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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Undercover police shoot man dead in Bangkok alley
A man was shot dead in a Bangkok alley by undercover police, raising questions from the deceased’s brother about the necessity of the force used. The incident took place at 1.30am today, August 15, within Soi Narathiwat Ratchanakarin 1, Suriyawong, Bang Rak district. Police Lieutenant Colonel Saknarind Trasukupap from Bang Rak Police Station received the emergency call about the fatal…
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Thailand’s Pheu Thai pushes casino legalisation despite resistance
Pheu Thai, the governing party in Thailand, remains confident in its ability to persuade its coalition partner, Bhumjaithai Party, to support the legalisation of casinos, despite Bhumjaithai’s recent opposition. The bill, championed by Pheu Thai, aims to legalise casinos as part of a larger initiative to create regional entertainment complexes to attract investment. Hours before his removal as prime minister…
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Chiang Mai baht bus driver condemned for kicking locals off for foreigners
A Thai woman took to social media to condemn the wrongful behaviour of a baht bus driver in Chiang Mai after the driver kicked her off the vehicle to accommodate a group of foreigners. However, the foreigners declined the driver’s service. The 63 year old victim, Sri, shared the baht bus incident in a Facebook group, @ChiangMai, on August 13.…
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Truck’s load topples, crushing car but driver survives in Thailand
A dramatic incident unfolded when a truck carrying large bales of compressed cardboard toppled its load while navigating a curve, crushing a Nissan car driving alongside. The female driver miraculously survived with minor injuries. Police Lieutenant Patcharapol Pholto from the Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station yesterday, August 14, received a report of a truck accident involving large bales of compressed…
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Thai man granted bail after shooting father during confrontation
A Thai man was granted bail after shooting his father during a confrontation. The incident occurred when the son turned himself into the police. The police plan to question the father about the event. Police granted bail to 32 year old Pavinyoh after he turned himself in following a shooting incident involving his father, 53 year old Chalao. The altercation…
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Healthcare professional dies after severe abdominal pain in Chanthaburi
A healthcare professional from Chanthaburi passed away after being admitted to ICU following severe abdominal pain. The incident unfolded as details emerged from a close friend, shedding light on the last moments leading to the tragic event. On the evening of August 12, Chaiyaporn, a close friend, and the deceased booked a room in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The pair…
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Father accused of stealing palm fruit by own son amid land dispute
A father, deeply hurt, finds himself accused by his son of stealing palm fruit that he had planted and nurtured himself. This dramatic family dispute has unfolded over land that has been in the father’s possession for nearly 40 years. Somjet, a 73 year old man, and Adul, a 46 year old man, were accused by Somjet’s third son of…
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Man arrested for selling illegal gun after canal disposal attempt
Police apprehended a man selling illegal firearms after he attempted to dispose of the weapon in a canal. The 36 year old suspect confessed to the crime, citing financial difficulties as his motive for selling the gun. Yesterday, August 14, several high-ranking officers, including Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang and Police Major General Noppasil Phoonsawas, led the operation to arrest…
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Gold prices drop, prompting quick action from buyers
Gold prices saw a decline today, prompting those interested to act quickly. Compared to the closing price yesterday, August 13, the price of gold ornaments has dropped. Today, gold ornaments are selling at 41,350 baht per baht weight. Gold prices today decreased by 100 baht compared to the final prices from yesterday, August 13. According to the latest information from…
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Two judges disciplined for conduct violations by Supreme Court
Two judges were disciplined for failing to adhere to judicial regulations and behaving in a manner that tarnished the dignity of their office. The Supreme Court meeting held yesterday, August 13, chaired by Anucha Chiwitsophon, addressed these issues. The Judicial Commission of the Supreme Court (JC) approved the transfer and appointment of senior judges, including eight positions at level four…
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Rama II Road inbound lanes closed for construction, August 16-31
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) announced a temporary closure of the inbound parallel lanes on Rama II Road near the Big C Kheha Thonburi bus stop from Friday, August 16 to August 31, from 10pm to 5am daily. Reports today, August 14, confirmed that EXAT, under the Ministry of Transport, hired the joint venture of UN-CC, comprising Unique Engineering…
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Thai PM Srettha removed over serious political ethic violation
The Constitutional Court of Thailand today removed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office after ruling that he seriously violated political ethics by appointing a former criminal as a minister. The now-former PM Srettha appointed Pichit Chuenban, a renowned lawyer associated with the Shinawatra family, as the Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office. This decision raised concerns among 40 Senators, as…
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Thailand PM Srettha axed over shady Cabinet appointment
In a dramatic turn of events, Thailand’s Constitutional Court delivered a bombshell ruling today, August 14, declaring that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had breached ethics rules by appointing a convicted lawyer to his Cabinet. The shocking verdict, delivered amid heightened tensions, has put the Bangkok-born PM’s political future in jeopardy, with the nation holding its breath to see if he…
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Lampang ceramics industry at risk due to cheap Chinese imports
The ceramics industry in Lampang is facing a severe crisis as Chinese ceramic products flood the market at significantly lower prices, causing numerous local factories to shut down. The situation has become dire, with many businesses unable to compete. Preecha Srimala, President of the Lampang Pottery Association, yesterday, August 13, revealed that local ceramic businesses are experiencing unprecedented hardship. Even…
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Fake Thai monk arrested after trying to deceive police in Hua Hin
A fake Thai monk was arrested yesterday after visiting Hua Hin Police Station in the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan and attempting to deceive officers. The fake monk, 29 year old Wichai Praisingh, arrived at the police station at around 4pm, yesterday, August 13, and asked officers to donate to a monastery in the Sam Roi Yot district of…
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Pattaya amps up city services with an ‘electrifying’ EV overhaul
Pattaya City is sparking a revolution in government services with a groundbreaking new project to integrate electric vehicles (EVs) into its operations. In an exciting collaboration with seven prototype municipalities and Pathum Thani University, the city officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to kick off this forward-thinking initiative. The signing took place yesterday, August 13, in the Thappraya Room…
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Chiang Rai faces third flood this year as Mae Sai River overflows
Chiang Rai experienced its third major flood of the year as the Mae Sai River overflowed, causing significant damage to border communities and the Sa Lom Joy market. Shopkeepers hurriedly moved their goods to safety. At around 2am today, August 14, the Mae Sai River surged into the border community near Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai province. The Sa…
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Bridge Alliance and Deutsche Telekom spark a new IoT connection
Bridge Alliance, the heavyweight coalition of telecom giants, has just struck a blockbuster deal with Deutsche Telekom AG, Europe’s telecom titan. This game-changing partnership aims to turbocharge growth in the booming Internet of Things (IoT) sector. With Deutsche Telekom on board, Bridge Alliance’s roster balloons to 35 operators, now covering over 100 markets and reaching more than a billion customers…
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Mystical golden tree in Thailand draws lottery hopefuls
A giant golden bulletwood tree in Uttaradit, Thailand, has become a focal point for lottery enthusiasts, with many flocking to seek blessings and lucky numbers. The tree, believed to be over 100 years old, is renowned for its supposed mystical powers. At Wat Donsak School in the Phai Luang sub-district, Laplae district, locals and lottery players gathered with offerings including…
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Thailand bank loan growth forecast cut to 1.5% for 2024
Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research) reduced its overall loan growth projection for the banking industry in 2024 to 1.5%, down from the earlier forecast of 2.5-3.5%. This adjustment reflects borrowers’ diminished ability to access credit amid slower economic growth. K-Research’s updated assessment, released yesterday, August 13, indicates that banks’ lending expansion this year will be primarily driven by business loans, with…
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Bolt rider arrested for raping 18 year old passenger in Pattaya
More than 10 teenagers yesterday apprehended a Thai Bolt motorcycle rider for raping an 18 year old friend while drunk in May. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station were later called to detain the rapist. Officers from Meuang Pattaya Police Station were called to arrest the rapist, 37 year old Prakob Singhplod, at a car park on Marine Road at…
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Teen injured while filming dangerous stunt on Thai train (video)
A young passenger, engaged in dangerous content creation, sustained a head injury after striking a pole while hanging from a train’s steps. The incident, which occurred on August 5, sparked serious safety concerns. The passenger, a 19 year old male, was filming content by hanging onto the train’s steps and leaning out of the carriage, resulting in his head colliding…
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DEPA proposes single window to boost digital tourism in Thailand
The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) called for the establishment of a single-window paradigm to streamline business operations for foreigners and bolster the digital-driven tourism industry in Thailand. This initiative aims to unify data exchanges among various state agencies, enhancing the ease of doing business. The proposed single window would function as a platform-as-a-service, operated via a centralised data portal…
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Toyota Fortuner crash injures six migrants after police chase
A Toyota Fortuner carrying nine illegal migrant workers flipped over multiple times after attempting to evade a police checkpoint, leaving several injured. The incident occurred around 1am yesterday, August 13, when officers from Sam Roi Yot Police Station set up a checkpoint on the Pranburi-Khao Daeng rural road at Ban Bang Pu intersection in Sam Roi Yot district, Prachuap Khiri…
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Cops investigate death of family from toxic fumes in Chon Buri
Officers from the Forensic Science Division and cops from Mueang Chon Buri Police Station returned to the scene of the three family members who tragically died in a bathroom at their home in Chon Buri. Forensic officers, led by Police Lieutenant General Trirong Piwpan, Chief of the Police Forensic Science Office, inspected the home. They set up air quality monitors…
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Wallet watch: Thai restaurants hungry for details on digital handout
Restaurant owners are on tenterhooks, waiting for vital details on the government’s digital wallet handout scheme. The Thai Restaurant Association reveals that operators are eagerly anticipating specifics on how they can use and convert digital cash. President Thaniwan Kulmongkol says restaurateurs are frustrated by the delay, as the Commerce Ministry has scrapped the August 5 press conference meant to explain…
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Motorbike rider arrested for wheelies in Pattaya tunnel
Police arrested a motorbike rider performing wheelies in a central Pattaya tunnel after a video of the incident went viral on social media. The rider is now facing legal action. A video clip showing a man performing wheelies on a motorcycle inside the Central Pattaya underpass quickly gained attention online. The clip, about 26 seconds long, shows the rider wearing…
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Thailand poised to profit amid US-China trade war
Thailand might be about to cash in on the US-China trade war. According to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE), the ongoing clash between Washington and Beijing could see a major boost in Thai exports as American buyers look to replace Chinese shipments that are in jeopardy. OIE Director-General Warawan Chitaroon stated that Thailand is a key manufacturing nation in…
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Chiang Mai residents rush to buy lottery tickets for August draw
Chiang Mai residents have been eagerly purchasing lottery tickets ahead of the August 16 draw, with popular numbers selling out quickly. The bustling market scenes across various districts reflect the high demand for these lucky numbers. By 8.30am today, August 14, the atmosphere was lively as locals scoured numerous lottery stalls for their desired numbers. Popular spots included morning markets…
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Tesla’s Thailand gamble: EV plans still in the slow lane
Tesla’s investment plans in Thailand remain uncertain as the Government of Thailand awaits confirmation from the United States-based electric vehicle (EV) maker. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke highlighted that Tesla is reassessing its global investment strategy, which has been affected by slowing sales growth and intense competition, particularly from Chinese EV manufacturers. Reports suggest Tesla aims to concentrate on its existing…
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