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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How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Yingluck’s 6 trillion baht water project revived to address floods
A massive water management project initially proposed by Yingluck Shinawatra may be revived, aiming to tackle Thailand’s recurring issues of flooding and drought. The initiative, projected to cost around 6 trillion baht, has been deemed a national priority by Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. “The matter was first raised by the Yingluck government. In 2011, a budget of 2…
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King cobra makes a hiss-terious house call in Chon Buri
A homeowner in Chon Buri had a terrifying encounter when a 4-metre king cobra slithered into their house. The snake, which raised its head as if to greet the homeowner, coiled itself under a table, prompting a call for assistance from local authorities. At 5am yesterday, August 25, the Tri Khunatham Foundation’s rescue team received an urgent call from residents…
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Chinese man arrested for offering illegal Pattaya travel on TikTok
Police officers arrested an illegal Chinese tour guide at Pattaya Floating Market on Thursday for illegally operating a travel agency and offering travel packages on the TikTok application. Pattaya Tourist Police received a tip-off about illegal foreign tour guides from the Department of Tourism. The department reported that these foreign tour guides were taking foreigners, especially Chinese nationals, to multiple…
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Official investigation launched into Chachoengsao aircraft crash
The Transport Ministry tasked the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) with investigating the reasons behind a small aircraft crash in Chachoengsao. Caretaker Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit ordered the CAAT to investigate the crash of TFT209 on August 22, which resulted in the deaths of nine people, including the pilot and co-pilot. The aircraft lacked a black box, complicating the investigation.…
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German teacher escapes attempted rape by Grab rider in Isaan
A German teacher was “lucky” to escape an attempted rape by a Grab rider and sought help at a tea shop on Suppasit Road in Ubon Ratchathani’s Isaan province around 7.30pm on Friday, August 23. Officers from Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station received a report of the attempted rape by staff at the Cha Chok Dee (“lucky tea”) shop. Officers…
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Thailand gamble: Locals to roll the dice on new casino complex
Thailand’s proposed entertainment complex project, which includes a casino, is set to draw primarily Thai gamblers, with up to 90% of customers expected to be locals, as per the Finance Ministry. Public hearings are currently being held for the draft law related to the entertainment complex, in accordance with constitutional requirements. A special House committee, led by caretaker Deputy Finance…
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Thailand braces for heavy rain and flash floods in 44 provinces
Today’s weather forecast from the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warns of increased rainfall across 44 provinces, with heavy rain expected in 70% of these areas. Citizens are advised to be cautious of sudden flooding and flash floods. The TMD predicted that Thailand will experience increased rainfall, with heavy rain in some areas, particularly in the upper northern region and…
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Workers found alive under collapsed tunnel at rail construction site
Three workers have been found alive under a collapsed tunnel at the high-speed rail construction site between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to retrieve them from 6 metres beneath the debris. The incident occurred yesterday, August 25, at the high-speed rail tunnel construction site between the Janthuek and Klong Khananchit stations in Pak Chong district, Nakhon…
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Thailand braces for heavy rain and flash floods in 44 provinces
Today’s weather forecast from the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warns of increased rainfall across 44 provinces, with heavy rain expected in 70% of these areas. Citizens are advised to be cautious of sudden flooding and flash floods. The TMD predicted that Thailand will experience increased rainfall, with heavy rain in some areas, particularly in the upper northern region and…
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Koh Samui eyes approval of 12.1 billion baht cruise terminal
A new cruise terminal in Koh Samui, set to open in 2032, aims to significantly boost tourism in Surat Thani, Thailand, according to Deputy Caretaker Minister Manaporn Charoensri. Manaporn, along with Caretaker Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, visited Koh Samui to review the progress of major transport infrastructure projects. Suriya revealed that the ministry has several new initiatives underway to enhance…
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Thaksin suggests reacquisition of private transit projects for 20 baht
The Transport Ministry is considering establishing an infrastructure fund aimed at repurchasing mass rapid transit projects from private entities, following a proposal by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Public ownership of these services could potentially allow for a standard fare of 20 baht per ride. Caretaker Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced yesterday, August 24, that the ministry intends to explore the…
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Fake alcohol in Bangkok causes widespread methanol poisoning
A cluster of severe methanol poisoning cases has emerged in Bangkok after 21 individuals fell ill after consuming counterfeit alcoholic beverages, leading to one death and several others in critical condition. The incident began when patients started showing symptoms of severe acidosis from drinking fake alcohol containing methanol. The products were traced to two shops located in Soi Hathairat and…
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Tunnel collapse in Nakhon Ratchasima leaves three missing
A tunnel collapse at the Khlong Khanan Chit high-speed rail station in Nakhon Ratchasima left three people missing. The Nakhon Ratchasima governor ordered immediate rescue efforts. The incident occurred approximately 3 to 4 kilometres from the tunnel entrance. Today, August 25, Chaiwat Chuenkosum, the Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, instructed Kanachanon Srijaroen, the District Chief of Pak Chong, to inspect the…
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Phuket landslide leaves 13 dead, 19 injured, 209 homes damaged
Rescue officials in Phuket concluded the search for missing individuals following a devastating landslide. All 13 missing persons have been found dead and the disaster has left 19 injured and impacted 209 households. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwann announced the end of the search operation after the bodies of all 13 missing individuals were located. The landslide occurred in the Kata subdistrict…
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Former official arrested for negligent road work, 38 warrants
Police apprehended a former provincial administrative organisation president in Bangkok, who is accused of negligent road work in Chaiyaphum, leading to multiple injuries among locals. The individual, identified as 54 year old Yothin was also found to have 38 outstanding arrest warrants related to cheque violations. The operation was directed by Police Major General Montree Teskan, commander of the Crime…
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Intoxicated municipal inspector injures four in Pattaya crash
A municipal inspector, identified as Wuttikorn, was involved in a car accident in Pattaya while driving under the influence, resulting in injuries to four individuals, including a two year old child. Yesterday, August 24, at 8pm, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Radio Centre in Pattaya, Chon Buri, received a report of a car colliding with a motorcycle, causing multiple injuries.…
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Police arrest contract killer after 33 year manhunt in Lopburi
Police in Lopburi province yesterday apprehended a contract killer who escaped a 33 year prison sentence after a failed assassination attempt at a hotel. Chief of Police Supakorn Chantabut, along with Deputy Chief Siwawong Damrongsatchasi, alongside other officers successfully arrested the 56 year old contract killer, Paisan, yesterday, August 24. The arrest took place in Chaibadan district, Lopburi province. The…
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Armed robber targets gold shop in Nakhon Si Thammarat
An armed robber struck again at a gold shop in Nakhon Si Thammarat, following the exact pattern of a previous heist. The incident took place close to the store’s closing time, causing panic among employees and shoppers. The robbery occurred at Yaowarat Gold Shop inside Lotus Department Store in Thung Song, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The assailant, dressed in black and…
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Illegal Bitcoin mine in Ratchaburi causing power shortages raided
Police raided a hidden Bitcoin mining operation in Ratchaburi, uncovering over 900 mining rigs and revealing illegal electricity use that caused power shortages in the community. The raid was led by Deputy Superintendent Chumphon Sukphakdi of Ratchaburi City Police Station, along with Jumnong Chanwong, Chief District Officer for Security, Yotsaphon Chaibulwat, District Officer, and officials from the Provincial Electricity Authority…
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Ekkamai taxi driver demands 400 baht for 10-minute ride
A heated encounter unfolded in the Ekkamai area of Bangkok when a taxi driver charged a passenger an exorbitant fare of 400 baht for a 10-minute ride without using the meter. The incident, captured on TikTok sparked a public outcry. The passenger, who had been enjoying a rare trip to Ekkamai, was shocked to discover that the driver demanded a…
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Patong leaders back legalising sex work for safety and health
Patong’s key figures unanimously support the legalisation of sex work, asserting that it will enhance safety and health protection for sex workers and their clients. President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA) Weerawit Kreuasombat highlighted the current paradox of Thailand’s stance on its renowned sex industry. “Thailand is known for its sex industry, yet maintains a hypocritical stance towards…
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Bangkok airports high-speed rail project hits the brakes
The high-speed rail project set to connect Bangkok’s three major airports has been thrown into limbo, as contract amendments grind to a halt. The delay is blamed on the lack of a new chairman for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, a role that must be filled by the incoming Cabinet—still nowhere in sight. The ambitious 276.5-billion-baht project promises…
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Teen killed in Lopburi over jealousy-fueled shooting
A 16 year old boy was shot and killed by a 14 year old in Lopburi after the younger boy became jealous over romantic attention towards his girlfriend. The incident occurred yesterday evening. Police received a report at 7.05pm about a shooting at a three-way junction in Ban Nong Krathum, Maha Phot subdistrict, Sa Bot district, Lopburi province. Upon arrival, authorities…
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Bangkok restaurant owner found dead in car after marital woes
A restaurant owner was found dead inside her car in a secluded alley in Bangkok. Police revealed she had been stressed and upset about her husband’s infidelity. Friends were unable to contact her throughout the day. Police discovered the body of a 21 year old woman, identified as the owner of a restaurant in the Phutthamonthon Sai 5 area, in…
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Thai government destroys counterfeit goods worth 325 million baht
Thai officials recently conducted a significant destruction of counterfeit and pirated goods in an effort to combat intellectual property rights violations. The ceremony took place at the Air Defence Command headquarters in Don Mueang, Bangkok, and was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham, alongside Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisangpang, Commerce Ministry Permanent Secretary Wuttikrai Leeviraphan,…
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Bangkok: Thai man arrested for exploiting schoolgirl via dating app
Police apprehended a man exploiting a 16 year old schoolgirl through a dating app, producing and distributing explicit videos for profit, earning up to 30,000 baht monthly. Bangkok police, led by Police Major General Saruti Kwangsopa, arrested 25 year old Naphadol, also known as Ohmmy Aklok, under charges of human trafficking and the production or distribution of child pornography. The arrest…
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Thai mascot Butterbear mocked with overpriced satirical product
A recent online controversy erupted after a Facebook page mocked the beloved mascot Butterbear by selling a satirical product. The item, made from shredded pork floss, was labeled in a disrespectful manner and priced exorbitantly at several hundred baht. Butterbear, a mascot from the Butterbear shop, has become a national favourite, akin to a celebrity. The mascot has appeared on…
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Thai king’s son reveals lung infection in candid hospital post
Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, son of the King of Thailand, shared an update about his health while lying in a hospital bed with an oxygen tube. He revealed that he has a lung infection caused by a virus. Vacharaesorn posted a story on his Facebook account yesterday, showing himself in a hospital bed with an oxygen tube in his nose. “Still here,…
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Food Republic to close last Thai branch on November 22
Food Republic’s final branch in Thailand, located at Central Plaza Grand Rama IX, will close its doors on November 22. The company expressed gratitude to its loyal customers in a Facebook post, marking the end of an era for the popular food court chain. Food Republic has been a well-known name in the food court industry, originally hailing from Singapore.…
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Intoxicated Thai man berates MRT rescue team after escalator fall
A Thai man, reportedly intoxicated, fell down the escalator at Phahon Yothin MRT station, only to berate rescue personnel who came to his aid, claiming to be a high-profile journalist. The incident was reported by a Facebook page, where MRT Phahon Yothin station staff detailed the events. According to the post, the incident occurred around 2pm yesterday when the intoxicated…
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