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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Monk injured as car crashes into bridge in Nakhon Phanom
A red Mitsubishi car veered off a curve and collided with a bridge railing just 1 kilometre away from a local temple, leaving a monk trapped in the wreckage. The incident, which took place today, November 19, prompted a swift response from rescue teams and locals, who worked together to extract the injured individual. Emergency responders from the Chaiyaburi Subdistrict…
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Trump and Thailand: PM Paetongtarn pledges to strengthen ties
In a historic phone call, Thailand’s youngest Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, reached out to congratulate US President-elect Donald Trump on his election victory, underscoring Thailand’s commitment to a robust alliance with Washington. The conversation, which took place at 9.50am today, November 19, as disclosed by government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsub, marks an early push to fortify diplomatic and economic ties between…
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Unholy row! Drunk monk arrested, begging for cash in Chiang Rai
Another week, another monk found behaving badly, this time intoxicated while hitchhiking. He was arrested after demanding money from a young woman motorist in Chiang Rai. The incident occurred yesterday, November 18, when police from the Mae Chan Police Station received a report from Nichawee, a 20 year old resident of Thung Ko, Wiang Chiang Rung, Chiang Rai. She recounted…
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Thailand to repatriate 900 seized lemurs and turtles to Madagascar
Thailand is set to return over 900 lemurs and rare turtles to Madagascar, following a significant seizure from the illegal wildlife trade, as stated by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). The DNP announced that 963 animals, including ring-tailed lemurs, brown lemurs, spider tortoises, and radiated tortoises, are currently under the care of officials. These animals…
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Phang Nga man launches knife attack at Phuket Police Station
In a shocking early-morning rampage, a Phang Nga man stormed into a police station in Phuket armed with a knife, launching an attack on an officer on duty. The incident occurred just before 3am on Sunday, November 17, when 48 year old Chuaib Phongthin arrived at the Thachatchai Police Station “in a state of distress,” according to police. Witnesses described…
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Buriram blaze destroys homes, leaves two families homeless
Firefighters battled a fierce blaze that engulfed a house, with strong winds causing the flames to spread to a neighbouring residence, leading to extensive destruction. This incident occurred yesterday, November 18, in Ban Nong Prue, Buriram, and prompted a swift response from local police. Police Lieutenant Nantikan Amwapan, Deputy Inspector of the Buriram City Police Station, received an emergency call…
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Burmese construction worker plunges from 3rd floor in Sattahip
In a terrifying fall from a three-storey building near Chumphon Naval School’s traffic lights in Bang Saray, Sattahip, Chon Buri, a Burmese construction worker narrowly escaped death at the weekend. The 29 year old worker, identified as Sun, fell from a dangerous height while on the job, leaving him with severe injuries and sparking a rapid emergency response on Saturday,…
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Thailand intercepts illegal palm oil smuggling in Ranong
Police thwarted a smuggling operation involving illegal palm oil in Ranong, Thailand, apprehending four suspects and confiscating 2,700 kilogrammes of palm oil. The operation was executed by the 25th Infantry Special Task Force, local police, and administrative officials. The first incident occurred at a natural channel along the Kra Buri River in Moo 5, Baan Hat Chid, Pak Chan subdistrict.…
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Thai police officer brutally assaulted by colleague at entertainment venue
A police lieutenant is accused of brutally assaulting a senior officer, a police captain, at an entertainment venue in Soi Lat Phrao 22, Bangkok, following a dispute involving the attacker’s friend. The victim, 44 year old Police Captain Kiattikhun, who serves at Khok Khram Police Station in Bangkok, lodged a formal complaint against Police Lieutenant Kitti, at Wang Thong Lang…
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American tourist falls to death at Nakhon Ratchasima shopping centre
A tragic incident unfolded when a foreign tourist fell from the fourth floor of a renowned shopping centre in Nakhon Ratchasima, landing on the ground floor and dying instantly in front of shocked shoppers. The event caused panic among both Thai and international customers. At 5.25pm yesterday, November 18, police from Nakhon Ratchasima City Police Station and rescue workers from…
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Fisheries department seize 200k baht shellfish in smuggling bust
Thai police intercepted a foreign fishing vessel attempting to smuggle marine goods into Thailand, seizing a significant haul of shellfish. The operation highlights the nation’s commitment to combating illegal fishing and protecting its maritime resources. The Department of Fisheries, led by Banchao Sukkaeo, played a pivotal role in the recent operation that took place on Sunday, November 17. The team,…
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Tractor overturns in Suphan Buri, killing driver in rice field
A tragic accident occurred when a tractor driver lost control of his vehicle, resulting in it overturning and falling into a rice field ditch, fatally trapping the driver underneath. The incident took place yesterday in the vicinity of Ban Tha Thong, Moo 3, Pak Nam subdistrict, Doem Bang Nang Buat district, Suphan Buri province. Police Lieutenant Phanuwat Sitwong from Doem…
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Subaru overturns on Kaset-Nawamin Road, driver missing
A Subaru vehicle veered off the road and overturned in a grassy area along the Kaset-Nawamin Road. Police are actively searching for the driver, questioning whether alcohol might have been involved. The incident was reported at 3.35am today to the Khok Kram Police Station. The accident occurred on Prasert Manukit Road (Kaset-Nawamin) inbound, heading towards the Kasetsart intersection in the…
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Intoxicated Thai man arrested for false report of monk firing gun
A man under the influence of alcohol fabricated a story accusing a monk of firing a gun into the sky, leading to the man’s arrest at Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok. He was found with an air gun and later confessed to making a false report after consuming alcohol. Police, led by Phuwadol Ounpho, the commander of Bang Sue…
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Foreign man fined 500 baht for physically assaulting Thai restaurant worker
Police fined a foreign man 500 baht for physically assaulting a Thai restaurant worker in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket. The foreign attacker also issued an apology to both the victim and the restaurant owner. Pictures of the incident, showing the foreign man in all-white clothes attacking the Thai man outside a restaurant in Phuket, were shared by the news…
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Pervert gets rocks off masturbating in Pattaya
An audacious pervert rocked the local community by whipping out his penis in public and began masturbating on a busy road in Pattaya. The brazen pervert blatantly parked his motorcycle and began pleasuring himself in broad daylight, turning the bustling streets into his sordid stage. The outrageous incident was reported at 10pm yesterday, November 18, by a vigilant eyewitness, 36…
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Bangkok car crash: Honda Civic bursts into flames, passengers escape
A dramatic car accident unfolded in Bangkok as a Honda Civic hurtled across a road divider, crashing into a utility pole and bursting into flames. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of today, November 19, saw a young man and woman narrowly escaping the blazing vehicle. Police Lieutenant Investigator Sangansak Chiamsanguanwong from Bueng Kum Police Station received a…
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Thai Tesla driver admits reckless driving after argument (video)
The driver of a white Tesla admitted to reckless driving on a motorway, following a heated argument with his girlfriend, which led to his hospitalisation due to stress. He has accepted responsibility for his actions and vows not to repeat them. Reports emerged on social media yesterday, November 18, of a white Tesla weaving dangerously through traffic on a motorway,…
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Thai boy hugs mum for last time before taking his own life with aunt’s gun
A 13 year old Thai boy hugged his mother for the last time before taking his own life with his aunt’s gun at a family home in the central province of Ayutthaya yesterday, November 18. Officers from Mueang Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station and rescuers from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation investigated the incident at a house in the Ban…
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TMD sounds the storm alarm as weather takes a wild turn
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning of adverse weather conditions across various regions of Thailand. The monsoon over the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region is intensifying, bringing thunderstorms and raising sea waves to more than 2 metres. Meanwhile, the northern and northeastern regions are experiencing cooler temperatures with a drop of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius.…
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Drunk Mexican man crashes car into Thai road sweeper in Pattaya
A Thai road sweeper yesterday sustained serious injuries after being struck by a car driven by a drunk Mexican man on Southern Pattaya Road. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station were alerted to the accident at approximately 7am, yesterday, November 18, and rushed to the scene, near a petrol station on Southern Pattaya Road. The victim, identified as 22 year…
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Retiring in Thailand: Why and how health insurance is crucial for your golden years
Thailand offers an ideal setting for retirees with its tropical climate, warm hospitality, and affordable living. But enjoying your golden years to the fullest means planning for health coverage. Here’s a complete guide on why health insurance is essential for retirees in Thailand and what you should consider in a plan. 1. Retirement visa requirements for health coverage To retire…
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Somchai tees off at Thai PM to settle Alpine Golf land dispute
In a blistering call to action, former senator Somchai Sawangkarn has once more urged Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to decisively tackle a fiery land dispute around Alpine Golf Course that’s been simmering for far too long. In his third open letter, Somchai implores the Thai premier to show true grit and integrity, insisting that the nation’s wellbeing is at stake.…
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Thailand on the offensive with DE-fence against call centre scams
In a bold move to tackle the ever-growing menace of call centre scams, the government’s Digital Economy and Society Ministry is pulling out all the stops by developing a cutting-edge platform, DE-fence. Slated for an early 2025 debut, this high-tech watchdog will act as a first line of defence against dodgy calls and deceitful texts. It promises to arm the…
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Thai man’s bewitching romance scam, casts spell on victims (video)
Two Thai women are seeking justice for themselves and other victims after a Thai man allegedly ran a romance scam, cast black magic spells and swindled money from them and others. The two victims, 27 year old Kasamon and 29 year old Phitchaya, sought help from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive to facilitate legal action against the alleged romance scammer, identified…
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Gold rush: Baht bling sees prices sparkle as investors move fast
In a dazzling surge that has investors buzzing, gold prices shot up this morning, leaving last night’s figures in the dust. The Gold Traders Association (GTA) reported a major leap, bumping gold ornament prices to a striking 43,050 baht per baht weight. Updated just after 9am, today, November 18, this marks a 200 baht jump since yesterday. Here’s the lowdown:…
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Overloaded pickup truck overturns in Nakhon Ratchasima
In a near-tragic twist of fate, a rice-laden pickup truck flipped over, narrowly missing disaster for its driver in Nakhon Ratchasima. The dramatic accident, thought to be triggered by an overloaded vehicle causing a wheel nut to come loose, unfolded yesterday, November 17, in the bustling area of Phimai. Emergency crews from the Phimai rescue unit dashed to the scene…
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Thai investment roadshow heads to Shanghai to court investors
Thailand’s Finance Minister and Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Pichai Chunhavajira will lead a delegation to Shanghai this week for a four-day investment roadshow, targeting high-tech manufacturers and EV industry players. BOI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi announced that the mission, running from tomorrow, November 19 to 22, aims to attract Chinese manufacturers, particularly those specialising in EV battery cells and advanced…
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Son demands probe after father’s injuries at Thai care centre
A son is distraught after finding his father with swollen eyes and bruises while under the care of an elderly care centre. Staff at the facility claimed the injuries were inflicted during an altercation while changing the father’s diaper. However, the son suspects the injuries are more indicative of assault and has filed a complaint with local police for a…
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Thai prisons ensure religious rights for Muslim inmates
In a move to reassure the public, the Corrections Department pledged its unwavering commitment to respect the religious rights of Muslim inmates across Thai prisons. This comes on the heels of the high-profile arrest of Malaysian pop sensation, Wan Norshaheeda Azlin Binti Wan Ismail, better known as Eda Ezrin, during a dramatic drug raid at Narathiwat Provincial Prison earlier this…
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