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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Child abuse: Stepfather accused of sexually assaulting 10 year old girl, another villager suspected
In a disturbing incident, a stepfather is under scrutiny for allegedly committing multiple acts of sexual assault against his 10 year old daughter in the Phanom Sarakham District of Chachoengsao Province. The concerned mother discovered the abusive incidents yesterday, prompted by unsettling signs and changes in her daughter’s behaviour. Initially, the daughter remained silent, primarily due to the threats made…
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Election letdown: MFP leader falls short of prime ministerial votes in Thai race
Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP) and the top vote-getter in the General Election 2023, fell short of securing enough votes from the members of Parliament and senators to become the Thai Prime Minister. Despite obtaining 323 votes, Pita failed to reach the required threshold of 375 votes. The newly elected President of Parliament, Wan Muhamad…
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Road accident: Admin official’s fatal collision with lorry leaves one dead, another critically injured
A tragic road accident occurred this morning when an administration official’s car crashed into a lorry, resulting in his death and leaving another casualty severely wounded. This fatal accident involving a local government official took place on the Sa Kaeo–Chanthaburi route, along Highway 317, inflicting critical damage to both the vehicle and its occupants. The accident happened around 6am today…
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Bloody accident on Asia Highway: Fortune teller killed
A tragic accident occurred midday yesterday in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, resulting in the death of a 61 year old fortune teller. En route to visit both her daughter and ailing mother in Bangkok, her motorbike taxi was struck by an 18-wheel truck whilst crossing between parallel lanes. According to the investigating officer, Chaiwat Tiphsotti, the accident happened on…
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Cyber patrol corners notorious online fraudster who caused 2 million baht losses
A cyber patrol unit successfully arrested an infamous online fraudster, a 32 year old woman from Roi Et province. The joint investigation yesterday tracked her down, resulting in her arrest under several warrants from different provinces. Her modus operandi was primarily carrying out fraudulent activities online, causing significant distress and loss to innocent social media users. The alleged fraudulent actions…
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Racket restriction: Thai senators and EC officers ‘served’ ban from Thailand badminton court
A badminton court in northern Thailand announced on its official Facebook page that Thai senators and Election Commission (EC) officers and their family members are banned from visiting or playing on the premises. The Panda Arena badminton centre, in the northern province of Uttaradit, announced on Facebook… “Our badminton court does not allow senators and EC authorities, along with their…
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Rare sighting of two battling Asian black bears in Khao Yai National Park
Tourists in Nakhon Ratchasima province were stunned to discover two large Asian black bears embroiled in a fierce battle in Khao Yai National Park. The stunning spectacle was swiftly caught on camera by a tourist, Kritsanaphong Kwangphimai. Officials have since issued warnings urging members of the public and visitors to keep their distance from these magnificent beasts. A video clip…
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Thai ‘Dark Side Club’ operator nabbed for gambling promotions and explicit content
The administrator of the secretive ‘Dark Side Club‘ on the platform VK, has been arrested for sharing explicit content and promoting online gambling. He confessed to operating for several years, having earned up to 100,000 baht (US$2,892) per month at its peak. The arrest was conducted today by an esteemed team of Royal Thai Police (RTP) officers. RTP officers, armed…
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Thai teen lies in coma after alleged police shooting: Family seeks justice
The relatives of a 14 year old boy are seeking justice after he was allegedly shot in the head by a police officer in Phetchabun province, Thailand. Together with a social justice advocate, the boy’s aunt, 56 year old Monnat Pa Kaew, and his mother, 40 year old Eum Phon Somsri, reported the case to the Central Investigative Bureau today. The…
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Woman’s fall from third floor meets ‘slippery’ rescue on banana tree in Thailand
A young woman from Phayao province fell from the third floor of an apartment building in Chon Buri province and landed on a banana tree. The incident took place at Soi Chaiyaporn Withee 7 in Bang Lamung district around 12.20am today. The surrounding villagers and the apartment owner quickly reported the event to the local rescue centre in Pattaya City,…
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Cops expose fake licence plate scam across Thailand: Government officer arrested
The national traffic police dismantled an operation selling fake red licence plates across Thailand. Two suspects have been apprehended, one of whom is reportedly a government officer. The suspects were captured following a raid on a residence yielding substantial evidence. The apprehension comes on the back of numerous reports of cars with fraudulent red plates evading toll booth fees. Major…
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Cop’s alleged mistress cries foul: Betrayed and financially ‘cuffed’ by high-ranking officer
The alleged mistress of a high-ranking police officer filed a complaint with the Royal Thai Police (RTP) claiming that she was betrayed by her lover who did not provide the financial support he promised. She also accused him of embezzling the RTP budget for personal gain. The mistress, named A, yesterday, July 12, visited the RTP Office in Bangkok to…
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Thai private sector braced for impact amid political unrest and government delays
Protests and potential political instability are causing growing unease within Thailand‘s private sector, chiefly due to the impact of delays in forming the country’s new government. The possible effects are multifaceted, potentially touching areas such as new investments and the tourism industry. The Thai Chamber of Commerce’s vice-chairman, Poj Aramwattananont, expressed concern yesterday in light of recent moves by the…
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Pakistani family defends accused in high-profile German businessman murder
The family of the Pakistani man, arrested yesterday for his involvement in the murder of the German businessman Hans Peter Mack, say he is innocent. The family of the arrested man, Sahruk Kareem Uddin, pointed the finger of blame towards another suspect, a German woman, Petra Christl Grundgreif. They accused Grundgrief of tricking him into the plot to murder the…
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Songkhla temple encourages solar cell donations, not traditional wax candles, for Lent
A temple in Songkhla province put up a clear sign requesting that instead of offering traditional wax candles for the upcoming Buddhist Lent, supporters should donate solar cells. The use of local language on the signage has added a touch of levity and sparked conversation amongst the community. Lieb Temple has grabbed attention with its unique request showcased on banners…
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Bangkok’s Luang Phaeng road collapse spurs urgent motion for improved oversight
A discussion unfolded in the House of Representatives yesterday, centred on an urgent motion following the catastrophic collapse of an under-construction elevated road on Luang Phaeng Road the evening before. The motion was brought forth by Theerarat Samrejvanich of the Pheu Thai Party, a representative for Bangkok. During the meeting, Theerarat asked for cooperation from agencies associated with the project…
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UNESCO nomination bid at risk as contractors flout Thai temple preservation orders
Deep in the heartland of Nakhon Si Thammarat, the tranquil expanses of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan are churning with concern as contractors persist with the dismantling of age-old cannons at the temple, regardless of instructions from the Fine Arts Department (FAD) to halt until an investigation is carried out. The fabled temple is on its path to being nominated as…
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Thai-China pact amplifies crackdown on Chinese fugitives in Thailand
A recent agreement between Thai and Chinese law enforcement signals an increased effort to crack down on Chinese criminals who have sought refuge in Thailand. Policymakers from both nations are keen on bolstering cooperation in dealing with significant instances of Chinese criminals fleeing from China to Thailand to evade apprehension. High-ranking officials of the Thai Immigration Bureau (IB), directed by…
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THAI scandal sees corruption charges dropped against ex-PM Thaksin
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has aborted all charges against Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, and three others in the Thai Airways (THAI) corruption saga. The case involved allegations of corruption linked to the acquisition of 10 Airbus aircraft by Thai between 2003 and 2004. This was revealed by former deputy transport minister Pichet Sathirachawal, who was also accused…
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Plastics factory owner dies in fatal Bangkok car crash, 2 passengers injured
A tragic accident occurred early yesterday when a car crashed into an electricity pole, resulting in the death of a plastics factory owner and injuring two of his companions. Police and emergency services responded to the incident around 3.30am, near Ratchaburana Road in Bang Pho, Bangkok. The fatal mishap involved a Subaru Legacy car, registered number ฬฮ5030 Bangkok. The driver’s…
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Thai police intensify crackdown on international crime after German businessman’s murder
Police in the Thai province of Chon Buri are intensifying their efforts against international criminal organisations, an enforcement surge prompted by the grisly murder of a German businessman in Pattaya. Deputy national police chief, Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, spoke of these measures after an urgent meeting was convened with local police forces late on Tuesday. Following the gruesome…
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Thai tourism hit by weak Chinese market and waning local interest
The sluggish Chinese economy and hesitant local budget travellers have dealt a blow to Thai tourism operators along the eastern seaboard, casting a gloomy cloud over this year’s revenue prospects. The slow recovery marks it as a testing time for places like Pattaya, particularly with a quiet Chinese market yet to bounce back and local visitors not returning en masse,…
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Drug dealer’s daring escape attempt in Chumphon ends in fatal crash
A dramatic incident unfolded in Chumphon province, where a suspected drug dealer attempted to evade arrest, resulting in a car crash involving two police vehicles. The 22 year old suspect, who had a previous history of drug-related offences, didn’t survive. At around 10.30pm last night, Teerawut Nuchanong, the Deputy Secretary of Chumphon’s National Security, led an operation to apprehend Nares…
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Thai researchers boost export potential of local durian through innovative ripening inhibition technology
The National Research Office (NRO), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation in Thailand, announced it supports the transfer of durian production technology and ripening inhibition technology. This support is particularly for the local “Lap Lae Durian,” which aims to help export Thai durians to the international market. The move was initiated by Wiparat Dee-Ohng, Director of…
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Pakistani man arrested for gruesome murder of German businessman
Officers from Kanchanaburi Provincial Police Station managed to arrest a Pakistani man allegedly involved in the gruesome murder of German businessman Hans Peter Mack. Following the discovery of Mack’s chopped-up remains in the freezer of a rental house in Pattaya, police officers conducted a further investigation until the evidence led to three suspects, including 52 year old Olaf Thorsten Brinkmann,…
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Pakistani man arrested in Thailand for using fake license plates and evading highway tolls
Thai Highway Police arrested 43 year old Pakistani national for using fake vehicle registration plates and evading the M-Flow motorway fare system. He was pulled over while driving on the Kanchanaphisek Road, on the outbound lane heading towards Bang Pa-In in East Ring, on July 11 around 10pm. According to Lieutenant Colonel Prachya Kamlasatphitak, who commanded the operation, the arrest followed…
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Burger King Thailand launches ‘Real Cheeseburger’ with 20 layers of cheese
Burger King Thailand got innovative and launched a new burger without meat called the “Real Cheeseburger” offering cheese lovers burger buns with 20 slices of pure American cheese. The burger is now available for 109 baht, down from the original price of 380 baht. The new burger almost immediately went viral on Thai social media platforms due to the thick…
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Motorbike crash on Patong Hill leaves 2 wounded
A motorbike crash on Patong Hill left two people wounded. The incident on Monday occurred on a shortcut road located behind the Tiger Shrine on Patong Hill. Rescuers and police rushed to the scene to find the two victims down a slope off the road. The victims were a 36 year old man named Wuttisak Puttisarn, from Chalong, and a…
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12-day mystery unfolds as missing Thai woman’s body found near coconut plantation
Police are investigating circumstances surrounding the disfigured and naked body of a Thai woman discovered near a coconut plantation in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. The Thai woman, whose body had been mutilated by animals, had been missing from home for 12 days. The shocking discovery was made close to a creak near the plantation, on the road to a sand…
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Grandmother’s shocking find: Hidden stash of unwashed dishes in granddaughter’s rooms sparks online debate
In an unexpected revelation, a grandmother stumbled upon a pile of unwashed dinner dishes in her granddaughter’s room, after wondering about the unaccountable disappearance of her household tableware. The discovery was shared on Twitter by RedSkullxxx, eliciting shock among viewers. ถ้าไม่ป่วยนี่ บ้านไหนได้ไปเป็นสะใภ้ก็ขอให้โชคดี😅 #โหนกระแส pic.twitter.com/o3ptfckhY5 — Red Skull (@RedSkullxxx) July 12, 2023 The shared clip unveils an almost nauseating scenario. The…
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