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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Thai woman faced attempted lynching after attacking boy with knife
Police yesterday intervened to prevent a lynching of a Thai woman who brutally attacked an eight year old boy with knives in her rented room in Chon Buri. Officers from Mueang Chon Buri Police Station were alerted to the knife attack in the Nong Ri sub-district of Chon Buri province at approximately 5.20pm, yesterday, December 8. They rushed to the…
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Crypto hits new heights: Bitcoin Trumps US$100k amid election buzz
In a staggering leap that has set the crypto world ablaze, bitcoin shattered the US$100,000 mark for the first time, skyrocketing from around US$69,000 just a month ago. This meteoric rise comes hot on the heels of the US presidential elections, fuelling frenzied speculation among crypto investors about the impact of Donald Trump’s return to prominence. With crypto enthusiasts on…
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Thailand police crackdown on pornographic content production
Thai police launched a new operation dubbed Rabbit Slaughter: Suppressing Sex Creators, targeting both Thai and foreign nationals involved in producing and distributing pornographic content globally. The operation seeks to dismantle a network including pornographic content involving Thai women. Police, led by Saruti Kwangsopa, initiated the crackdown, resulting in the arrest of several individuals. These include 40 year old Benjamin…
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British man commits suicide, leaving sand messages for Thai wife
A British man left messages in the sand for his wife and children before taking his own life on Cha-am Beach in the southern province of Phetchaburi. He was reportedly distressed over two legal cases and a 400,000-baht loss to a friend. A Thai tourist discovered the lifeless body of the British man, later identified as 42 year old Antony…
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Family seeks justice after prison boxing match death in Rayong
The wife and family of a 27 year old boxer are seeking justice who unexpectedly died after participating in a prison boxing match in Rayong, Thailand. The boxer’s wife, 26 year old Suchada, raised suspicions about the circumstances surrounding his death, which occurred shortly after he competed in a sports day boxing event at Rayong Central Prison. The incident took…
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British man’s Thai-high trip goes up in smoke at Manchester customs
Another British man has been nabbed in a high-stakes arrest after being caught returning through Manchester Airport customs with two suitcases full of cannabis from Thailand. The alleged British drug mule, Ahmed Sohail, who claimed he went to Thailand to lose some weight, ended up losing much more than he bargained for. Stopped by eagle-eyed Border Force officials, the 26…
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124 gay participants arrested at underwear drug party in Bangkok hotel
Officers from Thong Lo Police Station arrested 124 gay men and women, including doctors and background actors, at an underwear drug party held in a hotel room in Bangkok yesterday. Police were alerted by a witness who reported suspicious activity after observing a large number of Thai and foreign men entering a room on the 20th floor of a hotel…
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Political scandal: Former Bhumjaithai Party trio out on parole
Three former Bhumjaithai Party members, once sentenced to nine months behind bars for ethical breaches, yesterday strolled out of prison on parole. Having served part of their time, the trio is now back in the spotlight as they re-enter the world beyond bars. Among them, Natee Ratchakitprakarn, once a list MP and the wife of Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, emerged…
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Busted: Drug kingpin armed and dangerous in Thung Song swoop
Police in Thailand’s Thung Song district swooped on a suspected drug kingpin, dealing a major blow to the local narcotics trade. The 39 year old, nabbed in a sting at a rented spot in tambon Pak Phraek, was found with an arsenal fitting for an action flick: A menacing M16 assault rifle, 95 rounds of 5.56mm ammo, and a stash…
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Singaporean tourist dies allegedly due to oil massage in Phuket
A 52 year old Singaporean man died at a massage shop in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket after an oil massage. The cause of his death remains undetermined. Officers from Patong Police Station were called to Patong Hospital on Saturday, December 7, to investigate the death of the Singaporean man, identified as Lee Mun Tuck. Upon their arrival, they found…
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Thailand advised to limit economic stimulus as recovery progresses
The Government of Thailand is being urged to reconsider its approach to economic stimulus as the country’s economy shows signs of recovery. The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) advised against implementing large-scale economic stimulus measures, arguing that the economy is on a path to sustainable growth. Nonarit Bisonyabut, a research fellow at TDRI, likened the private sector’s reliance on government…
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Thai singer dies from neck injury allegedly linked to massage in Udon Thani
A Thai female singer died yesterday morning from complications caused by a herniated cervical disc, allegedly linked to a massage at a shop in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. The singer, Chayada “Phing” Praohom, who was associated with Guitar Record, became bedridden and received intensive care at Udon Thani Hospital before her death, yesterday, December 8. Since mid-October, she has…
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PM Paetongtarn to outline key policies in public address tomorrow
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to deliver a significant public address tomorrow, December 10, where she will highlight her Cabinet’s accomplishments over the past three months and underscore the importance of the government’s key policies for the upcoming year. The address, titled 2025 Empowering Thais: A Real Possibility, will commence at 10am and will be broadcast live on NBT2HD,…
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Stigma strikes: HIV shatters career dreams of two young Thai men
In a heart-wrenching tale from Thailand, two young men, driven by noble pursuits, have seen their career dreams dashed due to the crushing stigma surrounding HIV. One man hoped to step into his late father’s shoes as a police officer in the troubled southern regions while the other longed for the skies as a 27 year old flight attendant. Both…
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Monsoon system brings heavy rain to southern Thailand
A new monsoon system is set to sweep across southern Thailand, bringing heavy rainfall to nine provinces. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warned residents to be cautious of potential hazards due to the severe weather. Meanwhile, northern Thailand is experiencing a drop in temperature and strong winds. The latest forecast from the TMD indicates that a new cold air…
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What hospitals are covered by Cigna in Thailand?
Finding healthcare options as an expat in Thailand can feel overwhelming, especially with language barriers and unfamiliar systems. Fortunately, Cigna Global Health offers a range of insurance plans tailored to expats, providing access to top hospitals across the country. Here’s a guide to hospitals covered by Cigna in Thailand and tips for navigating your health needs while living here. Some…
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Naked Russian man rescued by speedboat hero near Pattaya
A naked and exhausted Russian man was dramatically rescued by a heroic speedboat driver headed to Koh Lan off the coast of Pattaya. The incident, which unfolded about six kilometres from Pattaya, grabbed headlines due to the man’s dire predicament. Pracharat Satsuk, a 34 year old speedboat operator, revealed how he stumbled upon the struggling swimmer during his regular route,…
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Young engineering student stabbed to death in Bangkok attack
A young engineering student was fatally stabbed by a gang of youths on motorcycles in Bangkok yesterday. The incident took place near the entrance of Soi Phetkasem 55/2 in Bang Khae, leaving a 19 year old dead and his friend narrowly escaping harm. Police Lieutenant Yanapol Phonyiem received reports of the fatal stabbing, with officers, forensic specialists, and a medical…
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Van crash on Doi Inthanon injures several, damages vehicles
A van descending Doi Inthanon crashed into a pickup and a Pajero, causing extensive damage and injuring several people. This incident occurred today at 10am on the road descending from Doi Inthanon towards Chom Thong district in Chiang Mai, just before the entrance to the Wachirathan Waterfall. The scene was chaotic, with a white Pajero severely damaged and stationary in…
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Phuket tourist criticised for reckless behaviour near Patong Beach (video)
Tourists in Phuket are drawing criticism after a video surfaced showing a foreign male tourist standing beside a moving car while drinking beer and smoking a cigarette in Patong Beach, Kathu district. Social media users have been quick to condemn the behaviour, questioning whether the driver was aware of the actions taking place. The incident, reported yesterday, has sparked a…
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Yala tackles flood crisis with dam plans and relief efforts
Yala city municipality is taking a proactive approach to combat its persistent flooding woes. The city’s mayor, Pongsak Yingchoncharoen, has put forward guidelines aimed at tackling the long-term flood issues and is revisiting plans for the construction of the Krong Pinang and Kuemeng dams as part of these efforts. Pongsak provided an update on the flood situation yesterday, December 7,…
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Thai couple arrested for job scam, duping victims for 70,000 baht
Police have apprehended a couple accused of deceiving job seekers into paying them 70,000 baht each for overseas employment arrangements, ultimately providing nothing more than counterfeit documents. Anuwat and his wife Chantima were taken into custody by officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) at a residence in the Prasert Manukit area of Bangkok. The arrest took place yesterday,…
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Thai government delays 10,000-baht handout amid election concerns
The Thai government is gearing up for the second phase of its 10,000-baht cash handout, anticipated to be rolled out by the end of February, as confirmed by government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub. This initiative aims to provide financial support to the elderly, with the proposal already submitted to the Cabinet. However, a few concerns have led to a week’s delay…
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Thai police enlist Interpol in hunt for Moroccan murder suspect
Thai police are enlisting Interpol’s assistance to apprehend a Moroccan man suspected of murdering his girlfriend in Chiang Mai before fleeing the country. The tragic incident involves Thitikarn Dulikanon, a transgender woman and owner of a beauty clinic near the Mae Hia Market intersection in Mueang district, whose body was found on December 6. Police and forensic experts from Maharaj…
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Parked car explosion in Chon Buri nearly ignites house on fire
A parked car’s unexpected explosion after sitting idle for over a week nearly set an entire house ablaze. The incident occurred yesterday, December 6 at 6.30pm in Ban Suan, Mueang Chon Buri district. The intense fire destroyed the vehicle and cracked the house’s glass windows due to the explosion’s force. Police, led by Siwakorn Chanthamenchai from the Chon Buri Police…
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Teen killed in crash, 400 meth pills found in car
A collision between a car and a motorcycle resulted in the tragic death of a teenage girl, with police discovering 400 meth pills in the car involved. The car driver, 71 year old Chanyut, denies ownership of the drugs, questioning why would he wait for the police if they were his. Police Captain Prem Tiamtua of Udon Thani City Police…
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Thailand’s VAT hike: Restaurant and hotel sectors’ suggestions
A proposed increase in the value-added tax (VAT) rate from 7% to 15% has sparked significant concern among Thailand’s restaurant and hotel industries. Although the plans for the VAT hike are now reportedly scrapped, Sorathep Rojpotjanaruch, who leads the Thai Restaurant Business Association, expressed alarm over the potential consequences this tax hike could have on the already struggling restaurant sector.…
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Man found with 18 stab wounds in rice field, CCTV footage released
A chilling discovery has been made after the body of an elderly man was found with 18 stab wounds in a paddy field. CCTV footage revealed two suspects accompanying him on a motorcycle before his tragic death. The deceased, identified as 60 year old Udom, was found in a field in Khlong Khlung, Kamphaeng Phet province. He had been drinking…
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Pattaya’s ongoing struggle of managing railway road traffic
Traffic congestion along railway roads has become a persistent headache for Pattaya’s commuters, with years of attempted solutions failing to provide meaningful relief. The city’s struggle to manage vehicular flow has highlighted significant infrastructure challenges. Seeking to address the issue, Pattaya City administration took an innovative approach by leasing a 19-kilometre stretch of the road from the State Railway of…
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Chon Buri police officer dismissed for extortion of elderly woman
A police officer in Chon Buri has been dismissed following allegations of extorting 250,000 baht from a 70 year old woman in exchange for handling her online fraud case. The officer is now in custody, with bail opposed. The officer, a sergeant major, is affiliated with the Saensuk Police Station in Chon Buri. Following an investigation led by the provincial…
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