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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?...

  • Water crisis grapples Koh Samui as rising tourist demands amplify freshwater shortage

    Water crisis grapples Koh Samui as rising tourist demands amplify freshwater shortage

    Koh Samui, a popular tourist resort island in Surat Thani province, is grappling with a significant water crisis as declining rainfall and amplified water demands take their toll. Many of the water reserves on the island, such as the district’s Phru Na Mueang and Phru Krajud reservoirs, along with the renowned Hin Lard waterfall, have seen their water levels drop…

  • Experienced consultant analyses dramatic shift in Thai online shopping trends

    Experienced consultant analyses dramatic shift in Thai online shopping trends

    In Thailand, online shopping appears to have become the desired norm, with a proportionate increase in consumer expectations, per a survey by advertising consultancy Wunderman Thompson. The data suggest that Thai patrons are willing to increase their online spending provided their experience includes faster delivery schedules among other factors, according to digital and customer relationship management director at Wunderman Thompson, Puvadon…

  • Thailand’s Interior Ministry rolls out digital ID app in drive towards Thailand 4.0

    Thailand’s Interior Ministry rolls out digital ID app in drive towards Thailand 4.0

    In an effort to digitise various government-provided services and increase their accessibility, Thailand’s Interior Ministry officially rolled out a novel mobile application as part of its digital ID programme on Friday. The launch event was graced by none other than caretaker Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, who wholeheartedly endorsed the newly unveiled ‘ThaID’ mobile application. Prayut outlined the primary motive behind…

  • Banpu eyes free power trade system amidst rising Thai electricity costs

    Banpu eyes free power trade system amidst rising Thai electricity costs

    In the face of rising electricity bills, a new opportunity is emerging for a free power trade system in Thailand, as spotted by Banpu Power Plc, the power generation arm of energy conglomerate Banpu Plc. Expecting a worldwide shift in electricity markets, the company, under Kirana Limpaphayom, its CEO, is poised to take advantage of this imminent change. The combined…

  • Thailand’s tourism confidence slides amidst global economy concerns

    Thailand’s tourism confidence slides amidst global economy concerns

    The second quarter of this year saw the Tourism Confidence Index remaining subdued, sliding from the previous quarter. The contributor to this drop was a blend of Thailand‘s low season and decreased earnings from tourism. The president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), Chamnan Srisawat, announced that the second quarter’s score was two points lower than the prior quarter…

  • Thailand introduces oversight to curb lavish spending on decorative street lamps

    Thailand introduces oversight to curb lavish spending on decorative street lamps

    There’s been a response to a recent scandal involving an 871 million baht procurement of solar-powered street lamps designed with mythical kinnaree figures by the local administration of Racha Thewa, in Samut Prakan. Sweeping measures are being introduced to ensure transparency and accountability in future such projects. This conspicuous procurement resulted in misconduct charges being pressed against at least 40…

  • Bangkok food shop exposed as illegal pub, arrests made during surprise raid

    Bangkok food shop exposed as illegal pub, arrests made during surprise raid

    An unlicensed pub masquerading as a food shop was inconspicuously hiding in plain sight in the Pathum Wan district of Bangkok. After a series of complaints, officers successfully conducted a raid in the early hours of this morning. The food store, Larb Ped Yaso Jae Nim Rong Muang, enjoying a prominent location near Wat Chamni Hattakarn on Rama I Road,…

  • Phuket’s Wichit Municipality launches free mobile rabies vaccinations for animals

    Phuket’s Wichit Municipality launches free mobile rabies vaccinations for animals

    Phuket‘s Wichit Municipality unveiled a series of mobile centres tailored to offer free rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs. This manoeuvre is an effort led by the Division of Public Health and Environment of Wichit Municipality. Cats and dogs can get free vaccinations from 8.30am until 12pm, starting on July 10 and concluding on July 14, The Phuket News reported.…

  • Phuket airport escalators declared safe after alarming accident at Don Mueang

    Phuket airport escalators declared safe after alarming accident at Don Mueang

    Phuket International Airport recently completed safety checks on all escalators, following a disturbing accident at Don Mueang Airport. The General Manager of the Phuket branch of the Airports of Thailand (AoT Phuket), Monchai Tanode, confirmed that the airport’s 31 escalators and 27 elevators had been thoroughly inspected by certified technicians, and found to be safe for public use. In an…

  • Thailand hit by 5.0 magnitude Myanmar quake, tremors felt in north

    Thailand hit by 5.0 magnitude Myanmar quake, tremors felt in north

    Last night saw an earthquake of 5.0 magnitude in Myanmar, causing areas in Thailand to experience the tremors. The districts affected, as revealed by the Meteorological Department, were in Chiang Rai and some of its neighbouring areas. The information about the event was brought to light by the Earthquake Observation Division of the department. They made public today that the…

  • US couple found dead in Phuket hotel

    US couple found dead in Phuket hotel

    In a tragic turn of events in the tropical paradise of Phuket, a couple from the United States were found dead in a hotel on Thursday. Their bodies were discovered at a prominent hotel in proximity to the stunning Surin Beach on the west coast of Phuket. Local police believe it was a case of double suicide by lethal injection.…

  • Phuket yacht sweeps ashore amid severe weather, safety warnings reiterated

    Phuket yacht sweeps ashore amid severe weather, safety warnings reiterated

    In an unforeseen turn of events earlier this morning, a sailing yacht near Ao Yon in the northern part of Chalong Bay, Phuket, was reported to have been forced onto the shore due to wave action. The yacht is understood to have been detached from its mooring and was seen adrift prior to being swept ashore. This unexpected incident occurred…

  • Thai ex-judge sentenced over 20 million baht bribery allegations

    Thai ex-judge sentenced over 20 million baht bribery allegations

    A recent court ruling unfurled in the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases witnessed a former appellate court judge handed a five-year prison sentence. The sentencing comes as a consequence of corruption allegations involving a whopping 20 million baht bribe request dating back to 2018. The judge had famously sought a bribe from an arrested Taiwanese individual, significantly…

  • Unlocking the secrets of gold trading: Strategies and tips for success

    Unlocking the secrets of gold trading: Strategies and tips for success

    Gold has captivated the world for centuries, and its enduring value makes it an attractive commodity to invest in. Trading gold comes with complexities, however – so understanding key strategies is essential if you want your investments to thrive. We will provide you with 3 effective strategies for gold trading as well as helpful tips that everyone should note when…

  • Sichon set to champion tranquil tourism in Southern Thailand as destination emerges as new travel hot spot

    Sichon set to champion tranquil tourism in Southern Thailand as destination emerges as new travel hot spot

    Seafront enclave in Nakhon Si Thammarat to start welcoming international flights Travellers are able to explore the authentic cultural and natural heritage of the region Former Laguna Phuket CEO, Ravi Chandran, heralds the huge potential of the destination Southern Thailand never fails to wow the world’s travellers with its sandy beaches, spectacular scenery and rich cultural heritage. Now, a new…

  • Mysterious vanishings take a twist: New development emerges in Bangkok case

    Mysterious vanishings take a twist: New development emerges in Bangkok case

    There’s been a new development on the sudden disappearance of five individuals from South Thailand’s Nakhon Si Thammarat province two months ago. When images from a CCTV were released it appeared that they had settled down in Bangkok’s Lat Phrao district. The missing individuals comprised of a mother named Ussa, Ussa’s daughter Beam, Beam’s half-sister Fasai, Beam’s friend Rung, and…

  • Wanted murder suspect captured after fatal shoot-out in Ang Thong

    Wanted murder suspect captured after fatal shoot-out in Ang Thong

    A long-standing warrant offender was apprehended today after a shoot-out which led to a fatality in Ang Thong province, central Thailand. The suspect, a 36 year old man, murdered a 45 year old man. The suspect eventually wound up in hospital after injuring himself during the incident. Officers from Pho Thong Police Station, Wiset Chai Chan Police Station, and Mueang…

  • Coldplay add one new date in Thailand due to overwhelming demand

    Coldplay add one new date in Thailand due to overwhelming demand

    PRESS RELEASE ‘THE GREATEST LIVE MUSIC SHOW EVER’ The Times “Genuinely stunning” “A fantastical feel–good bonanza”★★★★★, The Guardian ★★★★★, NME“As good as it…

  • American man enjoys VIP flight after 18-hour delay leaves him as lone passenger (video)

    American man enjoys VIP flight after 18-hour delay leaves him as lone passenger (video)

    Receiving an upgraded travel experience to VIP, a top-tier operational manager for a property firm, shared his unique story after his American Airlines flight was delayed for a lengthy 18 hours. His video post on TikTok explaining his exclusive trip quickly went viral, gaining over 54 million views and more than 10 million likes. @phil.stringer♬ Makeba The young American, Phil…

  • Tourist police bust illegal Chinese tour guide in Phuket

    Tourist police bust illegal Chinese tour guide in Phuket

    Phuket Tourist Police busted a Chinese man for allegedly working as a tour guide without the necessary permits and licenses. According to the Tourist Police, 43 year old Wang Kua Cheng was arrested this week in front of the Mongkol Nimit Temple on Dibuk Road in Phuket Old Town, The Phuket Express reported. Officers brought Wang to Phuket City Police…

  • Divine inferno: Temple fire causes 10 million baht damage, monk injured

    Divine inferno: Temple fire causes 10 million baht damage, monk injured

    Tragedy struck in the early hours of this morning as a fire ripped through Khlong Wat Rai temple, a religious edifice located in Bang Rakam district, Phitsanulok province. The vicious blaze, which sparked at around 3am, reduced the primary sermon building and ten adjacent accommodations reserved for monks to cinders. The abbot of the temple, Pairote Sunthornkit monk, reported the…

  • Surgical setback: Airport amputation victim’s reattachment hopes dashed for safety reasons

    Surgical setback: Airport amputation victim’s reattachment hopes dashed for safety reasons

    The son of a woman who suffered the loss of her leg at Don Mueang International Airport revealed that the planned reattachment surgery was cancelled due to concerns about his mother’s safety. The incident occurred when the woman collapsed on an escalator at the airport Wednesday morning. Prompt action was taken to rescue her, and she was swiftly transported to…

  • Thai municipal organisation defends 1.7 million baht educational yacht trip amid backlash

    Thai municipal organisation defends 1.7 million baht educational yacht trip amid backlash

    In the face of criticism regarding the alleged overspending on a yacht for an educational trip to Phuket, the Sakon Nakhon Municipal Organization (SNMO) has come forward to defend its actions. The organization maintains that transparency and the project’s value are at the forefront of its efforts. The controversy spiralled from a Facebook page, ‘ปฏิบัติการหมาเฝ้าบ้าน,’ which highlighted the cost –…

  • Passenger’s botched domestic flight sparks questions about airline accountability

    Passenger’s botched domestic flight sparks questions about airline accountability

    A heated online discussion was sparked when a disgruntled passenger shared his exasperating domestic flight experience. His intended short journey from Don Mueang International Airport to Trang, taking off at 7.35am yesterday and originally slated to land in Trang by 9am, turned out to be a distressing mid-air marathon caused by an unexpected chain of issues springing up. As the…

  • Road tragedy takes a deadly flip: Young Thai man’s life ends in wreckage as vehicle veers off course

    Road tragedy takes a deadly flip: Young Thai man’s life ends in wreckage as vehicle veers off course

    The life of a 25 year old man tragically ended after his vehicle veered off the road before flipping over and leaving him trapped in the wreckage in northern Thailand. This fatal accident took place on the Lamphang-Den Chai road, in the Mae Tha district of Lampang province. Emergency services and rescue teams, including police from Mae Tha Police Station, Mae…

  • Korat Zoo’s new 25 million baht spotted hyena enclosure wows visitors

    Korat Zoo’s new 25 million baht spotted hyena enclosure wows visitors

    The Korat Zoo in Nakhon Ratchasima unveiled its latest attraction – a new enclosure for a group of spotted hyenas, drawing the attention of visitors to an up-close encounter via the Sky Walk bridge. Thanachan Kensing, the director of Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, today formally introduced the newcomers: Six spotted hyenas, aged 13 to 15 years old. The cohort, imported from…

  • Internet users unite to help Thai daughter see her late father’s smile again

    Internet users unite to help Thai daughter see her late father’s smile again

    In an act of crowd-sourced kindness, Internet users have rallied together to help a grieving Thai daughter fulfil a heartfelt wish. Online individuals stepped up to aid an Internet user, who goes by the Facebook name Nuni Lovelove, in digitally modifying an image of her late father, whom she lost 19 years ago, bestowing him with a beaming smile. Nuni…

  • Kamala faces nine-hour power outage for high-voltage network maintenance

    Kamala faces nine-hour power outage for high-voltage network maintenance

    A lengthy nine hours power cut is expected today in southern Kamala, Phuket. This is a result of maintenance being undertaken on the local high-voltage power distribution network. A decree about the upcoming power outage, posted by the Kamala OrBorTor, the local Tambon Administrative Organisation, featured that the interruption is scheduled to begin at 9am and go on until 5pm. Though…

  • Foreign nationals in Phuket donate blood amid Rh-negative shortage

    Foreign nationals in Phuket donate blood amid Rh-negative shortage

    In an uplifting gesture of community unity, the Immigration Department of Phuket extended heartfelt appreciation to the 121 foreign nationals who donated blood at a special drive held at the Central Floresta shopping complex today. The blood donation event was jointly orchestrated by the Phuket Immigration Department and the local chapter of the Red Cross Society. The primary motivation behind…

  • Ancient Obnoi ravine: Chiang Mai’s hidden beauty set to become major tourist attraction

    Ancient Obnoi ravine: Chiang Mai’s hidden beauty set to become major tourist attraction

    Recently, a local government council led by Phansak Kaewsudjai, along with a group of administrative staff and media representatives, explored a narrow ravine in the Chom Thong district of Chiang Mai. The ravine is known to the locals as ‘Obnoi.’ With impressive rock formations and ancient inscriptions suspected to be thousands of years old, this is an enchanting spectacle reminiscent…