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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Belgian thief’s key to crime: Unlocking 200,000 baht (video)
Songkhla Provincial Immigration Police yesterday arrested a Belgian man after he stole hotel key cards from Thai and Malaysian victims and robbed them of 200,000 baht. Police arrested the 26 year old Belgian thief, Abdelali, at a hotel in the Hat Yai district of Songkhla province yesterday, August 1, after the Thai and Malaysian victims filed a theft complaint with…
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Thailand to increase forest ranger salaries and workforce
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment plans to bolster its forest protection efforts by increasing the number of forest rangers, aiming to alleviate the current workload and enhance forest conservation across the nation. Ratchata Pisitbannakorn, assistant to Environment Minister Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, highlighted the ministry’s appreciation for the diligent work of rangers during a World Ranger Day event on Wednesday,…
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Thailand’s bike boom hits a brake with debt drag
Thailand’s motorcycle manufacturing output is expected to continue its decline in the second half of the year due to high household debt and a weak economy, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The FTI Vice-Chairman and spokesperson for the federation’s Automotive Industry Club, Surapong Paisitpatanapong, commented on the challenging economic conditions. He noted that while the motorcycle industry…
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Phatthalung named agricultural product development hub
Phatthalung has been designated as the southern hub for an agricultural product development initiative by the Thailand Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Trade of Thailand, and the Provincial Chamber of Commerce. This decision aims to bolster the agricultural sector by showcasing and distributing quality local products nationwide. At least eight agricultural products from Phatthalung have received the government’s Product…
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Thailand invests 1 billion baht to boost AI skills and startups
Thailand is poised to harness the momentum of the global artificial intelligence (AI) trend, aiming to transition from an AI user to an AI application creator, as stated by the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC). The country’s strategy involves leveraging its robust ecosystem, which includes high-performance computing infrastructure, thriving data centres, and ongoing development of skilled employees, research…
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Prize winner takes home 6 million baht in Thai lottery draw (video)
The latest lottery draw took place today at the Government Lottery Office (GLO) building in Nonthaburi. The winning numbers for today’s draw (August 1) have been announced, with the grand prize winner taking home 6 million baht. The first prize comes with two adjacent prizes, each worth 100,000 baht. The second prize has five winners, each receiving 200,000 baht, while…
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Chinese-owned factory fined 1.8 billion baht for waste water in reservoir
Chachoengsao Provincial Court fined a Chinese-owned factory 1.8 billion baht for releasing waste water into the Jone Reservoir in the central province of Chachoengsao. THH Moly Processing Company’s illegal action came to light in 2019 after 2 million cubic metres of water in the Jone Reservoir was contaminated with multiple toxic substances. Locals could not use the water for consumption…
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Thailand outbound travel takes a dive amid economic woes
Thailand’s outbound travel market is facing a sharp decline, with consumer spending power plummeting and overseas holiday plans on hold. Charoen Wangananont, President of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), revealed in an exclusive interview with Krungthep Turakij that economic uncertainties have led many Thais to postpone international trips to avoid extra costs during these tough times. “We had initially…
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Buffet restaurant Daidomon to close final branch in Thailand
Legendary buffet restaurant Daidomon will close its remaining branch on August 5, bringing an end to its 41-year history. This announcement has left buffet enthusiasts across Thailand disheartened. The Daidomon chain has faced persistent financial difficulties, which led to the closure of its Daidomon Korean Grill branch at Central Ubon Ratchathani on April 30. Until now, the only remaining branch…
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Severe flooding in Mae Hong Son threatens rice fields
Heavy rainfall in Mae Hong Son has caused the Mae Sa Nga River to overflow, flooding over 1,000 rai of rice fields. The famous Sutongpe Bridge, a well-known tourist spot, is also at risk of submersion, with landslides blocking several roads. Mae Hong Son is currently facing a crisis due to continuous heavy rainfall which has led to severe flooding…
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Japanese man arrested for attempted rape of drunk Thai woman
A Thai woman took legal action against a Japanese man for attempting to rape her while she was drunk at Royal City Avenue (RCA) in Bangkok in the early hours of Sunday. The victim and her boyfriend filed a complaint at Makkasan Police Station after the incident occurred at about 4.40am on Sunday, July 28. The couple also obtained footage…
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Temu’s takeover: Thai e-commerce expert warns of price war
The Thai e-commerce landscape is about to face a major upheaval, warns Pawoot Pongvitayapanu, CEO of Creden.co and PaySolutions. Speaking on Krungthep Turakij’s Deep Talk programme, Pawoot cautioned that the arrival of the Chinese online retail giant Temu on Monday could spell trouble for local retailers already battling fierce competition. Pawoot highlighted that while Thai consumers are already familiar with…
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What is the current state of Thailand’s casino legislation, and how likely is it to change in the near future?
Thailand stands on the brink of a potentially transformative shift in its approach to gambling. For many years, casinos have been completely banned in the country, reflecting a conservative stance deeply rooted in cultural and legal traditions. However, recent developments suggest that Thailand might be on the path to legalising and regulating casino operations, marking a significant departure from its…
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Digital wallet scheme sees 5.8 million registrations in three hours
Registration for the digital wallet scheme surged to 5.8 million people within just three hours. Officials expected the number to hit 7 million by noon today, following the government’s launch of a scheme allowing citizens to claim 10,000 baht via a digital wallet through the Tang Rat application on smartphones. This initiative, open from today, August 1 to September 15,…
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Dutch teenager falls to death from cliff at viewpoint in Krabi
An 18 year old Dutch teenager yesterday fell to his death from the Ngon Nak Nature Trail viewpoint in the southern province of Krabi after he became separated from his family. A Dutch couple, Karin Monique Valkhoff and Rinus Gerard Bakker, yesterday, July 31, sought help from Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park rangers after their 18 year…
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Villagers seek fortune from mysterious ancient stone in Buriram
An elderly man and his family performed a ceremony to seek fortune from a mysterious stone resembling an ancient boundary marker, which they unearthed 10 years ago and have since remained safe. His son revealed experiencing unusual sensations upon first touching the stone. During a local ceremony yesterday, 86 year old Samran Kaewkhunthong, his family, and fellow villagers from the…
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Thai rice exports forecasted to drop below 8 million tonnes in 2025
Thai rice exports are projected to fall below 8 million tonnes next year, facing several challenges that threaten their competitiveness. Key issues include insufficient research and development (R&D) in rice varieties, a rising global supply of rice, and the potential lifting of India’s rice export restrictions by the end of the year. Charoen Laothamatas, president of the Thai Rice Exporters…
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Korean Air’s new 787-10 takes flight to Thailand
Korean Air is set to dazzle travellers with the deployment of its first Boeing 787-10, taking off on the Seoul Incheon to Bangkok route from today, August 1. This marks a significant milestone, as Thailand becomes the inaugural Southeast Asian destination for the airline’s newest widebody jet. The SkyTeam Alliance member currently operates four daily flights on this bustling route,…
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Monk called to police station after haunted jail claims third detainee
Sarapee Police Station officers in the northern province of Chiang Mai invited a monk to perform a sacred ritual within a supposedly haunted jail after three detainees committed suicide. The latest death was reported on Tuesday, July 30. The latest victim, 53 year old Thai man Inthorn, was found hanging in the Sarapee Police Station prison on the morning of…
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Thai electricity tariff to remain at 4.18 baht per unit
The Thai Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) decided to maintain the electricity tariff at 4.18 baht per unit for the billing period from September to December this year. For consumers using no more than 300 units per month, the tariff remains at 3.99 baht per unit. Poonpat Leesombatpaiboon, Secretary-General of the ERC, revealed on July 1 that the commission resolved to…
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Hapless Thai thieves arrested after showing off ill-gotten wealth
Two hapless Thai thieves were arrested after showing off their ill-gotten wealth to neighbours in the southern province of Songkhla. A 67 year old homeowner and victim, Itsaree, filed a complaint with Mueang Songkhla Police Station after a long list of valuables disappeared from her home on Saiburi Road in Songkhla. The theft took place at about 8pm on July…
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Arrest warrant issued for Aphi Enterprise CEO in rape case
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Aphi Enterprise CEO Aphidit Intulaksana after he failed to appear in court to hear the verdict in a case where he is accused of raping and molesting a young actress. Aphidit was scheduled to attend the Criminal Court to hear the ruling concerning allegations that he raped and molested a 21 year…
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Two workers critically injured in Chanthaburi construction accident
Two construction workers were critically injured after one was electrocuted by a high-voltage wire, causing him to fall from a two-story building. The incident occurred yesterday, July 31 at a construction site near Wat Phlapphla in Chanthaburi province. Emergency services were alerted to the scene, where they found one worker unconscious and in critical condition, while the other was seriously…
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Residents seek blessings at Suphan Buri temple for lottery luck
Residents flocked to Wat Phai Khat in Suphan Buri province to seek blessings from Luang Pho Yai, igniting a buzz of activity as they searched for lucky numbers in preparation for the upcoming lottery draw. Wat Phai Khat in Sri Samran, Song Phi Nong district, Suphan Buri province, was teeming with residents from morning until evening yesterday, July 31. They…
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Teens flee after attacking young motorcyclist in northern Thailand
A young man was left confused and injured after being knocked off his motorcycle at a busy intersection by a group of teenagers he did not know. The police are now urgently searching for the assailants. Police in Nakhon Ratchasima received a report yesterday, July 31, about a brawl involving teenagers at the Thipmanee intersection in Phimai district. Officers, along…
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Flooding in Chanthaburi leaves man dead after vomiting blood
Flooding in Chanthaburi has turned homes into islands, and a 52 year old man suffering from a severe illness has died after vomiting blood. Despite his family’s desperate call for rescue, they could not reach him in time. Police, doctors, and rescue workers had to use off-road vehicles and flat-bottom boats to retrieve the body. Officers received a report yesterday,…
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Cops crack down on illegal loan sharks in six provinces in Thailand
Police swooped on an illegal loan shark network across six provinces, arresting key members and uncovering over 50 million baht in circulation. The operation targeted the notorious Boy Lang Khao gang, infamous for their exorbitant interest rates and violent debt collection methods. The Police Economic Crime Suppression Division, led by Police Major General Phutthidej Boonkrapue, yesterday launched an extensive operation…
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Thai customer complains about buffet restaurant staff service
A heated social media argument erupted between a buffet restaurant and a dissatisfied customer, leading to a legal dispute. The incident began when a Facebook user posted a critical review of a conveyor belt hotpot buffet restaurant in the New Students MSU 68 group, citing poor service, especially in terms of the staff’s communication. The restaurant owner responded with a…
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Two tourists drown in Phuket beach tragedies
Two tragic incidents unfolded on Phuket’s beaches yesterday resulting in the drowning deaths of a Hong Kong father at Patong Beach and a Kazakh tourist at Karon Beach. At Patong Beach, yesterday, July 31, Che Ka Fai aka Andy, a 52 year old Chinese national from Hong Kong, was pulled from the water unconscious and unresponsive. Police Lieutenant Colonel Phongpipat…
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Officials tee up hunt for wayward crocodile at Phuket golf course
Officials in Phuket are stepping up efforts to capture a crocodile spotted at Mission Hills Golf Course. The sighting on July 31 prompted an urgent response from local authorities and specialist crocodile capture teams. It seems the croc is making a real ‘swing’ at disrupting the course, and officials are keen to ‘par’ the situation before it escalates. Nikhom Suksawat,…
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