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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Spanish family rescued after boat capsizes off Koh Samui
A terrifying incident unfolded off the coast of Koh Samui as a tourist boat carrying a Spanish family of four capsized and sank in the middle of the sea. Fortunately, quick-thinking rescuers saved the family after they were left floating helplessly in the water. The incident occurred yesterday, July 1 at around 11.30am, as a long-tailed boat carrying a group…
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Shocking victory: Russian fighter’s electrifying celebration (video)
A Russian MMA fighter got more than just a buzz from the crowd after winning a bizarre cannabis-fuelled fight in Thailand, he got electrocuted while celebrating. Ivan Parshikov, a former ONE Lumpinee contender, had just won his bout at the controversial Weed Boxing Championship, where fighters are allowed to blaze up before stepping into the ring. But as Parshikov clambered…
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Thai police seize 10.6 million meth pills in major drug bust
Police in the far north of Thailand conducted two significant drug seizures, uncovering a total of 10 million methamphetamine pills hidden in a shipment of speaker boxes and an additional 600,000 pills in parcels at an express delivery service. The incidents occurred in Phrae and Chiang Rai provinces, as revealed by Police Region 5 yesterday, July 1. In Phrae, officers…
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Thai woman accuses ex-MP and businessman of extorting 9 million baht
A Thai woman accused an ex-Member of Parliament (MP) and a prominent businessman of extorting 9 million baht from her by promising to help her avoid legal punishment. Despite paying the amount, she was imprisoned. The woman, identified as Punim, shared her ordeal on her Facebook account on June 26, asking her followers whether she should reveal the identities of…
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Temple raid: Monks busted for meth use in central Thailand
Two young monks in Phetchaburi province have been arrested for consuming methamphetamine inside a temple’s monk quarters. The incident, which has left the local community stunned, occurred yesterday, July 1, when police in Khao Yoi district, in collaboration with local officials, raided the temple after receiving intelligence reports about the monks’ involvement in drug use. The operation was led by Police…
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Police officer dies in SUV crash in Ubon Ratchathani
A tragic accident occurred involving a police lieutenant colonel who lost his life after his SUV crashed into a power pole. The incident took place yesterday, July 1, in Warin Chamrap district, Ubon Ratchathani province. Rescue operations took over 20 minutes to extract the officer’s body. Police Lieutenant Colonel Jeerarot Akkaraphachuensakul, deputy superintendent of Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station, was…
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Chiang Mai woman hits 60 million baht lottery jackpot
A woman from the Tai Yai community in Chiang Mai has become an instant millionaire, winning a staggering 60 million baht after securing 10 first-prize lottery tickets with the number 949246. The life-changing win came during the lottery draw yesterday, July 1, and the lucky winner celebrated her newfound wealth with friends in the Wiang Haeng district. The lucky woman,…
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Hairy surprise: Thai woman finds pubic hair on ‘brand-new’ shaver
A Thai woman in the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan took to social media to share her shocking online shopping experience after discovering what she suspected was pubic hair from an unidentified person on what was supposed to be a brand-new shaver. The 44 year old woman, Chompoonuch Wanchana, posted a video of the disturbing unboxing on her Facebook…
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Thai teenager arrested for blackmailing girlfriend with explicit clips
The Thai Internet Crimes Against Children (TICAC) Task Force arrested a 17 year old man for blackmailing his 13 year old girlfriend by posting explicit clips on social media following a quarrel. The arrest took place at 7.30am yesterday, July 1, in the Bangkok Noi district. The Thailand Internet Crimes Against Children-TICAC Task Force coordinated with law enforcement to apprehend…
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Lights out in Bang Tao: Friday blackout warning for Phuket locals
Hundreds of homes, hotels, and businesses in Phuket’s Bang Tao area are set to be plunged into darkness this Friday, July 4, as part of a planned power cut to upgrade the local grid. The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) Thalang Branch says the blackout, scheduled from 9am to 4.30pm, is needed to safely carry out high-voltage upgrades and install new…
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Taxi horror: Thai tourist harassed by cab driver in South Korea
A South Korean taxi driver sparked outrage online after harassing a female tourist from Thailand with inappropriate comments during a ride. The incident, which has since gone viral, has drawn anger from both Thai and South Korean netizens, calling for justice and better protections for women. On June 19, a woman posted a disturbing video on social media, capturing her…
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Thailand Video News | Thai PM Paetongtarn suspended amid leaked audio scandal involving Cambodia, Thailand introduces prescription form to regulate medical cannabis use
In Thailand, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended amid a leaked audio scandal, while new cannabis prescription rules tighten control over medical use. The country also saw a daring restaurant scam in Pattaya, a major heroin smuggling arrest at Suvarnabhumi Airport, and a rare bear encounter in Khao Yai National Park. Across the region, a Batik Air flight narrowly…
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Bomb scare patrol: Phuket orders crackdown on abandoned motors
Local government officials in Phuket have been ordered to hunt down abandoned cars and motorbikes, over fears they could be used to hide bombs. The sweeping directive came during a high-level security briefing yesterday, July 1, chaired by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at the Provincial Hall. “All agencies must take this seriously,” the governor warned. “We need to ensure the…
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Bangkok abbot’s wealth questioned after he reports 23 million baht theft
An abbot at a Bangkok temple reported to police the theft of 10 million baht in cash and nearly 13 million baht in gold on Sunday, June 29. He insisted the valuables were his personal property and not related to temple donations. Phra Ratchawatchara Phattanatorn, the abbot of Mueang Temple in Bangkok’s Bang Khae district, assigned the temple manager, Sakda Lertritsomboon,…
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Missing woman’s body found in car in Kanchanaburi canal
The body of a woman missing for over a month was discovered in a submerged car in a canal in Kanchanaburi province. Her husband had previously sought help through social media to locate her. Police are now examining CCTV footage for more details. At noon yesterday, July 1, Police Lieutenant Wanchai Phutthiek, Deputy Inspector of Samrong Police Station, received a…
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Thai Cabinet expands eligibility for ‘You Fight, We Help’ debt relief
Thailand is extending a lifeline to millions of debtors, expanding the eligibility for the popular “You Fight, We Help” debt relief initiative. The crucial change will allow debtors with arrears ranging from just one day to those overdue by more than a year to access vital assistance. To provide broader support, the Cabinet approved a revised framework that now includes…
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Elderly motorcycle taxi driver attacked in Chon Buri dispute
A 69 year old motorcycle taxi driver was assaulted by a colleague from the same service after being accused of stealing customers. The incident, captured on CCTV, occurred yesterday, July 1, at the Chan Chao motorcycle stand on Bang Saen Beach Road, Saen Suk, Mueang district, Chon Buri province. The footage shows the elderly woman being slapped and kicked to…
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Thailand hotels face delays in 1.7 billion baht subsidy scheme
Hotel operators in Thailand are experiencing delays in the approval process for the initial phase of the 1.7 billion baht co-payment scheme, while some online travel agents (OTAs) are offering prices lower than those under the government’s subsidy. The scheme, aimed at local tourists, opened registration for the public yesterday, July 1, after hotels were able to register since June…
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Noodle-icious win: Saraburi vendor hits jackpot, shares the flavour
A well-known noodle vendor in Saraburi celebrated winning the first prize in the government lottery draw on July 1 by giving away free noodles for two days. Locals gathered to congratulate the lucky winner, Aunt Pao, on her newfound fortune. Yesterday, July 1, the results of the government lottery draw were announced, revealing the winning first prize number as 949246.…
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Phuket boosts security with 98 million baht ‘Phuket Eye’ expansion
Phuket is about to get a major security upgrade as local officials unveil plans to expand the “Phuket Eye” initiative, a groundbreaking security model aimed at making the island safer. With crime suppression, tourist safety, and traffic management as top priorities, the initiative promises to bring peace of mind to both residents and visitors. Police Major General Sinlert Sukhum, a…
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Pattaya paint rage: Worker batters delivery lad over smudged lines
A furious road worker launched a savage attack on a young delivery rider in Pattaya yesterday because he accidentally rode over freshly painted traffic lines. The shocking assault happened at 6pm, yesterday, July 1 outside a convenience store on Soi Naklua 12, after 20 year old Phattharadanai Phimthong returned from a delivery run and was confronted by a man now…
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DLT warns against counterfeit licence plates sold on social media
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) warned about the growing online trade of counterfeit licence plates. The warning, which targets the public, highlights the rising dangers posed by purchasing these fake plates, which are increasingly being marketed via live streams on popular social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. DLT Deputy Director General and spokesperson Seksom Akraphand raised concerns…
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Thai teacher arrested for drug use and weapon possession
Local officials, including district chief Rungreung Thimabut and Police Colonel Chaipol Kamnork, arrested a 44 year old teacher for taking drugs in Naklang district of Nong Bua Lamphu province. The suspect, Suphaksak, who has been a contract teacher for 20 years, yesterday, July 1, confessed to using methamphetamines for the same duration. Following the arrest, police searched Suphaksak’s residence in…
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Thailand eyes alcohol law reform to boost tourism and safety
The Thai Ministry of Public Health anticipates the review of a new bill, which proposes amendments to the Alcohol Control Act 2008, to conclude later this month, according to Minister Somsak Thepsutin. This legislation aims to eliminate outdated military-era sales restrictions, ease advertising curbs, and introduce stricter regulations, including increased fines for selling alcohol to minors. The House of Representatives approved…
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Splash ‘n’ grab: Floods wreak havoc as Pattaya bikes washed away
Tourists and locals in Pattaya were left soaked and stranded yesterday as a torrential downpour turned Thailand’s Sin City into a sodden swamp, with over 20 bikes washed away in raging floodwaters. The heavens opened for more than two hours last night, July 1, swamping Bang Lamung district and bringing traffic to a watery standstill. Water levels surged to between…
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Barking mad: Boy rescued after being raised by dogs in drug den
An eight year old Thai boy has been rescued from a squalid drug den where he was raised alongside six dogs and ended up barking instead of speaking. The boy, who had not been to school in two years, was found living in filthy conditions in Laplae district, Uttaradit province, with his drug-addicted mum and older brother. With no friends…
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Bangkok minimum wage hits 400 baht: Boost for 700,000 workers
A historic pay boost is on the horizon for Bangkok’s workers, as the government acknowledges a major wage hike that will benefit hundreds of thousands. The Cabinet has officially confirmed a significant increase in Bangkok’s minimum wage, with the daily rate set to rise to 400 baht starting July 1. The wage increase, which will benefit approximately 700,000 workers, was…
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Helicopter tail number sparks lottery frenzy in Udon Thani
A helicopter landing in Udon Thani has sent lottery fever into overdrive, with residents betting on a number they believe will lead them to fortune. Excitement is mounting in Udon Thani as lottery enthusiasts eagerly await today’s draw, all eyes on the tail number of a helicopter that has taken the town by storm. The focus is on the army…
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15 Chinese arrested in northern Thailand luxury home raid for scam
A significant police operation in Hang Dong, a district in northern Thailand, led to the arrest of 15 Chinese nationals and two Myanmar workers linked to an online scam network. Provincial Region 5 police conducted a raid on a luxury residence in the Ban Waen area of the district today, July 1, after receiving information that the house was being…
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Tragic accident claims lives of mother and daughter in Chon Buri
A tragic accident occurred yesterday, resulting in the deaths of a mother and daughter when their motorcycle collided head-on with a pickup truck. The incident happened around 3pm, yesterday, June 30, on Sukaphiban 8 Road, in the Khao Khayai community of Bo Win subdistrict, Si Racha district, Chon Buri province. Police Lieutenant Somporn Panjan, Deputy Inspector of Bo Win Police…
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