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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Last member of Bangkok motorcycle theft gang nabbed by police
The arrest of a 21 year old woman, identified only by her nickname Khem, has made headlines as she was apprehended for her involvement in a motorcycle theft gang. The capture took place at a residence in the district of Krathum Baen, Samut Sakhon province, after an extensive investigation led by the authorities. The operation was initiated under the direction…
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Princess Sirindhorn’s stunning photography exhibition at BACC
The Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre currently holds an exhibition by Thailand’s royal photographer, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Those familiar with the photographs taken by the late King Rama IX will recognise the shared passion for photography and the arts of the princess and her late father. The Thai public has grown accustomed to seeing at least one camera…
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Thai foundation advocates green switch for Makha Bucha day
The Tree Planting Foundation is advocating for Thais tomorrow to make a green switch from the traditional practice of burning candles and incense sticks during the imminent Makha Bucha day candle processions. The campaign is aimed at fostering environmentally friendly merit-making customs that contribute to the expansion of green spaces in Thailand. Tawatchai Tositrakul, leading the Tree Planting Foundation, voiced…
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Thailand Video News | Air Japan flight cancellation domino effect, Japanese man accused of uranium trafficking
Stay up to date with the latest news from Thailand, as Alex and Jay bring you the headlines shaping the nation. Exploring a range of stories making waves across the country: Air Japan flight cancellation domino effect, Japanese man accused of uranium trafficking, Kamala beach wastewater problem, American escapes jail time following Trip Advisor review, and misinterpreted Social Media Post. …
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Thai and US navies kickstart mission to salvage sunken HTMS Sukhothai
A joint military exercise between the Thai and US navies initiated a challenging mission yesterday, involving a squad of 49 divers to salvage the sunken HTMS Sukhothai over 19 days. The operation is part of the Cobra Gold military exercise hosted in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Admiral Adoong Pan-iam, the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) commander-in-chief, visited the mission base, the US…
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Oxygen treatment makes Thai wastewater clean
In a move to tackle Thailand’s wastewater crisis, a pioneering oxygen treatment method promises to transform foul-smelling waters into pristine streams, all while slashing carbon emissions. In the heart of Thailand’s bustling capital, Bangkok, a silent revolution is underway. Piyabut Charuphen, the managing director of BIG, a trailblazer in industrial gas technology, unveils the Generating A Cleaner Future initiative. This…
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Thailand boosts welfare benefits for elderly, infants, and disabled
Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has taken a momentous step forward to enhance welfare benefits for the elderly, infants, and individuals with disabilities. The sub-committee under the ministry assented to this significant development. According to Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, the proposed scheme would offer a flat rate welfare payment of 1,000 baht…
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Thai boy suffers severe injury to testicles after falling on tree stump
Rescuers in the Isaan province of Udon Thani helped an eight year old Thai boy who suffered a severe injury to his testicles after he tripped and fell on a sharp tree stump. A 47 year old Thai mother reported the accident to the Song Serm Tham Rescue Foundation at 3pm yesterday, February 22. The incident scene was a roadside…
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Thailand’s summer sun takes the heat up a notch: Temperatures set to sizzle at 45°c
The summer sun has begun its sizzling reign over Thailand, officially declared by the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD), with temperatures set to soar to a scorching 45°C on some days. Daily averages are predicted to hover around a balmy 36°C. This surge in heat is credited to the blazing rays of sunshine blanketing the nation’s northern reaches, then whisked…
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Serial rapist remains at large after assaulting boys in Rayong
Residents in the eastern province of Rayong condemned police for failing to arrest a serial rapist who repeatedly assaulted more than 10 boys in the province for years. Social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet, yesterday, February 22, accompanied two Thai boys, aged 11 and 14 years old, to Mueang Rayong Police Station to file a complaint against the rapist named…
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South Korean man arrested by Thai police for fraud
Chon Buri Immigration Bureau arrested a notorious South Korean fugitive for fraud and a call centre syndicate on Wednesday. Acting swiftly on intelligence shared by foreign counterparts, immigration officers seized 51 year old Oh Suk Yeon in Pattaya for orchestrating a call centre fraud ring that preyed on unsuspecting victims back in South Korea. According to Chon Buri Immigration, this…
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Ex-politician’s son causes deadly accident in Sadao district
A devastating accident unfolded in Tambon Samnak Kham, Sadao district on Wednesday when 35 year old Wissanu Tongsai lost control of his pickup truck and ploughed into a group of students, resulting in two fatalities and 13 injuries. Wissanu, the son of an ex-politician from Samnak Kham Municipal Council, was later charged with reckless driving and illegal drug use. Chanaporn…
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Thai police chief denies involvement in online gambling scandal
Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, Deputy National Police Chief, yesterday refuted allegations of his involvement with online gambling networks. Despite the rumours that have been swirling since early this week, Big Joke clarified that no formal charges have been brought against him following the widely publicised house search conducted last year. Furthermore, he noted that only eight individuals, some…
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Calls for government subsidy on all Bangkok public transport
A call for government subsidisation of all public transportation in Bangkok was made at a forum aiming to alleviate the city’s commuting issues. The event, attended by approximately 100 individuals including locals, was a collaboration between the House Committee on Consumer Protection, the Thailand Consumers Council and the Foundation for Consumers. The agenda was to gather consumer perspectives on the…
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Thailand’s ex-PM Thaksin paroled raising legal questions
Convicted former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted parole in compliance with legal criteria, according to Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, the Justice Minister. This comes following Thaskin’s return to Thailand last year, during which he did not serve any jail time. This development sparked questions from Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, a Bangkok MP for the Move Forward Party (MFP),…
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Thailand braces for severe summer storms across 46 provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe weather warning as a summer storm is expected to hit 46 provinces, including Bangkok and its vicinity, from tomorrow February 24 to Monday, February 26. The alert made early today, warns of thunderstorms, hail, and potential lightning strikes due to a high-pressure system from China meeting with a moist easterly and southeasterly…
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Thai doctor’s health warning on Facebook mistaken for obituary
In a case of social media misunderstanding, a well-intentioned educational post on Facebook by a Thai doctor went viral for the wrong reasons. Chulalongkorn University shared on its Facebook page an image of Dr Pawat Phuensan with a pink background and a message warning about the dangers of prawn whisker punctures leading to fatal infections. However, netizens misinterpreted the post…
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Phuket’s Kamala Beach faces murky waters as main canal turns black
Kamala Beach in Phuket found itself in a murky situation, the main canal has turned black and is producing an unpleasant smell. Visitors to the beach, some international tourists, watched in dismay as the polluted water flowed freely into the sea. The sight of the blackened water has led to numerous headshakes and raised eyebrows. A particularly concerned tourist even questioned…
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Vientiane hotel faces backlash for degrading game
A Chinese-owned hotel in Vientiane, Laos, faces a furious backlash after a controversial game involving young women sparked outrage. In a bid to win wine and beer, Chinese men partook in a demeaning ring-toss game at the capital’s hotel, prompting swift condemnation from locals and authorities alike. According to Radio Free Asia (RFA), the hotel took swift action after a…
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Thai mother exposes school bullying and seeks justice for her son
A Thai mother took to social media to share a bullying incident at a school in the Sriracha district of Chon Buri province and seek justice for her son, who has been a victim of his classmates for years. The mother posted the story of her son on Facebook two days ago, February 20. She revealed to the public that…
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Thailand’s potash push: Prosperity or peril?
As Thailand eyes a leap into the lucrative potash market, concerns loom large over the potential environmental havoc it may unleash. Residents in the vicinity of Thailand’s solitary commercial potash mine have raised a chorus of apprehension, cautioning against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s grand vision to catapult the nation into a leading potash producer. Their concerns centred around the likely…
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Vietnam’s rice exports soar towards 178 billion baht milestone
Vietnam’s rice sector is projected for a remarkable milestone of US$5 billion (approximately 178 billion baht) in turnover. Anticipating a rollercoaster ride in the global rice market, experts emphasise the pivotal role of innovation and adaptable export strategies in propelling Vietnam towards its ambitious growth targets. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development underscores the industry’s resilience despite a shrinking…
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Bangkok Digital Loy Krathong Festival wins best eco-friendly festival
The 2023 Bangkok Digital Loy Krathong Festival at the Ong Ang Canal near Bangkok’s Chinatown scooped an Asia Pinnacle Award for the Best Eco-Friendly Festival category. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) official Facebook page yesterday, February 21, invited its followers to join in celebrating the latest award, Best Eco-Friendly Festival, from Asia’s Pinnacle Awards. The BMA added that the representative would attend…
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American expat escapes Thai jail time for scathing hotel review
An American expat living in Thailand faced a nightmare scenario when his negative TripAdvisor review landed him in hot water with the law. Wesley Barnes found himself in a legal tussle after leaving a less-than-flattering review of Sea View Resort on Koh Chang. Barnes’ brush with the law began after he described the hotel’s staff as unfriendly and likened their…
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Thai actor demands unpaid fees from series producers
Thai actor Atagorn Sonyot bravely confronted the producers of a series he starred in over unpaid acting fees. The actor’s public outcry for justice not only resonated with fans but also highlighted the plight of actors in the entertainment industry. Atagorn, better known as Tor, took to his personal Twitter account on Tuesday to express his frustration, questioning when he…
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Thailand police fine parents in illegal racing crackdown
Police officials launched a strict crackdown on illegal street racing, specifically targeting the parents of minors involved in such activities. Following a recent incident in the Prasamutchedi district of Samut Prakan Province, police investigations led to legal actions against numerous individuals. The National Police Office’s Assistant Commissioner-General, Saram Nualma, announced that 22 people had been prosecuted following illegal road racing…
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Bare truth: Thai man’s crystal meth nap leads to roadside arrest
Police arrested a Thai man this afternoon for lying naked on the roadside in the eastern province of Trat. The man confessed that the crystal meth he had taken made him feel sleepy and hot. Motorists in the Wang Krajae sub-district of Trat spotted the Thai man, later identified as 39 year old Amphon, lying naked on the side of…
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Air Japan cancels Bangkok-Tokyo flights, stranding passengers
Passengers were left disappointed and frustrated when their Air Japan flight to Tokyo was abruptly cancelled due to technical issues. The fledgling airline, a low-cost carrier within the ANA group, found itself at the centre of controversy after it revealed that it operates with a single aircraft, which brought about a series of cancellations affecting travellers from both Thailand and…
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Thai doctor crashes sedan into 3 cars in Lampang hospital car park
A Thai doctor attributed a brake system failure as the cause of his sedan crashing into three cars in a car park at Lampang Hospital in northern Thailand. Fortunately, rescuers managed to avert a potentially hazardous situation by preventing an SUV from plummeting off the sixth floor of the parking structure. The sound of the collision and the sight of…
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Uyghur terror suspects win judge’s approval for Halal food
A judge ruled yesterday that Thailand’s corrections system must provide two Uyghur terrorism suspects with the Halal food they have been requesting for years. Adem Karadag and Yusufu Mieraili, accused in the 2015 Erawan Shrine bombing, appeared visibly emaciated and in wheelchairs, pleading for their religious rights. The duo shared their harrowing ordeal, revealing they had significantly deteriorated in health,…
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