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’s national parks smash revenue records
Thailand’s national parks achieved a monumental milestone, breaking revenue records by collecting a whopping 1.785 billion baht between October 1 last year, and June 20 this year. This incredible sum surpasses the total amount collected in the whole of 2023, which stood at 1.467 billion baht. Leading the charge is the Nopparat Thara Beach National Park, Phi Phi Islands, raking…
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Screen capture: Tourist Police nab thief in kindergarten break-in
Tourist Police apprehended a man from Loei Province for breaking into a kindergarten classroom in Si Racha, Chon Buri, and stealing two Samsung flat-screen televisions. The suspect, identified as 26 year old Prawit was arrested following a warrant issued by Chon Buri Provincial Court on June 6, which charged him with theft in a government building. Tourist Police Lieutenant Kritporn…
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Public Health Department inspects food safety at Pattaya market
To safeguard public health, officials from the Public Health Department conducted a meticulous food sanitation inspection on Rong Po Market, North Pattaya, last week. Banglamung authorities left no stone unturned on Friday, June 21, as they scrutinised every vendor, distributing informative leaflets detailing the rigorous assessment criteria. Every vendor at Rong Po Market faced a stringent evaluation across three critical areas:…
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Thailand Video News | British pedophile arrested after 30 years in Thailand faces new charges, drunk Russian women assault Thai woman after car crash in Phuket
In Thailand Video News, Alex discusses the latest events and stories in Thailand today. A British pedophile who evaded capture for almost 30 years has been arrested and faces new charges. Two Russian women who were allegedly drunk have crashed into a Thai woman’s car in Phuket and assaulted her. Brothers in Thailand have been arrested for a Facebook scam…
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88 year old Thai man killed after tree branch falls on his head
An 88 year old Thai man lost his life yesterday after a tree branch fell onto his head while he was sitting under it at a temple in the Mae On district of the northern province of Chiang Mai. Officers from Mae On Police Station were alerted to the death of the old man, Boonma Do-kaew, by Mae On Hospital,…
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DSI slaps Stark CEO with a torrent of charges
In a dramatic twist to one of Thailand’s largest corporate frauds, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) charged Chanin Yensudchai, former CEO of Stark Corporation, with a slew of serious offences including money laundering and document forgery. Acting DSI Director Yutthana Praedam confirmed the charges also encompass negligence, fraud, embezzlement, and violations of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1992. Despite…
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PM Srettha races to transform Rayong and Chon Buri
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin led a delegation to Rayong and Chon Buri last Sunday, June 23, to inspect pivotal projects within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). At Rayong’s U-Tapao International Airport, PM Srettha scrutinised the progress of an ambitious project aimed at linking the airport with a high-speed rail network that will connect three major airports. “This network is set to…
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Budget battle: Defence minister stands his ground on expenditures
During the ongoing budget debate in Parliament, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang fiercely defended his military spending plans against a barrage of criticism from the opposition. The Move Forward Party (MFP)’s Wiroj Lakkanaadisorn launched a scathing attack on the defence budget last Friday, June 21, accusing it of prioritising troop salaries and benefits over the advanced weaponry necessary for modern warfare.…
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Big Joke vs Srettha: Deputy police chief vows to return
Deputy Police Chief Police General Surachate Hakparn, aka Big Joke, issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. He threatened to file a malfeasance complaint against the PM if he failed to revoke the order temporarily dismissing him from the force. Big Joke revealed he had already appealed to the Police Virtue Protection Committee and petitioned the prime minister, who…
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Pheu Thai denies plans to scrap party-list electoral system
The Pheu Thai Party firmly refuted circulating rumours suggesting the party plans to abolish the party-list electoral system to outmanoeuvre the rising Move Forward Party (MFP) in the upcoming election. Pheu Thai list MP Noppadon Pattama stated that he has never encountered such a strategy in the party’s discussions. This response came after Thai Sang Thai Party Leader, Sudarat Keyuraphan…
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Malaysia Airlines flight to Bangkok returns to Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia Airlines has clarified an emergency incident involving flight MH780, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. The flight had to return to Kuala Lumpur International Airport due to technical issues. Flight MH780, operated by Malaysia Airlines, declared an emergency code 7700, indicating a serious issue requiring immediate attention. The aircraft descended from its cruising altitude to…
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Senate election to proceed despite 333 complaints, fraud concerns
Despite the Election Commission (EC) fielding over 300 complaints, including 39 cases related to potential fraud, the Senate election results will proceed as scheduled. EC Secretary-General Sawang Boonmee revealed that a total of 333 complaints have been lodged, with 90 involving accusations of corruption. Investigations into these complaints are expected to take significant time. A large portion of the complaints…
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4 Hong Kong men arrested at Bangkok airport for heroin smuggling
Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) officers arrested four men from Hong Kong at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok on Sunday for attempting to smuggle 14 kilogrammes of heroin from Thailand to Hong Kong. ONCB Secretary Phanurat Lakboon reported the details of the arrest in a press conference yesterday, June 23. Phanurat explained that the ONCB received information from…
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Heavy rainfall and flash flood warnings across Thailand
Heavy rainfall is expected across Thailand today, with over 60% coverage in all regions, including Bangkok. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warned of potential flash floods and forest runoff due to the intense weather conditions. The TMD forecasted that the southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is relatively strong. This, combined with a…
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Julian Assange plea deal leaks path to freedom
Julian Assange yesterday agreed to plead guilty to an espionage charge in a move aimed at securing his release. The founder of WikiLeaks is currently en route to Australia, having been freed from prison in the United Kingdom after consenting to admit to breaching United States espionage laws. The 52 year old editor, publisher, and activist will admit to conspiring…
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Actress Ning Panita sued for 1 million baht in defamation case
Zan Wisaphat and her lawyer filed a defamation lawsuit against actress Ning Panita at the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court after police investigations stalled. Zan Wisaphat Manomaiyarat and her lawyer, Pornsak Vipasa-apanon, arrived at the court to file the case, claiming Ning Panita had made false accusations against her. Previously, the public prosecutor had decided not to press charges, prompting Zan…
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Army clarifies conscripts’ commemorative item rumours
The Fourth Army Region clarified the recent rumours regarding deductions from conscripts’ salaries for commemorative shirts and rings, stating that such items are optional and not enforced. The military training units have no policy mandating these purchases. The official Facebook page of the Fourth Army Region issued a statement addressing the claims that conscripts in Thailand’s southern border provinces were…
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Thai hotels oppose plan for 75% foreign condo ownership
The Thai Hotels Association (THA) expressed strong opposition to the government’s plan to allow foreigners to own up to 75% of condominium units, warning that it could lead to intense price competition and market disruption. Concerns were raised during a meeting where members discussed significant issues impacting the hospitality industry. During the meeting, Tourism and Sports Minister, Sermsak Pongpanich delivered…
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Phatthalung police officer suspended for 30,000 baht extortion
A senior police officer in Phatthalung has been suspended following allegations of extorting money from a 38 year old mother, whose 16 year old son was charged with attempted murder. The officer has been ordered to take leave until the investigation is complete. The incident began when the mother filed a complaint after her son, along with others, was arrested…
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Older diesel cars said to face stricter inspections to curb pollution
The Pollution Control Department is set to introduce new regulations requiring diesel vehicles over 20 years old to undergo bi-annual inspections to tackle PM2.5 pollution. Pollution Control Department Director-General, Preeyaporn Suwannakes revealed that PM2.5 particulate matter arises from various sources and differs depending on activities in each area. Bangkok and its surrounding metropolitan area, plagued by heavy traffic congestion, are…
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Man’s desperate plea for debt repayment of nearly 1 million baht
At the Mahachakrapad intersection in Chachoengsao yesterday, a man driven by desperation stood on a bridge with a sign pleading for the repayment of nearly one million baht, borrowed by a friend. This friend not only refuses to repay the debt but has also threatened legal action against him. The man displayed two handwritten signs addressed to the woman. “Dear…
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Burmese man shoots and blinds Thai girl after sexual assault
A Burmese man in the Isaan province of Surin shot and blinded an 11 year old Thai girl with a slingshot after the girl told her mother that he sexually assaulted her. The 28 year old woman turned to a social media influencer, Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet, after she and her 11 year old daughter received death threats from the 32…
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Thai handicrafts to drive economic growth, says Deputy PM
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce has tasked the Institute for the Promotion of Thai Arts and Crafts (SACIT) with enhancing Thai handicrafts to boost the economy. This initiative aims to honour the legacy of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother. Deputy PM Phumtham announced policies to advance the SACIT at Bang Sai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.…
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Brothers arrested for Facebook scam soliciting hospital donations
Police arrested two brothers for a Facebook scam operation, with fake profiles of local celebrities to fraudulently solicit donations, claiming that an 8,999 baht donation was essential for the purchase of hospital equipment. At a press conference held yesterday at the Provincial Police Region Office in Udon Thani, Senior Police Officer Chakat Tiamwong, alongside other high-ranking officers, announced the arrest…
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Thailand to impose VAT on all imported goods from July onwards
Thailand’s Ministry of Finance announced the collection of value-added tax (VAT) on imported goods, which aims to address disparities between foreign and domestic sellers in terms of tax obligations, effective from July 5 to December 31, 2024. The Royal Thai Government Gazette published the Ministry of Finance’s declaration today, June 24. The declaration focuses on customs duty exemptions for items…
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2 drunk Russian women attack Thai woman after Phuket car crash
Two alleged drunk Russian women crashed their car into a Thai woman’s vehicle on a road in Phuket and physically assaulted the victim to stop them from fleeing the scene. A Thai woman filed a complaint at Choeng Thale Police Station at around 8pm, yesterday, June 23, after the accident. The woman explained that her car was hit in the…
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Mobile tower battery gang charged with theft
The Thai police dismantled a gang stealing backup batteries from mobile phone signal towers, resulting in over 10 million baht in damages from over 100 batteries stolen. The Police Region 2 Commissioner Songprasong Yentoem, along with Investigation Commander Teerachai Chamnanmor, and Somchai Nakrat from Advanced Info Service (AIS), yesterday, June 23, held a press conference to announce the capture of…
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Fatal collision on Rama 2 Road claims life of delivery rider
A tragic accident involving a pickup truck and a motorbike resulted in the death of a 50 year old female rider. The driver claimed he did not see the motorbike, while several illegal migrant workers fled the scene but were later apprehended. At 6.30pm yesterday, June 23, Police Lieutenant Pitiphan Wongaree received a report of a fatal collision between a…
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3 Thai cops face 30 days jail for drinking on duty, abandoning posts
Three policemen at Mueang Kalasin Police Station in Isaan face 30 days in jail after one of them allegedly got drunk on duty while the two others went home to take a nap during working hours. A Thai man took to TikTok to share a video of himself engaging in a conversation with a drunk police officer at Mueang Kalasin…
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Child abuse incident in central Thailand shocks local community
A disturbing incident emerged in Kamphaeng Phet, where two 12 year old girls allegedly coerced a seven year old boy and a five year old girl into inappropriate activities, recording the events in exchange for sweets and toys. The Facebook page Kamphaeng Phet Complaints posted about the situation, explaining that the two older girls lured the younger children into engaging…
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