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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Thai cop collapses on duty after intense livestream confrontation
A Thai police officer in the central province of Sing Buri collapsed on duty allegedly due to intense pressure from a local news Facebook page administrator who livestreamed the officer’s alleged illegal actions. The administrator of the Facebook page à¸à¸¢à¹ˆà¸²à¸«à¸²à¸—ำ (meaning “do not do stupid things”), Waraporn “Jack” Saelor, livestreamed the alleged illegal incident as Police Senior Sergeant Major Suppamit…
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Thai freelancer bottles Indian tourist after payment row
An Indian tourist fell victim to a brutal beer bottle assault in Pattaya by a freelance Thai woman after he allegedly refused to pay for her services. Consequently, the freelancer reportedly hit the Indian man in the head with a beer bottle and robbed him of 10,000 baht, according to the victim. The incident unfolded in the early hours this…
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Car repair shop fire in Bangkok destroys cars and kills two dogs
A devastating fire tore through a car repair shop in Bang Bon district in Bangkok, leaving behind a trail of destruction, including the loss of two beloved dogs. Firefighters acted swiftly to contain the flames, but the damage was extensive. The fire broke out around 10pm, yesterday, March 20, at a car repair shop located on Soi Bang Bon 4,…
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Chinese tourists’ bags handed back by officers in Pattaya
A Bali Hai Pier police officer earned applause for his honesty and dedication after recovering two lost bags filled with cash and crucial documents, returning them to their rightful owners – two Chinese tourists who were left stunned and grateful. On March 18, Thanongsak Chimluang, an officer stationed at Bali Hai Pier, was on duty when he received a tip-off…
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Over 10,000 bottles of cough syrup seized in Phuket drug raid
Police made a shocking discovery in Kathu, Phuket, as a recent investigation into an illegal e-cigarette distribution network has uncovered more than 10,000 bottles of cough syrup, allegedly part of a wider smuggling operation. The raid, which has left many stunned, highlights the alarming rise of unregulated drug trafficking in the region. An ongoing investigation into a local e-cigarette ring…
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Drug-addicted Thai man kills friend’s mother and injures 2 others
A drug-addicted Thai man killed his friend’s mother and injured two other victims at a house in the Isaan province of Loei yesterday. A 55 year old Thai father, Auan, called officers at Nong Hin Police Station to arrest his son, 22 year old Ratchanon, yesterday morning, March 20. Auan revealed that he heard the community leader announce the brutal…
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Thai jail nightmare: British tourist forced to drink urine after arrest
A British tourist revealed he had to drink his own urine in a Thailand jail after being drugged and beaten in a Thai police cell after he was spiked while partying in Hua Hin. Lewis Green was on the final day of his eight-week solo adventure in Thailand when his dream trip turned into a nightmare. Arrested on January 24,…
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Thailand braces for colder weather, strong winds, and heavy rain
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts a significant weather change with colder temperatures, strong winds, and heavy rain expected in the coming days. Specific regions, especially in the south, should prepare for severe weather conditions, and residents are advised to take health precautions. Yesterday, March 20, a high-pressure system from China affected the upper regions of Thailand and the South…
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Lithuanian man dies in Phuket after tree falls on motorbike
A Lithuanian man’s tropical getaway ended in horror on Phuket’s picturesque Nai Thon Beach Road. Tragedy struck as a towering pine branch plummeted onto the unsuspecting 42 year old Eastern European, killing him instantly as he sped along on his motorbike yesterday morning, March 20. “Shockwaves rippled through the usually serene area,” said Thanapong Keonun, village headman of Moo 4,…
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How Thailand’s famous pigmy hippo became a crypto star
In September of last year, an adorable two-year-old Pigmy Hippo named Moo Deng went viral on social media and quickly developed a global fan base. The hippo, who lives at Khao Kheor Open Zoo in Si Racha, Chonburi, Thailand, took the world by storm and even inspired an individual to create a new cryptocurrency meme coin in her honour. Understanding…
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Tesla leads in Thai EV market with top satisfaction scores
According to a recent survey by NielsenIQ Thailand, Tesla has emerged as the dominant force in Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) market, with the highest satisfaction score of 890. The result comes from the Electric Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction (EVOSS) study, which measures consumer satisfaction with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Manenatta Jirasevijinda, Senior Director of Automotive…
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Taps off: Phuket faces dry spell as new system rolls in tomorrow
The Phuket branch of the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) has announced a water supply outage for tomorrow, March 21, affecting large parts of Patong. The outage will occur from 10am to 6pm while workers install a new PRV system at DMA14-01-01 in Baan Ton Thai. In its official announcement, the PWA stated, “Therefore it is necessary to stop distributing water…
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Delivery riders in Suphan Buri threatened by knife-wielding peer
Over 30 delivery riders reported an alarming incident at the Mueang Suphan Buri Police Station, where a fellow rider threatened them with a knife. The attacks, reportedly without provocation, have left many riders fearful and unwilling to work. On the evening of March 18, A, a rider, recounted how he and his peers were threatened by a seemingly deranged fellow…
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PPRP deputy denies claims of inflated property sale to SSO
Santi Promphat, deputy leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), has strongly denied allegations that his son, Patana Promphat, sold a building to the Social Security Office (SSO) at an inflated price, insisting the sale was legitimate and fairly valued. Today, March 20, Santi responded to claims made by opposition MPs Rukchanok Srinork and Sahassawat Kumkong of the People’s Party…
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Pipe bomb attack injures five at Pattani police checkpoint
Two people disguised as Muslim women threw a pipe bomb at a police checkpoint in Pattani province, injuring five residents, including a family of five. The incident occurred at 5.40pm, yesterday, March 19, when officers from the Sai Buri District Police Station were alerted to the attack at the Wat Lieb checkpoint in Taluban subdistrict. The explosion affected passersby, prompting…
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Drunk transwoman driver crashes into Pattaya meatball vendor
A shocking late-night collision on Pattaya Third Road left a street food vendor seriously injured, his cart destroyed and the cart’s meatballs scattered across the footpath. Emergency responders yesterday, March 19, at 4.30am, rushed to the scene, opposite Xzyte Square, after they received reports of a motionless man lying by the roadside. The victim, identified as 39 year old Athipong…
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Koh Samui real estate booms thanks to ‘The White Lotus’
Koh Samui, the popular resort island in Surat Thani province, is set to see a surge in demand for luxury condominiums and villas this year, according to investment management firm Colliers Thailand. The latest season of the hit American TV series The White Lotus was filmed at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, with additional scenes shot at Anantara…
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Air pollution crisis: PM2.5 levels soar across Thailand’s provinces
The Air Pollution Solutions Communication Centre reported that PM2.5 levels exceeded the standard in 37 provinces across Thailand, with northern and northeastern regions experiencing the highest levels of air pollution. The situation is expected to worsen over the next seven days. The report today, March 20, highlighted that PM2.5 levels in several provinces, including Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon,…
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Phuket charity schools raided amid migrant education crackdown
Raids on charity schools run by the Good Shepherd Foundation continued this week, with officials from the Thalang District Office targeting the BanYa Literacy Centre in Srisoonthorn. Led by Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkun, officials including Deputy District Chief for Security Chaiporn Yangchin, village leaders, and other officials conducted an inspection at the centre in Village 6, Srisoonthorn on Tuesday,…
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Man tragically killed by train in Ayutthaya accident
A tragic accident occurred in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya when a 59 year old man was fatally struck by a train while crossing a railway track after work. The incident, which took place at Phachi Railway Station, left the man with multiple fractures and lacerations across his body. Today, March 20, Police Lieutenant Pallop Intharachet of Phachi District Police Station…
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Brief encounter: Chon Buri thief caught with stolen underwear
Officers at Koh Chan Provincial Police Station yesterday apprehended a man for stealing women’s underwear from a government official’s residence. The incident involved 36 year old Pornchai, also known as Kob, who was arrested under a Chon Buri provincial court warrant (No. 171/2568) dated March 18. He faces charges of nighttime burglary using a vehicle to facilitate the crime and…
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3 workers trapped for over an hour in Pattaya elevator horror
A routine workday turned into a terrifying ordeal for three construction workers in Pattaya when an elevator malfunction left them trapped for over an hour. Sweating, panicked, and desperate for help, their nightmare finally ended when rescue teams arrived just in time. Pattaya City’s Disaster Prevention Centre received an urgent call yesterday at 6.16pm that three workers were trapped inside…
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Foot the bill: Smelly foreigner limps away from Thai massage tab
A massage shop owner in the northern province of Lampang reported yesterday that a smelly foreigner with a limp leg fled without paying a bill of 700 baht after receiving a two-hour massage. The owner of the Kanthika massage shop, Ann, stated that she was not the first victim, according to information from officers at Mueang Lampang Police Station. Ann…
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Phuket’s alcohol-free Songkran festival returns
Phuket is gearing up for Songkran with a booze-free twist! The Songkran No Alcohol Festival is back for its 11th year, promising cultural charm, live music, and family-friendly fun—without the chaos of drunken revelry. Phuket officials are preparing for another safe and tradition-focused songkran as the island hosts the Songkran No Alcohol Festival Phuket 2025, organised for the 11th consecutive year,…
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British jumper’s Pattaya video sparks call to shut down site
A chilling video showing the tragic death of a British base jumper in Pattaya has sparked renewed outrage and calls for a notorious website that hosts gruesome death footage to be shut down. The 33 year old victim, Nathan Odinson, tragically died after his parachute failed to open during a jump from a 29-storey tower last year. A Thai friend…
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Thai man finds body in abandoned house after nature calls
A Thai man told local news agencies that he almost lost control of his bowels after stumbling upon a man’s body in an abandoned house in the central province of Kanchanaburi. The man, whose name remains undisclosed, alerted officers at Lin Thin Police Station to the abandoned house in the Thong Pha Phum district of Kanchanaburi province to investigate the…
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Philippine couple busted in Thailand over investment scam
Thai Immigration Police arrested a Philippine couple wanted for a large-scale investment fraud that has seen over 150 arrest warrants issued against them. The couple, identified as 46 year old Cerrone and 47 year old Marve, were apprehended in Cha-am, Phetchaburi, following a request for cooperation from the Philippine Embassy in Thailand. Both suspects were subjects of an Interpol Red…
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Sinful: Abbot defrocked, arrested for assaulting boy in Udon Thani
Police apprehended a 24 year old abbot accused of sexually assaulting a 12 year old boy at a temple in Mueang district, Udon Thani province. The boy’s mother, shocked by the incident, had left her son at the temple due to financial difficulties after separating from her husband. Police Colonel Wichan Suthampeng, superintendent of Kumphawapi Police Station, along with Deputy…
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Chinese dating scammer arrested for targeting foreign men in Chiang Mai
Police yesterday arrested a Chinese man at Chiang Mai International Airport for operating scams using a dating app to approach foreign men in the province. Two victims filed complaints with officers at Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station on Sunday, March 16 and March 19, stating that a Chinese man they had met on a dating application stole their valuables and…
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Chinese man assaults staff at Mahidol University, visa revocation urged
A Chinese man assaulted a university staff member at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom, prompting calls for his visa to be revoked. The incident occurred when the man, upset his girlfriend’s performance was not filmed, attacked a staff member with a chair and slammed the staff member’s head against a wall, resulting in the staff member being hospitalised in the…
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