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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Thailand prepares for weather changes as storm approaches China
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its latest weather forecast for the coming days, warning of the tropical storm Toraji that is expected between now and tomorrow, Friday, November 15. The storm is predicted to approach the southern coast of China but will not directly affect Thailand’s weather. The current weather patterns indicate that a high-pressure system or cool air…
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Thai cyber police arrest influencer for promoting online gambling
A well-known Thai influencer was arrested for promoting online gambling as part of the Cyber police’s Operation You’ll Know Soon. The arrest took place yesterday, November 13, led by high-ranking officials including Police Major General Chirawat Payungtham and Police Major General Wiwat Kamchamnan, with the directive to crack down on crimes affecting the public, as outlined by Police General Kittirat…
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Phuket fury: Noise complaint turns violent, man critically stabbed
In the early hours of this morning, a neighbourhood bust-up in Phuket took a dramatic and violent turn, leaving one man seriously injured in a brutal stabbing. The uproar erupted in Soi Bo Som, Mai Khao when a disgruntled neighbour’s noise complaint spiralled into chaos. Police from Tha Chatchai received the distress call around 1.10am, today, November 14, and rushed…
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Koh Pha Ngan terror threat claims Is-rael-y nothing, says police
Security chiefs have stepped up to quash swirling rumours of a supposed terror plot targeting Israeli visitors on Thailand’s dazzling isle of Koh Pha Ngan. These whispers, dismissed outright by local officials, had sparked unwarranted concern among holidaymakers. The reassurance comes hot on the heels of advisories from Israeli authorities urging their nationals to stay alert amid murmurings about the…
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Shocking cruelty: Child abuse claims haunt Chiang Mai orphanage
The Social Development and Human Security Ministry (MSDHS) is set to revoke the licence of an orphanage foundation in Chiang Mai following allegations of child abuse. Minister Varawut Silpa-archa announced the decision after a former caregiver reported that employees at the orphanage had been physically punishing children aged three to six for several years. Varawut confirmed that the Human Security…
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Foreign vendors in Pattaya exploit kids to tug at tourist heartstrings
Pattaya’s bustling tourist spots have taken a darker turn as foreign vendors, believed to be predominantly Vietnamese, are using children to drive aggressive street sales. Concerned reporters documented these vendors in action along Walking Street and Petchtrakool Road, North Pattaya, at around 4am yesterday, November 12, showcasing a worrying new trend that has locals and tourists alike on edge. These…
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Wheel-y close call: Teen’s pickup mishap sends tyre rolling in Sisaket
A 14 year old boy lost control of his pickup truck in Sisaket province, resulting in a wheel detaching and rolling onto the pavement. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though damages require compensation. Police from the Mueang Sisaket Police Station responded to an accident at the Khukhan Road intersection, near the Thanetthana Construction Company in Mueang Tai subdistrict, Mueang district,…
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Model Phu Khao arrested in Bangkok for child exploitation charges
Police arrested a renowned model known online as Phu Khao for allegedly exploiting young boys to create explicit content for a private online group. The arrest took place after a fan meeting at a restaurant in Bangkok’s Ari neighbourhood. The police acted on a warrant issued on November 6, following an investigation into his activities. Phuchit, a 20 year old…
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Thai Airways joins backlash against Rolls-Royce delays
Thai Airways (THAI) is fed up with Rolls-Royce, joining a growing backlash over delays in jet engine maintenance that’s forcing its fleet into prolonged downtime. CEO Chai Eamsiri has revealed that the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners are now waiting up to 120 days for engine maintenance, a stark increase from the previous 90-day standard—a time frame he already considered frustrating.…
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Thai couple arrested in 39 million baht fraud involving famous lawyer and millionaire
Police arrested a Thai couple in connection with the 39 million baht fraud involving a famous lawyer, who allegedly swindled 71 million baht from a Thai millionaire. The renowned Thai lawyer Sittha Biabangkerd and his wife, Patidta Biabangkerd, were arrested on November 7 on charges of fraud and money laundering. Their arrests followed accusations from female millionaire Jatuporn “Madam Oi”…
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Experts demand green vision for Thailand’s smart cities
Smart cities must do more than shine with technology, they need to be green, open, and truly life-enhancing, experts emphasised at the Thailand Smart City Expo 2025 seminar, hosted by the Nation Group’s PostToday and Springnews. The event, held yesterday, November 12, gathered experts, public officials, and private sector leaders to shape Thailand’s future through sustainable urban development. Chula Sukmanop,…
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Holiday bonus: Thailand ‘calendars’ in extra days for a longer 2025
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved additional public holidays for 2025, offering an opportunity for extended breaks throughout the year. The new holidays will enhance the annual total to 21 public holidays for 2025, with three additional special holiday days providing longer periods off. The government has set Monday, June 2, 2025, as a special holiday to link with the weekend and…
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Bone-chilling discovery: Thai couple ‘dig up’ mystery in old freezer at abandoned farm
A Thai scrap-buying couple unearthed some mysterious bones in an old freezer they were about to purchase from an abandoned pig farm in the central province of Prachin Buri. The bones are under investigation to determine whether they belong to humans or animals. The couple shared their shocking discovery on a Facebook group for locals in Prachin Buri. They explained…
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Spring surprise: Flooding ‘washes out’ Chiang Mai roads (video)
Water springs in Mueang Na, Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai have been causing unusual flooding, leading to road closures. Normally dry for six months, these springs have continuously flowed, affecting multiple areas simultaneously and disrupting local transport. A TikTok user, under the account @j_khamsan, shared videos highlighting the strange phenomenon of multiple water springs in Mueang Na, Chiang Dao district, Chiang…
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Thai hoteliers worry foreign businesses could harm tourism image
Concerns have risen among Thai hoteliers over the increasing use of Thai nominees by foreign businesses, which they fear may tarnish Thailand’s tourism reputation. The Thai Hotels Association’s (THA) monthly sentiment index highlights this growing unease, especially as the high season begins. THA President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun revealed that nearly half of Thailand’s hotels express apprehension about illegal foreign investments, particularly…
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Chiang Mai ‘grounds’ Yi Peng Festival lanterns to keep skies safe
Chiang Mai reinforced strict measures against the release of sky lanterns during the Yi Peng Festival to protect air traffic, particularly in six districts identified as high-risk areas. The release of lanterns outside these zones is permitted for only two days, with heavy penalties for violators. The Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai, Siwa Thamikanont, along with the Chiang Mai Provincial…
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Thailand plans 14 new floating solar farms to boost renewable energy
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is pushing forward with the development of 14 new floating solar farm projects as part of its strategic efforts to increase renewable energy production. These projects, with a combined capacity of 2,656 megawatts, are set to be constructed on the reservoirs of seven hydroelectric dams under the latest national power development plan (PDP) for…
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Wage against the machine: Workers rally at Government house over pay delays
Hundreds of workers gathered in front of Government House yesterday, November 12, voicing frustrations over unpaid wages and seeking government intervention. Approximately 10,000 workers have not received their salaries for the past eight months due to delays from subcontractors involved in a clean fuel project located in Chon Buri. Members of the Federation of Subcontractors, representing 28 different firms, delivered…
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Pathom to enlightenment: Locals ‘chedi’ up for festival of worship
The annual festival of worship at the revered Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom kicked off yesterday, November 12, providing a cherished opportunity for locals to venerate sacred Buddhist relics. The event spans nine days and nights, aiming to uphold ancient traditions and cultural heritage. Set in the town of Nakhon Pathom, this festival is a significant annual event, drawing…
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Chill seekers: Tourists flock to Doi Inthanon for a ‘cool’ getaway
A cold morning greeted visitors at Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai, as temperatures dipped to a chilly 8 degrees Celsius. Tourists flocked to experience the cold weather, with Kew Mae Pan recording 9 degrees Celsius and the park headquarters at 13 degrees Celsius. Chiang Mai City saw morning temperatures ranging between 21 and 22 degrees Celsius, prompting locals to don warm…
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Shock and awe: Disabled man electrocuted in fatal fan fire
A tragic incident occurred when a disabled man was electrocuted, leading to a fire that consumed him as he lay over a fan. His sister, who was upstairs, was affected by smoke inhalation. Neighbours quickly responded after hearing an explosion and seeing smoke billowing from the house. The police in Rattanathibet, Nonthaburi, received a report of a house fire early…
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Phuket residents alarmed by sudden worm invasion
Residents of the Phuket Villa 3 housing estate in Wichit found themselves in disarray yesterday when a staggering swarm of “norn pradu” worms descended upon their community. The unexpected invasion left the public park and its surroundings teeming with these small creatures, causing significant distress among the locals. These worms, measuring roughly 2 to 3 centimetres in length, quickly spread…
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Motorcyclist dies in crash with truck on dark Bangkok road
A tragic accident occurred on Jaturathit Road in Din Daeng, Bangkok, when a 26 year old motorcyclist collided with the rear of a 10-wheel truck. The accident, which happened in the early hours of today, November 13, resulted in the motorcyclist’s death as he became trapped in the back of the vehicle. Police Lieutenant Colonel Jirapha Channara from the Din…
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Falling from grace: Thai woman injured in Phuket hotel plunge
A Thai woman suffered severe injuries after falling from the fifth floor of a prominent hotel in Phuket. Police investigations revealed the room was locked from the inside, with no one else present at the time of the incident. Chanant Mekchai, an investigation officer from Patong Police Station in Kathu district, Phuket, was alerted to a person falling from a…
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High stakes at work: Thai man’s meth ‘ods for productivity boost
A Thai man found with methamphetamine (meth) in his possession claimed he bought the drug for personal use to increase his work productivity. He expressed that his sole intention was to support his family and 74 year old mother, not to sell the substance. Police Colonel Phetkla Thaweekarn from the Amphawa Police Station in Samut Songkhram received complaints about meth…
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Fishing for heroes: Trang fisherman saves boys from drowning
A heroic act unfolded recently when Witit Yanglang, a 26 year old fisherman from Trang province, courageously leapt into the sea to save two 11 year old boys from drowning. The boys, who had been playing near a pier, were rescued just in time, earning Witit widespread admiration as a hero. On the day following the incident, officials, including the…
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Monks escape Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima temple fire
A dramatic fire outbreak at a renowned temple in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, prompted monks and novices to flee for their lives in the dead of night yesterday. Firefighters deployed four fire engines to combat the blaze, which was finally subdued after over an hour. The extent of the damage remains unassessed. The incident occurred at 10.30pm yesterday,…
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Bangkok air quality goes up in smoke as pm2.5 levels spike
Air quality in Bangkok has deteriorated significantly, with hazardous PM2.5 levels recorded across 49 districts. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) warned citizens about the pollution levels, which were found to be above the standard threshold for health safety. The alarming situation was reported at 7am today, November 13, when GISTDA, under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science,…
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Thai police rescue 5 Chinese nationals trafficked for call centre scam
Thai police officers rescued five Chinese nationals who were taken to the Thai-Myanmar border instead of their intended destination in Pattaya, where they were reportedly about to be trafficked to work for a call centre scam gang. The Director of the Department of Child and Women Protection and Anti-Human Trafficking, Prachuap Wongsook, announced the successful rescue mission at a press…
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Body of unidentified man found under Narathiwat bridge
A harrowing discovery unfolded yesterday in Narathiwat, where police found the body of an unidentified man under a bridge, believed to be a victim of a personal conflict. The man had his hands bound and was shot twice in the head. Police officials, led by Apakorn Wirupakarak, were alerted to the grim scene beneath the Batu Salo Re Bridge in…
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