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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Tak beauty Pai Mai Soruda crowned at 25th Miss Tiffany Universe
A momentous victory unfolded at the Tiffany Show Theatre in Pattaya, Chonburi, where the 25th Miss Tiffany Universe pageant crowned its winner. On the evening of February 4, Saruda Panyakham, a stunning transgender beauty from Tak, emerged as the competition queen, marking a legendary achievement in the pageant’s history. The 25th edition of the Miss Tiffany Universe pageant, a milestone…
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Thai monk exposed for sending dick pic to transwoman, asks for sex
A 19 year old Thai transwoman exposed the inappropriate bad boy behaviour of a Thai monk from a temple in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok after the monk allegedly sent her a photo of his penis and asked her for sex. The president of the Nonthaburi Provincial Audit and Monitoring Committee of Police, Chaimate Chaipatcharakunpong, told Channel 3 that he received…
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Suspect with mental health issues found dead in Khon Kaen cell
A 42 year old suspect was found dead in his cell at a police station in Manchakhiri, in the southern part of Khon Kaen province, northeastern Thailand. The deceased had been detained following a disturbance caused by intoxication, and his relatives had requested police intervention. The incident has highlighted concerns about handling individuals with a history of mental health issues and substance…
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Explore Thailand top cannabis tourist hotspots
Thailand has emerged as a beacon for cannabis enthusiasts, transforming Bangkok into a hotspot for those keen to explore the world of legal cannabis. With innovative policy shifts, the country now welcomes tourists to indulge in everything from smoking to edibles, setting the stage for an unparalleled cannabis tourism experience. Dubbed the Amsterdam of Asia, Thailand offers a unique blend…
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Phuket pitstop: Police arrest Myanmar man for motorbike thefts
A man from Myanmar was apprehended near Kata Hill, Phuket, by Karon police around 8pm yesterday. The arrest came after a series of motorbike thefts that had taken place in the region since August of the previous year. Nyi Nyi Htwe had been identified as the prime suspect and was under the scrutiny of an arrest warrant issued by the…
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Labour costs outpace revenue growth in Thai tourism sector
Rising labour costs in the tourism sector are outpacing revenue growth, resulting in increased hotel expenses, as revealed by hospitality market analyst STR. Jesper Palmqvist, senior director for Asia-Pacific at STR, warned that the only risk for hotels this year is maintaining cost controls in light of the extraordinary growth of labour costs and room rates. Over the past one…
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Chon Buri homeowner catches couple in intimate act
A homeowner in Chon Buri province, Thailand, was confronted with an unexpected and steamy situation when he discovered a couple engaging in sexual activity in their car parked on his property. The incident escalated when the car’s driver attempted to flee, nearly hitting the property owner in the process. The incident occurred late at night when the 48 year old…
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Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series boasts strong pre-orders in Thailand
Thai Samsung Electronics’ Vice-President of Mobile Experience, Sitthichoke Nopchinabutr, expressed confidence in the company’s position in Thailand’s competitive smartphone segment. This follows the recent launch of Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series, equipped with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Sitthichoke revealed that the volume of pre-orders for the S24 series places Thailand among the top five markets globally. Moreover, it leads to…
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Thailand’s Land Bridge project eyed as foreign investment magnet
The Land Bridge project in southern Thailand, a proposal yet to be approved, is being highlighted as a potential boon for foreign investments, akin to the successful Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). This comparison is drawn by the current government. The EEC, unlike the proposed Land Bridge, is operational and continues to develop, acting as a high-tech industrial hub drawing investments.…
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Thai teen’s tragic demise: Knife throw turns road into deadly game
A 14 year old Thai boy died in hospital after two teenagers threw a knife at him on a road in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani last Thursday, February 1. An altercation between two groups of Thai teenagers on Khutkhaopun-Pathummarat Road was reported to Kut Khaopun Police Station at about 8pm on February 1. A 14 year old victim…
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EV and SUV sales set for boost in Thailand amid automotive industry changes
This year, the automotive industry anticipates uneven sales growth, shaped by motorists’ evolving preferences and lenders’ decision-making. Electric vehicle (EV) makers and banks will be crucial in shaping domestic sales, especially within the pure pickup category. As per the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), EVs, pickup passenger vehicles (PPVs), and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are predicted to be this year’s…
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Scottish woman’s cliff plunge in Thailand sparks insurance debacle: Scot left hanging
An insurance company left a Scottish woman hanging after they refused to pay out after she almost plunged 20 metres to her death off a cliff on Ko Lanta island in West Thailand. Glasgow-born NHS nurse Kerry Hughes almost fell to her death after renting a scooter on the West Thailand island. Despite the swift action of an emergency rescue…
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Thai Airways on track for Stock Exchange return amid rehabilitation success
Anticipations are high for Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) to make its comeback on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in the coming year, as disclosed by Tibordee Wattanakul, the director-general of the State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO). The national flag carrier’s liquidity is on the mend, and operations are systematically aligning with its rehabilitation plan. This positive shift is…
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BDMS and AstraZeneca partner for AI-driven lung cancer battle in Thailand
The Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS) recently announced a partnership with AstraZeneca (Thailand) Co Ltd. The partnership aims to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the fight against lung cancer, with the potential to significantly reduce mortality rates. The collaboration will initially be piloted at the Bangkok Cancer Hospital Wattanosoth, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding…
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Thailand could curb climate change impact with forest expansion
The severe consequences of climate change could potentially be curbed in Thailand by the expansion of forest coverage on unused lands, asserted a water expert. Royon Jitdon, who provides advice to the Hydro-Informatics Institute under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, expressed confidence in the climate change mitigation capabilities of forest plantations, particularly in terms of reducing…
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Social security snag: NHRC accuses sso of toothless rights infringement
The Social Security Office (SSO) is being accused by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of infringing human rights, by enforcing a yearly cap of 900 baht (US$25) on dental treatment expenses. The complaint was instigated in January 2023 by an insured individual leading to an inspection by the NHRC. The individual pointed out that the 900 baht limit is…
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Swedish and British nationals die in separate falls in Pattaya City
Pattaya City, located in Chon Buri, Thailand, was the unfortunate scene of a tragedy as two foreign men – a Swedish national and a British resident – plummeted to their deaths in seemingly unrelated incidents just 30 minutes apart early Sunday. An official statement from Pattaya City Police Station, delivered by Police Inspector Police Lieutenant Aniruj Jeroh, confirmed the incidents…
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Phuket airport gears up for Lunar New Year influx of 49,000 daily visitors
Phuket International Airport is bracing for an influx of around 49,000 visitors each day throughout the Lunar New Year festival, which commenced on Sunday and extends till February 16. This figure was revealed by Monchai Tanod, the airport director, who also stated that the total number of arrivals during the 13 days is projected to reach a staggering 640,000. This…
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Rayong gym owner found dead under tree in Thanyaburi
Tragedy struck a family from Rayong when they received a call from the police informing them of a grim discovery in Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani. The body of a young gym trainer and gym owner was found under a tree, marking a sombre end to his known journey. The 28 year old man, recently separated from his wife, had left his…
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Balcony collapses at Chiang Mai resort injuring 13
A tragic incident unfolded at a popular resort in Chiang Mai, Thailand, at 7.30am today, where a newly constructed balcony collapsed, leaving several attendees of a seminar injured amidst chaos and cries of pain. Rescue teams from Ban Waen and Hang Dong swiftly responded to the scene at the Rom Mai Ruean Ngam Resort, situated behind the Ban Waen Subdistrict…
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Mysterious death in Phayao: Man found after neighbours alert police
A disturbing scent led to the discovery of a 55 year old man found deceased in his home in Phayao Province. On February 3 at 6.30pm, local authorities were alerted by neighbours to a foul odour emanating from a residence in Jun district. The deceased, whose body revealed no signs of struggle or forced entry, had remained undiscovered for an…
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Huabobo resurgence marks Spring Festival in Shandong with tradition
The traditional Chinese delicacy Huabobo, a steamed bun with a history stretching back three centuries, is enjoying a surge in production as the Spring Festival approaches. In the eastern Chinese province of Shandong, food factory workers are busily crafting these colourful, charmingly shaped buns, which carry significant cultural and festive importance. With Spring Festival around the corner, the atmosphere in…
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China and Thailand’s visa exemption scheme promises tourism boost
The Chinese ambassador to Thailand and the Thai-Chinese Cultural Relationship Council (TCCRC) have expressed optimism that the visa exemption scheme for nationals of both countries will boost outbound tourism and reinforce bilateral relations. Pinit Jarusombat, President of TCCRC, highlighted the special significance of this Chinese New Year as it signifies the onset of a new epoch in Sino-Thai relations. The…
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Unusual giant squids caught in Thailand spark online curiosity
Fishermen in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand, witnessed an unusual spectacle as they reeled in several giant squids from the waters. The squids, each tipping the scales at 5 kilogrammes, sparked a flurry of online interest, as netizens began questioning both the origins of these marine creatures and their potential culinary delights. The massive catch was made by the crew of…
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Thailand’s 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme delayed due to legal complications
The anticipated 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme, initially scheduled for a May launch, has encountered delays due to a study by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) warning of potential legal complications. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is also the finance minister, emphasised on Saturday the need for expedited discussions with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat to determine the next steps for…
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US deploys over 4,000 for Cobra Gold 2024 military drills in Thailand
A deployment of over 4,000 personnel aboard the USS Somerset and USS Miguel Keith is on the horizon for the upcoming Cobra Gold 2024, a joint military exercise taking place in Thailand from February 26 to March 8. The American soldiers form a significant part of the 9,590-strong contingent from 30 nations participating in these annual drills. The announcement came…
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Thai government may lift afternoon alcohol sales ban to boost tourism
The Thai government is considering lifting the afternoon prohibition on alcohol sales in a bid to boost its tourism industry. Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew is planning to ask the government’s alcohol control committee to discuss the appeal by the Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association (TABBA) to revoke the rule that restricts alcohol sales between 2pm and 5pm. Though the…
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China’s AIIB shows interest in funding Thailand’s Land Bridge project
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed that the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), led by China, has shown interest in funding Thailand’s Land Bridge project. This project, worth a staggering 1 trillion baht, aims to link Ranong with Chumphon in the southern region of Thailand. The goal is not only to establish an efficient logistics network but also to alleviate the persistent…
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Samut Songkhram officer severely injured by speeding car on duty
A traffic police officer in Samut Songkhram province suffered severe injuries when hit by a speeding car while facilitating traffic. The serious accident, which occurred yesterday, involved a white Toyota Vios driven by 44 year old Prawchai Chusutthisakul, near a U-turn in front of a gas bottling factory in the Bang Chang subdistrict of Amphawa district. The injured officer, Sergeant…
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Japan’s court sentences young murderer to death in landmark ruling
Japan has confirmed the death penalty for a 21 year old man convicted of murdering two people and setting fire to their house. The Kofu District Court in Yamanashi Prefecture announced the decision on Friday (February 2), following the withdrawal of an appeal by the defendant the day before. The landmark ruling in January marked the first time the death…
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