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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Invasive sucker fish crisis threatens Thailand’s waterways
Thailand is currently grappling with a severe invasive sucker fish crisis, exacerbated by human actions that have released non-native fish into waterways without considering the environmental impact. These invasive species are wreaking havoc on Thailand’s native ecosystems, causing environmental, economic, and health-related damage. This issue is frequently highlighted in various media outlets. In a recent social media sensation, a fish…
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Chilli shoppers feel the heat as market prices surge amid dry spell
Shoppers at Naklua Market were left stunned by an unexpected surge in veggie costs, particularly garden chilli peppers, driven by a relentless dry spell gripping the region. A survey yesterday revealed a dramatic spike in the cost of garden chilli peppers, which have skyrocketed from 200 to 400 baht per kilogramme. To cope with the steep prices, vendors have resorted…
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Thai woman suffers panic attack after Isaan rocket lands on lawn
A Thai woman suffered from a panic attack after a missile from a rocket festival in the Isaan province of Roi Et landed on her front lawn. Her son demanded accountability from the relevant parties. Thai television host Thanasub Ounsuang is seeking justice for his family by sharing the rocket incident at his home in Roi Et on Facebook last…
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Take a thrilling ride on the Pattaya Sky Ride
Nestled amidst the glimmering beaches and pulsating nightlife of Pattaya lies a new gem captivating the hearts of locals and tourists alike – the Pattaya Sky Ride. Offering a euphoric adventure, this latest addition allows thrill-seekers to soar above Pattaya’s enchanting landscape, gazing down upon its wonders from the heights of a helicopter. The grand unveiling was nothing short of…
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Phetchaburi’s plan to lure 10 million tourists each year
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports revealed an ambitious blueprint to entice over 10 million tourists to Phetchaburi Province each year, harnessing soft power to drive sustainable tourism and unleash substantial economic rewards. The groundbreaking announcement, made on May 13 ahead of Thailand’s Cabinet meeting, unfolded in the scenic backdrop of Phetchaburi, setting the stage for a tourism renaissance in…
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Ex-minister dodges jail over Pattaya luxury condo scandal
The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases acquitted former Culture Minister and ex-mayor of Pattaya City Itthipol Khunpluem in a luxury condo scandal case. The high-profile case, involving allegations of abuse of power, reached its statute of limitations, allowing Itthipol to escape legal repercussions. Itthipol, who attended the court session in Rayong province yesterday, left without addressing the media…
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Bangkok hotels ‘MICE’ their way back to pre-pandemic occupancy levels
Bangkok hotel occupancy rates in the first quarter of 2024 have nearly hit pre-pandemic levels, driven largely by a surge in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) travellers. Tanakorn Thanuthanud, manager of the valuation and advisory services department at Colliers Thailand, revealed the exciting news. “The resumption of international events in Bangkok attracted more tourists to the city. Fan meetings…
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Thai tour buses set to drive cross-border travel surge into Malaysia
Thailand’s tour buses are now set to roll into Malaysia, promising a surge in cross-border travel. According to Malaysian Minister of Transport Anthony Loke, this exciting development allows Thai buses to bring in tourists, provided they secure temporary permits from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) beforehand. Speaking to the press yesterday, Loke emphasised that tour bus operators must submit…
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Thai airlines soar with record profits despite rising costs
Thailand’s booming aviation sector has given Thai airlines Bangkok Airways and Thai AirAsia a profitable first quarter, despite the challenges posed by escalating costs. Bangkok Airways, known for catering to leisure travellers, reported a robust comeback with tourist arrivals reaching 87% of pre-pandemic levels in the first three months of 2024. A standout achievement was the launch of direct flights…
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Hospital director accused of assaulting teen for smoking
A disturbing incident unfolded at Mongkutwattana Hospital yesterday, where the director, Doctor Rianthong Nanna, is accused of physically assaulting a 14 year old boy and ordering him to strip naked as punishment for smoking in the hospital’s restroom. The case, which has escalated to a formal complaint by the boy’s mother, raises serious questions about the appropriate measures for enforcing…
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Thai Vietjet halts Phuket-Chiang Rai flights
Thai Vietjet has abruptly cancelled its direct flights between Chiang Rai, in northern Thailand, and Phuket, a favourite destination on the Andaman Sea coast. The budget airline remained tight-lipped about the sudden suspension. However, the timetable for May 1 to 31, filed with Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport and posted on its Facebook page, indicates that the final…
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Nong Khai battered by fierce storm, homes and temple ravaged
An unprecedented storm struck Nong Khai province last night, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure, including a widespread power outage due to fallen electricity poles. A lifelong local, 55 year old Boorachai expressed he had never witnessed such severe weather in his lifetime. As the storm raged through the region, residents of the Ban Fang district of Sakhrai scrambled…
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Thai cult leader claims to cure all illnesses with pot ritual (video)
A cult leader in the Isaan province of Buriram claims he can cure all illnesses by placing an aluminium cooking pot over patients’ heads. Despite the seemingly absurd nature of the treatment, both Thai and foreign followers have shared testimonials of successful outcomes on social media. The cult‘s Facebook page features videos of the Thai man, known as Ajarn Pu…
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Nakhon Ratchasima farmer earns big with sweetleaf bush
In a remarkable agricultural venture in Nakhon Ratchasima, a Thai farmer transformed a 1-acre plot of land into a thriving sweetleaf bush plantation, with a yield that commands an impressive price of 200 baht per kilogramme. The 63 year old farmer, Aatthakorn Kaewmorakot, resides in Chan Kho, Mu 3, Rang Ka Yai Sub-district, Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and is…
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Motocross group slammed for racing through protected forest
A local motocross group has come under fire for allegedly organising an off-road motorbike event in a protected forest area in Phetchabun province, Thailand. The event, titled ENDURO MEETING reportedly saw around 300 riders entering the Khao Phlok Lhon National Forest Reserve and the community forest of Ban Sok Duea on May 12. Community forest committee members claimed the event…
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Reeling in profits: Nakhon Ratchasima villagers cash in on low water levels
Villagers in Nakhon Ratchasima flocked to buy fishing permits, taking advantage of the reduced water levels in a natural canal to catch fish for both consumption and sale, thereby boosting their income. The funds raised from selling the permits are earmarked for village development. Reporters noted that hundreds of residents from the Phimai district, in Nakhon Ratchasima province, gathered at…
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Japanese tourist’s 6,000 baht tuk tuk ripoff shocker in Bangkok
A Japanese tourist shared a truly shocking experience on social media yesterday, detailing how they were ripped off by an unscrupulous Bangkok tuk tuk driver. The tourist was charged an extortionate 6,000 baht (US$162) for a trip from Asoke to the Sala Daeng area, a journey that would normally cost around 32 baht on the BTS Skytrain. Travelling in a…
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Umphang-Sangkhla Buri route to boost tourism and border security
Tak Province recently inaugurated a new route connecting Umphang and Sangkhla Buri, serving as a scenic corridor for tourism and bolstering security along the Thai-Myanmar border. The opening of this pathway is a strategic move to enhance travel and stimulate economic growth between Tak and Kanchanaburi provinces through the beauty of nature. District Chief Manoch Pohtinium of Umphang, in collaboration…
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Nakhon Ratchasima hotel workers nabbed for underage trafficking
Two employees of a certain curtain hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima have been arrested for allegedly operating as pimps and trafficking underage girls for sexual services. The suspects, 46 year old Jansunun and 47 year old Tongta were apprehended in a sting operation by the Anti-Human Trafficking Division (AHTD) of the Royal Thai Police. The police operation, led by Police Major…
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Chinese woman’s 14-year sister act scam nets 2 million baht pension
An astonishing case of identity fraud came to light when a Chinese woman in the city of Wuhan, China, impersonated her dead sister for 14 years, including through her retirement to claim a pension of 2 million baht. The deception came to an end when the authorities uncovered the ruse and sentenced her to imprisonment. The woman surnamed Zan, managed…
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Amphetamine possession review by health minister sparks debate
The maximum number of amphetamine pills one can possess without facing criminal prosecution is under review, as revealed by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin. A meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 16, aims to reassess this limit, currently set at five pills. The existing regulation, enacted under previous Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew on February 9, designates individuals found with five…
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Tragedy in Pattaya: Estonian toddler killed in car crash
In a heart-wrenching incident at Sukhsiri Village, East Pattaya, an Estonian toddler tragically lost his life in a devastating car accident yesterday. Filipp Naumov was found lifeless on the road, suffering severe head injuries and extensive bleeding. Despite the valiant efforts of rescuers and medical personnel, who performed CPR and rushed him to the hospital, Naumov succumbed to his injuries shortly…
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Mangoes are beneficial for pregnant women and older individuals
Known as “Mamuang” in Thai, the mango, revered as the king of fruits, is a staple in both sweet and savoury dishes in Thailand. Tourists flock to the streets of Bangkok or Phuket, eager to indulge in local delights like mango with sticky rice or crispy catfish with mango salad. This subtropical fruit, with its unique flavour, is not only…
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2 Thai women swindle life savings from old man in Isaan
An 85 year old Thai man is pleading for help after two Thai women allegedly stole life savings worth 150,000 baht from his home in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum. The 85 year old basketwork vendor, Phaen, told Channel 8 that the theft occurred at around 10.30am on Friday, May 10. He told the news channel that he had not…
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Trillion-baht gamble: Deputy minister defends Land Bridge project
In a heated defence yesterday, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri championed the government’s ambitious 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge project, which she claims has sparked considerable interest from foreign investors. Her statement came in response to sharp criticisms from former Democrat leader Samart Ratchapolsitte, who cast doubt on the project’s cost-effectiveness and feasibility. Despite his scepticism, Manaporn insists the initiative is attracting…
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Khon Kaen residents demand action against wild night bikers
The city of Khon Kaen has recently been disrupted by a gang of daredevil bikers, whose brazen stunts on public roads have triggered alarm and concern among residents. The local community is calling for police action against these reckless motorcyclists, fearing for the safety of other road users. In an unsettling display of audacity, one masked biker has been caught…
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Drug-addicted monk arrested after petrol theft and car crash chaos
A drug-addicted Thai monk joined the illustrious list of monastic figures behaving disgracefully in Thailand when he was arrested yesterday for avoiding a 1,300 petrol station bill and crashing his car into a police motorcycle and a baht bus in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham. A petrol station manager in Kantara Wichai district reported the petrol theft to Mueang…
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Inferno erupts at Pattaya luxury clubhouse
A luxury clubhouse in the prestigious Nusa Chivani Pattaya Village of Na Jomtien was devastated by a ferocious fire yesterday. The blaze, which ignited on the second floor, rapidly consumed the entire two-story building, fuelled by a stash of documents and bed sets. Thick plumes of smoke filled the sky, visible for miles around, as the inferno raged. Local firefighters from surrounding…
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Barking mad: Residents howl over stray dog treatment in Chon Buri
A local teacher and a resident in the Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri province yesterday raised concerns over the handling of stray dogs by municipal officers, alleging inhumane treatment after the animals were sedated and left in a forest, leading to the death of one dog. The incident sparked a plea for more compassionate and responsible animal control practices.…
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Thai Airways’ Boeing and Airbus aircraft sales
Thai Airways International (THAI) successfully sold its entire fleet of 18 retired aircraft, including six Boeing 777-200s, six Boeing 777-300s, and six Airbus A380s. This major move marks a significant step in the airline’s restructuring strategy. THAI CEO Chai Eamsiri confirmed that sales agreements for all 18 aircraft have been signed on May 12. The airline has already completed the…
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