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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Woman dies in Lamphun as pickup crashes into tree
A tragic road accident claimed the life of a 35 year old woman when her pickup truck veered off the road and crashed into a tree in Lamphun province. The victim, identified as Parichat Kunapong, was pinned behind the wheel, necessitating the use of rescue equipment to extricate her body. A devastating scene unfolded yesterday on the road from Ban…
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MFP holds key to censure or general debate in House
The Move Forward Party (MFP) holds the key to whether a censure or general debate will take place in the House, according to Jurin Laksanawisit, a list MP from the Democrat Party. He noted that the Democrats lack the necessary votes to sponsor such a motion. Jurin elaborated that a general debate motion which does not require a vote, under…
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Runway blackout: Krabi Airport power failure affects 508 passengers
Krabi International Airport suffered a power failure on the runway on Saturday night, affecting three flights and 508 passengers. The Acting Director of the Airport Department, Montri Dechasakulsom, reported that a power failure occurred at the third apron of Krabi Airport on Saturday, March 2, preventing aircraft from landing or taking off at the time. Montri said three flights and…
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Thai committee urges Pheu Thai to expedite political amnesty
The Committee of Relatives of the 1992 Black May Heroes, led by Adul Khiewboriboon, publicly requested the ruling Pheu Thai Party to expedite the process of granting amnesty for all political offenders, a promise made by the party. The group believes that political conflicts pose a significant risk to both economic and national security and could potentially impede Thailand’s progress.…
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New airport planned for Kalasin to boost tourism and exports
Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister and Finance Minister, has endorsed the proposition of constructing a new airport in the northeastern province of Kalasin. While touring the region recently, PM Srettha indicated that the government has reserved funds for a feasibility study concerning the airport. The results of this study will guide the government’s next steps. The district of Yang Talat…
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Accountant arrested in Thailand for 130 million baht tax fraud
Thai authorities recently apprehended a 46 year old accountant involved in a substantial tax invoice fraud, causing a loss of over 130 million baht (US$3.6 million) to the state. The arrest of Wimala, the individual at the centre of the investigation, marked a significant breakthrough in a tax evasion case that has highlighted vulnerabilities in the country’s financial regulation systems.…
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Pattaya introduces safe swimming zones at popular Tawaen beach
The thriving beachfront city of Pattaya, known for its bustling tourism scene, has recently taken a significant step towards ensuring the safety of beachgoers. The authorities of Pattaya City have put measures in place to establish dedicated swimming zones at Tawaen Beach, an immensely popular spot located on the island of Koh Larn. These zones are expected to cater to…
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Thai man shoots wrong car in road rage incident
A startling incident unfolded in Pattaya over the weekend when a local man turned himself in at the Nongprue Police Station. Supakrit Wannajinda confessed to discharging a firearm at a vehicle, only to realise later that he had targeted the wrong car. The event occurred on March 2 and has since sent ripples to the local community. The 33 year…
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Thailand speeds up development of six airports to boost global aviation ranking
In a substantial move to elevate Thailand’s aviation stature on the global platform, the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) fast-tracked the development of six of its national airports. This ambitious venture, set in motion on March 2, entails an estimated investment of 210 billion baht (US$5.86 billion). It resonates with the Thai government’s policies aimed at transforming Thai…
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Thai Cabinet tackles smog problem with 272 million baht project
The annual 2024 fiscal budget saw the Thai Cabinet allotting 272 million baht (US$7.59 million) towards a strategic project, intent on confronting wildfire and smog problems, and reducing PM2.5 dust. The announcement came from the Thai deputy government spokeswoman, Kanika Aunjit, during a press conference held on March 3. The alarming rise of PM2.5 problems accelerated this decision witnessed in…
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Foreign mafia concerns raised in Phuket by UTN deputy
In the stunning tourist hotspot of Phuket, a concerning situation has surfaced. Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, the Deputy leader of the United Thai Nation, has brought to light allegations of foreign mafia gangs operating within the area. This revelation comes after a recent visit to Phuket, during which Thanakorn conducted an inspection and collected information about the matter. Phuket, known for its…
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Bangkok joins forces with Netherlands for eco-friendly urban mobility
Bangkok has coordinated with the Dutch concept to design Bangkok into a walkable and cycling city. Assoc. Prof. Wisanu Supsompon, along with Sanon Wangsrangboon, the Deputy Governors of Bangkok and Remco Johannes van Wijngaarden, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Thailand, attended a presentation of ideas and group activities discussion at the ACTIVE Workshop in Bangkok at…
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Thai surrogacy revolution: Foreign couples welcome
Authorities in Thailand are on the brink of a groundbreaking change in surrogacy laws, poised to welcome foreign couples into the country for surrogate births, reveals the Department of Health Service Support. The current legislation, known as the Protection for Children Born through Assisted Reproductive Technologies Act, restricts surrogacy services to Thai nationals alone, clarified Arkhom Praditsuwan, the department’s deputy…
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Myanmar seminar: Promoting dialogue amid political turmoil
In a bold move challenging the Myanmar junta’s objections, Thai politicians kickstarted a two-day seminar delving into Myanmar’s political turmoil. Despite diplomatic tensions, the event aims to foster dialogue among stakeholders. Thai parliament’s Move Forward Party (MFP) member Rangsiman Rome, leading the House committee on national security, initiated the seminar with a vision of promoting peace and sustainability in Myanmar’s…
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Update: Locals demand justice in Swiss expat alleged assault case
Residents of Phuket are set to converge on Yamu Beach in Thalang district today, enraged by an incident involving a Swiss expat accused of kicking a local woman for simply sitting on steps near his beachfront villa. The Swiss expat, 45 year old Urs Fehr, also known by the name David, purportedly delivered a kick to Dr Thandao Chandam, a…
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Thailand unveils new culinary gem: Koh Yao sea cucumber
Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) unveiled the coveted Koh Yao sea cucumber, freshly adorned with a prestigious geographical indication (GI) stamp. Hailing from the picturesque district of Koh Yao, nestled in Phang Nga province, these sea cucumbers boast a journey from earthen ponds to dining tables, brimming with local expertise. Crafted with indigenous knowledge and wisdom, the Koh Yao…
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Northeast Thailand bus crash leaves students injured, driver dead
A bus crash on Si Kew-Chaiyaphum Road near Nakhon Ratchasima on Friday left 47 students and teachers injured and the driver dead. The bus crash occurred at approximately 10.30pm, with the vehicle carrying 39 students and 12 staff members on a field trip from Chaiyaphum province to the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok met with tragedy. Eyewitnesses…
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Thailand and Switzerland secure significant sum from drug kingpin
Thailand secured a substantial windfall of 1.88 million Swiss francs (76.89 million baht) from Switzerland, originating from the assets of drug kingpin Wei Hsueh-kang. In a ceremony presided over by Deputy Attorney General Jumpon Phansumrit, Thailand inked its inaugural asset-sharing pact with a foreign nation, setting a precedent for future collaborations in the war against crime. This landmark agreement signals…
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Transport Co warns against taxi surcharge at bus terminus
Amidst a surge of complaints, Transport Co Ltd, a state enterprise under the Transport Ministry, took swift action against taxi drivers fleecing passengers with a hefty 50-baht surcharge at the terminus, better known as Mo Chit 2, servicing provinces in the North and Northeast. As of Friday, Transport Co has put the brakes on the arrival area, redirecting all interprovincial…
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Chinese tourist mowed down on zebra crossing in Samut Prakan
A Chinese tourist was fatally struck down on a zebra crossing by a reckless pickup truck driver in Bang Bo district, Samut Prakan province. The Chinese tourist, merely on his first day in Thailand, faced an untimely demise in the flurry of Friday night chaos. Authorities have launched a frantic search for a 35 year old Cambodian suspect allegedly behind…
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Intoxicated driver crashes into police car in Chon Buri, two injured
Chaos erupted on Rural Road 2081, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, as a pickup truck careened into a police vehicle yesterday at 12.06am, leaving two officers injured. Pattaya Rescue Radio Centre received a distress call detailing a collision between a grey pickup truck and a police vehicle. Rushing to the scene, local emergency crews found themselves amidst a forest, confronted by…
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Thai woman seals 10.5 million baht land deal after divine blessing
After sealing a successful land deal worth over 10 million baht, a former nurse fulfilled her vow at Wat Noen Suk in Rayong province by presenting a grand offering to the deity Thao Wessuwan. The former nurse turned property developer, 31 year old Nawal Jarmjurek, and her colleague 28 year old Sawitree Tungsawanich, were observed meticulously arranging red syrup and…
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Thailand apologises to India for comments on rice export policy
A formal apology to India has been issued by Thailand, following inappropriate comments made by Thailand’s World Trade Organisation (WTO) ambassador regarding India’s rice export policy. The comments were made during the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO in the United Arab Emirates. Phumtham Wechayachai, the Commerce Minister of Thailand, confirmed the apology. The Indian government received a written apology…
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Thailand bids to host International Horticultural Expo 2029
Thailand has thrown its hat into the ring to host the International Horticultural Expo in 2029. The Southeast Asian nation has set its sights on attracting up to four million visitors during the four-month-long event. The Foreign Affairs Ministry spokeswoman, Kanchana Patarachoke, announced yesterday that the government has proposed the 25th global event to take place in Nakhon Ratchasima, with…
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Gold prices experience significant rise, says GTA
Today saw a marked increase in gold prices, according to the Gold Traders Association (GTA). The buying prices for gold ornaments reached 34,473.84 baht (US$966) per baht weight, and gold bars were valued at 35,100 baht (US$984) per baht weight. On the other hand, the selling prices were determined at 35,700 baht (US$1,001) per baht weight for gold ornaments, while…
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Thai authorities dismantle illegal border communication networks
A coordinated effort by the Thai Cyber Police, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has led to the successful crackdown on illegal communication networks along Thailand’s border. The operation, which took place today, March 2, resulted in the dismantling of illicit signal towers and the confiscation of thousands of unauthorized SIM cards,…
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Chiang Mai to Bangkok bus crash injures passengers near Ban Tak
A tour bus en route from Chiang Mai to Bangkok met with a severe accident, ramming into the back of a trailer truck, leaving passengers injured, two critically. The incident unfolded near Ban Tak District Hospital in Tak province, prompting an immediate emergency response. Yesterday, a catastrophic collision occurred on Phahonyothin Road between kilometres 547 and 548, just north of…
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Thai doctor dies at Disney from allergy despite warnings
The husband of a Thai doctor living in the United States has filed a lawsuit against Disney, claiming that his wife died from a severe allergic reaction to food, despite having notified the staff multiple times in advance. Major US media outlets are closely following a legal case involving the husband of a 42 year old Thai female doctor in…
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Thai janitor cleared of rape after DNA implicates stepfather
The exoneration of a school janitor wrongly convicted of rape highlights the complexities of the Thai justice system. The janitor, who spent six years in prison for a crime he did not commit, has finally been vindicated after DNA evidence proved that the actual perpetrator was the stepfather of the victim. On February 1, a dramatic turn of events unfolded…
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Pathum Thani karaoke drug bust nets several amid crackdown
A special administrative unit led a successful raid on an illegal karaoke establishment in Pathum Thani Province, arresting several individuals and uncovering evidence of drug use. The operation took place at 3am today, March 2. The venue, disguised as an ordinary apartment block, hosted a bustling night-time scene where patrons and employees were found to be consuming and in possession…
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