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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Thai Prime Minister to woo global giants at World Economic Forum
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to meet with several leading global private companies, confident that these interactions will attract further trade and investment from abroad. These meetings will take place during the World Economic Forum (WEF) of 2024 and are expected to significantly benefit the Thai economy. Chai Watcharong, Prime Minister Office spokesperson, revealed that during the WEF…
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Urgent call for faster use of investment budgets to boost the economy of Thailand
Business executives are urging the government to prompt state enterprises and local government organisations to speed up the use of current investment budgets and to roll out more stimulus packages. This is seen as a crucial step to propel the economy while awaiting the fiscal 2024 budget. The executives stress the importance of quick distribution of the 2024 budget once…
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Concerns after two foreign women sunbathe in Chiang Mai temple
A Thai tourist called on the authorities to put up warning signs after spotting two foreign women sunbathing inside Chiang Man Temple in the northern province of Chiang Mai. The Thai tourist who witnessed the foreigners’ action took a picture and sent it to Channel 3 around 1.30pm yesterday, January 14. The picture showed two foreign women in shorts and…
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Hells Angels chief’s wings clipped in Bangkok bust: Fleeing Australia on fake wings
The Thailand Immigration Bureau (IB) swooped to arrest Hells Angels chief Rodrigo Elices who fled Australia on a false passport on charges of drug trafficking, smuggling and firearms at a luxury apartment in Bangkok. Thai officials revealed that Elices entered the country last month using an Italian passport with a suspected false identity. Fingerprints associated with the Italian passport were…
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Thailand introduces 90-day visa for foreigners training in Muay Thai
Thailand has introduced a special visa scheme for foreigners visiting the country for Muay Thai training, allowing them to extend their stay from 60 to 90 days. The government set up the National Soft Power Strategy Committee to promote Thailand’s soft power, with Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Vice Chairman of the Board. The committee aims to promote soft power in 11…
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Boxed milk prices set to rise due to increased raw milk costs
The Internal Trade Department under the Commerce Ministry is poised to consider and approve a potential rise in boxed milk prices, following a request in alignment with increased raw milk production costs. The move comes on the heels of the Milk Board’s recent approval to hike the median ex-factory rates for raw cow’s milk by 2.25 baht (US$0.064) to reach…
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Bangkok residents warned of escalating air pollution, urged to work remotely
The Pollution Control Department (PCD) warned residents of Bangkok to prepare for an escalation in ultra-fine particle pollution in the air, which is anticipated to worsen by Wednesday. As a result of this alert, the PCD has implored individuals residing in the capital to opt for remote working until the situation improves. The intensifying accumulation of PM2.5 pollutants, according to…
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Thai government’s plan to open drug rehab centres in army barracks raises concerns
Civil society groups are expressing apprehension regarding the Thai government’s decision to establish drug rehabilitation centres, known as Rakjai centres, in 52 army barracks across the country. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin highlighted the nation’s drug issues on social media and outlined the government’s plan to utilise military premises for drug rehabilitation programmes. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang has since been involved…
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Prehistoric animal footprints discovered at Thai waterfall mark country’s oldest find
A groundbreaking discovery of prehistoric animal footprints, estimated to be 225 million years old, has been made at the Tat Yai waterfalls located on the border between Phetchabun’s Nam Nao district and Khon Kaen’s Phu Pha Man district. The revelation came from the Department of Mineral Resources, which stated that a team from the Mineral Resources Office Region 2 (Khon…
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Fatal accident in Samut Prakan as truck falls on worker during repair
A tragic accident occurred in Samut Prakan province, where a heavy-set man was killed after a six-wheel truck fell on him while he was conducting repairs on it. The incident happened at a Ta Sai located along Khlong Khud Road, Bang Phli District yesterday, January 14. The man, a 57 year old worker from Warin Chamrap, Ubon Ratchathani province, was…
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Eerie spectacle in Thai village: Lottery number ritual stirs curiosity
At the Witching Hour, an eerie spectacle unfolded as villagers gathered to perform a lottery number ritual at the shrines of Mae Ya Oros and Mae Phan Phanpilai, the Kuman Thong. Yesterday, January 14, at the Mae Phan Phanpilai and Mae Ya Oros shrines in Kabin Buri district, Prachinburi province, locals sought luck and prosperity by inviting spirits to partake…
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Children’s Day ceremony in Satun turns tragic with rescue vehicle malfunction
Satun witnessed an unfortunate turn of events yesterday, as a Children’s Day ceremony in the Kuan Don Subdistrict took a tragic turn. A rescue vehicle, intended to demonstrate natural disaster operations, malfunctioned during the show, resulting in injuries to 44 children. Local media outlets reported that the incident occurred when a steel sling on the bridge vehicle, used for natural…
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Drunk driving incident leads to major car pileup in Pattaya
Early this morning, a serious car pileup occurred on Jomtien Beach Road in Pattaya, instigated by a Thai woman who, according to police, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. The chaotic scene unfolded in front of Soi 8 around 2.30am today, with seven cars severely damaged and blocking traffic. The emergency services and local police were promptly dispatched…
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Rubber trees in Rayong bestow lottery luck according to local Thai folklore
A legendary tale of fortune has emerged from the Ban Chang-Pla road in Rayong province, where three intertwined rubber trees have become the subject of a lottery luck charm. Locals believe that the spirits residing beneath these trees, which are estimated to be over 100 years old, have bestowed lottery luck upon numerous individuals. On January 8, around 3.30pm, a…
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Thailand’s tourism authority to boost Chiang Mai visits with year-round campaigns
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to initiate year-round campaigns aimed at elevating tourism in Chiang Mai. The news was delivered by TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, who reported a surge in tourism in the region following the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions. From January to November of last year, Chiang Mai saw around 9.4 million tourists grace its attractions,…
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Thai model Yoko’s mysterious death: Cyanide, a staged scene and unresolved doubts
Yoko, a prominent Thai model, was found deadĀ in her condominium following an argument at a party with her boyfriend. The incident took place on November 1 last year. The autopsy report showed the presence of cyanide in her body, which has led to doubts about the cause of her death. Yoko’s mother expressed her disbelief at the circumstances of her…
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Youth gang wreaks havoc in Buriram, Thailand: Teen seriously hurt
A gang of reckless youths caused havoc on the streets of Buriram, Thailand. A 13 year old boy was injured after the group pursued and attacked him amidst moving traffic. The incident was followed by the gang posting a taunt on Facebook, ridiculing their victim. Following the incident last night, police are now urgently hunting down the culprits. Upon arrival…
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Thailand courts Hungary for investment to boost global influence
Hungary has been courted by Thailand for potential investment opportunities in a bid to broaden the Southeast Asian nation’s global influence or soft power. This strategic call for investment was made by the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Phumtham Wechayachai, in a recent conversation with Sandor Sipos, the Hungarian Ambassador to Thailand. The dialogue, which took place yesterday, comes ahead…
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Chon Buri forest mystery solved: Charred body on forest tyres identified
The identity of a man whose charred body was found sitting on tyres in a forest has been ascertained. Chon Buri authorities discovered his national identity card in his trouser pocket and have asked for time to investigate the incident. They have also accelerated their efforts to track down the ruthless killer. The body was found in a forest on…
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Small aircraft crash in Chon Buri leaves one dead and another severely injured
Authorities are urgently investigating the cause of a small aircraft crash that resulted in the death of one German-Austrian pilot and the severe injury of another. The accident occurred a mere 20 minutes after takeoff. The small aircraft, an X-AIR or Rotax912 Ultra Light model, crashed in a cow pasture behind a tyre store in Huay Yai, Bang Lamung, Chon…
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Thailand’s Transport Ministry plans to increase airport slots for summer season
A surge in foreign arrivals expected for the summer season has prompted the Transport Ministry to direct the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to expand the number of available airport slots. These slots, which denote the time-bound authorisation for airlines to take off and land, are set to be increased at key transport hubs, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang…
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Land dispute turns violent in Buriram: Man injured in car and harpoon attack
In a violent dispute over land ownership, a 50 year old man was injured when a mechanic allegedly rammed him with his vehicle and stabbed him with a harpoon. The incident occurred yesterday in a lane opposite Buriram prison. TheĀ victim, Nopporn Thianwan, suffered a punctured wound to his back and several bruises. The argument was reported to stem from a…
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Thailand’s new 30-baht plus healthcare scheme takes off
Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew expressed satisfaction with the new 30-baht plus healthcare scheme in Thailand, which was launched last Sunday in Roi Et province. The programme, operating under the One Card for All concept, allows members of the universal healthcare card scheme, also known as the gold card scheme, to access medical services from any hospital in Roi Et,…
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Shooting at Ratchaburi power plant leaves three dead
An unexpected shooting incident left three dead and one injured at a power plant in Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi today. The victims were identified as Phichet Luamlalai, 55 year old manager of HSR Pro Company, Chanrop Phadee, the 50 year old deputy manager of the same company, and Chakrit Nakpradit, the company’s 52 year old training instructor. The injured party was…
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Jehovah’s witness sues hospital over unwanted blood transfusion
A 53 year old Ecuadorian woman living in Spain, a Jehovah’s Witness, sued a hospital after she underwent surgery and was given a blood transfusion without her consent. Rosa Edelmira Pindo MullaĀ filled out three forms before the surgery in 2018, expressing her religious objection to any blood transfusion, even if her life was at stake. During the operation, however, doctors…
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Easy e-receipt scheme may not boost Thai tourism says hotel association
The recently introduced Easy E-Receipt scheme, aimed at boosting tourism spending by offering tax rebates, may fall short of its goal, according to hotel operators. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, Thai Hotels Association (THA) president, argues that the scheme might instead push eligible individuals towards purchasing consumer products. She highlighted that a significant number of hotels and airlines are yet to adopt…
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Thai lithium deposits outmatch global counterparts boosting EV production
A Thai geochemistry specialist recently confirmed that two primary lithium deposits located in Phang Nga hold an elevated concentration of lithium, surpassing many other significant deposits worldwide. This discovery reinforces the Thai government’s ambitious strategy to establish Thailand as a key producer of electric vehicles (EVs) and their components. The lithium sites in this southern province have been identified by…
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Former labour minister seeks legal advice over alleged Thailand-Finland trafficking scandal
Former Labour Minister of ThailandĀ Suchart Chomklin is seeking legal advice following allegations of involvement in a human trafficking and bribery scandal. The case in question pertains to the deployment of Thai workers to Finland for berry picking. Suchart vehemently denied receiving payments or engaging in any human trafficking activities related to this employment scheme. An ongoing investigation into the case…
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Pattaya lands seventh spot on TripAdvisor’s top emerging destinations
The coastal city of Pattaya made a remarkable stride in the global travel sector by securing the seventh position in TripAdvisor’s esteemed list of the Top Emerging Destinations. The ranking was revealed yesterday and it is determined based on a multitude of reviews and ratings that have been submitted by the TripAdvisor community over the past year. The platform lists…
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Four MFP MPs resign over 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject
A quartet of MPs from the Move Forward Party (MFP) resigned from a House committee that was examining the 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject. Their reason for stepping down was their refusal to passively approve a venture they fundamentally disagreed with. MFP MP Julapong Yukate reported that the committee’s final meeting was held yesterday, where they were supposed to endorse a…
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