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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Jealousy incites teen to stab Pattaya convenience store worker
A 16 year old boy stabbed a Pattaya convenience store employee with a knife after suspecting he was secretly talking to his girlfriend. Police were alerted to the stabbing yesterday at 12.36am. Chonlawit Athisansee, a Deputy Inspector at Pattaya City Police Station, received a report of the stabbing at a convenience store in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri…
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Thailand scraps controversial tourist tax scheme
In a dramatic U-turn, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the cancellation of the highly debated tourist tax. Initially proposed as a post-pandemic measure, the 300 baht tax at airports and 150 baht tax by land or sea, caused a storm of opposition from the travel industry due to its ambiguity and potential for confusion. The National Tourism Policy Committee…
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Modern-day Lazarus: Thai man rises from dead, runs 3km home
In an almost Biblical tale, a 59 year old Thai man in the Isaan province of Surin came back from the dead. A medical team managed to administer CPR to bring the dead man back to life. Remarkably, the modern-day Lazarus refused further treatment, climbed out of the ambulance and ran more than 3 kilometres back home. A 33 year…
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Snake in the tank: Slithery surprise at Lom Sak petrol station
A small snake caused a commotion at a petrol station in Lom Sak, Phetchabun, when it was discovered curled up by the fuel cap of a motorbike. The owner, who had stopped to refuel, was shocked by the unexpected visitor, prompting a call for rescue services. At around 12.15am today, the Sawang Mongkol Sathit Rescue Unit in Lom Sak received…
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Jetstar Asia launches new route from Singapore to Krabi
Jetstar Asia is soaring high with its latest addition to its flight network. Last Friday, the airline launched a new route from Singapore to the stunning resort destination of Krabi in southern Thailand, adding over 60,000 seats annually. The inaugural flight, 3K573, took off from Singapore Changi Airport at 7.32am local time (6.32am Thailand time) and landed in Krabi at…
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Two Burmese nationals arrested for illegal kebab shop in Krabi
Immigration officers in Krabi detained two Burmese nationals for illegally operating a kebab shop at Ao Nang Beach. The pair were caught in the act and failed to produce valid work permits or passports when asked by authorities. Head of Immigration Division 6, Police Major General Songprod Sirisukha led a team to conduct a series of inspections in an operation…
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Mother and child rescued from domestic abuse in Pathum Thani
The Thai authorities, led by an influencer rescued a 23 year old mother and her two year old child from a domestic abuse situation by the child’s 22 year old father in Pathum Thani. The father claimed he could not remember his actions. Influencer Kan Jompalang, with Khlong Luang Police Station officers, Police Colonel Kiattisak Mitprasat, Police Lieutenant Colonel Chalad Homngern,…
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Missing American in Phuket beach found dead
An American man who was swept away by a giant wave in front of his three year old son and Thai wife has been found dead on Nai Harn Beach, Phuket. The incident occurred on June 9 as the family was enjoying their time at the beach. His wife, 49 year old Siriamorn, and their young son were at Nai…
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Fake police officer collared in Bang Kapi for ‘uniform’ crime
A man was arrested in Bang Kapi yesterday for impersonating a police officer and using his fake status to steal a mobile phone. The suspect claimed he did it because he liked the uniform. The Thai police managed to track him down and make an arrest after a former colleague reported the crime. Police officials apprehended 45 year old Sanae…
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Thai man swindled out of 550,000 baht by online investment scam
A man from Nong Han district in Udon Thani has been driven to suicidal thoughts after being swindled out of 550,000 baht by an online scammer posing as an investment advisor. The scammer continues to taunt him daily, asking if he wants to invest more. The 42 year old victim, identified by the pseudonym Krob, had worked for 10 years…
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Bangkok probes corruption in exercise equipment procurement
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is intensifying its investigation into allegations of corruption related to the procurement of exercise equipment for public parks in Bangkok. Evidence pointing toward potential irregularities has emerged during an initial probe, prompting a more extensive inquiry. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and BMA Deputy Permanent Secretary Nathapong Disayabutra revealed the expansion plans following a board meeting.…
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Thailand weather alert: Heavy rain and flash floods expected
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a heavy rainfall warning across the country, advising the public to be cautious of potential flash floods and forest runoff. Additionally, waves up to 2 metres high are expected in the surrounding seas. The weather forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that a monsoon trough is passing through northern and upper northeastern Thailand and…
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Bangkok police raid leads to high-profile drug and fireman arrest
A police raid on a prominent Bangkok hotel yesterday ended in the apprehension of Naraset Thaiset and associates after seizing crystal methamphetamine and a firearm. Investigators from Metropolitan Police Division 1 executed the raid on June 10 at approximately 10.20pm following reports of drug activities in a hotel room located in Bang Kapi, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok. Naraset Thaiset, who…
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Thai crew saved from sinking cargo ship in Cambodian waters
Ten Thai crew members were rescued from a sinking cargo ship off the coast of Cambodia on Sunday. The harrowing ordeal unfolded on June 8 between Vang and Manas islands in Koh Ko Cang province. The Thai cargo vessel, en route to Cambodia, mysteriously sank, plunging its crew into peril. The cause of the sinking remains a mystery but preliminary…
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Sneaky senators: Hired votes spotted in upcoming election
As the upcoming Senate election round approaches, caretaker senator Somchai Swangkarn anticipates the revelation that certain individuals have been recruited solely to vote for candidates endorsed by specific political parties or interest groups. Somchai, who has consistently pointed out attempts to manipulate the Senate election outcomes, stated that a review of Sunday’s district-level voting results showed many applicants receiving no…
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Thai girl in critical condition after 1,000 baht drinking challenge
A 13 year old Thai girl remains in critical condition in an intensive care unit after being challenged to drink alcohol to win 1,000 baht at an ordination ceremony at a temple in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima. The girl’s grandmother, 72 year old Aui, filed a complaint against a Thai man who tricked her granddaughter, A, into drinking…
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7-Eleven restroom use in Thailand depends on branch discretion
Customers wondering whether they can use the restroom in the popular convenience store 7-Eleven during an emergency now have an answer. While in some countries customers can freely access store restrooms, the policy in Thailand is less straightforward. A query was recently posted on the website pantip.com, where a user asked, “Can we ask to use the restroom at 7-Eleven?”…
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25 percent of the human population has a hole in the heart
Imagine if you had a hole in your heart and didn’t even know it. Surprisingly, this is the reality for 25% of the population. This condition, known as patent foramen ovale (PFO), usually causes no symptoms and is often harmless. However, in some cases, it can lead to serious health problems. Here, we explore what PFO is, why it matters,…
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Minister brushes off cannabis protests, high on reclassification
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin downplayed the significance of protestors gathering outside of Government House to oppose the relisting of cannabis as a narcotic drug. Led by Prasitthichai Nunual of the People’s Network for Cannabis Legalisation in Thailand, approximately 300 pro-cannabis protesters started rallying yesterday. Somsak acknowledged the protesters were exercising their constitutional rights and making their voices heard by…
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PM orders probe into police gambling ring bribery claims
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin instructed the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) to investigate a controversial comment made in a Line group chat by the Phasi Charoen police superintendent, who accused his superior of allowing a gambling ring to set up slot machines in his jurisdiction. The 62 year old prime minister emphasised that any allegations of police bribery would be thoroughly…
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Domestic violence makes up 70% of recent cases in Thailand
Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa intensified efforts to curb domestic violence, highlighting the issue as a major concern in recent months. Domestic violence constituted almost 70% of all reported violence cases in the past two months. Varawut announced yesterday, June 10, following a meeting with senior ministry officials, that the Human Security Emergency Management Centre is ramping…
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Thailand takes flight with airlines to boost tourism in 2024
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is soaring to new heights, actively courting partnerships with a sky-high count of 11 international airlines to elevate both burgeoning and established markets in the latter part of this year. With the long-haul market expected to fly in at least 770 billion baht from a soaring flock of 10.8 million foreign visitors in 2024,…
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PM Srettha defends appointment of Pichit Chuenban
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin presented his defence to the Constitutional Court regarding the contentious appointment of politician Pichit Chuenban as PM Office minister. The defence, submitted last Friday, was acknowledged by PM Srettha who refrained from divulging the specifics when questioned by the media. “It’s more of a clarification. I have the duty to clarify, and I think I’ve covered…
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Fire at Chatuchak Market destroys 118 shops, kills 1,000 animals
A devastating fire broke out in the pet section of Chatuchak Market early this morning, destroying 118 shops and resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,000 animals. The fire, which started at around 4.30am, left employees scrambling for safety as thick smoke filled the area. Deputy Inspector of Bang Sue Police Station, Police Lieutenant Natthaphong Piyananwanich, received the fire report…
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Military officer’s “rank” behaviour caught on video, sparks probe
A senior military officer is under investigation after a video surfaced yesterday showing him threatening police officers and a woman, claiming, ‘Do you know who I am?’ and threatening to transfer the entire police station. The man in question, reportedly identified as a lieutenant general, reversed his vehicle towards a woman, almost causing an accident. He then engaged in a…
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Delivery driver crashes into canal after blackout from exhaustion
A delivery worker, who had been working continuously without a day off, suffered a blackout while driving and subsequently crashed his truck into a canal. The incident occurred around noon yesterday when officers from Chaiyaphruek Police Station received a report about a pickup truck that had veered off the road and fallen into a canal near Khun Mahathai Road in…
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Chicken vendors ‘squawk’ over soaring prices in South Thailand
Vendors in Nakhon Si Thammarat raised concerns about the sudden and unreasonable surge in chicken prices, questioning the silence and inaction of the Ministry of Commerce. The price hike has led to a ripple effect, impacting various sectors and consumers alike and mirrors a trend of rising prices nationwide. The recent spike in prices of fresh food products and raw…
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Pattaya minibus driver escapes after fatal motorbike crash
A tragic accident occurred when a motorbike crashed into the rear of a minibus parked on the road, leading to the death of the rider’s father. The incident took place at 5.36am yesterday on Sukhumvit Road, heading towards Pattaya, in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. Police officer Aphiwan Sritongrungthip received the report and, along with volunteers, arrived at the scene to…
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Chiang Mai statue restoration sparks debate over authenticity
The Chiang Mai governor coordinated with the Fine Arts Department to restore a 400 year old giant statue at a prominent historical temple, sparking criticism from an academic who argues that the restoration was inappropriate. The controversy began when an assistant professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts at Chiang Mai University, Surachai Jongjitngam criticised the restoration of a large…
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Koh Phayam fears Land Bridge project will disrupt island’s harmony
Koh Phayam, located 17 kilometres off the Andaman Sea coast, is known for its unspoiled forests and pristine beaches, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking peaceful recreation and the charming lifestyle of local fishers. Covering a 35km² area, it stands as the second largest island in Ranong Province. In recent years, Koh Phayam has garnered attention as a…
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