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Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. The Thaiger delivers the latest national news that matters.
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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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Bikini-clad women helping Bali farmers sparks online controversy
In a recent incident, a viral video featuring six female tourists in bikinis assisting local farmers in Bali sparked debate among netizens, with many questioning their motives. The footage and accompanying discourse centred on the appropriateness of their attire and the apparent disruption of local work. This bikini controversy generated extensive attention on social media platforms. According to Daily Mail,…
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Election letdown: MFP leader falls short of prime ministerial votes in Thai race
Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP) and the top vote-getter in the General Election 2023, fell short of securing enough votes from the members of Parliament and senators to become the Thai Prime Minister. Despite obtaining 323 votes, Pita failed to reach the required threshold of 375 votes. The newly elected President of Parliament, Wan Muhamad…
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Road accident: Admin official’s fatal collision with lorry leaves one dead, another critically injured
A tragic road accident occurred this morning when an administration official’s car crashed into a lorry, resulting in his death and leaving another casualty severely wounded. This fatal accident involving a local government official took place on the Sa Kaeo–Chanthaburi route, along Highway 317, inflicting critical damage to both the vehicle and its occupants. The accident happened around 6am today…
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Pattaya Police make waves: Murder suspect’s speedboat confiscated German businessman’s murder
Pattaya cops confiscated a speedboat owned by a main suspect in the brutal murder of German businessman Hans Peter Mack. The suspect, 52 year old Olaf Thorsten Brinkmann, is implicated in the murder of the 62 year old German property tycoon. Police believe that Brinkmann might have planned to use the speedboat to dispose of Mack’s butchered remains in the…
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Bloody accident on Asia Highway: Fortune teller killed
A tragic accident occurred midday yesterday in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, resulting in the death of a 61 year old fortune teller. En route to visit both her daughter and ailing mother in Bangkok, her motorbike taxi was struck by an 18-wheel truck whilst crossing between parallel lanes. According to the investigating officer, Chaiwat Tiphsotti, the accident happened on…
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Dead body of naked Thai woman found in southern Thailand
The dead body of a naked Thai woman has been found in a forest in the southern province of Nakhon Si Tammarat last night. The cause of her death is under investigation. Officers from the Kanom Police Station, and a rescue team, last night investigated the forest near the JB Beach in the Kanom district of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Officers…
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Taiwanese man sentenced for applying cream to hospital roommate while she slept
A Taiwanese woman sued her male roommate after he secretly applied a pain relief cream to her chest and stomach while she was sleeping in hospital. The man has since been sentenced to six months in prison for the invasive and disrespectful act. The incident was reported by the Taiwanese website ctwant. The woman, known as A, and the man, known…
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Cyber patrol corners notorious online fraudster who caused 2 million baht losses
A cyber patrol unit successfully arrested an infamous online fraudster, a 32 year old woman from Roi Et province. The joint investigation yesterday tracked her down, resulting in her arrest under several warrants from different provinces. Her modus operandi was primarily carrying out fraudulent activities online, causing significant distress and loss to innocent social media users. The alleged fraudulent actions…
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Chinese boy’s peculiar thirst diagnosed as diabetes insipidus after years of baffling doctors
In a strange twist of health phenomena, a 14 year old boy from Jiangxi province, China, developed a staggering water-drinking habit. Consuming up to 30 litres of water per day, the boy becomes agitated without his abundant intake. Medical professionals finally diagnosed this unusual condition as diabetes insipidus, a rare disease causing extreme thirst. When he was just a small…
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Rare sighting of two battling Asian black bears in Khao Yai National Park
Tourists in Nakhon Ratchasima province were stunned to discover two large Asian black bears embroiled in a fierce battle in Khao Yai National Park. The stunning spectacle was swiftly caught on camera by a tourist, Kritsanaphong Kwangphimai. Officials have since issued warnings urging members of the public and visitors to keep their distance from these magnificent beasts. A video clip…
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Thai ‘Dark Side Club’ operator nabbed for gambling promotions and explicit content
The administrator of the secretive ‘Dark Side Club‘ on the platform VK, has been arrested for sharing explicit content and promoting online gambling. He confessed to operating for several years, having earned up to 100,000 baht (US$2,892) per month at its peak. The arrest was conducted today by an esteemed team of Royal Thai Police (RTP) officers. RTP officers, armed…
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Social media plea: Thai women entangled in Myanmar prostitution ‘web’ seeks rescue
A Thai woman reached out to a local news Facebook page for help after she and three other women were lured into prostitution in Myanmar NinJa ToDay posted a video of a woman showing her Thai identification card and crying for help. She stated in the video… “I am from the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani. I and three friends…
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Ex-military man turns himself in for fatal case of mistaken identity in milk trailer shoot-out
In a shocking turn of events, a woman who drove a milk transport trailer was brutally gunned down in a tragic case of mistaken identity. An ex-military personnel, assigned to the Thung Song area in Nakhon Si Thammarat, turned himself in and confessed to being the gunman, in lieu of a mercenary fee. However, he had targeted the wrong person. The…
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Woman’s fall from third floor meets ‘slippery’ rescue on banana tree in Thailand
A young woman from Phayao province fell from the third floor of an apartment building in Chon Buri province and landed on a banana tree. The incident took place at Soi Chaiyaporn Withee 7 in Bang Lamung district around 12.20am today. The surrounding villagers and the apartment owner quickly reported the event to the local rescue centre in Pattaya City,…
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Europe braces for ‘Cerberus’ heatwave: Italy issues red alerts as tourists succumb to heatstroke
A severe heatwave, dubbed ‘Cerberus‘ after the three-headed dog from Greek mythology, is spreading across Europe and North Africa, with possible record-breaking temperatures. Countries including Spain, France, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey, are anticipated to experience temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Italy’s temperatures could potentially surpass 48.8 degrees Celsius, leading the officers to issue red alerts in 10 cities encompassing Rome…
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Cops expose fake licence plate scam across Thailand: Government officer arrested
The national traffic police dismantled an operation selling fake red licence plates across Thailand. Two suspects have been apprehended, one of whom is reportedly a government officer. The suspects were captured following a raid on a residence yielding substantial evidence. The apprehension comes on the back of numerous reports of cars with fraudulent red plates evading toll booth fees. Major…
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Rain-ravaged India: Grappling with floods and landslides in a watery ordeal
India is grappling with a heightened disaster situation following continuous heavy rainfall that has led to extensive flooding and landslides. The fatality count has tragically risen to at least 66, with severe damage reported across multiple states in the northern part of the country. Today, 33 casualties were confirmed in the Himachal Pradesh state in northern India. Further south in…
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Cop’s alleged mistress cries foul: Betrayed and financially ‘cuffed’ by high-ranking officer
The alleged mistress of a high-ranking police officer filed a complaint with the Royal Thai Police (RTP) claiming that she was betrayed by her lover who did not provide the financial support he promised. She also accused him of embezzling the RTP budget for personal gain. The mistress, named A, yesterday, July 12, visited the RTP Office in Bangkok to…
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Close call: Young boys narrowly escape watery fate in Phuket
Phuket witnessed a distressing incident on Soi Naya, Nai Harn, in which two young boys narrowly escaped death by drowning. The incident, which occurred yesterday, resulted in the rushed transfer of the children to Chalong Hospital for immediate medical attention. The call for assistance reached local rescue units at around 4.32pm. Verifying the distressful event was Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos,…
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Thai private sector braced for impact amid political unrest and government delays
Protests and potential political instability are causing growing unease within Thailand‘s private sector, chiefly due to the impact of delays in forming the country’s new government. The possible effects are multifaceted, potentially touching areas such as new investments and the tourism industry. The Thai Chamber of Commerce’s vice-chairman, Poj Aramwattananont, expressed concern yesterday in light of recent moves by the…
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Songkhla temple encourages solar cell donations, not traditional wax candles, for Lent
A temple in Songkhla province put up a clear sign requesting that instead of offering traditional wax candles for the upcoming Buddhist Lent, supporters should donate solar cells. The use of local language on the signage has added a touch of levity and sparked conversation amongst the community. Lieb Temple has grabbed attention with its unique request showcased on banners…
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Bangkok’s Luang Phaeng road collapse spurs urgent motion for improved oversight
A discussion unfolded in the House of Representatives yesterday, centred on an urgent motion following the catastrophic collapse of an under-construction elevated road on Luang Phaeng Road the evening before. The motion was brought forth by Theerarat Samrejvanich of the Pheu Thai Party, a representative for Bangkok. During the meeting, Theerarat asked for cooperation from agencies associated with the project…
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Monsoon warning for 46 Thai provinces: Rainfall, thunderstorms, and choppy seas
The Thai Meteorological Department issued a warning today of a southwest monsoon causing thunderstorms throughout the country. The alert specified significant rainfall projected across 46 provinces, both north and south, covering 40% of the country’s north and south. The population should be vigilant due to the inherent danger at this time. The southwest monsoon now covers the Andaman Sea, Thailand,…
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UNESCO nomination bid at risk as contractors flout Thai temple preservation orders
Deep in the heartland of Nakhon Si Thammarat, the tranquil expanses of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan are churning with concern as contractors persist with the dismantling of age-old cannons at the temple, regardless of instructions from the Fine Arts Department (FAD) to halt until an investigation is carried out. The fabled temple is on its path to being nominated as…
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THAI scandal sees corruption charges dropped against ex-PM Thaksin
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has aborted all charges against Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, and three others in the Thai Airways (THAI) corruption saga. The case involved allegations of corruption linked to the acquisition of 10 Airbus aircraft by Thai between 2003 and 2004. This was revealed by former deputy transport minister Pichet Sathirachawal, who was also accused…
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Plastics factory owner dies in fatal Bangkok car crash, 2 passengers injured
A tragic accident occurred early yesterday when a car crashed into an electricity pole, resulting in the death of a plastics factory owner and injuring two of his companions. Police and emergency services responded to the incident around 3.30am, near Ratchaburana Road in Bang Pho, Bangkok. The fatal mishap involved a Subaru Legacy car, registered number ฬฮ5030 Bangkok. The driver’s…
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Thai stock market fluctuates amid MFP leader’s shareholding controversy
The Move Forward Party (MFP) leader’s shareholding case prompts fluctuations in the Thai stock market. The Exchange Commission (EC) yesterday referred Pita Limjaroenrat’s iTV shareholding case to the Constitutional Court for resolution, sending ripples through the stock market. Suspicions regarding Pita’s iTV shareholding led the EC to propose he ceases all MP duties immediately, pending court deliberation in the following…
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Thai police intensify crackdown on international crime after German businessman’s murder
Police in the Thai province of Chon Buri are intensifying their efforts against international criminal organisations, an enforcement surge prompted by the grisly murder of a German businessman in Pattaya. Deputy national police chief, Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, spoke of these measures after an urgent meeting was convened with local police forces late on Tuesday. Following the gruesome…
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Chinese man assaults wife at City Hall before divorce
A terrible assault has drawn significant attention online after a husband brutally attacked his wife within the confines of a governmental department in China. Despite intervention from officers present, he continued to assault her before they eventually divorced. The shocking incident reportedly happened yesterday morning at a marriage registry situated within Pinhai City Hall in Yancheng, Jiangsu province, China. A…
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Drug dealer’s daring escape attempt in Chumphon ends in fatal crash
A dramatic incident unfolded in Chumphon province, where a suspected drug dealer attempted to evade arrest, resulting in a car crash involving two police vehicles. The 22 year old suspect, who had a previous history of drug-related offences, didn’t survive. At around 10.30pm last night, Teerawut Nuchanong, the Deputy Secretary of Chumphon’s National Security, led an operation to apprehend Nares…
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