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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Lightning strikes rocket festival in Prachinburi, injuring two women
Lightning struck during a rocket festival at Wat Rattanettaram today, May 5, in Nadi district, Prachinburi, injuring two women who collapsed unconscious. Strong winds and rain accompanied the incident, prompting quick action from emergency services to assist the injured. The public relations department of the Sajja Buddha Dharma Foundation of Thailand in Kabin Buri district reported receiving a notification about…
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Thai man on the run after raping disabled neighbour in Lop Buri
A Thai man evaded arrest after allegedly raping a disabled female neighbour in the central province of Lop Buri. The victim reportedly appeared visibly distressed whenever she passed the rapist’s house. Residents of the Ban Bang Li community in Tha Wung district expressed sympathy for the victim and sought help from social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet. Gun, along with…
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Gunfire near Thai border kills 2 Lao soldiers, bullet hits Thai home
At least two Lao soldiers were killed in a clash with an armed group near the Thai border in Chiang Rai, with a stray bullet piercing the roof of a Thai home, officials confirmed. The gunfire erupted in Laos’ Paktha district, Bokeo province, opposite Wiang Kaen district in Chiang Rai. The incident, believed to be connected to a recent drug…
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Condo owner denies keeping deposit after Ukrainian woman trashes room
A condominium owner in Phuket denied accusations of cheating a Ukrainian woman who damaged her property. She clarified that the woman was not her tenant, but the girlfriend of her actual tenant, a Russian man. The Thai woman, Praphaphan Meesomboon, took to her Facebook page last week to share images of her damaged condo unit. The photos showed walls defaced…
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Unlicensed healer under scrutiny after brain tumour patient’s death
A Thai woman blamed an unlicensed healer in the central province of Prachin Buri for the death of her mother, who suffered from brain tumours. The woman died two weeks after consuming a herbal drink and receiving an injection of an unidentified drug. The woman shared the story of her late mother, 61 year old Nit, on social media platforms. She…
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Raw pork fever claims two lives in Thailand outbreak
Two fatalities were recorded due to a recent raw pork fever outbreak, prompting public health officials to caution against consuming raw meat. Symptoms include high fever and muscle aches, especially in those with a history of eating raw pork. Immediate medical consultation is advised. Today, May 5, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin reported that there are three confirmed cases of…
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Thai tomboy hospitalised after sedan driver rams and assaults her
A Thai tomboy is seeking justice after a man crashed his sedan into her motorcycle and physically assaulted her on a road in the central province of Pathum Thani on Saturday, April 3. The 25 year old victim, Thipchanok, was hospitalised at Bangpakok Hospital 2 in Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani, following the incident. She turned to her university Facebook group for…
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Thailand video news | Ladyboy brawl sparks image concerns in Phuket, Serial concrete attacker caught in Bangkok
From viral brawls in Phuket to tourism surges in Ho Chi Minh City, today’s top stories highlight a region balancing growth, image, and safety. Thailand grapples with public disturbances, cultural soft power strategies, and transport incidents, while neighbouring countries address trade tensions, infrastructure upgrades, and tragic accidents. These diverse headlines capture the pulse of Southeast Asia’s shifting social and political…
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Krabi national park vows to punish foreign tourist feeding monkeys
National park rangers are searching for a foreign tourist who was captured on a viral video feeding monkeys at Monkey Bay in the southern province of Krabi. The Thai freelance tour guide, Pokpong “Patrick” Suwannasith, shared the video on his Facebook account yesterday, May 4. In the footage, a foreign man can be seen holding a bag of crisps and…
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Foreign man slaps Phuket taxi driver and rams van in separate incidents
Local news agencies and residents in Phuket are demanding police action against a foreign man who was caught on a viral video slapping a Thai taxi driver in the face in the middle of the road. A Thai motorist shared dashcam footage of the incident with the Facebook news page Phuket Times, yesterday, May 4. The assault reportedly occurred on…
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Former village head arrested for fatal shooting in Samut Prakan
A former village head in Samut Prakan was apprehended following an incident where he shot his nephew and niece-in-law. The shooting took place in Samut Prakan, and the gunman was detained in Chon Buri. The incident occurred at the couple’s residence on Soi Boonthanom, Samrong subdistrict, Phra Pradaeng district, where a dispute over a planned modification of a shared wall…
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Foreign restaurateurs accused of stealing menu from Bangkok eatery
A Thai restaurant in the Central Embassy shopping mall in Bangkok exposed the actions of a foreign couple who stole two menu books on April 29, reportedly intending to copy them to operate a restaurant in their home country. The well-known restaurant, Kaithong Original, shared CCTV screenshots of the couple on its official page on May 1, accompanied by a…
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Thai motocross rider dies in cliff fall after fleeing wasps
A Thai motocross rider lost his life after falling from a cliff in the central province of Saraburi while fleeing a swarm of wasps on Friday, May 2. A group of more than 10 motocross riders sought help from the Ruam Katanyu Rescue Foundation after one of their friends, 38 year old Noppadon Nakyot, went missing in the forest on…
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Bangkok police seize 34,000 counterfeit perfumes worth 4.3m
The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) carried out a recent operation in Bangkok, leading to the seizure of over 34,000 counterfeit branded perfumes smuggled from China, valued at 4.3 million baht. Commander Pattanasak Bupphasuwan of the CPPD announced that the May 3 raids focused on suspected storage hubs in Rat Burana and Bukkhalo districts. During these coordinated searches, 34,806 fake…
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Man detained for throwing concrete at vehicles on Bang Na-Trat Road
Police from Bang Na station detained a man accused of hurling concrete debris at vehicles in the Bang Na-Trat area, staging a reconstruction of the incident. The suspect, who has a history of similar actions, vowed to cease his behaviour. Yesterday, May 3, Police Colonel Surapong Sukyaem and his team from Bang Na Police Station arrested 32 year old Chalad…
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Thailand promotes Muay Thai as soft power in Europe and China
The Department of International Trade Promotion, under the Ministry of Commerce, has unveiled a strategic plan to promote Muay Thai as a soft power in Europe and China. This initiative aims to expand the market for related products and services by leveraging the global popularity of Muay Thai, thereby generating revenue across various industries. The strategy focuses on three main…
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Police dismantle online prostitution ring, arrest 10 in Thailand
Police have dismantled an online prostitution ring operating through a prominent platform, arresting 10 women involved in the operation. The raid took place at two locations, a condominium and an apartment, situated in the Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani districts. Legal action is being pursued against the platform administrators. Yesterday, May 3, Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwpan, alongside Police Major General…
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Thailand, Malaysia to enhance cross-border transport links
The Thai government is working towards enhanced collaboration with Malaysia to improve infrastructure and cross-border connectivity, with a focus on connecting roads and railways. Transport Minister Suriya Juengrunreangkit hosted Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke in Bangkok on May 2, where both parties discussed improving transport networks for faster and safer travel and freight between the two countries. Key outcomes from…
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Bee attack at Nakhon Ratchasima temple injures over 30 people
A ceremony at Wat Bandai Ma in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, was disrupted after a swarm of bees attacked attendees, resulting in injuries to over 30 people, including one severe case. The incident occurred yesterday, May 3, around 12.54pm during a monk ordination for Theeraphat Harnkhokkruad, also known as Ohm, when a child’s balloon accidentally struck a large…
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Thai man dies in lightning strike while on motorcycle
A 61 year old man from Mueang district, Buriram province, Amnat, tragically died after being struck by lightning while riding his motorcycle with a sidecar to inspect his sugarcane field. The incident occurred yesterday, May 3, at approximately 8am. Police found only a mobile phone on his body. His wife disclosed that despite her warnings against leaving due to the…
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Former abbot in Si Racha faces indecent conduct charges
A former abbot from a temple in Si Racha district, Chon Buri, has been defrocked and is facing accusations of indecent conduct involving a 13 year old girl. The case has expanded with a new victim, a 16 year old boy, who was allegedly abused and paid a small amount of money. The boy’s mother expressed concerns about the police…
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Man surrenders after viral Pattaya traffic altercation
A man involved in a heated incident in Pattaya, Chon Buri, has surrendered to the police. The altercation, which gained significant attention online, involved him jumping on and kicking a white Mazda car due to frustration over a traffic disagreement. Identified as 40 year old Chai, the man attempted to drive against the flow of traffic and became agitated when…
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Friend arrested for fatal shooting of bank worker in Nonthaburi
A close friend has been apprehended after pursuing and fatally shooting a 39 year old bank employee, Weerawat, in a shocking incident in Nonthaburi province. The suspect, 41 year old Sitthipong, was arrested near a resort in Suphan Buri and faces three serious charges. The tragic event unfolded yesterday, May 3, at 1am, when Sitthipong allegedly fired nearly 20 shots…
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Violence in Narathiwat claims lives, sparking urgent security measures
A recent spate of violence in Narathiwat province has led to the tragic deaths of a nine year old girl and a blind elderly woman. Regional Army Commander Paisal Nusang condemned these acts as inhumane. The incidents were reported on May 3 at the Office of the Islamic Committee in Pattani province. On May 2, unidentified assailants on three motorcycles…
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Fire erupts on yacht off Na Jomtien coast, no casualties reported
In Chon Buri’s Sattahip district, a fire broke out on a yacht off the coast of Na Jomtien yesterday morning, May 3, with no reported casualties. The incident occurred at approximately 6.20am, prompting a quick response from the Na Jomtien disaster prevention and mitigation office. Initially moored at Ao Ban Amphur, the yacht was attended to by small boats from…
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Heavy rain warning issued for Thailand with potential flash floods
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning of heavy rainfall across most of Thailand, cautioning against potential flash floods and forest runoffs, especially in foothill areas. As of 5pm yesterday, May 3, the TMD forecast severe weather conditions over the next 24 hours, with southern regions experiencing significant rainfall. Residents in these areas are advised to be cautious…
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Pattaya police bust illegal gambling ring, 10 arrested
A midday raid in Pattaya uncovered a group of gamblers caught red-handed playing Thai gambling card game Pok Deng at a local restaurant. But what seemed like a harmless card game quickly escalated into a major bust, with police seizing cash and cards, and 10 suspects arrested. On Thursday, May 1 at 12.30pm, Pattaya City Police received a tip-off from…
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Thailand urged to adopt single cigarette tax rate to boost revenue
Thailand’s current tiered tax system on cigarettes has been criticised by academics, who urge the government to switch to a single excise tax rate as advised by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The existing system is said to neither reduce illegal cigarette sales nor increase state revenue or deter new smokers. Dr Roengrudee Patanavanich from Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine…
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Thailand hotel prices soar, low season sparks price war fears
Room rates experienced a significant rise during the recent tourism High Season, drawing criticism from travellers who perceived Thai hotels as more costly than those in neighbouring countries. As the low season now takes hold, some hoteliers express concerns over potential price wars due to reduced arrivals. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, the president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), reported that the…
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Jackpot! Sisaket couple clears debt with Thai lottery win
A couple from Sisaket province experienced a life-changing event after winning 6 million baht in the latest lottery draw. At their residence in Lin Fa subdistrict, Yang Chum Noi district, family and locals gathered yesterday, May 2, to congratulate 58 year old Lamphong and his 56 year old wife, Kanokwan, who won the first prize in the Thai Government Lottery…
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