. In a jaw-dropping revelation, used car hire-purchase firms have reported a staggering 93% plunge in profits year-on-year for the first half of 2024. Motorcycle hire-purchase companies haven’t fared…
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Grandmother finds lucky number at Kham Chanod Island
A grandmother, hoping to rely on her grandchildren’s luck, found herself searching for numbers on a giant fig tree at Kham Chanod Island. She discovered a double number, marking yet another successful visit. This mystical site never fails to bring her fortune. Kham Chanod Island, a renowned spiritual site located in Ban Non Mueang, Ban Muang subdistrict, Ban Dung district,…
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Man arrested for brandishing knife and cannabis on Bangkok bus
A 19 year old man was arrested by traffic police for brandishing a knife and causing a disturbance on a bus, heading towards an expressway. Upon searching his bag, police found cannabis, drug paraphernalia, and additional knives. Traffic police apprehended the suspect at approximately 1pm yesterday near the Phahonyothin 1 expressway exit in Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok. The operation was…
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Phatthalung police seize 20,000 meth pills in major drug bust
Police in Phatthalung have arrested a drug dealer at a petrol station, seizing 20,000 methamphetamine pills intended for local distribution and are now expanding their efforts to dismantle a larger network in Thung Song. Phatthalung police, led by Yotsaporn Rungsawat, commander of the 434th Border Patrol Police Company, alongside Amphon Nilbanphot and Chusak Chuthong, officers from the same unit, and administrative…
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Police intercepts street racers in Bang Khen
Police in Bang Khen intercepted a group of motorcyclists who had arranged a street race via Facebook, performing dangerous stunts on Ram Inthra Road. Early this morning, the police received a report about a group of teenagers gathering to race motorcycles on Ram Inthra Road. Around 2am, officers arrived at Soi Ram Inthra 14 and found the group engaging in…
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Heavy rain and strong winds to hit 38 Thai provinces today
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning about heavy rain and strong winds affecting 38 provinces today due to a weakening southwest monsoon and a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam. Residents are urged to take precautions as temperatures are expected to drop tomorrow. The weakening southwest monsoon is currently covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of…
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Waiter in Pattaya threatens taxi driver with gun during standoff
A dramatic incident unfolded when a waiter from a famous establishment in Pattaya brandished a gun and threatened a motorcycle taxi driver. Despite four hours of police negotiations, the situation escalated with the sound of gunfire as the man attempted to flee from his past misdeeds. Police reported that 39 year old Nirut was seen walking with a firearm at…
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Family injured after truck falls from under-construction flyover in Bangkok
A family of three sustained injuries when their pickup truck fell from a flyover under construction in Lat Krabang district, Bangkok, early today. The incident occurred around 2am on the 10-metre-high Lat Krabang-Onnut flyover, which is under construction on Lat Krabang Road near the Suk Saman intersection. Police and rescue teams arrived promptly, discovering the severely damaged Isuzu pickup truck…
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Anti-drunk driving group urges no alcohol spending of 10,000-baht handout
Anti-drunk driving campaigners have called on recipients of the government’s 10,000-baht cash handout to avoid spending the money on alcohol to prevent accidents. Phattarabhandhu Krissana, chairman of the Network of Victims Against Drunk Driving, emphasised that the funds should be used for necessities or investments instead of alcoholic beverages, which could lead to accidents and disabilities. The Network of Victims…
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Police probe Mae Tuck’s gold shop for money laundering
Police are set to investigate the gold shop business of Kornkanok Suwannabut, known on social media as Mae Tuck, to determine if it is being used as a front for money laundering. Kornkanok and her husband Kanpol face accusations of selling jewellery with less gold content than advertised during livestream sessions on her social media platform. Kornkanok has reportedly stated…
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Peta accuses Thai zoo of exploiting baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) has levelled accusations against Khao Kheow Open Zoo, alleging that the zoo is exploiting Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippo, claiming she should be in the wild and not paraded for profit. “TikTok turned Moo Deng into a celebrity, but the reality is far from cute,” read a post on Peta’s Facebook…
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Coffee vendor banned for 30 days after altercation with tourist (video)
A coffee shop owner at Talad Rom Hub train market in Mae Klong district has been ordered to close his shop for 30 days following a vulgar gesture towards a Spanish tourist. Captured on video, the vendor was seen pushing and yelling at the tourist, a clip that swiftly spread across social media, inciting a public outcry. The Maeklong railway…
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Thai officer’s suicide linked to wife’s 100 million baht fraud scheme
A woman involved in a controversial rotating savings scheme in Buri Ram is now suspected to be linked to the apparent suicide of her police officer husband, investigators report. Police found the officer, 42 year old Nattaphon, dead in his Ford Ranger with a bullet wound to the right side of his head and a 9-millimetre pistol nearby. The vehicle…
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Don’t carry cash in Thailand
Are you planning a trip to Thailand? With the many temples, beaches, and other attractions Thailand offers, you will definitely have a memorable experience. However, before your trip, there is an important factor that you should consider other than your passport/visa issues and that’s money. Recent modifications in policies have established that a sufficient amount of cash must be on…
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Factory worker finds body with stab wounds in Ayutthaya canal
A factory worker was shocked to find a partially naked body floating in a canal, riddled with stab wounds, initially mistaking it for a doll. Police Lieutenant Nathakorn Damrongthanawan received a report yesterday, September 27 at 6.30pm of a male body found floating in a canal within the Bang Pa-in Industrial Estate in Ayutthaya province. Upon arrival at the scene…
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Flooding from Doi Suthep damages temple in Chiang Mai
A torrent of muddy water from Doi Suthep wreaked havoc at Wat Phala, located at the base of the mountain in Chiang Mai, severely damaging the temple’s roof and walls. This sudden flood followed continuous heavy rains in the region. Reporters highlighted the aftermath of the relentless downpour that drenched Chiang Mai city and Doi Suthep yesterday, September 27. The…
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Flood kills 300 pigs at Lampang farm, causes 21 million baht loss
Over 300 pigs have died after being submerged for three days due to a sudden flood at a farm in the northern province of Lampang, causing significant damage estimated at 21 million baht. The owner of the farm expressed the devastating impact of this year’s flood. The incident occurred at Krissana Farm in Ban Watthana, Sobprab subdistrict, Sobprab district, Lampang…
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Asphalt removal on Nakhon Pathom road leaves 100 cars damaged
Asphalt removal on the Ngiu Rai-Salaya road in Nakhon Pathom province has left numerous vehicles damaged, causing significant inconvenience to drivers. The incident, which saw over 100 cars affected, has sparked calls for responsible authorities to address the issue. A driver named Mee, residing in Nakhon Chai Si, Nakhon Pathom, was travelling on the Ngiu Rai-Salaya road yesterday, September 27…
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Man bitten by snake on Phatthalung mountain shares survival story (video)
A Thai man shared a TikTok video about his last trip where he was bitten by a snake at night on a mountain. He used survival skills passed down through generations to handle the situation, but netizens advised against his methods, calling them dangerous. On TikTok, user @arunsrisuwan512 posted a video describing his experience of being bitten by a green…
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Elderly man loses 10,000 baht from Thai govt handout
An elderly man who recently withdrew 10,000 baht in cash from the Thai government’s handout initiative found his wallet missing, prompting a heartfelt community response. A woman’s Facebook post detailed the incident and led to numerous offers of assistance from across the country. The government recently issued 10,000 baht to vulnerable groups, distributed based on the last digits of their…
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Pattaya police detains illegal immigrant beggars
Police in Pattaya detained several illegal immigrant beggars yesterday, September 27, to preserve the city’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination. Beginning at 6pm, Chon Buri Immigration, Pattaya City officials, and the Chon Buri Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office launched a coordinated crackdown targeting illegal immigrants begging in high-traffic tourist areas. Officials inspected locations around Wat Chaimongkol on…
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Thai king’s son meets famous pygmy hippo Moo Deng
Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, the second-eldest son of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, visited Khao Kheow Open Zoo near Pattaya yesterday, September 27. His visit aimed to snap a selfie with the world-famous pygmy hippo, Moo Deng, and explore various sections of the zoo. Narongwit Chotchoy, Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, stated that the atmosphere was very pleasant, with…
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Thai woman faces complex murder case over son’s death in UK
A Thai woman, accused of murdering her seven year old son in the UK, made an appearance at Swansea Crown Court this week. The defence team described the case as “extremely complicated.” The Thai woman, 42 year old Papaipit Linse, who remains in custody, appeared in court but did not enter a plea. John Hipkin KC, representing Papaipit , requested…
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Thai police arrest five in Korat for Facebook scam
Thai police have apprehended five individuals involved in a scam that involved creating fake Facebook pages to deceive people into transferring money for sacred objects. The arrests were made following a detailed investigation by the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, Police Major General Nopasin Poolsawas, and other senior officers from the bureau directed their team to conduct…
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Chiang Mai launches cleanup after floods ease in commercial areas
Workers have launched a campaign to clean roads and remove debris in downtown Chiang Mai following the easing of floods in some commercial areas. Chiang Mai Municipality initiated the operation at 5pm yesterday, September 27 to revive economic activity in the bustling northern tourism hub. The effort is divided into five zones, including areas near the Naowarat Bridge and the…
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Sustainability expo 2024 opens in Bangkok, urgent action needed
Immediate action is necessary for sustainability, warns Sumet Tantivejkul, secretary-general of the Chaipattana Foundation. Speaking at the opening ceremony of Sustainability Expo 2024 (SX2024) yesterday in Bangkok, he highlighted the urgency of change as emphasised by the sufficiency economy theory of King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great King Rama IX. Sumet elaborated on the theory, noting that while it originally seemed…
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