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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Blocking bad clicks: DES ramps up crackdown on shady sites
The Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) has significantly ramped up efforts to curb access to illicit online content, blocking 138,660 attempts to access unlawful social media pages and website URLs over the past 11 months. This marks an 11-fold increase compared to the same period last year. The DES, led by Prasert Jantararuangtong, has concentrated on fighting cybercrime by…
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Romantic comedy ‘Love You to Debt’ tops Netflix Thailand charts (video)
Love You to Debt, the top movie on Netflix in Thailand as of today, is a Thai romance-action film entirely set and filmed in Pattaya. Premiering in cinemas in April, the film has recently become available for streaming on Netflix. The story centres on Bo, an illegal loan shark and debt collector working for his formidable mother. His life takes…
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Thai man loses millions to masseuse in love scam (video)
A Thai man’s pursuit of love with a masseuse led to a courtroom showdown after she allegedly drained nearly 2 million baht from his account using a mobile banking app. The 47 year old victim, named Wittawat, sought help from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after losing 2 million baht to the masseuse identified as Ray. He was worried that she…
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Thailand’s life-saving tech boost to guard against natural disasters
Thailand is gearing up to supercharge its natural disaster warning system with a sweeping expansion of automated monitoring stations. In a bold move to protect lives and property, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed yesterday, September 3, by the Friends in Need Volunteers Foundation and various national agencies, marking the launch of the second phase of a nationwide project.…
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Bangkok: American teacher arrested for assaulting student
An American language teacher in Bangkok has been arrested on serious charges involving the alleged abuse of a 14 year old student. The American, 41 year old Robert Leroy Keller, was apprehended yesterday, September 3 by officers from Phetkasem Police Station, following a distressing report from the girl’s mother. The incident began on February 16, when the girl’s mother sent…
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Brew-tal concoction: Thai woman dies after sipping toxic coffee mix
A Thai woman died, and her husband is in a serious condition, allegedly after drinking coffee mixed with sappan wood, which is believed to have health benefits. A doctor discovered an unidentified toxic substance in their bodies. The 21 year old man, Worrawit Chaisirin, revealed to Thai Rath that his mother, 49 year old Naree Chaisirin, died on Sunday, September 1,…
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Temu’s impact on Thailand’s e-commerce market remains uncertain
Chinese e-commerce giant Temu‘s potential to impact the e-commerce market in Thailand and the region remains uncertain, according to market analytics firm Cube Asia. Sellers may need to brace for another price war if Temu sustains strong incentives and a low-price strategy, similar to the shifts seen with Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop focusing on profitability. Simon Torring, co-founder of…
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Cheat nations exposed: Thailand tops global infidelity list
Curious about where your country ranks on the global infidelity scale? Insider Monkey revealed the 25 most unfaithful countries in a recent article. It’s important to remember that being in one of the top 10 most unfaithful countries doesn’t mean you’ll end up marrying a cheater. Similarly, living in a place with low cheating rates doesn’t guarantee wedded bliss. However,…
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Thai court slaps 35.2m baht fine on pyramid scheme defendants
The Criminal Court of Thailand sentenced defendants in the pyramid scheme case, กองทุนพัฒนาเกษตรกรไทยสู่สากล (Thai Farmers Development Fund to Global) to 352 years in prison and fined them 35.2 million baht. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to detect such scams online. The DSI’s Financial Crime Division had been investigating special case number 40/2559 involving…
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Bangkok’s flood defences on high alert: River embankment boost
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced that the Chao Phraya River embankment is ready to handle the first surge of northern floodwaters, with an additional capacity of 1.75 metres. Officials are ordering drainage in canals and warning 17 communities outside the embankment to prepare for potential flooding tomorrow. Chadchart, alongside Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon and the Drainage and Sewerage Department, inspected…
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Man arrested for shooting inherited gun, causing panic in Bangkok
A man has been arrested in Bangkok for firing a gun into the sky, causing panic among residents. He claimed he was merely testing the firearm, which was an inherited keepsake from his father, to see if it was still functional. Police Colonel Anan Worasart, head of Bang Khen Police Station, ordered the arrest of 38 year old Marut by…
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Cutting argument: Woman chops dad’s hand over rice and magic
A shocking incident occurred today in Udon Thani, where a woman attacked her father with a large knife, severing his hand from the wrist. The altercation reportedly stemmed from the father’s insistence that she cooks rice daily and accusations of him practicing black magic. Officers from the Mueang Udon Thani Police Station received an emergency call about the incident at…
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Karaoke bar owners jailed for exploiting minors in Sisaket
The Criminal Court of Thailand sentenced two karaoke bar owners to 11 years and 14 months in prison for sexually exploiting minors. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) received a tip-off from the non-profit organisation Operation Underground Railroad (OUR), which supports law enforcement in rescuing children from human trafficking and exploitation. The information revealed the presence of an X (Twitter)…
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Thai woman arrested for call centre scam, money laundering
A 25 year old woman was arrested at Ayutthaya Railway Station for her involvement in a call centre scam linked to money laundering. She faces three arrest warrants for fraud and deception, with victims scammed into transferring money. Police Major General Worawat Watnakornbancha directed Police Colonel Phumipat Phattharasriwongchai and Deputy Police Colonel Bancha Srisuk to apprehend Sirivan following a warrant issued…
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Phatthalung man decapitated by train in freak accident
A tragic train accident in the southern province of Phatthalung resulted in the death of a 32 year old man, shocking his wife who discovered the headless body. Villagers recount the incident, which occurred while they were cutting grass and noticed the train stopping unexpectedly. The accident took place at 7.40pm yesterday, September 3, between Khao Chaison and Ban Ton…
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Major bribery ring in highways department uncovered
Thai police uncovered a major bribery ring involving senior officials from the Department of Highways, with evidence showing over 126 million baht in suspicious transactions. The funds were directly transferred to personal bank accounts and involved monthly payments as high as 100,000 baht. Police raided the residence of 57 year old Noppadol, who serves as the senior mechanical engineer and…
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Police dismantle illegal Internet tower near King’s Romans Casino
Police and telecommunication officials dismantled a large signal tower used for illegal Internet transmission across the Mekong River to the King’s Romans area. The operation, conducted yesterday, September 3, involved Cyber Police Chief Worawat Watnakornbancha, along with officers from the 4th Cyber Police Division and regional telecommunication officials, acting on a search warrant issued by the Chiang Rai Provincial Court…
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Petrol station scam caught on video in Phitsanulok (video)
A petrol station employee in Bang Rakam district, Phitsanulok province, allegedly pretended to pump fuel but did not dispense any petrol before attempting to collect payment, prompting a customer to capture the incident on video. A Facebook page known for exposing such incidents, อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 7, highlighted a complaint from a customer about a specific petrol station in Bang…
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Farmer swept away by floodwaters found dead in northern Thailand
A Thai farmer attempting to inspect floodwaters in his fields was swept away by a strong current, disappearing before the eyes of local villagers. After an extensive search, his body was found, though his motorcycle remains missing. Police officer Piyapan Piansaad received a report yesterday, September 3, at 11am about a man swept away by floodwaters near the Mae Sanga…
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Bangkok’s new electric BRT buses first day issues face backlash
Bangkok’s launch of its new electric BRT buses on the Sathorn-Ratchaphruek route sparked significant criticism online due to numerous issues on the first day of service. These problems include an insufficient number of buses, longer waiting times, and malfunctioning doors. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon provided an update on the progress of the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit)…
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Thai man surrenders after fatally shooting couple over cat poop
A man has surrendered to the police after fatally shooting a couple after they complained about the family cat pooping outside the victims’ house. The incident occurred yesterday in the Wat Talat Nuea community, Pathum Thani, where 32 year old Sitthichok, used a firearm to shoot 45 year old Narongwit and 54 year old Thada, while they were riding their…
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Phuket: 80 million baht study for new Sarasin Bridge underway
A feasibility study amounting to 80 million baht is currently in progress for the new Sarasin Bridge project, confirmed Somkid Kittisopit, the new Director of the Phuket Highways Office. Somkid revealed the update during a meeting with Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday. He provided updates on five major transportation projects intended to enhance travel efficiency, reduce…
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Thai man steals Russian woman’s phone after Man United bet loss
A Thai man confessed to stealing a Russian woman’s mobile phone in Chon Buri after losing all his savings betting on Manchester United to beat Liverpool in their latest Premier League match. Man United, led by Erik ten Hag, suffered a 0-3 defeat to their rivals Liverpool during the recent game on Sunday, September 3. This loss devastated Red Devils’…
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Bhumjaithai outlines six key policies for coalition government
Bhumjaithai Party Secretary-General Chaichanok Chidchob, along with the party’s executive committee, held a press conference at 5.30pm on Monday, September 2, to outline their stance on six pivotal policies. As a coalition government member, Bhumjaithai intends to propose these policies to the Pheu Thai Party. Chaichanok disclosed that the party’s focus includes enhancing social order and public safety. The proposed…
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Thai police raid Krabi gambling dens, seize 500,000 baht
Police in Krabi have taken decisive action against illegal gambling operations following numerous complaints from locals. A special operations team from the Department of Provincial Administration, led by Arsit Sampantharat, carried out a series of raids in the Mueang Krabi and Plai Phraya districts. Investigators were tipped off through social media about a hidden gambling den in a palm plantation…
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Heavy rain forecasted across Thailand with flash flood warnings
Heavy rain is forecasted across nearly all of Thailand, with 42 provinces, including Bangkok and its surrounding areas, expected to face severe weather. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warns of flash floods, overflowing waterways, and high sea waves over 3 metres. TMD issued a 24-hour weather forecast, starting from 5am today, September 4, predicting heavy rainfall in the lower northern…
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Heavy rainfall floods Pattaya, causes extensive vehicle damage
Heavy rainfall which lasted three hours submerged parts of Pattaya, resulting in extensive vehicle damage. Yesterday, September 3, thunderstorms and heavy rain lashed Pattaya, significantly affecting the city as observed by local reporters. The intense downpour led to rapidly rising water levels, overwhelming the drainage system and causing widespread flooding. Areas particularly vulnerable to flooding after just half an hour…
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Russian man found dead near Karon Beach, Phuket, murder suspected
A local discovered the body of a Russian man in a ditch near Karon Beach in Phuket yesterday afternoon. A fatal attack is suspected as the man had wounds all over his body. Officers from Karon Police Station were called to investigate the death of the Russian man, later identified as 27 year old Ilia Orlov, at around 12.50pm yesterday,…
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Teenage boy killed in tragic motorcycle accident in Chachoengsao
A tragic accident involving a car and a motorcycle claimed the life of a 16 year old boy in Chachoengsao. The incident occurred at 9pm yesterday, September 3, on Route 304, with conflicting accounts from those involved and captured footage revealing the truth. Police Lieutenant Decharit Srikacha from Bang Khla Police Station received a report of a fatal collision between…
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Swiss man acquitted in Phuket court for kicking woman doctor
A Swiss man charged with kicking a woman doctor on the steps leading down to a beach outside his villa in February was acquitted by Phuket Kwaeng Court yesterday. The court extended the benefit of the doubt to the 45 year old Swiss expat Urs Fehr, also known as David. Details of the court’s ruling remain undisclosed. David faced accusations…
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