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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Teenager killed after being struck by car in Lopburi
A tragic accident claimed the life of a 15 year old boy who was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross a road in Lopburi yesterday, February 17. The incident occurred on Phahon Yothin Road, near Wat Khao Wong Phra Chan in the Mueang subdistrict of Khok Samrong district. Police Major Piyap Rung Huaphai, an investigator at Khok Samrong…
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Hungry man caught stealing roasted pork from Udon Thani shop
A man was apprehended after attempting to steal roasted pork from a noodle shop in Udon Thani, claiming hunger drove him to theft. Employees managed to detain him before handing him over to the police. The incident unfolded yesterday, February 17, when Police Lieutenant Colonel Thirayothin Sapsin received a report of a theft at Tee Hi Noodle Shop in the…
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Throttle down: Patong police clamp down on reckless riders
In a bid to curb chaos on the streets of Phuket, Patong police launched a major crackdown on reckless driving by foreign tourists, resulting in over ten motorbike rental operators facing fines. The operation, which swung into action on Saturday, February 15, saw the capture of numerous vehicles, with operators penalised for renting bikes to tourists without checking for valid…
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Bangkok woman suffers excessive blood loss after dimple surgery
A Thai woman sought assistance from the Ministry of Public Health after she recently lost consciousness due to severe blood loss following dimple surgery at a beauty clinic in Bangkok’s Prawet district. The 41 year old victim, Laila, urged the Be One organisation to bring her case to the Ministry of Public Health and help her receive proper medical treatment.…
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Body of student linked to gambling debt found in Prachin Buri river
The body of an 18 year old vocational student connected to gambling debt has been discovered in a river in Prachin Buri province. Before his disappearance, the young man reportedly appeared in a dream to his mother, revealing his body was in the river. At 11.30am yesterday, February 17, Police Lieutenant Pattheera Phetthongkliang was informed of a body found near…
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Boatload of change: Phuket makes waves with water transport plan
Phuket is set to make a splash with an innovative plan to tackle its notorious traffic woes—by taking to the water. In a bid to ease the island’s increasing congestion, local officials gathered at Phuket Provincial Hall’s Smart Operations Center yesterday, February 17, to explore the integration of water transport systems, with a focus on a pioneering ‘Boat Taxi’ project.…
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Tragic Phuket crash: Man killed as car overturns
A 30 year old man lost his life in a horrific late-night crash after his car flipped and smashed into a roadside barrier in Wichit, Phuket, early yesterday morning. Wichit Police were alerted to the accident at around 2.30am, yesterday, February 17, near the Bangchak petrol station on Mueang Chaofa Road, a key route linking Prince of Songkla University’s Phuket campus…
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Young man in Buriram hospitalised after auditory hallucinations
A 21 year old man in Buriram province attempted to take his own life after being haunted by mysterious voices. Following a rescue by police, he was taken to the hospital for evaluation. The young man had recently been ordained as a summer monk but requested to leave early due to these auditory hallucinations. When questioned, Natthawut revealed that during…
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Thai man slaps nurse in Rayong over child entry dispute (video)
A Thai man slapped a nurse at a hospital in the eastern province of Rayong after the nurse stopped his young child from entering the hospital ward for the child’s safety. The incident came to light after a Thai nurse, who uses the Facebook account Prang Tewika, posted about the event yesterday, February 17, seeking justice for her younger sister, who…
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Road warriors: Speeding towards a smooth ride on Rama II Road
Motorists can get in gear for a smoother journey by the end of the year as major construction projects along Rama II Road, aka Highway 35, speed towards completion. According to the Transport Ministry, the Rama III-Dao Khanong-Western Outer Ring Road expressway is nearly done, with 87% finished so far. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit confirmed on Monday that the project…
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Thai durians remain China’s top choice amid safety upgrades
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has expressed confidence that Thai durians will continue to be the preferred choice in China, following enhancements to food safety and contamination screenings. Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat, after her recent visit to China, reported discussions with Sun Meijun, Minister of the General Administration of Customs of China, concerning Thai fruit imports. Thailand is the leading…
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Thailand considers lifting train alcohol ban to boost tourism
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) intends to propose lifting the current ban on alcohol sales on trains at the upcoming meeting of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee scheduled for Friday, February 21. Previously, the committee, under the Public Health Ministry, had rejected a similar proposal due to concerns it could prove more detrimental than beneficial. Public Health Minister Somsak…
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Severe storms forecast for 33 provinces in Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts significant storms with strong winds and potential lightning across 33 provinces in Thailand. Bangkok is expected to experience the most severe weather, with cool mornings and hot afternoons. The upper northeastern region will see a slight drop in temperature. For the next 24 hours, moderate high-pressure systems from the northeast and South China Sea…
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American man arrested in Phuket for violating foreign business act
Police arrested an American man wanted on multiple warrants at a restaurant in Phuket Old Town on Valentine’s Day, February 14. Officers from the Phuket Immigration Bureau and Mueang Phuket Police Station sought a court-issued arrest warrant for the 67 year old American man, Ronald Ray, mainly for violating Section 8 of the Foreign Business Act: operating a business in…
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NCSA watchdog warns delivery firms after major data breach
Thailand’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) sounded the alarm for logistics firms, urging them to step up customer data protection after a cyberattack exposed a major security flaw in one operator’s system. The warning comes as the Personal Data Protection Commission launches an investigation into the breach. Air Vice Marshal Amorn Chomchoey, Secretary General of the NCSA, stressed that delivery…
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Thailand’s economic growth hits a snag but hope remains
Thailand’s financial fortunes took a slight dip as the latest economic figures failed to meet the lofty heights analysts had anticipated. Official data reveals a respectable 3.2% growth in the last quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year, which, while promising, didn’t quite hit the 3.9% growth mark predicted by a Reuters poll of analysts. The National Economic and…
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Sex sales: China’s sex doll revolution with an AI-morous embrace
In a bold leap forward, China’s WMDoll is shaking up the sex toys industry with its cutting-edge, AI-enhanced creations, promising heightened interactivity and a surge in sex doll sales. With state-of-the-art technology behind the scenes, these sophisticated companions are transforming the market. It’s no secret that life’s little pleasures often come with a twist, and China’s WMDoll is adding quite…
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Krabi police criticised for failing to arrest Turkish man who damages locals’ cars
Police officers in the southern province of Krabi allegedly allowed a Turkish man to remain at large, despite the foreigner damaging two locals’ cars in the area. A Thai scuba diving trainer sought assistance from Channel 7 after her complaint, filed at Ao Nang Police Station, was ignored. Police reportedly told her that they could not arrest the foreign suspect…
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Pane and gain: Thai Airways lands safely amid cracked cockpit drama
In a high-flying drama with a smooth landing, Thai Airways ensured passenger safety remained sky-high after a Bangkok to Singapore flight returned due to a cracked cockpit window, forcing a swift aircraft swap and ensuring passengers reached their destination safe and sound. In an unexpected twist, travellers aboard Thai Airways’ flight TG401 experienced an unscheduled return to Bangkok after a…
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Man attacks wife and relatives with knife in Kalasin, Thailand
A man attacked his wife and her relatives with a knife at a home in Hua Tum village, Kalasin province, leaving four people injured. The suspect fled the scene on a stolen motorcycle, prompting a police manhunt. Police were alerted to the violent incident at 9.30pm, yesterday, February 16. Police Lieutenant Pimpchanok Inthasan from Mueang Kalasin Police Station reported to…
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Thailand faces worsening air pollution crisis in northern regions
The air pollution crisis in northern and northeastern Thailand has been exacerbated by hazardous PM2.5 levels, exceeding safety standards in 42 provinces. Forecasts for February 18 to February 24 predict worsening conditions in the north, with a potential increase on February 18. The Air Pollution Resolution Communication Centre reported today, February 17 that numerous provinces, including Pathum Thani, Bangkok, Nakhon…
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Big bovine: Thailand’s King Kong crowned tallest buffalo (video)
There’s a new towering titan in town, Thailand’s own King Kong, a colossal water buffalo, has stomped its way into the Guinness World Records, casting a bewitching shadow over Nakhon Ratchasima as the globe’s tallest buffalo. In the tranquil fields of Nakhon Ratchasima, a giant walks, or rather, ambles. Enter King Kong, the towering water buffalo who’s just muscled his…
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Last laugh: Frenchman arrested for laughing gas sale in Phuket
Police arrested a Frenchman at a house in the Patong sub-district, Kathu district, Phuket, yesterday, February 16, for selling nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas. Officers from Patong Police Station posed as customers and ordered laughing gas from the 30 year old Frenchman, whose name has not been disclosed. The suspect directed the officers to collect the item from…
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EC Markets renews strategic partnership with world’s leading snooker player Judd Trump
EC Markets, a globally renowned multi-regulated CFD trading firm, is proud to announce the renewal of its exclusive FX partnership with Judd Trump, the preeminent figure in the world of snooker. This strategic collaboration underscores EC Markets’ steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and global expansion, aligning its brand with one of the most celebrated and influential athletes in contemporary sports.…
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Thai police aid 260 trafficked victims from Myanmar call centre
Today, February 17, at the Technology Crime Suppression Division headquarters, Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phewpan, head of the division, addressed the return of 260 people from Myawaddy, Myanmar, who had been coerced into working for a call centre syndicate. Only two to three of them had willingly taken the job. The operation involved 50 cyber police officers collaborating with local…
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Thai couple arrested for selling porn of themselves and their son
A Thai couple in the northern province of Phetchabun made and sold pornography videos of themselves and their 10 year old son online, leading to their arrest on Saturday, February 15. Officers from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division discovered child pornography videos on a website and in a LINE group chat and conducted a further investigation to trace the source…
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Woman found dead in Samut Prakan canal after attempted swim
A 58 year old woman from Khlong Dan, Bang Bo district, Samut Prakan province, was found dead in Khlong Dan yesterday, February 16. The incident occurred opposite the Khlong Dan Health Promotion Hospital. Police Lieutenant Colonel Phonchai Kamkhuntod, an investigative officer at Khlong Dan Police Station, received the report and coordinated with Ramathibodi Chakri Naruebodindra Hospital in Samut Prakan and…
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Scam slam: Thais back power cut to con call-centres
A recent survey reveals a surge of support among Thai nationals for cutting utilities in Myanmar as a bold move to thwart call centre scams. With fingers pointing at possible collusion within Thai ranks, the government’s crackdown strategy is taking centre stage. In a striking revelation, a new survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) has shed…
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ONCB thwarts drug transport ring, 500kg of meth seized
The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), in collaboration with partner agencies, intercepted a shipment of 500 kilogrammes of methamphetamine intended for transportation to a neighbouring country. Assets worth 9 million baht were seized and the driver admitted to having transported drugs four times, earning 100,000 baht per trip. Today, February 17, the ONCB’s Drug Suppression Bureau announced the…
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Influenza cases soar in Thailand, nearly 100,000 infected
Influenza cases in Thailand have surged, with nearly 100,000 infections and three deaths reported over the past 15 days. The Ministry of Public Health announced a significant rise in cases, particularly in schools, and is deploying 4.5 million doses of vaccines to combat the outbreak. Since January 1, there have been 99,057 confirmed influenza cases, with nine fatalities. This is…
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