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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10,000 baht digital wallet theft behind fatal shooting in Nong Bua Lamphu
The theft of a 10,000-baht financial handout under the digital wallet scheme is reportedly the motive behind a fatal shooting in the Isaan province of Nong Bua Lamphu today. The Naresuan Rescue Association reported this morning that a mass shooting occurred in the Si Bun Rueang district. Three people lost their lives in the incident, while the gunman, 58 year…
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Fire breaks out at Patong hotel sauna, no injuries reported
A fire erupted in the sauna room of the Patong Yorkshire Hotel & Spa, situated on Soi Taipan in Patong yesterday morning. Quick action by emergency services ensured that the blaze was contained without causing injuries or widespread damage. The Patong Police received notification about the fire at 11.39am yesterday, November 26. Responding promptly, police officers and firefighters from the…
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Thailand to attract over 40 million sun-seeking tourists (video)
Thailand is pulling out all the stops with the daring Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 campaign, setting its sights on luring over 40 million globe-trotters to its sun-kissed shores. This tourism boom is forecasted to pump a staggering 3.4 trillion baht into the economy, promising a hefty windfall for the nation’s coffers. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the…
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Thailand video news | A shooting incident in Samut Prakan leaves multiple dead, Thai actress from Netflix show shines with Emmy win
In today’s Thailand and Asia video news, Alex highlights a mix of tragic, inspiring, and controversial stories. From a Thai mother in Wales admitting to manslaughter and a deadly shooting in Samut Prakan, to the alarming rise in bus accidents across Thailand, the news covers impactful developments. Other stories include a British man caught smuggling cannabis, a South Korean draft…
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Fatal shooting in Samut Prakarn motivated by adultery, not debt
A police investigation revealed that adultery between the gunman and the dead woman was the motive for the fatal shooting in Samut Prakan province, near Bangkok, on Monday, November 25, not the debt repayment dispute. The shooting occurred at around 8.30pm at a house in Soi Sukha Phiban 2/2. Four people, including the gunman, lost their lives. An eight year…
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Senate to tackle 7.5 billion baht fraud linked to Boon Vanasin
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) is gearing up for a crucial Senate showdown next week to tackle explosive allegations of fraud and money laundering against Boon Vanasin, the elusive founder of Thonburi Healthcare Group, currently believed to be dodging justice in China. This high-stakes scandal has captured widespread attention, with jaw-dropping financial losses in the mix. Senator Premsak Piayura, the…
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Thailand tourism soars with 28% rise in flight bookings
A notable surge in flight bookings and a 28% increase in ticket reservations to Thailand compared to the previous year indicate a robust upward trend. Key visitor sources include Germany, South Korea, the UK, the United States, Japan, and Russia. Towards the end of this year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) anticipates an influx of up to 500,000 foreign…
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Note-worthy theft: Singer hits a sour note as tenant steals treasures
A famous Thai singer is on the hunt for his foreign tenant, who vanished after failing to pay rent for several months. The tenant also absconded with furniture, antiques, and other valuables from the singer’s property in Sing Buri province. The 57 year old Thai man, Suppanat Chatpattarachai, filed a complaint with Mueang Sing Buri Police Station on November 24,…
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Helmet miracle: Close call on bypass saves biker’s headway to heaven
In an astonishing twist of fate, a Thai woman came face-to-face with death on the Pattaya–Rayong Bypass last night, surviving her head being run over by a bus, all thanks to her trusty helmet. It was just after 6pm, yesterday, November 26, when chaos erupted on Highway 36, prompting a swift response from the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre and drawing…
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Bangkok ‘bins’ old habits with new waste charge coming in June
The capital city is about to bin its old ways as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) rolls out a fresh charge on waste that could take effect by June. Say goodbye to the flat 80-baht fee and hello to a new pay-as-you-throw system designed to get residents to separate their rubbish. It’s all about making Bangkok cleaner and greener and…
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AoT to compensate residents 12 billion baht for airport noise
Airports of Thailand (AoT) is set to distribute 12 billion baht as compensation to residents affected by noise pollution from the third runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport. This decision follows a meeting held on Monday, November 25 involving the AoT, the Transport Ministry, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to address residents’ demands for relief from the noise generated by aircraft…
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Thailand introduces new laws to protect migrant workers’ rights
In a bold crackdown on labour trafficking, the Thai Interior Ministry is rolling out sweeping new regulations to bolster protections for migrant workers and their families. With Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s stamp of approval, the long-awaited measures are set to debut in the Royal Gazette any day now, targeting workers from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Interior Ministry spokesperson Traisuree…
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TikTok exposes delivery rider stealing parcel in Thailand (video)
A TikTok user recently exposed a female delivery rider-turned thief, sparking outrage over her actions. The incident occurred when the rider, after delivering an order, snatched a parcel left on a table before departing. The TikTok user, @maryrita_7, shared the clip with a plea for the return of her item. “Can you return it to me? It wasn’t expensive but…
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South Korean influencer sparks concern regarding Thai work permit
The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) is being urged to investigate the activities of South Korean Internet celebrity Ji Gamin. Concerns focus on whether Ji operated within legal parameters during her time in Thailand, including work authorisation and tax compliance. Songchai Niamhom, who leads the Prachapak Phithak Sathaban group, formally submitted a complaint to Major General Phutthidet Boonkrapue, head of…
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Dashcam footage exposes foreign man attack on tuk tuk driver (video)
A Thai woman took to social media to search for a foreign man who attacked a Thai tuk tuk driver during a ride on a road in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen. The woman, who witnessed the physical assault, shared dashcam footage of the incident with a local news Facebook page to draw the attention of the police and…
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Pattaya stabbing incident leaves two injured in family feud
A fiery family feud erupted in the early hours in Pattaya, escalating into a shocking stabbing incident that left both a young man and his intoxicated stepfather injured. The altercation kicked off at around 2.06am, today, November 27, in a residence on Soi Yensabai, sparking a frenzy of emergency response. Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre received an urgent call that…
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Eight arrested in hostel horror after 6 tourists die in Laos
Police arrested eight members of staff at a backpacker hostel in Laos after the venue became the centre of a suspected mass methanol poisoning that claimed the lives of six foreign tourists. Eight staff members from the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, reportedly all Vietnamese nationals, are facing questioning as the investigation unfolds. Australian teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly…
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Thailand’s travel tech revolution: TAGTHAi celebrates milestones
In a grand celebration at the Royal Pavilion of The Royal Bangkok Sports Club, TAGTHAi, Thailand’s innovative travel app, gathered the nation’s top tourism and business leaders to honour its achievements and influential partnerships. The event underscored TAGTHAi’s commitment to elevating Thailand’s tourism through cutting-edge technology and collaboration, boosting both renowned destinations and hidden gems alike. Representatives from over 40…
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Australian man melts hearts with sweet chat with Butterbear
An Australian man went viral among Thai TikTokers after a heartwarming TikTok video captured his lovely conversation with Thailand’s beloved mascot, Butterbear. The video was shared yesterday, November 25, by a Thai woman identified only as Kae. It featured her foreign boyfriend engaging in a video call with Butterbear, showcasing a sweet and affectionate tone. The clip, posted on her…
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No dirty money: Thai politician denies links to The iCon scandal
Embattled politician Samart Janechaijittawanich is vehemently denying accusations of money laundering amid allegations that he received millions of baht from The iCon Group, a direct sales company currently under investigation for alleged public fraud. Samart insists the funds were merely “loans and donations” and has vowed to prove his innocence within two weeks. According to Department of Special Investigation (DSI)…
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Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary wins 2024 Travellers’ Choice Award
In a big win for ethical tourism, the Elephant Freedom Project in Chiang Mai has been honoured with the prestigious Travellers’ Choice Award for 2024 by TripAdvisor. This recognition places the sanctuary among the top-rated destinations in Chiang Mai, celebrating its commitment to conservation, education, and the welfare of Thailand’s beloved elephants. Siriporn Tanaseth, founder of the sanctuary, said they…
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Fishy business cafe forced to close doors due to health violations
The Department of Health announced the closure of a koi fish cafe in Chon Buri on Saturday for violating public health regulations. The cafe, known for allowing customers to dine while interacting with koi fish, was deemed a potential source of contamination and health risks, both for patrons and the ornamental fish. Doctor Thiti Sawaengtham, Deputy Director-General of the Department…
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Thai housemaid’s 100 million baht fortune hits a legal snag
A Thai housemaid on Koh Samui, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani, is unable to claim a 100-million-baht estate left to her by her deceased French employer due to illegal actions surrounding the foreigner’s business. The 59 year old French businesswoman, Catherine Delacote, took her own life on April 29 of this year by shooting herself at her…
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India launches new flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur this winter
International travel from India’s Kolkata is in for a major lift this winter, as two major airlines ramp up connections to Southeast Asia. With Thai Lion Air launching four weekly flights to Bangkok and Malaysia Airlines resuming its pre-pandemic route to Kuala Lumpur, Kolkata travellers are set for a world of new options. Starting December 16, Thai Lion Air, a…
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Thai star stuns Hollywood with historic Emmy win (video)
Thai actress Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying, also known as Aokbab, dazzled New York by winning the Best Performance Emmy for her outstanding role in Netflix’s Hunger. Thai cinema’s new leading lady is bringing more than just street food to the table. Aokbab secured the prestigious Best Performance by an Actress award at the 52nd International Emmy Awards in New York City. Her…
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Ceremony in Siam’s old capital celebrates historic Iranian scholar
The Iranian Embassy in Thailand hosted a ceremony commemorating Sheikh Ahmad Qomi, a historical figure credited with fostering cultural ties between Iran and Thailand, at his mausoleum in Ayutthaya province on November 23. The event, marking 70 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries, was joined by high-ranking Iranian and Thai officials, academics, researchers, and culture enthusiasts. Nasseredin Heidari,…
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Cross-border travel: Thailand and Cambodia relaunch bus services
For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the brakes, Thailand and Cambodia are set to resume their cross-border bus services, reconnecting Bangkok with Phnom Penh and Siem Reap this Friday, November 29. After more than three years of halted operations, travellers can once again hop on board for a seamless journey between these iconic destinations. The announcement came…
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Thai graduates face high unemployment despite stable job market
Thailand’s unemployment rates reveal a concerning trend among university graduates, with 65% unable to secure employment. Long-term unemployment has risen by 16%, and a significant 71.3% of the unemployed have never worked before. Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), announced the findings from the third quarter of 2024, highlighting a relatively stable employment scene.…
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Thai monk in Isaan denies sexual encounter allegation with followers
A Thai monk in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham denied engaging in sexual activities with his followers and accused another monk of attempting to tarnish his reputation due to a financial dispute. The accusations against the renowned monk surfaced after the news Facebook page J Moi V+ (เจ๊มอย v+) shared the story yesterday, November 25. The page claimed to…
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Two arrested after brandishing shotgun in Patong traffic bust-up
A terrifying road rage incident shook Patong yesterday when two men allegedly brandished a shotgun at a fellow driver after a heated traffic dispute. The shocking confrontation unfolded around 11.50am, yesterday, November 25, on Phra Metta Road, leaving locals and tourists alarmed. The victim, 23 year old Paphangkon Chithong, reported to police that the clash began when he was abruptly…
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