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 9 most common health issues covered by insurance for expats in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Thailand video news | Chaos at Don Mueang Airport as bomb threat sparks panic, 6,000 motorcyclists cause chaos in Phetchabun
In today’s video news update, Alex and Jay delve into key stories from Thailand and across Asia. From a bomb hoax at Don Mueang Airport to a missing tourist in Surat Thani, they explore gripping incidents impacting the region. Highlights include a tiger trafficking bust, the ongoing investigation into methanol poisoning in Laos, and the transfer of Bali Nine prisoners…
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Thai man claims unawareness after driving 30km with body on roof
A Thai man yesterday fatally struck a pedestrian with his hatchback in the Isaan province of Surin and drove 30 kilometres with the body on the car roof, claiming he was unaware of it. Officers from Chom Phra Police Station contacted officers at Tha Tum Police Station yesterday, November 24, to intercept the hatchback, with registration number กฉ 1079 Samut Prakan, after…
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Labour of love: Minister fights for informal workers’ rights
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is actively advocating for a legislative measure to enhance the protection and welfare of approximately 20 million informal workers, according to a statement from the ministry’s spokesperson. The Labour Ministry is preparing to engage in discussions with the Cabinet’s secretary-general to determine the appropriate timeline for presenting the bill to the Cabinet for consideration. Phumiphat Mueanchan…
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Michelin shifts gears: Revs up investment amid Thailand’s EV push
Iconic French tyre manufacturer Michelin is turbocharging its investment in Thailand, eager to ride the wave of the government’s electric vehicle (EV) push, even as local car sales take a dip. With the pedal to the metal, Michelin plans to rev up sales by rolling out cutting-edge products and eco-friendly technologies in line with the global shift towards sustainable business…
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No Bathing Trip but lots of noise as safety ride becomes a gamble (videos)
The Phetchabun Provincial Transport Department and police emphasised safety improvement in the controversial motorcycle trip, known as the No Bathing Trip as only one death was reported. However, gambling, fake banknotes, and loud noises continued to make headlines. A group of more than 6,000 motorcyclists and their followers, led by the YouTuber May Rai Ratchada, held their annual No Bathing Trip on…
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Crypto rockets: Bitcoin set to reach new heights
Bitcoin’s star is on the rise, with traders buzzing about the possibility of its price rocketing from a cool US$98,000 to a dazzling US$180,000. This optimism stems from the hope of the Federal Reserve slashing interest rates next year and a flood of interest from big-money institutional investors. Bitcoin hit an all-time high of US$98,000, yesterday, November 24, thanks to…
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Thailand to expand child support to all under six years old
Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is poised to propose an expansion of the early childhood development scheme, with plans to present the child support proposal to the Cabinet shortly. The scheme aims to broaden its reach by extending financial support to all children under six years of age, enhancing the current system that aids children from impoverished…
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Trailer Mobile drives change: Pattaya clears the air on pollution
In a bid to clear the air, Pattaya City unveiled its latest weapon against pollution yesterday: a cutting-edge mobile air and noise monitoring station, aptly named the Trailer Mobile. Launched yesterday, November 24, in a breezy ceremony on Pattaya Beach by Mayor Poramase Ngampichet, the initiative promises to keep locals and tourists clued up on the city’s environmental status. Mayor…
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Working in Thailand: How expat health insurance protects your career and lifestyle
Starting a career in Thailand can be an exciting chapter, but it also brings unique challenges, especially when it comes to health and wellness. For expats, navigating Thailand’s healthcare system and meeting work permit requirements can be difficult. And while many employers offer some form of health insurance, it’s often not enough to fully protect you, particularly when unexpected medical…
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Road to recovery: Drunk foreign man hits the pavement in Thailand
In the early hours of this morning, a foreign man was discovered in a drunken stupor, lying smack in the middle of Phimai-Chumphon Road, in Nakhon Ratchasima. Police were alerted at approximately 3am, today, November 25, about the 70 year old, who sported a nasty head wound and a noticeable absence of a shirt. Racing to the scene, officers found…
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Drunk deputy district chief kills 2 teenagers, injures 1 in Tak car crash
A drunk deputy district chief crashed her pickup into a motorcycle carrying three Thai teenagers on a road in the northern province of Tak, resulting in two deaths and one serious injury. Officers from Umphang Police Station were alerted to the fatal accident on the Mae Sot-Umphang Road in the Umphang district of Tak at approximately 8.15pm on Friday, November…
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Phetchabun police detain 722 in motorcycle gang crackdown
Police in Phetchabun detained 722 people linked to the Nam Mai Aab motorcycle gang gathering, roughly translating to no showering or no bathing. Over 10,000 participants and 6,000 motorcycles assembled in the province, prompting police action to maintain order and ensure public safety. The gathering took place over two days, with Phetchabun’s Provincial Police Commander, Saranai Kongmuang, directing units to…
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Amulet’s claims go nuclear: Protection from radiation and epidemics?
A Buddhist amulet from a temple in Chiang Mai province drew criticism for claims that it can protect its owner from nuclear radiation and epidemics. The amulet, with its surprising alleged abilities, was featured on the Facebook page หลวงพี่จัสติน วัดดูยูมีน (Luang Phee Justin What Do You Mean) on Thursday, November 21. The page shared an image of the white amulet…
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Former cop caught on the wild side of Pattaya Walking Street
A former Thai police officer on the run was nabbed while casually strolling down Pattaya’s infamous Walking Street. Former cop Adisorn Tummato found himself in cuffs yesterday, November 24, after eagle-eyed Tourist Police swooped in, ending his reign of terror with a suave arrest in the bustling heart of South Pattaya. The 47 year old ex police officer was no…
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How to save this Black Friday in Thailand
Black Friday’s here again. It comes around fast, doesn’t it? November 29 is the big day this year, and the usual frenzy will hit both stores and websites, packed with deals begging for attention. Shoppers in Thailand, get ready. Whether you’re browsing Lazada, Shopee, or even global sites like Amazon, Black Friday has plenty of opportunities to save. But let’s…
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Monk defrocked after drug raid at Khon Kaen monastic site
Police swooped on a monastic site in Chum Phae district, Khon Kaen province, following complaints from villagers about non-monastic activities. One monk was found with a positive drug test and was immediately defrocked. The incident took place yesterday, November 23, when Aoychai Khamboonruang, the district chief of Chum Phae, along with Rakchat Rueangcharoen, the superintendent of Chum Phae Police Station,…
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Pattaya host bar raided for late-night operations breach
Police in Pattaya took decisive action early today, November 24, conducting a raid on a host bar in South Pattaya that was reportedly operating beyond legal hours. The operation, involving Pattaya Police and Bang Lamung officers, occurred at 3.16am amid allegations that the venue was flouting local regulations. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the bar was still bustling with activity…
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Man leads police on three day car chase across three provinces
A dramatic car chase unfolded across three provinces in Thailand after a man allegedly stole a vehicle from a petrol station and evaded police for three days while on methamphetamine. The man, identified as 37 year old Weeraphon Laphan was eventually apprehended after a collision with a police vehicle. Officers first received reports of a stolen grey Honda Civic from…
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Former MP advocates for fair treatment in Yingluck’s planned return
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra plans to “face her legal obligations” in Thailand without requesting special treatment, according to Worachai Hema, an ex-member of Parliament for the Pheu Thai Party from Samut Prakan. Worachai, who serves on Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai’s advisory team, shared these insights following Thaksin Shinawatra’s media interview discussing his sister Yingluck’s anticipated return before Songkran 2025.…
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Thai medical council lawsuit threatens free medicine scheme
The ongoing legal tussle between the Medical Council of Thailand and the National Health Security Office (NHSO) over the provision of free medicine under the universal healthcare scheme is causing alarm among civil society groups. The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) is urging the Medical Council to reconsider its lawsuit, which challenges the NHSO’s policy of distributing free medication for 16…
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French tourist missing after boat capsizes in Surat Thani
A French tourist has been reported missing following the capsizing of a tour boat in Surat Thani’s Rajjaprabha Dam reservoir. The incident occurred yesterday, November 23, when strong winds and high waves overturned the vessel carrying 13 people, including 10 French tourists, a tour guide, a caregiver, and the boat operator. Rene Mary Corre, whose age remains unknown, was part…
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EC persists in Thaksin investigation despite court ruling
The Election Commission (EC) remains steadfast in its investigation into allegations against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, focusing on claims of his manipulation of the Pheu Thai Party and interference in the coalition government. This action continues despite the Constitutional Court’s recent decision to dismiss a petition accusing Thaksin and the ruling party of attempting to overthrow Thailand’s constitutional monarchy.…
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Laos govt speaks on ‘mass methanol poisoning’ that left 6 dead
The Laotian government announced deep sorrow over the tragic loss of six foreign lives to methanol poisoning in a popular backpackers’ bar in Vang Viang and vowed to conduct a thorough investigation to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the deadly incident. Two Australian teenagers, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19 years old, succumbed to suspected methanol poisoning…
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Wichit, Phuket set to face water supply outages
A significant water supply outage is set to impact a large area of Phuket on Thursday, November 28. The outage, scheduled from 9am to 11.30pm, is necessary to facilitate essential repairs to a 400mm HDPE water supply main in key areas. The Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) Phuket urges residents and businesses in the affected areas to take the following precautions.…
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Security bolstered for Pattaya fireworks festival next weekend
Security preparations for the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival are underway as Chon Buri police gear up for the event scheduled for next weekend. At a meeting held yesterday, November 23, the Commander of Chon Buri Provincial Police, Thawatchakiat Jinda Kuansanong, gathered representatives from over 30 agencies to finalise security measures, ensuring the safety of attendees during the festival on Pattaya…
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Thai healthcare tycoon Boon Vanasin flees as fraud charges mount
Boon Vanasin, the founder of Thonburi Healthcare Group (THG), is currently at large in China while his wife and daughter have surrendered to the police in Thailand. Faced with charges of public fraud, 79 year old Jaruwan Vanasin, and her daughter, 51 year old Nalin, turned themselves in to the police and have denied all allegations against them. The two…
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Thailand braces for weather changes amid rising temperatures
Thailand is experiencing significant weather changes, with the Meteorological Department (TMD) warning of rising temperatures in the north and severe monsoon conditions in the south. Heavy rainfall is expected in eight provinces, leading to potential flash floods and landslides. TMD has forecasted weather conditions for the next 24 hours indicating that the high-pressure system and moderate cold air mass covering…
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East Thailand: Exhausted driver crashes pickup into street light
A factory owner experienced a serious accident after falling asleep at the wheel due to exhaustion. The accident occurred when his black Ford Ranger pickup truck veered off the road, crossed the median, and crashed into a street light, before flipping over into a forested area in Chanthaburi province, East Thailand. The incident took place yesterday, November 22, and police…
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Surat Thani police crack down on noisy modified motorcycles
Police in Surat Thani are intensifying efforts against young motorcyclists modifying their bikes to create loud noises. Today, orders were given to all local police stations to crack down on these activities, aiming to prevent public disturbances and ensure road safety. Niphon Chatree, head of Surat Thani’s city police, instructed his team, including Taweesil Laksana-Pheng, deputy head of the city…
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Phatthalung declared disaster zone amid severe flooding
Severe flooding has hit several areas in the southern province of Phatthalung, prompting officials to declare disaster zones across four districts, affecting 15 subdistricts, 57 villages, and 12 communities. The heavy rainfall has led to both flood and wind disaster declarations, with urgent evacuations underway to move residents to safer areas. Kongsakul Jantrach, acting governor of Phatthalung, convened a meeting…
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