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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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Toddler’s school tears alleviated by sibling’s comforting hug in viral video
A two year old girl’s continuous crying at school left her mother stressed but a single video shared by the teacher of the girl’s brother giving her a hug brought unexpected relief. The 32 year old mother revealed her struggle on a parenting forum, explaining how her daughter’s daily crying bouts at school in Hangzhou, China, left her feeling helpless…
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Songwriter faces backlash for liking cover of his own song on Facebook
A songwriter known as Pratchaya Chitra, nicknamed Beer, found himself at the receiving end of a bullying incident after simply liking a video clip of his song being covered by a woman. The woman, feeling affronted, launched into a tirade against Beer, questioning his motives and mocking his appearance. It all began when Beer showed appreciation for the cover of…
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Democrat Party leader denies ties with billion-baht pork smuggling suspect
Democrat Party leader Chalermchai Sri-on yesterday refuted whispers of familial connections with the primary suspect in a billion-baht pork smuggling saga. Li Sheng Jiao, also known as Hia Kao (Brother Kao), is among four individuals sought by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on multiple charges including money laundering, customs act infringements and tax evasion. Earlier this week, arrest warrants were…
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History makes a splash: World’s rarest whale steals the spotlight in cinematic encore (Video)
History has once again etched a remarkable sighting into its records, with the world’s rarest whale being captured on film for only the second time. This exceptional event transpired in the waters off Thailand, where a pair of elusive Omura’s whales were spotted swimming together in the Andaman Sea, one of which bore a distinctive, all-white hue. The surprise encounter…
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Thailand and Cambodia join forces to tackle transboundary haze pollution
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday unveiled plans to form a joint task force with Cambodia to combat transboundary haze pollution. The decision was made ahead of a scheduled meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet set to take place in Thailand on February 7. The leaders will undertake a joint study tour to Sa Kaeo province, an area severely impacted…
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School director transferred after student’s criticism of lunch quality sparks protest
A recent student protest has led to the imminent transfer of a school director in the Mae La Noi district, Mae Hong Son. The unrest was sparked when the director, Sineenat Rodkrue, complained to the local police about a student who had criticised the quality of school lunches on social media. The controversy unfolded on yesterday, January 12, at Rat…
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Thai Government plans digital shift for lottery sales
The Government Lottery Office (GLO), under the umbrella of the Finance Ministry, unveiled plans to transition from traditional lottery stalls to digital ones. Lavaron Sangsnit, the permanent finance secretary and chairman of the GLO board, revealed this strategy, which will be initiated from next month. The GLO has been selling digital lottery tickets through the Pao Tang app since 2022…
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House Committee denied access to hospitalised ex-PM Thaksin
A visit to the Police General Hospital by members of the House Committee on police affairs was met with resistance yesterday, as they were denied access to the hospitalised former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The committee’s objective was to verify if Thaksin was indeed under treatment at the hospital, following approval for the visit granted on Monday. The committee, led…
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Thailand’s kids need more protection, experts say ahead of National Children’s Day
In a thought-provoking revelation just ahead of Thailand’s National Children’s Day tomorrow, January 13, experts warn that the nation faces a dire threat of a lost generation. Despite the usual festivities, academics point to a pressing need for immediate action to secure the well-being, protection, and education of Thai children. Since 1956, National Children’s Day in Thailand has been a…
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Phayam Island children’s struggle to school spurs calls for new bridge
Children in Phayam Island in the Ranong province have been struggling to reach their schools due to the lack of a bridge. An online post appealing for help has sparked a call for government intervention, suggesting that before the economic bridge is built, these children need assistance. Monsoongarbage Thailand a Facebook page, shared the plight of the schoolchildren. “Can we…
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UNICEF open house sees youngsters voicing ambitions
In celebration of National Children’s Day, youthful voices echoed through UNICEF Thailand’s inaugural Open House, hosted at its bustling Bangkok headquarters last Saturday, January 6. Children and teenagers flocked from every corner of the country, transforming the event into a vibrant tapestry of dreams and aspirations. The primary goal? To empower the younger generation as they stride into the realms…
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AIS and True reinforce identity checks for multiple SIM card owners
In response to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s directive, telecom giants AIS and True are set to tighten up measures to verify the identities of customers with multiple SIM cards. This move aims to prevent the temporary suspension of mobile numbers and protect user rights. Varunthep Watcharaphon, Business Relations Chief at Advance Info Service PLC (AIS), stated that AIS…
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Up in smoke: Royal Thai Police extinguish counterfeit cigarette ring
A major counterfeit cigarette network, known as Jae Pen Fang Thon, has been dismantled by the Royal Thai Police and the Department of Excise. The operation led to the arrest of 55 year old Tawan, and the seizure of an extensive cache of contraband, resulting in an estimated loss of 45 million baht to the state. The operation took place…
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Northeast Thailand: Mother and daughter injured after wild bull charged their motorcycle
A mother and her seven year old daughter yesterday were injured by a Khao Phaeng Ma wild bull which charged at them while the pair was riding a motorcycle in Nakhon Ratchasima. The bull ran in from the side of the road, crashing into the motorcycle. The mother fell to the ground whilst her daughter’s clothes got caught by the…
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Thai student protest erupts over unsatisfactory school meals
A student protest recently erupted in a school located in Mae La Noi, Mae Hong Son. The students rallied against the school’s director, barring entry into the school premises by locking all entrances. The protest was a response to the director’s decision to lodge a police complaint against a student who posted pictures of the school’s unsatisfactory midday meal consisting…
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Thai Tiktokers slam Indian artists’ song as racist, sexist, insulting toward Thailand (video)
Thai TikTokers slammed a song by some Indian artists, calling it racist, sexist and insulting toward Thai men and women. The Song, Bang Bang Bangkok, performed by Indian artists Ranina Reddy, Rita, and Devi Sri Prasad, serves as the movie soundtrack to the 2015 Indian rom-com Kumari 21F. Despite its release year, the song has just gained popularity on the…
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Thai schoolboy breaks knee after impaling it on Udon Thani school fence
A fifth-grade boy experienced a severe injury following an attempt to climb a school fence where misfortune paid a visit as he impaled his knee on the sharp metal, resulting in a broken bone. The incident occurred around 4.20pm yesterday at Ban Mak Khaeng School in the Udon Thani province. The rescue team from Udon Sawang Methadhammasathan Foundation for Rescue promptly…
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Shell-shocked in Samut Prakan: Thai woman’s seafood purchase unveils hidden pearl of delight
A Thai woman was surprised to find a pearl inside a shellfish she bought from Khlong Suan Market, Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan. The 53 year old woman, Wassana Phonmai, of 137/2, Village No. 4, Pak Phanang Subdistrict, West Side, Pak Phanang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat province reported the lucky find today, January 12. Wassana brought the discovery, along with shell…
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Promising Iranian Muay Thai fighter dies in Phuket motorcycle accident
In a tragic turn of events, celebrated Iranian Muay Thai fighter Fariyar Aminipour yesterday met his untimely demise in a motorcycle mishap in Phuket. Aged just 23, the promising athlete’s life was cut short on the west side of Chaofa Road in Rawai near the tunnel exit. The incident happened around 8am, with Lieutenant Colonel Wiriyaphong Srinuanpan from Chalong Police…
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Thai national arrested for Pattaya street gold robbery
Pattaya police last night apprehended a 19 year old Thai national, Wutthikrai Poonsang, following a robbery incident that occurred on Pattaya Walking Street on January 10. Wutthikrai is accused of snatching a gold necklace from a Thai woman named Amarin Kokaew. On the previous day, Wutthikrai allegedly stole a 1 baht weight gold necklace, valued at 32,000 baht, from Amarin.…
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2 former ministers accused of demanding bribes from Thai workers in Finland
Former Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin is seeking justice after accusing the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) of damaging his reputation by calling out two former labour ministers for demanding bribes from Thai workers in Finland. ThaiRath reported that Thailand considers workers to be victims of human trafficking if employers detain, abuse or illegally exploit them. However, the law in Finland…
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Man dies in tragic accident while digging for gold in kitchen
A tragic event unfolded in Brazil when a man lost his life after falling into a deep hole he had dug in his kitchen. The 71 year old, João Pimenta da Silva, believed that there was gold buried beneath his home. This belief was prompted by a dream and the Brazilian man enlisted the assistance of a neighbour to help…
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South Thailand: Woman arrested for loan scam in Chumphon province
A woman from Chumphon province, southern Thailand, was arrested for a loan scam yesterday. The scam victim borrowed money from a personal Facebook account for 6,000 baht on November 4, 2022. It was determined that the loan scam victim must pay a floating interest of 600 baht per day before 4pm each day for a total of 10 days. Late…
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Grab rider performs CPR on unconscious foreign tourist in traffic mishap
In an act of heroism, an anonymous Grab rider emerged as an unexpected saviour, administering crucial CPR to an unconscious foreigner entangled in a traffic catastrophe in Hua Hin. The Sawang Hua Hin Dhammasthan Rescue Unit swiftly responded to the distress call, revealing that a foreign male on a motorcycle had collided with a pickup truck, leaving him unconscious with…
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Severe weather alert issued for 32 provinces in Thailand: Thunderstorms and temperature drop forecasted
A severe weather alert has been issued for 32 provinces in Thailand’s north, northeast, and central regions. From tomorrow, January 13 to January 16 these areas are on high alert for thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail, with temperatures expected to drop by 1-3 degrees Celsius. This forecast is due to a western airflow from the Union of Myanmar that will…
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Rare black leopard stuns tourists at Kaeng Krachan National Park
Tourists at Kaeng Krachan National Park were left in awe as they stumbled upon a majestic black leopard. The sleek creature made a surprise appearance near the Ban Trang campsite on Wednesday, January 10, turning an ordinary day into an extraordinary wildlife spectacle. Kaeng Krachan National Park chief Mongkol Thai Phakdi confirmed the astounding sighting. The magical moment was expertly…
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Thai man having secret affair abuses pregnant wife and kidnaps daughter
A pregnant woman in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima filed a complaint against her husband for physically abusing her and kidnapping their four year old daughter after she discovered his secret affair. The 24 year old pregnant woman named Jah sought help from the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Social Development and Human Security, and authorities accompanied her to the Huay…
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US bitcoin ETFs make splash in debut, marking crypto milestone
The long-awaited launch of the first United States exchange-traded funds (ETFs) investing directly in Bitcoin has finally taken place. This event has been marked as a significant milestone in the digital-asset industries over a decade-long campaign for recognition and mainstream acceptance. The nearly a dozen ETFs come from investment heavyweights like BlackRock Inc. and Fidelity Investments. On the first day…
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Thai-llywood lights, camera, baht! 2023 sees record of 6.6 billion baht roll in from film shoots in Thailand
A record-breaking 6.6 billion baht was generated by over 466 film shoots in Thailand in 2023, marking an impressive 40% increase in revenue from the previous year. This remarkable upturn was largely credited to the production of high-budget films, including a blockbuster with a budget of 3 billion baht. Jaturon Phakdeewanit, the head of the Tourism Department, noted the significant…
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Thai PM approves Clean Air bill: A milestone for environmental protection
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday penned his approval of the Clean Air bill. The signing ceremony took place at 9.30am on January 11 in Chiang Mai during the PM’s scheduled visit to review the city’s public transportation systems and ongoing air pollution issues. This move was a significant stride towards addressing Thailand’s air pollution predicament, a subject that has…
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