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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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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Shocking drive: Fallen wire sparks trouble on Rama II Road (video)
A Thai couple shared a video on TikTok yesterday showing the moment an electric wire fell onto their car while they were driving on Rama II Road, causing a fracture on the front widescreen. The dashcam footage of the incident yesterday December 16, was uploaded to the TikTok account mayza2244, accompanied by the caption, “Why did this happen? Where did…
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Phuket driver faces charges after fatal hit-and-run incident
A driver involved in a tragic hit-and-run incident in Phuket turned himself into the police. Police confirmed that the driver will face charges for his actions following the fatal accident that occurred in the early hours of December 14. The unfortunate event took place around 3.20am along Srisoonthorn Road, near the Bang Jo Intersection in Srisoonthorn. The 22 year old…
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NHSO to keep Cancer Anywhere programme despite rising costs
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) confirmed its commitment to maintaining the Cancer Anywhere (CA) programme, which empowers patients to choose their preferred location for cancer treatment. This decision comes amidst calls from various experts to discontinue the scheme due to escalating costs. NHSO Secretary General Jadej Thammatacharee addressed concerns regarding the programme’s new guidelines, announcing the formation of a…
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Copy-paste tourism: Phuket Airport owns up to Singapore snap
Phuket International Airport today announced that the use of images of buildings from Singapore’s old town to market its own tourism were intentional and not a mistake. Phuket Airport yesterday, December 16, found itself in the eye of a social media storm after they used some pictures of Singapore to promote the popular holiday resort. Netizens took to social media…
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5 illegal Chinese real estate agents, linked to scam gangs, arrested in Chon Buri
Thai Tourist Police officers arrested five illegal Chinese real estate agents in Chon Buri. They were found managing properties rented by call centre scam gangs. Tourist Police Bureau officers raided an unnamed real estate sales office on Boon Samphan Road in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, yesterday, December 16. At the office, they encountered five Chinese nationals and one individual…
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Sisaket hospital criticised for charging patients 5 baht per spoon
Controversy erupted over public hospitals in Thailand selling spoons to patients for 5 baht each. This practice, particularly at Kantharalak Hospital in the Sisaket province, was initially introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to prevent virus spread but it has now drawn criticism. The issue gained attention when a popular online page highlighted the situation, igniting a debate about the responsibilities…
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Severe floods in South Thailand claims 8 lives, impacts thousands
Severe flooding has engulfed five southern provinces of Thailand, devastating 47 districts and affecting more than 128,000 households. The death toll has tragically increased to eight as the region grapples with this natural disaster. The floods hit the Nakhon Si Thammarat and Koh Samui districts in Surat Thani the hardest yesterday, December 16. These areas are at the core of…
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American expat gifts helmets to Pattaya residents to boost safety
An American expat residing in Pattaya gained widespread admiration for his charitable efforts directed at enhancing children’s safety. Along with other generous donors and with the support of local restaurant Cajun Life Cafe and compassionate Pattaya police officers, the American distributed helmets to children and some adults in need on Pratumnak Soi 5. The expat, 57 year old Rick Brown…
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Thailand and Malaysia aim for US$30 billion trade by 2027
Thailand and Malaysia set an ambitious goal to boost bilateral trade to US$30 billion by 2027, strengthening economic cooperation in pivotal sectors such as trade, investment, border connectivity, and tourism. The agreement was reached during Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s recent official visit to Malaysia, where she engaged in discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The two-day visit culminated yesterday,…
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Phuket’s expressway project moves forward: EXAT
Phuket’s ambitious infrastructure plans took a significant step forward after Governor Sophon Suwannarat held a crucial meeting with representatives from the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) at the Phuket Provincial Hall. The discussions centred on the progress of the highly anticipated Phuket Expressway Project, commonly referred to by locals as the Patong Tunnel and Mueang Mai-Koh Kaew-Kathu Expressway projects. In…
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Thailand video news | Tourist found dead after full moon party in Koh Phangan, Thailand accelerates universal healthcare coverage nationwide
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex brings key updates from across Thailand and ASEAN. Stories include the tragic death of a tourist after a Full Moon party in Koh Phangan, a fatal stabbing in Bangkok following a traffic dispute, and an assault on a Swiss tourist in Pattaya. Regional headlines highlight former Thai PM Thaksin’s new advisory role for Malaysia’s…
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Thai woman shoots abusive husband dead in act of self-defence
A Thai woman shot her husband dead at their shared home in Chon Buri after he brutally abused and threatened her with a gun. Officers from Phanthong Police Station investigated the shooting at a house in the Phan Thong district of Chon Buri at approximately 10.40am yesterday, December 16, accompanied by rescuers from the Dham Ratsamee Maneerat Foundation. The owner…
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Australian tourist escapes drowning amid South Thailand flooding
An Australian tourist had a narrow escape from drowning in South Thailand after his car plunged into a flooded ditch amidst severe flooding in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The deluge has affected 21 districts, severing numerous roads and resulting in the tragic loss of four lives. As heavy rainfall continues to worsen the situation, rescue teams are tirelessly working to assist…
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Homeless Thai man bludgeons boyfriend to death on Friday the 13th
A Thai homeless man allegedly bludgeoned his homeless boyfriend to death with a hammer at an abandoned house on Friday, December 13, before fleeing the scene naked. The lifeless body of the victim, believed to be around 50 years old, was discovered at the abandoned house on Sukhaphiban 5 Road in the Sai Mai district of Bangkok on Saturday, December 14.…
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Family feud in Samut Sakhon ends in fatal shooting
A shocking incident unfolded in Samut Sakhon yesterday where a heated family dispute ended tragically. A woman was killed and her husband severely injured in a shooting yesterday, December 16, at their home in Om Noi, Krathum Baen district. The alleged gunman who lived next door and was a cousin of the deceased woman, is now on the run. Police received…
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Rain check: Heavy downpours set to soak seven Thailand provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today issued a warning for heavy rainfall across seven provinces in Thailand. Residents are advised to be cautious due to the risk of accumulated rainfall leading to flash floods and forest runoff. The northern regions of Thailand are experiencing a rise in temperature, although the mountain peaks remain extremely cold. The TMD’s 24-hour weather forecast…
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AMLO seizes assets worth 4.5 billion baht in major fraud case
The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) recently took decisive action in a high-profile fraud and money laundering case, seizing assets across 821 items valued at approximately 4.5 billion baht. The development unfolded as AMLO officials announced the outcomes of their 15th meeting of the year, highlighting significant cases involving fraud and money laundering, some with connections to electronic gambling and drug-related…
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December 16 lottery results announced: 6 million baht first prize
Yesterday’s lottery draw results have been announced, with many eagerly checking their tickets. The winning number for the first prize, worth 6 million baht, is 097863. Additional prize categories include the three-digit front and back numbers, the two-digit numbers, and various other prizes. The first prize was awarded to the ticket with the number 097863, granting the winner a substantial…
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This Thai food can cause serious kidney problems and cancer
Everyone loves delicious food, but sometimes our favourite dishes can be harmful to our health if we eat too much of them. Processed foods, especially meats like sausages, are popular in Thailand, but eating them too often can lead to serious health issues such as kidney disease and cancer. It is important to understand the risks and make mindful choices…
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Bangkok shots: Drunken cop’s nightclub tantrum goes sky-high
A viral video surfaced showing an intoxicated officer from Thong Lo Police Station in Bangkok firing a gun into the sky outside a nightclub after being denied entry by security guards. Several Facebook news pages shared the video, which shows a man dressed entirely in black firing a gunshot into the sky outside an entertainment venue. The incident occurred in…
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Moonlit tragedy: British tourist found dead after Full Moon Party
A British tourist’s dream holiday turned into a nightmare after a wild night at Thailand’s infamous Full Moon Party ended in tragedy. Christopher Stephen Boucher was discovered dead outside a 7-Eleven store on the island of Koh Pha Ngan, after attending the notorious beach bash. The 37 year old from Gillingham in Kent, had reportedly been trying to find his…
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Thaksin to become informal advisor to Malaysian PM for ASEAN
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the appointment of former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as an informal advisor for Malaysia’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year. The announcement was made by Ibrahim during a joint press conference with Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Putrajaya today, December 16. “I have agreed to appoint [Thaksin] as…
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Dating scam: Thai tomboy arrested for stealing pickup and phone
Police arrested a Thai tomboy in the southern province of Chum Phon for operating a romance scam, stealing a pickup and mobile phone from a woman she met on a dating application. The victim, identified only as Kuy, filed a complaint at the Chulalongkorn Pratunam Police Station on Friday, December 13, after losing her grey Toyota Vigo pickup truck and…
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Thai customs intercept over 300 drug cases so far in December
The Thai Customs Department announced the seizure of heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, and counterfeit goods at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in a coordinated effort with the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Immigration Bureau, and the Australian Border Force (ABF). The announcement was made at a press briefing at the Customs Department headquarters in Bangkok, today, December 16. Yesterday, customs officials intercepted two passengers…
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Grain gains: Thai farmers to receive 1,000 baht per rai support
The Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) has initiated a comprehensive financial support programme, transferring 1,000 baht per rai to Thai rice farmers across the country. Deputy Finance Minister Jullapan Amornvivat presided over the first day of payments, aimed at providing relief and encouraging agricultural productivity. The support programme targets 4.61 million farming households, with total funding reaching 37.4…
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Thai man stabbed to death after traffic dispute in Bangkok (video)
A 23 year old man lost his life in a stabbing outside a condominium on Rama II Soi 54 in the Bang Khun Thian district of Bangkok following a traffic dispute with a suspect who remains at large. A witness reported the death of the 23 year old Thai man, named Apiwit, outside the condominium, at Tha Kham Police Station…
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Police warn against vehicle decorations during holiday season
Royal Thai Police (RTP) issued a stern warning to drivers about Christmas-inspired vehicle decorations in ways that could potentially cause road accidents or endanger other road users. RTP Deputy Spokesperson Siriwan Deepo announced yesterday, December 15, that National Police Chief Kittirat Phanphet is deeply concerned about citizens’ safety and property. The police have observed an increasing trend of vehicle decorations…
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Living the Thai life: Kingdom rolls out red carpet for big spenders
Thailand is upping the ante in its tourism game, spotlighting the allure of luxury and high-spending travellers to power up the economy post-pandemic. Known for its warm hospitality, stunning landscapes, and world-class attractions, the nation is seeing a surge in plush hotels and branded properties to cater to this elite crowd. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) set its sights…
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Thai girl suffers fractured rib and spine after falling off octopus ride
A 12 year old girl suffered a fractured rib and spine after falling from a giant octopus ride at the Winter Festival in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima on the evening of Saturday, December 14. Four other young girls sustained minor injuries. The 12 year old victim was admitted to Pak Chong Nana Hospital in the Pak Chong district…
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Boat capsizes in Songkhla, search for missing crew continues
A fishing boat capsized off the coast of Songkhla, leaving crew members stranded at sea. Five of the crew have been rescued, while the search continues for two missing crew members. The incident was reported around 9am yesterday, December 15, to the Second Naval Area Command’s Maritime National Interests Administration Centre by Krit Phitakkhumpol, owner of the fishing vessel, Krit…
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