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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U-turn tragedy: High-speed chase ends in fatal crash as taxi driver takes a deadly detour
An officer died during a high-speed chase with suspects after a taxi driver made a u-turn causing the police officer’s motorcycle to crash into the cab. The superintendent of Samre Police Station, Chattakit Phadungchanthabai, told Channel 3 that the fatal accident occurred on Southern Sathon Road in Bangkok at 2.30am on Monday, June 5. Two officers from Yannawa Police Station…
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Stark faces 23 billion baht arbitration dispute with German firms Leoni AG
Stark Corporation, a SET-listed company, is facing an arbitration dispute with German firms Leoni AG and Leoni Bordnetz-Systeme GmbH. The German firms are claiming 608 million euros (23 billion baht) from Stark, alleging a breach of their sales and purchase agreement, Bangkok Post reported. According to a filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand yesterday, the case refers to Stark’s exercise of…
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AIS 3BB acquisition may face strict measures due to market share
The potential acquisition of fixed broadband provider 3BB by Advanced Info Service (AIS) may face stringent consumer measures from the telecom regulator due to the combined market share of the two companies. True Corporation, a rival company, reported having 3.84 million household subscribers in the first quarter of this year, accounting for 31.5% of the fixed broadband market share, according…
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Fatal shooting after ex-husband attacks woman with debts
Police in Nong Ruea, Khon Kaen were alerted to the fatal shooting of a Thai man and the injury of a woman at a shop in the Chorakhe subdistrict. A 58 year old man was found dead, identified as the ex-husband of the injured 48 year old woman. Upon investigation, the injured woman, recently discharged from the hospital and still…
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Zen Corp and CPF launch ready-to-eat Tummour meal at 7-Eleven stores
If you visit 7-eleven a lot in Thailand, there’s good news for you. Zen Corporation Plc, known for operating restaurant chains such as Zen, AKA, and Tummour, has announced its expansion into the ready-to-eat meal market in a bid to strengthen its long-term business prospects. The company’s chief commercial officer for Thai brands, Siruwat Chatchawan, disclosed that Zen Corporation has…
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Kind-hearted Thais donate over 1 million baht to help 4 year old girl and her blind grandmother (video)
The gut-wrenching struggle of a four year old girl and her 68 year old blind grandmother in the Isaan province of Buriram tugged on the nation’s heartstrings leading the good people of Thailand to dig deep into their pockets and donate 1 million baht to help the family. A Thai teacher, Phatcharin “Aoom” Esatee, took to social media to seek…
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SCB-Julius Baer launches 45 Academia programme for Thai business heirs
In Thailand, there’s a new academic programme for business heirs. SCB-Julius Baer Securities, a joint venture between Siam Commercial Bank and Julius Baer, has introduced The 45 Academia programme as part of its New Wave of Wealth strategy. This initiative aims to nurture the future leaders of wealth management by offering comprehensive training for business heirs in Thailand. The 45…
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Thailand’s tourism rebounds with 11.4 million visitors
Thailand has experienced a surge in foreign tourist arrivals, with 11.4 million visitors recorded from January to June 11, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. This figure has already surpassed the total number of tourists in 2022, which reached 11.15 million. The statement also revealed that tourist spending during this period amounted to 472…
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Thantawan Industry Plc targets eco-friendly products for Thai BCG initiative
There’s a new eco-friendly initiative in Thailand. Thantawan Industry Plc, a leading plastic manufacturer and developer of innovative products, is focusing on producing eco-friendly products in support of the Thai government’s bio-, circular, and green (BCG) economic development initiatives. The company’s garbage bags, made from recycled plastic beads, and straws, which are made from biodegradable materials, are aimed at helping…
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Reeling it in: Fisheries Dept hooks attention with temporary fishing ban in Gulf of Thailand’s Tua Kor area
The Fisheries Department announced there will be a temporary fishing ban implemented in the Tua Kor area of the Gulf of Thailand. The decision was made as a direct result of the substantial rise in the amount of fish caught for commercial purposes in the area. The amount of fish that was caught each day in 2022 averaged out to…
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Japanese investors seek Thai tech startups for regional expansion
Thai tech startups have caught the attention of Japanese investors, who are keen to support their expansion into regional markets, according to an executive at Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri). Southeast Asia, and Thailand in particular, are considered prime investment locations for Japanese investors, who see potential in the country’s high-growth tech startups. Bunsei Okubo, head of Japanese corporate and multinational…
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Thai economy set for boost as tourism and domestic consumption surge
The Thai economy is predicted to experience a boost in the second half of the year, driven by a surge in tourism and domestic consumption, according to the Economic Intelligence Service (EIS) of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI). However, ongoing political instability remains a factor to watch. The EIS forecasts that Chinese tourist arrivals in Thailand will increase by…
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Thai police probe truck sticker bribery scandal: 46 types identified
There’s been a new development in Thailand’s truck sticker bribery scandal. The inspector-general of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) Office will likely take 15 days to determine who will be subjected to a disciplinary investigation in connection with the scandal. Pol. Gen. Visanu Prasartthong-osoth announced that an inquiry is being conducted by his office, led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Ditsapoj…
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Senate proposes Section 112 debate amid Thai tensions
In an effort to seek a political compromise, the Senate has put forth a proposition for a deliberation on Section 112 of the Criminal Code, commonly referred to as the lese majeste law. This move comes in response to a petition submitted by a pro-royalist group advocating for the preservation of the existing law. However, apprehensions have arisen within the…
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Thai police chief revamps recruitment after promotion scandal
In response to concerns over the rapid promotion of a young female police officer and the involvement of high-profile individuals and celebrities in the commissioned officer application process, Thailand’s national police chief, General Damrongsak Kittiprapas, ordered amendments to the recruitment procedure. National police spokesperson Lieutenant General Archayon Kraithong stated that General Damrongsak has instructed Lieutenant General Kittirat Phanphet to establish…
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Ride of deceit: Bangkok taxi driver steals 1.2 million baht from dozing Japanese passenger
Bangkok Police arrested another bad boy taxi driver who stole over 1.2 million baht from a Japanese passenger while the victim fell asleep during the journey. This is one of the far-too-many-to-mention stories concerning Bangkok taxi drivers who continue to undermine the good name of Thailand with their scams, schemes, and stealing. The theft occurred in the early morning of…
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Green Line extensions: Operator anticipates 20 billion baht debt repayment
Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) Chairman Keeree Kanjanapas expressed optimism regarding the repayment of overdue debts by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) for the operation and maintenance of the Green Line extensions. Following a meeting with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt yesterday, Keeree said the discussions were encouraging, and he anticipates a 20 billion baht repayment from the BMA. Keeree…
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Udon Thani clothing traders fall victim to 1.3 million baht online share scheme fraud
Clothing traders in Udon Thani reported a 38 year old woman known as ‘Som Priao‘ for defrauding over 30 people in an online share scheme and escaping with 1.3 million baht (US$37,700). The victims claim she now lives a luxurious life at their expense, as they face financial difficulties, and urge the police to help recover their funds. One victim, 38…
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Parking pandemonium: Thai woman seeks payment from Bangkok mall after car calamity
A Thai woman demanded a renowned shopping mall in Bangkok to compensate her after her car was smashed and her belongings were stolen at the mall’s car park on Sunday, June 11. The victim, Kitiyaporn, took to social media on Sunday to share her distressing experience, accompanied by pictures of her damaged car. The images reveal a shattered window on…
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Couple killed in crash, family seeks refund of 150,000 baht from land scam for daughter
A tragic road accident claimed the lives of a couple who had been scammed into purchasing a plot of land without proper documentation. The family is now seeking the return of 150,000 baht (US$4,350) paid towards the fraudulent land deal to support their young daughter. Today, 42 year old Pim Hengkham, from Wiang Nuea, Pai, Mae Hong Son province, revealed…
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Sand and screens: Pattaya Film Festival makes waves with free beachfront cinema
The Pattaya Film Festival 2023 is set to captivate cinephiles with its unique offering of free entry to watch movies on Pattaya Beach from June 16 to 19. This groundbreaking event marks the festival’s first venture into transforming the beach into an enchanting outdoor cinema. With a clear vision of becoming a member of the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network…
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Island visitors seek fortune with auspicious lottery numbers
Tourists flocked to Kham Chanod Wang Nakin island in Udon Thani to seek good fortune with auspicious numbers before the lottery draw, while red candle wax revealed beautiful digits akin to the lucky numbers on ceremonial candles. The island is located in the Ban Dung district. Yesterday, it was reported that a large number of tourists visited the ceremonial ground…
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Chiang Mai Police arrest gang after fatal stabbing at traditional dance event
Police in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai province, apprehended all four suspects involved in a brutal attack that left a 16 year old boy killed. The investigators have completed the arrest of the gang members, including 24 year old Thanakorn, who is accused of stabbing the victim. The deceased had been attending a traditional dance event with his girlfriend and friends…
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Stepping for a cause: Brit expat’s 1,050km stroll from Pattaya to Phuket raises 1 million baht for abused children
British expat James Lee Valentine demonstrated the power of determination and charity by completing a 1,050 kilometre walk from Pattaya to Phuket in Thailand. The walk aimed to raise 1 million baht for Take Care Kids, a children’s foundation based in Pattaya that supports underprivileged children who have suffered abuse. The 59 year old, who has two children himself, was…
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Woman confesses to cryptocurrency scam involvement after husband’s suicide
A 31 year old woman named Priyanuch was arrested today, in connection with an online investment scam involving cryptocurrency trading. Upon interrogation, she confessed that her husband had encouraged her to open six bank accounts for the scam, and he later took his own life after learning he was wanted by authorities. Priyanuch, a mother of three children aged 13…
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Thai cyanide serial killer: Big Joke hands over case reports
Deputy national police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn announced today that the case reports against the alleged Thai cyanide serial killer Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn will be presented to prosecutors this week. Big Joke made the statement during a visit to the Correctional Institution for Women in Bangkok’s Bang Khen area, where Sararat is currently detained. Sararat is facing additional charges,…
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Roadway tragedy: Foreign motorcyclist’s fatal collision with street sign shakes Pattaya
A tragic accident unfolded in the early hours of today, as a foreign man lost his life after colliding with a street sign while riding his motorcycle in Pattaya. The incident occurred on Pattaya Second Road within the Nongprue sub-district of Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. The foreign man, estimated to be between 30 and 35 years old, was found…
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Shell shock: Songkla beach residents bemoan mussel decline
Residents around the Samila Beach area in Songkhla reported a decline in the green mussel population stating that it’s had a negative effect on the community who rely on them as a source of food. Small-sized mussels remain unsuitable for consumption, and it is estimated that the population requires further growth before harvesting is possible. Today, it was reported that the number…
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Nightlife note: College director denies teacher’s resignation over moonlight melodies in Thailand
A vocational college director in Yala, southern Thailand, denied that a female teacher was forced to resign for singing part-time at a bar at night for breaching professional ethics. The woman, known as “Teacher Jane,” hit out, accusing the director of twisting the truth. The director of Phadungpracha Yala Vocational College denied pressuring “Teacher Jane” to resign due to her…
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Ubolratana Dam usable water drops 11% amid insufficient wastewater plants
A significant decrease in usable water has been reported at Khon Kaen’s Ubolratana Dam, with an 11% drop attributed to an insufficient number of wastewater treatment plants in the region. The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) has revealed that the dam currently holds only 32% of its total capacity, with merely 207 million cubic metres (m³) of usable water,…
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