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 How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Chinese man blamed for fatal crash in Pattaya glued to phone
Police revealed the Chinese man at the centre of a tragic collision that killed one and injured several others was not under the influence of alcohol. Investigation officers, however, believe he was playing with his mobile phone prior to the horror smash. The accused, 39 year old Zhang Yigong, was at the wheel of a luxurious Toyota Alphard van when…
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Fishing for freedom: Thai crew released from Myanmar custody
Four Thai crew members are expected to be released today after being detained in Myanmar. The crew members belong to the Thai fishing vessel S. Charoenchai 8, which was intercepted by Myanmar’s navy. The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) confirmed that all crew members, including the four Thai nationals, are safe and that diplomatic efforts are underway to secure their release.…
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Blowing smoke: House panel’s vape verdict sparks fiery debate
In a twist that’s left health experts fuming, the House special committee on e-cigarettes has rolled out a controversial trio of recommendations that some claim cater to the pro-smoking lobby. The options on the table: uphold the complete ban on e-cigarettes, legalise heated tobacco products (HTPs), or give the all-clear to all forms of e-cigarettes. Cue a storm of backlash…
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Kebaya recognised as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage
Kebaya, a traditional garment worn by women across Southeast Asia, has officially been recognised as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. This acknowledgement came after a joint proposal from five countries, including Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. The announcement took place during a meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asuncion, Paraguay,…
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Construction halted on Rama II Road for new year travel ease
The Transport Ministry has announced the suspension of all construction activities along Rama II Road from December 26 to January 2 next year. This decision aims to ease travel for those heading south during the new year holiday period. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit highlighted that the focus of the suspension is to aid travellers using this major route. “We also…
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Phuket hospital gets cancer care cash to kickstart cure (video)
Phuket’s medical scene is on the brink of a major transformation, thanks to two hefty contributions that have been earmarked for the region’s first government-run cancer treatment facility at Vachira Phuket Hospital. The Vachira Phuket Hospital is set to welcome a brand-new Radiation Therapy Building, funded by donations ringing in at a staggering 1.5 million baht. In a formal affair…
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State officials probed over Saraburi land encroachment allegations
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) embarked on an investigation to determine the involvement of state officials in alleged land encroachment activities in Saraburi. The primary focus is on the Phu Nub Dao Cafe & Farm, accused of constructing buildings illegally on a Sor Por Kor land reform area in Muak Lek district. Witthaya Arkhompitak, the acting chairman of the NACC,…
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Sia Piang released early from prison due to health issues
Apichart Jansakulporn, widely recognised as Sia Piang, has been released from prison, confirmed by the Department of Corrections (DoC). Initially sentenced to 48 years for his involvement in the rice-pledging scandal, Apichart was granted early release due to severe health issues, having served only seven years of his sentence. The DoC Director General, Sahakarn Phetnarin, stated yesterday, December 5, that…
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Twitter personality arrested for 50,000 baht scam impersonation
A popular Twitter personality with over 30,000 followers was recently apprehended for impersonating a relative to swindle 50,000 baht. She was caught after returning from Malaysia and claimed she only provided OTP codes for small payments. The arrest took place yesterday, December 5, as Pramote Chanbungkaew, head of Phetkasem Police Station, and his team apprehended 27 year old Mathurin, from…
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Woman dies in Nakhon Phanom crash while rushing to sick child
A tragic accident claimed the life of a woman on a motorcycle who was rushing to visit her sick child in a hospital in Nakhon Phanom. The incident occurred when she collided with a garbage truck, leaving her two children orphaned. The 28 year old woman, who had recently lost her husband, was identified as Onpriya. Officers from the Mueang…
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Married landlord shoots car of tenant’s boyfriend in jealous rage
A landlord in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, fired shots at his tenant’s boyfriend’s car on Wednesday, reportedly driven by jealousy, despite being married with children. The 40 year old car owner, Suradate, filed a complaint with Bang Bua Thong Police Station at 5pm on Wednesday, December 4, after discovering his silver-bronze Toyota Vios sedan riddled with three bullet holes. Broken…
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Thai police arrest driver smuggling 18 migrants in Kanchanaburi
Police conducted a dramatic roadside chase in Kanchanaburi, capturing a Thai driver transporting 18 illegal migrants in a single vehicle. The 29 year old driver was apprehended after attempting to evade police. The operation began when senior police officers received intelligence about a group smuggling stolen vehicles across the border and illegally transporting foreign workers into Thailand. Responding to the…
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Father killed by son in drug-fuelled attack in Phrae
Tragedy struck as a 75 year old father was brutally attacked and killed by his son in a drug-induced frenzy. The elderly man was found with eight severe wounds across his body. This shocking incident was reported yesterday in Den Chai district, Phrae province. Police Lieutenant Colonel Natthawut Maneekat, from Huai Rai Police Station, received the distressing report of an…
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Cop with a cause: Chon Buri officer’s goodwill patrol warms hearts
For the past eight years, a Chon Buri police officer has been a silent hero, making waves with his goodwill philanthropic gestures across the Klong Phlu subdistrict. Leading the Nong Yai police patrol, Wallop Tasanathanapong has been spending his own hard-earned cash to bring relief to bedridden patients and struggling families who need a helping hand. Month after month, as…
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A 60 year old man found stabbed 20 times in Thai paddy field
A 60 year old man was found dead in a paddy field after a night out drinking with old friends. The discovery, made by a local, revealed the man had been stabbed 20 times. The incident took place yesterday, December 5, in the rural area of Khlong Khlung, Kamphaeng Phet province. The body was found in the village’s paddy fields,…
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Brake and enter: Motorcycle thief’s last ride ends in Pattaya
In a scene worthy of a crime caper movie, a notorious motorcycle thief met his match in Bang Lamung, as police swooped in on his hideout. The thief, Watit Poomsritong found himself caught in a net of justice after a bumbling bid to evade capture. The police had been closing in, with the Pattaya Provincial Court having issued an arrest…
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Cyber police arrest Khon Kaen lottery tipster over illegal gambling
Cyber police raided a hermitage in Khon Kaen, arresting a renowned lottery tipster for promoting illegal online gambling. The tipster, with a large following, admitted to receiving a monthly payment of 15,000 baht for advertising online lottery links. Following complaints from the public, cyber police launched an investigation into a popular TikToker known for spiritual content, who commands an audience…
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Drunk Mercedes-Benz driver kills delivery rider in Bangkok (video)
A drunk Mercedes-Benz driver crashed into a female Thai delivery rider on the Thai-Japanese Bridge in Bangkok, causing the victim to fall off the bridge and die at the scene. Officers from the Pathum Wan Police Station received a report of the accident at approximately 2.18am on Wednesday, December 4. The incident occurred on the Thai-Japanese Bridge above the Henri…
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Rain check: Thailand provinces brace for a flood of trouble
Weather conditions across Thailand prompted warnings for heavy rain and potential flash floods in 10 provinces, with Bangkok experiencing morning fog and a minimum temperature of 24 degrees Celsius. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reported that the northeast monsoon, covering the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region, has weakened. Meanwhile, a low-pressure area near the Strait of Malacca is…
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Paws for alarm: Koh Muk walk turns into stray dog attack (video)
A tropical stroll turned into a nightmare for a Thai tourist and her Russian husband on the picturesque shores of Koh Muk as a marauding pack of stray dogs set upon them with terrifying aggression. Angkana and her husband’s idyllic walk turned into a fight for survival when faced with an onslaught from five to six stray hounds. In a valiant…
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Reckless Chinese man hits the brakes on safety in Pattaya
Carnage unfolded on Thepprasit Road as a reckless Chinese man unleashed mayhem in a high-speed horror crash, leaving several injured and claiming at least one life. The catastrophe struck at 9.06pm, yesterday, December 5, prompting a swift response from authorities led by Police Lieutenant Sanan Kotanon and emergency crews from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya City. On arrival, officers were greeted…
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Paradise to Pattaya peril: Canadian’s vacation takes deadly dive
A Canadian tourist’s dream getaway to a plush resort near Jomtien Beach in Pattaya turned into a nightmare after a fatal fall. The Canadian, Gilbert Giroud, met his tragic end when he slipped and suffered fatal injuries, leaving holiday heaven in heartbreak. In a regular afternoon turning to chaos, patrolling police got the alarming call at 3.34pm, yesterday, December 5.…
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Loei police seize 90 bikes in street racing crackdown
Police in Loei province swooped on illegal street racing gang over a nine-day operation, seizing nearly 100 modified motorcycles and issuing numerous legal actions against offenders. The operation aimed to curb the public nuisance and safety hazards posed by these activities. Police in Loei province, including the Provincial Governor Chaipoj Jarunpong and Police Major General Phongpipat Siripornviwat, held a press…
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Gunfire attack at Thai office linked to youth gang
A brazen attack unfolded at the administrative office of Wang Taku subdistrict, Nakhon Pathom, when unknown assailants opened fire, causing significant damage with 17 bullet holes in the building. Police suspect a youth gang may be behind this act of violence. At approximately 8.30am yesterday, December 4, investigation officer Kritnai Ngenyuang from Nakhon Pathom City Police Station received a report…
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Cyber police raid Chiang Mai resort, bust illegal call centre
Cyber police and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) carried out a raid on a luxurious resort in Chiang Mai, uncovering a Chinese gang operating an illegal call centre targeting Thai victims. The operation, which involved over 20 officers, took place yesterday afternoon, leading to the arrest of several individuals and the seizure of numerous illegal telecommunications devices. The…
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Heavy rain warnings and flash flood risks in nine Thai provinces
Heavy rain warnings have been issued for nine provinces in Thailand, with risks of flash floods, forest runoff, and overflowing rivers. Coastal areas are also facing 2 metre high waves, while Bangkok experiences morning fog and cooler temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius. A moderate northeast monsoon currently affects the Gulf of Thailand and the southern regions, combined with a low-pressure…
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Australian man arrested after chaotic naked rampage in Pattaya
In a striking incident near Pattaya, an Australian man caused chaos in a luxury village by running unclothed, setting his residence ablaze, and damaging vehicles. The event unfolded yesterday, December 4, at 8.30am when Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, Nattakon Chanlod, received a report concerning a foreign individual behaving erratically in Nongprue. The man, identified as 38 year old Andrew, was…
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‘Fast Eddie’ Davenport fights closure of 652 million baht London mansion amid controversy
Notorious fraudster Edward “Fast Eddie” Davenport has returned to the UK from Thailand to contest a police order to shut down his £15 million (652 million baht) in Marylebone, London. The 58 year old, known for hosting raucous sex parties at the lavish property, is challenging a closure notice issued by the Metropolitan Police under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and…
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Thailand expands free essential medicines list, saving 170 million baht
The National Drug System Development Committee expanded the national list of essential medicines, ensuring that patients can access these drugs at no cost. This decision is set to improve healthcare accessibility for many in Thailand, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong yesterday, December 4. The committee has now made over 20 new drugs available on this national list.…
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New M9 motorway to connect Bangkok districts in 2029
The Cabinet has given the green light for a significant new infrastructure project: a 35-kilometre M9 motorway aiming to connect Bangkok’s Bang Khunthian district with Bang Bua Thong district in Nonthaburi. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced this development, highlighting its potential to alleviate traffic congestion on Kanchanaphisek Road’s western side and enhance connectivity with Bangkok’s network of outer ring roads.…
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