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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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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Thai man arrested for North Thailand festival double murder
A 21 year old suspect has been apprehended in Chon Buri, linked to a violent altercation that resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left two others injured at a festival in the northern province of Uttaradit. The incident occurred during the Amazing Hidden Lin Lablae annual festival, which took place in June this year. On that day, a…
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Bangkok condo construction accident injures six, halts project
A construction accident at a condominium site in Bangkok resulted in six workers being injured when a dust barrier collapsed from the sixth floor. Four of the workers sustained serious injuries. The project has been temporarily halted pending a thorough investigation. At around 6.30pm yesterday, November 6, police officer Sombat Saengmanee, along with other police, was notified of an accident…
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Thai Drinks launches 100m baht campaign to boost local tourism
Thai Drinks Co Ltd, the producer of Crystal Drinking Water, announced a partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to launch a significant marketing initiative aimed at boosting domestic tourism. With an investment of 100 million baht, the campaign seeks to engage consumers by linking the consumption of Crystal water to the exploration of Thailand’s natural beauty. From October…
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Locals reel in Thai man stranded at sea for 2-hours near Koh Samui (video)
Locals on Koh Samui, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani, came to the aid of a Thai man who accidentally fell into the sea yesterday and was stranded, treading water for two hours. Samui Association Rescue Volunteers were alerted by locals at around 9am yesterday, November 6, that the Thai man, later identified as 34 year old Sanadate,…
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Thai man caught with 300,000 meth pills in Chon Buri bust
A significant drug bust occurred in Chon Buri when law enforcement swooped to apprehend a Thai man in possession of a large stash of methamphetamine pills. At a routine checkpoint, police stopped the vehicle driven by Sattawat O-sot, leading to the discovery of 300,000 meth pills concealed within his car. A press conference was held by the Chon Buri Police…
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Thailand braces for heavy rain, strong winds as warnings issued
Weather warnings have been issued across Thailand, with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) alerting residents to heavy rainfall in 28 southern provinces. The forecast predicts intense downpours that could lead to flash floods and landslides, while northern regions experience cooler temperatures and strong winds. A high-pressure system originating from China is currently extending over the upper parts of Thailand and…
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Jealous Thai man kills mistress and commits suicide in Rayong
A Thai man killed his mistress and then committed suicide out of jealousy at a house in the Pluak Daeng district in the eastern province of Rayong. Their bodies were discovered on Tuesday, November 5. Officers from Pluak Daeng Police Station investigated the deaths of a 32 year old Thai man named Rath and a 30 year old Thai woman…
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Thailand appetite for exports, food security at key China summits
Promoting Thailand’s exports and tackling food security issues have taken centre stage at two significant regional meetings in China, as declared by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra yesterday, November 6. The 38 year old Thai PM is participating in the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Economic Cooperation Summit and the 10th Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) summit, both held in…
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Russell Crowe cooks up in Bangkok with Michelin-star chef Jay Fai
Russell Crowe, the Oscar-winning Aussie with a soft spot for the Land of Smiles, is back in the spotlight after his recent jaunt to Bangkok. Yesterday, November 6, the silver screen sensation was seen rubbing shoulders with none other than the Michelin-star maestro, Jay Fai, known worldwide for serving up street food with a twist. Taking to social media, Crowe…
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Thailand-US ties remain strong despite US election outcome
Thailand maintains a robust diplomatic relationship with the United States, a bond that Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa believes will endure regardless of Donald Trump’s US presidential election victory. Speaking yesterday at Wing 6’s Military Terminal 2 in Bangkok’s Don Mueang district, Maris conveyed confidence in the continuity of bilateral ties, highlighting their historical strength and mutual goals. “Our relationship…
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Chon Buri police officer found dead amid debt concerns
A police officer was found dead in his Bang Lamung flat, reportedly due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, prompting an immediate investigation by Chon Buri’s top police officials. The incident appears to be linked to personal financial stress, as the officer had incurred a significant debt. At 5.30pm yesterday, November 6, Navin Sinthurat, Superintendent of Bang Lamung Police Station, was…
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Dugong numbers in Andaman Sea may drop 70% in four years
Dugong populations in the Andaman Sea face a potential 70% decline within the next four years, primarily due to a shrinking supply of seagrass, their main food source. This alarming prediction was made by a marine biologist, emphasising the urgent need for conservation efforts to save this vulnerable marine mammal. Thon Thamrongnawasawat highlighted the crisis in seagrass reserves, stressing the…
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Patong slams brakes on taxi conflicts to boost tourism image
Efforts are underway in Patong to reorganise the city’s unscrupulous motorcycle taxi services following a recent conflict among drivers over passenger pickups. Local police in the bustling tourist destination are taking steps to address the situation, which has negatively impacted the area’s reputation. Chalermpong Saengdee, a member of the People’s Party representing Phuket, revealed that a meeting took place yesterday…
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TBA to the rescue: Thai bankers roll out debt relief plan
The Thai Bankers’ Association (TBA) is set to roll out a major debt restructuring programme to provide much-needed relief to the country’s household debt crisis. The scheme, expected to span three years, will focus on borrowers with a staggering 1.4 trillion baht in debt, covering everything from mortgages to auto loans and small business borrowings. In a bold move to…
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Pattaya bike shop owner demands police action after burglary
A distraught bike shop owner in Pattaya has gone public, calling out the local police for their lack of action following a brazen burglary that left her feeling vulnerable and frustrated. The shop owner, 29 year old Sujanthra Im-arom, who owns Cadence Cycle on Jomtien Soi 8, says her case has stalled, with no updates from the police despite repeated…
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Free holidays for Brits ‘high-jacked’ into Thai drug courier scheme
In a shocking twist on the idyllic Thai getaway, British citizens have reportedly been exploited as unwitting drug couriers, smuggling cannabis from Thailand back to the UK under the guise of a free holiday. British authorities have now called on Thai police to clamp down on this burgeoning drug mule scheme. According to Police Lieutenant General Phanurat Lukboon, secretary-general of…
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Thailand enforces stricter regulations on illegal factories
Thailand’s Industry Ministry is intensifying efforts to enforce stricter regulations on substandard products that falsely claim to meet Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) standards. Industry Minister Akanat Promphan announced the initiative following a Cabinet meeting, emphasising the need for collaboration with modern trade stores to conduct random product inspections. “To enforce measures to control substandard products, we are seeking cooperation…
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Thailand’s public debt remains sustainable at 64% of GDP
The recent Cabinet meeting focused on the nation’s public debt status, revealing it remains well within sustainable limits. Public debt as of August reached 11.7 trillion baht, accounting for 64% of the country’s GDP, comfortably below the 70% benchmark for fiscal sustainability. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub detailed during the meeting that the Finance Ministry adhered strictly to the public debt…
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Chon Buri Coffee on the Beach 2024 to perk up Pattaya tourism
Pattaya is bustling with anticipation for the upcoming Chon Buri Coffee on the Beach 2024 event. Scheduled to take place from November 22 to 24 at Pattaya Beach, this event promises a unique blend of coffee culture and scenic beachfront experiences. Pattaya’s leadership, spearheaded by Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, took centre stage on Monday, November 4, to formally announce this event.…
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Thailand coalition agrees on constitutional drafting assembly
The coalition parties in Thailand have reached a consensus on the need to establish a constitutional drafting assembly (CDA) to oversee the proposed amendments to the constitution. The Bhumjaithai Party emphasised that any changes put forth by the CDA must genuinely serve the interests of the people. Chaichanok Chidchob, Secretary-General of the Bhumjaithai Party, highlighted that discussions on charter amendments…
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Home invasion averted: Thai woman dodges ‘Yaba-dabbler’s’ entry attempt
A Thai woman narrowly escaped danger after a drug-addicted man attempted to enter her home in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham. Police found 19 methamphetamine pills, also known as Yaba, in his possession. The female victim shared videos of the incident on the news Facebook page, เจ๊มอย v+ (Jmoi v+). The videos showed officers from the Phayakkhaphum Phisai Police…
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Buddha statue found floating in Thai river sparks local curiosity
A surprising discovery captured the attention of residents in Chai Nat province as a 15-kilogramme Buddha statue was found floating in the Noi River. Locals have now enshrined it at the Sala Ruam Jai, a new pavilion in the village of Ban Tha Bang, Phong Ngam subdistrict, Sankhaburi district. The statue, with a 12-inch lap and a black appearance reminiscent…
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Major drug bust in Mukdahan uncovers 1.6 million meth pills
Police in Mukdahan province were alerted to a suspicious vehicle parked on a public road, leading to a major drug bust. The car, found at around 2pm yesterday, November 5, in Ban Don Sawan, Nam Thiang subdistrict, Khamcha-i district, contained a staggering 1.6 million methamphetamine (meth) pills hidden within fertiliser sacks. Police from the Khamcha-i Police Station were notified by…
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Thai piano teacher accuses renowned lawyer of attempted rape
A Thai piano teacher accused renowned lawyer Sittha Biabangkerd of attempted rape, sharing CCTV footage of the alleged incident with news outlets. Sittha’s name will be familiar to many as he was recently accused by Thai millionaire Jatuporn “Madam Oi” Ubonlert of swindling her out of 71 million baht. She claimed that Sittha deceived her into investing in an online…
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Sisaket house lights up after candle left burning overnight
A house fire broke out in Sisaket province after a man fell asleep with a candle lit due to a power cut, leading to a scramble for safety and the loss of his belongings. Apichat Kasorn, an investigator at Sisaket Provincial Police Station, received a report of a fire at house number 14, Village 5, Ban Yang Kut, Mak Kheab…
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Bangkok to transform Phahurat into vibrant Little India
Bangkok Metropolitan Council is set to transform the Phahurat area into a vibrant Little India, fostering comprehensive collaboration among the government, private sector, and community to attract tourists and boost investments, thereby increasing the nation’s revenue. John Surajit Pongsingwitaya, President of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, announced the capital’s commitment to support the development of Phahurat into a Little India, a…
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PM Paetongtarn pledges no interference in Thaksin detention probe
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed concerns regarding her involvement in an investigation into allegations that her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, received preferential treatment during his detention at the Police General Hospital. She reassured the public and officials that she would not interfere with the ongoing probe. The 38 year old Thai premier confirmed the government’s commitment to adhering…
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Laotian mother appeals for hearing aids for blue-eyed twins with rare condition
A Laotian mother in the Isaan province of Nakhon Phanom is seeking public support for hearing aids for her twin daughters, who are hearing and speech impaired and have blue eyes due to Waardenburg syndrome. The two girls with bright blue eyes went viral on social media after a Facebook user, Wachi Wachi, shared their pictures on Monday, November 4.…
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Enlist now, reap rewards: PM hails modern Ministry of Defence
The Ministry of Defence is shaking up Thailand’s military recruitment strategy, swapping the conscription model for a voluntary one packed with incentives and young Thais are taking note. In a recent visit to Infantry Division 6 in Roi Et province, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai lauded the successful transformation, highlighting that voluntary enlistment has surged significantly.…
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LNG prices stable in 2025, easing Thailand’s power tariff adjustments
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices are projected to remain stable in early 2025, alleviating some of the pressure on Thai officials as they prepare to calculate a new power tariff for electricity bills from January to April next year. According to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), this stability in LNG pricing will influence the upcoming adjustment of the…
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