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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Jackpot seekers get a ‘lotto’ think about: Ten-year analysis reveals Thai lottery trends for June 16 draw
Lottery enthusiasts looking for tips for this month’s lottery may want to ponder over a ten-year retrospective analysis of Thai jackpot results for the upcoming June 16 draw, including the most common winning numbers. Looking back at the lottery results for June 16 from the Government Lottery Office in the past ten years, a pattern of frequently occurring numbers has been…
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Beach vendor apologises for misunderstanding over lounge chair slogan confusion
A recent misunderstanding between a beach chair vendor and a tourist in Cha-am Beach, Phetchaburi, resulted in the vendor being suspended from work for 15 days. The tourist had rented a chair for 400 baht and asked about the duration allowed. The vendor responded with the phrase “Sit for as long as you like, even for days,” which led to…
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Motorbike taxi driver helps nab gold thief in Pattaya
In Pattaya, a courageous motorbike taxi driver, known as a Win, assisted in apprehending an 18 year old gold thief yesterday. The young offender claimed that the high cost of living in the city drove him to commit the crime. The incident occurred at 3pm at the Yaowarat Gold Shop on South Pattaya Road, situated in the Nong Prue sub-district…
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Thailand among 13 countries eligible for Canada eTA, bypassing visa requirements
Canada now allows Thai tourists to enter without a visa, provided they have previously had a Canadian visa or hold a valid US visa. The Canadian government announced this change yesterday, extending its Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) programme to 13 countries, including Thailand. The Canadian government has revised its relocation and services programme to ensure greater efficiency and equality for…
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Thailand’s Big Data Institute to shape policies and boost economy
In a bid to harness the power of big data for social and economic progress, the Thai government has announced the creation of the Big Data Institute (BDI). This new public agency will focus on managing the vast amounts of data generated by the public and state agencies, and will be operational within 180 days. The BDI will replace the…
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Medical glove exports decline amid allergy concerns and easing Covid-19 cases
The export of medical gloves made from rubber latex is expected to continue its decline this year, as Covid-19 infections ease and some countries impose bans on natural rubber gloves due to allergy concerns, according to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE). The decline in glove exports has been significant since last year, impacting Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, said Warawan…
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Customs Chief orders probe into high-ranking official clearing illegal fuel truck
The Director of Thailand’s Excise Department ordered an urgent investigation into allegations of a high-ranking official calling to clear an illegal fuel transport operation. If found guilty, the official will be suspended or dismissed from service immediately. The operation led by a provincial excise officer resulted in the arrest of a 47 year old man accused of illegally possessing untaxed…
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Soldier death sparks rumours: Mother refutes claims of hazing over e-cigarette incident
A 21 year old Thai soldier was found dead in the barracks of an army camp in Saraburi Province, sparking rumours that he was punished for bringing an electronic cigarette into the camp. However, the deceased soldier’s mother has refuted these claims, stating his cause of death was unrelated to any physical abuse or a ruptured spleen, and the truth…
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Chinese streamer dies in alcohol challenge, second incident in a month
A popular Chinese live streamer, known online as Zhong Yuan Huang Ge, passed away on June 2 after indulging in excessive alcohol consumption during a live show to win a cash prize from his viewers. His death marks the second such incident within a month and highlights the dangers of internet fame mixed with alcohol challenges. Zhong Yuan Huang Ge,…
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Foreign investors sell 100 billion baht in Thai stocks and shares amid global rate rise
In the first five months of this year, foreign investors offloaded almost 100 billion baht worth of Thai shares, with 33.4 billion baht sold in May alone, due to increasing global interest rates and uncertainties surrounding the formation of a new government. Despite this, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) expressed optimism yesterday, believing that the recent easing of the…
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Depressed woman kills partner with hammer, hangs herself in tragic double death
A shocking tragedy unfolded as a Thai woman discovered her sister’s lifeless body hanging under the stairs at their home in Nakhon Nayok province. The search for her sister’s partner led her to find a second body, brutally beaten in the bathroom. Yesterday, authorities were called to a gruesome scene in a house near Mongkol Tham Park, in the Phrommani…
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A question that matters: What is a woman?
The question that had so many politicians stumped recently, a question that five years ago would make you think, why are you asking me such an obvious question? Well, it’s not 2018 anymore and the definition of a woman is no longer based on chromosomes and one’s ability to menstruate and mother a child. As we see in the recent…
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Thai family plagued by swarms of beetles struggles to eat and sleep
A family in Thailand‘s western Ratchaburi province faces a severe infestation of beetles, making their daily lives difficult as they struggle to eat, sleep, and conduct their regular routines. The 70 year old wooden house is the only one in the area affected by the insects, which have invaded various parts of the home, resulting in a desperate cry for…
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Older Thai woman’s abandoned bike found on bridge, personal belongings left behind
A 61 year old Thai woman suspiciously abandoned her vehicle on the Bang Pakong River Bridge, leaving shoes and personal belongings behind. Her 49 year old niece is uncertain of any problems she might have faced, which caused her to disappear in Thailand’s central Chachoengsao province. Officials from the Chachoengsao Police Station and Chachoengsao Rescue Unit examined an abandoned Honda…
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Tour bus catches fire on Sirat Expressway causing heavy traffic (video)
A tour bus caught fire on the Sirat Expressway’s outbound side in Bangkok, causing heavy traffic but no injuries or deaths. The bus carried 15 Polish tourists, a Thai guide, and a driver, 46 year old Kwonchit. The tour bus caught fire on the Sirat Motorway this morning, blocking the left lane and causing heavy traffic. The fire is under…
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Pattaya officials make waves, eyeing a ‘shore’ bet for new tourism landmark
Pattaya City officials yesterday gathered to discuss the possibility of creating a new tourism landmark on Pattaya Beach. The meeting was attended by various leaders, such as Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampiches, Surat Thepchaito, Director of the Tourism and Sports Office, and Nuttawut Iamsaad, Creative Director of Siam Commercial Company Limited. The proposed landmark would serve as a central point for…
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Pita Limjaroenrat’s PM bid threatened by iTV share controversy
Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP), is facing a legal challenge regarding his ownership of shares in iTV, an independent broadcaster. Although he has transferred these shares to his relatives, legal expert Jade Donavanik has argued that Pita’s eligibility for the role of prime minister still hangs in the balance. The issue revolves around whether iTV…
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Mystery surrounds drowning of missing 2 month old found under home
A 19 year old mother reported her 2 month old child missing before the baby was found drowned under the house. Police are investigating how the child fell as there was no apparent gap in the sleeping area for the baby to have fallen through. Veena (surname withheld), 19, informed the Pak Kret Police that her 2 month old son…
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Pattaya Beach vendors petition city to reverse parking ban impacting business
Pattaya Beach vendors have united in requesting the city of Pattaya to revoke a parking ban imposed on the beachside of Pattaya Beach in early March. The vendors, led by Wirawit Charoenrit Taweechok, claim that the ban has significantly impacted their businesses. They recently met with Pattaya Deputy Mayor Manoch Nongyai to discuss their concerns and issues with the order.…
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Aussie tourists support Pattaya restaurant owner after dine-and-dash incident
A heartwarming turn of events unfolded as a group of friends came together to support a local restaurant owner who had previously experienced an unfortunate incident in Pattaya, Thailand. The owner, Jinwara Rebedef, had recently fallen victim to a dine-and-dash customer at his Kin Kab Kia restaurant on Thepprasit Road. The story (read HERE) caught the attention of Paul Kinsey…
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Desperate search: Loved ones cross borders to find missing Chinese woman
Concerned family members and friends of the Chinese woman who went missing last week on the Thai-Myanmar border arrived in Thailand to try and find her. Two videos featuring Chong Sumyee, also known as Angie, have emerged, providing information about her whereabouts. The mother, brother, and friends of Angie arrived in Chiang Mai province yesterday, June 6. Angie’s mother, 51…
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Ghost hunter investigates eerie ex-DJ’s flat after haunting reports
After the mysterious death of a former DJ, whose body was found at a rental residence in Rayong province, a ghost hunter is investigating. This case drew the attention of Dr. Jiranphan Phetkhaw, a well-known psychic. Locals claimed to have seen the DJ’s ghost, while investigations into the cause of death continue. Dr. Jiranphan visited the room in the early hours…
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Millionaire takes China’s gaokao exam for 27th time, seeking university dream
In a sea of young students taking China’s rigorous “gaokao” college entrance exam on June 7, 56-year-old Liang Shi stands out as a grey-haired, self-made millionaire attempting the test for the 27th time. Liang has come a long way from working in a factory to founding a thriving construction materials business, but one ambition remains unfulfilled: achieving a high enough…
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American transwoman marries Thai woman, fuelling hopes for future of same sex marriage (video)
In a heartwarming story that transcended stereotypes, an American transwoman married her Thai partner in Thailand on Sunday, June 4. They hope their same-sex union will be accepted in the country. The touching tale gained widespread attention after a popular Thai makeup artist, known as Wave Make Up on TikTok, shared videos of the couple, introducing them to the online…
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Thai Buddhist monk’s daily life TikTok goes viral (video)
A video showing a day in the life of a Thai Buddhist monk went viral, garnering over 600,000 views within hours, as the TikTok vlog gained praise from netizens and increased interest in monastic life. Yesterday a Thai Buddhist monk using the TikTok handle @mek_tc posted a video blog (Vlog) offering a glimpse into the daily life of a monk.…
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Drunk driver hits motorcyclist, injures pedestrian before crash in Bangkok
A motorcyclist tragically lost her life when she was struck by a drunken pickup truck driver, who then went on to hit another woman. The driver, a 57 year old man, claimed he had a blackout caused by pre-existing health problems. The collision occurred yesterday at approximately 9pm, in the vicinity of the entrance to Soi Krungthep Kreetha 45, Thap…
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Woman burns to death in car at Pattaya reservoir in suspected suicide
A tragic incident occurred near the Mabprachan Reservoir in Pattaya, where a woman lost her life after setting herself on fire inside a parked car. The police believe it was suicide. The incident took place yesterday evening, June 5, when residents alerted the Pattaya Police and Sawang Boriboon rescuers about a car engulfed in flames. Upon arriving at the scene,…
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Thailand celebrates five cities designated as UNESCO Creative Cities
Thailand earns global recognition with five cities designated as UNESCO Creative Cities. Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri celebrated the achievement, emphasizing the cities’ diverse creative talents and cultural heritage in areas like gastronomy, crafts, folk arts, and design. Phuket was the first Thai city to be honoured with the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy status back in 2015. The island’s local…
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Power play on the border: Thai electricity authority shocks Myanmar towns with supply halt
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of Thailand halted the supply of electricity to two Myanmar border towns following a request from the Myanmar government. These towns, located across the Moei River, have been the site of significant illegal investments by groups of Chinese businessmen. Shwe Kokko and Ban Le Le Ko, both situated in Myanmar’s Karen State, are the two…
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Tourists deceived: Travel agency crew ‘unpacked’ by police on fraud charges in South Thailand
Six people from a travel agency have been apprehended by the Provincial Police on charges of fraud in Surat Thani, South Thailand. The suspects are accused of selling counterfeit overseas package tours to a minimum of 99 customers, resulting in damages amounting to 27 million baht. The six arrested allegedly include Sumontri Sonnong, Phanuda Thepchum, Kobsak Pensawat, and Wongchan Pensawat,…
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