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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Pheu Thai dismisses calls to dissolve House over charter clash
The ruling Pheu Thai Party has dismissed the opposition People’s Party’s call to dissolve the House, with Pheu Thai MP Sutin Klungsang clarifying that differing views on a proposed charter amendment do not signify a rift serious enough to destabilise the coalition. “This will not affect the coalition’s stability. Business continues as usual despite the impasse.” Joint sittings to discuss…
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Man arrested for fatal sledgehammer attack in Ayutthaya
A 28 year old man has been apprehended after allegedly breaking into the home of his 42 year old acquaintance and fatally striking him with a sledgehammer at 3am yesterday, February 16. The incident took place in front of the victim, Pichat’s two children, his 8 year old son and 10 year old daughter, in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province.…
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5 Chinese arrested for 1 million baht scam on old Thai woman
Police arrested five Chinese nationals in the southern province of Yala for stealing 800,000 baht in gold and 150,000 baht in cash from an old Thai woman on February 12. The 71 year old victim, Jiraporn, filed a complaint with Betong Police Station after falling victim to the Chinese scammers. She reported that the scammers approached her outside an electrical…
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China doubles down on border scam operations with Myanmar
China is intensifying its efforts to dismantle international scam operations along the Thai-Myanmar border, dispatching Liu Zhongyi, China’s Assistant Minister of Public Security, to the region to bolster the crackdown. Liu, an experienced police officer, arrived at Don Mueang International Airport yesterday, February 16, with approximately 26 Chinese delegates. From there, they travelled to Mae Sot district in Tak before…
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Thailand urged to target older tourists to boost tourism revenue
A scholar from Thammasat University is advocating for Thailand’s government to target older tourists, who are known for longer stays and higher spending, as part of its tourism strategy. The government has designated 2025 as the year of Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports, with the objective of drawing 40 million international tourists and generating a minimum of 3 trillion…
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Teen soldier found dead in Sing Buri canal after visit home
A 19 year old conscript soldier, who had taken leave to visit his mother on Valentine’s Day, was found dead in a canal in Sing Buri province yesterday, February 16. Police Colonel Decho Kanha of the Bang Rachan Police Station received a report about the discovery of a man’s body in an irrigation canal along the Chan Yut-Bang Rachan road…
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Puff, cuff, and rough: Thai cop busted for smuggling after crash
A Thai police officer got himself arrested for illegal cigarette smuggling after a car accident in the eastern province of Trat yesterday, February 16, and sustained serious injuries. Officers from Ban Tha Luan Police Station responded to the accident on Sukhumvit Road at 6.30pm yesterday. They found the police vehicle crashed into a roadside lamp post. The driver was identified as…
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Filipina woman arrested in Phuket over Bangkok fraud charges
A 45 year old Filipina woman was arrested in Phuket on Friday after immigration officers discovered an outstanding fraud warrant issued by the Criminal Court in Bangkok in 2020. The suspect, identified as Brenda (surname withheld), was taken into custody while attempting to extend her visa at the Phuket Immigration Office in Phuket Town. A background check through the Immigration…
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Bangkok highlights urgent need for pedestrian safety at crossings
Road safety measures at pedestrian crossings in Bangkok are being highlighted as essential, following findings that most road accidents occur near schools and hospitals. Chamaipan Santikarn, who manages the Social Mobilisation for Motorcycle Safety Project at ThaiHealth, emphasised the need for improved safety after a recent incident where a 68 year old South Korean tourist was struck by a motorcycle…
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Racing sedans crash in Chon Buri, 12 vehicles damaged (video)
An accident involving a group of modified sedans racing on the Chon Buri motorway resulted in damage to 12 vehicles. Emergency services suspect intoxication as a factor. Police are currently questioning those involved after the incident, which occurred yesterday, February 16 at 3.30am. The event was widely shared on social media, showing the cars speeding, weaving, and overtaking recklessly before…
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Japanese man killed after minivan crashes into toll gate near Bangkok
A Japanese man lost his life after his minivan crashed into a toll gate in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan province near Bangkok yesterday, February 16. The fatal accident was reported to Bang Kaew Police Station at around 12pm. It occurred at Bang Phli Toll Gate on the Burapha Withi Expressway in the Bang Phli district of Samut…
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Four illegal foreign nationals nabbed in Pattaya swoop
Bang Lamung police officers swooped on Naklua at the weekend, leading to the arrest of four foreign nationals working illegally in the bustling area behind Naklua New Market in Chon Buri province. The targeted raid on Saturday, February 15 uncovered a startling six-year overstaying spree by two of the apprehended individuals. The crackdown unfolded in Moo 5, Naklua subdistrict, where…
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Shocking striker: Uker van Lingen’s post-match jolt causes sparks
Suphanburi FC striker Uker van Lingen survived an unexpected encounter with live voltage that turned a routine post-match interview in an electrifying turn of events. As the Football Association of Thailand jumps into action, the bizarre mishap has left the league sparking a debate on safety measures. Following Suphanburi FC’s triumphant 3-0 victory over Pattaya United in the Thai League…
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Elderly man’s half a million baht close call in Bangkok taxi
An elderly man in Bangkok accidentally left four valuable pieces of ancient gold jewellery in a taxi. Police successfully traced the items, revealing their worth to be around half a million baht. The incident occurred after the man travelled from Chatuchak yesterday, February 16. Police Colonel Sanong Saengmanee, superintendent of Chanasongkram Police Station, stated that the investigative team was informed…
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Chinese man wanted in drug-related death of Thai party entertainer
Police issued an arrest warrant for a Chinese man who allegedly forced a female Thai party entertainer to take drugs while serving him, resulting in her death at a hotel in the Bang Kapi area of Bangkok. The entertainer’s death was reported yesterday, February 16, by the Facebook page Esor News. The page posted a picture of the female entertainer,…
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Man arrested for filming under skirts at Bangkok concert
Police detained a 26 year old man from Udon Thani for allegedly attempting to covertly record under a female concertgoer’s skirt at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on February 16. The incident occurred amidst a large concert attended by both Thai and international audiences, including many Chinese tourists. The arrest was led by Police Colonel Pronthwee Somwang and officers…
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Thailand’s single ticket system to cut public transport costs
The Common Ticketing System Management Bill, which aims to enable commuters to purchase a single ticket for various public transport modes, is expected to reduce service costs, according to a public hearing. The Thailand Consumers Council organised this hearing to gather feedback on the bill for the House’s special committee reviewing the measure. Jiraroth Sukolrat, Deputy Director-General of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy…
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Thai lottery winners share 54 million baht jackpot
The Thai lottery, Lottery Plus, announced a major win of 54 million baht, creating new millionaires in two provinces. The Thai Government Lottery Office announced the winning numbers for the draw held yesterday, February 16. The first prize number was 847377, with additional winning numbers for the three-digit front, three-digit back, and two-digit categories. Following the announcement, Lottery Plus confirmed…
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Gunning fore glory: Joe Hart looks for tee-rific Schmeichel clash
Two of the safest hands in soccer are looking forward to swapping goalkeeping gloves for golf clubs and do combat in the highly anticipated Reignwood Icons of Football tournament in Bangkok. Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart made known he is relishing the prospect of going head to head with one of the world’s most famous shotstoppers, Ex…
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Chinese driver crashes SUV into rental house, injuring 2 (video)
A Chinese man crashed his SUV into a rental house in the central province of Prachin Buri on Saturday, February 15, injuring two victims, a Thai woman and a Laotian man. Officers from Kabin Buri Police Station investigated the accident, which occurred at around 9.30pm in the Kabin Buri district of Prachin Buri province. Upon arrival, they found a white…
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Heavy rain and strong winds to hit 30 Thai provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather forecast indicating that 30 provinces, including Bangkok, will experience heavy rainfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms. Residents are advised to be cautious, especially as 30% of the areas are expected to be affected by the severe weather. Following these weather conditions, a temperature drop is anticipated on February 17. A high-pressure system…
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Phuket police impound 20 bikes over reckless tourist driving
Phuket’s Patong police impounded 20 motorbikes and addressed the issue of foreign tourists driving recklessly during a late-night operation intended to enhance road safety. Yesterday, February 15, at 12.30am, Patong Police officers carried out an inspection near Kasikorn Bank on Prachanukroh Road, located at the southern end of Patong. The operation focused on identifying and addressing reckless driving and other…
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Pattaya chaos: ride-hailing driver in naval uniform arrested
A chaotic incident unfolded in Pattaya when a driver, dressed in a naval uniform and claiming to be an aide to a famous general, was involved in a hit-and-run and threatened rescue workers with a knife. The event took place at 12.30pm yesterday, February 15, when Police Lieutenant Colonel Natthakorn Chanlod of Nong Prue Police Station received a report of…
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Russian, Thai nationals arrested in Phuket over wire fraud charges
A Russian national and three Thai citizens have been detained in Phuket in separate operations. The Russian, Egor Nikolaevich Glebov, is wanted by US police for wire fraud charges. Phuket Immigration officers and the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) carried out the raids. Glebov, a 38 year old Russian national, was apprehended at a residence in Supalai Palm Springs, Srisoonthorn.…
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Couple arrested in Thailand for child exploitation and trafficking
Yesterday, February 15, police arrested a 35 year old woman, Wannipa, and her 43 year old husband, Uthen, for the creation and distribution of illicit content involving their 10 year old child. While Wannipa confessed, Uthen denied the charges. The arrests were conducted under orders from Police Major General Songklod Krikkritaya, with Police Colonel Pattharapong Sripinpraw and Police Lieutenant Colonel…
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Lottery fans hunt lucky numbers for February 16 draw
Lottery enthusiasts are eagerly searching for lucky numbers ahead of the third lottery draw of 2025, scheduled for today, February 16. To enhance their chances, many are reviewing previous lottery results from February 16 over the past decade. In the February 16, 2024 draw, the first prize number was 941395, with 43 as the two-digit number. The three-digit numbers preceding…
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Stage collapse at Yasothon event injures MP, others (video)
A stage collapse incident occurred during an event in the Mueang district of Yasothon province yesterday, February 15, resulting in several injuries, including a fractured spine for a Yasothon MP. Deputy Minister Sabida Thaiset sustained minor head injuries. While Deputy Minister Sabida was inaugurating the event, a sudden gust of wind caused a large backdrop structure on the stage to…
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Thai man arrested after robbing gold shop for Valentine’s gift
A 26 year old man from Nakhon Si Thammarat was arrested for robbing a gold shop in Samut Prakan, claiming he needed the money to buy a gift for his partner on Valentine’s Day. The suspect, identified as Chayanan But-nga, was apprehended by police while attempting to flee the area. Chayanan was caught with a black Honda PCX motorcycle, registered…
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Thailand’s marriage equality law requires effective implementation
Following the introduction of the Marriage Equality Law in Thailand, experts highlight the need for effective implementation and support for the LGBTQ+ community. A recent forum titled Marriage Equality: From Diverse Viewpoint to Effective Legal Implementation, organised by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and Thammasat University, addressed how to enact the law inclusively. Academics specialising in gender studies acknowledged that…
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Myanmar raids arrest 29, uncover illegal gambling, scams
A recent operation in Myanmar’s Tachileik led to the arrest of seven Thai and 22 Myanmar nationals suspected of involvement in illegal online gambling and scams. The arrests, conducted by Myanmar’s State Administration Council (SAC), were reported by the Tachileik News Agency. From February 12 to February 14, all 29 people were detained. On February 12, the SAC apprehended the…
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