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 weather alert: storms and strong winds in 53 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for May 9 regarding severe weather conditions across 53 provinces. The northeast will experience summer storms with thunderstorms, strong winds, and occasional hail. Residents are advised to stay alert and avoid open areas during these conditions. A moderate high-pressure system from China is expected to cover Vietnam and the South China…
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Doctors disciplined over Thaksin’s hospital stay amid ethics probe
Three doctors involved in former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s controversial stay on the 14th floor of the Police General Hospital have been disciplined by the Medical Council of Thailand. The disciplinary actions stem from the findings of an investigation into Thaksin’s treatment, which has raised ethical concerns about the standard of care provided. Today, May 8, Professor Doctor Prasit Watanapa,…
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North Thailand home invaders arrested with 20 guns and ammo
Four men, wanted for a violent attempted murder and home invasion in Uttaradit province last December, have been arrested in a series of dramatic police raids across Bangkok and two central provinces. Along with their capture, a cache of 20 firearms and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition was seized, sparking concern over illegal weapon distribution. The Crime Suppression Division (CSD)…
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Chumphon chief faces backlash over monitor lizard cooking (video)
Locals in the southern province of Chumphon are demanding legal action against a community leader who shared a video of himself cooking and eating a monitor lizard, a protected species in Thailand. Residents in the Pathio district of Chumphon came across a Facebook post by the male community leader and shared it with various news agencies, calling for legal action…
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Compensation for SAO building collapse victims to begin tomorrow
The first wave of compensation is set to be delivered tomorrow to the families of victims affected by the tragic collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok. A total of 21 relatives from the first batch will receive financial assistance after a series of negotiations with the ITD-CREC Joint Venture, involving Italian-Thai Development and China Railway No.10…
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15 busted in Phuket drug crackdown near Nai Yang Beach
A late-night drug bust in Phuket has led to 15 people testing positive for illegal substances during a surprise operation near Nai Yang Beach. The two-hour checkpoint, aimed at tackling rising drug activity in the area, took place on Tuesday, May 6, and was led by Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkun, also the Director of the Thalang Narcotics Suppression Centre.…
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2 Thai attackers assault and try to urinate on victim in game dispute
Police arrested two attackers who physically assaulted a victim and attempted to urinate on his face outside a convenience store in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district, following a dispute related to an online game. A video of the assault was shared on the Facebook page “อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6” and received significant attention. More than 2,200 users reacted to the video,…
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Thai ministry discusses agricultural product labelling for safety
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Itti Sirilattayakarn chaired a meeting to discuss plans for agricultural product labelling. The meeting, held in meeting room 134 at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, involved representatives from key departments such as the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS), the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Livestock Development, the Rice…
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Hailstorm wreaks havoc in That Phanom, topples power lines
A hailstorm struck That Phanom district yesterday, causing severe damage with high winds toppling 26 high-voltage electricity poles along the Nakhon Phanom-That Phanom road, leading to widespread power outages. Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) teams are working to repair the damage. The storm, yesterday, May 7, with hail and strong winds hit That Phanom district, particularly affecting Ban Bung Hee in…
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Anutin slams media over ‘false’ ISOC blacklist claims
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul fired back at persistent media claims that he’s been blacklisted by the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) for exploiting the monarchy for political gain. Speaking out on Tuesday, May 6, Anutin, who also serves as deputy prime minister and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, slammed the allegations as “false” and called on the media to stop…
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Men arrested in Bang Khen over gaming dispute assault
Police in Bang Khen arrested two 21 year old men for allegedly assaulting a younger man following a gaming-related dispute. The arrest of the suspects, Kittinai also known as Frame, and Supawit, also known as Arm, ordered by Police Colonel Anant Warasart, took place after a viral social media post described the incident, which occurred at 3am on April 29…
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Thai woman at large after swindling money from taxi riders
A Thai woman remains at large after swindling money from at least three motorcycle taxi riders in Bangkok. The most recent victim lost 2,300 baht to the suspect. Natthida, the owner of a salon near Victory Monument, took to Facebook to warn motorcycle taxi riders in the area and nearby locations after a scammer posed as the owner of her…
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Senate committee to grill PM Paetongtarn on casino bill next week
The special Senate committee examining the government’s casino-entertainment complex bill plans to invite Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to elaborate on the bill’s rationale in the upcoming week. The committee, led by Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, announced yesterday, May 7, that it will conduct its second meeting to review the project today. Despite media speculations, Dr Veerapun clarified that the Thai PM…
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Teenagers caught at drug-fuelled party in Chai Nat resort
More than 20 teenagers were apprehended during a drug-fuelled birthday party for a woman known as Jan at a resort in Mueang Chai Nat district. The raid, conducted yesterday, May 7, uncovered a variety of substances, including ecstasy, ketamine, love drug, and methamphetamine. The police and district investigators from Mueang Chai Nat, in collaboration with the district administration, had been…
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Phuket Airport expansion set to handle 18 million passengers
Phuket is set to soar to new heights as Airports of Thailand (AOT) pushes forward with Phase 2 of its ambitious Phuket Airport Development Project. The expansion will increase the airport’s capacity to accommodate a whopping 18 million passengers annually, positioning Thailand as a key player in regional aviation. Yesterday, May 7, AOT hosted the first public seminar for the…
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Fire at Sa Kaeo warehouse sends smoke across city
A significant fire broke out at a second-hand goods shop and warehouse in Mueang Sa Kaeo district, Sa Kaeo province, covering the city with smoke visible from over 10 kilometres away. The blaze started at 3pm yesterday, May 7. Police Lieutenant Saroj Buppha from Sa Kaeo Police Station was informed of the fire at a location on the 359 Highway,…
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Teenage Thai girl missing after taxi ride from Bangkok to Pattaya
A 17 year old Thai girl has gone missing in the central province of Chachoengsao while taking a taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya. Today marks one week since her disappearance. The family of the missing teenager, Naphatsorn “Namtan” Plerphukiao, took to social media to gather information about her whereabouts. Namtan left her dormitory in the Rangsit area of Pathum Thani…
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23 year old dies in big bike crash on Nonthaburi bridge
A tragic accident occurred when a 23 year old man, riding an 800cc big bike, lost control on a curve and crashed into a concrete barrier on the outbound side of the Maha Chesadabodindranusorn Bridge in Nonthaburi province, resulting in his death. The incident took place at 4.30pm yesterday, May 7. Despite wearing a helmet, the rider succumbed to his…
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Krabi locals team up to tackle marine waste in coastal cleanup
A stunning community effort in Krabi has seen volunteers from across the region band together to tackle the growing problem of marine waste along the Ao Ching Chang coastline. The clean-up, which took place yesterday, May 7, focused on removing harmful debris and preserving the area’s fragile marine environment. Led by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) and…
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Surat Thani police hunt suspect in 3 million baht ticket scam
Police in Surat Thani intensified efforts to apprehend a woman accused of defrauding over 50 people by selling unusable airline tickets, resulting in damages exceeding 3 million baht. A warrant for her arrest was issued yesterday, May 7. Police Major General Sermpan Sirikhong, commander of Surat Thani provincial police, disclosed that Kaewta Chookhao deceived victims by claiming she could secure discounted…
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Man arrested with drugs and firearm after evading Lop Buri checkpoint
A 40 year old man was apprehended by police yesterday, May 7, after attempting to evade a checkpoint in Lop Buri. Officers discovered drugs, including 595 methamphetamine pills and 17.1 grammes of crystal meth, a firearm, and ammunition in his possession. The incident unfolded when police, led by Police Colonel Thatch Phosuwan and Police Lieutenant Vissanon Sringam, were conducting a routine…
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Ancient seashells from Jurassic era uncovered in Surat Thani
In a stunning discovery that has put Surat Thani in the spotlight, a bunch of ancient seashell fossils have been unearthed in the south of Thailand, offering a rare glimpse into the distant past. Experts believe these fossilised treasures are over 145 million years old, dating back to the Jurassic period. The fossils were found across four distinct sites, including…
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Thai mother physically assaults daughter in Khon Kaen restaurant
Government officials rescued a three year old girl after a horrifying viral video showed her mother physically assaulting the child and pouring water over her head at a barbecue restaurant in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen province. CCTV footage from the restaurant captured the moment of physical and verbal abuse, which occurred on the night of Tuesday, May 6.…
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Teen girl found working at Mae Chan karaoke sparks trafficking fears
Police and administrative officials raided a karaoke bar in Mae Chan, located along Phahon Yothin Road, after discovering a 15 year old girl was hired to entertain guests, raising concerns of human trafficking. Yesterday, May 7, Police Colonel Kiattisak Jitprasarn, the head of Mae Chan Police Station, received a report from the 191 patrol police, in collaboration with Mae Chan…
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Thailand video news | Israeli tourist sparks outrage on Koh Pha Ngan, Irish tourist arrested after violent brawl in Pattaya
Today’s Thailand and regional headlines spotlight a series of dramatic and troubling incidents involving foreign nationals, aviation emergencies, border tensions, and cross-border crime. From a viral cultural clash on Koh Pha Ngan and explosive arrests in Phuket, to air defence scares near Myanmar and a mysterious disappearance in Malaysia, here’s your round-up of key developments shaping the news across Southeast…
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Man struck by lightning in Sakon Nakhon while tending cattle
A tragic incident occurred when a 54 year old Thai man was struck by lightning while tending to his cattle near a coconut grove in Nadi village, Nahua Bo subdistrict, Phanna Nikhom district, Sakon Nakhon province. The incident, which took place on May 7, was reported to the police and local rescue teams. Upon arrival at the scene, rescue teams…
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Robot smashes hole in Pattaya car park wall
Tourists and locals were left stunned after a large hole mysteriously appeared in the side of Pattaya City’s automated parking garage near Bali Hai Pier, triggering concerns over the safety of the city’s high-tech car park. The incident unfolded at around 12.30pm yesterday, May 7, when a mechanical lift arm inside the facility smashed through a wall during what should…
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Thai police break major drug operation in Ayutthaya
Thai police successfully dismantled a major drug storage operation in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, seizing over 8.7 million methamphetamine pills and 720 kilogrammes of crystal meth. The arrest occurred yesterday, May 7, with the suspect allegedly earning 100,000 baht per shipment. Police General Prachuap Wongsuk, Deputy Police Chief, along with key officials from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, led an…
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Public outrage after People’s Party member arrested in drug trafficking
The People’s Party issued a public apology after one of its members, a candidate in the upcoming Samut Prakan Municipal Council election, was arrested for drug trafficking along with three other suspects yesterday, May 7. Officers from Min Buri Police Station carried out a crackdown on a drug trafficking gang known as Boon Raksa. Four suspects were apprehended, and a…
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Cambodia, Laos ban Thai livestock over anthrax fears
Cambodia and Laos have temporarily halted the importation of livestock and related products from Thailand to prevent the spread of anthrax. According to China’s Xinhua News Agency, Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries has implemented this precautionary measure and is closely monitoring the anthrax situation in Thailand. The ministry stated that while there are currently no anthrax cases in…
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