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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Car accident or theft linked to dead body found in eastern Thailand
Thai workers yesterday discovered the lifeless body of a Thai man on a roadside forest in Chon Buri. It is suspected that he was killed in a car accident. The 44 year old Thai man, Weerapong, called Huay Yai Police Station to investigate the decomposed body in the forest on the side of Highway 331 (Sattahip-Chachoengsao) at 11am yesterday, March…
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Pattaya security guard robbed in late-night phone snatch (video)
A 68 year old security guard in Pattaya was left shaken and desperate for justice after a brazen thief snatched his phone in the middle of his shift. The robbery occurred in the early hours of February 28, leaving the elderly guard powerless to stop the thief. Somkuan Chitphak, who works as a night security guard at a Pattaya condominium,…
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Cheers! Thai health minister pushes for designated booze zones
The Minister of Public Health highlighted the necessity of establishing designated areas for drinking alcohol for certain groups of tourists visiting Thailand. The government aims to support tourism, which is expected to see over 35 million visitors this year and the ministries have been tasked with proposing suitable locations for alcohol sales. The National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee convened to…
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Boy injured by fishing spear gun on way to school
An 11 year old student encountered a serious accident on his way to school. While cycling, he found a fishing spear gun and accidentally discharged it, causing a dart to embed in his neck. The injured boy managed to return home for help. Patsakon Changthongmadan Kong shared the incident on Facebook, urging parents to keep dangerous items away from children.…
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Prominent betel garden owner found dead in Phatthalung plantation
A well-known betel garden owner was found dead on his plantation after failing to return home, leaving his devastated family grappling with the shocking loss. The tragic discovery was made yesterday, March 4 at 8pm, when Mueang Phatthalung Police received a report of a body found in a betel plantation in Rom Mueang subdistrict, Phatthalung province. Police Lieutenant Prasert Duang-iad,…
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Thailand video news | Thailand eases booze ban for tourists on Buddhist holy days, Thailand considers border wall to combat scam gangs
The Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex and Jay, covers key news from Thailand and Southeast Asia. This edition highlights Thailand easing alcohol restrictions for tourists on Buddhist holy days, a Bangkok tuk-tuk race ending in a serious crash, and concerns over police inaction in a Koh Pha Ngan cannabis theft. Other stories include Thailand’s investment in the 2025…
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Thai man shares shocking venomous snake surprise in ice pop
A Thai man in the central province of Ratchaburi took to Facebook to share his shocking discovery of a venomous snake in his ice pop. The man posted pictures of his ice lolly yesterday, March 4, with a caption that read, “The doe-eyed snake, are you dead yet? Black bean ice pop from an ice cream cart. This is the real…
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Qatar aids Thailand in locating last Thai hostage in Gaza
Qatar has committed to locating the last remaining Thai hostage held by Hamas in Gaza and assisting with the repatriation of two dead Thai workers, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is currently visiting Qatar, where he met with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani on Monday, March 3. Maris thanked Qatar…
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Burmese man commits suicide in Chon Buri during video call with girlfriend
A Burmese man yesterday committed suicide on a railway track in the Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri during a video call with his girlfriend. Officers from Bang Lamung Police Station were called to the railway track near Krating Lai Temple yesterday, March 4, to investigate the death of 22 year old Burmese national Maw Asein. He was reported to…
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Search continues for missing American tourist in Patong Bay
Patong police have confirmed that they are continuing the search for a missing American tourist, despite reducing the scale of operations since her disappearance five days ago in Patong Bay. Nina Ng, a 38 year old New Yorker, was last observed removing her life jacket and entering the water from a hired jet ski approximately 1 kilometre from Patong Beach…
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Trading places: Thai export boom hides ticking trade bomb
Amidst the cheers of soaring export numbers, the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) fired a warning shot, urging Thailand to shift its focus towards resolving trade imbalances on a country-by-country basis. TNSC chairman Chaichan Charoensuk warned that the ongoing trade war resembles a ticking time bomb for exporters, with an explosion expected in the second quarter. The council predicts a…
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Prawit to lead no-confidence debate against PM Paetongtarn
Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader General Prawit Wongsuwan is set to lead party members of Parliament in a no-confidence debate against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on March 24, according to PPRP Secretary-General Paiboon Nititawan. Paiboon stated that the PPRP will have a two-hour slot to scrutinise the prime minister, with General Prawit actively participating in the proceedings. The debate will address several…
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DHL delivers electrifying future for Thailand: Charges up EV plans
In a daring move set to shake up the logistics scene, renowned global courier DHL has unveiled its ambitious Strategy 2030 for Thailand with a zesty focus on the booming electric vehicle (EV) sector, spare parts service, and cross-border e-commerce. The master plan is poised to transform Thailand into a pivotal regional hub amidst the swirling challenges of global trade,…
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Thailand cracks down on call centre scams, cuts losses by 20%
Thailand’s crackdown on call centre scams has cut financial losses by 20%, as officials sever power, Internet, and fuel supplies to fraud hubs along the Myanmar and Cambodian borders. Over 100 suspects now face arrest, while a new law will hold banks, telecom providers, and social media platforms accountable for scam-related losses. Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong announced…
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Fast and furious: Bangkok tuk tuk race ends in crash, 3 injured
A high-speed tuk tuk race on a Bangkok road ended in a devastating crash, leaving three people seriously injured, including one driver with a severe head injury. The incident, which occurred late last night, March 3, sparked a police investigation, with officers awaiting blood alcohol test results. The collision happened around 10pm on Ratchadaphisek Road in Chong Nonsi, Yannawa district,…
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2 Foreign men give Pattaya monks a lift and get blessings in return
Two foreign motorcyclists went viral on Thai social media after a TikTok video showed them offering a ride to two Thai monks in Pattaya. The monks rewarded them with gifts for their kindness. The TikTok user @tubs096 shared a video of himself and his friend giving the monks a lift. In the video, the TikToker could be heard saying, “Just…
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Thailand forms task force to combat border crime
Thailand is ramping up its fight against border crime, drug trafficking, and call centre scams with a newly established security task force, granting the military greater control over cross-border threats. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra signed an executive order on February 28, forming the Committee for the Prevention and Resolution of Security Threats in Border Areas with Neighbouring Countries. The initiative…
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Google Maps reveals Thailand’s most popular tourist spots
Thailand’s status as a top global travel destination has been reaffirmed by Google Maps, which has unveiled the country’s most reviewed locations as part of its 20th anniversary celebration. From bustling street food hubs to breathtaking temples and lush national parks, Thailand continues to captivate both locals and international visitors. Over the past two decades, Google Maps has revolutionised travel,…
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Bangkok condo illegally rented daily, reveals weak law enforcement
Residents and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) have raised concerns over a condominium in Sukhumvit 11, developed by a company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), where half of the 450 units are allegedly rented out daily through online platforms, highlighting weak law enforcement in Thailand. A foreign resident and unit owner at the condominium disclosed that more…
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Motorcycle clash in Phuket ends in fatal knife fight
A minor motorcycle collision in Wichit escalated into a deadly knife fight, leaving one man dead and three others injured. Police are now investigating the violent altercation that unfolded yesterday, March 3. Wichit Police responded to reports of a knife attack outside a house in Soi 3, Irrawaddy 1, at around 10pm. They arrived to find 37 year old Pornpot…
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Thai hotels fear Songkran impact from Uyghur controversy
The Thai Hotels Association expressed concerns over potential impacts on the upcoming Songkran festival due to Thailand’s decision to repatriate Uyghurs to China. The decision by the Government of Thailand action has drawn warnings from Japan and the United States, while Australia has issued a strong disapproval statement. The European Union has also expressed regret, citing violations of the non-refoulement…
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Thailand & China strengthen ties, celebrate 50 years of diplomacy
Thailand and China are enhancing their collaboration across various sectors, including society, economy, trade, and investment, according to Phinij Jarusombat, former Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Thai-Chinese Cultural Relationship Council. During a significant event on March 2 at the China Cultural Centre in Bangkok, celebrating 50 years of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations, Phinij highlighted the strengthening ties between the…
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Phuket Heroines Festival to feature epic historical drama
Phuket is gearing up for an unforgettable Heroines Festival 2025, with Thai actresses Anyarin “Tubtim” Terathananpat and Kessarin “Nui” Ektawatkul set to take centre stage in a dramatic re-enactment of the island’s most legendary battle. The two leading ladies were officially announced at a press conference on March 2 at the Chartered Bank intersection in Phuket Town, presided over by…
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Seeing red: Thai motorists take legal aim at Mazda menace (video)
Thai motorists have initiated legal proceedings against the driver of a red Mazda hatchback, notorious for reckless driving and aggressive behaviour, especially targeting motorcyclists. One victim claimed his actions were akin to attempted murder. The Thai man, better known as “Pete Red Mazda,” regularly shared dashcam footage on Facebook, often complaining about the behaviour of other motorists, mainly motorcyclists. His…
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Phuket loan sharks busted for 50% interest rate scam
Two men running an illegal loan shark operation in Phuket have been arrested after allegedly extorting desperate borrowers with sky-high interest rates. Their arrests come as part of a nationwide crackdown on unlawful debt practices and predatory lending. Phuket Immigration officers, working alongside the Immigration Bureau’s Crime Suppression Division 8 and Immigration Bureau 6, swooped in last Thursday, February 27,…
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Police seize 5 million meth pills after Kamphaeng Phet chase
A dramatic police chase unfolded yesterday when a pickup truck driver attempted to evade a checkpoint in Mueang district, Kamphaeng Phet province. The vehicle collided with an 18-wheeler, leading to the discovery of five million methamphetamine pills. At approximately 8pm, yesterday, March 3, Police Major General Opas Kongmueang, Kamphaeng Phet Provincial Police commander, and Police Colonel Kornwit Onthong, Kamphaeng Phet…
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Pattaya cracks down on shady grabs and sinking streets
Pattaya officials are cracking down on illegal land grabs and worsening flood woes, with urgent measures underway to reclaim public property and overhaul drainage systems. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet and Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharaphat Sritanyanon chaired an emergency meeting to address these pressing concerns, focusing on two major crises: illegal encroachment at Sukhawadee House and persistent flooding in the city’s…
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Brothers caught with over 1 kilo of meth in Samut Prakan raid
Over 1 kilogramme of powdered methamphetamine was discovered hidden in the home of two brothers accused of breaking into coin-operated machines in the Samut Prakan province. The pair was apprehended yesterday, March 3, by Bang Kaeo police officials, including Police Colonel Adirek Thongkamkaew, Deputy Police Colonel Chanwut Thiamwongkorn, Police Lieutenant Wason Wongrueng, and Police Captain Danai Kaewnan. The suspects, 35…
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Search continues for missing student in Nan River
Efforts continue into the third day to locate a missing 22 year old fourth-year student at Naresuan University, whose disappearance is believed to have occurred in the Nan River in Phitsanulok province. Relatives remain hopeful and are coordinating with local police. Since March 1, rescue teams have been tirelessly searching the river, and relatives have been camping at Suan Chom…
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DSI seeks arrest for major general in trafficking case
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) forwarded an arrest warrant request for Major General Maung Chit Thu to the Attorney General. The case involves human trafficking and implicates Thai nationals. Officials are confident there is sufficient evidence for prosecution. Yesterday, March 3, at 4.30pm, Police Lieutenant Colonel Siriwich Kasemsub, Director of the Human Trafficking Case Division at the DSI, discussed…
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