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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Elderly Thai man tragically killed in Buriram accident
A 64 year old Thai man was tragically killed in a car and motorbike collision in Buriram. The victim had just visited a food stall where he joked with the vendor about wanting to marry her. Within a minute of leaving, the horrific accident occurred. At around 1pm yesterday, Pol. Lt. Col. Prachak Khamnark, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) of Buriram’s Mueang…
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Take Me Out Thailand: American man gets blackout for his male chauvinistic attitude
Thirty Thai women in the popular dating game show Take Me Out Thailand gave a blackout to an arrogant 22 year old American man after he showed his male chauvinistic side. He insisted at the end of the show that he told the truth, thankfully the Thai contestants would not accept a man who appeared to have stepped out of…
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Thai community gathers to pay respects to turtle for good fortune
It was reported today that residents of Sai Kaew Community, Phimai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, gathered at house number 127/1 to pay their respects and seek good fortune from a beautifully kept turtle, ‘Kai Toon.’ The turtle is owned by Sawang Saungsombat, a 62 year old local. Sawang explained that her son bought the turtle for her to care for…
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Young policeman dies in taxi collision, shattering dreams and family plans
A tragic incident claimed the life of Thai sub-Lieutenant Anawat Phongerd, a young policeman from the Metropolitan Police’s Naval Unit, who collided with a taxi when chasing a suspect on his motorcycle. Despite his dreams and future plans for education and family, 27 year old Anawat left this world far too soon. According to reports, Anawat was pursuing a suspect…
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From war heroes to war zeros: The unjust treatment of Julian Assange
We live in a world where war criminals are celebrated, worshipped, and praised while those who hold them to account are vilified, abused and thrown in prison, as in the case of Julian Assange. We live in a world where George Bush and Tony Blair can lead the United States, United Kingdom, and allies into an illegal war in Iraq…
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Myanmar conflict surge: Over 3,300 refugees seek shelter in Thailand
The conflict in Myanmar‘s Kayah State has led to a new surge of refugees seeking shelter in Thailand. Provincial Governor Chettha Mosikkharat confirmed that Thai authorities have rescued 3,342 refugees who fled the border war. The fighting in Kayah State involves the Karenni Army (KA), backed by the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) and the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF), and…
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Thai vocational students clash, leading to injuries
A clash between two groups of Thai vocational students yesterday resulted in injuries. The incident took place near a passenger terminal in Chachoengsao province, leading to police intervention and the questioning of one 16 year old student. Around 10 students from one vocational college had a standoff with a student from another technical institute, leading to a weapons-drawn clash before…
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Wardrobe malfunction: Bangkok taxi takes fashion on the road
A viral photo of a taxi in Bangkok carrying a large wardrobe in its boot sparked amusement and concern among netizens. The image shows the yellow taxi driving through the city with the wardrobe sticking out of the open boot. The image was shared online today causing a stir among social media users. The photo was taken by a Thai…
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Power struggle unfolds as MFP leader fights to claim prime ministerial seat
Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat today addressed allegations surrounding a contentious meeting of iTV shareholders and efforts to prevent him from becoming the next Prime Minister. While there is uncertainty about who is involved in these behind-the-scenes manoeuvres, the MFP’s legal team is gathering more evidence from those involved. Pita acknowledges that the upcoming legal battle could impede…
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Pattaya officials discuss opening Dongtan Beach Road to 24-hour vehicle access
In Pattaya, a recent meeting took place to discuss the possibility of opening Dongtan Beach Road to vehicle traffic 24 hours a day. This road, which connects Jomtien Beach to Pratumnak Soi 5, has been closed to traffic overnight for quite some time. However, due to significant growth in the area over the past year, particularly in the number of…
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Thai man trapped in a crooked web of deceit seeks media help after being swindled by cunning con artist
A Thai man sought help from a Thai media agency to highlight his plight after falling victim to a crooked Thai woman who spun a web of deceit and swindled over 300,000 baht from him. It was later discovered he wasn’t her only victim and that she had also deceived numerous men by manipulating romantic relationships. A 41 year old…
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Reality show ‘Keep Running’ to boost Chinese tourism to Pattaya, mayor says
In Pattaya, over the past few days, crowds of excited fans and camera crews have been spotted at various locations, such as Grande Centre Point Space Hotel and the World’s Largest 7-eleven in South Pattaya. The reason behind this excitement is the filming of episodes for the popular Chinese reality and variety show “Keep Running.” The show features famous Chinese…
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Eeling lucky: Sausage seller reels in twin albino eels, locals hooked on fortune
Two albino eels caught within two days by a sausage seller have captured the attention of residents, who believe the eels are bringing good fortune. The fortunate fisherman also found lottery success in the last draw. At 1pm yesterday, reporters were informed that 42 year old Boonmee Marman, a sausage seller living in the Mueang district of Loei province, discovered…
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Thai government weighs extending diesel excise tax cut beyond July
The Thai government is considering extending the excise tax cut on diesel, which is set to expire on July 20. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha directed the Finance Ministry and other relevant agencies to evaluate the feasibility of prolonging the tax reduction. Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow revealed that the Finance Ministry has been tasked with determining the appropriateness of an extension.…
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Pattaya parades: International PRIDE and Festival march to be hosted simultaneously
Pattaya is gearing up for a spectacular day on June 24, 2023, as the city prepares to host two major parades simultaneously. The International PRIDE Parade and Pattaya Festival Parade are set to attract thousands of participants and visitors, while also causing traffic disruptions in the area. The International PRIDE Parade will kick off the day’s celebrations, with a colourful…
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Busted: Cops nab 89 suspects, seize drugs, weapons at party in South Thailand
Police arrested 89 suspects at a drug party at a resort in the southern province of Pattalung yesterday. Several types of drugs and weapons were confiscated. Pattalung Provincial Police Office received a tip-off that the members of a Facebook group planned to hold a party at a resort around midnight. Officers monitored each member until they checked in at a…
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Pattaya bar workers and Indian tourists fight
In the early hours of this morning, a violent altercation took place between a group of bar workers and two Indian tourists at the entrance of Soi 16 and Walking Street in Pattaya. The incident occurred in front of Kamaa Club, located at the entrance of Walking Street from Soi 16 in South Pattaya, Nong Prue sub-district, Bang Lamung district,…
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Driver asleep at wheel injures 5, including 3 foreigners, in Phatthalung crash
A passenger van en route to Krabi met with an accident in Phatthalung, resulting in injuries to three foreign nationals and two Thai individuals. The incident took place yesterday on Petchkasem Road, with Sri Nakarin Police being notified in the afternoon. Emergency services discovered the damaged minivan on the side of the road, having crashed into a power pole. A…
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Tragic love triangle ends in fatal shooting: Jealous Thai woman admits accidental killing of boyfriend in Bangkok
A jealous Thai woman fatally shot her boyfriend at a condominium in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. Initially denying the murder, the woman later confessed that the shooting was an unintended consequence of a heated argument. Officers from the Bang Kluay Police Station swiftly launched an investigation into the untimely death of Suppasin Sisook. The lifeless body of the 30 year…
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Thai elephant’s fate hangs on flight fitness decision
The fate of an ailing Thai elephant residing in Sri Lanka will be determined on June 28, as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment decides if the animal is fit enough to endure a six-hour flight to Chiang Mai. Minister Varawut Silpa-archa explained that a Thai caretaker team, consisting of veterinarians and two mahouts, has been preparing the elephant…
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Driver who severely injured Thai actor ordered to pay 4.17 million, still battles case
News has emerged of Thai actor Off Thanakrit, who became bedridden after a severe road accident involving a drunk woman crashed her car into the back of his motorcycle. The court recently sentenced the woman to one year imprisonment and ordered her to pay a total of 4,172,962.62 baht (US$120,577) in damages, while the defendant continues to battle the case…
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Thai interest rates raised to 2% by BoT amid core inflation worries
The Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Thailand (BoT) anticipates ongoing economic growth with some potential risks, as evidenced by their decision to increase the key Thai interest rates for the sixth consecutive meeting, according to the minutes released recently. On May 31, the committee unanimously agreed to increase the one-day repurchase rate by a quarter point to 2%,…
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El Niño threatens Thai agriculture with 5% rainfall drop and water shortages
The El Niño weather pattern’s impact on Thailand is becoming more apparent, with hot and dry conditions persisting despite the rainy season’s official commencement on May 22. The Meteorological Department has announced that this year’s total rainfall will be approximately 5% lower than the annual average, leading to potential water shortages and prolonged dry spells. The El Niño phenomenon, which…
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Phallic procession invokes divine showers: Thai residents parade huge wooden penis to summon rain gods (video)
Residents in the central province of Kanchanaburi took part in a ritual with an enormous wooden sculpture of a penis to invoke rain and paraded it around the community while praying to Devas, also known as Buddhism angels. The 600 kilogrammes wooden phallic sculpture, called Palad Khik in Thai, serves as an amulet that many Thai people carry with them,…
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Thai outbound travel surges as Asian flight capacities increase
The Thai outbound travel market is experiencing fierce competition among Asian countries, as flight capacities have increased compared to last year. The Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) anticipates that the Thai outbound market could recover to half of the 11.2 million departures in 2019, prior to the pandemic, due to stronger flight frequencies in Asia. TTAA vice-president Chotechuang Soorangura stated…
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Royal Thai Air Force defends 50 million South Korean guidance kit acquisition
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) yesterday defended its purchase of guidance-extended range kits from South Korea, worth 50 million baht, asserting that the acquisition adheres to regulations. RTAF spokesperson AVM Prapas Sornchaidee explained that the kits will be utilised with 500-pound air-dropped bombs to improve the air force’s long-range air strike capabilities, in line with the country’s defence preparation…
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Terrifying near-miss in Ratchaburi prompts calls for improved road safety measures
A terrifying incident occurred on a dark, poorly lit road when a white sedan suddenly emerged from a side road, narrowly missing a pickup truck, before crashing into a road sign and street isle. The drivers of both vehicles, as well as passengers, escaped unharmed from the ordeal in Ratchaburi province. A social media user shared a video of the…
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Motorist crashes into house causing 2 million baht in damages, leaves family homeless
A 21 year old man has caused nearly 2 million baht (US$57,745) in damages after he lost control of his truck and crashed into a house, destroying the roof and damaging another car. The incident occurred in Ban Na Don, Nong Na Kham sub-district, Mueang district, Udon Thani Province. Luckily, the five people sleeping inside were unharmed. The driver sustained…
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Miss Universe Thailand contestants promote cultural tourism in Udon Thani
Several Miss Universe Thailand beauty pageant contestants visited a number of sacred sites in Udon Thani where they were warmly received by locals. The group took part in several traditional rituals as a gesture of respect and homage. The beauty pageant contestants participating in Miss Universe Thailand 2023 yesterday morning visited Wat Si Dara in Na Chum Saeng, Thung Fon, and…
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Belgian man commits suicide at a Phuket shooting range
A Belgian man reportedly took his own life at a shooting range in Phuket yesterday. The motive of the suicide is under investigation. Officers from Chalong Police Station rushed to investigate Sai Yuan Shooting Range in the Rawai sub-district, Mueang district of Phuket after being notified about the death of the Belgian man, who was later identified as a 52…
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