News
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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What’s not covered by health insurance in Thailand?
Health insurance in Thailand has important limits that everyone should know. Many policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, motorcycle accidents, extreme sports, or specific treatments. These gaps can lead to unexpected costs during emergencies. Coverage for outpatient care and hospital...
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M16 rifle linked to over 25 deaths in southern Thailand
A deadly weapon, an M16 rifle, used in the fatal shooting of former police officer Phu-at Rasaming, has been linked to over 25 deaths in a series of violent incidents in southern Thailand. The Supreme Court sentenced Amir Dotae to 35 years and 13 months in prison for related terrorism charges. The tragic event unfolded when Phu-at Rasaming, the imam…
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Phuket motorcycle taxi driver arrested after clash with tourists
Patong police in Phuket apprehended a motorcycle taxi driver following a heated altercation between tourists and a local taxi driver. The incident unfolded on October 31 at the intersection near the football field on Thawiwong Road, leading to several charges being filed against the motorcycle driver. Around 5.30pm, two tourists had just boarded an electric vehicle (EV) taxi they had…
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Toddler tragically found in pond at Chachoengsao worker camp
A tragic accident unfolded when a one year old boy was found unconscious after falling into a pond behind a worker’s camp in Bang Nam Priao, Chachoengsao. Yesterday, November 2, the boy’s mother, a Myanmar national, discovered him missing after she had fallen asleep. Desperately searching for her child, she followed a black dog, known to play with the boy,…
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Young driver drowns after crashing into tree in Ubon Ratchathani
A tragic accident occurred when a young man driving a pickup truck fell asleep and lost control, crashing into a tree and being thrown into a nearby pond where he drowned. At approximately 4.30am today, November 3, Somporn Akkabut, a police officer at the Buntharik Police Station, received a report of a pickup truck colliding with a tree along the…
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Cold air from China brings chill to Thailand’s north
Thailand is experiencing a significant weather shift as strong cold air masses from China are causing temperatures to drop across the northern and upper southern regions. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued warnings regarding heavy rainfall in the south, urging residents to be cautious of potential flash floods and landslides. The current weather forecast predicts that the cold air mass…
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Transgender woman accused of pickpocketing tourist on Pattaya bus
A transgender woman was taken into custody after a Korean tourist accused her of pickpocketing on a Baht bus in Pattaya. The incident occurred yesterday, November 2, and the Pattaya City Police were promptly informed. At 1.20am yesterday, police received a report of a dispute between a tourist and the transgender woman on the bus. Upon reaching the Pattaya City…
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Pickup truck narrowly avoids fall in dramatic Pattaya crash
A dramatic accident unfolded when a pickup truck overturned near the Pattaya entrance on Highway 7 around 10pm on November 1. The incident involved a silver pickup, driven by a 60 year old man, which halted alarmingly close to the edge of a 5-metre-high overpass. Despite the severity of the crash, he escaped unscathed, while his 14 year old son…
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Burmese man arrested for stealing wiring in Bang Lamung
Bang Lamung police investigators made a significant arrest on November 1, capturing a Burmese national suspected of stealing electrical wiring from Wat Nong Ket Noi market. The incident occurred at 10.30pm, and the swift response by law enforcement followed a complaint from Chakrawan Boonsang, who reported the theft from his property. Police examined CCTV footage from the market, which led…
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Bangkok MRT Orange Line construction to disrupt traffic this month
Construction on the western segment of Bangkok’s MRT Orange Line is set to bring some disruptions, as announced by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). The project, which aims to enhance the city’s transit network, will necessitate the closure of a traffic lane along the initial five stops of the light rail line, stretching from Bang Khun Non…
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Thailand protests after rocket attack kills four Thai workers in Israel
The recent tragedy in Israel has prompted the Thai government to take swift action, sending a formal protest to Israel following a rocket attack that resulted in the death of four Thai workers and left another injured. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasised the importance of halting the deployment of Thai workers to high-risk areas, cautioning citizens against non-essential…
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Thailand to boost trade ties with South Asian nations
Thailand is setting its sights on strengthening ties with South Asian countries to enhance trade in food, energy, and human security sectors across the Southeast region. Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, during his visit to India, discussed these ambitions following a meeting with Thai ambassadors and consuls stationed in South Asia. Maris highlighted South Asia’s strategic significance, noting that the…
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German tourist crashes, injures cop at Pattaya checkpoint
A startling incident unfolded in Pattaya when a German tourist was arrested following a dramatic crash at a police checkpoint on Jomtien Road, Bang Lamung district, early yesterday. The crash left a traffic policeman seriously injured and prompted an extensive police pursuit. The incident occurred at 2.20am yesterday, November 2, when 30 year old Christopher Maximilian Walther, riding a Honda CB…
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Chiang Mai resident hits 6 million baht lottery jackpot
A resident of Lao Pao subdistrict, Doi Lo district, Chiang Mai, recently struck it lucky by winning the first prize in the government lottery, securing a 6 million baht reward. The first prize-winning number for yesterday’s draw was 536044, and it marked a life-changing moment for the local winner. The draw also included other results such as the three-digit front…
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Thai police arrest suspect in 2.7 million baht footballer scam
Thai police have apprehended a suspect involved in an online loan scam that swindled a prominent national footballer out of nearly 2.7 million baht. The suspect, identified as 45 year old Wanchai, confessed to managing mule accounts for the criminal gang. The crackdown, led by Police Major General Jirawat Payoongtham, took place today, November 2, when cybercrime officers, directed by…
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Bangkok mandates microchipping for pets under new law
Bangkok is set to enforce a new regulation requiring all dogs and cats to be microchipped, alongside measures to control stray animal populations and manage dangerous dogs. The Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) has recently approved a draft ordinance regarding pet ownership and stray animals. Naphaphon Chirakul, a member of the BMC for the Bang Khun Non district, and head of…
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Pathum Thani vegetable vendor wins 12 million baht lottery prize
A vegetable vendor from Simummuang Market in Khu Khot, Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani province, has struck gold by winning the first prize in the lottery, pocketing 12 million baht. The winning ticket, numbered 536044, was part of the draw held yesterday, November 1, and the news quickly spread as congratulations poured in for the lucky winner. The buzz…
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Hundreds of Phuket families await relief as flood damage mounts
Phuket’s flood-stricken families are still waiting for disaster relief funds, as officials gathered at Phuket Provincial Hall on Thursday, October 31 to address pending disbursements. The meeting, chaired by Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and attended by Sopon Thongsai, head of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket), reviewed the island’s slow-moving relief fund process. The gathering united…
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Heroic dad rescues family in Pattaya condo blaze
A dramatic blaze at a Pattaya condominium left three people injured and raised questions about emergency response times after one resident took it upon himself to rescue his family from the flames. The fire erupted just before 3am yesterday, November 1, at the seven-storey View Talay Residence 5, sending panic through the condominium. Emergency services rushed to the scene, with…
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Motorbike crash off flyover in Pathum Thani leaves one dead
Two women on a motorbike met with a tragic accident when their vehicle lost control at a curve, causing them to fall from a flyover, resulting in one fatality and an injury. This occurred in the early hours of today, November 2, near a U-turn on Phahonyothin Road, Pathum Thani. The incident was reported to the local police, who promptly…
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Thailand boosts climate resilience in coastal areas with UN grant
Thailand is actively enhancing its capacity to tackle the escalating threat of climate change, particularly in its marine and coastal areas. This initiative, a collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is titled Increasing Resilience to Climate Change Impacts in Marine and Coastal Areas along the Gulf of Thailand, and is supported by a US$3 million (101.2 million baht)…
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Thailand to upskill 5 million workers by 2025 for economic growth
The Department of Skill Development (DSD) in Thailand is gearing up for a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the skills of over 5 million workers by 2025, prioritising digital technology to bolster industrial growth. This ambitious retraining programme is a strategic response to evolving business needs, as highlighted by Decha Pruekphathanarak, the deputy permanent secretary for the Ministry of Labour.…
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Phatthalung plans airport to become Thailand’s logistics hub
Officials in Phatthalung are gearing up to transform the province into a bustling logistics hub in southern Thailand with plans to construct a new airport. This ambitious initiative, aimed at elevating the province’s economic profile, is anticipated to be presented to the Cabinet soon. A major step forward was taken when the Phatthalung governor submitted a formal request to the…
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Thailand launches anti-drug campaign in 10 pilot provinces
Thailand is taking decisive action against drug-related issues by designating 10 provinces as pilot areas to test new strategies. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasised the broader societal impacts of drug problems during her visit to Roi Et, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to tackle this challenge. Drug problems are seen as a significant barrier to national progress…
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Loy Krathong festival set to light up Wat Arun on November 15
Bangkok’s Wat Arun is set to illuminate the night on November 15 with its Loy Krathong festival. The festival promises a multicultural experience, underscored by a theme song performed in an array of languages, including Thai, English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Spanish, to foster a deeper understanding of the event’s cultural importance. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced that the Suntharaporn…
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Turning up the Thai-mometer: Thailand and Russia in heated talks for free trade pact
Thailand is turning up the heat on trade negotiations with Russia, as both nations look to seal a dynamic free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Recent high-stakes discussions at the Commerce Ministry between Thailand’s Commerce Minister, Pichai Naripthaphan, and Russian Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Sergey Levin, underscored a shared ambition to boost trade and investment. The spotlight…
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Thai man slaps famous lawyer allegedly over criticism of Islam
A Thai man slapped a famous lawyer during an interview at the Central Investigation Bureau’s Complaint Centre in Bangkok today, November 1, claiming he was offended by the lawyer’s criticism of Islam. Pictures and videos of the incident, in which renowned lawyer Dhammarat Sarapanya was slapped, circulated on Thai social media this afternoon. Dhammarat was seen giving an interview at…
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Hot ink, cool runs: Pattaya set for tattoo parades, bikini escapades
Anticipation is bubbling over in Pattaya as the city prepares to host not one, but two sensational events that promise to turn up the heat this weekend: the Pattaya International Tattoo Festival and the eagerly awaited Pattaya International Bikini Beach Race 2024. Kicking off the festivities, Central Marina is poised to become the epicentre of creativity with the tattoo festival…
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Land of opportunity: Thailand lays ground for 99-year ‘lease’ of a lifetime
In a bold move to bolster foreign investment, Thailand is set to revolutionise its land lease policies by extending terms to an impressive 99 years. This game-changing proposal was unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira at the glitzy CEO Econmas Awards 2024, marking a monumental shift for international investors eyeing long-term opportunities in the Land of…
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Monks under ‘charm’ fire for selling Moo Deng amulets
A wave of drama unfolded when Thai monks from a temple in the Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri introduced Moo Deng amulets, sparking concern among residents. Locals worry that these charms could make people excessively gullible. The pygmy hippo Moo Deng has become a sensation among Thais and foreigners alike. Moo Deng has drawn thousands of visitors to the…
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Energy scam shock: 20 duped by bogus clean energy company
In yet another alarming tale of betrayal, the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) of the Central Investigation Bureau swooped in with allegations against a company accused of swindling 20 unsuspecting investors. The victims were reportedly lured into pouring their hard-earned cash into what turned out to be a phantom clean energy venture. Spearheading the charge against this audacious act of…
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