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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Public concern over 10,000 baht digital wallet policy, NIDA poll reveals
The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), has revealed public concern that the government’s policy of distributing 10,000 baht in digital wallets may not be beneficial for the country. The survey suggests that the policy should be adjusted to match current circumstances. Between October 9 to October 11, the survey was conducted among individuals aged 18 and above, spread across…
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Thai workers recount perilous experiences amid Gaza conflict
Recently returned Thai workers from conflict-hit Israel conveyed their harrowing experiences, raising questions about the government’s decision to send workers to the conflict-ridden zones, notably areas near the Gaza Strip. The first batch of 41 Thai workers landed in Thailand last Thursday on Israel Airlines flight LY 083, with 15 sponsored by the Thai government and the remaining 26 funding…
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Thai activist Niwat Roykaew wins Asia Foundation’s frontline leader award
Niwat Roykaew, also known as Kru Thi, has been acknowledged as the first Thai recipient of the Leader on the Frontlines Award by the Asia Foundation, a San Francisco-based international development organisation. Niwat, the 64 year old chairperson of the Chiang Khong Conservation Group and the director of Mekong School’s Institute of Local Knowledge has been recognised for his community…
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Thai workers question Israel’s safety following fatal Hamas attack
The recent attack by Hamas in Israel, which caused the deaths of 24 Thai labourers, is leading to doubts about the suitability of Israel as a destination for workers seeking higher wages abroad. For over two decades, Israel has been a popular choice for Thai workers, particularly those in the agricultural sector. Currently, around 30,000 Thai workers are based in…
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Thai PM defends Corrections Department over ex-PM Shinawatra’s controversial hospital stay
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stood up for the Corrections Department amidst backlash over the alleged special treatment of Thaksin Shinawatra, the imprisoned ex-prime minister. PM Srettha confirmed that all inmates are treated equally, addressing a controversial photograph that surfaced on social media. The picture, which sparked the debate, featured a person resembling Thaksin on a gurney, donning a patient gown…
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Thai government denies plans to slash digital wallet initiative budget, aimed at boosting economy
The Thai government has refuted rumours of cutting funds for the digital wallet initiative from 560 billion baht (US$ 15,426,997,600) to 400 billion baht (US$ 11,019,284,000), stating that the project is not just for the underprivileged but aimed at stimulating the economy more broadly. The government is keen on weeding out the wealthy from benefiting from the scheme, which is…
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Chiang Mai lottery fervour spikes as fortune tellers offer lucky numbers amid Vegetarian Festival
The lottery buzz is in full swing in Chiang Mai as fortune tellers provide lucky numbers and warn of double digits. Among the popular figures are ones associated with the Vegetarian Festival and the Chinese calendar. Today, the lottery stalls in Chiang Mai are buzzing with people searching for their lucky numbers. Despite the continuous rainfall, hopeful buyers flocked to…
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Fugitive wanted for attempted murder captured after 20 years on the run
A fugitive suspected of attempted murder and evading capture for nearly two decades was ultimately arrested by police In Nakhon Si Thammarat. The fugitive in question had been employed as a firefighter at the Khu Khwang Fire Station. The arrest for attempted murder on October 12 was conducted by a unit from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), acting on an…
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Israel-Palestine conflict: Thai death toll rises, government hastens evacuation
The conflict between Israel and Palestine has claimed three more Thai lives, bringing the Thai death toll to 24, as reported by the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin also reported on Saturday that 16 Thais have been injured and an equal number abducted in the escalating conflict. Addressing the press before his departure to Phitsanulok province,…
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Bangkok father’s repeated sexual assault on daughter leads to pregnancy: Ongoing police investigation
A 14 year old girl was repeatedly sexually assaulted by her biological father until she fell pregnant, as revealed by the local police in Bangkok. The girl had been living with her grandparents in Buriram province following her parents’ separation in 2011. She moved to the capital in April to attend school. Her 34 year old mother currently resides in…
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Unusual banana tree fruits from trunk, sparks lottery fever in Nakhon Ratchasima
A banana tree in Nakhon Ratchasima province has caught the attention of locals due to its unusual fruiting pattern. The tree, located in a garden in Bua Yai district, has been found to bear fruit from the middle of its trunk rather than the usual top. The tree’s 62 year old owner, Oranwan, led reporters to the curious sight in…
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Significant rise in Thai gold prices: ornaments now at 33,500 baht per baht weight
The Gold Traders Association (GTA) announced this morning a significant increase in gold prices compared to the previous day. The increase was reported to be 550 baht (US$15), with the price of gold ornaments set at 33,500 baht per baht weight. This is a marked jump from yesterday’s closing price of 32,305.96 baht per baht weight. The report released today…
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Tropical depression triggers heavy rain warnings for 47 Thai provinces, including Bangkok
Today, 47 provinces of Thailand, including Bangkok, brace for heavy rainfall due to a tropical depression covering the Gulf of Thailand. The public has been warned to be cautious of flash floods and forest runoff, especially in hillside areas and low-lying regions. The sea waves are expected to reach a height of 2 metres in areas affected by thunderstorms. The…
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Two killed in fiery road accident involving multiple motorcycles and pickup truck
A horrific road accident claimed two lives and injured others in the early hours of today on Asia Highway No. 32 in Ayutthaya province. The accident involved multiple motorcycles and a pickup truck, leading to a fiery aftermath. At around 12.30am, the police in Bang Pa-in district of Ayutthaya received a report of a serious road accident involving several motorcycles…
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Bang Na mall escalator accident injures child, prompts safety protocol questions
A four year old girl suffered injuries after her foot got stuck in the escalator at a shopping mall in Bang Na. Despite the swift response of the mall’s personnel, the rescue operation was delayed due to confusion about which part of the escalator to dismantle. The incident occurred yesterday evening and resulted in medical costs exceeding 7,000 baht for…
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Wealthy Thai heiress discovers she’s biologically unrelated to parents after DNA test
A privileged young woman, born to a wealthy family, has discovered she is not biologically related to her parents. Despite growing up in a loving household, she was often told by friends and neighbours that she bore no resemblance to her parents. This eventually led her to undertake a DNA test, which confirmed that she was not their biological child.…
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Health screening results reveal stress and physical injuries among Thai workers returning from Israel conflict
The Emergency Medical and Public Health Centre of the Ministry of Public Health unveiled the health screening results of 15 Thai workers who returned from Israel yesterday. Among the workers, two individuals showed signs of stress, seven reported sleep disturbances and two needed psychiatric consultation. In addition, a person who was shot in the leg required ongoing treatment. Having fled…
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Siam Paragon shooting claims third victim, music fan loses fight for life
The tragic shooting at the Siam Paragon shopping mall, where a 14 year old boy opened fire on the public, claimed its third victim. Penpivan, a 14 year old girl and a devoted fan of famous singers Nont Thanont and GOT7, succumbed to her injuries after a ten-day battle. During the shocking event, she sustained critical gunshot wounds to her…
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Flash Express denies allegations of staff exodus and warehouse crisis
Flash Express, a prominent delivery firm, has refuted allegations of widespread employee resignations and troubling working conditions. The company confirms it’s addressing issues of package backlogs in some branches, but denies an overall warehouse crisis. Flash Express clarifies that any staff resignations are isolated incidents and not a nationwide phenomenon. Today, Flash Express issued a formal statement in response to…
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MFP MP clarifies sexual harassment accusation, second MP faces same claim
After a Move Forward Party (MFP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Prachin Buri province was accused of sexual harassment, another MP faced the same allegation. Details of his identity have not yet been released. The Facebook page What MFP Lying About Today (วันนี้ก้าวไกลโกหกอะไร) recently accused Prachin Buri MP, Wuttipong “Jae” Thonglao, of sexually harassing a member of the MFP’s volunteer…
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Thai dad’s wall-knocking bedtime method becomes hit among parents
For new parents, getting their child to sleep can be a challenging task as each child is unique and requires different care, including their own unique bedtime routine. Recently, a young father shared his unorthodox method of lulling his child to sleep, which didn’t involve singing lullabies or rocking the child around the room. Instead, he would stand, sway, and…
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Hospital reunion: Patient cheered up by former nursing school classmates
A patient in a hospital, typically a place associated with discomfort, was found cheerfully surrounded by a group of radiant nurses, causing quite a hospital reunion stir. The patient, a young man, and these nurses share a unique bond – they were all classmates in nursing school, where the majority were female students. The young man was not just one…
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Suphanburi shooting: Mechanic critically injured in shock attack
A motorcycle mechanic was shot in a surprising attack in Suphanburi, leaving him critically injured. The brutal Suphanburi shooting incident occurred near a grocery store and a grilled chicken shop in the Sam Chuk district. The police are urgently on the search for the gunman, reviewing CCTV footage to trace the escape route and apprehend the perpetrator. Upon reaching the scene,…
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Phuket family’s plea for justice after harrowing hit-and-run incident
A Phuket resident publicly shared the harrowing ordeal of a hit-and-run incident that took place last Sunday, October 8. The incident involved his family being struck by a pickup truck while they were on their Honda PCX motorbike. The 36 year old man, Wittaya, and his wife along with their young son were en route to Robinson shopping mall in…
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Survivor of Israel terror attack returns to Thailand, plans to rest and recover from trauma
Kittiphong Chaiko, a Thai worker from Nong Bua Lamphu who survived a terrorist attack by the political extremist group Hamas in Israel, returned to his home in Thailand, emotionally distressed and shocked by the loss of his colleagues. He arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 12.20pm today, with no plans to return to Israel. Upon arrival, Kittiphong respectfully greeted his father,…
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Domestic violence shock: Thai celebrity’s assault on girlfriend
A brutal domestic violence incident involving a minor celebrity and his girlfriend has become the talk of the town in Thailand. The couple’s dispute, revealed in CCTV footage, was ignited when the 43 year old woman discovered that her 38 year old boyfriend, a supporting actor in various TV shows, had been unfaithful to her with five other women. The…
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Tragic death of Thai police recruit prompts investigation into training methods
A tragic incident occurred during a police training exercise, leading to the death of a 26 year old recruit. The incident took place at Than Muk Camp in Sadao district, Songkhla province. After the recruit, Pakorn, also known as Byte, collapsed during a 10-kilometre run on Monday, October 9 his instructor ordered him to complete the run, leading to his…
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Thai airlines rescue mission: Stormy skies delay Thai citizen return from Israel
The government spokesperson revealed that commercial airlines AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Airways are ready to retrieve Thai citizens from Israel, but current weather conditions are posing challenges. The spokesperson highlighted that alternative routes are under consideration in case of inaccessibility caused by severe weather or war conditions. At Government House at 10.25am today, Chai Wacharonke, the spokesperson for the…
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75 year old Thai woman loses over 18 million baht to romance scam
A 75 year old Thai woman lost over 18 million baht to a romance scam within just a few months of making contact with the scammer. The scammer tricked her into investing in a deceitful company called Gold Future. The victim’s son told Channel 7 that his mother invited him to invest in the Gold Future business in early July.…
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Thai worker death toll in Israel hits 21, PM Srettha exploring evacuation
The death toll of Thai workers in Israel has risen to 21 following another reported death, announced Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The news came out early on this morning, October 12, detailing the ongoing violence since Hamas initiated an offensive over the weekend. Sharing this development at 9.10am Malaysian time, PM Sretta did not elaborate on the factors leading to…
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