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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Wardrobe malfunction: Bangkok taxi takes fashion on the road
A viral photo of a taxi in Bangkok carrying a large wardrobe in its boot sparked amusement and concern among netizens. The image shows the yellow taxi driving through the city with the wardrobe sticking out of the open boot. The image was shared online today causing a stir among social media users. The photo was taken by a Thai…
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Thailand embraces nuclear fusion tech with Tokamak I milestone
Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed satisfaction with the progress of the country’s Tokamak I (TT-1) nuclear fusion energy technology, stating its significance in achieving sustainable energy goals. The 69 year old prime minister’s comments came during a presentation on the development of nuclear fusion energy in Thailand, given by Anek Laothamatas, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI),…
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Power struggle unfolds as MFP leader fights to claim prime ministerial seat
Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat today addressed allegations surrounding a contentious meeting of iTV shareholders and efforts to prevent him from becoming the next Prime Minister. While there is uncertainty about who is involved in these behind-the-scenes manoeuvres, the MFP’s legal team is gathering more evidence from those involved. Pita acknowledges that the upcoming legal battle could impede…
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Pattaya officials discuss opening Dongtan Beach Road to 24-hour vehicle access
In Pattaya, a recent meeting took place to discuss the possibility of opening Dongtan Beach Road to vehicle traffic 24 hours a day. This road, which connects Jomtien Beach to Pratumnak Soi 5, has been closed to traffic overnight for quite some time. However, due to significant growth in the area over the past year, particularly in the number of…
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Reality show ‘Keep Running’ to boost Chinese tourism to Pattaya, mayor says
In Pattaya, over the past few days, crowds of excited fans and camera crews have been spotted at various locations, such as Grande Centre Point Space Hotel and the World’s Largest 7-eleven in South Pattaya. The reason behind this excitement is the filming of episodes for the popular Chinese reality and variety show “Keep Running.” The show features famous Chinese…
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Neighbour arrested for murder after 3 year old girl found dead in Narathiwat pond
A village man has been arrested for allegedly abducting, assaulting, and killing a three year old girl in Narathiwat. The case of a missing three year old girl in Narathiwat province tragically turned into a murder investigation when her body was discovered in a pond 500 metres from her home on May 16. The girl had disappeared from her house on…
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Eeling lucky: Sausage seller reels in twin albino eels, locals hooked on fortune
Two albino eels caught within two days by a sausage seller have captured the attention of residents, who believe the eels are bringing good fortune. The fortunate fisherman also found lottery success in the last draw. At 1pm yesterday, reporters were informed that 42 year old Boonmee Marman, a sausage seller living in the Mueang district of Loei province, discovered…
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Thai government weighs extending diesel excise tax cut beyond July
The Thai government is considering extending the excise tax cut on diesel, which is set to expire on July 20. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha directed the Finance Ministry and other relevant agencies to evaluate the feasibility of prolonging the tax reduction. Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow revealed that the Finance Ministry has been tasked with determining the appropriateness of an extension.…
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Busted: Cops nab 89 suspects, seize drugs, weapons at party in South Thailand
Police arrested 89 suspects at a drug party at a resort in the southern province of Pattalung yesterday. Several types of drugs and weapons were confiscated. Pattalung Provincial Police Office received a tip-off that the members of a Facebook group planned to hold a party at a resort around midnight. Officers monitored each member until they checked in at a…
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Neo Pattaya project revitalises Old Town Naklua with multimillion-baht budget
Pattaya’s deputy mayor, Manoch Nongyai, yesterday oversaw a restoration project at Chalerm Phrakiat Public Park in Old Town Naklua. The initiative is part of the larger Neo Pattaya project, which aims to transform Pattaya into a central hub for commerce and tourism within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) zone. This ambitious endeavour is supported by a multimillion-baht budget, and authorities…
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Pattaya bar workers and Indian tourists fight
In the early hours of this morning, a violent altercation took place between a group of bar workers and two Indian tourists at the entrance of Soi 16 and Walking Street in Pattaya. The incident occurred in front of Kamaa Club, located at the entrance of Walking Street from Soi 16 in South Pattaya, Nong Prue sub-district, Bang Lamung district,…
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Driver asleep at wheel injures 5, including 3 foreigners, in Phatthalung crash
A passenger van en route to Krabi met with an accident in Phatthalung, resulting in injuries to three foreign nationals and two Thai individuals. The incident took place yesterday on Petchkasem Road, with Sri Nakarin Police being notified in the afternoon. Emergency services discovered the damaged minivan on the side of the road, having crashed into a power pole. A…
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Thai elephant’s fate hangs on flight fitness decision
The fate of an ailing Thai elephant residing in Sri Lanka will be determined on June 28, as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment decides if the animal is fit enough to endure a six-hour flight to Chiang Mai. Minister Varawut Silpa-archa explained that a Thai caretaker team, consisting of veterinarians and two mahouts, has been preparing the elephant…
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Thai Cabinet supports Ethanol Bioplastic for eco-friendly transition
The Thai Cabinet has given the green light for the promotion of ethanol in the production of bioplastics, aiming to develop more eco-friendly materials, according to government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri. This decision supports the ethanol bioplastic manufacturing industry with tax exemptions for bioethylene, a key precursor in bioplastic pellet production. Current legislation states that domestically produced ethanol can only be…
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Driver who severely injured Thai actor ordered to pay 4.17 million, still battles case
News has emerged of Thai actor Off Thanakrit, who became bedridden after a severe road accident involving a drunk woman crashed her car into the back of his motorcycle. The court recently sentenced the woman to one year imprisonment and ordered her to pay a total of 4,172,962.62 baht (US$120,577) in damages, while the defendant continues to battle the case…
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Thai interest rates raised to 2% by BoT amid core inflation worries
The Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Thailand (BoT) anticipates ongoing economic growth with some potential risks, as evidenced by their decision to increase the key Thai interest rates for the sixth consecutive meeting, according to the minutes released recently. On May 31, the committee unanimously agreed to increase the one-day repurchase rate by a quarter point to 2%,…
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Phallic procession invokes divine showers: Thai residents parade huge wooden penis to summon rain gods (video)
Residents in the central province of Kanchanaburi took part in a ritual with an enormous wooden sculpture of a penis to invoke rain and paraded it around the community while praying to Devas, also known as Buddhism angels. The 600 kilogrammes wooden phallic sculpture, called Palad Khik in Thai, serves as an amulet that many Thai people carry with them,…
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Thai folk legend Pumpuang Duangjan’s anniversary sparks lottery frenzy
Luck favours the bold! On the 31st anniversary of the singer Pumpuang Duangjan’s passing, her legion of devoted followers planned to enter the lottery in the hopes of winning her blessings. The passing of Pumpuang Duangjan, known as the Queen of Thai Folk Music, was commemorated yesterday by family, friends, and fans who continue to admire the exceptional quality of…
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Thai outbound travel surges as Asian flight capacities increase
The Thai outbound travel market is experiencing fierce competition among Asian countries, as flight capacities have increased compared to last year. The Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) anticipates that the Thai outbound market could recover to half of the 11.2 million departures in 2019, prior to the pandemic, due to stronger flight frequencies in Asia. TTAA vice-president Chotechuang Soorangura stated…
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Royal Thai Air Force defends 50 million South Korean guidance kit acquisition
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) yesterday defended its purchase of guidance-extended range kits from South Korea, worth 50 million baht, asserting that the acquisition adheres to regulations. RTAF spokesperson AVM Prapas Sornchaidee explained that the kits will be utilised with 500-pound air-dropped bombs to improve the air force’s long-range air strike capabilities, in line with the country’s defence preparation…
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Motorist crashes into house causing 2 million baht in damages, leaves family homeless
A 21 year old man has caused nearly 2 million baht (US$57,745) in damages after he lost control of his truck and crashed into a house, destroying the roof and damaging another car. The incident occurred in Ban Na Don, Nong Na Kham sub-district, Mueang district, Udon Thani Province. Luckily, the five people sleeping inside were unharmed. The driver sustained…
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Teenage rider killed in brutal shooting near Bangkok, police pursue gunman
A teenage motorcycle rider was fatally shot in a brutal attack in Bangkok, at around 6.30pm yesterday. Deputy Superintendent Suwat Deeplang of Nong Chok Police Station and his team are investigating the incident while pursuing the ruthless gunman responsible for the murder of the 19 year old. At the scene of the crime, near Soi Liabwari 32 in Nong Chok…
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Miss Universe Thailand contestants promote cultural tourism in Udon Thani
Several Miss Universe Thailand beauty pageant contestants visited a number of sacred sites in Udon Thani where they were warmly received by locals. The group took part in several traditional rituals as a gesture of respect and homage. The beauty pageant contestants participating in Miss Universe Thailand 2023 yesterday morning visited Wat Si Dara in Na Chum Saeng, Thung Fon, and…
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Belgian man commits suicide at a Phuket shooting range
A Belgian man reportedly took his own life at a shooting range in Phuket yesterday. The motive of the suicide is under investigation. Officers from Chalong Police Station rushed to investigate Sai Yuan Shooting Range in the Rawai sub-district, Mueang district of Phuket after being notified about the death of the Belgian man, who was later identified as a 52…
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Car sales consultant found dead in Nonthaburi temple parking lot
A female car sales consultant was found dead in her car at a temple’s parking lot in Nonthaburi province after being reported missing by her sister. The 55 year old victim’s body was discovered yesterday, at around 4.30pm, in a white Toyota sedan with Phetchaburi licence plates. Local police arrived at the scene where the woman’s body was found, having been…
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Speeding motorbike hits parked car, rider severely injured in northeast Thailand
A parked car outside the owner’s home was hit by a speeding motorbike, leaving the bike’s rider severely injured in northeast Thailand. The incident occurred in the community of Sra Kaew, Nakhon Ratchasima province. Early morning today, police from the Phimai station were alerted to a road accident involving a motorbike straying out of its lane and colliding with a…
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CCTV footage of attempted rape case at massage shop in Bangkok deleted
Officers from Chana Songkham Police Station yesterday investigated the attempted rape of a Japanese woman at a massage shop on Ram Buttri Road near Khao San Road in Bangkok. CCTV footage of the incident was reported to have been deleted and the masseur in question has resigned from the shop. The 23 year old Japanese woman took to Twitter to…
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Indian man drowns in Pattaya pool as witnesses mistake struggle for play
A 44 year old Indian man yesterday tragically drowned in a Pattaya hotel swimming pool. The incident took place at 8.30pm in a well-known South Pattaya hotel, which remains unnamed by local police as they continue their investigation. The Indian tourist, identified as Vivek Kumar, was reportedly enjoying his time in the pool with an Indian woman, whose name has…
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Factory worker found dead after mother disapproves of girlfriend
A 39 year old factory worker was found dead in his bedroom after being reportedly distressed by his mother’s disapproval of his girlfriend. The incident took place at the man’s residence in the Tha Maka district of Kanchanaburi province. He had only been dating the woman for three months. Local police and forensics teams are investigating the case. After finding…
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Albino bullfrog with numeric marks found in Prachin Buri sparks local excitement
The discovery of an albino bullfrog with unique markings has sparked intrigue and excitement among locals ahead of the June 16 lottery. A woman from Prachin Buri province recently stumbled upon a peculiar bullfrog while foraging for mushrooms in the forest with her friend. The bullfrog, which they had never seen before, appeared to have an unusual pattern with numbers…
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