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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Scottish pervert hiding in Thailand for 40 years extradited and jailed
In a landmark case for Scottish police, a pedophile who fled to Thailand has finally been jailed, decades after committing a series of horrifying sexual crimes against children. The deviant Scotsman, 74 year old John Martin, was extradited from Bangkok to Scotland in December last year, facing justice at last for historical abuse offences uncovered by a painstaking investigation led…
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Shop fire causes injuries in Samut Prakan, spreads to apartment
A fire erupted at a car accessory shop and quickly spread to an adjacent apartment building, prompting an evacuation and resulting in injuries. The incident occurred yesterday at 9.30pm in Samut Prakan, with the blaze originating from the shop’s ground floor and extending to the 5th floor of the neighbouring apartment via vinyl signs. Firefighters and rescue teams from various…
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Phuket Airport boosts efficiency with facial recognition technology
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat made an appearance at Phuket International Airport yesterday, November 8, marking a significant advancement in passenger processing through the launch of facial recognition technology. This initiative aims to streamline procedures and cut down on wait times for travellers. Phuket International Airport introduced this advanced system for domestic flights last week, with plans to extend it to…
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Mae Sai battles floods again as Chiang Rai plans flood prevention
Mae Sai district residents are grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding, only weeks after recovering from the previous inundation during the rainy season. Torrential rains on Thursday night, November 7, led to the Sai Lom Joy market, positioned along the Sai River, being submerged under floodwater. Despite the adverse weather conditions, Mueang Daeng Road and Lung Khon Wood Market…
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Airport initiative boosts culture and economy in northern Thailand
Phitsanulok and Nan airports have introduced an innovative Live Airport concept aimed at highlighting the cultural identities of these provinces while generating sustainable economic benefits for local communities. The initiative was inaugurated on November 1 and seeks to position airports as not only transit points but also as cultural gateways into the region. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri, accompanied by…
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NHSO investigates clinics over universal healthcare referral issues
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has announced an investigation into clinics that fail to properly refer universal healthcare patients to hospitals, potentially resulting in legal action and penalties. This decision comes in response to complaints from healthcare subscribers in Bangkok, who have reported significant challenges in obtaining necessary referral documents for hospital treatment. These complaints highlight a worrying trend…
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Thailand grants citizenship to 483,000 migrants
The Thai government’s recent decision to grant citizenship to a significant number of migrants and ethnic minorities has received a warm welcome from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The move, announced by the Cabinet yesterday, aims to provide Thai citizenship to over 483,000 individuals who have either been residing in Thailand for an extended period or were born within…
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Pattaya mayor wins big for Thai-Chinese diplomacy
In a glittering ceremony that brought together stars and statesmen, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet proudly took home the prestigious Political News award at the Thailand Headlines Person of the Year Awards 2024. Celebrating leaders who champion Thai-Chinese relations, this high-profile event highlighted Thailand’s diplomatic soft power and the approach of a landmark year – the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese ties…
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Pattaya parents outraged after teacher attacks 12 year old boy
Pattaya City is in uproar as furious parents of a 12 year old boy from Pattaya City School 2 claim their son was assaulted by his physical education (PE) teacher in a brutal attack that has sparked outrage and calls for immediate action. According to the boy’s parents, the teacher allegedly kicked their son, choked him, and threatened to “smack…
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Thai PM unveils 3Cs strategy to boost Greater Mekong Subregion
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra unveiled a strategic initiative known as the 3Cs, connectivity, competitiveness, and community, to fortify the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). This announcement was made during the eighth GMS Summit, which took place yesterday, November 7, in Kunming, China, the capital of Yunnan province. The summit, themed Toward a Better Community Through Innovation-driven Development, presented a vision that…
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UNICEF Thailand launches campaign for children’s brighter future
UNICEF Thailand has launched an ambitious campaign titled A Better Tomorrow, Today, urging collective action for a brighter future for children. Faced with global challenges like conflicts, health crises, poverty, and climate change, UNICEF is pressing for immediate measures to safeguard children’s rights and potential. The campaign, which will include public events, social media initiatives, and celebrity participation, is designed…
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Thailand crowned 2025 Destination of the Year by Travel + Leisure
New York City-based travel magazine Travel + Leisure has recognised Thailand as the 2025 Destination of the Year. The editor-in-chief shared her love for Thailand and highlighted the charm that drew her to this enchanting country. This marks the tenth consecutive year that Travel + Leisure announced its Destination of the Year, recognising a country that travellers simply must visit…
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Thaksin accused of undermining Thai monarchy, court decision imminent
Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has not yet provided testimony in a legal case where both he and the ruling Pheu Thai Party face serious allegations. The accusations suggest attempts to undermine Thailand’s constitutional monarchy. This development comes as the deadline for public prosecutors to submit their findings to the Constitutional Court is fast approaching. Thus far, only lawyer Teerayut…
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Discover the fruits found in Thailand that help combat cancer
Many fruits possess properties that can potentially combat cancer cells, offering not just health benefits but also affordability and availability, especially in Thailand. With a rich variety of fruits capable of fighting cancer, it’s essential to explore how they can be effectively incorporated into daily diets. Cancer, one of the most dangerous diseases, is closely linked to diet. Studies have…
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Gold prices fall 800 baht amid Trump’s election victory
Gold prices have shown potential for a long-term rise, despite experiencing a significant drop yesterday. The domestic price plummeted by 800 baht (US$23.5) per baht weight, largely due to the strengthening of the US dollar following the recent presidential election victory of Republican Donald Trump. The Gold Traders Association (GTA) reported that domestic gold prices sank to 43,150 baht (US$1,267)…
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Pattaya police imposter caught on camera collecting ‘donations’
Residents in Central Pattaya’s Nong Or community were left stunned and suspicious after spotting a woman dressed as a police officer, going door-to-door and claiming to collect donations on behalf of the Pattaya Police Station. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, November 5, has raised serious concerns about a new wave of scams hitting local neighbourhoods. Described as middle-aged, with…
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EF Ultimate Break partners with Thailand for eco-friendly holidays
EF Ultimate Break, the experiential travel leader for the 18 to 35 crowd, is taking travel to a whole new level of responsibility with its latest initiative, launched in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Aimed at delivering sustainable, ethically crafted adventures, this new line-up of Thailand tours promises eco-conscious itineraries that will make every traveller feel like…
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Thai man forces teen to rob temple for money to bail out wife
A Thai man in the central province of Suphan Buri threatened a 15 year old boy with a knife, forcing him to rob a temple to secure money to bail his wife out of jail. Officers from Mueang Suphan Buri Police Station arrested the Thai suspect, identified only as Beer, near the provincial court today, November 8. Police seized a…
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The Entertainers: Thaiger editor’s new book is a Kevin Keegan page turner (video)
After a seven-year hiatus from the publishing world, Thaiger Editor-in-Chief Will Scott has made a successful return with his latest literary creation, The Entertainers 1992-1997: Kevin Keegan’s Legacy. The book delves into one of the most iconic periods in Newcastle United’s modern history, shining a light on the unforgettable years when the Magpies soared under the charismatic leadership of Kevin…
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Thai Rice farmer’s tragic death highlights health risks in agriculture
A 57 year old man tragically passed away while harvesting rice in a field alone, suspected to have died from a pre-existing condition following complaints of chest pain. His body was discovered yesterday, November 7, in a paddy field in Baan Don Po Daeng, Khok Sa-at subdistrict, Mueang district, Udon Thani province. The incident was reported to Suk-In Rachankaew, a…
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Thai FDA clears 6.9-tonne Shine Muscat grapes for safety
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the results of a recent inspection of a new batch of imported Shine Muscat grapes weighing 6.9 tonnes. These grapes, valued at 3,053,616.47 baht (US$89,780), have been thoroughly tested for agricultural chemical residues and have met all safety standards, allowing them to be distributed in the country. Lertchai, the Deputy Secretary-General of…
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Phuket set to ‘take off’ with new seaplane plans
In a bid to transform Phuket’s tourism offerings, the CEO of Siam Seaplane Co Ltd, Worakan Siripidech, attended a high-stakes meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on Wednesday, November 6 to explore the potential of launching seaplane services on the island. Bringing in a mix of excitement and scepticism, officials discussed the concept of creating temporary water-based zones for take-offs and…
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Thai pervert harasses schoolgirl, pretends to trip to kiss victim (video)
Schoolgirls in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat become the target of a perverted man who pretended to trip and sway to kiss a schoolgirl yesterday, November 7. The male Facebook user, Thanakorn Suthin, shared details of the sexual assault on the Facebook group || ประเทศคอน || (meaning Nakhon country) yesterday, including a video and a picture of the…
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Thailand to register unregistered hotels in response to EU carbon rules
The Tourism and Sports Ministry is set to register unregistered hotels within a year, responding to the forthcoming EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which introduces strict environmental regulations. CBAM, starting in 2026, will impose carbon pricing on imports, impacting Thailand’s tourism sector if service providers fail to meet standards. Efforts are underway to host a global-scale trade show, such…
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Butcher saves Thai boy’s 130km sidecar dash to see mum (video)
A Thai butcher rescued a 10 year old boy who secretly rode his grandmother’s sidecar motorcycle in an attempt to travel 130 kilometres to see his mother in the Isaan province of Buriram. The butcher, whose shop is located on the roadside in the Sam Paniang sub-district in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima, sought help from the sub-district officials…
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Thai company pumps millions into flooded schools
In a heartfelt mission to aid schools battered by Thailand’s recent floods, Theppadungporn Coconut pledged an impressive 10 million baht to support flood-stricken communities. Through its charitable Love Sharing project, the company is offering 200,000 baht per school to 50 institutions impacted by the devastating September-October floods, aiming to rebuild premises and reignite hope among students and staff. Chosen by…
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Bangkok survey finds 377 homeless on Ratchadamnoen Avenue
Bangkok’s initiative to survey the homeless population along Ratchadamnoen Avenue has uncovered 377 people, prompting police to record their details and facilitate access to welfare rights and vocational training. This operation took place at the Rattanakosin Room in the Bangkok City Hall, located in the Phra Nakhon district. The meeting was chaired by Chakkapan Phewngam, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, alongside…
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Thailand leads ASEAN in gold demand growth amid record prices
Thailand continues to lead the ASEAN region in consumer gold demand growth, as reported by the World Gold Council (WGC). In the third quarter of 2024, Thailand’s gold demand surged by 11% year-on-year, reaching 14.5 tonnes, marking its second consecutive quarter of robust growth. Globally, gold demand remained strong, increasing by 5% from a year earlier to 1,313 tonnes. This…
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Thai woman arrested in Bangkok for pimping out girls aged 14-16
Police arrested a 25 year old Thai woman at a Bangkok hotel for operating a prostitution ring and pimping out three girls aged between 14 and 16. Officers from the Children and Women Protection Sub-division received a tip-off that girls under 18 were being sent to work as party entertainers. In addition to entertaining clients, they were also forced to…
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Thai schools probed for misconduct over spoiled food claims
Allegations of misconduct have prompted the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) to investigate two schools in Chachoengsao and Nakhon Ratchasima. Concerns surfaced online, suggesting one school provided spoiled fruit in student meals while the other was excessively soliciting donations from parents for a school van. Thanu Wongchinda, Secretary-General of OBEC, addressed these claims yesterday, November 7, indicating that…
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