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 Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
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Temple abbot found dead after 650,000 baht fraud in Ayutthaya
A tragic case has emerged involving the abbot of a temple in Sena district, Ayutthaya province, who was found dead in his quarters. A handwritten note left by the 68 year old abbot revealed deep distress over financial betrayal. Police in Ayutthaya issued a summons for a man who allegedly deceived the abbot into lending him 650,000 baht. If found guilty,…
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International victims sue iCon Group after losing over 20 million baht
Representatives of Thai and foreign victims living abroad arrived in Thailand to file complaints against the iCon Group company after they did not receive the products they had ordered. The total losses amount to over 20 million baht. Channel 7 reported that more than 5,600 people across Thailand filed complaints against the iCon Group company for allegedly operating a Ponzi…
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On pause: Chulalongkorn Day shuts down Phuket for royal homage
Expect a full-scale government shutdown across Phuket on Wednesday as the island joins the nation in the annual celebration of Chulalongkorn Day. Chulalongkorn Day is a national public holiday dedicated to the memory of King Chulalongkorn, also known as Rama V. This beloved monarch of the Chakri dynasty celebrated for his reformist zeal, passed away in 1910, but his legacy…
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Mother arrested for assaulting children in drunken frenzy
A heavily intoxicated mother was reported by neighbours after an assault on her eight year old son which created a chaotic scene at their residence. Her husband revealed that she had previously poured hot water on their six month old daughter. Officers from Pak Kret Police Station reported receiving a call around 8.30pm yesterday, October 20, regarding a mother in a state…
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Tragic blaze claims lives of grandmother, granddaughter in Samut Prakan slum
A Thai woman and her 11 year old granddaughter died in a devastating fire at their home in a slum community in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok. The fierce fire broke out in the slum community on Soi Bang Prong 4, Samut Prakan, at about 1.45am yesterday, October 20. The blaze reportedly started at house number 192 and spread to…
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Unholy muddle: Monks caught in naughty habits in defrock shock
Police officers and a village head raided a monk’s quarters, resulting in the defrocking of two monks for engaging in drug use, drinking alcohol, and having an illicit affair with a local man’s wife. The raid occurred after receiving complaints and evidence of inappropriate behaviour. The search took place at a temple in Lahan Sai district, Buriram province yesterday, October…
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Economic waters rise: Thai business sector flooded with challenges
The business sector is facing a stormy crisis this monsoon season as severe flooding batters key economic regions across Thailand. Provinces like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have been hit hard, with water levels reaching devastating heights—marking the first time in decades that such catastrophic flooding has occurred. Officials are closely monitoring the Chao Phraya River, issuing early warnings in…
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Heavy rain expected in 32 provinces with 70% of Bangkok affected
Today’s weather forecast from the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) predicts heavy rain across 32 provinces, with Bangkok expected to experience downpours over 70% of its area. Citizens are advised to stay alert for potential flash floods and forest runoff. The TMD issued a weather forecast for the next 24 hours, predicting thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in central, eastern, and…
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Norwegian tragedy: Expat’s final Fjorday in Pattaya ends in horror
A Norwegian expatriate was discovered dead in harrowing circumstances in the early hours of yesterday morning in his Pattaya hotel room after allegedly inflicting horrific injuries upon himself. Shortly after 4am, yesterday, October 20, the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre received a frantic alert about a foreigner’s disturbing behaviour and self-harm in a second-floor room on Soi 14. Upon arrival, local…
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Young teacher tragically killed by ex-boyfriend in Chachoengsao
A young teacher, Namfon, was tragically shot dead by her ex-boyfriend, 25 year old Atitwat, inside her car. The incident unfolded in the Bang Nam Priao district, Chachoengsao province, and ended with Atitwat taking his own life. Namfon’s mother, 44 year old Pannee, shared her grief while on her way to retrieve her daughter’s body from the Department of Forensic…
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Woman attacks debtor at funeral in Songkhla, victim critical
A woman attacked a debtor at a funeral with a knife, seriously injuring her, then fled the scene. The incident occurred yesterday at Wat Ja Ting Phra, Sathing Phra district, Songkhla province. The victim, 36 year old Wilaiwan, remains in critical condition at Songkhla Hospital. The assailant, 58 year old Sawai, later surrendered to the local police. Witnesses reported that…
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Flash flood hits Ban Rai, Uthai Thani, stranding tourists and campers
A night of heavy rain led to a flash flood that caught tourists and campers off guard in Ban Rai district, Uthai Thani, yesterday, October 19. The central plain province was one of five affected by the flooding yesterday. The flash flood struck the mountainous region of Ban Rai around 8pm, just hours after the downpour began. The water levels…
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Thai man arrested for blackmailing boy with nude photos
Thai police arrested a man accused of coercing a 12 year old boy into sending nude photos and subsequently blackmailing him for money. The boy’s father reported the incident after noticing his son’s distress. Yesterday, October 19, police officials in Chiang Mai apprehended 32 year old Pitsanu Jongjitklang, on charges of extortion and fraudulent use of a computer system to…
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Thailand braces for heavy rainfall and strong winds tomorrow
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall for tomorrow, affecting 41 provinces, with Bangkok expected to experience severe conditions with 80% of the area impacted by strong winds. Thailand is bracing for a significant weather event as TMD warns of thunderstorms and strong winds nationwide. Heavy rains are anticipated in the central region, including Bangkok and its…
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Chemical leak forces evacuation after Prachin Buri factory explosion
A factory explosion in Prachin Buri‘s Sri Maha Pho district led to a significant chemical leak, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents. The incident occurred at the HSMT New Material Technology (Thailand) Co factory yesterday, releasing a large amount of chemical fumes and prompting nearly 200 locals to leave their homes. Elderly residents were among those relocated to a…
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Demand for new N3 lottery tickets remains high despite outlet scarcity
Consumer demand for the government’s three-digit lottery tickets remains strong, despite difficulties in locating lottery stores, according to the Finance Ministry. Plans are underway to open additional lottery shops to better serve the public. The popularity of the N3 lottery continues to grow, as observed yesterday, October 19, in Mueang district, Nakhon Ratchasima. Several lottery shops saw a steady stream…
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Nearly 20% of Thai teens at risk of self-harm, warns DMH
Almost 20% of Thai teenagers face the risk of self-harm, according to the Department of Mental Health (DMH). This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to prioritise mental health issues among the youth, experts suggest. DMH director Kittisak Aksornwong revealed on October 18 that 503,884 teenagers aged 18 and under have registered on the Department’s Mental Health Check-in application from…
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Bangkok proposes congestion fee to fund flat 20-baht train fare
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt expressed support for the Transport Ministry’s proposal to introduce a congestion fee for vehicles entering the central parts of Bangkok. The revenue generated from this fee would be used to subsidise a flat 20-baht fare across all electric train lines in the city. Congestion charges are not a novel idea, having been successfully implemented in cities…
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National parks revenue soars 50%, reaching 2.2 billion baht
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) reported a significant increase in income, reaching 2.2 billion baht in the fiscal year 2024, marking a nearly 50% rise. Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi in Krabi emerged as the top revenue generator, contributing 629 million baht (US$19 million). Khao Yai in Nakhon Ratchasima was noted as the most…
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Burmese worker found murdered near Phetchabun monastery
The body of a Burmese worker was found with severe injuries, including a slashed throat, facial skin removed, an ear cut off, and burn marks around the mouth, dumped by the roadside near a monastery in Phetchabun province. Police are investigating coworkers after the man went missing yesterday. Police officers and medical examiners arrived at the scene near the construction…
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Two students injured in Samut Songkhram ice truck wheel accident
Two female students were injured when the rear wheel of a 10-wheel ice truck detached and collided with their motorcycle, causing them to fall and sustain bruises. CCTV footage captured the incident, which occurred yesterday, October 18, on Ekachai Road in front of Samut Songkhram Technical College. The accident was reported to the police by Niphat Kosakul, Deputy Inspector of…
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Drowsy driver crashes into motorcycle in Chachoengsao
A driver, drowsy and caught off guard by a sudden call from his girlfriend, caused a severe accident in Chachoengsao province when he fell asleep at the wheel and collided with a motorcycle, leaving two young women critically injured. The incident occurred at 7.30pm yesterday, October 18, when police officer Theerawat Pornprasit of the Chachoengsao City Police Station received a…
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Double tax deductions to boost northern Thailand tourism
The Ministry of Finance is planning to introduce measures under the Thai Travel Continues campaign to boost tourism in flood-affected areas in northern Thailand. The initiative will offer double tax deductions for two groups: individuals and companies holding seminars in the disaster-stricken regions. Finance Deputy Minister Julapun Amornwiwat announced that the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Ministry of…
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New king cobra species discovered in Thailand (video)
New research has revealed four distinct species of king cobra, including a new variant found in Thailand. Nirut Chamngam, the head of the Herpetology Group, shared this discovery on social media, explaining the differences and implications of these findings. Nirut Chamngam, an expert in snakes and reptiles, posted on Facebook about a new species of king cobra. He clarified that…
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GHB to launch loan app offering 8,000 to 1 million baht loans
The Government Housing Bank (GHB) is set to launch an application-based loan service aimed at small businesses, offering loans ranging from 8,000 to 1 million baht, with interest rates as determined by the Bank of Thailand (BoT). The Director of GHB, Withai Rattanakorn, announced that by next year, the bank targets to accelerate plans to enhance social support and long-term…
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Human trafficking in Chumphon leads to three Burmese deaths
Police in Lang Suan district, Chumphon province, responded to a distress call from monks at Wat Sek Tharam at 11.30am on October 17, leading them to a tragic scene involving Burmese migrants. Found in a forest approximately 2 kilometres from Phetkasem Road, 12 Burmese migrants were discovered in dire conditions, covered in dirt and visibly weakened. Two men, aged between…
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Public CNG bus safety inspections launched by DLT
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has initiated a comprehensive vehicle safety inspection for all public buses running on compressed natural gas (CNG). The inspections aim to bolster safety measures and boost passenger confidence. This mandatory inspection campaign will run until November 30. The DLT reported that 1,331 out of the total 13,426 CNG-powered buses nationwide have been inspected. Findings…
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Rare Malayan tapir spotted near Thai-Malaysian border
A rare sighting of a Malayan tapir near the Thai-Malaysian border in Narathiwat province has caught the attention of Thai officials from the Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary. Local villagers alerted officials yesterday, October 18, after spotting the tapir on October 16 at around 7pm, feeding on fallen rambutans for about an hour before retreating towards the border. Residents in the Waeng…
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EC investigates Pheu Thai Party, dissolution probable
The Election Commission (EC) has commenced an investigation into the ruling Pheu Thai Party, which could potentially lead to its dissolution, as reported by multiple local media outlets yesterday, October 18. The EC has formed a committee to examine complaints alleging that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been exerting influence or directing party activities. This information was shared by…
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Phuket beach scare: Grenade-like object turns out to be lighter
Tension gripped a Phuket beach when locals reported spotting a grenade-like object in the backseat of a taxi, only to discover it was a lighter resembling an explosive device. Patong Police Station received a call at 1.30pm yesterday, October 18, from a concerned citizen about a suspicious object inside a taxi near Kalim Beach on Phra Barami Road, Patong subdistrict,…
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