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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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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Political chaos: Charter debate stalls as Pheu Thai blocks vote
Thailand’s charter amendment debate descended into chaos as the joint sitting of MPs and senators was abruptly adjourned due to a lack of quorum. The Pheu Thai Party strategically withheld participation to prevent the bill’s rejection, while a senator pushed for a Constitutional Court ruling on the process. The session began at 9.30am today, February 13, but was called off…
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Gold prices soar as traders sparkle after latest hike
The Gold Traders Association (GTA) announced a fresh hike in gold prices today, following a flurry of adjustments yesterday. As of today, February 13, the price of gold jewellery climbed to 47,250 baht per baht weight, marking a 100 baht rise since the closing figures of the previous day. According to the GTA’s latest update at 9.03am, gold bars in…
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Thailand hotel room rates soar by 15% amid travel demand surge
Hotel room rates in Thailand increased by an average of 15% from 2023, as reported by SiteMinder, an e-commerce platform assisting hotels with direct and third-party bookings. This growth distinguishes Thailand as the only country with double-digit expansion. The Hotel Booking Trends report from SiteMinder, which analysed over 125 million reservations, indicates that the average daily rate (ADR) in Thailand…
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Banking on success: Line BK logs in for double-digit loan growth
In a bold move against economic headwinds, Line BK, the social banking brainchild of Kasikornbank (KBank) and Line Corp, is setting its sights on a double-digit loan growth surge this year, powered by cutting-edge technology. Eyeing a hefty 3-4 billion baht boost in new loans, Line BK is steering towards a 13-18% growth, up from last year’s 22 billion baht…
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Fuelling the future: PTT Oil shifts gears for a brighter 2025
PTT Oil and Retail Plc (OR) is revving up for a sunnier financial forecast this year, aiming to bounce back after last year’s revenue slip. The secret sauce? A Thailand infused with tourism and investment buzz, according to OR chief Peekthong Thongyai. Thanks to a tourism surge, Thailand’s economic prospects are looking rosier than ever. Back in 2019, the country…
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Helmet heist: Elderly man caught on CCTV stealing in Pattaya
An elderly man wearing a motorcycle taxi vest was caught on CCTV brazenly stealing a helmet outside a company on Soi Naklua 16, Wong Amat in Pattaya on Tuesday, February 11 at around 11.25am. The incident has ignited a firestorm on social media, with many questioning whether the suspect is a legitimate motorbike taxi driver. Online commenters pointed out that…
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Full steam ahead: SRT fast-tracks freight boost to cut costs
In a bid to slash transport costs for import and export businesses, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is all set to turbocharge freight services between Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri and Bangkok. SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala and his team, yesterday, February 12, descended on the deep-sea port and the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district,…
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Fatal fall: Loei hole takes motorcyclist’s life after tumble
A 41 year old motorcyclist died after falling into a 2-metre deep hole on a construction site in Mueang district, Loei province. The accident occurred last night, February 12, when the victim, Adisak, fell into a pit dug for sewer installation near a petrol station. Witnesses immediately contacted rescue volunteers from the Ruamjai Rescuers Association in Loei, who arrived at…
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Pattaya cracks down on homelessness amid public safety concerns
Pattaya is stepping up efforts to tackle homelessness and improve public safety along Sukhumvit Road and the beach, responding to growing concerns about crime and disorder. Local officials are rolling out new measures to clean up the streets, provide support for the homeless, and clamp down on illegal activities. Residents have voiced strong opinions on the issue, with many calling…
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High-speed chase in Bangkok: Suspect escapes after collisions (video)
A man involved in a high-speed chase with police, which resulted in multiple collisions with civilian vehicles, managed to escape after abandoning his car. Yesterday, February 12, a viral clip from the อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 page showed police surrounding a grey pickup truck reversing to evade capture on Pracharat Road, near Taopoon Market, before colliding with civilian vehicles. On…
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Ex-minister’s son pulled off Bangkok flight over ‘kidnapping’ alert
A chartered flight carrying India’s former Maharashtra minister Tanaji Sawant’s son, Rishiraj Sawant, and two friends was recalled to Pune under extraordinary circumstances. Police ordered the abrupt diversion after an anonymous tip-off claimed Rishiraj had been kidnapped, triggering an urgent police response. The private jet, which took off for Bangkok on Monday, February 10, was redirected after aviation officials verified…
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Crowds seek blessings at Kham Chanod on Magha Puja Day
Visitors flocked to Kham Chanod yesterday, February 12, to seek blessings from the revered spirits, Por Pu Si Sutho and Mae Ya Sri Pathumma, coinciding with the Buddhist holiday, Magha Puja Day. The island, located in Ban Muang, Ban Dung district, Udon Thani province, was bustling with activity as worshippers gathered to make offerings and pray for luck and fortune…
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Thai security operation rescues 261 from Myanmar call centre
A Thai security operation successfully received 261 foreign nationals who were previously lured by a call centre scam in Myanmar. The operation yesterday, February 12, at 4.10pm, involved the Ratchamanu Task Force, Border Patrol Police, and local administrative officials in Tak province. At 4pm, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) handed over 221 men and 39 women from 20 different…
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Single Thais impact wedding industry with shifting social values
A growing number of Thais are opting to stay single, with reasons cited including evolving social values, financial constraints, and mismatched expectations. This trend is impacting businesses associated with romance, such as wedding planners and florists. In 2023, a survey by the National Statistical Office found that one-fifth of Thais were single. Within the reproductive age group of 15 to…
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South Korean fraud suspect arrested in Pattaya for visa overstay
A coordinated effort yesterday led by Police Major General Chairit Anurit, Commander of Immigration Bureau Division 3, alongside Police Colonel Plearn Klinpayom, Deputy Commander of the same division, culminated in the apprehension of a 41 year old South Korean national. The South Korean, Jiyong Ki, was taken into custody in a room located in North Pattaya, yesterday, February 12, at…
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Thai DSI targets Karen leader in global call centre scam
The issue of call centre scams is a significant concern in the Southeast Asia region, following revelations by Rangsiman Rome, an MP from the People’s Party. The MP exposed a fraudulent network causing distress for many. Rangsiman recently posted an image of an arrest warrant for Mong Chittu, leader of the Border Guard Force (BGF), alleging that the high-ranking officer is…
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Shocking discovery: Thai man found dead in Phuket resort room
Police are investigating the mysterious death of a 59 year old Thai man whose lifeless body was discovered in a Phuket resort room last night, February 12. The cause of death remains unknown, with no immediate signs of foul play. The police were alerted at around 9.30pm and arrived at the Kamala resort with a medical examiner from Vachira Phuket…
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PM hosts first mobile Cabinet meeting in Songkhla to boost southern development
The Government of Thailand is set to conduct its inaugural mobile Cabinet meeting of the year in Songkhla next Tuesday, with discussions centred on developing the southern east coast region and the Sadao border trade gateway with Malaysia. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub stated yesterday, February 12, that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, accompanied by the Cabinet, will travel to Phatthalung and…
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Urgent healthcare support needed in Thai refugee shelters
The Ministry of Public Health has been advised to enhance healthcare support in temporary shelters, incorporating permanent healthcare facilities and refugee health volunteers. Former chairperson of the subcommittee on ethnic human rights, Surapong Kongchantuk, emphasised the urgency of the situation following the US government’s withdrawal of support. Surapong, who has worked with stateless individuals, migrant workers, and displaced persons, advised…
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Bangkok taxi driver arrested for targeting intoxicated passengers
Police in Bangkok arrested a 46 year old taxi driver accused of stealing from passengers who were intoxicated and abandoning them en route. The arrest followed the attachment of a GPS tracker to his vehicle. The driver, Sawat was apprehended yesterday, February 12, in Soi Chok Chai 4, Soi 69, Lat Phrao district, Bangkok, acting under a warrant from the Criminal Court…
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Teenage girl seeks temple refuge after uncle’s alleged assault
A teenage girl, referred to as A, has accused her uncle of sexual assault and her aunt of physical abuse, prompting her to seek refuge in a temple. Yesterday, February 12, the 16 year old girl, accompanied by Chaiyanat Yamasamit, a 36 year old assistant village headman from Ao Noi subdistrict in Mueang district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, reported the incidents…
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Tak immigration chief reassigned amid trafficking concerns
The Immigration Bureau has transferred the superintendent of Tak Immigration to a different post following reports of foreign nationals disappearing after being deceived into entering Thailand. The incident is suspected to be linked to human trafficking activities in Tak province. Police Major General Prashaya Prasansuk, the Acting Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, signed an order (No. 24/2025, dated February 12)…
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10 year old girl assaulted outside Chon Buri school
A distressing incident unfolded in the Chon Buri province involving a 10 year old girl who was lured outside her school under the pretense of receiving sweets, only to be assaulted by three men. The victim is currently in critical condition and requires urgent surgery at Chon Buri Hospital. According to A, the girl’s 35 year old mother, the incident…
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Construction worker killed by collapsing wall in Bangkok
A construction worker tragically died after being crushed by a collapsing wall during demolition activities in Soi Phahonyothin 32, Sena Nikom 1 Road in Bangkok. The Ruamkatanyu Foundation’s volunteer unit responded to the incident yesterday, February 12, which involved an old concrete wall that was in the process of being dismantled. The volunteer team at the scene is assessing the situation…
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Butterbear helps patient overcome depression in Thailand
A patient’s journey in overcoming depression with the aid of a beloved character, Butterbear, has captured the nation’s attention. Depression remains a growing concern, and treatment typically involves medication, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, or other doctor-recommended methods. Consulting a doctor is crucial if depression is suspected, as medication or therapy benefits most patients. However, alternative emotional healing methods can also be…
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Uncontrolled fire rages at Ratchaburi candle factory
A fire at a candle manufacturing factory in Ratchaburi remains out of control, echoing a similar major incident a decade ago. Yesterday, February 12, Police Lieutenant Colonel Praman Plathong from Mueang Ratchaburi Police Station received a report of a fire at the factory located in Mueang district. Fire engines were dispatched to assist, and upon arrival, flames were seen erupting…
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Driver trapped as car crashes into Phuket’s Seahorse Circle
A young driver was left trapped and seriously injured after losing control of his car and crashing into a power pole at Phuket’s infamous Nimit Traffic Circle, also known as Seahorse Circle, in the early hours of yesterday morning. Rescue workers from the Phuket Kusoldharm Foundation arrived at the scene at around 3am, yesterday, February 12, to find a wrecked…
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Teen fugitives caught in sugarcane field after detention escape
Two young male suspects, 13 and 14 years old, involved in separate robbery and methamphetamine possession cases, have been caught after escaping from a juvenile detention vehicle in Chaiyaphum province. They were found hiding in a sugarcane field after confessing to a local cattle herder. The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 11, when the two boys jumped from a juvenile…
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Smog predicted for 53 Thai provinces as Bangkok chokes on dust
Bangkok and a staggering 53 out of Thailand’s 76 provinces today were engulfed in perilously high levels of ultrafine dust, with the Central Plain and east of the country bearing the brunt. The alarming report comes from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), painting a grim picture of air quality across the nation. As of 8am, today, February…
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Ex-alcohol chief toasts potential gains from lifting drink sales ban
Former chairperson of the Alcohol Beverage Business Association recently discussed the potential economic benefits of lifting the ban on alcohol sales from 2pm to 5pm as well as on religious holidays. The move aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s directive to review regulations that hinder economic stimulation and contradict tourism promotion policies. Thanakorn Kuptajit highlighted that revisiting these restrictions, including the…
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