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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Weighing passengers to become standard for Bangkok Airways
Your chance to weigh in on airport and flight practices in Thailand may be coming, quite literally. Bangkok Airways is looking to join a number of international airlines that will be weighing passengers before boarding. On September 16, it became clear that airlines were getting a bit nosy about passengers’ pounds. Foreign giants like Korean Air and Air New Zealand…
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Thai citizens suspect state officials’ collusion with mafia-style figures, survey shows
A significant proportion of Thai citizens suspect some state officials, including the police, of colluding with mafia-style influential figures, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). The survey, carried out from September 12 to 14, involved telephone interviews with 1,310 participants over the age of 18, representing a diverse range of educational backgrounds,…
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Cannabis bill to be reviewed, focusing on medical use only
Cannabis will come under scrutiny as new Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew announced the formation of a committee to analyse a bill to regulate the plant. The primary objective, he insisted yesterday, is to ensure the use of cannabis remains strictly within the medical and health realm, prohibiting any recreational use. The cannabis and hemp bill, sponsored by the Bhumjaithai…
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Thailand and Laos in talks to link tourism routes and build second bridge
In a bid to boost tourism and enhance relations, Thailand and Laos initiated discussions to connect tourism routes and expedite the construction of a second Thai-Lao friendship bridge in the Pak Chom district of Loei. The talks took place yesterday between Tawee Sermpakdeekul, the governor of Loei, and Khamphan Sithidampha, the governor of Laos’ Vientiane province, during the 20th Thai-Lao…
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Alcohol consumption bans at retirement parties win praise
Two key Thai ministries, the Interior and Education, have gained recognition for their commitment to stamping out alcohol consumption during retirement parties for their staff ending their service after this month. Introduced seven years ago, this policy was brought into effect following requests made by the StopDrink Network Office, the Office of the Basic Education Commission, the Thai Health Promotion…
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Protein foam to boost elderly nutrition unveiled by researchers
A research group at Mahidol University has unveiled a novel plant-based protein supplement aimed at bolstering the protein consumption of the elderly. The supplement, a foam protein derived from Thailand’s acclaimed Hom Mali rice, is designed for effortless consumption. Warangkana Srichamnong, assistant director of the Institute of Nutrition and spearhead of the foam protein project, explained the simplicity of its…
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Four arrested in Thailand for child sex trafficking operation
Four individuals implicated in child sex trafficking have been apprehended in Bangkok and Samut Prakan, according to a police announcement today. The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) of the police force detained the two suspects. Criminal Court arrest warrants had been issued for the pair on September 6. The suspects, 40 year old Noppadol Chanthong and 51 year old Khachaporn…
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Fiscal budget deficits risks Thai economy, chief economist warns
Kiatnakin Phatra Securities’ chief economist issued a stark warning over the government’s increasing reliance on fiscal budget deficits, cautioning that such an approach could harm the economy over an extended period. Pipat Luengnaruemitchai openly criticised the government’s latest populist strategies, including a digital money initiative and reduced oil costs, stating that these measures could erode fiscal discipline. He further warned…
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Thailand’s airlines resist price war despite rising operational costs
Despite escalating operational costs, Thailand’s airlines are unlikely to trigger a new price war, while the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) intends to retain the existing ceiling for ticket prices. This information was shared by Suttipong Kongpool, the CAAT director, during a seminar co-hosted by the Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) and CAAT this week. Suttipong indicated that with…
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New Parliament building nears completion, Constitution Day unveil
The near completion of Sappaya-Sapasathan, Thailand’s new Parliament building, is set to be celebrated by House members and staff on Constitution Day, December 10, as stated by Deputy House Speaker, Padipat Santiphada. He disclosed that the structure is virtually finished, with a final audit committee meeting planned for Monday to examine the project’s status. Padipat indicated that if the Parliament…
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Thai education minister’s appointment in question over Red Bull heir scandal
The recent appointment of Education Minister, Police General Permpoon Chidchob, has been challenged by the Move Forward Party (MFP), following allegations of his involvement in aiding Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, the heir to the Red Bull fortune, to evade prosecution. MFP MP Teerajchai Phunthumas voiced these concerns during a press briefing yesterday, September 15. He drew attention to the National Anti-Corruption…
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Bangkok nights: From street food to rooftop bars
As the sun sets over Bangkok, the city changes. Busy streets filled with day sounds start to buzz with the sounds of evening. From the soft talks of people to the sounds of cooking, Bangkok becomes a night wonderland. There’s so much to see and do! From tasty food on the streets to fancy places high up in the sky,…
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Critical condition: Thai activist’s battle against stomach tumour prompts urgent hospital transfer
Thai political activist Ekachai Hongkangwan remains in a critical condition due to a stomach tumour, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. The lawyers requested the Department of Corrections to urgently transfer Ekachai to Thammasat University Hospital for treatment. The tumour, as revealed by tests, measures 11 centimetres in length and 8cm in width. The 48 year old Thai activist was…
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Shocking treatment: Thai-American couple demands justice after electric shock in Chon Buri hotel jacuzzi
A pregnant Thai woman and her American husband demanded compensation after the couple and their son were electrocuted while bathing in a luxury hotel jacuzzi in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri province. The woman is also concerned about the effect of the electric shock on her unborn baby. The 30 year old woman, Monthakan Khansantier, sought the help of…
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Shocking TikTok video reveals tapeworms in wild bear: Wildlife photographer’s startling discovery
A viral video, viewed over 24 million times, features documentary wildlife photographer Mark Bouldoukian, known as @markian.b on TikTok, having a startling encounter with a brown bear with what appeared to be long white ropes attached to its rear but in reality, these were not ropes but rather tapeworms. The video’s creator indicated that tapeworms residing inside bears can grow…
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EconThai urges government: Debt-lift measures needed for all, not just farmers
EconThai, the Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry, called on the government to hasten steps to alleviate the heavy domestic debt burden, aiming to aid not only farmers but also middle-income earners who are bearing substantial financial loads. EconThai Vice-Chairman, Tanit Sorat, highlighted the necessity for debt suspension measures to be inclusive, covering a wide range of individuals in…
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Charter changes referendum has MFP concerned about government’s procrastination
The potential referendum concerning changes to the charter sparked concerns as the Move Forward Party (MFP) suggests the government is procrastinating. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai tasked with forming a panel to study the referendum plans, stated that discussions about the referendum’s necessity are still ongoing. This announcement came after the Cabinet’s first meeting this week. The focus of the Cabinet’s…
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Thai PM’s digital wallet pick: Pao Tang app unlocks blockchain integration
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday that the government has chosen the Pao Tang app, operated by Krungthai Bank, for its digital wallet initiative. The integration of the app with blockchain technology was confirmed by Srettha during a policy meeting with executives from the Finance Ministry. The government is prepared with a sufficient budget to roll out a 10,000 baht…
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ASEAN air force leaders’ meet in Myanmar with Thai Air Force on board
A meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) air force leaders, chaired by Myanmar, is currently underway with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) in attendance. The conference in Nay Pyi Taw sees the participation of ACM Alongkorn Wannarot, the RTAF commander, alongside air force leaders from Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Brunei, according to a report by activist…
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Shocking video on TikTok: Thai sex worker takes moral stand over misbehaving monk soliciting her services
Thai social media was left astounded as they watched a Thai sex worker display a stronger sense of morality than a sinful monk when she declined to offer her services to him. This revelation came to light through a widely circulated video on the TikTok app, exposing the shameful monk’s unbecoming conduct. The monk, insistent on receiving the service, argued…
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Thai PM extinguishes ‘high’ hopes for recreational cannabis, prioritises medicinal path
Disagreeing with the notion of recreational cannabis use, the Prime Minister of Thailand indicated that his administration would instead continue to focus on the medicinal usage of the plant. Thai PM Srettha Thavisin, who additionally performs the role of the nation’s Finance Minister, shared his stance with the media today, Friday, September 15. Despite this, the cannabis industry in Thailand…
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Bangkok Special Prison seeks ‘checkup’ on ex-PM Thaksin at police hospital
Bangkok Special Prison is set to send an inquiry to the medical team at the Police Hospital about the condition of former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been receiving treatment there. Thaksin has been in the hospital for almost a month, and the prison officials, led by Nasathi Thongplod, insist on following doctors’ orders above all else. Even…
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Fatal folly: Rubbernecking motorcyclist’s abrupt stop leads to tragic crash in northern Thailand
A tragic fatality occurred as a result of an unforeseen incident when a motorist abruptly braked to observe an accident scene in Lamphun, northern Thailand. The incident transpired around 7.20pm yesterday when a motorcyclist lost his life due to a six-wheeled lorry failing to come to a halt in time, colliding with the back of the motorcycle. The initial accident…
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Scandal unearthed: Thai minister’s wife faces corruption charges over 20 million baht construction project
Rodjana Kantinan, the spouse of Kriang Kantinan, Deputy Interior Minister and a member of the Pheu Thai Party, is currently under investigation for allegations of malfeasance surrounding a construction project. The project in question unfolded in 2012 during Rodjana’s tenure as the Mayor of Nakhon Ubon Ratchathani Municipality, situated within the Ubon Ratchathani province. Isranews Agency reported on Monday that…
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Phuket’s ‘Brother Helps Younger Brother’ initiative: Keeping lives afloat with recycled life jackets
In a bid to buoy up water safety standards in Phuket, the Phuket Regional Harbour Office has launched a heartwarming initiative with recycled life jackets aptly named Brother Helps Younger Brother. This campaign is steering towards recycling and repurposing marine equipment, particularly life jackets, to extend their serviceable life and save lives in potential accidents. The campaign takes a two-pronged…
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Ex-Thai Senator among five charged in Saraburi minor sexual exploitation scandal
A scandal erupted in Saraburi as a former senator and four other individuals faced charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor. The ex-senator, 57 year old Boonsong Kerdlam, along with the former director of the Saraburi branch of the National Office of Buddhism, and three other men were issued arrest warrants. A prominent politician from a major coalition…
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Big Joke cracks the case: CCTV reveals Thai police officers caught in lie after officer’s tragic death
Following the tragic death of Police Major Siwakorn Saibua, the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, reviewed CCTV footage from the house of the community leader, Praween Chanklai, also known as Nok, and found that police officers at the scene lied about the circumstances of the incident. Pol. Maj. Siwakorn lost his life at a…
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Thailand’s e-cigarette ban draws ‘smokin’ support from concerned parents
The ban on the import and sale of e-cigarettes in Thailand gained substantial approval, primarily from parents of students, as a recent survey conducted by the Research Centre for Social and Business Development (SAB) revealed. The majority of respondents voiced concerns over potential health risks, urging the government to keep the prohibition in place. The SAB unveiled these results during…
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Thai government to revoke redundant NCPO directives, streamlining functions
The Government of Thailand has initiated plans to consult the Council of State, its legal advisory body, on revoking certain directives and proclamations issued by the now-disbanded National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, announced this move, citing that some of the NCPO’s orders are currently redundant or seen as hindrances to the smooth operation of government…
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Thai tourism aims sky-high: 3 trillion baht revenue target unveiled
The Thai tourism and sports minister announced an ambitious new target for foreign tourism revenue: an unprecedented 3 trillion baht. The minister, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, revealed the goal, which marks a considerable increase from the 1.9 trillion baht recorded in 2019, is part of a broader strategy to position the nation as a leading hub for sports and entertainment. Sudawan acknowledged…
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