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.
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Sponsored What do you need before moving from the US to Thailand?
The Thaiger key takeaways The most common medical emergencies for expats in Thailand include motorcycle accidents, tropical diseases, and food or water-borne illnesses. Air pollution and heat-related conditions like heatstroke also pose serious seasonal health risks, especially in northern and...
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Foreign couple’s passionate encounter leads to damage at Pattaya hotel
A foreign couple refused to pay compensation after their sexual activity damaged furniture and Christmas decorations at a hotel in Pattaya last night, December 24. Chaos broke out at a hotel in Pattaya Soi 8 on Christmas Eve as hotel workers and officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station were reportedly chasing a foreign woman wearing a white mini-dress. The foreign…
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Khao Kheow Open Zoo showers animals with Christmas gifts
Khao Kheow Open Zoo is spreading festive cheer with its Christmas and new year celebrations, delighting visitors and animals alike. The zoo’s director, Narongwit Chodchoi, alongside the management team, has organised a special event to bring joy to the park’s wildlife. This initiative is part of a larger festive programme welcoming tourists as 2024 makes way for 2025. The zoo…
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Government extends excise tax cut for entertainment venues to boost tourism
The government has decided to extend the current excise tax reduction for entertainment venues, such as pubs, bars, nightclubs, and cocktail lounges, for another year to bolster tourism. This decision was announced by Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul following a Cabinet meeting held yesterday, December 24. The extension will see the excise tax rate decrease from 10% to 5% of…
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Experts warn ‘safety first’ as couples get rompy during Christmas
The Christmas holiday season often sees an uptick in certain types of injuries, with experts noting a significant rise in sex-related mishaps, including a dramatic 234% increase in searches for “penile fracture” on Google during this festive period. Research from FeetFinder highlights that the festive spirit might lead to some unexpected outcomes in the bedroom. Data from the British Journal…
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Belgian man brutally attacked and robbed in Pattaya on Christmas Day
In stark contrast to the festive spirits, a Belgian man suffered serious injuries after a group of six thieves brutally attacked him with a knife and robbed him in Pattaya earlier today, December 25, just as he was returning from a Christmas party. A 38 year old Thai woman named Phonthip alerted officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station to the…
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Thai economy forecast: 109 billion baht boost from consumer spending
Predictions for the new year indicate a robust economic circulation of 109 billion baht, driven by consumer spending, according to findings from the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). While this suggests a positive economic trend, many individuals remain cautious with their expenditures. The UTCC’s survey, conducted recently, highlights an anticipated 3.2% increase in spending compared to last…
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Young elephant shot dead at Chanthaburi rubber plantation
A tragic discovery was made when the carcass of a young wild elephant, weighing 1.5 tonnes, was found shot dead in a rubber plantation in Chanthaburi province. Veterinarians are urgently conducting an autopsy to gather evidence and identify the perpetrator. The local police in Kaeng Hang Maeo were alerted by residents who stumbled upon the elephant carcass in a rubber…
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Thailand expands global e-visa system for 2025 to boost tourism
Thailand is set to simplify travel for international visitors starting 1 January 2025 by expanding its e-Visa system globally. This significant development allows travellers worldwide to apply for a Thai e-visa via the official website, streamlining the process that was previously available only in select locations. Now, the electronic visa system will be operational across all 94 Royal Thai Embassies…
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Young Thai girl dreams of police career amid severe poverty
A heartrending story has emerged about a nine year old girl who dreams of becoming a police officer despite facing extreme poverty, often left hungry while waiting for her grandmother to return from hospital appointments. The situation came to light after a Facebook user named ศรุต ธานินมงคล posted a picture of the girl, Ice, sitting outside her home, clutching her…
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Thailand video news | Thai government pushes for safer holiday roads, Festive car decorations spark legal action in Bangkok
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay present a variety of stories from across Thailand and Asia. These include Thailand navigating a mix of challenges and reforms in 2024, ranging from economic struggles and road safety initiatives to military overhauls and social transformations. A NIDA poll reveals widespread public dissatisfaction with rising living costs and instability, while Bangkok takes…
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Phuket vendor revives Italian man, but tragedy strikes in hospital
A Thai chicken rice vendor successfully revived an Italian man who collapsed while dining at his restaurant in Phuket, but tragically, the foreign man later passed away in hospital. A viral video of a Thai man administering CPR to a foreigner was widely shared on Thai social media yesterday, December 24. The incident reportedly occurred at a renowned chicken rice…
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Truck accident in Nakhon Ratchasima disrupts medical supply delivery
A significant traffic incident unfolded yesterday evening in Nakhon Ratchasima when a pickup truck carrying medical equipment veered off the road and into an irrigation canal. Fortunately, the canal contained only a small amount of water, which helped avert a more serious outcome. The accident occurred at approximately 8.30pm yesterday, December 24, along the Phimai-Dong Yai road, near the entrance…
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Woman allegedly shot dead by husband on Christmas Day in Ayutthaya
Tragedy struck on Christmas Day when a woman was found dead in her bedroom, allegedly shot by her husband. The unsettling incident occurred at approximately 12.30am today in Bang Sai, Ayutthaya, Thailand. The local police, led by Sakarin Rattanaphan, were alerted to the shooting involving a firearm. Upon arrival at the residence located in Moo 4, Khok Chang, Bang Sai,…
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MRT extends New Year’s Eve services with free parking across Bangkok
The Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) announced its new year’s gift for passengers, extending services on four routes across Bangkok from midnight to 2am on New Year’s Eve, December 31. Free parking will also be provided at each station. The Deputy Minister of Transport, Surapong Piyachote, stated that the ministry, in collaboration with the MRT and other transport concessionaires, planned measures…
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Buri Ram land dispute awaits Supreme Court decision amidst ownership clash
The ongoing land dispute in Buri Ram’s Khao Kradong area centres around the ownership of 5,000 rai of land, which Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit asserts belongs to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). Concurrently, Anutin Charnvirakul, another deputy prime minister, has urged all parties to await the Supreme Administrative Court’s decision on the matter, highlighting the legal complexities involved.…
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Smoky bust: E-cigarettes worth 10 million baht seized in Si Racha
Si Racha police have intensified their efforts against illegal imports, seizing more than 47,000 e-cigarettes valued at 10 million baht. The significant seizure took place yesterday, December 24, at Laem Chabang Port, located in the Si Racha district of Chon Buri province. This decisive action is part of a broader campaign initiated by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra aimed at curbing…
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Ratchaburi tightens controls on new year celebratory gunfire
Ratchaburi police have intensified measures to prevent celebratory gunfire during the new year countdown, focusing on safeguarding lives and property. The public is warned against carrying weapons in public areas, and strict permissions are required for fireworks. Police Chief Wachiraphong Amornpitak announced that Ratchaburi’s police force, in cooperation with the provincial governor, is mobilising efforts to maintain order during the…
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Thailand aids Myanmar with cholera outbreak, sends vaccines and medication
The Thai Ministry of Public Health has stepped up its efforts to support Myanmar in tackling a significant cholera outbreak, distributing enough medication for 2,400 patients and supplying nearly 5,000 cholera vaccine doses. The outbreak has affected major cities such as Yangon, Mandalay, and Rakhine state. Unofficial reports estimate approximately 7,000 cholera cases in Myanmar, with Shwe Kokko, a town…
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Thailand takes measures to curb bird flu amid regional outbreaks
Public health officials in Thailand are ramping up measures to prevent the spread of bird flu within the country amid increasing cases in neighbouring regions and a recent outbreak in the US. The Department of Disease Control (DDC), along with the Livestock Department and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP), is actively preparing for any potential…
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Motorcyclist dies in high-speed crash on Phuket’s Thepkrasattri Road
A tragic accident occurred yesterday on Thepkrasattri Road in Thalang, Phuket, when a 26 year old motorcyclist lost control of his high-speed big bike, crashing into a palm tree on the central reservation. The collision resulted in the rider’s immediate death. Police were alerted to the incident at 3.05pm yesterday, December 24, prompting Napadol Somnuek, an officer from Thalang Police…
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Tsunami tributes confirmed in Phuket after public outcry
Phuket’s long-awaited tsunami remembrance services are finally confirmed—though not without a wave of public criticism. Patong Municipality and Mai Khao Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) will host memorials to mark 20 years since the devastating Indian Ocean Tsunami that claimed thousands of lives, following earlier silence from local officials. The Phuket News highlighted the conspicuous lack of announcements about events to…
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Tragedy as 71 year old killed by own vehicle in Kamphaeng Phet
A tragic accident occurred yesterday, December 24, as a 71 year old man was killed by his agricultural vehicle after it lost control and overturned on a road in Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand. The incident happened on the road between Baan Mai Suwannaphum and Na Bo Kham in the Thep Khun Ram area. Police received reports about the accident involving an…
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Fatal crash on Mahanakhon Expressway in Bangkok claims driver’s life
A tragic accident occurred on an expressway involving a car that collided with the rear of a six-wheel truck equipped with a crane for repairing streetlights. The incident resulted in the car overturning and the driver being killed at the scene. The accident took place today, December 25, on the Mahanakhon Expressway, opposite the Lumpini toll booth, near the Tobacco…
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NHSO delays cancer care reimbursement changes to April
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has decided to delay the implementation of new budget reimbursement criteria for hospitals involved in the Cancer Treatment Anywhere (CA) programme. This postponement aims to address existing reimbursement issues through upcoming discussions. Dr Athaporn Limpanylers, deputy secretary-general of the NHSO, announced yesterday, December 24, that revisions will be made to the criteria for reimbursing…
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Bangkok lowers speed limit to 60 km/h in bid to reduce road accidents
The Royal Gazette published an announcement today, December 24, regarding a new regulation on speed limits within Bangkok, which reduces the speed of vehicles on all roads in the city to 60 kilometres per hour (kp/h), except on 13 specific roads. The Royal Gazette released details on its official website today regarding the new speed limit and noise prohibitions in…
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Thai couple dead in murder-suicide over jealousy of ex-husband
A Thai man fatally shot his wife before taking his own life at their shared home in Soi Lat Phrao 87 in the Wang Thong Lang district of Bangkok yesterday, December 23, in an act of jealousy over her ex-husband. Officers from the Chok Chai Police Station were called to the scene to investigate the deaths of the couple, identified…
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Teeing off diplomacy: Thailand celebrates 50 years with China
Thailand rolled out the green carpet in Pattaya for over 300 Chinese golf enthusiasts, blending sport and diplomacy in a high-profile event. The Amazing Thailand Golf Paradise 2024, held on December 19 at Siam Country Club Waterside and Rolling Hills, marked the 50th anniversary of Thai-China diplomatic relations with a swing and a celebration. Under Thailand’s specialised golf package tours,…
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Thai woman brtually assaulted by neighbour over wandering ducks
A Thai woman in the central province of Chantaburi sought justice for her mother, who was physically assaulted by a female neighbour after two ducks wandered into the neighbour‘s residence. The daughter shared the details of the assault, which occurred at around 7am on December 19, with a Facebook news page, along with black-and-white photos of her mother, 52 year…
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‘Sober up or pay’: Thai govt cracks down on festive driving chaos
The Thai government is on a mission to curb the deadly spike in road accidents during new year celebrations with its Don’t Drink and Drive, Get Home Safely campaign. But will it be enough to tackle a cocktail of cultural habits, weak enforcement, and limited transport options? The initiative aims to save lives during the holiday season, notorious for a…
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Poll reveals what’s draining happiness from the Land of Smiles
It seems 2024 has been a tough year for many in Thailand, and despite its moniker, the Land of Smiles, not many are feeling the joy as economic woes, political turmoil, and cybercrime topped the list of frustrations in a new poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). The annual survey, titled What Have You Been Tired of…
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