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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Thailand celebrates UN’s International Day of Happiness
Thailand is basking in the glow of happiness as it marks the International Day of Happiness, a celebration initiated by the United Nations on March 20 (today). This year, the nation has every reason to rejoice as it ascends two places in the global happiness index, landing at an impressive 58th spot, though trailing behind regional counterparts like Singapore, the…
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Thai health ministry assures data security amid breach rumours
The Public Health Ministry of Thailand, under the leadership of Cholnan Srikaew, assured the public of the safety and security of patient data in their system. This response was prompted by a rumour suggesting a breach that exposed the personal information of more than 2.2 million Thai citizens. The rumour originated from the Rural Doctors Society (RDS), which alleged that…
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Thai govt’s cash splash: 500 billion baht digital wallet green light
With a budget proposal of 3.48 trillion baht (US$96.5 billion) for the fiscal year under discussion, the Government of Thailand is determined to proceed with a significant 500-billion-baht (US$13.8 billion) digital wallet handout scheme, according to Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat. During the parliamentary debate, Julapun stated the possible necessity of securing a loan via a bill to finance the…
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Legal team denies Big Joke’s involvement with BNK Master
The legal team of Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn aka Big Joke divulged that nearly 30 police officers are being implicated in a corruption scandal linked to an illicitly operated online gambling network known as BNK Master. The officers under scrutiny are thought to have been involved in receiving underhand payments from the network, which has also implicated Big Joke.…
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Brewing partnership blends for anti-ageing coffee, health innovation
To revolutionise healthcare, Revomed Group and Mahidol University have joined in a partnership aimed at crafting cutting-edge health products including anti-ageing coffee and advancing research. Associate Professor Dr Sarawut Thepanondh, Dean of the Public Health Faculty at Mahidol University, unveiled the ambitious five-year collaboration, highlighting its focus on product development, knowledge enhancement, and brand elevation. Under this dynamic project, Mahidol…
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Hotels drop room checks, boost guest trust and speed up check-out
The hotel industry‘s shift away from pre-departure room inspections offers a glimpse into evolving customer service and security protocols. In the past, hotel check-ins involved a deposit, which was returned post-verification of the room’s condition at check-out. Today, however, most establishments have abandoned this practice, streamlining the departure process. The foundational shift in hotel policies is largely due to more…
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Thailand government warns against lottery ticket scams
The Government Lottery Office (GLO) issued a warning about the risks associated with purchasing lottery tickets from unauthorised platforms and automated vending machines. The concern arises from incidents where buyers have not received the physical lottery tickets, potentially compromising their ability to claim prizes. With the rise of various online platforms and vending machines claiming to sell lottery tickets without…
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Hong Kong national security law tightens its grip
Hong Kong’s lawmakers unanimously greenlit a new national security law, unleashing a wave of concerns over the erosion of civil liberties. The legislation, dubbed the Safeguarding National Security Bill, sailed through the Legislative Council, stacked with Beijing loyalists, in a move critics condemn as a hammer blow to dissenting voices. The controversial law, reminiscent of Beijing’s grip on power, arms…
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Thailand grapples with hazardous air quality in 30 provinces
Air pollution has escalated to crisis levels in 30 provinces across Thailand, with PM2.5 readings exceeding the safety threshold, particularly affecting the health of residents in 11 areas. The highest recorded level of these harmful particulates in the country, at 146.0 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³), was in Mae Hong Son today, March 20. The Air Pollution Solution and Communication…
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Facebook Thailand launches ‘Take It Down’ to combat sextortion
To combat online exploitation, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, unveils the Take It Down programme in Thailand. Aimed at empowering teens to reclaim their digital privacy, the initiative marks a pivotal step in the fight against sextortion. In a press conference held at Meta’s Thailand office, Malina Enlund, Meta’s APAC Safety Policy Manager, highlighted the significance of the programme.…
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Thai woman targeted by ex’s crew at Pattaya pub
A 34 year old Thai woman recounted a horrifying assault outside a Pattaya pub, leaving her battered and bruised. Apasara Sritampawa, speaking to reporters, detailed the horrifying ordeal she endured at the hands of a group of tomboys and boys in the early hours of March 16. She shared how a seemingly innocent night turned into a nightmare, with her…
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Thai teacher gets two years for false lottery ticket theft claim
A sensational lottery scandal in Thailand’s Kanchanaburi province ended yesterday with the sentencing of Preecha Kraikruan, a 56 year old local Buddhist teacher. The Kanchanaburi Provincial Court handed down a two-year incarceration sentence for falsely accusing a 68 year old retired law enforcement officer, Police Lieutenant Jaroon Wimool, of the theft of lottery tickets that won a 30 million baht…
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Phuket cops raid gambling den, 4 Russians and Ukrainian arrested
A gambling den in Ratsada, north of Phuket Town, was raided by the Phuket Provincial Police and Phuket City Police in the early hours of today, resulting in the arrest of four Russian nationals and a Ukrainian. The operation, which was executed following an insider tip-off, occurred at a site on Thepkrasattri Road in Moo 6, Ratsada, in the vicinity…
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Chinese financier faces 50 years for illegal transnational surrogacy
The Criminal Court handed down a 50-year prison sentence to a Chinese financier and his Thai cohorts for orchestrating a transnational surrogacy syndicate. A Chinese financier, Ran Zhao, along with his three Thai partners known as Thamnoon, Nopporn, and Nikhom, received a hefty sentence after being found guilty of spearheading a notorious transnational criminal enterprise and running commercial surrogacy operations…
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Thai workers anticipate 41% pay rise due to AI skills acquisition
A recent report reveals that Thai workers anticipate a significant salary increase of over 41% through the acquisition of artificial intelligence (AI) skills. This surge also promises to catalyse career advancement. The report reveals that by 2028, AI will be embedded in approximately 98% of Thai organisations. These statistics underscore the growing importance of AI-skilled employees, with 94% of employers…
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Thai police colonel commits suicide in Uthai Thani
A high-ranking Thai police officer committed suicide yesterday evening, sparking an investigation into the circumstances that led to the drastic move. The incident, involving Police Colonel Kosol Jaipechdee, took place at a busy intersection in Uthai Thani province, directly in front of a well-known shopping complex. The provincial police chief, Major General Narongdech Saksumboon, visited the scene to oversee the…
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Minivan crash on Sukhumvit Road injures 10, dog to blame
A minivan swerved to avoid a dog, lost control, and crashed into a tree on Sukhumvit Road, leaving 10 passengers injured, five critically. The incident occurred today, March 20, as confirmed by Deputy Inspector Santi Pakkaratho of Pak Nam Prasae Police Station, who rushed to the scene with medical personnel and rescue workers from the Buddhasadsongkroh Rescue Foundation. At the…
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UK Foreign Secretary Cameron elevates trade links in Thailand
United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Cameron arrives in Bangkok today in a bid to strengthen trade and economic ties between the politically beleaguered UK and the burgeoning Thailand. The former British prime minister intends to sign a UK-Thai strategic partnership roadmap on his inaugural visit to the Indo-Pacific region. This roadmap is designed to enhance collaboration on defence, healthcare, and…
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Pickup truck crashes into house in Nonthaburi, injuring four
A late-night crash in Nonthaburi province saw a pickup truck slamming into a house wall, injuring four women. The incident occurred yesterday at 11.45pm near Wat Sri Khet, Pak Kret district. The police swiftly responded to the emergency, transporting the injured to various hospitals. At the scene, an Isuzu pickup with a damaged front was discovered obstructing the road. Among…
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Thailand Video News | Pregnant Thai woman seeks justice after Russian assault, Sever storm alerts across Thailand
In this video, join Alex and Jay as they cover the diverse news across the country. From the looming threat of severe summer storms casts a shadow over 45 provinces, a pregnant woman’s ordeal at the hands of a Russian national igniting social media. Amidst these headlines, acts of compassion emerge in Pattaya as locals aid a mentally ill Russian…
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Massive illegal gambling hub in Nonthaburi busted with 300 held
A major illegal gambling den, with daily transactions estimated at 100 million baht (US$2.8 million), was raided by the Department of Provincial Administration in Bang Yai district, Nonthaburi Province. The operation, which took place at 9pm yesterday, March 19, resulted in approximately 300 gamblers being detained. The clandestine establishment, disguised as a single-story warehouse in the Bang Mae Nang sub-district,…
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Thai cops uncover British man’s drug stash in Phuket
A British man is facing a lifetime behind bars after Thai cops swooped on his hotel room and reportedly found a significant stash of illegal drugs. The British man, Stephen Mullady, was arrested on the spot for suspected cocaine dealing. The father of one, who had been socialising with friends, was arrested by Thai police who allegedly uncovered various illegal…
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Elderly woman fatally crashes into rice field in Udon Thani, two injured
An elderly woman fatally crashed into a rice field yesterday afternoon in the Kum Pha Wa Pi district of Udon Thani province, leaving two seriously injured. The 70 year old woman driving to a medical appointment yesterday, March 19, suddenly lost control of her vehicle, which veered off the road and overturned several times before coming to a stop in…
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Man dies in collision with fuel tanker on Chon Buri motorway
A road accident claimed the life of a 63 year old man when his car collided with the rear of a 10,000-litre fuel tanker yesterday at 5.30am on the motorway in Chon Buri Province. At the crash site near the Khaolam interchange at kilometre marker 80+800 on the inbound lane to Bangkok, authorities found a wrecked Nissan Sunny with Bangkok…
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Health riders revolutionise medication delivery
To transform healthcare accessibility, volunteers dubbed “health riders” are poised to bring medicines directly to patients’ doorsteps, following a successful trial period. Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, unveiling the service on Monday, March 18, announced its rollout to cater initially to 30-baht plus universal healthcare beneficiaries across 32 provinces. This innovative initiative, part of the 30-baht plus healthcare scheme, ensures…
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Thai Cabinet grants 300 million baht for northern provinces
A significant financial boost of 300 million baht (US$8.3 million) has been granted by the Thai Cabinet for the development of 13 projects aimed at tourism growth across four northern provinces; Phayao, Chiang Rai, Phrae, and Nan. The decision was made during a mobile meeting in Phayao, overseen by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin during his two-day visit to the region.…
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Drunk American flees horror crash leaving British family shattered in Thailand
A drunk American man is on the run after a horror smash left a British family of three hospitalized in Thailand. The British man fears unless the fugitive is brought to justice he will continue to drink and drive and cause mayhem after showing no remorse after the crash. Thai police are actively pursuing the American, who is accused of…
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Summer storm alert for 45 Thai provinces including Bangkok
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe summer storm warning for 45 provinces, including Bangkok, as strong winds, thunderstorms, hail, and occasional lightning struck at 5am today, March 20. It is the seventh summer storm warning issued by the TMD this year. A moderate high-pressure system from China extended its reach over northern Thailand and the South China Sea,…
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Thailand enforces ban on maize imports from field burning regions
The Government of Thailand has given the green light to a ban on maize imports from regions notorious for field burning, a practice contributing to the annual smog crisis. This legislation is slated to come into force within the year. This action is part of a broader strategy to mitigate the recurring smog issue, which the government primarily attributes to…
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Three workers injured in central Thailand construction collapse
Three workers were seriously injured in a devastating incident that unfolded yesterday at a water gate construction site in the Phutthamonthon district of Nakhon Pathom province. A concrete beam collapsed, trapping three workers under the debris. It took a half-hour rescue operation before the victims could be freed. Two of the workers sustained severe injuries, while another suffered minor injuries.…
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