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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Sponsored Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Update: Female police corporal gets 13-year sentence for torture
After a harrowing ordeal that lasted over two years, the court has sentenced a female police corporal to 13 years and five months imprisonment for the brutal treatment of a former female soldier who served under her. The close male friend of the corporal was also convicted, receiving a four-year and one-month jail term. The case came to light when…
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Thai woman defends husband for shooting her with harpoon
A Thai woman in the Isaan province of Buriram defended her husband, who shot her with a harpoon, to prevent him from being arrested, saying the shooting was an accident. Her husband said otherwise. Rescuers from the Siam Ruamjai Pu-in Foundation in the Nang Rong district of Buriram province hurried to assist a 46 year old woman named Phan who…
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DSI to probe Phuket businesses over potential labour law evasion
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has disclosed that a rigorous probe will be undertaken into nine Phuket-based businesses suspected of employing Thai nominees to evade labour laws limiting specific industries to Thai nationals only. Among these organisations is the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park, managed by Urs Fehr, a 45 year old Swiss national known for an incident last month…
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Young Indochina tiger undergoes eye surgery in Uthai Thani
A semi-blind male Indochina tiger, believed to be approximately two years old, underwent successful surgery this week to remove an intensely inflamed eye. The tiger, known as Balago, was discovered wandering around Kamphaeng Phet around a month ago and was brought to Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani. Senior veterinarian Pimchanok Songmongkol, along with a team of specialists…
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Pattaya mayor takes personal action against increasing graffiti vandalism
The issue of graffiti vandalism in Pattaya has escalated to the point where the city’s mayor felt compelled to personally lodge a report with the local authorities. The culprits were two teenagers whose reckless actions were captured on CCTV at the Bali Hai Pier. The act of defacing public property took place on the night of March 12 at 9pm.…
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Illegal immigration spikes in Thong Pha Phum as Myanmar nationals seek refuge
A recent surge in illegal immigration was witnessed in Thong Pha Phum, Kanchanaburi, as 22 Myanmar nationals attempted to cross the border into Thailand on March 13. The Thong Pha Phum police, along with other authorities, responded swiftly to a tip-off about the unlawful activity. Upon reaching the specified location, the officers discovered a vacant pickup truck parked close to…
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Horrific murder at Lampao Dam: Husband arrested for killing wife
The tranquillity of Lampao Dam in Kalasin was shattered on March 13, when at 11am, a horrific discovery was made. A female body was found, cruelly tied around the neck to a tree. The local police and emergency services were promptly notified and rushed to the scene. The body was quickly identified as that of Somphit Senakit, a 53 year…
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Pattani police thwart potential Ramadan terrorist attack
On a typical early morning, in Sai Buri, Pattani, over 50 members of the Southern Border Provinces Rangers encircled a rented property, following a tip-off about the presence of wanted criminals. The operation kicked off yesterday, March 14 at 5am, with officers taking position around the dwelling and cordoning off the Pattani-Narathiwat Road, to safeguard locals from potential harm during…
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Transgender woman faces 25 years behind bars for lese majeste
A transgender woman has been slammed with a hefty 25-year prison sentence for lese majeste and computer crimes. In a swift ruling from the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court, the 26 year old defendant, Maggie, faced the grim reality of her fate today. Lawyers from Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) disclosed details of the verdict, shedding light on a case fraught…
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Thailand tokes on new approach: CBD-infused Marijuana oil to fight drug addiction
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) has initiated a pioneering programme utilising marijuana oil infused with high levels of CBD to combat drug dependency. Dr Thewan Thanirat, DTAM’s deputy director-general, unveiled the innovative prescription, named Karun Osoth, a concoction of coconut oil and CBD meticulously balanced to 10 milligrammes of CBD per millilitre of coconut oil. This…
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‘Wai Khru’ ceremony proposed as cultural heritage
To celebrate Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob today announced plans to propose the inclusion of the Wai Khru ceremony in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. Taking approximately six months to meticulously craft the proposal, the ministry aims to showcase the profound tradition of students expressing gratitude and reverence towards their teachers, a practice deeply rooted in…
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New tiny scorpion species discovered in Thai national park
A research team from Chulalongkorn University found a new species of tiny scorpions at Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi. A team, spearheaded by Wasin Nawanetiwong from Chulalongkorn University, alongside Associate Professor Dr Nattapoj Vajarasathira, unearthed a new addition to the arachnid family. Dubbed Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) krachan, this diminutive creature, barely stretching over 1 inch (25 centimetres) in length, proudly…
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MFP: Is Thaksin really sick or just playing politics?
Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Rangsiman Rome cast doubt on the transparency of Thailand’s government regarding the health status of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. During a three-day visit to his hometown of Chiang Mai, questions arose about Thaksin’s sudden discharge from hospital and his subsequent busy schedule, prompting Rangsiman to demand answers. Rangsiman challenged the government’s narrative, highlighting Thaksin’s…
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Thai workers set to transform South Korea’s shipbuilding industry
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn secured an agreement during his recent visit to Seoul as 3,000 Thai workers are set to revolutionise South Korea’s shipbuilding sector. The minister, in a high-stakes meeting at Lotte Hotel Seoul, clinched a deal with representatives from five top South Korean shipbuilders: HD Hyundai Heavy Industry, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, Hyundai Samho, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Hanwha…
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Bite back: Call for Thai Parliament to ban shark fin consumption
To safeguard marine ecosystems, WildAid and Love Wildlife Foundation penned an open letter to Thailand’s Parliament, urging an immediate halt to the serving and consumption of shark fin. This call to action follows shocking revelations of shark fin soup being dished out at Parliament House, sparking outrage among conservationists and environmentalists alike. In a detailed plea to the President of…
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Lost in Translation: Foreign man’s tattoo trouble echoes Hangover II
In a scene that could have been shot in the Hangover II movie, a foreign man turned to social media for help after waking up with a Thai tattoo written across his chest. The meaning of the writing remained unclear to him until Thai netizens stepped in with the answer, which might prompt him to have the tattoo removed. The…
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Senior citizens allege scam by sales company promising car prize
A group of senior citizens filed a complaint with the Economic Crime Suppression Division, alleging deceptive practices by a direct sales company that offered party tickets with a chance to win a luxury car as a prize. The event, which took place at 10am today, March 14, is now under investigation after claims surfaced that the company lured older adults…
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Thai cops probe groping incident by foreign men in Bangkok
Thai police are investigating two foreign men who allegedly sexually assaulted some Thai women by groping their bottoms while the women were working on Khao San Road in Bangkok on Monday. A Thai woman shared pictures and videos of the two foreign men on her Twitter account on Monday, March 11 after the assaults. She urged netizens to help her…
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Italian-Thai development grapples with liquidity crisis amid scandals
Thailand’s leading construction firm, Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD), is grappling with a liquidity crisis that has alarmed investors, regulators, and rating agencies. This scenario follows a series of local corporate scandals and debt defaults that have already unnerved the market. ITD confirmed yesterday, March 13, that it is seeking new loans from banks to alleviate the current cash crunch that…
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Beach umbrella operator sparks outrage on Jomtien Beach
Residents and tourists on Jomtien Beach were left fuming after a beach umbrella operator was accused of monopolising parking access to their designated area, despite being a public space. The conduct of the operator sparked concerns among the beachgoers, prompting Deputy Mayor Wuthisak Rermkijakarn to take swift action. Expressing dismay at the reported behaviour, Deputy Mayor Wuthisak personally visited the…
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Thai envoy unveils plan for Taiwanese investment boom
In an exclusive interview with CNA on Tuesday, the executive director of the Thailand Trade and Economic Office (TTEO), declared the nation’s readiness for an influx of Taiwanese investment, particularly in electronic manufacturing and construction projects. Narong Boonsatheanwong highlighted Thailand’s emergence as a Southeast Asian electronics manufacturing powerhouse, with a burgeoning global reputation for printed circuit board (PCB) production. Drawing…
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Nearly a million pay respects to Buddha relics in northern Thailand
Nearly one million devotees paid homage to the sacred Buddha relics over four days, as the revered artefacts were temporarily enshrined in Ubon Ratchathani before being transferred to Krabi province on March 14, as part of a ceremonial procession. This event marked a significant moment in Thai religious history, showcasing the deep reverence the population holds for such important symbols…
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Thai school exam paper sparks debate on academic freedom
A seemingly routine social science exam paper ignited a firestorm of controversy across Thailand, leaving citizens and educators alike questioning the boundaries of academic freedom. The exam, which tasks students with discussing contentious issues ranging from Thai society and the monarchy to the commercialisation of Buddhism, thrust Wat That Thong High School into the spotlight. But it’s not just the…
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Notorious Bangkok fugitive Tum Pakdaeng nabbed in Rayong raid
An elusive drug dealer, who has a history of incarceration and expertise in evading capture, was arrested in the early hours of today, March 14, after a tip-off from an associate led police to his hideout. The arrest of Tum Pakdaeng was the culmination of an intensive investigation led by Police Colonel Monchai Arunsongsaengdee, the Chief of Taling Chan Police…
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Hong Kong pet owners among top spenders in Asia-Pacific
The pet industry in Hong Kong is witnessing steady growth, with pet owners investing nearly HK$700,000 (3.2 million baht) on average in their pets’ lifetimes. This positions them as one of the top spenders in the Asia-Pacific region’s pet care sector. According to a survey conducted by OneDegree, a pet insurance company, 526 pet owners in Hong Kong were found…
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Thailand’s industrial ethanol: A game-changer in green economy?
Thailand is on the cusp of an industrial transformation as experts push for a major shift in ethanol production. Isares Rattanadilok na Phuket, Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) called to liberate the country’s ethanol potential, aiming to slash reliance on imports and catapult Thailand into a green economic powerhouse. The FTI has unearthed Thailand’s abundant capacity…
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Two suspects killed in Pattani dawn shootout with Thai forces
A dawn raid in the Saiburi district of Pattani Province turned into an intense shootout yesterday, resulting in the deaths of two suspects following a security operation by the Thai military and police forces. The incident began at 5am today, March 14, when more than 50 officers surrounded a rented home believed to be harbouring individuals wanted for national security…
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The man in the iron lung passes away at 78
In a tale of resilience and triumph over adversity, Paul Alexander, widely known as the man in the iron lung breathed his last at the age of 78. His life, encapsulated within the confines of a metal cylinder since his battle with polio in 1952, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of perseverance and achievement. Contracting polio at the tender age of…
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Mother seeks justice for son’s death in hit-and-run in West Thailand
In an appeal for accountability, a 42 year old mother from Ban Krut in Prachuap Khiri Khan sparked an outcry over the death of her 25 year old son in a hit-and-run incident on March 8. Aomruthai Krajanswang, gripped by grief, seeks justice against the alleged perpetrator, believed to be a German national, who allegedly has shown no signs of…
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Patong businesses deny service refusal to Thai nationals
The vibrant tourist hotspot of Patong in Phuket has come under scrutiny amid allegations circulating on social media platforms. Claims suggest that certain local businesses have been denying service to Thai nationals. In response to these allegations, Weerawit Kreuasombat, the President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA), has stepped forward to speak on behalf of the businesses in question.…
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