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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Chaiyaphum double murder: On the run security guard finally apprehended after fatal shooting
An investigation into the fatal shooting of two people in Chaiyaphum province is currently underway. A 54 year old security guard is believed to have acted out of spite, using a .38 calibre handgun in the grizzly event that unfolded on July 30. The victims are identified as 72 year old Wicha, his brother-in-law, and 31 year old Phongthorn, a…
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Thai woman with golden face tickles taxi driver’s funny bone on TikTok
In a humorous incident that amused Thai netizens, a woman from Thailand, took to TikTok to apologise to a taxi driver whom she had inadvertently startled with her golden face. The woman, Nitcha Punnapon, had her face covered in gold leaves after undergoing the Na Na Thong ceremony, and it had quite a surprising effect on the unsuspecting cabbie. Sharing…
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ASEAN Heritage Parks status granted to three Thai nature reserves
Three Thailand nature reserves have been recognised by the prestigious ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs). Government representative Rachada Dhnadirek yesterday announced the good news that Phu Kradueng National Park, Phu Khieo Wildlife Forest Reserve, and Nam Nao National Park all made the distinguished list. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment received the information during their recent attendance at the 34th…
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Young Thai woman tragically killed after violent assault by jealous boyfriend in Chon Buri
A 23 year old woman fell victim to a brutal assault by her jealous boyfriend, culminating in her death. Initial claims suggested the situation was a mere conversation about splitting up but it escalated into a fierce argument, and tragically, a physical altercation. Around 10pm yesterday, police officials from Chon Buri City Police Station received a report about a severe…
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Global rice trade shook by El Nino, politics, and embargo in Thailand
In the face of mounting global food security concerns, the impact of El Niño weather patterns and international political disruptions are causing serious upheavals in the farming landscape, particularly in major global rice-producing countries. Compounding the issue is Russia’s recent withdrawal from a vital agreement, which previously ensured the uninterrupted transport of Ukrainian grain goods through the Black Sea region.…
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Cyberattack: Thai cybercrime suspects arrested for 77 million baht luxury vintage car scam
The suspects thought to be behind the cyberattack on the Department of Land Transport (DLT) were yesterday taken into custody. The breach caused damages estimated at a colossal sum of 77.35 million baht. The two suspects, 38 year old Satian and 44 year old Sarisorn, are expected to face charges for introducing false information into the computer system and unlawfully…
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Thaksin Shinawatra’s return to Thailand delayed amid prime ministerial vote postponement
The return of Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand and reputed de facto head of the Pheu Thai Party, has been delayed. The strategy appears aimed at facilitating his smooth return, once a government led by his party comes into play, disclosed an unnamed source within Pheu Thai yesterday. The initial return plan for Thaksin was for Thursday, August…
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Heavy rain probable across Thailand due to southwesterly monsoon influence
The latest weather update indicates a 60% chance of heavy rain in the northern, northeastern, and eastern regions, and Bangkok today. The southwesterly monsoon blowing across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand is the cause, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast for the next 24 hours. The monsoon, accompanied by a low-pressure area near the coast…
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Disturbing dream leads to exhumation: Thai man’s grave unearthed 26 years after burial
In a shocking turn of events, a body buried in a cemetery 26 years ago within the Nakhon Si Thammarat province was found trapped under concrete, a fact brought to light when the deceased, identified as Noppadol, manifested in his sister’s dream, claiming he was unable to breathe. Dokmai, his 48 year old sister, was forced to face the horrific…
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Thai tourism stays firm amid debt rise, 200 million domestic trips targeted
Despite a backdrop of tepid consumption, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) remains steadfast in its pursuit of 200 million domestic tourism trips within the current year. Data from a survey conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce paints a rather gloomy picture of increased household debt levels, up by 11.5% this year from last year. It…
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Fatal fireworks explosion in Narathiwat linked to local smuggling network
Narathiwat witnessed a tragic incident recently as a fireworks storehouse exploded. The owners of the premises, a couple, Sompong Nakul and Piyanuch Peungwirawat, both 42 years old, are believed to have fled to Malaysia, according to the local police following the unfortunate fireworks explosion. There are also reports that their trade has connections with significant figures in the southern Thai…
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Vegetable truck found smuggling 52 illegal immigrants in western Thailand
In a shocking discovery, a vegetable transport truck was found to be smuggling 52 illegal immigrants in the Mae Sot district of western Thailand. This startling revelation happened during a joint police and special border task force operation on the Mae Sot-Tak Road, at the Huai Hin Fon inspection point, in the Mae Sot district today. While on duty, officials…
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Body parts of a foreign man found in trash bag on Koh Pha Ngan
A garbage truck driver today stumbled upon some human body parts in a trash bag at a waste yard on Koh Pha Ngan, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. It is believed the body parts belong to a foreign man because the shape and size of the body are different from Thai people. Koh Pha Ngan Police…
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Elephant-friendly future possible: Thailand shifts from exploitative tourism to conservation
Elephants: fading into history or stepping into a brighter future? In Thailand, these enormous and intelligent creatures have woven themselves into the very fabric of the country’s heritage and traditional beliefs. Over the centuries, they’ve become emblematic of Thailand thanks to their substantial contributions to warfare, transport, and heavy labour, all of which are largely credited to their immense strength…
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Big Joke acknowledges corrupt police officers linked to firework warehouse explosion
The Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, acknowledged the presence of corrupt police officers within the force. He ensured to investigate the public’s concern over corruption allegations linked to the firework warehouse explosion. Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn stepped forward to expose the corruption within the RTP that may have played a role…
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Parliament’s prime delay: PM selection meeting postponed as Constitution Court weighs Pita renomination
Parliament President Wan Muhamad Nor Matha (Wan Nor) officially announced today that the prime minister selection meeting, scheduled for tomorrow, is postponed until further notice. The delay is a result of the postponement of the Constitution Court to decide on the renomination of Pita Limjaroenrat as a PM candidate. The Thai Ombudsman last week requested the Constitution Court to determine…
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Undercover officer fatally shot in Pattani: Potential drug trafficking link being investigated
A 29 year old undercover law enforcement officer was fatally shot last night following his return from investigating drug trafficking in Mayor district, Pattani Province. Currently, police are conducting an urgent probe into the incident to discern the motive and the assailants. After receiving a report of a fatal shooting incident involving a police officer on Chonlatarn Road in Mayor,…
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Terror in Pattaya: Burmese ‘gangsters’ nabbed for gun roleplay with Kuwaiti tourists
Police apprehended two Burmese men following the emergence of a video of a foreign man holding a gun to the head of a Kuwaiti tourist and threatening about 10 of his fellow countrymen in Pattaya. The suspects admitted their involvement but insisted they were only playing a gangster role in response to the tourists’ request. The incident was brought to…
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Phuket’s fiery pursuit: Officials strive to spark safety but no fireworks fouls found yet ahead of Vegetarian Festival
In their continuous push to secure safety measures in Phuket fireworks stores, officials have not yet identified any businesses operating breaches of critical safety regulations. The investigations, which sparked on July 30, are the aftermath of a tragic explosion at a firework warehouse in Narathiwat. The devastating event resulted in 12 deaths and left 121 people injured. Read more about…
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Wave-riding rebels: Phuket probe targets speedboat drivers who ignored safety notice
An investigation is currently underway concerning two speedboat drivers who allegedly flouted a safety notice issued by the Phuket Marine Office. This unfolded on Tuesday, August 1 when the captains reportedly displayed reckless behaviour by navigating their boats precariously in large waves and powerful winds whilst making their way back from Phi Phi Island. The probe into the conduct of these…
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Crime-cracking capers: ECD raids warehouse, nabs Chinese owner, seizes 100,000 tax avoided treasures in Bangkok
Police officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) raided a warehouse in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok, resulting in the arrest of its Chinese owner and the seizure of over 100,000 items of tax-avoided goods worth more than 10 million baht. The ECD received a tip-off regarding the importation of tax-avoided and pirated goods from abroad, specifically stored in…
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Unseen gunman in Phuket hotel shooting leaves two wounded, police intensify search
In the early hours of today, a terrifying gun attack unfolded outside a well-known hotel in Patong, Phuket, leaving two young men wounded. The unknown assailant, who drove a dark sedan, fled the scene immediately, igniting an urgent police search. At 4am today, the unchecked violence broke the tranquillity of residents in Phuket. Upon receiving reports of a shooting, Police…
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Boozy pickup crash: 56 year old drunk’s collision with 18-wheel lorry in central Thailand
A heavy-drinking 56 year old man lost control of his pickup truck and crashed into an 18-wheel lorry parked on the side of the road in Chachoengsao Province, central Thailand. The truck was heavily damaged, and officials quickly responded, providing emergency assistance and transportation to the hospital. Somprasong Sai-in, an investigative officer at Bang Pakong Police Station, today revealed that…
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MFP calls out Pheu Thai Party’s lies on lese majeste law revision
The Move Forward (MFP) yesterday accused the Pheu Thai Party of lying. The MFP insist the Pheu Thai Party never requested them to withdraw their plan to revise the lese majeste law. The Pheu Thai Party yesterday announced an official split from the MFP and six other aligned parties, which had earlier agreed to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding…
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Indian man steals money from Thai vendors near Bangkok
A cunning serial thief stole 950 baht from a Thai vendor in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. The Indian man in question reportedly stole money from many other shops using the same smoke and mirror trick. The victim, Kanticha, revealed to the media that the incident occurred on July 31 at her noodles shop in the Bang Bua Thong district of…
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Nitric acid leak prompts emergency response in Bangkok: Investigation underway
A chemical emergency has struck the Prawet district, in Bangkok following a leak of nitric acid. Authorities, including a specialised team from the Lat Yao Fire Station, swiftly arrived at the scene to prevent further spread. The property owner, who utilises the chemical acid for stainless steel work, possesses the correct permit, but authorities will conduct further investigation to ensure…
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New flower species discovered in Thai wildlife sanctuary by researchers
In the lush Hala Bala Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Betong district of Yala province, researchers have made a remarkable discovery, two new species of flowers, belonging to the Annonaceae family – which hosts the well-known custard apple – have been identified by a team from Prince of Songkla University (PSU). The finding was announced this week by Charan Leeratiwong,…
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Thai military seize 1.2 million cannabis-tinged meth pills worth 100 million baht
A major drug bust occurred yesterday, when a joint task force of Thai military and law enforcement officials seized over 1.2 million meth pills, with a new formula containing cannabis, from a transit point along the Mekong River, Nakhon Phanom. Some of this haul was contained in sophisticated dehumidifying packaging featuring unique stamps. Sources speculate the drugs were intended for the…
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Notorious bike theft gang behind 10 million baht of stolen Honda motorcycles nabbed by Thai police
In a relentless pursuit, the law enforcement authorities of Region 4 Crime Suppression Division apprehended the key suspect of a notorious motorcycle theft syndicate. The gang mainly targeted the popular Honda PCX model, smuggling over 60 of these stolen bikes to neighbouring countries and amassing over 10 million baht. The capture took place yesterday, when police officers, led by Captain…
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Thai couple arrested for child abuse leading to blindness: Mother confesses
Police yesterday arrested a 30 year old woman, and her 36 year old husband in connection with the continued inflicted child abuse on a five year old girl leading to her near blindness, in West Thailand. Relatives of the girl had appealed for help after realising that her blindness was due to prolonged cruelty. Her biological mother, Kesorn, and stepfather, Atthaphon,…
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