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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Thailand Video News | Massive positive changes to visa system coming June 1, CCTV footage tells full story of Pattaya altercation after rumors fly
In this Thailand video news, Alex delves into the latest news from Thailand highlights significant developments and events across the country. Massive positive changes to the visa system are set to take effect on June 1, promising easier access for travelers. In Pattaya, CCTV footage reveals the full story behind a recent altercation, dispelling circulating rumors. A British man’s single…
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Thai abbot flees after wild animal carcasses found in his room
An abbot fled a well-known Phan Suek Nukun Temple in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima when officers from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) raided the temple and found wild animal carcasses hidden in his accommodation. DNP officers received a tip-off from a monk at the temple that the abbot, later identified as Kittichai Worradhammo,…
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139 kg of heroin seized in Bueng Kan, valued at 280 million baht
Success in the No Place for Drugs operation in Bueng Kan was announced by Police Lieutenant General Sarayut Sa-nguanphokai, the Commander-in-Chief, alongside relevant agencies. The initiative led to the seizure of 139 kilogrammes of heroin valued at 280 million baht. Bueng Kan investigative police, in collaboration with other officers, initiated an investigation into a drug smuggling network based on information…
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Jealous rider stabs girlfriend, locks her in rented room
A rider consumed by jealousy violently attacked his girlfriend with a knife, leaving her severely injured and locked inside a rented room in Pathum Thani. Her cries for help alerted neighbours, who then called her son to rescue her and rush her to the hospital just in time. At 8.30pm yesterday, the Deputy investigator of Pak Klong Rangsit Police Station…
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Bangkok Pride parade to celebrate love on June 1
Bangkok Pride announced an open invitation for the public to join the Bangkok Pride Parade festival, set to take place along Rama I Road in Pathumwan. Scheduled for June 1, the event will feature the LGBTQ+ community marching on what has been dubbed the rainbow road of equality. The pride parade will follow the Celebration of Love theme and will…
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Wissanu to advise Cabinet on legal matters, no political role
Seasoned legal expert and former Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam is poised to become an adviser to the Secretariat of the Cabinet, assisting with the government’s legal affairs. Wissanu confirmed yesterday that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin would appoint him to the position. He mentioned that the secretariat had previously approached him for the role following his departure as deputy prime minister…
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Red Bull family sues for defamation after son’s hit and run incident
Chalerm Yoovidhya, the son of the Red Bull co-founder, has initiated legal proceedings against a TV presenter and former police lieutenant colonel for defamation, seeking compensation of 50 million baht. The accusations stem from statements implicating him in the alleged use of 300 million baht to sway favour towards his son, Vorayuth ‘Boss’ Yoovidhya, after a fatal hit-and-run incident. Represented…
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Thai banks urged to ‘transact green’ by BoT to aid local businesses
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) urges large commercial banks in Thailand to provide transition finance to aid local businesses in shifting from carbon-intensive operations to more sustainable practices. During the seminar EARTH JUMP 2024: The Edge of Action organised by Kasikornbank, Ronadol Numnonda, deputy governor of the central bank, revealed that last year, large local banks reported a total of…
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Thailand seeks BRICS membership for global influence
Thailand set its sights on joining the intergovernmental organisation BRICS, which is expanding beyond its original membership of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The Thai Cabinet approved a draft of the official letter indicating Thailand’s intention to join the group, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates became official members of…
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Thailand tackles fraud with mobile bank account name verification
Mobile bank account holders can continue using their services uninterrupted as authorities work to ensure the names of account holders match those of phone subscribers, according to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES). This initiative aims to tackle the misuse of bank accounts by fraudsters. The crackdown, launched at the beginning of the week, has caused some concern…
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Thailand faces mental health crisis with nearly 10 million affected
Nearly 10 million individuals in Thailand are grappling with mental health issues, with almost 11% of the population at risk of suicide, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). Additionally, around 16% of the population experiences regular stress. Secretary-General of NESDC, Danucha Pichayanan highlighted the gravity of the situation as the agency released its first-quarter report on…
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Thai man rapes step-granddaughter and infects her with HIV
Officers from the Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (IDMB) arrested a Thai man for raping his step-granddaughter from the age of seven and transmitting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to her. The victim, who is now 16 years old, filed a complaint against the rapist, 59 year old Nookarn, at Bang Khen Police Station on April 28. IDMB officers raided…
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Massive positive changes to Thailand’s visa system from June 1
5-year visas available for digital nomads, boxers and chefs students The cabinet has approved a number of new visa initiatives aimed at attracting more tourists. This includes visa-free and visa-on-arrival schemes, extended stays for students, and a decrease in mandatory health insurance for retirees. The Foreign Ministry suggested these actions due to the country’s significant reliance on tourism, according to…
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Interest-ing development: Ministry slashes housing loan rates
The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security announced a significant reduction in housing loan interest rates by 0.5% for one year, aiming to support citizens during challenging economic times. Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Varawut Silpa-archa revealed this decision at a press conference at Government House at 10am today, May 28. The Community Organisations Development Institute (CODI)…
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Tourism boom: Thailand clocks in 14.3 million visitors
Thailand welcomed 14.3 million international tourists in the first five months of this year, generating close to 683 billion baht (US$18.7 billion) in revenue. The Tourism and Sports Minister, Sermsak Pongpanich, shared these figures, highlighting the significant contribution of foreign visitors to the country’s economy from January 1 to May 26. The top five countries with the highest number of…
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Shocking house fire in Pathum Thani claims life of a bedridden man
A fire broke out in a single-storey house in Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, resulting in the tragic death of the bedridden homeowner. The incident left his wife in shock after being informed by a neighbour’s call. An investigator from Khlong Luang Police Station, Teerasak Saento received the report about the fire in Moo 9, Khlong Sam Subdistrict, around 6am yesterday,…
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Hooked: Foreigner makes waves, takes a dip in fish spa (video)
A foreign man captured the attention of Thai netizens after a viral video on the TikTok application showed him dipping his head into a fish tank foot spa to cool off on a hot day in the northern province of Chiang Mai. A Thai man shared the video on his TikTok account, @dai.yin.see.tatto, yesterday, May 27, with the caption, “When…
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Cracking news: Egg prices to soar due to extreme weather
As announced by the Thai Cooperative Network for Chicken Egg Producers, egg prices are set to rise by 20 satangs per egg tomorrow, citing the extreme weather as the reason for the increase. The farm price for eggs will be 4 baht each, marking an increase of 6 baht per tray. The members of the network include producers from Chachoengsao,…
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Chinese investors show strong interest in Thailand at RCEP-tion
Chinese investors eagerly engaged with Thailand’s business landscape at a recent matchmaking event held under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement. Marking its debut in Thailand, the event seeks to draw interest towards emerging S-curve industries and facilitate the transfer of technology from China. At the helm of the 1st RCEP Business Opportunities Matchmaking Conference (China-Thailand) was Commerce Minister…
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Police bust heroin smuggling gang after high-speed chase
The Thai authorities apprehended a transnational heroin smuggling gang after a high-speed chase ended with the suspect’s vehicle crashing into a roadside forest. Police discovered 380 bars of heroin weighing 139 kilogrammes with an estimated street value of 280 million baht. At 9.30am yesterday, senior police officials held a press conference at the Region 4 Provincial Police headquarters, announcing the…
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Agriculture minister denies knowledge of swinging amid scandal
A high-ranking Thai government official accused of having an affair with a married woman after joining a swingers’ club, was identified as a member of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The minister claimed he has no knowledge of this and even asked reporters to explain the meaning of “swinging” to him. A Thai man, identified only as A, sought…
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Immigration’s fruitful swoop on illegal vendors selling durians
Immigration Division 1 officers swooped on illegal seasonal fruit vendors, arresting several foreign nationals attempting to sell durians and other fruits on Nawamin Road in Bangkok. They were promptly apprehended despite efforts to flee on motorised tricycles. Commander of Immigration Division 1, Police Major General Prasart Khemaprasit, along with Deputy Commander, Police Colonel Keeratisak Kongkiatsiri, and Investigation Superintendent, Police Colonel Kachapon…
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Thailand Cabinet boosts 2024 fiscal budget by 122 billion baht
The Thai Cabinet approved a plan to increase the 2024 fiscal budget by 122 billion baht to support its delayed household stimulus scheme, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul today announced. This adjustment will raise the new budget to 3.6 trillion baht, representing a 13% increase from the previous year, with the deficit swelling to 805 billion baht. The government’s decision…
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Fisherman swept away in Chiang Mai, search efforts intensify
Search efforts continue for a missing fisherman swept away by heavy waves while fishing in Chiang Mai. Relatives conducted a ceremony to appease local spirits as authorities were using heavy machinery to excavate potential burial sites, and divers searched the river. The 35 year old fisherman had gone fishing with 46 year old Piboon Sujai, and other friends at a weir…
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Oral sex is driving increases in HPV-related head and neck cancers in men
In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged in the realm of public health: a significant rise in head and neck cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) among men. This increase is linked to changes in sexual behaviours, notably the rise in oral sex, which has facilitated the spread of HPV. Despite the availability of vaccines, the incidence of these…
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Shocking find: Police zap unsafe electronics sold at bargain prices
The Thai authorities successfully seized a large number of unsafe electronics, including substandard power banks and adapters, which were being sold at suspiciously low prices both in physical stores and online. This crackdown took place yesterday, with authorities aiming to prevent potential explosions and fires often associated with these unsafe products. Head of the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), Police…
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Ezy Airlines ready for Hat Yai-Betong takeoff, expect turbulence
Ezy Airlines announced plans to take flight on the currently unserviced Hat Yai-Betong route by late next year, experiencing a slight delay from its original schedule. Chatchavee Sakornvisai, senior director of business development and international liaison, confirmed Ezy Airlines’ intention to establish Hat Yai Airport as its operational hub, with aspirations to start flights to Betong by the third quarter…
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Shocking crime: Man electrocutes father to death with fan wire
The Thai authorities apprehended a man suspected of electrocuting his father using a fan’s electrical wire, leading to the 88 year old’s death at their home. The suspect, who faces potential capital punishment, denies the charges amid financial motives and previous family conflicts. The incident occurred around 11pm yesterday. The authorities questioned close relatives, including the deceased’s wife, to uncover…
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Fungi folly: Couple arrested for selling hallucinogenic mushrooms
Police apprehended a couple involved in the illegal cultivation and sale of hallucinogenic mushrooms, claiming spiritual enlightenment and healing powers. Despite openly defying law enforcement to intervene, their bravado was shattered when they were ensnared by an undercover agent. The Metropolitan Police Bureau Chief, Thiti Saengsawang, yesterday, May 27, directed a team led by Napasin Poolsawat, along with Thiradet Thammasuteer and…
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Top 5 surf beaches in Phuket: Unleash your inner surfer on vacation
Phuket, Thailand’s “Pearl of the Andaman,” isn’t just about pristine beaches and turquoise waters. Beneath the idyllic surface lies a thrilling secret for adrenaline seekers. While the island caters to sunbathers year-round, surfing in Phuket flourishes during the southwest monsoon season, roughly from May to October. So… Where are the best surfing spots in Thailand? Phuket’s beauty lies in its…
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