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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Thai Cabinet to scrap duty-free stores on arrival after 3 billion baht loss
The Thai Cabinet plans to scrap duty-free stores on arrival at eight airports in Thailand after losing an estimated 3 billion baht in customs revenue. This cancellation is also aimed at making Thailand a hub of tourism and shopping. The Prime Minister’s Office deputy spokesperson, Ratchada Thanadirek, reported in a press conference after today’s Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet agreed to…
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Heavy drought leaves Lamphun houseboats stranded
Heavy drought has struck the famous freshwater Kaeng Kor Lake in Lamphun, causing a significant drop in water levels and leaving houseboats stranded on land. Tourism services have been temporarily halted until conditions improve. Operators of houseboat services at Kaeng Kor Lake, located in Mae Ping National Park, Li District, Lamphun province, announced the suspension of their boating and restaurant…
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Tragic mushroom poisoning claims elderly woman’s life, son critical
An elderly woman tragically passed away after consuming mushroom soup prepared from mushrooms her son had collected. The son remains in critical condition in the hospital, relatives suspect no foul play in the tragic passing of the woman. Family members reported that before the incident, the woman’s son, 44 year old Pranchai had gone mushroom hunting, and prepared a soup…
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Ratchaburi residents demand urgent fix for narrow overpass bridge
Residents of Pak Tho in Ratchaburi are grappling with congestion due to a newly constructed overpass bridge that is too narrow for safe and efficient use. The bridge, located between Village 1 and Village 5, was intended as an alternative route after the closure of a main motorcycle passageway by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). This route was crucial…
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Phuket flight turbulence: Rainstorm forces diversions amid deluge
Fourteen flights bound for Phuket were forced to divert to alternative airports as a deluge of rain battered the popular resort island, causing widespread flooding. Phuket Airport Director Monchai Tanod confirmed that although the airport itself remained dry, visibility plummeted to dangerously low levels between 7am and 9am, today, July 2. “Pilots simply couldn’t see the runway.” Flights had to…
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Disruptive neighbour in Chiang Mai terrorises local community
A disruptive neighbour in Chiang Mai‘s Chom Thong district has become a source of frustration for the local community due to negative signage, loud noises, and other disturbances. Despite attempts to resolve the issues, the homeowner persists with these troubling antics. Residents of Ban Luang subdistrict, Chom Thong district, Chiang Mai, are troubled by a house that has become infamous…
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Tokio Marine updates electric vehicle insurance policy in Thailand
Tokio Marine Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited recently announced changes in its electric vehicle (EV) insurance policy, which came into effect yesterday, July 1. The news sparked significant discussion among EV users. Tokio Marine Insurance clarified that it would continue to provide insurance for EVs. The company explained its decision to revise the premium calculation method, influenced by the fluctuating…
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2 killed and 3 injured in crane collapse at Bangkok construction site
A crane collapsed at a construction site in Soi On Nut 86 in the Prawet district of Bangkok at around 2.20pm today, July 2, killing two and injuring three others. Praram Radio Centre 199 reported the fatal incident at the construction site in Soi On Nut 86 at 2.20pm today on its official X (Twitter) account. Officers from the Prawet…
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Nine year old girl killed in road accident in Lampang
A tragic accident claimed the life of a nine year old girl in Wang Nuea district, Lampang, leaving her friends and community in mourning. The young girl was struck by a pickup truck and thrown more than 10 metres, resulting in fatal injuries. Rescue workers from Wang Nuea were immediately dispatched to the scene. However, a good Samaritan had already…
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Man arrested for child abduction, allegedly raping her 24 times
A man in Nakhon Ratchasima is currently facing charges for luring a 14 year old girl to live with him, engaging in sexual relations with her 24 times since April, facing charges of child abduction and statutory rape of a minor. An official from the National Rescue Organisation (NRO), Nalin Rojanawatthikorn, accompanied the mother and her teenage daughter to report…
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Court dismisses lawsuit against Daily News over child protection
A court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a family against Daily News, stating the media outlet was performing its duty without intent to harm. The case concerned the protection of an eight year old child under the Child Protection Act 2005. Today, July 2, at 9.35am the Juvenile and Family Court in Surat Thani dismissed a lawsuit brought by…
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Pressing charges: Fake journalists arrested for extortion
Four people posing as journalists were arrested for extorting money from a contractor. The suspects were found with vests from various government agencies, used to intimidate the public. Police in Udon Thani, led by Deputy Commander of Udon Thani Provincial Police, Chagat Tiamwong, and Superintendent of the Provincial Investigation Division, Panpet Laokernphet, announced the arrest of four suspects claiming to…
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KFC Thailand clucks for National Fried Chicken Day with free drumsticks
KFC Thailand is celebrating the upcoming National Fried Chicken Day on July 6 with a special promotion that will give you a free crispy fried drumstick if you can crow like a chicken at the staff. July 6 is considered National Fried Chicken Day in the United States. Fried chicken lovers will celebrate the day by cooking and eating fried…
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Dealership owner arrested for selling cars with outstanding finance
A car dealership owner in Prawet has been arrested for selling second-hand cars with outstanding finance which lacked registration books, causing damages worth 15 to 20 million baht. Over 40 victims reported the scam to the Prawet Police Station. Today, July 2, Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, along with other senior officers, ordered the arrest of the dealership owner, 32…
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Pattaya crackdown: Mayor checks on ‘soi sore’ after eviction deadline
Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet led city officials on a site inspection of Photisan Soi 6 in North Pattaya yesterday, July 1. This followed the June 30 deadline for residents to vacate their illegally built homes on public land. For over 30 years, unauthorised structures have stood in Photisan Soi 6. Now, Pattaya City is reclaiming this land to restore it…
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Blue Line MRT fares to rise by up to 2 baht from tomorrow
The fares for the Blue Line MRT will increase by 1 to 2 baht, starting tomorrow, with a maximum fare of 45 baht. Discounts for children and seniors remain at 50%. Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) announced the new fare rates for the Blue Line MRT, known as the Chaloem Ratchamongkhon Line. Starting tomorrow, July 3, the…
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Jet fuel tax relief losing altitude, says deputy finance minister
The Finance Ministry appears unlikely to extend the jet fuel excise tax reduction, which was initially introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, stated Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. Julapun addressed a recent proposal by a group of budget airlines seeking further reductions in the jet fuel excise tax. He remarked that such requests are not of immediate importance. Julapun highlighted that…
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Increased rainfall forecast for Bangkok and surrounding areas
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasts increased rainfall over the next 10 days, from today until July 11. Bangkok and its surrounding areas are expected to experience afternoon and evening showers. TMD has updated its daily rainfall forecast, covering 24 hours from 7am. The forecast is based on data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and…
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Thai man arrested for raping niece over 7-year period
A court in the northern province of Chiang Rai denied a bail request for a Thai man who repeatedly raped his niece from when she was eight until she was 15. He also threatened the girl to drop a complaint against him. The victim’s 44 year old mother contacted the Paveena Foundation for Children and Women because she was worried…
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Woman shot dead while serving dinner in Nakhon Sawan
A woman was shot dead while serving food at her dining table by a gunman suffering from alleged mental health issues. The incident took place in Nakhon Sawan, where the perpetrator was later apprehended by police. At approximately 9.30pm yesterday, July 1, officer Arthit Yaemklin from Takli Police Station received a report of a fatal shooting at a residence. Upon arrival,…
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Deputy Thai PM orders plan to boost tapioca market in Korat
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai visited tapioca farmers in Korat, where he ordered the development of a comprehensive plan to manage prices and urged the expansion of new export markets in the Middle East. During the recent off-site Cabinet meeting in Nakhon Ratchasima, Phumtham met with the Tapioca Association, farmer representatives, and the President of the…
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Engineer arrested for selling firearms and explosives online
Police arrested a young engineer for manufacturing and selling firearms online, uncovering a cache of weapons and explosives at his residence. The operation has been ongoing for two years, with the suspect producing firearms using various metal parts. Police officers apprehended the engineer, Prasit, at a well-known logistics company in Banphot Phisai district, Nakhon Sawan province. He faces charges of…
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Indian PM to headline BIMSTECS summit in Thailand
Sources reveal that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be among the key figures at the upcoming Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTECS) summit. The summit, themed Towards Resilient Regions, Prosperous Economies, Healthy People, marks the 5th gathering of this crucial bloc. Leaders from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka have already confirmed their…
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Thai man suspected of killing his wife and staging her suicide
A Thai mother urged police to investigate the death of her daughter, suspecting her son-in-law of killing his wife and staging her suicide in a wooden hut on a rubber plantation in the Isaan province of Loei. The 56 year old Thai woman, Hongruethai, told Mueang Loei Police Station and Channel 7 that her 26 year old daughter was found…
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AI reporter KATIE joins Bangkok Biz’s newsroom
In a move that cements its position as Thailand’s premier economic and business news channel, Krungthep Turakij, also known as Bangkok Biz News, introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) reporter named KATIE to its platforms. Following the lead of Nation TV, Post Today, and Thansettakij, this latest innovation marks a significant leap for the Nation Group media arm. KATIE, an AI-generated…
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Monk’s coffin inscription matches winning lottery numbers
A monk who has been sleeping in a coffin for 30 years finds himself at the centre of a local lottery coincidence, as the winning numbers match the ones written on his coffin. The story revolves around Phra Kru Wikoram Wachirisan, the abbot of Ban Rai Mai Temple in Thepnakhon, in Mueang District, Kamphaeng Phet province. He has been sleeping…
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Thailand partners with Labubu to attract 8 million Chinese tourists
A tourism campaign featuring art toy mascot Labubu aims to draw eight million Chinese visitors and attract art toy enthusiasts globally, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, stated that Labubu’s selection as a promoter for Thai tourism is expected to enhance Thailand’s recognition among international tourists, in addition to the Chinese market. The…
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School cleaner wins 1 million baht in national lottery
A school cleaner’s life took an unexpected turn when she won the first prize in yesterday’s national lottery, securing 1 million baht. In disbelief at her sudden fortune, she plans to build a new home and save the remaining money for her future. At 6pm yesterday, a report from the assistant village head of Moo 8, Khlong Khoi Subdistrict, Photharam…
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Noodle shop heroes stir up town chatter with double life-saving feat
Noodle shop employees became the talk of the town after saving two lives in a single day. Security footage from the Prathong Noodle Shop on Prajak Road in Udon Thani captured these extraordinary events yesterday, July 1. A foreign male customer, while dining at the restaurant, began choking on his food. His Thai wife quickly attempted to help by administering…
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Tourist rescued from tree after parasailing mishap on Phuket beach
A foreign tourist found himself in a precarious situation when a parasailing adventure went awry, leaving him stranded atop a 5-metre pine tree on Kamala Beach in Phuket. Police were called to the scene to rescue him using a crane truck. Surasit Wandee, a deputy investigator at Kamala Police Station in Phuket, received a report of a foreign tourist stuck…
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