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 health insurance that covers chronic conditions: What expats need to know
The Thaiger key takeaways Managing chronic conditions in Thailand requires health insurance that covers specialist visits, medications, tests, and hospital stays. Cigna offers high-coverage plans with access to top hospitals, direct billing, and telemedicine support for convenient long-term care. Expats...
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Bacterial infections: Thailand’s silent killers strike flood victims
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) issued a warning as cases of Leptospirosis and Melioidosis surge amidst the rainy season and floods. Both bacterial infections are on the rise, particularly threatening children, and require immediate attention. In just the first nine months of this year, around 6,000 cases have been reported, leading to a staggering 119 deaths. Leptospirosis, often spread…
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Move over ChatGPT, Meta’s AI chatbot now speaks Thai
In a bold move to challenge OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, is rolling out its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, Meta AI, to 21 new markets, including Thailand. With Thai language support now on the table, Meta is upping the stakes in the race for AI chatbot supremacy. Big tech companies have been fiercely competing to attract…
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US ambassador vows stronger ties with Thailand
In a high-profile diplomatic push, the US ambassador to Thailand, Robert F Godec, has committed to enhancing economic, security, and humanitarian cooperation with Thailand under its new government. This bold pledge came during a meeting yesterday, October 9, with Chusak Sirinil, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, as both nations gear up for the 200th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.…
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Bangkok bust: Cops hang up on Thailand’s largest call centre scam
Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police swooped on four clandestine locations in Bangkok and arrested two Thai and Chinese leaders of the largest call centre scam gang in Thailand. Over 18,000 items of evidence were seized. CSD officers held a press conference yesterday, October 9, at about 4pm, to report on the details of the call centre scam suppression operation, named…
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Pattani: Border patrol officer killed in dual insurgent attacks
Tensions erupted late last night when insurgents launched coordinated attacks on two security outposts in a southern border province, resulting in the tragic death of a border patrol officer. The assailants, armed with military-grade weapons, carried out the strikes within minutes of each other, leaving authorities scrambling to respond. The first attack occurred at around 11.45pm, yesterday, October 9, when…
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Economists urge Bank of Thailand to maintain independence
Economists are urging the Bank of Thailand to maintain its independence, emphasising its importance for the nation’s economic stability and growth. Nonarit Bisonyabut, a research fellow at the Thai Development Research Institute, pointed out that globally, countries with autonomous central banks tend to achieve better economic stability, lower inflation, and stronger economic growth compared to those where central banks lack…
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Butterbear fan meet in Thailand criticised for high ticket prices
The fan meets event in Thailand for the popular mascot Butterbear sparked a heated debate due to the high ticket prices, comparable to major Korean artist concerts. The event, titled Butterbear’s 1st Fam Meeting: Adventure Awaits! is scheduled for November 9 to 10 at MGI Hall, Bravo BKK in Huai Kwang district, Bangkok. Tickets are priced from 1,900 baht to…
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Big Buddha Phuket charged with encroachment after deadly landslide
Police have charged the Big Buddha Phuket Phraphutthamingmongkhol Sattha 45 Foundation and its president, Suporn Wanichakul, with forest encroachment and unauthorised construction following a deadly landslide at the site. Karon police announced the charges related to forest destruction and have referred the case to public prosecutors. The landslide, which occurred after heavy rain on August 23, struck Nak Koet Hill,…
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Thai woman logged for selling phantom furniture online
Thai police arrested a 31 year old Thai woman for allegedly defrauding customers through a Facebook page by selling non-existent wooden furniture. She was taken into custody near Wat Tha Kwian in Nonthaburi. The investigation revealed that on June 23, 2022, a victim reported to Mae Chan Police Station that they had been deceived. On June 10 of the same…
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Old Thai man commits suicide after love triangle dispute
A 73 year old Thai man committed suicide in the Mae Sai district of the northern province of Chiang Rai, following a bizarre love triangle and an argument with his legal wife and children. Koh Chang Police Station officers received a report of the man’s suicide, identified as Lai, at his home in the Mae Sai district. They coordinated with…
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Don’t ban TEMU: Thai experts call for enhanced trade standards
Thailand should embrace trade opportunities with China rather than follow Indonesia’s lead in banning the Chinese e-commerce platform TEMU, say experts. In light of Indonesia’s recent decision to prohibit the TEMU application, the International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD) voiced its opposition to a similar move by Thailand. Wimol Pankong, Deputy Director (Academic) of ITD, urged the Thai government…
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Thailand, Cambodia to revive US$300 billion offshore oil field talks
The Pheu Thai-led coalition government is set to revive talks with Cambodia regarding the exploration of a contentious offshore oil and gas field, estimated to hold at least US$300 billion in reserves. This field has been a point of contention between the two nations since the 1970s. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who assumed office in September following the Constitutional Court’s…
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Perpetual panty pinching pervert caught red-handed in Chon Buri
Police arrested a Thai pervert who grabbed and sniffed a woman’s underwear in front of her in Chon Buri. It was revealed that he was recently arrested for stealing a mobile phone from a Russian woman in early September. A 25 year old Thai woman filed a complaint against the man, later identified as 21 year old Rung, after she…
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Foreigner’s body found near Patong Beach, police investigate
Police are scrambling to identify the body of a foreign man found floating in the water south of Patong Beach early this morning. Officers were alerted to the scene, located in front of a hotel on Muen Ngern Road, at 9.10am, today, October 10, after a guest spotted the body and raised the alarm. A team from the police force,…
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Tragic accident at Surin bus terminal claims young attendant’s life
A tragic accident occurred at Prasat Bus Terminal in Surin when a double-decker bus, en route from Rayong to Mukdahan, ran over and killed a bus attendant. The incident happened around 7pm, yesterday, October 9, as the bus was reversing from its parking spot. Witnesses reported that the bus attendant, 19 year old Suphanai, was behind the bus, possibly checking…
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Former Aussie cop’s epic run across Thailand for tsunami victims
A former forensic cop from Australia is gearing up for his biggest physical challenge yet—a gruelling 1,400-kilometre run across Thailand in December. Dubbed “Run to Remember,” this endurance test marks the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, which claimed 230,000 lives worldwide, including 5,400 in Thailand. Starting on December 1, charity Hands Across the Water founder Peter Baines…
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Thailand’s tourism confidence index drops amid floods, economy
Thailand’s tourism confidence index for the third quarter saw a significant drop year-on-year, remaining below the benchmark due to challenges such as factory closures, rising unemployment, increasing non-performing loans, and severe flooding both domestically and internationally, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT). The TCT has scheduled a meeting with the Tourism Authority of Thailand‘s board chairman tomorrow to…
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Thai king’s birthday sparks 10 royal projects to transform Bangkok
To celebrate His Majesty the King’s 6th cycle birthday, the Thai government has launched 10 ambitious royal projects under the theme Forest, Water, People. These initiatives align with His Majesty’s vision to blend environmental conservation with improving the quality of life for Thai citizens. Among the standout projects is the Elevate Pocket Park initiative, a partnership between the government and…
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High stakes: Thailand rolls out stricter cannabis controls
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is set to tighten control over the production, import, export, sale, and possession of cannabis and hemp extracts through a new ministerial regulation. Police Lieutenant General Phanurat Lukboon, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), announced that the Cabinet has approved the draft regulation in principle. The draft, proposed by the Public Health…
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Oedipus rex-ed: Doctor caught in toxic plot to kill mum’s partner
In a subverted Oedipus-like tale, a once-respected doctor has admitted to plotting a shocking murder attempt by disguising himself as a community nurse and poisoning his mother’s partner with a fake Covid booster. Hong Kong-born doctor 53 year old Thomas Kwan aimed to kill 72 year old Patrick O’Hara, who was left battling a rare flesh-eating disease after the deadly…
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Thailand triumphs in UN Human Rights council bid
Thailand emerged victorious in its bid to join the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) with an impressive 177 votes—the highest of all candidates—securing a coveted three-year term to champion human rights across the globe. The decision was revealed yesterday, October 9, following a secret ballot by the UN. In a closely watched contest, Cyprus and Qatar each received 167…
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Police investigate suspicious friend in Udon Thani stabbing
A police investigation is intensifying as they uncover suspicious behaviour from a friend following the stabbing death of a 25 year old man at a traditional Thai event. The victim’s mother, still in shock, expresses her profound grief and disbelief over the tragic incident. Police in Udon Thani are actively investigating the murder of Sawit, who was fatally stabbed during…
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Tidal wave of trouble: Phitsanulok fields flooded as waters overflow
Floodwaters are inundating the Bang Rakam model fields in Phitsanulok province, receiving overflow from Sukhothai and reaching 571 million cubic metres, or 143% of capacity. The water expands, flooding nearby areas and roads, particularly in Phrom Phiram, Mueang, and Bang Rakam districts. Since late September, 304 villages across 50 subdistricts in nine districts of Phitsanulok have been affected by floodwaters…
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Police hunt for gang rape suspects as more victims step forward
In a chilling tale of intimidation and sexual violence, a 19 year old woman from Phetchabun has bravely stepped forward to expose a nightmarish ordeal that saw her and several other young women fall prey to a brutal gang rape. The vicious attack, reportedly carried out by a mob exceeding 10 men, left the victims too terrified to seek justice…
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Thai delivery rider arrested for cop assault in road rage bust-up
A delivery rider was finally arrested after he threw a punch at a police officer during a heated confrontation in Nonthaburi last week following an unusual road rage saga that spiralled into a legal mess. The drama unfolded at 4pm on October 3 near the Prachachuen intersection bridge, where 26 year old Sahapap Morawan believed police were unnecessarily blocking the…
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Crocodile captured after escaping temple enclosure in Kalasin
A crocodile named Jao Tui, which escaped from its enclosure at Wat Kalayanaborrihan Temple in Kalasin province was successfully captured after being found swimming in the temple’s pond, causing alarm among the locals. Officials from the Kalasin Fisheries Department, led by a team of skilled crocodile catchers, managed to capture Jao Tui yesterday, October 9. The crocodile had escaped its…
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Beauty & the bleak: Cops probe iCon brand in ugly Ponzi scandal
Royal Thai Police (RTP) officers are investigating the renowned beauty product and food supplement company THE iCon Group, along with the famous Thai celebrities associated with it, following the bankruptcy of its selling agents and the tragic suicides of some individuals linked to its alleged Ponzi scheme. THE iCon Group has garnered significant attention in Thailand as numerous investors and…
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Thai cyber police arrest gold scammer in 85 million baht fraud
Cyber police arrested a 31 year old Thai man for allegedly conducting livestreamed scams involving the sale of gold at significantly reduced prices, resulting in over 500 victims and damages exceeding 85 million baht. Police executed a search warrant on a residence in Lam Luk Ka, Pathum Thani, following an investigation. Phromthada, also known as Mae Bainaad, director of Thada…
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Phuket launches 50-baht electric bus service from town to Patong
Phuket Smart Bus (PKSB) yesterday launched a new electric bus service connecting Phuket Town and Patong. The service is priced at just 50 baht per passenger. The launch yesterday, October 9, saw Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat officiating, alongside Atcha Buachan, Chief of the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO). Also in attendance were Waithat Upatising, Executive Director of Phuket City Development…
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Construction worker dies after lightning strike in Pathum Thani
A construction worker tragically lost his life after being struck by lightning amidst heavy rain while working on a housing project in Pathum Thani. Four fellow workers narrowly escaped the incident. Around 3.30pm yesterday, October 9, police officer Parada Tuntirungarun from Suan Phrik Thai Police Station in Pathum Thani received a report of a man being struck by lightning at…
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