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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Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
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Thailand’s OTP takes the high road for Andaman tourism boost
The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) in Thailand recently announced a forthcoming impact study concerning a proposed coastal road project linking the provinces of Ranong and Satun to boost Andaman tourism. The proposed two-lane highway, covering a distance of 600 kilometres, is designed to notably enhance the ease of access for tourists to key attractions spread…
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Two wanted insurgents killed in Pattani as Thai military thwarts regional violence
In a clash between the Thai military and militant insurgents today, two suspects were gunned down in Pattani Province. The suspects had been spotted by locals hiding out in a household in Nong Chik District and were subsequently cornered by a joint force of 50 military personnel led by Colonel Sathiraphong Atharn and Lieutenant Colonel Sittisak Chenbanchong. Upon reaching the…
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Shot in the dark: Teenage student’s unexpected encounter with gunman in Bangkok
A teenager became the unfortunate victim of a random gunman as he travelled through a Bangkok neighbourhood with a group of fellow vocational students. The attack occurred today, prompting a swift response from the Ratburana Police Station. The station was alerted to a shooting episode that left a teenager injured and in dire need of assistance at Soi Phutthabucha 36,…
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Down undercover: Aussie fugitive caught in Phuket hideaway over drug charge
Police arrested an Aussie man at a luxury accommodation in Phuket on August 10 after the foreigner fled a drug charge from his homeland to hide in Thailand. Phuket Provincial Immigration Police today held a press conference to report the successful arrest of the Australian, Robert Wainwright. The arrest was made on Thursday, August 10 near a luxury pool villa…
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Kru Kai Kaew believers reportedly sacrifice puppies and kittens to the diety
Thai believers in the supernatural power of the Kru Kai Kaew deity rocked social media this week after they reportedly sought puppies and kittens for a sacrificial ceremony in the pursuit of luck and prosperity. The practice has taken a dark turn as some followers hope to receive lucky lottery numbers in exchange for innocent lives. Kru Kai Kaew, portrayed…
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Gold fraud: Trader arrested for defrauding investors of over 100 million baht
A high-profile gold trader in Saraburi has been arrested on fraud charges stemming from her operation of a gold investment scheme that allegedly defrauded hundreds of investors out of over 100 million baht. The apprehension of the alleged fraudster, 38 year old Watsamon, took place at a post office in Tha Luang District, Lopburi, following a court-issued arrest warrant from…
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Chaiyaphum Road crash leaves three women dead and three injured
The quiet community of Chaiyaphum province was shattered yesterday by a horrific road accident involving an Isuzu pickup truck and an E-tan, a local transport vehicle. The unfortunate Chaiyaphum Road crash resulted in the tragic death of three women and injured three others. Emergency responders were notified of the Chaiyaphum Road crash at 10am, according to Deputy Inspector Keratiphoom Puphalinin,…
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Forward march halted: Constitutional Court blocks MFP’s leadership ambitions
The Move Forward Party (MFP) and its leader today suffered a substantial setback in their aspirations to lead the country after the Thai Constitutional Court rejected a plea to reevaluate a Parliamentary verdict that obstructed the renomination of their prime ministerial candidate. This turn of events deals a fatal blow to any lingering hopes the MFP harboured of steering the…
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Phuket airport’s fire drills set to ensure elevated safety standards
Phuket International Airport, operated by the local branch of Airports of Thailand (AoT Phuket), is set to initiate a series of extensive fire drills commencing next week. AoT Phuket revealed that these fire drills will take place in areas easily visible to the public eye. It has called upon the public to stay calm if they happen to witness emergency services…
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Sweet success: Thai fruit exports to China ripe with growth, thanks to fast track on China-Laos Railway
Thai fruit exports to China experienced a significant surge in the first five months of this year, growing by a staggering 365%. This upswing is predominantly accredited to the utilisation of the China-Laos Railway for transit, which has resulted in a significantly reduced delivery duration and leveraged the benefits of free trade deals, according to sources yesterday. The railway route…
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Thai road sweeper returns nearly 200,000 baht lost gold accessories to owner
Residents in the central province of Phetchabun hailed the honesty of a Thai road sweeper after she found lost gold accessories worth nearly 200,000 baht and returned them to their rightful owner. The 55 year old road sweeper, Ratree Chumwong, successfully returned the gold accessories to the owner on Monday, August 14, with the help of a restaurant owner and…
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One dead, two injured in vicious Songkhla road accident involving sedan and pickup
A horrifying road accident in Songkhla Province yesterday resulted in one fatality and left two injured. The accident involved a head-on collision between a sedan and a pickup at a curved corner, leaving the sedan driver dead on the scene. Two occupants of the pickup were rushed to hospital with injuries, ushering authorities to swing into action to assist. During…
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Ethics probe: Thai Deputy House Speaker under fire for beer post
“With which candidate would you rather have a beer?” That question has become a standard litmus test for likeability and authenticity in American politics. But in Thai politics, having a beer can land you in a massive political scandal. Padipat Suntiphada, the Deputy House speaker, was recently shown on video on social media indulging in a craft beer, stirring a…
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Aussie mum’s brave battle ends in poignant farewell (video)
An Aussie mum who showed tremendous courage to emerge from a coma and fight against a brain injury yesterday finally succumbed to her injuries. The Aussie mum of three, Kylee Enwright, accidentally slipped and fell and hit her head after enjoying a few drinks with her husband in Khao Lak, southern Thailand in May. As a consequence, the 48 year old…
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Alcohol advertising: Tightened restrictions urged amidst youth risk concerns
Further restrictions against alcohol advertising are being urged by the Alcohol Watch Network. Concerns centre around young people and new drinkers who are at risk due to various impacts on health, economy and society. Teera Watcharapranee, director of the office of the Alcohol Watch Network, stated yesterday, that despite the responsibility of enforcing the law falling on the Ministry of…
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German man reportedly sets fire to house after Thai wife vanishes
A German man reportedly set fire to his house in the northern province of Phayao after his Thai wife disappeared for a few days. A team of firefighters managed to rescue the man who suffered burns across his body. Chun Police Station officers, in coordination with both rescue and firefighter teams, swiftly made their way to the house in the…
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Highway collision leaves a lorry driver critically injured in Bangkok
A grave accident occurred on the Thapratan Highway (Bangna-Trat Road), Kilometre 43, inbound lane, Bangkok, in which a lorry driver was severely injured. His 22-wheeler truck crashed into another stationary lorry of similar dimensions. Responding immediately, officials, along with paramedics from Bang Pakong Hospital and Chachoengsao rescue units equipped with vehicle-extraction tools, arrived at the scene at 3am today. The…
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Thai it up: Weather officials forecast downpour throughout Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department reveals today that across Thailand, intense rain is anticipated for 60% to 80% of the country, with some regions expected to experience heavy downpours. Particularly for Bangkok’s capital, afternoon to evening rain showers are expected. This weather prediction points towards an acute southwesterly monsoon, currently strong over the Andaman Sea and Thailand, and the Gulf of…
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Map Ta Phut port to see third phase by 2027, IEAT confident
Reports from Thailand indicate that the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) remains optimistic about presenting the third phase of development of the Map Ta Phut deep-sea port in Rayong by the year 2027. The port, a notable part of ongoing development in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), is seen as an essential addition to Thailand’s infrastructure. Map Ta Phut…
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Grab Thailand partners with Alipay, Kakao Pay to appeal to Chinese, Korean tourists
Grab Thailand is entering a strategic alliance with Alipay and Kakao Pay to expand the payment alternatives available to Chinese and South Korean tourists who visit the country, an announcement from the company relayed. As the Thai tourism sector remains buoyant, Grab has identified Chinese tourists as pivotal to its strategy for this year. Worachat Luxkanalode, Country Head of Grab…
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El Nino lowers Chao Phraya levels, predicted rain in 16 Thai provinces
Thailand’s National Water Command Centre (NWCC) issued warnings regarding severe rainfalls predicted in 16 provinces, even as water levels around the Chao Phraya River are seen to decrease due to the El Nino weather conditions. Surasri Kidtimonton, the deputy of the NWCC and the Secretary-General of the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR), warned of the heavy showers expected…
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Thai crackdown on fake pharmacists reveals illicit cough syrup sales
In an effort to curb drug abuse in the nation, Thai authorities have apprehended 13 individuals posing as pharmacists during a series of synchronised raids across Bangkok. The arrests were made in connection with the illicit sale of cough syrup, a crucial component in the well-known and highly addictive cocktail drug 4×100. These operations were ordered by the Food and…
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Traffic police uniform revamp addresses efficiency, nationwide rollout set for mid-September
A new uniform for the traffic police is set to be rolled out nationally from September 15, with all 19,662 officers expected to be wearing the revised attire. Netizens queried the changes, claiming they could hardly discern any difference in the new design. Police Lieutenant Colonel Kittipraphat, Commissioner of Police, under the directives of Police Lieutenant General Prachuap Wongsuk, yesterday…
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Rolls of redemption: Chinese woman forgives Thai driver after Rolls-Royce collision
A Chinese woman’s remarkable display of forgiveness illuminated an incident involving a Thai pickup driver colliding with her 32 million baht Rolls-Royce on a motorway bridge near Bangkok. The accident, captured by a dashcam from a passing vehicle, was shared on the Twitter account Red Skull. In the video, a bronze pickup forcefully collided with the rear of the black…
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Should you name your baby Hitler? Nazi? The N-word?
Naming a child is an important decision that parents-to-be spend days or weeks pouring over. But a trend in Thailand is drawing harsh condemnation and has critics imploring Thai people to reconsider the names they choose for their offspring. The contentious trend of giving children names like Nong Hitler, Nong Nazi, and Nong Ni**a, ignited an intense debate. The crazy…
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Mysterious death: Unsettling discovery of local man found dead in East Thailand
An unsettling report has emerged from Chanthaburi in eastern Thailand regarding a local man found dead under distressing circumstances five days ago. The 46 year old, Thanpong, lived alone, and it is believed that his body was in the room for five days before it was discovered. Police officer Phuriphat last night received a distress notification from the emergency rescue…
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Thailand’s baht leads Asian currency downturn amid China’s economic worry
Asian currencies experienced a downturn yesterday, led by Thailand‘s baht, as concerns heighten surrounding the recovery status of the global economy’s second-largest player, China. The baht plunged by a substantial 0.8%, marking it as the largest depreciation against the US dollar in half a dozen weeks. Across the waters of offshore markets yesterday afternoon, it was changing hands at approximately…
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Thai university student arrested for selling child pornography
Department Of Special Investigation (DSI) officers yesterday arrested a 19 year old Thai university student for selling child pornography online at a condominium in Pathum Thani province near Bangkok. The Director of the DSI’s Technology and Information Litigation Division, Khemmachart Prakuyhongmanee, reported the successful operation to the media today. Khemmachart stated that officers received a tip-off about the online sale…
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Monk’s plea: Thai woman scams 78 year old monk of 800,000 baht
A 78 year old Thai monk from Rat Samakkhi Temple in Chon Buri urged police to track down a woman who swindled over 800,000 baht from him. The monk added that he will forgive her and stop the legal process if she presents herself to the police and take responsibility for her actions. The community leader, Yotsadhammo Puangsisang, accompanied the…
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Heatwarming gesture: Thai father dresses up as woman for adopted daughter on Mother’s Day (video)
A devoted Thai father dressed up as a woman in order to participate in a Mother’s Day activity at the school of his adopted daughter in the central province of Kampaeng Phet. Netizens praised him for his love and dedication to the girl. The 48 year old man, Pratchaya “Joe” Tadeebu, shared a video and picture of himself dressed as…
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