Northern Thailand News
Northern Thailand news, Chiang Mai news, business, tourism, and culture—stay updated with breaking stories, local events, and travel insights from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai, and beyond. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted Northern Thailand news source.
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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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91 mobile phones seized as 8 Chinese arrested in Thailand
Eight Chinese nationals were arrested in Yasothon province for immigration violations after police found them travelling on a tour bus with 91 mobile phones, sparking suspicions of a scam operation amid a crackdown on illegal businesses in Thailand. The arrests were made early yesterday morning, February 19, when police searched a bus travelling from Bangkok to Khemmarat in Ubon Ratchathani.…
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Blowing smoke: 12 year old girl fights for life after two years vaping
A 12 year old girl in Buriram is fighting for her life after vaping for two years, causing almost 100% damage to her lungs. Her family had no idea about her dangerous habit until they were informed by her school, highlighting the growing crisis of youth vaping in Thailand. The shocking revelation came when teachers at her school in Don…
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Heavy rain leads to over 50 accidents in one hour in Loei
Loei province was thrown into chaos as the season’s first heavy rainfall triggered a catastrophic wave of accidents, leaving over 50 vehicles wrecked in just one hour. The sudden downpour turned the roads into slippery hazards, catching drivers off guard and resulting in a series of crashes across multiple districts. Yesterday, February 17, intense rainfall lashed several areas, including Phu…
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Wife’s dream predicts husband’s end in wall collapse tragedy
A tragic accident occurred in Nakhon Phanom when a wall collapsed, killing a man wearing the exact clothes his wife dreamt about. A man was crushed under a bathroom wall at his home yesterday February 18, despite scepticism about his wife’s premonition. At the residence located at 94 Ban Phon Ngam, Mueang district, relatives, including 64 year old Tula Phokapanit…
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Chaiyaphum prison hit hard as influenza cases soar past 1,000
Health officials in Chaiyaphum are sounding the alarm after influenza type A cases surged past 1,000, with more than 500 infections reported at the provincial male prison in Mueang district alone. Dr Suppapong Chaimongkol, head of preventive medicine at the Chaiyaphum Public Health Office, warned that children and inmates are the most affected, leading several schools to suspend classes and…
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3 Thai men killed by train while drinking near railway track
Three Thai men lost their lives after sitting and drinking alcohol near a railway track in the northern province of Lamphun. Officers from Mueang Lamphun Police Station were called to the scene of the accident, located at the railway track near the Ban Umong community, at 7.50pm,yesterday, February 17. Upon arrival, officers were met with the harrowing sight of the…
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Thailand cracks down on unruly foreigners
Thailand’s national police chief, Police General Kitrat Panphet, has ordered officers nationwide to monitor foreign nationals amid concerns over public order and safety. The directive, issued yesterday, February 17, cites reports of disruptive behaviour that could disturb social order, violate public morals, or harm Thailand’s reputation. It was sent to all police divisions, including the Metropolitan Police, Provincial Police Regions…
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Khon Kaen fish dish linked to liver cancer risk
A recent article from the LADbible highlights a grave health concern in Khon Kaen province and the northeastern region of Thailand, where a popular dish can potentially lead to liver cancer if not prepared correctly. The dish, known as koi pla, consists of raw fish mixed with herbs, spices, and lime juice. Unfortunately, the raw fish may harbour parasites that…
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Man arrested in Buriram for stealing concrete blocks
A 30 year old man has been apprehended in Buriram’s Satuek district after being caught stealing two lightweight concrete blocks worth a total of 34 baht. The incident, captured on CCTV, occurred at 9pm on Sunday, February 16. Following the arrest, police discovered two methamphetamine tablets in his motorcycle, and a urine test showed positive results for drugs. Upon questioning…
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Big bovine: Thailand’s King Kong crowned tallest buffalo (video)
There’s a new towering titan in town, Thailand’s own King Kong, a colossal water buffalo, has stomped its way into the Guinness World Records, casting a bewitching shadow over Nakhon Ratchasima as the globe’s tallest buffalo. In the tranquil fields of Nakhon Ratchasima, a giant walks, or rather, ambles. Enter King Kong, the towering water buffalo who’s just muscled his…
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Thai couple arrested for selling porn of themselves and their son
A Thai couple in the northern province of Phetchabun made and sold pornography videos of themselves and their 10 year old son online, leading to their arrest on Saturday, February 15. Officers from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division discovered child pornography videos on a website and in a LINE group chat and conducted a further investigation to trace the source…
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Thai man dies falling from tamarind tree in Udon Thani
A 65 year old man fell from a tamarind tree and died in Mueang district, Udon Thani province. Police Lieutenant Colonel Peera Rasri from the Mueang Udon Thani Police Station was notified of the accident, which occurred in the backyard of a house in Village 5, Nong Na Kham subdistrict. Medical personnel from Udon Thani Hospital and rescue volunteers from…
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DASTA backs Phu Kradueng cable car feasibility study
The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) has expressed support for the government’s proposal to conduct a feasibility study on a cable car project within Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province. DASTA director Thitipong Khiawpaisan stated that Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong instructed the agency to undertake the study of this contentious project. The study will encompass…
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Fatal fall: Loei hole takes motorcyclist’s life after tumble
A 41 year old motorcyclist died after falling into a 2-metre deep hole on a construction site in Mueang district, Loei province. The accident occurred last night, February 12, when the victim, Adisak, fell into a pit dug for sewer installation near a petrol station. Witnesses immediately contacted rescue volunteers from the Ruamjai Rescuers Association in Loei, who arrived at…
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Tak immigration chief reassigned amid trafficking concerns
The Immigration Bureau has transferred the superintendent of Tak Immigration to a different post following reports of foreign nationals disappearing after being deceived into entering Thailand. The incident is suspected to be linked to human trafficking activities in Tak province. Police Major General Prashaya Prasansuk, the Acting Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, signed an order (No. 24/2025, dated February 12)…
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Elderly man killed by grandson in Udon Thani sword attack
An 88 year old man was killed at his home in Mueang district, Udon Thani province yesterday. A 29 year old suspect fled the scene with a long sword and remains at large. The incident occurred around 5pm, yesterday, February 12, with local police, including Police Colonel Pattanawong Chanpol and emergency services, responding to the scene. Phon sustained multiple injuries…
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Thailand launches global task force to combat human trafficking
Thailand is stepping up its fight against human trafficking and scam call centres by establishing an international coordination centre to rescue victims trapped in Myanmar, Police Inspector-General Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot announced. Speaking from Tak province yesterday, February 10, Thatchai confirmed that the centre will work with international law enforcement to track down and free people, regardless of nationality, who…
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Roi Et Airport to expand runway amid passenger growth
The Transport Ministry has instructed the Department of Airports (DoA) to redevelop Roi Et Airport following a rise in annual passenger numbers. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri approved the upgrade after inspecting the airport in the northeastern province yesterday, February 10. During the inspection, security measures and equipment at the airport were assessed to ensure compliance with International Civil Aviation…
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Thai man goes on mall rampage over forgotten phone password
A mentally ill Thai man went on a rampage at a shopping mall in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen after a worker at an iCare store was unable to repair his phone because he could not remember his Apple ID password. A video of the incident was shared by several media outlets, showing his violent behaviour at the iCare…
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85 year old Buriram woman revives 40 minutes after death
Residents of Nang Rong district, Buriram province, were astounded by the miraculous revival of an 85 year old woman, who came back to life 40 minutes after being pronounced dead. The elderly woman, identified as Phua Sriphadung, surprised her family as she sat up during preparations for her body to be moved to a nearby temple for religious ceremonies. She…
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Chiang Rai bans oil refueling into containers to combat crime
Chiang Rai provincial officials issued an urgent directive prohibiting the refuelling of oil into containers such as jerry cans, with violators facing legal action. This measure aligns with the Thai government’s policy to combat call centre gangs. Yesterday, February 8, Deputy Governor Norasak Suksomboon, acting on behalf of the Chiang Rai governor, announced the directive dated February 7, stating that…
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Thai military foils Harley-Davidson smuggling across Mekong River
Thai military rangers intercepted an attempt to smuggle a Harley-Davidson motorcycle across the Mekong River to a neighbouring country. The operation, which occurred at night, resulted in the arrest of a 24 year old Laotian man and the seizure of the motorcycle. Colonel Intrawut Thongkham, commander of the 21st Ranger Task Force, reported yesterday that intelligence was received on Thursday,…
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Man caught with 800k meth pills in fake rescue car in Udon Thani
A 33 year old man was arrested after police discovered nearly 800,000 methamphetamine (meth) pills in a car adorned with rescue foundation stickers, leading them to initially believe he was assisting in a routine checkpoint in Udon Thani province. The arrest was made on February 4 outside Wat Sawang Samakkhi in Mueang district. Police Major General Suwan Chiaowanintawat, acting commander…
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Thai MP with history of sexual assaults accused of raping Taiwanese woman
Police issued an arrest warrant for a Thai Progress Party MP for allegedly raping a Taiwanese woman at a hotel in Chiang Mai province on January 9. The Taiwanese woman filed a complaint against MP Chaiyamphawan “Puaut” Munpianjit at Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station following the incident, which took place at 2am on January 9. The alleged assault occurred at…
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NBTC orders dismantling of antenna towers near Tak border
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has mandated mobile networks to dismantle 24 antenna towers located within 50 metres of the Tak province border by February 24. Antennas within 200 metres must reduce transmission power and height to a maximum of 15 metres. On February 6, the Facebook page of Sorayuth Suthassanachinda, a well-known news presenter, reported these measures.…
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Chinese man arrested for spray-painting pharmacy in Chiang Mai
Police yesterday arrested a Chinese man for spray-painting on the roller shutter doors of two pharmacies in the northern province of Chiang Mai. The pharmacist, who owns a shop on Bamrung Buri Road in Chiang Mai, caught the 33 year old Chinese man, He Ma, red-handed yesterday, February 6, while he was spray-painting the store’s roller shutter door. The pharmacist…
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4 Israeli men arrested and deported after chaos at Pai Hospital
Immigration Bureau officers arrested and deported four Israeli men who caused chaos at Pai Hospital and within the community in the northern province of Mae Hong Son. The disruption at the hospital and in Pai district came to light after a medical team shared details of the incident on the Facebook page AggressiveDoctor. A doctor reported feeling exhausted and unsafe,…
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Anti-corruption body probes Khao Kradong land dispute
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has reported ongoing progress in its investigation into the land dispute between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Department of Lands (DoL) involving approximately 5,000 rai in Buriram. However, the completion date for the investigation remains uncertain. Mongkol Srisawang, director of investigations for environment and natural resource-related cases at the NACC, stated that…
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Bus crash in Tak leaves driver, attendant dead, 35 tourists hurt
A bus driver and attendant died when a bus collided with a tree in the Wang Chao district of Tak province. The incident also left 35 foreign tourists injured. Police Colonel Wasan Sirikanjakom, head of Wang Chao Police Station, today, February 5, at 1.20am received a report from the Tak Provincial Police emergency centre about the accident on National Highway…
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Loei forest fire extinguished after 30-hour battle
Firefighters in Loei province have successfully extinguished a forest fire that ravaged 400 rai over a 30-hour operation. The blaze, which affected the Phu Huai Ngiu, Phu Hin Hong, and Phu Yata forests in Mueang district, had been active for a day and caused significant distress to residents due to the smoke. Thinnakorn Kasetkasorn, the mayor of the Chaiyaphuek Subdistrict…
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