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Thailand health insurance that covers chronic conditions: What expats need to know
The Thaiger key takeaways Managing chronic conditions in Thailand requires health insurance that covers specialist visits, medications, tests, and hospital stays. Cigna offers high-coverage plans with access to top hospitals, direct billing, and telemedicine support for convenient long-term care. Expats...
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Golden showers: Drug dealer arrested after he urinates on cop
One officer yesterday was urinated on as the Drug Suppression Unit of Suphan Buri Province in central Thailand swooped to arrest a drug dealer, seizing 1,000 methamphetamine tablets, also known as Yaba, during the operation. Officers received a complaint from locals that drug dealers frequently used Highway Number 33 to transport drugs. An investigation revealed the dealers planned to deliver…
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Thai tourists favour China and Japan over South Korea
A marked decline in the number of Thai tourists travelling to South Korea has been observed over the past seven months, with many opting instead for trips to China and Japan. The Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) reported that 20,150 Thais visited South Korea in June, a significant drop from the 25,023 recorded during the same period last year. This downward…
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Ford Thailand urges support for ICE car sector amid EV rise
Ford Thailand is urging the government to extend support to companies in the internal combustion engine (ICE) car segment, particularly motorcycle manufacturers, who are struggling to adapt to the rapid expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) market. Despite the implementation of measures such as tax cuts and subsidies to promote the EV industry, ICE sector operators have yet to see…
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Chiang Mai: Fallen tree kills Chinese tourist, injures another
A tragic incident occurred yesterday at a zipline site in Doi Saket, Chiang Mai, where a fallen tree injured two Chinese tourists. The Erawan Emergency Response Center received the report at 2.50pm, prompting immediate action from rescuers. Upon arrival, emergency personnel found that a Chinese couple had been struck by a collapsing tree as they were crossing a rope bridge…
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Srettha dismisses ‘backup PM’ rumours amid court ruling concerns
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin dismissed rumours suggesting a “backup prime minister” is being considered to replace him. Speculation arose due to concerns about his potential removal over the appointment of ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a PM’s Office Minister in the latest Cabinet reshuffle. The Thai premier assured the public of his commitment to his role. “I am still the prime…
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New facilitator boosts Thai-BRN peace talk optimism
Peace talks between the Thai government and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) separatist movement are expected to yield positive outcomes with the appointment of a new talks facilitator. This optimism stems from the recent designation of Datuk Mohd Rabin Bin Basir, former Director-General of Malaysia’s National Security Council, as the new mediator by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He replaces…
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Thai PM urged to sign Cannabis Act amid legislative delays
A letter urging the prompt signing of the Cannabis Act has been submitted to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis network, led by spokesperson Chokwan Chopaka, delivered the letter, which was received by mass communication expert Pansak Charoen. The letter stressed the Thai premier’s previous commitment to regulating cannabis through specific legislation, particularly the…
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Heavy rain and flash flood warnings for northern Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather warning today, indicating heavy rainfall across the northern regions, with 80% of the area expected to be affected. People are advised to be cautious of flash floods and sudden water surges. The TMD’s 24-hour forecast predicts moderate southwesterly monsoon winds over the upper Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the upper Gulf of Thailand.…
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Thai police intercept 400kg meth haul at Mukdahan City Hall
Thai narcotics suppression officers intercepted four dealers allegedly attempting to smuggle 400 kilogrammes of methamphetamine (meth) at Mukdahan City Hall. The operation took place at 8.05pm on Wednesday, July 31, with the illicit substances intended for transport to Central Thailand. Officers revealed that intelligence indicated a group would deliver illegal drugs at the Mukdahan City Hall parking lot. Upon arrival,…
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Municipal worker in Ratchaburi wins 12 million baht lottery prize
A municipal employee from Ratchaburi unexpectedly became a millionaire after buying random lottery tickets and winning a significant prize. Varanya won 12 million baht yesterday, August 1, from two first-prize lottery tickets, fulfilling a dream inspired by a mystical vision. The lottery draw yesterday revealed the winning number 407041. Nott, the representative from Lottery Plus, announced live that there were…
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Thailand Video News | Thailand’s $14 Billion Handout Scheme Faces Initial Hurdles, Dutch Teenager Falls to Death from Cliff in Krabi Â
In this Thailand video needs, Alex and Jay delve into the news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia countries. The video highlights several pressing issues, including Thailand’s $14 billion handout scheme encountering initial hurdles, the tragic fall of a Dutch teenager from a cliff in Krabi, and the arrest of a Japanese man for attempted rape in Bangkok. Additionally,…
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Transwoman busted at Bangkok hotel for pimping out teenage girls
Officers from the Children and Women Protection Sub-Division arrested a Thai transwoman at a hotel in Bangkok for pimping out two teenage girls, aged 16 and 17. Officers found several advertisements for the young sex workers on various social media platforms, so they posed as clients and contacted the 30 year old transgender woman, Samart, who had shared the ads.…
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US ambassador to join PM’s drug mission in Thailand
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is considering inviting US Ambassador Robert F Godec to the northern region later this month to observe the progress in anti-drug operations. The Thai premier yesterday revealed that he and Godec discussed the country’s drug problems on Wednesday, July 31. While the US anti-narcotics agency collaborates with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, there have…
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Prachin Buri residents forced out of their homes by flash floods
Residents of Prachin Buri have been camping in tents by the roadside for five consecutive days after flash floods from Khao Yai and Thap Lan National Parks inundated their homes. Twenty-two households are affected, with water levels still over 60 centimetres. Heavy rains over several days caused flash floods to surge from Khao Yai and Thap Lan National Parks, flooding…
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Attempted murder suspect stabs Thai police officer during arrest
A Thai man stabbed a police officer during an arrest for attempted murder in the Isaan province of Phichit yesterday, August 1. The injured police officer, Pairat Saenamart, and an investigating team from Mueang Phichit Police Station discovered the wanted suspect, 40 year old Manit Chimthong, hiding in a house in the Tha Luang sub-district in Phichit after a previous…
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Bangkok requests extension to settle BTS Skytrain debt
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced yesterday that the city will require additional time to address its substantial debt owed to Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), the operator of the BTS Skytrain. The debt, amounting to billions of baht, was accumulated through hiring BTSC to manage the electric train service on two extended sections of the BTS, known as the…
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Thai senators pledge better welfare for media professionals
Senators from professional group No.18, specialising in mass communication and literature, have committed to enhancing the status and quality of life for media professionals. One of the leading senators in this group, Chaiyong Maneerungsakul, revealed that the recently elected Senate candidates come from diverse media backgrounds, including roles such as public relations officers in hospitals. As the most senior senator…
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10.5 million sign up for Thailand’s digital wallet scheme in six hours
More than 10.5 million people signed up for the eagerly anticipated digital wallet scheme within the first six hours of its registration opening yesterday. This number surpassed initial expectations, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. However, he also clarified that not all who registered will qualify for the benefits, as eligibility will be determined after a review period, with…
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Community chief ends life after shooting ex-girlfriend in Phetchaburi
A Thai community chief in the southern province of Phetchaburi committed suicide after shooting his ex-girlfriend at her beauty salon. Fortunately, the woman survived the shooting but remains in a critical condition. A Thai man, Luechai, rushed to his girlfriend’s beauty salon in the Banlat district of Phetchaburi after hearing two gunshots while talking to her on the phone. Upon…
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Pattaya City achieves 99.41 score in anti-corruption assessment
Pattaya City achieved a significant milestone by securing a score of 99.41 in the Integrity and Transparency Assessment (ITA) conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). This assessment evaluates ethical practices and transparency among local administrative organisations across Thailand. Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampichet proudly shared the results for the fiscal year 2024, highlighting the comprehensive evaluation by the NACC. A…
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Pattaya seeks public input on Red Line Monorail Project
Pattaya City held a public consultation to gather feedback on the proposed Red Line Monorail Project. The meeting featured presentations on environmental impact mitigation measures and the planned route. Residents attended the session to review the details and provide suggestions to ensure the project meets community needs. Local officials revealed that the Red Line Monorail will stretch from Dolphin Roundabout…
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MFP MPs to join lesser-known TKCV if court dissolves party
All MPs from the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) will transition to the lesser-known Thinkakhao Chaovilai Party (TKCV) if the Constitutional Court rules to dissolve the MFP next week. The court is set to decide whether the MFP should be dissolved for violating Section 92 of the organic law on political parties, following a complaint filed by the Election Commission…
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Belgian thief’s key to crime: Unlocking 200,000 baht (video)
Songkhla Provincial Immigration Police yesterday arrested a Belgian man after he stole hotel key cards from Thai and Malaysian victims and robbed them of 200,000 baht. Police arrested the 26 year old Belgian thief, Abdelali, at a hotel in the Hat Yai district of Songkhla province yesterday, August 1, after the Thai and Malaysian victims filed a theft complaint with…
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Thailand to increase forest ranger salaries and workforce
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment plans to bolster its forest protection efforts by increasing the number of forest rangers, aiming to alleviate the current workload and enhance forest conservation across the nation. Ratchata Pisitbannakorn, assistant to Environment Minister Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, highlighted the ministry’s appreciation for the diligent work of rangers during a World Ranger Day event on Wednesday,…
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Phatthalung named agricultural product development hub
Phatthalung has been designated as the southern hub for an agricultural product development initiative by the Thailand Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Trade of Thailand, and the Provincial Chamber of Commerce. This decision aims to bolster the agricultural sector by showcasing and distributing quality local products nationwide. At least eight agricultural products from Phatthalung have received the government’s Product…
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Krungthai Bank loan growth: No contraction in confidence
Krungthai Bank (KTB) remains confident in meeting its loan growth target for this year, despite a lending contraction during the initial six months. The bank focuses on achieving a 3% total loan growth throughout 2024, according to its President, Payong Srivanich. The Thai economy’s uneven recovery in the first half of the year and persistent uncertainties in the latter half…
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Thailand invests 1 billion baht to boost AI skills and startups
Thailand is poised to harness the momentum of the global artificial intelligence (AI) trend, aiming to transition from an AI user to an AI application creator, as stated by the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC). The country’s strategy involves leveraging its robust ecosystem, which includes high-performance computing infrastructure, thriving data centres, and ongoing development of skilled employees, research…
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Top nightclubs in Phuket
Thailand is a country where it is clearly defined what is allowed in terms of entertainment and what is not. For example, even though the country’s neighbours have more or less relaxed gambling policies, this type of entertainment is almost completely banned in Thailand. Neither visitors nor locals have a chance to enter a casino. The policy also applies to…
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Chinese-owned factory fined 1.8 billion baht for waste water in reservoir
Chachoengsao Provincial Court fined a Chinese-owned factory 1.8 billion baht for releasing waste water into the Jone Reservoir in the central province of Chachoengsao. THH Moly Processing Company’s illegal action came to light in 2019 after 2 million cubic metres of water in the Jone Reservoir was contaminated with multiple toxic substances. Locals could not use the water for consumption…
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Thailand outbound travel takes a dive amid economic woes
Thailand’s outbound travel market is facing a sharp decline, with consumer spending power plummeting and overseas holiday plans on hold. Charoen Wangananont, President of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), revealed in an exclusive interview with Krungthep Turakij that economic uncertainties have led many Thais to postpone international trips to avoid extra costs during these tough times. “We had initially…
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