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 How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Thailand to boost growth with new European trade deals
The Commerce Ministry is gearing up to enhance Thailand’s economic landscape by actively pursuing more free trade agreements (FTAs) next year, aiming for a 3% economic growth rate. This strategic move was detailed by Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan following a crucial meeting with ministry officials and Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) executives, including FTI chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul. Prime Minister Paetongtarn…
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Lisa tops Thailand soft power poll, beating Moo Deng and Butter Bear
Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal has taken the lead in 2024 Thailand’s most powerful soft power poll, demonstrating her wide-reaching influence as a global K-pop star. Following closely behind in the poll are the adorable pygmy hippo named Moo Deng and the popular Butter Bear mascot, also known as Nong Mee Noei. Sanit Siriwisitkul, head of the North Bangkok Poll Centre, revealed…
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1 million baht to compensate families of Khao San Road hotel fire victims
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports plans to compensate the families of those who died in a fire at a hotel near Khao San Road in Bangkok with 1 million baht each. Injured victims are expected to receive 500,000 baht each. Three deaths and seven injuries were reported in the fire, which broke out at The Ember Hotel in the…
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Social media pressure leads to arrest of minibus driver in rape case
A Thai minibus driver, who was arrested today, December 30, after he raped a passenger on a trip from Bangkok to the Isaan province of Surin, claimed that the 19 year old victim consented to sexual intercourse. The victim’s mother filed a complaint at Phanom Dong Rak Police Station in Surin after her 19 year old daughter was sexually assaulted by…
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NACC denies lobbying claims in Thaksin hospital case investigation
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) firmly denies any lobbying efforts aimed at altering the commissioner overseeing the investigation into former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s detention at a police hospital. Sarote Phuengramphan, the NACC secretary-general and spokesperson, refuted claims of lobbying to replace the commissioner. These allegations were brought forth by activist and former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan during a Facebook live…
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Thailand video news | A flight from Bangkok to Seoul has become the most deadly crash in Korea’s history, Vietnam sentences 27 to death in major drug trafficking case
Alex and Jay deliver a roundup of compelling news stories from Thailand and across Asia in the latest Good Morning Thailand segment. Highlights include Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster involving a Bangkok-Seoul flight, Thailand’s alarming New Year road accident statistics, and a tragic stabbing of a Japanese tourist in Pattaya. Other stories cover a tourist boat capsize near Koh Phangan, Thailand’s…
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Russian man arrested for rampage and knife attack at Phuket hotel
Police arrested a Russian man who went on a violent rampage at a hotel in the Choeng Thale area of Phuket, physically assaulting other hotel guests and Thai police officers. Officers from Choeng Thale Police Station were called to the hotel to contain the situation after the Russian man, identified only as Sharapov, attacked other guests with a knife. Fortunately,…
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Giant king cobra caught in fish trap excites Songkhla locals
A giant king cobra was unexpectedly caught in a fish trap in Songkhla province, sparking a mix of excitement and tension. Residents eagerly gathered, hoping to use the incident as inspiration for the upcoming lottery draw. The event began when 28 year old Phadungsak, from Na Thawi, Songkhla, visited his rubber plantation to check on fish traps he had set.…
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Two Chalong Pier boat operators test positive for methamphetamine
Two boat operators from Chalong Pier have been found positive for methamphetamine use during a safety campaign screening in Phuket. This effort, part of the new year safety initiative, was led by Phuket Marine Chief Natchapong Pranit and took place on the morning of December 28. A total of 34 boat operators and crew members underwent the random drug tests,…
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Five killed in Prachinburi factory concrete slab collapse
A tragic incident unfolded in Prachinburi province when a concrete slab collapsed in a factory located in the 304 Industrial Park, resulting in the loss of five lives with no survivors. The collapse occurred today, December 30, causing widespread alarm among workers and residents in the area. Rescue teams and relevant officials swiftly arrived on the scene to assess the…
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Man dies in motorcycle crash with roadside bin, daughter devastated
A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded when a man died after his motorcycle collided with a roadside bin. The incident, which occurred at 1pm yesterday, December 29, left his daughter devastated. Earlier that morning, he had made a seemingly ominous comment about buying something for her if he survived the day. Police officers from Klong Ha Police Station, led by Police Lieutenant…
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Thai man arrested for stabbing Danish tourist in Patong
A 27 year old Thai man has been apprehended by Patong Police after allegedly stabbing a Danish tourist early on December 28. The swift action by senior officers at Patong Police Station led to the arrest following the incident which left the tourist injured. The suspect was detained at a residence on Soi Kralim 6, located off Phra Barami Road…
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Young man arrested in Bangkok with modified gun after police chase
A young man found himself in hot water after leading police on a chase, ultimately being apprehended with a firearm in his possession. The incident occurred today, December 30, when officers from Bang Khen Police Station, led by Anan Warasart, apprehended 20 year old Tawan in the Ram Inthra 5 area of Bangkok. Tawan was found with a modified blank…
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Security guard in Ayutthaya injures colleagues in knife attack
A security guard, in a frenzied state, attacked his colleagues with a knife, leaving two seriously injured before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. The incident happened today, December 30, at the Bueng Phra Ram pétanque field in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The police are now on the hunt for the suspect. The police received an alert about the chaotic…
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Van drivers’ feud in Sattahip leaves one injured amid passenger poaching row
A heated dispute among van drivers in Sattahip escalated into a physical altercation on December 28, resulting in injuries to one individual. Police were alerted to the incident at a public van terminal in Sattahip, Chon Buri province, prompting a swift response from both police and rescue teams. Upon arrival, officials found a man named Chatree Deekhuntod suffering from facial…
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3 foreigners killed in fire at Khao San Road hotel in Bangkok
A fire broke out at a hotel on Thani Road near the Khao San Road neighbourhood of Bangkok last night, December 29, resulting in three fatalities and seven injuries. The fire started on the fifth floor of the six-storey Ember Hotel, at around 9.20pm. ThaiRath reported today, December 30, that the blaze originated in room 511, which was completely burned down…
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Endangered animal smuggling ring busted at Chatuchak Market
A clandestine network involved in the smuggling of endangered animals has been exposed at Chatuchak Market, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). Director-General Atthapol Charoenchansa revealed that a millionaire businessman, who collects exotic animals, attempted to import a baby gorilla from Türkiye. Details about the businessman remain undisclosed as investigations continue. Police have initiated…
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Tourist bus crash in Chumphon injures 17 after driver distraction
A tourist bus collided with a rubber-laden trailer, injuring several foreign passengers, after the 71 year old driver, allegedly reached for a dropped mobile phone. This incident occurred around 4am today on the Asia 41 road in Chumphon province, near the Pha Ngun Temple curve. The crash involved a white and red double-decker bus carrying foreign tourists, slamming into the…
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Teen dies in tragic gun accident in Samut Prakan
A tragic accident unfolded when an 18 year old mechanical student from a well-known school accidentally shot himself in the groin while handling a gun, leading to his untimely death. The incident occurred when he attempted to pull the weapon from his trousers, according to a younger friend present at the scene. At around 3.30am yesterday, December 29, officers from…
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Monk killed, driver injured in Rayong lorry-car collision
A devastating accident at a notorious intersection in Rayong has resulted in the death of a monk and left a driver critically injured. The collision involved a lorry and a car, with the lorry crashing the car into a roadside house wall. This incident occurred at an intersection lacking traffic signals, a factor that has contributed to numerous accidents in…
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Passenger bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai catches fire, no injuries
A dramatic incident unfolded when a passenger bus travelling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai caught fire, engulfing the vehicle in flames. Fortunately, all passengers escaped unharmed. The fire occurred around 9pm yesterday, December 29, when the Lampang Province’s 191 Radio Centre reported the blaze near kilometres 671-672 on Phahonyothin Road in Sop Prap district, Lampang. Immediate assistance was requested from…
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Cold air from China chills Thailand, heavy rain hits south
Cold air masses from China have draped over Thailand’s upper regions, bringing a chill to the air and a drop in temperatures ranging from cool to cold, especially in the mountainous areas. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts that these conditions are expected to persist, impacting various regions differently. The northern and northeastern parts of the country are experiencing cold…
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How much does it cost to see a doctor in Thailand?
Thailand is known for its high-quality yet affordable healthcare system, but how much does it really cost to see a doctor? As an expat, this question might be crucial for budgeting your health needs. The answer depends on whether you have health insurance or not, and the difference can be significant. Let’s explore the costs, compare insured versus uninsured expenses,…
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Fire at Lopburi hospital ICU leads to 81 patient evacuation
A blaze erupted at Ananda Mahidol Hospital, specifically in the basement ICU, prompting the swift evacuation of 81 patients. The governor of Lopburi led the emergency response team on site to manage the situation efficiently. Yesterday, December 28, an intense fire broke out late at night in the ICU section of Ananda Mahidol Hospital, located in Lopburi’s Mueang District. This…
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Japanese man killed in Pattaya stabbing after intervening in dispute
A Japanese man tragically lost his life following a stabbing incident in Pattaya, with the alleged perpetrator being a Thai-English man embroiled in a dispute with his girlfriend. The incident escalated when the Japanese victim intervened, resulting in his untimely death. The confrontation occurred early this morning, December 29, on Pattaya Third Road, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri.…
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Tourist boat capsizes off Koh Phangan, Korean national missing
A long-tail boat carrying passengers from Koh Phangan capsized after being struck by massive waves, leaving 13 passengers adrift in the sea and one Korean national missing. The incident, which occurred today, December 29, has raised serious concerns about safety regulations, as it was revealed that the boat’s captain was under the influence of drugs, and none of the passengers…
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Police investigate call centre gang at Thai-Cambodian border
Police and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) have conducted a thorough investigation at the Aranyaprathet border, focusing on a 25-storey building suspected to be the base of a call centre gang, following information provided by Thaksin Shinawatra, a former Prime Minister. At noon yesterday, December 28, Thachchai Pitaneelabutr, the Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, along with Natthathorn…
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Pattaya man seriously injured by wife in new year’s knife attack
A construction worker in Pattaya found himself in a dire situation when his wife, angered by his refusal to return home from new year’s celebrations, attacked him with a knife. The incident, which took place at a construction camp in Soi Mab Yai Lia 22, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, left the man with severe facial injuries, including a…
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Khao Kheow Zoo to expand with new Hippo Village project
Khao Kheow Open Zoo is set to expand with a new project called Hippo Village, dedicated to the popular pygmy hippopotamus family, including the beloved Moo Deng, at the zoo in Chon Buri Province. The announcement was made by Ataporn Sriherun, Director of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand, alongside Narongwit Chadchoi, Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo. They discussed…
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Drink-driving cases drop in 2025 New Year campaign
The Department of Probation reported 344 drink-driving cases on the first day of the 2025 new year campaign, with Chiang Mai leading and Nonthaburi in second place. The statistics show a decrease from the previous year. Yesterday, December 28, the Department of Probation, led by Suriyah Singhakamon, revealed statistics from December 27, the first day of the 2025 new year…
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