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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Air pollution crisis: Village chief defends age-old burning practices (video)
As the haze season begins, villagers of Ban Mae Lan Kham are preparing to burn their land, adding to some of the world’s worst air pollution. When the haze season descends upon northern Thailand, village chief Nanthawat Tiengtrongsakun and his community start their annual preparations. They cut down shrubs and trees on their small plots, then set controlled burns to…
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Thai AirAsia’s Fifth Freedom routes to Japan take off
Thai AirAsia launched its much-anticipated Fifth Freedom routes, creating a seamless travel experience connecting Bangkok, Taiwan, and Japan. The airline’s inaugural flight from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport to Taipei, followed by a final leg to Okinawa, garnered an overwhelming passenger response. The Taipei to Okinawa route boasted a staggering 99% load factor, arriving at a warm reception and a lively…
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Tying the knot: Thailand Senate approves same-sex marriage bill
Thailand is set to become the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage following the Senate’s approval of a marriage equality bill today. This monumental milestone was passed with an overwhelming majority, with 130 senators in favour and only four against. The bill now awaits the king’s endorsement before it can become law. Once approved, the law will…
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Island hopping: Thailand’s new maritime route to revolutionise tourism
Thailand spearheads an ambitious project to link its stunning islands with Vietnam and Cambodia, promising to boost investment, trade, and tourism across the region. The Governor of Trat province, Natthapong Sanguanjit, recently chaired a meeting that gathered officials and business leaders from six provinces of the three countries. This initiative is part of the Cambodia-Vietnam-Thailand Economic Corridor (CVTEC) Trat Business…
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Soda bottle explosion at local store injures worker
A soda bottle explosion at a local store left a worker injured, prompting medical professionals to issue safety guidelines. The incident occurred when the worker was placing soda bottles into an icebox, resulting in an unexpected explosion that caused glass shards to scrape their hands, necessitating three stitches. The incident was shared in the Facebook group พวกเราคือผู้บริโภค (We Are Consumers),…
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Taxi driver caught in sting after hit-and-run on a Mercedes-Benz
A taxi driver involved in a hit-and-run incident was apprehended after police set up a sting operation with the victim posing as a passenger. After initially denying the allegations, CCTV footage of the incident proved monumental in his conviction. Police revealed that a taxi had collided with another vehicle and fled the scene in Mueang Thong Thani yesterday at around…
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Colour con: Woman’s 7,000 baht hair dye disaster leaves her seeing red
A woman expressed her disappointment after paying 7,000 baht for a hair colouring service that did not meet her expectations. She had requested a dark grey shade but the result was far from what she envisioned. The woman also experienced scalp irritation during the process. The incident took place at a hair salon in Ton Tann Market, Khon Kaen Province.…
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Thai monk disgraces faith by killing man at temple
Yet another Thai monk brought disgrace to the Buddhist faith by killing a man with a spoon who repeatedly asked for food at Khao Peep Temple in the southern province of Chumphon. A Thai woman, Onpreya, had been searching for her husband, Suppapong, who disappeared from their home in Chumphon on June 14. Onpreya believed her husband had gone to…
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Gauze gaffe: Thammasat Hospital apologises for surgical slip-up
Thammasat University Hospital issued an apology for leaving gauze in a patient’s vaginal cavity, explaining the cause and pledging full responsibility and support. The hospital revealed that the incident occurred after a patient, diagnosed with endometrial cancer, received radiotherapy and brachytherapy on June 4. During the procedure, the medical team inserted a brachytherapy device and gauze roll to ensure the…
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Southern Thailand popular for Malaysian polygamous marriages
Southern Thailand has emerged as a preferred destination for Malaysian men seeking ceremonial polygamous marriages. Each month, at least 30 couples from Malaysia undergo marriage ceremonies at the Narathiwat Islamic Religious Council, according to a report by the Bernama news agency. These couples primarily hail from the neighbouring states of Kelantan and Terengganu, though some travel from as far as…
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Cyber police bust online gun-selling network in Thailand
Cyber police executed raids at four locations across three provinces yesterday, capturing an online gun-selling network and seizing a significant amount of illegal firearms and modification equipment. Following months of meticulous investigations, the Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), Police Lieutenant General Worawat Watnakornbancha directed an operation to execute warrants to search the identified sites suspected of illegal…
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Phetch-Hua Hin Airport set to go international by 2025
To catapult Thailand’s aviation industry into the global elite, Hua Hin Airport in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province is undergoing a spectacular transformation. Rebranded as Phetch-Hua Hin International Airport, this dazzling upgrade is slated for completion by late 2025. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made his second visit to the construction site, rallying support from key agencies to ensure…
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PM Srettha scandal escalates: Court demands more evidence
The Constitutional Court has thrown a curveball in the case against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, demanding additional evidence within 15 days. This comes after allegations surfaced regarding his controversial Cabinet appointment, stirring up a storm of legal challenges and political intrigue. The court’s move sets the stage for a pivotal hearing on July 10, prompting a flurry of submissions from…
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Pre-wedding shoot at Khao Yai ignites backlash for breaking rules
A pre-wedding photoshoot at Khao Yai National Park sparked widespread criticism after a couple and their photographer ignored warning signs and ventured into a restricted area. The incident occurred near the Nong Pak Chi Wildlife Watching Tower. Photographers and tourists, primarily Thai individuals aged between 20 and 35, were drawn to the blooming white grass fields, which provided a picturesque…
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Constitutional Court orders testimony from MFP by July 3
The Constitutional Court ordered the Move Forward Party (MFP) to provide testimony for its dissolution case by July 3, for the court to examine on July 9. The Election Commission (EC) filed a petition arguing there was reasonable evidence to believe that the MFP had committed acts of subverting the democratic form of government with the king as head of…
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Lawyer raises the bar after losing 1.1 million baht to scam
A well-known lawyer in Ratchaburi province staged another protest outside a local bank after losing over 1.1 million baht to a call centre scam. The lawyer, who had previously used extreme measures to protest, threatened to take drastic actions if the bank did not return his money. During his last protest, the lawyer had poured poo over himself in front…
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Inflate debate: BoT warns against raising inflation target
Bank of Thailand (BoT) cautioned against raising the inflation target to match the range established by the monetary authority, citing concerns that such a move may destabilise expectations and accelerate price increases. BoT Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput stated that the current range is appropriate. “The current inflation target range is appropriate for the circumstances and it has worked well in terms…
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Iranian tourist assault rocks Phuket’s famous party street
A night out in Phuket turned violent when an Iranian tourist was brutally attacked, leaving holidaymakers and locals questioning the island’s safety. Police Lieutenant Wisanu Chumee, Deputy Inspector of Patong Police Station, received a distressing report on Saturday night about a foreign tourist being assaulted and injured. The incident occurred at the bustling end of Soi Bang La, Bang La…
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Indian man arrested at Bangkok airport for smuggling cocaine
Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF) officers at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok arrested an Indian man on Sunday for smuggling cocaine worth 17 million baht into Thailand. Finance Minister Junlaphan Amornvivat held a press conference at the Customs Office in Don Mueang Airport on June 16 to reveal details of the 39 year old Indian man’s arrest. Junlaphan explained…
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Tesla repair quote shocks owner with 1.3 million baht estimate
A Tesla owner shared her frustration online after her car was involved in an accident and the repair costs were quoted at 1.3 million baht. She claimed that the insurance company reported 149 items needing repair, exceeding the coverage limit. The owner made a post in a Facebook group, detailing her experience with her damaged vehicle. The front and windshield…
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Gen Z and millennials in Thailand seek meaningful work
Recruiting and retaining Generation Z (Gen Z) and millennial employees in Thailand hinges on providing meaningful work, a flexible work-life balance, and ample career opportunities, according to a survey by Deloitte. Nearly one-third (31%) of Gen Z and 38% of millennial respondents in Thailand reported frequent use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in their workplaces. This year, both groups are…
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Itching for a cure: Ministry provides care for boy with painful mole
The Ministry of Public Health is providing care for a six year old Thai boy who has been suffering from a large, painful, and itchy mole on his back since birth. The boy, named Namnue, experiences itching and pain, especially in hot weather. He would often hit his back to relieve the discomfort but this provided no relief. Namnue suffers…
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Indian tourist’s holiday horror: Robbed and beaten in Pattaya
A 34 year old Indian tourist was brutally assaulted and robbed in Pattaya in the early hours yesterday. Gobi Manimaran, who was visiting the popular tourist destination yesterday, June 17, reported the harrowing incident to local police after being ambushed by a gang in front of the White Rose Hotel. The attackers, who pounced on Manimaran without warning, made off…
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Thaksin gets a bail-out: Ex-PM walks free on 500,000 baht bond
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra walked free today after the Criminal Court granted him bail of 500,000 baht, following his arraignment on lese-majeste and computer crime charges. Thaksin appeared before public prosecutors early this morning and was promptly taken to the Criminal Court for his arraignment, confirmed Prayut Phetcharakhun, spokesperson for the Office of the Attorney-General. The court accepted the…
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Drag-tastic: Pattaya hosts first Drag Queen Star 2024 pageant
Central Marina Pattaya hosted Pattaya’s inaugural Drag Queen Star 2024 beauty pageant to celebrate Pride Month. Held on Sunday, June 16, under the theme Thailand’s Pride Celebration 2024: Pride For All, the event aimed to foster diversity and equality within the LGBTQ+ community. This inclusive competition welcomed individuals of all genders and nationalities. The total prize pool exceeded 70,000 baht,…
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Thai condo market hit by economic woes and Myanmar restrictions
The Thai condo market is experiencing a downturn due to the current economic situation, with banks tightening lending and household debt remaining high. The recent stringent regulations by the Myanmar government have further impacted sales, as Myanmar buyers are significant customers second only to Chinese buyers. Thailand’s real estate market has been negatively affected by the Myanmar government’s restrictions on…
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Foreign man in Chon Buri accused of killing stray dog with poison
A Thai woman accused a foreign man living in the same community in Chon Buri province of poisoning a stray dog and previously abusing his pets. The 66 year old woman, Lamud, urged Channel 3 to share her story in a bid to seek justice for the dead stray dog named Liao. Reporters visited her home in the Bang Lamung…
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Thailand unveils new visa measures to boost tourism and economy
Government spokesperson Chai Watcharong revealed new visa issuance measures aimed at boosting tourism and stimulating Thailand’s economy, following a Cabinet meeting. While many specific details of the visas and potential regulations remain under wraps, more information is expected to be released early next month. The Thai Cabinet approved a comprehensive tourism policy to counteract the nation’s prolonged economic stagnation and…
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Increased rainfall unlikely to cause 2011-like floods, says ONWR
Increased rainfall expected in the coming weeks due to the La Nina phenomenon is unlikely to lead to a repeat of the devastating 2011 floods, according to the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR). ONWR Chief Surasee Kittimonthon confirmed that weather reports predicting less frequent rain this year suggest a low likelihood of major flooding similar to the 2011…
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AirAsia resumes direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Pattaya
AirAsia resumed its direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Pattaya, yesterday, June 17. The airline will now operate this popular route three times a week, with flights scheduled every Monday, Friday, and Sunday. Flight AK840 is set to take off from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) at 11am, landing in Pattaya’s U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport (UTP) at 12.05pm. The return…
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