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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Rare trees bloom with beautiful flowers on Thai-Lao border
Rare trees are blooming with beautiful flowers at a national park on northern Thailand’s border with Laos. The Doi Phukha National Park in Nan province is currently a sight to behold as the rare Chompoo Phu Kha trees have burst into bloom. The trees display white-pink flowers that grow in long bunches once a year from the end of February…
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Grab taxi driver accused of stealing 50,000 baht cash bouquet
A Grab taxi driver has been accused of stealing a valuable cash flower bouquet by a woman who hired him to deliver the gift to her boyfriend. The bouquet was reportedly worth 50,000 baht, a significant sum of money. The driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, vehemently denies the allegations and insists that he delivered the bouquet to its…
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Blind circus crocodile caught after 5 day chase in Thailand
A blind show crocodile escaped on its way to the circus and made a break for it into the Ping River in Nakhon Sawan province in central Thailand on Friday. Crocodile catchers were hot on the croc’s heels but the 2.8-metre-long beast just wouldn’t surrender. Five days later, the female croc – who is nicknamed “Blindy” – was finally caught and marched…
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4 bodies with gunshot wounds found in southern Thailand
Residents in the southern province of Narathiwas found the lifeless bodies of three people with gunshot wounds in a sedan truck submerged in the Juerae Lake yesterday. This morning, another dead body was found near the scene. The authorities have reason to believe that the two incidents are interconnected. Buketa Police Station received distressing reports from residents who had discovered…
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Thailand’s sex industry was created for foreigners, right? Wrong! (video)
Thailand’s sex industry was created exclusively for foreign tourists, right? Wrong! It is a myth Thailand’s sex industry was exclusively made for tourists. It was set up for Thai people. There are hundreds of “Love Motels” spread across the country, and it’s not foreigners who commonly go there. There’s even a term for a casual sex partner, “Gik,” which is…
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‘Eat more rice!’ Thai officials tell youth
“Eat more rice!” Thai officials are telling the country’s youth. The Thai Commerce Ministry wants young people to eat more rice. The ministry launched a campaign after a study showed that Thailand’s consumption of rice had fallen. The department launched the “Thai Kids Enjoy Thai Rice” roadshow, visiting 10 schools and weekend markets, Nation Thailand reported yesterday. The Thai Rice…
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South Korean human trafficking leader arrested in Pattaya
A leader in the human trafficking trade from South Korea was arrested yesterday at a luxury condominium in Pattaya. He was charged with operating an illicit massage parlour in Busan and luring Thai women into sex work. The South Korean criminal boss, identified as 50 year old Cho, was arrested at a luxury condominium on Pattaya Sai Sam Road yesterday…
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Thai Airways docks cabin crew’s salary over meal tray gate
UPDATE Thai Airways is formally punishing cabin crew for not collecting meal trays from some passengers before landing on a Singapore – Bangkok flight after a viral TikTok exposed the cabin crew’s mishap. Yesterday, the airline’s PR team said… “Thai Airways International would like to announce the results of our investigation into the case of cabin crew not storing away…
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TikTok bans political groups ahead of Thai election
TikTok announced that it will block all accounts linked to political groups in Thailand in the lead-up to and during the country’s upcoming general election. TikTok Thailand’s chief of public policy announced that the company would take measures to maintain a safe community by preventing the spread of fake news and hate speech sparked by political conflicts. TikTok, a short-form video…
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No more fines for vaping in Thailand, claims Chuwit
Smoking E-cigarettes, or vaping, is illegal in Thailand. But the crime will no longer carry fines or penalties following recent news of police extorting vapourising tourists, said controversial Thai politician and “tub tycoon” Chuwit Kamolvisit after a phone call with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Police will continue confiscating E-cigarettes, but the vapouriser will not be punished, said Chuwit. Vaping, which…
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Democrat Party announces anti-cannabis campaign platform
While nearly every street corner in tourist areas of Thailand is selling cannabis legally now (a recent driver in Samui spotted nine shops in a two-block stretch), not everyone is in favour of it, especially politicians. Politicians believe the rushed legalisation and subsequent free-for-all is a strong talking point against the Bhumjaithai Party, who pushed for decriminalisation. Now, the Democrat…
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More than 30 manhole covers in Bangkok stolen
Police launched an investigation into the disappearance of more than 30 manhole covers in the Thawi Watthana district of Bangkok. Officers conducted raids on a number of scrap dealer shops in the capital to recover the stolen items to no avail. The Director of Thawi Watthana district, Dicha Kongsi, filed a complaint with Thammasara Police Station after receiving reports of…
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German tourist complains about 5,000 baht traffic fine
A German tourist is questioning a 5,000 baht traffic fine for riding a motorbike through the Chalong Underpass in Phuket when he saw no traffic signs indicating that it was illegal. The tourist was riding northbound through the tunnel on his way to visit the Big Buddha viewpoint on Monday when he was pulled over by traffic police after exiting the…
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British ice hockey player suffers life-threatening injuries after crash in Thailand
A talented ice hockey player from Blackburn in northwest England sustained life-threatening injuries after a motorbike crash in Thailand. Former Bradford Bulldogs defenceman, 24 year old Josh Richardson, had an accident on a Thai island on Friday, February 3. Richardson sustained serious head injuries and was rushed to the intensive care unit at Bangkok Hospital, where he has undergone several…
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Russian invasion spreads to Thailand’s paradise islands
Ukraine isn’t the only nation suffering from a Russian invasion, Thailand is facing it too. Since Russia took exception to Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO and the European Union thousands of Russian citizens have fled to avoid conscription to set up camp in Thailand. Russian roubles may have been welcomed by Thai businesses as the Covid-19 ravaged kingdom looks to…
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Coffee and craft beer festival coming to this seaside Thai town
A coffee and craft beer festival is coming to Thailand’s seaside town of Cha-am, located in the Petchaburi province. Those looking for a unique festival that celebrates two of the world’s most popular drinks can head to Cha-am from March 17 to 19 for the Sun Coffee and Moon Craft festival. The festival will be held at Hua Hin One,…
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Child harmed from mistakenly eating cannabis jellies
Just because you are eating them like candy doesn’t mean children should be eating cannabis jellies. After a young patient was hospitalized for severe palpitations and irregular heartbeat, a Thai doctor issued a warning. He said that children should not be allowed to consume cannabis jellies. Dr Smith Srison, the director of the Medical Council of Thailand and president of…
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Dead body of missing German man found in Chanthaburi canal
The dead body of a German man, who went missing from Laem Sing Beach two days ago, was found in the Chanthaburi canal today. The Sawang Katanyu Rescue Team was notified today at 9am by local fishermen that they found the body of the missing German man, Sebastian, in the Chantaburi Canal near Don Pradu Temple in the Chanthaburi province. Rescuers…
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Swedish man accused of running child porn network in Thailand
A 23 year old Swedish man from Stockholm is being prosecuted for allegedly running a huge network selling pornographic images and videos of over 4,000 young girls and women in Thailand. Swedish news outlet SVT Nyheter did not name the man, who is charged with serious child pornography offences and gross illegal invasion of privacy. Yesterday, Sodertorn District Court in…
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Man runs race in South Thailand wearing Forrest Gump costume
Run Forrest run! One participant in a 160 kilometre race in South Thailand made a splash with his unique attire. The man donned a Forrest Gump costume, complete with a plaid shirt, khaki pants, and a red cap, to the Amazean Jungle Thailand by UTMB 2023. The photo of the runner taken at the starting line in Betong district of…
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Woman accused of being a witch and sacrificing neighbourhood cats
A woman is in police custody after residents in the southern province of Songkhla accused her of being a witch and sacrificing neighbourhood cats. Yaowaluck Boonchum was accused by a cat owner of being into the occult after killing her five-month-old Persian cat as a sacrifice. The 44 year old woman denied the allegations, saying she is a cat lover,…
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Fly direct from Bangkok to the ‘Hawaii of China’
After a three-year pandemic hiatus, passengers can now fly direct from Bangkok, Thailand to Haikou – “The Hawaii of China” – thanks to resumed services by Hainan Airlines. Hainan Airlines flight HU7939 took off from Haikou Meilan International Airport in China’s Hainan province yesterday at 9.19am local time, bound for Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. The resumed route’s inaugural flight was on…
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Spice up your life with Thai food: background, evolution, and influence
Thai food is a cuisine that is beloved by people all over the world for its complex and diverse flavors. From the sour tang of Tom Yum soup to the spicy kick of Green Curry, Thai food offers a unique culinary experience that satisfies the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression. But Thai cuisine is more than just a…
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Properties in Phuket offering the biggest price reductions in Feb-March 2023
Looking for a new property to call your own or perhaps seeking to invest in a slice of paradise? Well, we’ve got some exciting news for you. If you’re on the hunt for property for sale in Phuket, you might want to pay close attention to what we have to share. We’ve done some extensive research and have uncovered the…
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Love is in the air at these 5 most romantic restaurants in Bangkok
Looking for a romantic dining experience in Thailand? Look no further. Bangkok is known for its exceptional cuisine, and the country boasts a diverse range of romantic restaurants, each with its own unique charm. From European style fine dining to luxurious city rooftops, Thailand’s capital has something to offer every type of couple. Join us as we explore the most…
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Blaze damages tour boats in central Thailand
A blaze damaged three electric tour boats in Thailand‘s central Samut Prakan province this morning. The boats were recharging at a pier on the Chao Phraya river in the Phra Pradaeng district. A security guard at the pier, 64 year old Somdet Sae Ueng, stated that the fire began when a battery on one of the tour boats exploded, and…
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Thai man finds soulmate in sex doll after wife leaves him for another man
A Thai man is advising single men to consider starting a relationship with a sex doll instead of dating real women. He has lived with his silicone soulmate for four happy years so far. After 54 year old Kim’s wife divorced him to be with her new husband in 2011, he was afraid to start a new relationship in case…
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MP Rangsiman asks police to seize PM Prayut’s party HQ
The Ruam Thai Sang Chart political party headquarters is at the centre of a controversy with the Move Forward Party urging police to take action and seize the Bangkok building. Opponent Rangsiman Rome, a Move Forward Party MP, alleges a senator who owns the building is a money-laundering suspect. MP Rangsiman called on the police chief to follow standard legal…
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Over 50% of Bangkok’s population are fatties!
According to health experts, more than 50% of Bangkok’s population are fatties and believe there is a pressing need to address the health of lard-arsed residents not only in the capital but throughout the Kingdom of Thailand. Fortunately, there are people out there who care and want to prevent the fat people of Bangkok, and Thailand, from getting fatter and…
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Thailand-Myanmar land border in Chiang Rai reopens after 3-year closure
The Thailand-Myanmar land border at the Maesai Border Checkpoint in the northern province of Chaing Rai reopened yesterday after being closed for three years due to Covid-19. Thais and foreigners who want to visit Myanmar need to show a vaccine certificate or Covid test. Maesai Border Checkpoint and Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge 1, which connect Chiang Rai province in Thailand with…
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