Thailand News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, and lifestyle—get breaking updates from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. Stay informed on Thai society, economy, tourism, and expat life with The Thaiger.
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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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THAI’S high-flying ambition: Soaring to new heights in tourist traffic
Thai Airways International (THAI) unveiled an ambitious plan to expand its international flight offerings in the forthcoming high season. The airline’s primary focus is to draw in a higher number of tourists. A notable feature of this expansion is the airline’s decision to recommence flights to Istanbul, Turkey, which is a significant aviation hub for Asia, Europe, and Africa. This…
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Thai govt greenlights 500 billion baht boost for state-owned enterprises in 2024 budget bonanza
The Thai government yesterday approved a massive investment budget of 500 billion baht dedicated to 46 state-owned enterprises for the fiscal year 2024, commencing this October. The substantial budget aims to stimulate the national economy and bolster fiscal growth. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke detailed the budget allocation, stating that the funding includes 209 billion baht earmarked for ongoing and routine…
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Thai exports spring back to life: A global manufacturing and clean energy surge
After 11 months in decline, Thai exports have made a surprising return to growth, largely due to a resurgence in global manufacturing, consumer spending and a thriving service sector among trading partners. This upturn has been further fuelled by the promotion of clean energy policies, increased demand for technological products and the relative depreciation of the baht, according to the…
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UOB report uncovers economic concerns and investment trends in ASEAN nations
The United Overseas Bank (UOB) released a significant report revealing the current economic sentiments of citizens and businesses across five ASEAN nations – Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Two days ago, Yuthchai Tayaratchakul, the Executive Vice President of UOB, provided a statement regarding the ASEAN Consumer Sentiment Study (ACSS). The UOB report aimed to shed light on the top…
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Hefty heartbreak: Thai chubby chaser’s twisted dating tactics in motorcycle theft
Police arrested a chubby-chasing Thai man who confessed he used a dating app to lure fat-bottomed girls into going out with him so he could steal their motorcycles. The thief confessed that chubby girls were his main target as he believed they were low on self-esteem and easier to impress in person. Police Cyber Taskforce Division 5 (PCT5) conducted a…
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Social media stress sparks ‘rash’ decisions: Medical mystery solved for overworked Thai man
A young man shared a distressing experience on social media about overworking, which led to an unusual rash all over his body within just three days. Despite multiple medical tests, all the results came back normal. The doctor’s advice was simple yet crucial: Get some quality sleep for two days. This incident serves as a warning about the potential harm…
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Climbing restrictions loom for tourists at sacred Khao Klang Nok
Phetchabun’s Si Thep Historical Park may soon restrict tourists from climbing Khao Klang Nok, a ruin considered sacred by locals. The move comes in response to the increasing number of visitors following the park’s declaration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on September 19. Locals expressed concerns about the influx of tourists, many of whom have been climbing Khao…
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Phallic Phantasm: Thai man erects 3 penis statues for good luck in central Thailand
A retired senior police sergeant major, in the central province of Kampaeng Phet, raised a few titters after he completed an unusual erection on his land, three penis statues. He believes the phallic erections will bring him good luck in selling his land, which is worth 60 million baht. Three penis statues stand prominently on the land of the 86…
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4 fake police officers kidnap woman for 300,000 baht ransom
A Thai woman filed a complaint alleging that four men posing as police officers kidnapped her for a 300,000 baht ransom. One of the suspects involved was the ex-boyfriend of the victim’s daughter. He was arrested by police while the other three suspects remain at large. The 48 year old victim, Patcharee, told officers at Mueang Prachuap Kiri Khan Police Station…
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UNESCO’s recognition triggers visitor surge at Si Thep Historical Park in northern Thailand
Si Thep Historical Park in Phetchabun experienced an unexpected surge in visitor numbers over the weekend, following its announcement as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on September 19. The ensuing tourism influx prompted local agencies to call on the government for increased accommodation and facilities for the increasing number of tourists. Sittichai Poodee, the director of Si Thep Historical…
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Rain reigns in Khon Kaen: Pumps pump out the flood
Heavy rains in Khon Kaen triggered a swift response from emergency services, with seven water pumps set up in flood-prone areas to efficiently drain the excess water. The local authorities are confident in their ability to manage the high water volumes in Bueng Kaen Nakhon and Bueng Thung Sang. Essential manpower and equipment are on standby to aid those affected around…
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Faulty brakes lead to 14 vehicle pile up on Rama II Road, Bangkok
A bus with faulty brakes caused a massive pile-up involving 14 vehicles on Rama II Road, resulting in numerous injuries. The crash occurred at 8am today. The incident led to severe traffic congestion as the damaged vehicles blocked all four lanes of the road. Upon arriving at the accident scene, officers from Bang Mod Police Station observed several damaged vehicles…
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Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra to be eligible for parole next year
Former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra will be eligible for parole in February next year, 2024. The ex-PM will not have to wear the Electronic Monitoring (EM) bracelet and will be able to express his views on Thai politics. The Committee on Human Rights, Freedom and Consumer Protection of the Thai Senate invited the Department of Corrections and Police…
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Thailand’s DoPA cracks down on ‘influential figures’ in nationwide crime hunt
The Department of Provincial Administration (DoPA) in Thailand is vigorously working to identify individuals linked to criminal activities across the nation, revealed Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiset. These individuals, referred to as “influential figures,” are purportedly involved in 16 distinct criminal offences. These include predatory lending, bid collusion, bribery from public transport vehicles, smuggling of untaxed goods, both online and…
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Tragic early morning crash claims life of young man on rain-soaked Thailand highway
A 26 year old man lost his life in a tragic crash when a pickup truck he was driving plunged into a ditch after hitting an electricity pole on the Asia Highway, Route 32, in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province today at 3am. The tragedy, which unfolded in the early hours of the morning, also resulted in injuries to two other…
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Thailand’s DES ministry intensifies fight against rising online fraud
Damages in Thailand by online fraud have seen a surge, despite a decrease in the victim count to an average of 580 daily complaints, a drop from the earlier 800, the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry reports. This is attributed to the implementation of a new law targeted at curbing cybercrime. Prasert Jantararuangthong, DES Minister, observed that scammers are…
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Weather forecast: Storm to bring heavy rain across Thailand
Today’s weather shows a fading yet still potent storm set to pass through northern Thailand with heavy rains anticipated between September 26 and 29. The Department of Meteorology announced the weakening of the pressure system at 1am today. The storm, formerly known as “Depression,” has diminished into a strong low-pressure system near the city of Danang in Vietnam. This system…
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Big Joke caught partying with leading online gambling operator
Further suspicion has been cast on the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, after a video recorded by a renowned Thai lawyer showed Big Joke singing with a leading online gambling operator at a party. The former president of the Lamphun Warrior Football Club, Pongsiri “Tarn” Ratchawongsuek, and a Thai woman named Suchanan, also…
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Thailand’s State Railway seeks 50 billion baht for expansions
Thailand’s State Railway (SRT) is planning to request Cabinet approval for a funding amount exceeding 50 billion baht. This hefty sum is aimed at financing the construction of a double-track railway stretch from Khon Kaen to Nong Khai and the expansion of Red Line electric train routes. The announcement follows a directive from Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who instructed the…
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Consumer finds unidentifiable object in FDA-approved seaweed soup
The end of a comforting seaweed soup meal turned into a shock when a consumer discovered an unidentifiable dark string mixed in with the seaweed. The incident, which occurred yesterday, sparked concern among members of the consumer group ‘We Are Consumers’ on social media. Amidst the worry, questions arose about the nature of the foreign object and whether the seaweed…
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Deputy PM’s passport plea: Thai tourists seek visa-free voyage to Germany, EU
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara is calling for visa-free travel privileges for Thai tourists travelling to Germany and other European Union (EU) countries. During his stay in the United States to attend the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78), the 66 year old MP seized the opportunity to meet with German Foreign…
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Hotel worker accused of attacking female guest due to late payment
A Thai woman accused a hotel worker in Parum Thani province, near Bangkok, of attacking her for a late payment. The victim, 26 year old Nattarika, sought help from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after the physical altercation at the hotel on Soi Rungsit-Nakhon Nayok 20 in Thanya Buri district of Prahum Thani province. Nattarika recounted that her home was…
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Rare Dumbo octopus flaps into livestream recording in North Pacific expedition (video)
An elusive Dumbo octopus, a rare marine creature with side flippers resembling the ears of the Walt Disney character Dumbo, was accidentally discovered during a livestream by the research vessel EVNautilus in the deep waters of the North Pacific Ocean. The sighting was made at a depth of 2,665 meters by a remotely operated vehicle controlled by the Ocean Exploration…
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Navigating online gaming regulations in Thailand
Online gaming in the Land of Smiles is a complex landscape, marked by stringent regulations stemming from laws that have been in place for nearly a century. As the country grapples with a robust underground gambling ecosystem, legal adjustments are anticipated, potentially signaling a shift toward legalisation and regulation. In this intricate legal landscape, platforms like Captain Rizk find ways…
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Police in hot water: 8 officers nabbed in online gambling network crackdown
An investigation into an online gambling network has led to the issuance of arrest warrants for eight police officers suspected of managing gambling websites and profiting from them. The search, which took place today, spanned over 30 locations in six provinces nationwide. The operation aimed to dismantle the extensive online gambling network connected to Betflixroyal.com and additional online gambling websites.…
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Female petrol station attendance sexually harassed by client
A petrol station attendant has sought justice by publicly sharing her disturbing experience of being sexually harassed by a male customer. The 30 year old victim, Mallika, sent CCTV footage of the sexual harassment to several news agencies in a bid to expose the perpetrator. In an interview with Channel 3, Mallika disclosed the incident happened at a petrol station…
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Thailand rescue team’s deep dive: 73 year old Thai man saved from water tank peril
Satja Phutta Dham Thailand Rescue Team, in the central province of Prachin Buri, saved the life of a 73 year old Thai man who fell into a 3-metre deep water tank and was stuck there for over two hours. The incident happened yesterday, September 24, at Khao Luk Chang Temple in the Kabin Buri district of Prachin Buri province. The…
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Thai ministry’s water woes: Bueng Boraphet faces aquatic crisis with levels plummeting tenfold
The Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment yesterday investigated the water situation at Bueng Boraphet, revealing that the water level is ten times lower than the previous year, creating a water crisis that could impact the ecosystem. The secretary, Jatuporn Burusphat, ordered continuous water replenishment from today. Accompanied by Pichit Sombatmak, Deputy Secretary, and other concerned officials,…
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Thailand’s FDA conducts seafood safety tests on Japanese seafood for radiation amid nuclear water discharge concerns
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Thailand revealed the results of their analysis of seafood imported from Japan following the discharge of treated water from a nuclear power plant. Out of 75 samples, all were quarantined for inspection and seafood safety. If any were found to be contaminated, they would be destroyed and imports immediately suspended, stated Lerschai Lertsirivorakul,…
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Teenage boy abandoned on roadside after he faints on Bangkok public bus
A Thai bus driver and a ticket collector on the number 75 public bus have been fined for abandoning a sick teenager on the side of the road in Bangkok. The teenager had fainted on the bus. A Thai woman who witnessed the incident urged a news platform on Facebook to spread the story to the public so the staff…
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