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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Muay Thai community grieves the loss of rising star Chalarmphet
The Thai boxing community is in mourning following the untimely death of the famed fighter Chalarmphet Sornpichai, also known by his ring name, Shark Diamond. His passing on February 5, was confirmed by the Muay Thai Kiatpetch Facebook page, which posted an image of the boxer accompanied by a heartfelt message of condolence. The boxing community has come together to…
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Motorcycle taxi rider stabs rival rider after dispute over passenger
A 73 year old motorcycle taxi rider in the central province of Chachoengsao stabbed a rival taxi rider after the victim accused him of stealing a passenger. Officers from Mueang Chachoengsao Police Station intervened in a confrontation between two motorcycle taxi riders outside the Metropolitan Waterworks Office on Junlanan Road in Chachoengsao province on February 5. Officers witnessed the 43…
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Myanmar worker squashed to death by concrete
A construction worker from Myanmar died at the weekend after being crushed by concrete wall panels in Cherng Talay, Phuket. The 25 year old Burmese worker, Aye Myat Thu, was sent to Thalang Hospital but was later pronounced dead. Police officers arrived at the accident scene at the construction site at around 11.30am, Saturday, February 3. The site supervisor, Pimpisa…
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Thai bond market to remain strong with 1 trillion baht new issuances
The Thai bond market is projected to remain strong this year, with estimated new issuances totalling 1 trillion baht (US$27.9 billion), says financial advisory firm SCB Wealth. The sustained high interest rates are expected to contribute to favourable returns. Sornchai Suneta, Executive Vice President of SCB Wealth’s Investment Office and Product Function, anticipates that the bond market will continue to…
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Jaws drop in Huay Yai Village as 2-metre crocodile sunbathes by fishing pond
A 2-metre long crocodile weighing 30 kilogrammes sent villagers in Huay Yai Village, East Pattaya into panic as it casually sunbathed by Taklom Fishing Pond on Sunday, February 4. Locals and news crews flocked to capture the unexpected visitor on video, showcasing the reptile’s playful antics and its remarkable evasive skills during capture attempts. The owner of Taklom Fishing Pond,…
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Bangkok’s BAM anticipates drop in bad debt auction prices in 2024
Bangkok Commercial Asset Management (BAM), a prominent player on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), anticipates a decrease in auction prices for bad debt sales in 2024 due to a rising supply amid economic sluggishness. The financial institutions are expected to face increased challenges with the escalation of distressed debts, influenced by depreciating auction prices for both non-performing loans and…
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Thai man cycles 400 kilometres for justice after losing disability allowance
A Thai man, paralysed in both legs, devised a plan to cycle more than 400 kilometres from the northern province of Sukhothai to Bangkok in pursuit of justice after his disability allowance was cut off. Despite his plea for assistance, authorities declined to aid him in his endeavour. A rescue team in the central province of Ang Thong accompanied the…
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Thai finance minister urges bank of Thailand to lower policy rate
The Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat, called on the Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to consider lowering its policy rate. The request comes in a bid to alleviate the strain on the public, taking into account the impact of the policy rate on individuals rather than solely focusing on financial stability. Julapun argues for a harmonious approach, stating…
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Fifth suspect in Srisuwan extortion case sought by the CIB
The ongoing high-profile Srisuwan extortion case is set to take another twist, as the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) Deputy Commissioner, Jaroonkiat Pankaew, announced yesterday that they are seeking an arrest warrant for a fifth suspect. This individual is considered less significant to the case compared to the four who have already been apprehended. The quartet detained last week, including known…
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Udon Thani temple’s rice husk pagoda destroyed by fire
A revered temporary rice husk pagoda at Wat Nakathewi in Udon Thani province was engulfed in flames last night, leaving behind a charred metal framework. At 9pm yesterday, February 5, local disaster prevention and mitigation officials were alerted to the fire, which rapidly consumed the structure despite the efforts of firefighters, temple committee members, and residents. Notably, the temple’s cherished…
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Three-year-old girl drowns in Ayutthaya canal near temple
A tragic incident unfolded today at 1.30am when a three year old girl, Fasai, drowned in a canal opposite the Chumphon Nikayaram Rajaworawihan Temple in the district of Bang Pa-in, Ayutthaya province. The child’s distraught parents, 48 year old Kasem, and 28 year old Matana were inconsolable upon the discovery of their daughter’s body, crying out her name in a…
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Thai condo market surge fuelled by visa-free policy and Chinese
The Thai condominium market is experiencing a surge in activity, largely due to a permanent visa-free policy for Chinese nationals, which has led to a significant increase in property purchases by foreigners. In the first three quarters of the year 2023, foreign buyers transferred ownership of 10,703 units valued at 52,259 million baht (US$1.46 million). This momentum is expected to…
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Thai customs halt import of Chinese elephant-patterned trousers
A directive to halt the importation of Chinese elephant-patterned trousers has been issued by the Thai Customs Department, following the registration of the pattern’s copyright, according to statements from Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Monday. The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) is presently conducting an inquiry into the ongoing imports from China, as shared by Phumtham. The issue surrounding this…
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DSI seizes over 1,000 million baht from ‘Gofug’ lottery scam
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) made a significant breakthrough in a high-profile case involving an online lottery scam and tax evasion, seizing assets from the Gofug network, including luxury vehicles and gold. The seizure came after coordinated raids across Bangkok and several provinces today uncovering a financial flow exceeding 1,000 million baht within the network. During a press conference,…
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Light’s out: Motorcyclist targeted in bold daylight heist
A brazen daylight heist unfolded at a traffic light when a black sedan pulled up, and its occupant, armed with a gun, struck a motorcyclist in the face and held him at gunpoint before fleeing with his motorcycle. The incident, part of a string of similar crimes, left 33 year old Tirakun without his new Yamaha XMAX, valued at 130,000 baht,…
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Thai teacher sexually assaults at least 3 schoolgirls aged 10
A Thai teacher at a school in the central province of Nakhon Sawan plans to give himself up to the police tomorrow after being accused of sexually assaulting some of his 10 year old pupils. At least three schoolgirls have come forward saying they are victims. A Thai couple, 42 year old Moonsub and 47 year old Panya, filed a…
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Bus and truck collide on Highway 7, 13 injured, severe traffic
A collision between a passenger bus and a truck on a busy motorway resulted in 13 injuries and severe traffic congestion. The incident occurred at 1.25pm today when a bus, carrying approximately 30-40 passengers from Ekkamai to Pattaya, struck a trailer truck. The accident on the motorway (Highway 7) at the 37.6-kilometer mark towards Map Ta Phut prompted Highway Police…
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Drunk Thai man killed after lying on road in Phuket (video)
A Thai man died after lying on the road drunk outside a nightclub in Phuket in the early hours of February 2. A video of the accident was shared on social media as an example and warning to partygoers. The video showed the deceased, who was wearing a black T-shirt, sitting on the road and then lying down. The street…
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Cambodian PM’s visit to Thailand aims to resolve maritime dispute
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is set to visit Thailand for a one-day official discussion on Wednesday, with a crucial focus on the protracted joint development of natural resources within the disputed maritime boundary shared by both nations. This was announced on Monday by both the Foreign Ministry and Government House. The visit, which is anticipated to include a meeting with…
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Thai gold prices dip slightly, investors on alert
Gold prices in Thailand saw a slight dip today, prompting investors and enthusiasts to make quick decisions. According to the latest data released by the Gold Traders Association (GTA), the price of gold ornaments dropped by 50 baht compared to the previous day, now selling at 34,800 baht per baht-weight (a traditional Thai unit of measurement for gold). The association’s…
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Former Thailand athlete turns scammer, stealing from woman
Police in Bangkok arrested a former national athlete for allegedly befriending a Thai woman on a dating app and stealing her valuables after spending a few days together. The thief confessed that he resorted to theft due to his need for money to fuel his online gambling habit. The victim, a Thai woman from the Isaan province of Buriram, filed…
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Phuket lights up with lanterns for annual Chinese New Year festival
The popular seaside resort of Phuket has been brightly lit up with lanterns, signalling the start of the Phuket Lantern Festival. This annual event is an integral part of the Chinese New Year celebrations, with this year marking the Year of the Dragon. Saroj Angkhanapilas, the Mayor of Phuket Town, inaugurated the festival on a Saturday night at the Chartered…
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Thai cow-napper foiled: Sedan heist leads to moo-ving mishap
A Thai thief was apprehended by police after he attempted to steal a cow in his sedan. The animal managed to free itself and caused an accident in the southern province of Narathiwas. Su-ngai Padi Police Station officers were alerted to the car accident on the Ban Pawai-Ban Igubu Road in the Su-ngai Padi district of Narathiwas on February 2.…
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Red Sea attacks reshape global oil market towards regionalisation
The global oil market is becoming increasingly regionalised due to militant attacks in the Red Sea and skyrocketing freight rates making more local supplies desirable. A decrease in tanker traffic through the Suez Canal is encouraging a divide, with one trading area centred around the Atlantic Basin, including the North Sea and the Mediterranean, and another focused on the Persian…
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Aussie Muay Thai boxer’s career on the ropes after Koh Samui road knockout
The promising career of a talented Aussie Muay Thai boxer is on the ropes after a devastating knockout by a man driving on the wrong side of the road while riding his scooter on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand. In keeping with the trend, his insurance company declared that the aspiring martial arts fighter was not covered for…
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Police coordinate heart transport from Chanthaburi to Siriraj
A life-saving mission unfolded as police expedited the delivery of a heart from Chanthaburi to Siriraj Hospital within a critical four-hour window. The high-stakes relay kicked off at 9.30am from Prapokklao Hospital in Chanthaburi, employing a specific route through major highways to ensure the organ’s timely arrival. The FM91 Trafficpro page’s call for public cooperation reverberated across social media, urging…
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Girl injured by classmate in Buriram schoolyard seeks justice
A dispute between parents over a schoolyard incident in Buriram escalated after a fourth-grade girl was kicked in the throat by a male classmate. The 38 year old girl’s mother, Euaengkham, from Isaan Khet, Chaloem Phrakiat district, is demanding justice following the attack that left her daughter with a swollen neck, chest pain, and vomiting, requiring two hospital visits for…
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Bangkok technician arrested for jealousy-fuelled murder of romantic rival
A 43 year old printing technician has been apprehended in Bangkok for fatally stabbing his ex-wife’s partner in a fit of jealousy. The incident occurred early in the morning today (February 5) The suspect, identified only by his first name, Pongphan, was arrested at a nameless rental room on Suwicharn Damri Road, Bang Yi Khan, Bang Phlat District. The arrest…
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Court cancels Elon Musk’s $56billion pay deal
Last week, Tesla CEO Elon Musk suffered a significant legal setback when a court nullified his US$56 billion pay package, marking one of the most substantial legal losses in US history. The suit was lodged by Richard Tornetta, a resident of Pennsylvania, who owned just nine shares in Tesla back in 2018. The case reached trial in late 2022 and…
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Coldplay concert buzz dampened by cannabis fumes in Bangkok
The recent Coldplay concert in Bangkok, part of their Music Of The Spheres World Tour, left an indelible mark on many Thai fans. However, the event was marred by some attendees by the pervasive smell of cannabis. Artist Copter Panuwat encountered this issue firsthand, expressing his dissatisfaction and calling for more stringent control over public cannabis consumption. His concerns resonated…
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