Thailand News
Discover the most recent and relevant news from across Thailand on The Thaiger’s National News page. Covering a wide range of topics, including politics, business, crime, and lifestyle, our dedicated team brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
Stay informed about the latest developments in Thai society, economy, and culture, as well as updates on travel, tourism, and expat life. With The Thaiger, you’ll never miss out on the essential news that matters to you.
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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 video news | Russian tourist in underwear clashes with Thai police in Phuket, South Korean president faces impeachment over martial law controversy
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex presents a captivating roundup of stories from Thailand and beyond. Highlights include a Russian tourist’s bizarre standoff with police in Phuket, a fire disrupting a Pattaya spa, and a Nigerian tourist’s arrest in Bangkok for illegal activities. Other notable stories feature an Indian tourist falling victim to robbery in Pattaya, a Thai woman caught…
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Gunmen attack soldiers aiding flood relief in Narathiwat
A tragic attack unfolded in Narathiwat, Thailand, yesterday, when gunmen ambushed military personnel repairing flood-damaged homes. The assailants, using M16 rifles, left one soldier dead and two others injured before fleeing on motorcycles. Police were alerted when Narawi Binwaearong, a local police officer, received reports of the violent incident involving paramilitary soldiers from the 4908th Ranger Company. The attack occurred…
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Phu Kradueng park closes after tourist tragedy with wild elephant
Phu Kradueng National Park will remain closed for the foreseeable future following a tragic incident involving a wild elephant that fatally attacked a tourist. Officials have been instructed to ensure visitors exit the area promptly and have prohibited access until further notice. The incident, which occurred yesterday, involved a wild elephant, reportedly in a state of musth (aggressive behaviour), returning repeatedly…
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Border bust: Thai cops ‘Myan-handle’ illegal entry gang
Thai police, in a joint operation, detained a group of people illegally entering the country, comprising 16 Myanmar nationals and a Thai man accused of facilitating their entry. The arrest took place near Ban Pa Kha Mai in the Kiri Rat subdistrict of Phop Phra district, Tak province. Officers from the Ratchamanu Task Force, along with the Long Range Patrol…
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Car accident in Samut Songkhram leaves two children orphaned
A tragic accident claimed the lives of a married couple when a car veered off course and collided with their motorcycle yesterday, December 12, in Samut Songkhram, leaving their two children orphaned. The incident occurred as the family was on their way to buy groceries for their bedridden grandmother. The driver of the car, visibly shaken and frightened, repeatedly expressed…
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Thai sub-district official accused of hiring scapegoat after hit-and-run
A Thai father accused an official from the sub-district administrative organisation in the Isaan province of Kalasin of hiring a scapegoat to plead guilty after a hit-and-run on November 2 that caused serious injuries to his son. The father, identified as Tam, revealed to Channel 7 that the accident occurred at around 2.30am on November 2, when his 22 year old son…
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Thai man arrested in Buriram for home intrusion searching for wife
A troubling incident unfolded yesterday in Buriram province involving a 35 year old Thai man who was apprehended by police after an unusual intrusion into a resident’s home. The man, yesterday, December 12, claimed he was searching for his wife, who he believed had run away with another man. The police were alerted by the village chief of Ban Samrong,…
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Young municipal worker drowns in Rayong River tragedy
A young municipal worker tragically drowned while cleaning the Rayong River, leaving his mother devastated by the loss. The 19 year old man disappeared beneath the water, raising his hand for help before succumbing to what is suspected to be a cramp. The incident occurred yesterday, December 12 at 4.30pm near the Rayong Kindergarten School in the Tha Pradu area…
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Woman with 12 warrants caught after chase in Roi Et
A woman with 12 arrest warrants, primarily for embezzlement and fraud, was apprehended by police after a chase through a wooded area in Roi Et province, Thailand. Despite the charges, she continues to deny any wrongdoing. Police officers, under the direction of Montri Tetsan, ordered the arrest of 41 year old Jirachaya, in response to a warrant issued by Khon…
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Pattaya flower seller boosts sales in Santa suit
A flower garland seller in Pattaya has been spotted donning a Santa Claus outfit, capturing the curiosity and admiration of both tourists and locals. At around 12.30pm yesterday, December 12, the festive figure was seen under the motorway overpass on Sukhumvit Road, engaging with drivers who paused at the traffic lights. The flower vendor, 37 year old Kritsada Boonsopa, shared…
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Thai police seize chemicals for illegal Etomidate e-cigarette mix
Bangkok police yesterday seized chemicals used to produce the drug Etomidate, which is being illegally mixed with e-cigarettes. This operation uncovered enough materials to create 600,000 units of the dangerous substance, capable of causing respiratory failure. The pursuit of four Chinese nationals involved is currently underway. At 1.30pm yesterday, December 12 a press conference was held at the Office of…
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Six arrested in South Thailand for call centre scams and firearms
Police apprehended six people suspected of being involved in call centre scams and the illegal trade of firearms. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) announced the arrest on Tuesday, December 10, indicating possible connections between the suspects and insurgency financing in Thailand’s southern regions. The arrests took place on December 10 in Songkhla and Yala provinces following numerous complaints related…
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Grandmother faces arrest over mysterious death of baby Pang
Police are preparing to issue an arrest warrant for the grandmother of one month old baby Pang, who died under mysterious circumstances after being in her care for only five days. The autopsy revealed subdural hematomas on both sides of the brain and bruising on the leg. The tragic death of baby Pang has left her parents in deep sorrow…
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Mother and daughter hurt in Honda Jazz crash on Ratchaphruek Road
A mother and her daughter were involved in a serious car accident after their Honda Jazz collided with a truck, causing their vehicle to veer off course and crash into a barrier. The incident, which led to their car overturning and blocking the road, occurred late yesterday evening. Following the initial crash, a subsequent collision took place when a pickup…
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PM Paetongtarn’s absence sparks debate over invasive fish issue
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s decision to skip the opening of the new House of Representatives session yesterday, December 12, sparked a contentious debate between the opposition and the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, a Bangkok representative from the opposition People’s Party (PP), voiced his frustration, expressing a desire for the prime minister to address the public on efforts…
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Cold air mass, monsoon rains hit Thailand, affecting 14 provinces
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warned of another cold air mass approaching, causing temperatures to drop by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius. The southern region faces heavy monsoon rains impacting 14 provinces, while Bangkok will experience rain and wind. The forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that a high-pressure area or cold air mass from China is now covering…
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Illegal jet ski crackdown in Phuket sees 17 more rentals shut down
Phuket’s relentless battle against illegal jet skis has made another big splash. A daring raid led by marine officials uncovered 17 unlicensed jet skis being used for illegal tourist rentals in the popular tourist spot of Laem Nga, Ratsada. The operation also extended to the picturesque islands of Koh Mali and Koh Pae, off Phuket’s east coast. Senior officials including…
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Thai man shares footage of woman jumping into his car at red light
A Thai man issued a warning to motorists in Chon Buri after an unknown woman entered his car while he was parked at a red light and urged him to continue driving without providing a clear destination. The Thai man shared dashcam footage of the woman entering his car with Channel 7. The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday, December 10,…
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Thai woman glued to phone hit by electric motorcycle in Pattaya
A dramatic accident unfolded on Pattaya Beach Road in the early hours of today, leaving three people injured after a woman, distracted by her phone, was struck by an electric motorcycle. Pattaya police responded to a call about the incident at 12.10am today, December 12, quickly coordinating with rescue volunteers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan. Upon arriving at the scene, officers…
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Thailand claims best worldwide destination at Irish Travel Awards
Thailand has once again stolen the spotlight on the global tourism stage, clinching the prestigious Best Worldwide Destination title at the Irish Travel Trade Awards (ITTN Awards) 2024. The glittering ceremony, hosted by Irish Travel Trade News, unfolded on November 29 at Dublin’s Clayton Hotel, Burlington, with over 5,000 travel agents casting their votes for excellence in travel and tourism.…
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Sizzling drama: Fire sparks chaos at Pattaya spa
A fiery drama unfolded in Pattaya yesterday morning when a blaze broke out in a popular spa on Pattaya Third Road. Thankfully, quick action by firefighters ensured no injuries occurred but the incident left staff and volunteers shaken. Pattaya’s Disaster Prevention officials, joined by local police, firefighters, and Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation volunteers, raced to the scene at the…
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Labour Ministry steps up protection for migrant workers in Thailand
The Labour Ministry is taking decisive steps to safeguard the welfare of migrant workers while ensuring they do not occupy jobs designated for Thai nationals. A workshop was conducted to train a specialised team tasked with overseeing the employment conditions of migrant workers and ensuring adherence to labour laws. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn presided over the workshop, which took place…
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Pad Kaprao strikes back: Thailand’s favourite dishes revealed
Pad Kaprao is back on top! Foodpanda’s 2024 year-end statistics unveiled the nation’s culinary obsessions, and the spicy basil stir-fry has reclaimed its throne as Thailand’s most-ordered dish with over 800,000 orders. After losing the crown to fried rice in 2023, Pad Kaprao has made a fiery comeback, even earning international accolades as the world’s best stir-fried dish, according to…
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Chiang Rai couple arrested for illegal online lottery operation
A couple from Chiang Rai has been apprehended by cyber police for operating an illegal online lottery and gambling website, with monthly financial transactions amounting to millions. They advertised their services via Facebook, leading to their eventual capture and subsequent legal proceedings. Today, December 12, several high-ranking officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, including Trirong Phiwpan, Wiwat Khamchanan, and…
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Thai official sacked after exposing 500-million-baht inheritance fraud
A government official is seeking justice after being dismissed for exposing alleged corruption and document fraud linked to a 500-million-baht inheritance. The victim, Thanyarot, sought assistance from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after being sacked from her workplace of 10 years for exposing the truth. She stated that some colleagues accused her of unethical behaviour, which ultimately led to her dismissal.…
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Pattaya karaoke raid uncovers illegal workers and minors
Police raided a Pattaya karaoke venue, uncovering illegal employment of foreign women and detaining eight tourists who tested positive for drugs. The operation also revealed four minors, under 14 years old, inside the venue, leading to serious charges. Early today, December 12, Thai law enforcement led a significant raid on a karaoke establishment in Pattaya, Thailand. The operation was spearheaded…
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Phu Kradueng National Park shuts down after elephant attack
Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province has been closed indefinitely after a wild elephant attacked and killed a female tourist. The Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), Atthaphon Charoenchansa, has vowed swift action to ensure safety. In a chilling revelation, the same elephant has returned to the area where the attack occurred,…
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Thailand leads ASEAN in gold-driven financial growth, inclusion
Gold’s role in providing financial stability amid global uncertainties is gaining attention as the world moves into 2025. Traditionally linked to prosperity and wealth in Thai culture, gold remains a symbol of celebration during significant family events such as weddings and birthdays. Despite societal changes, gold’s cultural significance continues to drive strong consumer demand in Thailand, evidenced by the nation’s…
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Seven arrested in Songkhla for 2 million baht scam and gun trade
Seven young adults were arrested in Songkhla’s Mueang district for orchestrating a complex scam that defrauded victims of nearly 2 million baht (US$59,170) and subsequently funding the illegal production of firearms for sale. The arrests took place following an investigation into fraudulent activities conducted by a gang that targeted individuals through random calls, convincing them to invest in a scheme…
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Tragedy on Phuket bridge: Motorcyclist killed in late-night crash
A tragic late-night collision on Phuket’s notorious Kojan Bridge claimed the life of a motorcyclist just before midnight yesterday, December 11. The crash occurred on Rattanakosin 200 Pi Road in Phuket Town, prompting police to rush to the scene at 11.54pm. Arriving officers found a white Toyota Hilux Vigo, registered locally, stopped in the middle of the road. The driver,…
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