News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourismāstay 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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Whatās 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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Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi leads Southeast Asia aviation industry
Southeast Asiaās aviation industry is taking off this year, with major airports and emerging destinations recording impressive growth in seat capacity. Fuelled by surging travel demand, expanded airline networks, and strategic connectivity upgrades, the region is cementing its position as a global aviation powerhouse. Leading the charge is Bangkokās Suvarnabhumi Airport, adding a staggering 407,000 seats in Januaryāa 16% increase…
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Bangkok prison scrutinised for bribes and Chinese inmate privilege
A Thai political activist and former inmateĀ accused officials at Bangkok Remand Prison of accepting bribes from a Chinese inmate and granting them privileges. The activist, Ekkachai Hongkangwan, took to Facebook on Tuesday, January 21, to share his experiences in Bangkok Remand Prison between 2022 and 2023. His post highlighted the comfortable lives of Chinese call centre scam suspects and alleged…
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Chinese New Year spending in Thailand hits 51 billion baht
Public expenditure during the Chinese New Year is projected to reach 51.78 billion baht, marking the highest level in five years, according to recent government estimates. Sasikan Wattanachan, deputy government spokesperson, noted that this figure signifies a 4.5% rise compared to the previous year. It is also the first occasion since the Covid-19 pandemic that spending for Chinese New Year…
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Russian couple accused of dining and dashing at many Phuket restaurants
A Russian couple reportedly dined and dashed at multiple restaurants in Phuket, sparking an online debate over the visa-free scheme, which some online users claim attracts low-quality foreign visitors. A restaurant owner in Patong, Phuket, shared his experience with the foreign couple, believed to be Russian nationals, via the news Facebook page Phuket Times ąø ąø¹ą¹ąøą¹ąøą¹ąøąø”ą¹ today, January 28. He warned…
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Drowsy truck driver crashes into parked pickup, injuring woman and killing dog
A drowsy truck driver crashed into a parked pickupĀ outside a tyre shop in the Isaan province of Roi Et, injuring a Thai woman standing near the pickup and killing her dog. The 20 year old victim, Siriporn, shared CCTV footage of the accident on her TikTok account, @siriporn_mos, last week. In the caption, she wrote… “A lesson learned. Even if…
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Chiang Mai to join UNESCOās World Heritage list
Chiang Mai, the jewel of northern Thailand and the former capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, is inching closer to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Officials from the Culture Ministry, the Fine Arts Department, and Chiang Mai Province are finalising a nomination dossier to submit to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Parisāa move that could cement the cityās…
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Thailand to launch digital TM6 for tourists, delays 300-baht fee
Starting May 1, all foreign visitors to Thailand will need to complete a mandatory digital version of the TM6 immigration form, replacing the old paper-based system. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports confirmed the move, which aims to streamline immigration procedures and boost safety confidence among tourists. Natthriya Thaweevong, the ministryās permanent secretary, explained that the online form will help…
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China exposes 36 scam gangs targeting victims with 100k callers
Chinese police have revealed the shocking scale of international call scam operations, with 36 major gangs employing over 100,000 callers to swindle victims out of their money. The revelation came during a high-profile meeting between Chinese Assistant Minister of Public Security Liu Zhongyi and Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) in Nonthaburi yesterday. Leading a Chinese delegation, Liu sought Thailand’s…
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Worker electrocuted in shocking Pattaya restaurant accident
Chaos erupted on Pattaya Beach Road as a restaurant worker suffered an electric shock while renovating a popular venue near Soi 13/3. Rescue teams rushed to the scene, where a crowd of locals and tourists had gathered around the injured man, identified as 34 year old Chatmongkol. He sustained severe electrical burns on both palms and was bleeding heavily. First…
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Chinese nationals deny dine and dash, citing a misunderstanding
Chinese nationals accused of a dine and dash claimed they did not intentionally evade a bill of 9,480 baht at a restaurant in the Isaan province of Udon Thani, but instead cited a misunderstanding. The 27 year old manager of a South Korean restaurant filed a complaint at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station yesterday, January 27, stating that 12 Chinese…
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3 poachers caught with wildlife carcasses in Kanchanaburi
Three Karen poachers were apprehended in the Thong Pha Phum National Park in Kanchanaburi province following a tip-off from a concerned citizen. The suspects were caught with homemade firearms and numerous wildlife carcasses. Yutthaphong Damsrisuk, the head of Thong Pha Phum National Park, reported that Chalermchai Sri-on, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, along with senior officials, have implemented…
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Motorcyclistās dangerous Pattaya stunt sparks outrage
Shocking footage has emerged of a motorcyclist pulling a jaw-dropping stunt on a busy Pattaya road, leaving other drivers stunned. The reckless rider was captured riding hands-free and sideways at high speed, putting lives at risk on Sukhumvit Road. A Facebook video, posted by an onlooker, shows the man casually turning his body sideways while letting go of the handlebars…
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Bangkok train ridership surges 60% amid free transport initiative
Train ridership across Greater Bangkok experienced a significant 60% rise on January 26, marking the second day of the government’s week-long initiative of free public transport aimed at combating air pollution, as reported by the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) today, January 28. DRT director-general Pichet Kunathammarak noted that the city’s electric train network saw a 60.90% increase in ridership…
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Elephants wreak havoc on Prachin Buri sugarcane farms
Farmers in Prachin Buri’s Kabin Buri district face significant challenges as wild elephants from the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary in Chachoengsao province have invaded their sugarcane fields. Over 50 sugarcane farmers from the subdistricts of Khao Mai Kaew and Wang Tha Chang gathered at the district office yesterday, January 27 to submit a letter to District Chief Thammarat…
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Malaysian tourists die in motorcycle crash on Thai road
A motorcycle skidded off a curve on a rain-soaked road in Prachuap Khiri Khan province yesterday, resulting in the deaths of two Malaysian tourists. The incident took place between kilometre markers 415 and 416 on the southbound Phetkasem Road in Bang Saphan Noi district. Police Lieutenant Pawarit Siriwat, the deputy inspector of Bang Saphan Noi Police Station, reported the accident.…
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Thailand plans integrated casino complexes to boost economy
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced yesterday, January 27, that discussions had taken place with the Council of State regarding a draft bill proposed by the Finance Ministry. This bill concerns the establishment of integrated entertainment complexes, which would include a casino. He anticipates that the draft bill will be presented to the House for consideration during the current session.…
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Thai motorcyclist hits South Korean man on zebra crossing
A Thai motorcyclist struck a South Korean pedestrian at a zebra crossing on a Bangkok road on Thursday, 23 January. The incident occurred at the same location as a case in 2022 when a Thai ophthalmologist was fatally struck by a motorcycle. The Facebook page ą¹ąø£ąø²ąø£ąø±ąøąøą¹ąø²ąøąøąø£ąø§ąø (translating to āWe Love Police Checkpointsā) shared dashcam footage of the accident on Phaya…
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Major drug bust: 10,000 meth tablets found in fuel tank
A significant drug bust occurred when law enforcement intercepted a vehicle carrying 10,000 methamphetamine tablets hidden in the fuel tank. The vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint in Kanchanaburi province yesterday, January 27. The drugs were reportedly being transported from Sangkhla Buri to a dealer in Kanchanaburi city. General Atsadawut Punyarachun, commander of the 9th Infantry Division and head of…
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South Korean tourists outnumber Chinese in Chiang Mai amid direct flights boost
The South Korean market may surpass the Chinese in terms of tourist arrivals in Chiang Mai this year, attributed to the increase in direct flights and favourable winter weather, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Patsalin Swetarat, director of TAT’s Chiang Mai office, noted that a decline in safety confidence among Chinese travellers has somewhat affected tourism…
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Rare algae bloom turns Laem Bali Hai shoreline green
A rare natural phenomenon transformed the rocky shoreline of Laem Bali Hai into a vibrant green landscape, attracting numerous visitors. Reporters noted that the area was covered with green algae, creating a visually stunning scene as it glistened under the sunlight. This remarkable sight drew a considerable number of tourists, as well as locals and students eager to capture the…
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Khon Kaen police arrest two men with millions of meth pills
Police in Khon Kaen have arrested two men attempting to transport four million methamphetamine pills, believed to be linked to the network of Xaysana, a major drug dealer from a neighbouring country. The arrests occurred yesterday, January 27, at Ban Phai Police Station. According to Police Lieutenant General Chatchai Surachetpong, the commander of Region 4, the arrest was part of…
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Critics slam 140m baht quick fix for Bangkok haze crisis
Critics have blasted the government for allocating 140 million baht to fund free public transport in Bangkok for one week, calling it a waste of taxpayersā money that fails to tackle the root cause of the cityās haze pollution crisis. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra introduced the measure, which began last Saturday, January 25, to combat surging levels of hazardous PM2.5…
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British woman jailed after collecting debt from Thai millionaire
A British woman accused a Thai millionaire of bribing policeĀ to have her jailedĀ after she travelled from the UK to Thailand to collect an unpaid service fee of Ā£30,000 (approximately 1.25 million baht) forĀ her company. Rachel Stallard, a British private estate consultant, shared her distressing experience in a Thai jail on her LinkedIn account but later deleted the post after being…
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Fatal shooting at Nan land reform office leaves two dead
In the office of the Nan Provincial Land Reform, a shooting incident resulted in one fatality and one critical injury. The event unfolded yesterday, January 27, when a disagreement escalated. Police Lieutenant Colonel Wanatpong Santiphongsathorn and Police Major Danuwat Kittiyos led a team to the scene after being notified. The tragedy occurred on the second floor of the Nan Provincial…
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Tourist brawl in Phuket sparks debate on visa policy (video)
A video depicting an altercation between Italian and Indian tourists in Phuket’s Patong area has sparked significant social media discussion. The incident, captured in a 1.04-minute clip shared by the Facebook page Speednews Phuket, occurred yesterday, January 27, at the end of Bangla Road, Kathu district, Phuket. The video shows the tourists engaged in a fierce brawl, surrounded by onlookers…
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Chulalongkorn University boosts AI collaboration with Cambodia
Chulalongkorn University (CU)Ā is seeking to enhance its academic collaboration with Cambodia, focusing on a future driven by artificial intelligence (AI). A delegation led by university president Wilert Puriwat recently met with Cambodian Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Hang Chuon Naron, in Phnom Penh. Minister Naron, a CU alumnus, was accompanied by 10 other CU alumni from Cambodia and expressed…
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Sukhothai faces hazardous PM2.5 levels for seven days
The Ministry of Public Healthās Health Information Centre revealed that Sukhothai province has recorded hazardous PM2.5 levels for seven consecutive days. Residents have been advised to prepare by cleaning their homes and equipping themselves with protective gear. Doctor Warat Chotipitayasunon, the Government spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health on PM2.5 issues, reported yesterday, January 27, that there has been…
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Thai police crack down on Chinese money laundering in Chon Buri
The Thai Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has initiated an extensive operation called “Operation Dragon Slayer” targeting over 40 Chinese businesses in Chon Buri that are suspected of laundering money through cryptocurrency and taking advantage of foreign tourists. Intelligence gathered by CIB officers suggests the involvement of Chinese nationals in call centre scam groups. These individuals allegedly used cryptocurrency to purchase…
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School janitor in Kanchanaburi surrenders after assault accusations
A school janitor in Kanchanaburi province has turned himself in to the police after being accused of sexually assaulting four female students. The incidents occurred on Childrenās Day, and the janitor, identified as 50 year old Theerachai or Thong, admitted to the crime, claiming it was his first time and blaming his actions on alcohol consumption. Parents of the students…
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Rogue riders spark outrage as Phuket police face backlash
Kamala Police are feeling the heat after a viral video exposed a group of foreign motorcyclists speeding past a checkpoint without stopping. The 1-minute-and-17-second clip, widely shared on platforms like Phuket Hod Jangās Facebook page, shows reckless riders blatantly ignoring traffic officers on the Patong-Kamala Road. The video reveals one motorcyclist weaving past officers before accelerating towards Patong. Moments later,…
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