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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Taiwan mourns as falling air conditioner from high-rise kills university student
In a shocking incident in Taiwan, a 21 year old university student was tragically killed by a falling air conditioning unit, which dropped from the 17th floor of a building. The harrowing events unfolded yesterday afternoon, stunning spectators and raising concerns about the safety of high-rise structures. The episode unfolded near the Xinpu MRT Station in Banqiao district, a bustling…
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Thai Smile Airways’ turbulent tiff: Passenger’s ‘left-behind’ fiasco halts takeoff in Chiang Mai (video)
A Thai Smile Airways flight had to make an emergency stop as it taxied down the runway after a foreign passenger demanded the plane returned to the terminal gate so he could pick up his left behind valuables at Chiang Mai International Airport. A Thai TikTok user, bandzlam, shared a video of the incident when a foreign man urged a…
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Fiery accident on Ayutthaya overpass leaves car ablaze after collision with 18-wheeler
A traumatic accident occurred in the early hours of this morning, as a sudden brake from an 18-wheeler led to a fiery collision on an overpass in the central Ayutthaya province. north of Bangkok. The vehicle crashing into the trailer was a passenger car unable to brake in time, resulting in an intense fire. Upon investigation at the scene, it…
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Heavy downpours forecasted across 42 Thai provinces, flash floods expected
The country has been warned of possible intense downpours and potential floods today by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), affecting 42 major provinces across Thailand, including Bangkok. Residents are being cautioned of sudden flash floods. At 5am today, the TMD forecasted a 24-hour weather change with the intrusion of monsoons from the north and northeast. These monsoons are heading towards…
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Motorbike accident: Young woman dies, another critically injured in a fatal collision near Bangkok University
A tragic motorbike accident resulted in the death of a 23 year old woman, with another critically injured when their motorbike crashed head-on with a fully laden bus on Phaholyothin Road in Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani, close to Bangkok University. In a hair-raising account, the bus driver recounted the moment the motorbike suddenly veered into his path at about…
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Saudi-Thailand relations: Leaders discuss tourism and investment amid strengthening ties
The chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Consultative Assembly, Abdullah Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Sheikh, was heartily welcomed by Thailand’s Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday for a constructive dialogue on potential collaboration for tourism and investment in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The Saudi-Thailand relations discussion was announced by Tipanan Sirichana, deputy government spokesperson for Thailand. Al-Sheikh, leading the delegation from Saudi Arabia, had…
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Business events sector in Thailand set for a boost with projected tourism rebound
The business events sector in Thailand is set to benefit from the buoyancy of the country’s tourism industry and a new influx of trade shows this year, fuelled in part by the country’s stable political environment, according to specialists at Informa Markets Thailand. Sanchai Noombunnam, who helms the firm in Thailand, drew attention to predictions that the country would recoup…
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Thai finance minister proposes high-value fruit insurance, EV premium changes
Exuding a wave of fresh optimism for the agricultural and green sectors, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith has floated a revolutionary proposal – the launch of insurance for high-value fruits. A measure aimed at fortifying the faith of fruit farmers, the proposal was made during a compelling keynote speech at the CEO Insurance Forum 2023. The main theme for the forum,…
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Thai delivery rider assaulted roadside, manhunt for patterned shirt suspect underway
In a harrowing assault incident, a female delivery rider was assaulted and left dazed and confused on a Thai roadside. The woman, identified as 36 year old Pennapha, was found offering no recollection of the incident and suffered visible injuries. Rescue services were promptly alerted, assisting the victim before advising her to report the matter to Chaiyaphruek Police in Nonthaburi…
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Thailand sees tourism growth skyrocketing to 3 trillion baht in 2023
Thailand recently experienced a surge in international arrivals, with numbers reaching 15 million within just seven months of this year, encouraging tourism growth, informed Rachada Dhnadirek, a deputy government spokesperson. She acknowledged the substantial contribution of northern hemisphere school summer breaks increasing the influx of international tourists to the vibrant Southeast Asian nation, thereby boosting tourism growth. In response to…
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Buriram residents bewildered by backdated water bills up to 9 years old
In Thailand’s northeast province of Buriram, inhabitants of Ban Dan district are left in confusion as they are being billed for water usage dating back six to nine years. Appearing across each village, these bills have sparked controversy, with municipality staff explaining that the payment must be collected. The complaints escalated as residents within the Ban Dan area, in some…
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Breaking stereotypes: Thai students organise birthday surprise for black teacher (video)
Thai students at Chaturaphak Phiman School in the Isaan province of Roi Et have taken a stand against stereotypes, showing the world that not all Thai students are racist. The student shared a video of them creating a birthday surprise for their black teacher. Three days ago, a video of a Thai student raising her middle fingers at a black…
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Thai court officer fined 500 baht and sentenced for charging journalist for parking
A security officer previously stationed at a civil court building in Bangkok has been sentenced to one month in prison and fined 500 baht (US$15) for abusing his position by coercing money from a female journalist for parking. It’s the first time he’s been convicted, with the sentence suspended for a year. The report comes following an incident on July…
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Bizarre wall reveals decomposing body in Parisian suburb flat as owner returns from vacation
A chilling discovery was made recently in an apartment in Livry-Gargan, a northeastern suburb of Paris, France. A 1.5-metre long, 40-centimetre wide, and 1-metre high wall mysteriously erected in the middle of the kitchen revealed a decomposed body wrapped in heavily sealed plastic, hidden within its confines. The apartment owner was returning from a six-month holiday in Algeria when she encountered…
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Move Forward Party’s ‘Pita’-ful plan: Deputy leader aims for Thailand’s PM seat
The deputy leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP) revealed to the media today that the party plans another attempt to put forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat as Thailand’s next prime minister. Natthawut Buapratum made known the MFP will discuss the matter with the eight coalition parties. Natthawut revealed that Pita’s bid to become PM was blocked by many MPs and senators…
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Elderly woman captivates by sitting for exam, proving it’s never too late
An inspiring story emerged recently when a Thai woman in her sixties turned up smartly clad in a student uniform to sit for an exam. A touching narrative unfolded around the woman, eager to learn and position herself as a role model for her grandchildren—highlighting that it’s never too late to embrace education. The conversation came into the spotlight when…
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Uncaring boss berates employee for Covid-19 sick leave
A compelling online controversy has ignited following an exchange of conversation between a female employee who requested sick leave because of Covid-19 and her uncompassionate boss. This incident, disclosed by TikTok user lilich_pch in a video clip, has amassed substantial attention across the Internet. @lilich_pch♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ – Fraremn In the shared video, lilich_pch reveals a chat message conversation with her…
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3-day old unwashed face towels could be as germ-laden as lavatory, warns doctor
Unclean face towels are a breeding ground for severe bacteria and within just three days can become as polluted as a lavatory, one doctor warns. This is not directly apparent to the naked eye, nor is it benign. The predicament facing face towel users was highlighted by Huang Xuan, a Chinese doctor specialising in the care of critically ill patients.…
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Masked rider gang’s loan sharks left FIN-ancially busted as ECD rides in for arrests
Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) officers arrested five loan sharks from the Masked Rider Gang for attacking debtors and demanding extortionate interest rates of 400% per year. The arrests were made following a complaint by a debtor in June of this year when he was attacked by loan sharks at his condominium. He explained that he borrowed the money from…
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Four suspects arrested over grand theft of ancient Celtic gold coins in Germany worth over 60 million baht
In a significant operation in Germany that buzzed the archaeological sphere, four suspects tied to the grand theft of ancient Celtic gold coins from a museum in Manching, Bavaria were arrested recently. The treasure trove, a more than 2000 year old cache, consisted of hundreds of coins valued at about 1.6 million euros or over 60 million baht. The audacious…
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Phuket plans 1,000 tree planting endeavour at Thalang Park for King’s birthday
Officials in Phuket revealed plans to plant 1,000 trees at the renowned Thalang Memorial Park, also known as the Victory Field, come this Sunday. The tree planting endeavour coincides with the activities commemorating the 71st birthday of His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn, which will be celebrated on July 28. Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew chaired the meeting where this announcement was made. In…
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San Mahaphon chairman found after mysterious 4-day disappearance in forest
The chairman of San Mahaphon Municipality Council, located in Chiang Mai province, has been located after mysteriously disappearing for four days. He was found today in a forest nearly 5 kilometres from where he disappeared. He went missing from home without a trace from July 17 onward. According to family members, he had crossed the Mae Faek dam and a…
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Illegal logging crackdown: Two men arrested and valuable timber seized in Chiang Mai park
In a continuous crackdown on illegal logging, officials from Sri Lanna National Park in Chiang Mai arrested two men and seized valuable processed timber. It is part of broader efforts to deal with crimes against forest resources and wildlife. Additionally, a hunt is underway for four other men allegedly involved in the illegal activities. The order for this intensified action…
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Chalong Underpass closed Saturday for pump system review amid heavy rainfall in Phuket (video)
A scheduled review of the pump system in the Chalong Underpass in Phuket has led to a day-long closure of the passage this Saturday. The routine check-up is a necessity to ensure the pump system’s continued functionality, particularly amidst the heavy rainfalls during Phuket’s soggy season. The Phuket Highways Office (PHO) has confirmed the closure. The inspection draws its significance…
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Explosion rocks Johannesburg: 41 injured, cars tossed as main road ruptures in suspected gas blast
Johannesburg yesterday was shaken by an explosion, disrupting a central part of the city located in the northern region of South Africa. The blast caused a significant rupture on a main tarmac road, and several vehicles, including a mini-bus, were hurled by the blast’s force. A reported 41 people were injured due to the incident. Emergency services initially suggested that…
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Bad hair day: Jordanian barber busted for illegally trimmed tourist trade in Phuket
Police officers yesterday arrested a Jordanian national for operating unlawfully as a barber, primarily serving foreign tourists, in Phuket. The arrest occurred in the popular beach resort town of Patong. The news regarding the man’s illegal activities came to light through digital news platforms and was later confirmed by the Patong Police. The media has been vigilant, reporting instances of…
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Lethal liaisons: Alleged Thai cyanide serial killer and accomplices charged in deadly plot
The alleged Thai cyanide serial killer and her associates have been officially charged in connection with a series of poisonous murders. Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, her ex-husband 39 year old Police Lieutenant Colonel Withoon Rangsiwuthaporn, and the alleged killer’s 35 year old lawyer Thanicha Aeksuwannawat have also been indicted. All three, now in the dock, face accusations of attempted murder and…
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Election winner, Pita Limjaroenrat, blocked to become Thai Prime Minister
In a marathon seven-hour session of Parliament yesterday, the majority of members arrived at a consensus that Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP) and the winner of the General Election, would not meet the eligibility criteria to assume the position of Thai Prime Minister (PM). Furthermore, he will not be considered a candidate for the second round…
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Early morning teen violence shocks Pattaya with gunshots and explosives
Pattaya was roused in the early hours of this morning by an incident of teen violence erupting onto the streets. The shocking incident took place at 4am today near the Sukhumvit Pattaya Karn Chang garage in the Naklua sub-district of Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung district. A group of adolescents took to guns and explosives to settle disputes. Two Thai men…
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Porsche powerplay: Drivers blaze jaw-dropping trail from Bangkok to Singapore
In a revved-up feat of automotive prowess, a dynamic team of Porsche drivers left car enthusiasts awe-struck as they blazed a trail from Bangkok, Thailand to the heart of Singapore in a jaw-dropping sub-30-hour dash. The trio, hailing from Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, took the wheel of a cutting-edge Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo in the small hours of June…
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