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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Northern Thailand warms as southern provinces face heavy rain
A weather forecast from the Thai Meteorological Department today highlights drastic changes across the country. The northern regions face rising temperatures, while the south prepares for heavy downpours affecting nine provinces, with sea waves exceeding 2 metres. The current weather patterns indicate that a moderate high-pressure system or cool air mass covering upper Thailand and the South China Sea is…
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Thai parties unite to block anti-coup legislation
A political debate is brewing in Thailand as the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) and the opposition Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) firmly rejected a proposed legislative amendment to prevent future military coups. The bill, drafted by Prayut Siripanich, a Member of Parliament from the ruling Pheu Thai Party, seeks to alter the Defence Ministry Administration Act. Akradet Wongpitakroj, a spokesperson…
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Busted in Bangkok: Undie-cover cops quash gay shindig rumours
In an eyebrow-raising update from Bangkok’s bustling Sukhumvit 31 stretch, police quashed rumours of a cover-up in an outrageous gay underwear bash that involved drugs but no glittering celebrity attendees. Police Major General Wittawat Chinkam, Metropolitan Police Bureau 5 chief, yesterday, December 10, convened a nearly two-hour session to dissect the scandal involving a group of gay men who threw…
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Actions speak louder: Police save mute woman from suicide near Pattaya
In the early hours of yesterday, quick-thinking police officers near Pattaya turned silent gestures into a powerful rescue mission to save a mute woman from committing suicide, proving actions truly speak louder than words. At 4.30am, yesterday, December 10, a critical call came in about a potential suicide near the busy Sukhumvit Road in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri.…
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Construction firm accused of 30 million baht fraud
A group of disgruntled individuals, led by Thammanun Tangtim, known as King of Saphan Mai, filed a complaint against a construction company owner for allegedly abandoning projects and withholding employee salaries, resulting in damages exceeding 30 million baht. The incident took place yesterday, December 9, at the Crime Suppression Division on Phahonyothin Road. Phrae, a former employee whose full name…
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Police in Bangkok arrest suspect, seize firearms in gambling case
Police in Nonthaburi apprehended a suspect linked to a notorious gambling website, seizing a cache of firearms and ammunition in the process. The arrest underscores ongoing efforts to bring the site’s elusive owner to justice, following a violent incident involving the website’s admin. Police moved swiftly to arrest 22 year old Natthaphong Kosasaeng, at a car park in Royal Mansion,…
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Thailand aims for 3.4 trillion baht tourism revenue by 2025
Thailand is setting its sights on a tourism boom with a newly launched strategy aimed at bolstering both international and domestic travel. With the tourism sector generating a substantial 1.892 trillion baht (US$56 billion) in 2023, the government is now targeting an impressive 3.4 trillion baht (US$100 billion) in revenues by 2025, aspiring to welcome over 40 million international visitors.…
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Beauty queen scammed out of 4 million baht by cyber criminals
Charlotte Austin, a beauty queen affiliated with Miss Grand Thailand, has reportedly fallen victim to a scam by a cybercriminal gang, resulting in a loss of 4 million baht. The perpetrators allegedly coerced her into a continuous 24-hour video call. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) is currently investigating the incident but has not yet been able to contact Charlotte…
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Finnish man falls to death from 11th floor in Pattaya
A tragic incident unfolded at a condominium in Pattaya, when a 52 year old Finnish national fell from the 11th floor, dying from the impact. The shocking incident, known and insensitively named throughout Thailand as The Pattaya Flying Club, occurred shortly after midnight today, December 10, leaving witnesses and responders stunned. Police Lieutenant Manasak Polyeam of Pattaya City Police Station…
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Chon Buri MP’s father shot at rice porridge shop, suspect sought
A gunman targeted Sakda Nopsit, the father of a Chon Buri MP, leaving him seriously injured. The police have launched an investigation to track down the suspect. The incident occurred yesterday, December 9, at a rice porridge shop in Samet, Mueang Chon Buri. The police, led by Thanaphong Photi and accompanied by a team of investigators and Tri Khunnatham rescue…
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Elderly Thai man walks 14 days to find missing son
An elderly Thai man, partially blind and determined to find his long-lost son, embarked on a remarkable 14-day journey on foot from Nakhon Ratchasima to Chon Buri. This poignant tale of parental love and perseverance unfolds as 85 year old Lung Lek Wongjaiya made the arduous trek with a cane, driven by the hope of reuniting with his eldest son,…
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Thai crew’s fate uncertain as Myanmar delays release decision
The fate of the Thai crewmembers detained in Myanmar remains uncertain as the government awaits a decision from Nay Pyi Taw. Local officials are currently not empowered to authorise their release, following an incident near Ranong last week. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed yesterday, December 9, that negotiations for their release continue, with Thai officials having formally requested permission to…
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Thailand to finalise 400 baht minimum wage proposal on December 12
The anticipation surrounding the upcoming tripartite wage committee meeting is palpable, as it seeks to finalise the government’s proposal for a nationwide minimum wage increase to 400 baht per day. Scheduled for Thursday, December 12, this meeting aims to implement the wage hike as a new year’s offering to workers, a key initiative the ruling Pheu Thai Party promised. The…
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Five men die in tragic Thai fish tank accident
Five men tragically lost their lives in a fish fermentation tank at a plant in the Lom Sak district of Phetchabun, a province in northern Thailand. The incident was reported to the Lom Sak Police Station yesterday, December 9, around 5pm. The deceased were identified as 69 year old Lam, 68 year old Lad, 50 year old Jakkrit Senanut, Hia…
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Thai woman seeks justice after attack by unidentified man in Bangkok
A Thai woman is seeking assistance after she and her male colleague were attacked by an unidentified man on Soi Charan Sanitwong 35 in the Bangkok Noi district of Bangkok on Friday, December 6. The 31 year old victim, identified only as A, reached out to the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive and shared her story publicly, hoping to identify the…
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Thailand throws ‘baht’ at impact study of 10,000-baht handouts
In a bid to decipher the ripple effects of Thailand’s 10,000-baht cash handout scheme, the Finance Ministry launched an exhaustive survey. This deep dive, spanning 40,000 participants, aims to unravel the true impact of this financial initiative on the economy and society as a whole. Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit promises findings by the month’s end. “This survey uses a…
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Trang Airport project abandoned, contractor loses millions
The Airports Department has terminated its contract with Port and Marine Corporation (PAM) and confiscated a 53 million baht security deposit after the company failed to complete the construction of a new passenger terminal at Trang Airport in southern Thailand. Director General Danai Ruangsorn announced that Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri instructed the department to end the agreement and expedite…
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Deadly New Guinea flatworm crawls into Thailand (video)
In a digital age where the bizarre often grabs attention, one Facebook user has set social media ablaze with a video of a sinister black worm. The eight-second clip, accompanied by chilling photos, captures the creatures squirming in unsettling clusters, prompting users to ask, “What on earth is this?” This eerie display has left viewers equally fascinated and alarmed, with…
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Thailand and UK discuss trade, explore FTA possibilities
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan met with British Ambassador Mark Gooding last week at the ambassador’s official residence in Bangkok to discuss strengthening economic ties between Thailand and the United Kingdom. Central to their discussions was the feasibility of a Thailand-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade and…
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Bangkok braces for current affairs as power outages hit home
In a move that’s set to ignite frustration, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) announced a slew of planned power outages sweeping across Bangkok and its neighbouring areas over the next two days. These interruptions, part of an essential maintenance blitz, are designed to bolster the city’s electricity network with greater efficiency and reliability. The disruptive energy cuts crackled into action…
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Window w*nker: Barber’s indecent exposure leaves wife in a snip
A Thai woman expressed shock and fear after discovering that her husband had been masturbating in front of passersby through the clear window of his barber shop in the central province of Ang Thong. Victims of the man’s lewd behaviour sought justice by contacting a Thai news agency and sharing explicit videos of him with the media. Channel 8 broadcast…
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Ex-husband sets Chon Buri home on fire over lost military ID card
A heated domestic dispute in Chon Buri turned fiery when a former military husband allegedly set his ex-wife’s house on fire after a disagreement over a lost military ID card. The incident took place in Bang Saray, Sattahip district, leaving the single-storey home severely damaged. Police were alerted to the fire at 8pm yesterday, December 8. Chaiwat Nemmee, a police…
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Thailand’s birth rate drops 81% over 74 years, surpasses Japan
Thailand is now ranked among the top three countries globally experiencing the most significant decline in birth rates, with an 81% drop over the past 74 years. This dramatic decrease has seen Thailand surpass Japan in this regard, highlighting a widespread global issue of shrinking populations. Various factors such as economic conditions, environmental pollution, and living conditions are making people…
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Gold fever: Price ‘baht-tles’ higher with investors eyeing gains
In a move that’s caught the attention of savers and spenders alike, gold prices have shot up, with the Gold Traders Association (GTA) reporting a 100 baht rise overnight. Today, December 9, those looking to splash out on gold jewellery will find it priced at a sparkling 43,100 baht per baht weight, thanks to the latest updates confirmed by the…
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Teacher’s misconduct with female students fall on deaf ears
Reports have emerged from Buriram province, involving allegations against a male teacher accused of inappropriate behaviour towards multiple fourth-grade female students. Parents lodged a complaint, alleging that the teacher engaged in misconduct when students made mistakes in their homework. The series of incidents came to light after a social media post highlighted the situation, stating that the matter had been…
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Thai man dies after falling from Khao Hua Nak Viewpoint in Chaiyaphum
A Thai man fell from the Khao Hua Nak Viewpoint in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum on Saturday and later died in hospital. Rangers from Phu Lan Kha National Park, along with rescuers from Sawang Khunnatum Chaiyaphum, were alerted to the accident at around 5pm on Saturday, December 7. The victim, later identified as 59 year old Sunan, reportedly fell…
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Thailand floods claim lives, deforestation and dams blamed
Flooding has wreaked havoc across Thailand this year, claiming more than 50 lives in the north and at least 25 in the south. While climate change plays a role, Pianporn Deetes, Southeast Asia Programme Director for the NGO International Rivers, attributes specific man-made causes to the disaster. Pianporn identified deforestation, dams, and river encroachment as three main factors exacerbating the…
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Hong Kong hotel bills pile up: Tourism takes a hit amid dollar drama
As Hong Kong’s hospitality sector braces for the new year, a perfect storm of challenges threatens to sour the city’s tourist appeal. With a new lodging tax set to dent visitors’ wallets and geopolitical tensions on the rise, thanks to Donald Trump’s upcoming presidency, the city’s once-thriving tourist industry could face an uphill battle. From January, a 3% hotel guest…
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Fed on the brink: Rate cut looms as US plays interest-ing game
Anticipation is reaching fever pitch as the US Federal Reserve gears up for a crucial meeting, with punters betting on a 25 basis point interest rate cut. Slated for December 18, this decision could have ripple effects all the way to Thailand, where the Bank of Thailand might follow suit in the coming months. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)…
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Man arrested at Udon Thani festival for inappropriate behaviour
A man was apprehended by police at the Thung Sri Muang festival in Udon Thani yesterday after reports surfaced on social media about his inappropriate behaviour towards women. Boonhom, who had recently sold two cows and had been spending his earnings at the festival, claims he was misunderstood. Social media posts warned women attending the Thung Sri Muang festival to…
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