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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Newborn girl’s body found in Buriram rubbish heap
A 60 year old man discovered the body of a newborn girl, estimated to be about two days old, abandoned on a rubbish heap in a bag in Thailand’s Buriram province. The disoriented man, who has a speech disability, protected the body from flies until authorities arrived to investigate and recover the infant. Yesterday, Pol. Lt. Col. Chaleow Phayakkul, an…
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Monsoon causes 60% of Bangkok to face heavy rain risk, flash flood warnings issued
A heavy rain warning has been issued for Thailand, with 60% of Bangkok at risk of downpours. The public has been cautioned about flash flooding. The Department of Meteorology forecasts continued to warn of rainfall and stormy conditions, particularly in the northern, northeastern, and eastern regions. The department has issued a 24-hour weather forecast warning that the moderate southwestern monsoon…
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U-turn tragedy: High-speed chase ends in fatal crash as taxi driver takes a deadly detour
An officer died during a high-speed chase with suspects after a taxi driver made a u-turn causing the police officer’s motorcycle to crash into the cab. The superintendent of Samre Police Station, Chattakit Phadungchanthabai, told Channel 3 that the fatal accident occurred on Southern Sathon Road in Bangkok at 2.30am on Monday, June 5. Two officers from Yannawa Police Station…
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Stark faces 23 billion baht arbitration dispute with German firms Leoni AG
Stark Corporation, a SET-listed company, is facing an arbitration dispute with German firms Leoni AG and Leoni Bordnetz-Systeme GmbH. The German firms are claiming 608 million euros (23 billion baht) from Stark, alleging a breach of their sales and purchase agreement, Bangkok Post reported. According to a filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand yesterday, the case refers to Stark’s exercise of…
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Fatal shooting after ex-husband attacks woman with debts
Police in Nong Ruea, Khon Kaen were alerted to the fatal shooting of a Thai man and the injury of a woman at a shop in the Chorakhe subdistrict. A 58 year old man was found dead, identified as the ex-husband of the injured 48 year old woman. Upon investigation, the injured woman, recently discharged from the hospital and still…
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Japanese customer accuses Thai masseur of attempted rape in Bangkok
A Japanese woman took to Twitter to share a story that a Thai masseur attempted to rape her while providing a service at a massage parlour near Khao San Road in Bangkok. The female shop owner defended her male employee, telling police that inserting a finger into a woman’s vagina is part of the service. A Thai Twitter user, @Reiriesz,…
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Zen Corp and CPF launch ready-to-eat Tummour meal at 7-Eleven stores
If you visit 7-eleven a lot in Thailand, there’s good news for you. Zen Corporation Plc, known for operating restaurant chains such as Zen, AKA, and Tummour, has announced its expansion into the ready-to-eat meal market in a bid to strengthen its long-term business prospects. The company’s chief commercial officer for Thai brands, Siruwat Chatchawan, disclosed that Zen Corporation has…
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Kind-hearted Thais donate over 1 million baht to help 4 year old girl and her blind grandmother (video)
The gut-wrenching struggle of a four year old girl and her 68 year old blind grandmother in the Isaan province of Buriram tugged on the nation’s heartstrings leading the good people of Thailand to dig deep into their pockets and donate 1 million baht to help the family. A Thai teacher, Phatcharin “Aoom” Esatee, took to social media to seek…
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Thailand’s tourism rebounds with 11.4 million visitors
Thailand has experienced a surge in foreign tourist arrivals, with 11.4 million visitors recorded from January to June 11, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. This figure has already surpassed the total number of tourists in 2022, which reached 11.15 million. The statement also revealed that tourist spending during this period amounted to 472…
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CPF targets 7-8% revenue growth, eyes Philippines animal feed sector
The leading food and agribusiness conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) anticipates a 7 to 8% increase in total revenue to 610 to 620 billion baht this year, primarily due to contributions from its international business, with a focus on the growing animal feed sector in the Philippines. CPF’s chief executive, Prasit Boonduangprasert, stated that the company has been investing in pork,…
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Thantawan Industry Plc targets eco-friendly products for Thai BCG initiative
There’s a new eco-friendly initiative in Thailand. Thantawan Industry Plc, a leading plastic manufacturer and developer of innovative products, is focusing on producing eco-friendly products in support of the Thai government’s bio-, circular, and green (BCG) economic development initiatives. The company’s garbage bags, made from recycled plastic beads, and straws, which are made from biodegradable materials, are aimed at helping…
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Reeling it in: Fisheries Dept hooks attention with temporary fishing ban in Gulf of Thailand’s Tua Kor area
The Fisheries Department announced there will be a temporary fishing ban implemented in the Tua Kor area of the Gulf of Thailand. The decision was made as a direct result of the substantial rise in the amount of fish caught for commercial purposes in the area. The amount of fish that was caught each day in 2022 averaged out to…
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Thai economy set for boost as tourism and domestic consumption surge
The Thai economy is predicted to experience a boost in the second half of the year, driven by a surge in tourism and domestic consumption, according to the Economic Intelligence Service (EIS) of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI). However, ongoing political instability remains a factor to watch. The EIS forecasts that Chinese tourist arrivals in Thailand will increase by…
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Myawaddy suffers as Thailand ceases electricity supply
Myawaddy has experienced a significant impact on its electricity supply after Thailand’s Provincial Electricity Authority ceased providing power on June 6, following the expiration of a contract with the Myanmar government. While the border in the Mae Sot district of Tak remains open for people and cargo, the electricity cut has had varying effects on different groups within Myawaddy. Chinese…
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Thai police probe truck sticker bribery scandal: 46 types identified
There’s been a new development in Thailand’s truck sticker bribery scandal. The inspector-general of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) Office will likely take 15 days to determine who will be subjected to a disciplinary investigation in connection with the scandal. Pol. Gen. Visanu Prasartthong-osoth announced that an inquiry is being conducted by his office, led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Ditsapoj…
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Senate proposes Section 112 debate amid Thai tensions
In an effort to seek a political compromise, the Senate has put forth a proposition for a deliberation on Section 112 of the Criminal Code, commonly referred to as the lese majeste law. This move comes in response to a petition submitted by a pro-royalist group advocating for the preservation of the existing law. However, apprehensions have arisen within the…
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Ride of deceit: Bangkok taxi driver steals 1.2 million baht from dozing Japanese passenger
Bangkok Police arrested another bad boy taxi driver who stole over 1.2 million baht from a Japanese passenger while the victim fell asleep during the journey. This is one of the far-too-many-to-mention stories concerning Bangkok taxi drivers who continue to undermine the good name of Thailand with their scams, schemes, and stealing. The theft occurred in the early morning of…
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NACC warns over 100 MPs yet to submit wealth declaration
According to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), over 100 current and former MPs, including Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat, have not yet submitted their wealth declaration following the House dissolution in March, as mandated by law. Since the House was dissolved on March 20, approximately 70% of the 500 MPs, or 384 members, have submitted their assets and…
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Green Line extensions: Operator anticipates 20 billion baht debt repayment
Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) Chairman Keeree Kanjanapas expressed optimism regarding the repayment of overdue debts by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) for the operation and maintenance of the Green Line extensions. Following a meeting with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt yesterday, Keeree said the discussions were encouraging, and he anticipates a 20 billion baht repayment from the BMA. Keeree…
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Udon Thani clothing traders fall victim to 1.3 million baht online share scheme fraud
Clothing traders in Udon Thani reported a 38 year old woman known as ‘Som Priao‘ for defrauding over 30 people in an online share scheme and escaping with 1.3 million baht (US$37,700). The victims claim she now lives a luxurious life at their expense, as they face financial difficulties, and urge the police to help recover their funds. One victim, 38…
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Couple killed in crash, family seeks refund of 150,000 baht from land scam for daughter
A tragic road accident claimed the lives of a couple who had been scammed into purchasing a plot of land without proper documentation. The family is now seeking the return of 150,000 baht (US$4,350) paid towards the fraudulent land deal to support their young daughter. Today, 42 year old Pim Hengkham, from Wiang Nuea, Pai, Mae Hong Son province, revealed…
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Thailand investigates activists seeking Muslim Patani State referendum
Security agencies in Thailand are investigating a group of activists advocating for a public referendum on the creation of an independent Muslim “Patani State” in the country’s southern region. The National Security Council (NSC) stated that the Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) Region 4 Forward Office and Provincial Police Region 9 are examining the group’s activities and monitoring its social…
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Sand and screens: Pattaya Film Festival makes waves with free beachfront cinema
The Pattaya Film Festival 2023 is set to captivate cinephiles with its unique offering of free entry to watch movies on Pattaya Beach from June 16 to 19. This groundbreaking event marks the festival’s first venture into transforming the beach into an enchanting outdoor cinema. With a clear vision of becoming a member of the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network…
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Island visitors seek fortune with auspicious lottery numbers
Tourists flocked to Kham Chanod Wang Nakin island in Udon Thani to seek good fortune with auspicious numbers before the lottery draw, while red candle wax revealed beautiful digits akin to the lucky numbers on ceremonial candles. The island is located in the Ban Dung district. Yesterday, it was reported that a large number of tourists visited the ceremonial ground…
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Stepping for a cause: Brit expat’s 1,050km stroll from Pattaya to Phuket raises 1 million baht for abused children
British expat James Lee Valentine demonstrated the power of determination and charity by completing a 1,050 kilometre walk from Pattaya to Phuket in Thailand. The walk aimed to raise 1 million baht for Take Care Kids, a children’s foundation based in Pattaya that supports underprivileged children who have suffered abuse. The 59 year old, who has two children himself, was…
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Udon Thani woman abuses son, commits suicide after heavy alcohol consumption
Yesterday, a tragic incident occurred in the Nong Na Charoen Village, Udon Thani province, where a 49 year old woman heavily consumed alcohol, assaulted her 14 year old son, and then committed suicide. Her family performed the last rites, while the villagers believed the funeral should be carried out immediately. Today, reporters visited the Wat Nong Na Choren temple where…
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Woman confesses to cryptocurrency scam involvement after husband’s suicide
A 31 year old woman named Priyanuch was arrested today, in connection with an online investment scam involving cryptocurrency trading. Upon interrogation, she confessed that her husband had encouraged her to open six bank accounts for the scam, and he later took his own life after learning he was wanted by authorities. Priyanuch, a mother of three children aged 13…
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Thai cyanide serial killer: Big Joke hands over case reports
Deputy national police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn announced today that the case reports against the alleged Thai cyanide serial killer Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn will be presented to prosecutors this week. Big Joke made the statement during a visit to the Correctional Institution for Women in Bangkok’s Bang Khen area, where Sararat is currently detained. Sararat is facing additional charges,…
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Shell shock: Songkla beach residents bemoan mussel decline
Residents around the Samila Beach area in Songkhla reported a decline in the green mussel population stating that it’s had a negative effect on the community who rely on them as a source of food. Small-sized mussels remain unsuitable for consumption, and it is estimated that the population requires further growth before harvesting is possible. Today, it was reported that the number…
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ITV dispute: Lawyer highlights alleged false evidence, who’s facing charges?
The recent disclosure of a video today from an ITV shareholders’ meeting has intensified scrutiny over the company’s operations and potential legal implications for stakeholders. Lawyer Decha Kittiwitthayanan made headlines after drawing attention to the inconsistencies between the meeting’s video footage and previously released reports, suggesting possible legal repercussions for those involved. Decha pointed out the clear discrepancy between the…
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