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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Dogs block snake from entering Thai home, incident inspires lottery numbers
A group of four dogs in Thailand‘s northeast Udon Thani managed to surround and contain a large snake, preventing it from entering their owner’s house. This incident led to a surge in local lottery interest, as the house number became a favourite choice for those looking for luck. At 5pm on Tuesday, the Udon Thani Volunteer Rescue Foundation was alerted…
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Thailand’s MPI growth faces stagnation amid export slowdown and high costs
The Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) in Thailand is predicted to experience subdued growth of 0-1% this year, owing to a combination of domestic and international business challenges. The April MPI reading was the lowest in 34 months, with an 8.14% year-on-year drop to 83.5 points, marking the seventh consecutive decline since October last year, according to the Office of Industrial…
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Thai school conducts mass drug testing: Is it a violation of student rights?
A Thai school recently conducted a mass urine drug testing initiative for its entire student body, causing online debate as netizens clashed over whether this practice constituted a violation of the students’ rights. The school, local authorities, and health officials collaborated on the project to ensure a drug-free environment. The school is located in the town of Tha Rong in…
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Saha Group urges Thai govt to prioritise agriculture over wage hikes
The Saha Group, a prominent consumer product conglomerate in Thailand, advised the new Thai government to prioritise the promotion of the agricultural sector instead of significantly raising the daily minimum wage. The group’s chairman, Boonsithi Chokwatana, believes this approach would contribute to sustainable economic growth. Boonsithi also suggested that the government should concentrate on enhancing the economy through educational initiatives…
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Democrat secretary-general to step down amid party leadership change
In a new development in Thai politics, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chalermchai Sri-on revealed his intention to resign as the Democrat secretary-general when the party selects its new leader and executives on July 13. The decision on whether a younger individual will be chosen as the new leader will be left to a party committee during the planned general assembly.…
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Pheu Thai leader denies backroom deals: High-ranking Parliamentary roles still up for grabs
The Pheu Thai leader denies allocating high-ranking Parliamentary roles for his party, asserting that discussions are still ongoing to fill key positions. Despite rumours of potential nominees, Pheu Thai chief Chonlanan Srikaew maintains that no final decision has been made. Chonlanan addressed the ongoing negotiations concerning the appointment of the President of the House of Representatives, stating that talks between his…
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Shining Surge: Gold prices soar in Thailand, hitting 32,650 baht per baht
The Gold Traders Association reported an increase in gold prices in Thailand today, with gold bullion trading at 32,650 baht per baht, up 50 baht compared to the closing price of yesterday. Gold bars are being bought at 32,050 baht and sold at 32,150 baht. Recording a rise in gold prices today, the Gold Traders Association stated that gold ornaments…
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Pregnant woman vomits 10-15cm roundworms, warns on undercooked food risks
A pregnant patient at DonSak Hospital in Surat Thani, Thailand, discovered two intestinal roundworms, each longer than 10-15 centimetres, in her vomit. Doctors believe the 27 year old ingested the parasites from contaminated fruits and vegetables. DonSak Hospital shared the story on its Facebook page, explaining that the eight months pregnant woman had been experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting…
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Drunk as a monk: Intoxicated Thai monks defrocked after selling temple items
In northeast Thailand’s Nong Bua Lamphu province, two intoxicated monks were defrocked after testing positive for high levels of alcohol consumption. The monks were also accused of selling temple-owned items without permission. Concerned locals alerted the Mueang Nong Bua Lamphu Police about the monks’ behaviour on a recent Tuesday. The police, accompanied by around 20 frustrated residents, visited the temple…
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Officials monitor religious offering prices amid Visakha Bucha preparations
Udom Srisomsong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed that due to the upcoming significant Buddhist holiday, Visakha Bucha Day, people are keen to purchase merit-making sets and Thai Dharma sets to offer to monks. As a result, the department has sent officers to inspect the prices of these products at markets in Bangkok, such as Huay Kwang…
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Lottery market’s dirty secret exposed: Decades of bribery unveiled
Bribery in the lottery market in Thailand has been prevalent for about 20 years, according to the president of the Thai Lottery Traders Association, Sam-ang Sonklin. He claims the issue stems from high costs at the source, which forces sellers to increase their prices. The police also face pressure to address the problem, resulting in a vicious cycle that affects…
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Woman attacks Thai shop owner with beer bottle over alleged grudge
A 52 year old woman attacked a 64 year old female shop owner in Thailand‘s central Samut Sakhon province with a beer bottle, leaving the latter injured on her face and head. The attacker later apologised to the victim’s family, revealing longstanding resentment as the reason behind the incident. In the recent incident, a woman was seen on video attacking…
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Residents in Thailand rally against US interference, demand an end to meddling (video)
Chiang Mai residents expressed their concerns about the United States meddling in Thailand’s internal affairs and gathered outside the US consulate urging them to stop interfering. The Move Forward Party (MFP), led by the future Prime Minister Pita Limjaroenrat, garnered the highest number of votes from citizens across Thailand. As a result, the party is now making preparations to form…
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Exploding battery injures soldier and startles media at Defence Ministry event
A battery explosion at Thailand’s Ministry of Defence injured a soldier and startled reporters, taking place just before a scheduled military assembly. The explosion occurred today after two power outages in the morning, during which officials tried to repair the equipment. The battery was later found to be in a deteriorated condition. The incident took place just prior to a…
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Cash and carry: Vietnamese bride’s counting prowess wows online
A Vietnamese bride‘s ingenious approach to dealing with the overwhelming number of cash-filled envelopes from her wedding grabbed the spotlight online. Using a money counting machine, the savvy bride easily managed the task, garnering attention on social media. Counting money after a wedding ceremony is considered a charming activity for many couples, as they smile at the names of relatives…
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Flood-prone rail underpass raises safety concerns in Thailand, locals demand action
Residents in Thailand‘s northeast Nakhon Ratchasima have encountered recurring flooding in an underpass railway tunnel, severely affecting their daily commutes. Despite the water levels receding, the tunnel remains dangerous to traverse due to accumulated sediment and slippery roads. According to reports, the under-construction Ban Bu underpass railway tunnel – part of a railway project connecting Chira Road and Khon Kaen…
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Central Pattana invests 1 billion baht in the Greatest Grand Sale 2023 campaign
Central Pattana Plc (CPN) joined forces with companies under the Central Group umbrella and leading business partners to invest over 1 billion baht in a mid-year sales campaign titled The Greatest Grand Sale 2023. The campaign will take place across shopping centres, department stores, and Central’s online platform, offering discounts of up to 80% at 9,500 stores, including over 16,500 brands,…
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Khon Kaen zoo conducts health check on giant turtles as breeding season ends
Khon Kaen Zoo conducted health checks on various species of tortoises and turtles in preparation for their egg-laying season after the completion of the breeding period. Some of the tortoises weighed over 70 kilograms, yet maintained good health. Khon Kaen Zoo has been focusing on the breeding and conservation of various species of tortoises, including the Aldabran giant tortoise, with…
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Thailand marks World No Tobacco Day, focuses on youth vaping dangers
As the world observes World No Tobacco Day today, the World Health Organization (WHO) aims to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and vaping, including the health risks associated with smoking and the harmful effects of secondhand smoke on non-smokers. In Thailand, the Non-Smoking Campaign Foundation and the Tobacco Consumption Control Network are paying particular attention to the issue…
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Pregnant woman and unborn child die after receiving 4 injections at Rayong hospital
A distraught husband and his mother have appealed for justice after his seven-month pregnant wife and unborn child died following treatment at a hospital in Rayong province. The patient was given four injections administered over 48 hours before experiencing symptoms of pulmonary edema, leading to the tragic loss of both lives. The 42 year old husband recounted how his 37…
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Thai minimum wage: Coalition parties and industry council engage in discussions
Eight Thai political parties agreed to support a Thai minimum wage increase to 450 baht (US$13) per day and continued discussions with the Federation of Thai Industries about moving the bill forward. Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), emphasized the excellent cooperation within the coalition government. The MFP leader informed INN News that the atmosphere during the…
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Thai man saves python from cooking pot, offers it to monks
A Thai man saved a 3-metre long python from being cooked and decided to offer it to monks at the Kode Thim Tharam temple in the eastern Rayong province. However, the monks declined the offer due to inappropriate conditions for the snake at the temple. Today at 7am, Prasert Linsamphan brought a python named ‘Nong Jiji’ to the Kode Thim…
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Cyber police bust luxury home, arrest Chinese crypto gang for global investment scam
Cyber police yesterday raided a lavish home in the Bang Na district of Bangkok and arrested a Chinese couple involved in an international cryptocurrency scam. The operation, ‘Trust No One,’ seized valuable assets worth millions and investigated other linked locations across the city. Cyber police officers recently launched the ‘Trust No One’ operation, targeting an international cryptocurrency scam operated by…
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Thai e-marketplaces Shopee and Lazada shift to profitability
The e-commerce landscape in Thailand experienced a significant shift as major players Shopee and Lazada reported profits for the first time in almost a decade. This change has been attributed to careful spending, operational adjustments, and increased service fees. In 2022, Shopee recorded a profit of 2.4 billion baht, while Lazada posted a profit of 413 million baht. Shopee’s revenue reached…
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MFP leader concerned over Thai media censorship
Concerns about media freedom in Thailand have been raised by Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat after a local pay-TV provider blocked a BBC profile about him. During a news conference, Pita addressed the issue, stating that press freedom must be rectified and made tangible in the country. Pita highlighted that at least three foreign news media outlets had experienced…
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Unusual tree brings luck seekers, sparks lottery frenzy in Thai village
An unusual Sisal tree bearing an uncanny resemblance to a mythical Naga snake has drawn crowds of people to the residence of an 89 year old woman in Non Malai village in Thailand’s northeast Buriram province. Villagers believe the tree brings fortune. They flocked to pay respects and seek lucky lottery numbers from the peculiar tree in front of the…
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Bangkok commuters demand missing link between Green and Yellow lines
The operators of Bangkok’s Green and Yellow lines are facing increasing pressure to construct a 2.6-kilometre connection between the two electric train systems. This would enable Bangkok commuters to conveniently switch lines at Ratchayothin and Lat Phrao stations. The Yellow Line monorail, set to begin operations later this year, will serve as a mass-transit link for commuters in Bangkok’s north…
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Thailand sees tourist tax refund surge since reopening in June
Following Thailand‘s full reopening in June last year, the number of tourist tax refunds has surged, as reported by Revenue Department director-general Lavaron Sangsnit. The increase in foreign visitors is evident in the substantial rise in value-added tax (VAT) refund totals. In 2022, over 423,000 tourists received VAT refunds, totalling 1.2 billion baht. Between January and May 2022, there were…
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Thai police and Interpol unite to combat human trafficking in Southeast Asia
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) is set to collaborate with Interpol in establishing a coordinating centre to combat human trafficking gangs operating in Southeast Asia. A meeting between Thai police officials and the FBI took place at the Interpol Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore to discuss human trafficking prevention strategies. The centre aims to tackle online crimes involving the…
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Rat-astrophe at beachside feast! Thai woman’s warning after rodent bite
A Thai woman issued a warning to others after she was bitten by a large rat while she was dining near Bang Saen Beach in Chon Buri province. TikTok user, Wave.ds, posted a video of his sister with a bite wound two days ago with a caption that said… “Poor sister. A rat bit her when eating food on Bang…
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