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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Toxic smog disrupts Bangkok flights as PM2.5 levels soar
Bangkok’s toxic air pollution has reached hazardous levels, forcing flight diversions and sparking health warnings across the city. On Sunday morning, February 2, several flights were diverted from Don Mueang International Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport, as thick smog reduced visibility to just 150 metres. Among the affected flights was AirAsia X Flight XJ901 from Harbin, China, which had to be…
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Ex-boxer knocked out by law after drug-fuelled crime spree
A former well-known boxer from Udon Thani was arrested for theft and drug use and causing a disturbance in a police holding cell. The incident occurred on January 29, when the ex-boxer stole 600 baht from a grocery store in Nong Phai, Mueang district, Udon Thani. Police Colonel Udomchok Singhakulsiri from the Non Sung subdistrict police station reported that CCTV captured…
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Thailand tourists surge by 21% despite safety fears
Despite a recent high-profile trafficking case involving a Chinese actor, Thailand's tourism is booming. Foreign visitors are undeterred by safety concerns and arriving in record numbers.
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Chinese-American arrested for antisocial behaviour with fireworks
Police arrested a Chinese-born American citizen in Chon Buri for antisocial behaviour in the community by setting off fireworks, despite repeated pleas and warnings from his neighbours. A resident of a luxury housing estate in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, recorded a video of the fireworks and shared it with the media to seek police intervention. The footage showed a Chinese…
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Israeli fugitive wanted for stabbing caught hiding in Pattaya
A 27 year old Israeli fugitive was arrested in Pattaya after Thai immigration police discovered he was wanted for a violent assault in Tel Aviv and had overstayed his visa. The suspect, identified only as T, was apprehended yesterday, February 3 after police found he was listed on an Interpol Red Notice for a gruesome attack in Israel. Officers arrested…
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Thai father shoots friend dead for repeated assaults on his daughter
A Thai father shot dead his close friend yesterday for repeated assaults on his 11 year old daughter at her school in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum. Officers from Mueang Chaiyaphum Police Station investigated the murder of 31 year old Kittiwet at a petrol vending machine in the Mueang district of Chaiyaphum province at around 2pm, February 3. Kittiwet had sustained…
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Man arrested with 3.2 million meth pills in Mukdahan after car crash
A 32 year old man was arrested after crashing his car into an electricity pole during a police chase in Mukdahan province. Officers discovered 3.2 million methamphetamine (meth) pills in the vehicle, with an accomplice escaping in another car. Police from Region 4, in collaboration with various drug suppression units and the Mukdahan police, apprehended Setthachoke near Modcharoensap Garage in…
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Pharmacist in Buriram narrowly escapes attack by six American Bullies
A pharmacist in Buriram narrowly avoided an attack from six American Bullies that invaded her pharmacy and injured her disabled dog. The owner of the dogs requested the shop be closed so the dogs could run freely. However, the dog’s owner claims the pharmacist’s dog instigated the incident. Yesterday, February 3, Piyanat Munha, a 48 year old pharmacist and owner…
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Thai woman files theft report but police mistakenly list her as thief
A Thai woman filed a police report after losing 400,000 baht in valuables to her former tomboy girlfriend but ended up being labelled a thief herself when police mistakenly switched her name with that of the suspect. The 28 year old victim, Puifai, shared details of the crime with Channel 3 after the suspect, Earn, managed to secure her release…
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Thai teen saved from drowning in Chao Phraya River
A 24 year old rider and volunteer from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation jumped into the Chao Phraya River to rescue a 16 year old girl who had fallen in. The incident took place yesterday, February 3 at 3.30pm, and the girl was subsequently taken to Ang Thong Hospital for treatment. Police from Mueang Ang Thong Police Station had been informed…
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Wildfires in Tak worsen air quality, efforts to contain blaze continue
Wildfires have engulfed Doi Nam Dip in Tak province for three consecutive days and nights, showing no signs of abating. The fires have exacerbated air pollution in the area, with PM2.5 levels blanketing the province. Officials are intensifying efforts to extinguish the blaze. The wildfires raging in Tak have intensified, causing hazardous smoke to cover the entire province. Today, February…
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NHSO adds six medications to national health insurance scheme
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) board approved the addition of six medications to the national health insurance system yesterday, February 3. This initiative aims to ensure patients have comprehensive access to essential treatments, particularly for tuberculosis, nephritis, and lymphoma. The decision follows approval from various subcommittees and aligns with recommendations from the World Health Organisation on tuberculosis treatment. The…
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Drunk French tourist crashes into Patong cop, arrested on the spot
A drunk French tourist crashed his motorcycle into a traffic police officer in Patong early this morning, leaving both men injured and prompting an immediate arrest. The incident occurred at 7.14am, today, February 4, on Phra Metta Road, in front of the Bangkok Bank branch. Patong police were alerted and rushed to the scene, where they found two damaged motorcycles…
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4 from over 100 Thai women rescued from illegal surrogacy in Georgia
The Paveena Foundation for Children and Women rescued four women from a group of over 100 Thai women who were deceived into travelling to Georgia for illegal surrogacy operations run by Chinese nationals. One of the victims, Na, paid 70,000 baht for her freedom and returned to Thailand to seek help from the foundation to rescue other Thai women still…
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British tourist’s bribery tale jailed as ‘untrue’ by Pattaya police chief
A British tourist’s claims of bribing his way out of a Pattaya jail have been denounced as “largely untrue” by a Pattaya police chief. However, in a bid for transparency, the Pattaya police chief promises a thorough review of the evidence. Police Colonel Nawin Theerawit, head of the Pattaya Police Station in Chon Buri province, issued a strong denial yesterday,…
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Thailand’s 34 billion baht railway plan to boost trade and tourism
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is pushing for an 80-million-baht budget to conduct a feasibility study for a new double-track railway linking Hat Yai in Songkhla to Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat. The massive 34.59 billion baht project aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s policy to enhance railway efficiency, improve connectivity between Thailand and neighbouring countries, and stimulate border trade,…
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Drunken tourist passes out in front of Pattaya Police Station
A heavily intoxicated foreign man sparked alarm after collapsing unconscious outside Pattaya Police Station, leaving bystanders and officers scrambling to assist. The unnamed tourist was found lying in the parking area on Sunday night, February 2, blocking visitors from retrieving their vehicles. Police and rescue workers examined him and found no signs of assault, determining that his extreme alcohol consumption…
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Thailand caps airfares to curb Songkran holiday price hikes
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced yesterday, February 3, its plans to address the issue of high airfares during peak travel periods, especially around the Songkran holiday. According to CAAT chief Suttipong Kongpool, the initiative is in response to a directive from Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, aimed at regulating airfares for the benefit of…
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Thailand’s most polluted areas revealed in air quality report
IQAir released a real-time report on air quality in Thailand highlighting the top 10 areas with the highest levels of PM 2.5 pollution, a fine particulate matter known to affect health. As of 8.49am, today, February 4, these areas were identified as having air quality levels that pose health risks, marked in red for their severity. The list of the…
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Thai couple seeks answers after unborn baby vanishes from womb and hospital records
A Thai couple is demanding an explanation from a hospital in Pathum Thani province, near Bangkok, after one of their unborn children went missing from both the woman’s womb and the hospital’s database. The couple, 42 year old Wicharn and 38 year old Rungarun, sought help from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after the loss of their unborn twins and confusion…
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Pattaya offers free Thai massages: Free job training
Pattaya residents and visitors can now enjoy free Thai massages and foot reflexology, thanks to a city initiative aimed at boosting employment and tackling poverty. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet recently visited a Thai massage and foot massage training programme, where participants were honing their skills as part of their certification process. Organised by the Social Welfare Office, the initiative aligns with…
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3 Thai exchange students accuse Filipina host in Ireland of racism
Three Thai exchange students accused a Filipina host in Ireland of racism, claiming she treated them unfairly and complained about them without reason, despite their weekly payment for accommodation. One of the students took to her TikTok account, @ekongza, to share a video of them moving out of their host’s home in Ireland, with a caption that read… “We are exchange…
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Golden days: Dazzling rise in gold prices spark trading frenzy
In a sparkling turn of events, gold prices have shot up, leaving traders feverishly clasping their hands with glee. Today, February 4 marked a golden morning as the Gold Traders Association (GTA) announced a substantial hike of 250 baht compared to yesterday’s rates, setting the trading floors abuzz with anticipation. As the clock struck 9.05 am, the shimmering reality set…
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Chiang Mai teen arrested for arranging underage prostitution
A 16 year old girl in Chiang Mai has been arrested for allegedly acting as a pimp, arranging sexual services for a 14 year old girl with a fee of 3,500 baht. The arrest, made by police following a sting operation, occurred at a hotel. The suspect admitted to earning a commission of 500 baht per client. Yesterday, February 3,…
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Cybercrime crackdown: New law holds Big Tech accountable
In a landmark move against the surging tide of cybercrime, a significant amendment proposal is set to be unveiled in the Royal Gazette this month, aimed at reinforcing the fight against online fraud. Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced that the bold step comes in response to rising concerns over the financial havoc wreaked by cybercriminals. In a…
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Man arrested for setting fire to sugarcane field in Buriram
A 53 year old man has been arrested for setting fire to a sugarcane field in the Mueang district of Buriram province, causing damage to over 30 rai with losses estimated in hundreds of thousands of baht. He claims alcohol and stress from a marital dispute impaired his judgment. Police Colonel Chamras Siriliang, along with other officers, apprehended Sombat yesterday,…
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Family arrested after illegal land occupation in Sattahip
Royal Thai Police (RTP) and naval forces in Sattahip apprehended a family for defying a court order by illegally occupying private land. The family resisted arrest, with one member attempting to flee on horseback, but eventually surrendered after negotiations yesterday, February 3 at 2.10pm. Police Colonel Thanaphon Klinkesaorn, along with Deputy Police Colonel Suwichak Ruennuamdee and an investigative team, arrived…
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Thailand video news | E-cigarette crisis in Thailand becomes a national agenda, Thai sex content creator retires and warns fans of impersonation scam
In today’s Thailand news roundup, Jay covers a mix of serious concerns and intriguing developments from across the country. The rising e-cigarette crisis has prompted civil networks to push for national-level action as youth vaping reaches alarming levels. Meanwhile, police in Nakhon Ratchasima took an unconventional approach to law enforcement, posing as delivery riders to arrest drug smugglers in a…
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Thai scammer posing as police caught after decieving beauty queens
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested a leading Thai call centre scammer who posed as a police officer and swindled money from at least 163 victims, including two famous beauty queens, Charlotte Austin and Anchilee Scott-Kemmis. CIB officers arrested two call centre scammers upon their return to Thailand from Cambodia. The first suspect, 31 year old Ramil, was arrested in…
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Former prisoner shot dead at petrol station in Chaiyaphum
A 31 year old former prisoner was fatally shot at a coin-operated petrol station, with initial suspicions pointing towards a drug-related motive. The incident occurred in Chaiyaphum province yesterday, February 3, at 2.11pm, just months after his release from prison. Police Colonel Prasit Premkamol from the Mueang Chaiyaphum Police Station received a report about a shooting at a petrol station…
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