News
Stay up-to-date with the latest news from across Thailand and beyond with The Thaiger. Our dedicated team brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from this stunning part of the world, covering a diverse range of topics, including local politics, business, culture, and tourism. Keep yourself informed about the Kingdom’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and thriving expat communities, as well as updates on events, attractions, and transportation.
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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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Rain check: Thailand takes a chill pill as north braces for wind, rain
Thailand braces for cooler temperatures and strong winds in the north, while heavy rainfall is expected to pound 12 provinces. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued warnings about potential severe weather conditions, including strong waves exceeding 2 metres. A moderate high-pressure system from China now blankets upper Thailand and the South China Sea, leading to cooler weather and breezy mornings…
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Indian man arrested for firing blank gun in Pattaya neighbourhood
Chaos ensued in a residential neighbourhood of Soi Kopai on 4/1 in Pattaya when a 36 year old Indian national fired a blank gun into the sky, causing widespread panic. This incident unfolded late yesterday, November 20, prompting immediate action from local law enforcement. Deputy Chief of the Pattaya City Police Station, R.T.T. Chittisuk Suthinitaswong, received a report at 11.36pm…
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Worming success: Thailand village cashes in on earthworm empire
In a wild twist on traditional farming, a quirky village in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, is turning the world of unusual professions on its head by raking in a staggering 50 million baht annually from a rather slimy source: earthworms! Yes, you read that right. The ingenious residents of Ban Tan, nestled in the Na Wa District, have been cashing in…
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Buckle up: Thai auto shifts gears for loan market acceler-ace-tion
Hold onto your seat belts, folks, because CIMB Thai Auto is gearing up for a high-octane comeback in the used car loan market. The subsidiary of CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT), known for its expertise in financing pre-loved motors, has its eyes set on a market turnaround next year, fuelled by a gradual economic recovery and cooling interest rates. Upbeat Managing…
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Doggy paddle: Brave dog’s pawsome escape from Buriram well
In a heart-stopping tale of sheer survival, rescue workers in Buriram were floored by the bravery and quick thinking of a stray dog that managed to keep its head above water—literally! The canine Houdini found itself in deep trouble after toppling into an old well at the backside of Sra Yam Ma market in Nang Rong district but ingeniously used…
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Pothole pandemonium: Pattaya dark shortcut sparks chaos
Frustrated residents of South Pattaya have had enough of the endless construction chaos on the infamous shortcut road on Thep Prasit Soi 7. After years of delays and mounting complaints, city council members Nikom Saengkaew and Prasatporn Deeden finally stepped in on November 16 to address the issue. The unfinished road, meant to link Thep Prasit Soi 7 to Soi…
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Spot the difference: Thai sausage takes a grilling on social media
A seemingly innocuous photo of a beloved northern Thai sausage, sai ua, has set social media on fire after a curious consumer posted a picture laden with mysterious white spots. The image, shared on the Facebook group We Are Consumers, saw the worried buyer questioning the safety of the sausage, causing a flurry of responses and culinary curiosity. With a…
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Tourism boom: Thailand attracts over 30 million visitors
Thailand is basking in a tourism revival as over 30.5 million foreign visitors flooded the country between January and mid-November, generating a staggering 1.43 trillion baht for local businesses. The Tourism and Sports Ministry shared the record-breaking figures yesterday, November 19, marking a major boost for the nation’s post-pandemic recovery. China topped the leaderboard with 5.97 million tourists, followed by…
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Pichai spices up the US: 50 influencers back authentic Thai food
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has enlisted the help of 50 powerful US influencers to promote a wave of authentic Thai restaurants across the US. The star-studded event took place in Hollywood, California, where Pichai awarded prestigious Thai Select certificates to seven US-based Thai restaurants. The 6pm ceremony, yesterday, November 19, which was broadcast live on social media by influencers with…
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GTA reports gold prices glisten amidst market chaos
In a refreshing change from recent volatility, the Gold Traders Association (GTA) sparkled with an announcement that gold prices are holding firm today, maintaining the surge seen earlier. For the shrewd investor or even the casual enthusiast watching their assets, this is golden news. Gold ornaments are on offer for 43,600 baht per baht weight, mirroring yesterday’s closing figures, much…
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THAI to fly wide-body jets on domestic routes this December
In a move that’s sure to delight frequent flyers, Thai Airways (THAI) revealed plans to swap its trusty A320s for luxurious wide-bodied aircraft on select domestic routes this December, just in time for the peak holiday season. The airline is ramping up capacity to accommodate the soaring demand during the Christmas-to-new year rush, from December 20 to 31. While official…
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Page turner: Thailand’s book market writes 2025 comeback story
Thailand’s book market is on the cusp of a thrilling new chapter, as publishing prospects for 2025 glisten under the warm glow of an economic upswing. The Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT) is buzzing with optimism, as executive committee member Theerapat Charoensuk reveals that the nation’s literary scene is poised for robust growth, propelled by the country’s economic…
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Buriram land dispute nears resolution as SRT claims ownership
A significant land dispute over a 5,083-rai plot in Buriram’s Khao Kradong is set to be resolved, as Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit confirmed that the land belongs to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). With 900 people currently residing on this land, the ministry aims to address the situation within the next 30 days. The Supreme Court ruled in favour…
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Bet your bottom baht: Phuket cops cash in on secret gambling bust
Thalang Police swooped on an underground gambling ring in Srisoonthorn, Phuket, arresting 11 people during a targeted raid led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Luecha. The operation took place at a worker’s residence in Village 4, Srisoonthorn, yesterday, November 19, resulting in a high-profile haul and hefty charges for those involved. Among the arrested were nine women and two men,…
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Royal Thai Army officer charged for embezzling funds in Chon Buri
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) announced disciplinary action against a military officer at the 14th Military Circle in Chon Buri, following allegations of embezzling bail money from defendants. The officer is facing both criminal charges and potential severe disciplinary measures. Discussions with the victims are scheduled for tomorrow to explore possible assistance. An internal investigation confirmed the misconduct, leading to…
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Phuket Festival returns to kickstart tourism season this December
Patong City Municipality officially announced the return of the annual Phuket Festival, set to take place from December 8 to 10, marking the kick off of the island’s bustling tourism season. The 38th Phuket Tourism Festival, themed Phuket Memories of a Lifetime, was revealed during a press event held on Patong Beach yesterday, November 19. The event was led by…
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Thailand partners with Turkey to build high-speed rail empire
Thailand is gearing up to transform its rail landscape by partnering with Turkey’s state-owned train manufacturer, Türasaş, in a bold step towards high-speed travel. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit revealed on Monday, November 18, that the collaboration aims to boost Thailand’s transport sector and establish a domestic rail manufacturing industry. During his recent visit to Türasaş’s Sakarya facility in Turkey, Suriya…
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Thailand ranks in top three for Southeast Asia IPOs
Thailand has emerged as one of the top three initial public offering (IPO) markets in Southeast Asia, securing 26% of the total fundraising in the region. This achievement reflects a robust pipeline of IPOs, particularly in the consumer, healthcare, and real estate sectors, according to global consultancy Deloitte. As of yesterday, November 19, Thailand conducted 29 IPOs in the year,…
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Sky’s the limit: RTAF aims to reach new heights with space plans
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is looking to take Thailand’s defences to new heights. Plans are underway for a bold rebranding as the Royal Thai Air Force and Space alongside the creation of a new unit aimed at safeguarding Thailand’s air and space interests. This strategic move, announced by RTAF spokesperson Air Marshal Prapas Sornjaidee yesterday, November 19, highlights Thailand’s…
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Milk-ing the system: Fake powdered milk ring busted in Thailand
Police in Nakhon Pathom have detained a Chinese national alongside two Thai individuals for allegedly distributing counterfeit powdered milk. The arrests were made following a concerted police operation that uncovered a significant quantity of fake Ensure Gold powdered milk. During the raids, which took place yesterday in Nakhon Chaisi district, officers from the Consumer Protection Police Division, led by Withaya…
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Cheers to safety: Thailand’s plan to tackle alcohol-fuelled crashes
Thailand is ringing in the new year with a determined focus on safety, as Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin reveals a no-nonsense plan to tackle alcohol-fuelled road accidents during the festive celebrations. With the Christmas and new year season notorious for its spike in drink-related mishaps, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee has rolled out four game-changing measures to keep partygoers…
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Thai lottery draw dates changed to accomodate new year holidays
The Thai Government Lottery Office (GLO) announced a change in the schedule for two upcoming lottery draws. The draw initially set for December 30, will now take place on January 2, 2025, due to the new year festivities. This adjustment allows for a more suitable timing, providing 17 days for the sale of lottery tickets for this particular draw. The…
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Chiang Mai swept up: Chinese investors leave locals concerned
Residents in Chiang Mai have raised concerns about the future after Chinese investors continue to sweep up real estate in the largest city of northern Thailand. Locals are speaking out against what they see as an increasing domination by Chinese investors swooping in to purchase property en masse, fundamentally altering neighbourhoods and threatening the city’s cultural identity and economic autonomy.…
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Thai task force intercepts illegal immigrants with meth pills near border
Troops from the Ratchamanu Special Task Force apprehended a group of illegal immigrants attempting to cross the border into Thailand. During a search, police discovered 14 methamphetamine pills on one individual, leading to immediate legal action. The operation was conducted at 4am today, November 20 and is part of an ongoing effort directed by General Phana Khlaewplodthuk, the Commander-in-Chief of…
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Thai court delivers justice: Cyanide serial killer sentenced to death
The Criminal Court of Thailand delivered a nail-biting verdict today, sentencing the notorious cyanide serial killer to death for her chilling role in the murder of 14 innocent people. The Criminal Court wasn’t pulling any punches, as her accomplices didn’t get off lightly either. The cyanide serial killer’s ex-police officer husband, Police Lieutenant Colonel Witun Rangsiwutthaphon, has been given a…
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Grenade attack at Songkhla construction site injures three
A construction workers’ camp was attacked with an M79 grenade launcher, leading to a fire and injuring three people. The assault occurred in a private company’s restricted area in Thepha district, Songkhla, early this morning. Police are actively investigating the incident. The unexpected attack took place at approximately 6am, targeting the workers’ accommodation within a large Guan Yin statue construction…
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Justice minister says ‘no special treatment’ for Yingluck
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s potential return to Thailand sparked a national debate after her brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, hinted at a possible homecoming around next year’s Songkran festival. Speaking in an interview with Nikkei Asia, Thaksin stated his sister could be coming home. “I don’t think there’s any issue preventing her from coming home. I believe she…
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Cash-ing in on digital: Thailand handout boosts seniors with 10,000 baht
The Government of Thailand announced the second phase of its digital cash handout, offering 10,000 baht (US$290) to over 4 million citizens aged 60 and above. This initiative, approved by the economic stimulus policy committee, aims to support vulnerable elderly individuals by leveraging a budget of 40 billion baht (US$1.16 billion). The decision follows a meeting chaired by Paetongtarn Shinawatra,…
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Sunbathing crocodile makes snappy getaway into Ping River
A 2-metre crocodile was spotted sunbathing at a sand quarry in Chiang Mai before making a quick escape into the Ping River. Witnesses believe the reptile might have escaped from a farm during recent floods. Concerns for public safety have prompted calls for its immediate capture. Reports have emerged from Chiang Mai about an unexpected encounter with a crocodile at…
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Thai man admits to kicking stranger’s head in Kalasin (video)
A man who kicked a stranger in the head at a dance event in the northeastern province of Kalasin has turned himself into the police, claiming alcohol-induced actions and expressing remorse upon sobering up. The police are continuing their investigation following the viral video of the incident. A Facebook user posted a video capturing the unexpected moment when a man,…
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