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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Phuket’s Sarasin Bridge to remain amid new construction plans
Phuket’s iconic Sarasin Bridge is set to remain untouched amid plans to construct a new bridge connecting the island to the mainland, according to Yutthana Phitak, the Chief of Phuket Highways Office. The announcement was made at a meeting held yesterday to address concerns over the Sarasin Bridge’s future, sparked by social media rumours of its potential demolition. The Sarasin…
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Amphetamine possession review by health minister sparks debate
The maximum number of amphetamine pills one can possess without facing criminal prosecution is under review, as revealed by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin. A meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 16, aims to reassess this limit, currently set at five pills. The existing regulation, enacted under previous Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew on February 9, designates individuals found with five…
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Tragedy in Pattaya: Estonian toddler killed in car crash
In a heart-wrenching incident at Sukhsiri Village, East Pattaya, an Estonian toddler tragically lost his life in a devastating car accident yesterday. Filipp Naumov was found lifeless on the road, suffering severe head injuries and extensive bleeding. Despite the valiant efforts of rescuers and medical personnel, who performed CPR and rushed him to the hospital, Naumov succumbed to his injuries shortly…
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Mangoes are beneficial for pregnant women and older individuals
Known as “Mamuang” in Thai, the mango, revered as the king of fruits, is a staple in both sweet and savoury dishes in Thailand. Tourists flock to the streets of Bangkok or Phuket, eager to indulge in local delights like mango with sticky rice or crispy catfish with mango salad. This subtropical fruit, with its unique flavour, is not only…
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Political activist detainee passes away after cardiac arrest
Political activist Nethiporn, also known as Bung, of the Thaluwang Group, passed away at 11.52pm today following her hospitalisation this morning due to a cardiac arrest. After several life-saving efforts by the medical team at Ratchadon Hospital, attempts were made to transfer her to Thammasart University Hospital, where her treatment would continue. But as medical officials instead transferred her from…
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Trillion-baht gamble: Deputy minister defends Land Bridge project
In a heated defence yesterday, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri championed the government’s ambitious 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge project, which she claims has sparked considerable interest from foreign investors. Her statement came in response to sharp criticisms from former Democrat leader Samart Ratchapolsitte, who cast doubt on the project’s cost-effectiveness and feasibility. Despite his scepticism, Manaporn insists the initiative is attracting…
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Khon Kaen residents demand action against wild night bikers
The city of Khon Kaen has recently been disrupted by a gang of daredevil bikers, whose brazen stunts on public roads have triggered alarm and concern among residents. The local community is calling for police action against these reckless motorcyclists, fearing for the safety of other road users. In an unsettling display of audacity, one masked biker has been caught…
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Drug-addicted monk arrested after petrol theft and car crash chaos
A drug-addicted Thai monk joined the illustrious list of monastic figures behaving disgracefully in Thailand when he was arrested yesterday for avoiding a 1,300 petrol station bill and crashing his car into a police motorcycle and a baht bus in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham. A petrol station manager in Kantara Wichai district reported the petrol theft to Mueang…
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PM Srettha’s plan to rename Hua Hin Airport
During a visit to Hua Hin yesterday, Prime Minister Srettha revealed his support for renaming the airport to Phetch-Hua Hin. This strategic move aims to highlight the adjoining province of Phetchaburi and tap into its potential as a tourist hotspot. Currently situated in the Hua Hin district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, Hua Hin Airport is positioned right on the…
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Barking mad: Residents howl over stray dog treatment in Chon Buri
A local teacher and a resident in the Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri province yesterday raised concerns over the handling of stray dogs by municipal officers, alleging inhumane treatment after the animals were sedated and left in a forest, leading to the death of one dog. The incident sparked a plea for more compassionate and responsible animal control practices.…
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Thai Airways’ Boeing and Airbus aircraft sales
Thai Airways International (THAI) successfully sold its entire fleet of 18 retired aircraft, including six Boeing 777-200s, six Boeing 777-300s, and six Airbus A380s. This major move marks a significant step in the airline’s restructuring strategy. THAI CEO Chai Eamsiri confirmed that sales agreements for all 18 aircraft have been signed on May 12. The airline has already completed the…
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86 year old Thai man stabs friend to death for lack of respect
An 86 year old Thai man yesterday stabbed a 49 year old friend to death for a lack of respect after drinking alcohol together in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. Nong Han Police Station officers were alerted to the death of the 49 year old man, Anan Kongchang, at around 12.30pm yesterday, May 13. The incident occurred at a…
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Thailand Video News | Murder suspect arrested in Korea, Government eyes Beijing inspired AI systems for airports
In this Thailand video news, Jay and Alex covers the diverse stories from across the country. Beginning with a news from Ubon Ratchathani, a 32-year-old Thai man turned to local media for justice, accusing his 34-year-old wife of infidelity, swindling him out of over 100,000 baht, and orchestrating an assault that left him with severe injuries. The man, who wishes…
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Chiang Mai’s rot daeng under threat from ride-hailing apps
Chiang Mai’s iconic rot daeng, or red cars, transport service is under threat as tourists are opting for alternative modes of transport, causing local operators to urge the government for assistance. The issue was highlighted in an online debate where a Facebook user expressed concerns over the survival of the rot daeng services, which are now facing stiff competition from…
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Alcohol fuelled Phuket man arrested for axe attack on wife
A Chiang Mai native was arrested yesterday in Srisoonthorn, Phuket, following a violent domestic incident. During a heated argument fuelled by alcohol, 56 year old Insorn Bousai reportedly attacked his 52 year old wife, Boonjun Buasai, with an axe, causing severe injury to her foot. Thalang police, led by Police Lieutenant Thitiwat Asasingh, were informed of the distressing event at…
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Thai govt plans to ‘rice’ to the occasion with decade-old grain auction
The Thai government expressed a strong intent to auction off the last remaining stocks of decade-old rice. This move is in line to replenish the state coffers, as made clear by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, in a recent Facebook post. The aged rice in question is part of the controversial rice-pledging scheme initiated during the administration…
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Political activist detainee suffers cardiac arrest in custody
A critical medical emergency unfolded this morning as political detainee Nethiporn, known as Bung from the Thaluwang Group, suffered a cardiac arrest. Medical personnel at Ratchadon Hospital confirmed that they are currently engaged in life-saving efforts, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the patient. Associated with the Thaluwang Group, she has been in police custody for her involvement in political activities.…
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Thai widow criticises government’s lack of aid after Hamas attack
A Thai widow, lamenting the loss of her husband in the Hamas attack in Israel on October 7, voiced concerns over the lack of financial aid from the Thai government. The Thai woman, 30 year old Narisara Malee, is mourning the loss of her 34 year old husband, Tianchai Yotthongdee, who was among the Thai agricultural workers who lost their…
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Thai chief insists viral sexual yoga video was not shot in Thailand (video)
A district chief on Koh Pha Ngan island in the southern province of Surat Thani insisted that a viral video of sexual yoga on Thai social media took place in Bali, Indonesia, not in Thailand. The video, shared widely on social media yesterday, May 13, showed three foreign couples engaging in unusual explicit acts, initially claimed to have taken place…
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Myopia is increasing among children in Thailand and also globally
In recent years, the world has witnessed a concerning surge in myopia among children, with Thailand particularly affected, reporting between 11 to 12% of school-going children affected by the condition. Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects remain clear. This condition not only impacts a child’s academic success…
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Gas alert: Expert warns excessive farting might stink of serious health issues
A Taiwanese colorectal surgeon recently acknowledged farting is a natural bodily function but added that excessive or irregular flatulence could be a sign of serious health issues. Jong Yunni, a Taiwanese colorectal surgeon, stated that people typically fart between five to 25 times a day, with the average being around 15 times. This indicates a well-functioning digestive system. However, no…
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Phetchabun honours local deity with ancient ritual
Amidst the ancient traditions of Phetchabun, the community gathered yesterday for the time-honoured ritual in honour of the local deity, Chao Pho Chaiyaburi. This ceremony, deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Ban Nong Nari, is believed to bring prosperity and protection to the village. Residents of the historic Nong Nari village in the Sadiang subdistrict have long held the…
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Teen courier with 900k meth pills caught in Chiang Mai
In a dramatic pre-dawn operation, at 1.50am this morning, Thai police intercepted a teenage drug courier in Chiang Mai province, seizing nearly one million methamphetamine pills hidden in his pickup truck. The teenage driver admitted to being paid 80,000 baht for the illicit transport. Law enforcement officials from Lhoongkhot Police Station, under the command of Superintendent Suphachai Chanthara, collaborated with…
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BrewDog’s Bangkok expansion: What this means for Thai nightlife
Multinational brewery and pub chain BrewDog is shaking up the Bangkok bar scene with its latest announcement, partnering with Atalanta Hospitality to open its first bar in Thailand, part of a major push into the Asian market. BrewDog, known for its edgy branding and innovative brews, currently operates over 100 bars and hotels worldwide. Last year, it ambitiously unveiled plans…
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Volunteer fatally shoots colleague at Thai rescue foundation
A brutal act of violence has taken place within the ranks of a rescue foundation, as one volunteer fatally shot another using a revolver. The 32 year old gunman, Karnkan, confessed to the crime after police charged him with intentional murder and illegal possession of a firearm. The tragic incident occurred yesterday evening at the Po Tek Tung Foundation‘s disaster…
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Research shockingly shows that air in most cars are laden with carcinogens
Imagine driving to work, dropping your kids off at school, or simply running errands in your car. Now, imagine that with every breath you take inside your vehicle, you’re inhaling potential carcinogens. This startling reality has been revealed by recent research, shedding light on a hidden danger lurking in the air we breathe daily. The study’s shocking findings Researchers from…
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Ear today, gone tomorrow: Thai man bites off ear over marital affair
A Thai man in Chon Buri province bit off part of another man’s ear after discovering he was having an affair with his wife until she became pregnant. Mueang Chon Buri Police Station officers and local rescuers were alerted to a physical altercation between two groups of Thai men at Hua Hin-Bang Sai Market in the Chon Buri province on…
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Korean YouTuber ignites trend for Chanthaburi’s Nam Mapied drink
A young Korean YouTuber sparked a trend with his latest video featuring the refreshing and tangy Nam Mapied drink, a speciality of Chanthaburi Province. The power of social media influencers to set trends and capture the public’s imagination is undeniable, as demonstrated by Cullen Hateburry’s recent excursion to Chanthaburi province. Alongside his companions, known as Pee Jung and Nong Dan,…
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Sea-crets revealed: Marine scientist makes waves with sea foam
The phenomenon of sea foam is a rare natural occurrence that has recently been highlighted by a marine scientist and lecturer at the Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Thon Thamrongnawasawat. The image, shared on Facebook, serves as a stark reminder of the environmental changes affecting our oceans. Thon yesterday posted a picture of the infrequent phenomenon…
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Chiang Mai gears up for rare solar noon phenomenon tomorrow
Chiang Mai prepares for the striking solar noon phenomenon tomorrow at 12.21pm, as the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) advises caution against intense heat and potential heatstroke while confirming the event will not affect temperature or weather conditions. Chiang Mai is poised to witness a remarkable celestial event known as solar noon, where the sun will be exactly…
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