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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Malaysia and Singapore lure Chinese travellers with visa-free policies
The Chinese traveller market could see a significant rise to 7 million arrivals next year as Malaysia and Singapore become increasingly attractive due to reciprocal visa-free policies. Thailand, however, has yet to secure such an agreement with China. Following the introduction of a visa exemption for Malaysians, Beijing is speculated to extend a 30-day visa exemption to Singapore in the…
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Last orangutans rescued from Thai smuggling ring set to jet back home to Indonesia
In a triumphant move for wildlife conservation, Thailand is gearing up to bid farewell to the last three orangutans smuggled into the country from Indonesia. The adorable primates, seven year olds Nobita and Shizuka, and four year old Brian will be winging their way home next Thursday, December 21, as confirmed by Narin Prathuanchai, the director-general of Thailand’s National Parks,…
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Wealthy Thai man arrested for gold shop robbery in Chiang Mai
Police arrested a wealthy Thai man for robbing a gold shop in the northern province of Chiang Mai after a two-week investigation. The thief claimed he wanted money for stock and digital currency investments and sold gold necklaces worth at least 17 million baht for just 4 million baht. Security cameras at Lotus’s Supermarket and Yaowarat Krungthep Gold Shop showed…
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Thai restaurant owner loses 600,000 baht during family trip to France
A 30 year old restaurant owner from Nonthaburi suffered a loss of over 600,000 baht during his recent family trip to France. He has shared his harrowing experience to alert others and prevent them from becoming victims. Thalerngsak Khongkwanmuang revealed yesterday, December 12, his ordeal which occurred between November 7 and 21 during his holiday in France with his 48 year…
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Italian man rescued after attempted suicide in Chon Buri Police Station
Sriracha Police Station officers in Chon Buri province rescued an Italian man who tried to commit suicide in a detention room. It was his second suicide attempt. Police officers called Sawang Pratheep Sriracha Rescue team for help after the Italian man was stopped from hanging himself. The rescuers administered CPR and oxygen before taking him to Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital.…
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Transgender woman accused of 200,000 baht gold theft in Pattaya
Pattaya police recorded yet another transgender magpie thief case involving some gold and an Indian man in Sin City. This time a 39 year old transgender woman was apprehended at a condominium in Pattaya’s Nong Prue district, following allegations of theft in the middle of the night. The victim, a 40 year old Indian tourist, reported the loss of a…
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Thai taxi turmoil: Fare fight leaves traveller abandoned on road to Pattaya (video)
A Thai woman took to social media to share her experience with another one of Thailand’s notorious taxi drivers who abandoned her in the middle of the journey to Pattaya after she refused to pay more when he tried to hike the fare mid-journey. The victim shared a video of herself arguing with the taxi driver on her TikTok account,…
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DOC denies policy to detain prisoners outside prison favours ex-PM Thaksin
The Department of Corrections (DOC) refuted allegations that its latest policy, permitting the detention of prisoners outside of prison, is designed to favour Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister. The 74 year old former PM was recently sentenced to eight years for three separate cases and was immediately moved to a police hospital. The newly introduced regulation, announced on Thursday…
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Somrak Kamsing attends religious ceremony amid controversy
Former Thai boxer Somrak Kamsing today attended a religious ceremony at Sirisuttho Temple in Ban Dung, Udon Thani where renowned teacher Pairoj, a famous Yant cloth writer, presided over the event. The ceremony included the consecration of the temple hall, the installation of a new Buddha statue, and the blessing of the Buddha statue. The 50 year old Somrak, who…
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Bangkok blaze: Chemical chaos erupts as factory fire sparks fears in industrial estate
A chemical factory in Bangkok‘s eastern suburbs of Samut Prakan went up in flames, with explosions echoing within the Bang Pu Industrial Estate, raising concerns about the volatile chemicals stored within. Chaos erupted in the tranquil Bang Pu Industrial Estate in Samut Prakan province early yesterday morning, December 11. A chemical factory, stockpiled with ammonia, burst into flames, creating an…
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Thailand extends visa-free entry for Japanese business visitors
Thailand’s Cabinet has given the green light to extend the 30-day visa-free entry privilege for Japanese visitors. The update, effective from January 1 next year, now includes Japanese business travellers. The Cabinet, convening today, December 12, waved the magic wand on a proposal brought forth by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Deputy government spokesman Kharom Polpornklang spilt the beans, sharing that…
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Thai man ruptures windpipe by suppressing sneeze in first global case
In a peculiar medical case, a Thai man somehow managed to rupture his windpipe by suppressing a sneeze. The incident, which is reportedly the first of its kind in the world, was revealed by Dr Veerachai Jarusachaisri, a forensic medical expert at Srinakharinwirot University. The patient found himself needing to sneeze while driving. Instead of letting it happen, he stifled…
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Unidentified man attacks Thai political aide in Government House
A dispute erupted at Government House during a Cabinet meeting today, December 12, when an unidentified man assaulted a Thai political aide. The incident occurred around 11.35am at the APCD 60+ coffee shop, adjacent to the main government building where the Cabinet meeting was taking place. The assailant, whose identity is known only as Itthipol, entered Government House without uttering…
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Shanghai delivery man’s advice to home-alone toddler goes viral
A recent incident in Shanghai involving a three year old girl left home alone has stirred concern and warmth on social media. The girl, who was left alone at home, was asked to open the door by a delivery man. The incident, which ended with a cautionary note, has since gone viral, reminding parents of the potential dangers of leaving…
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Sarath Ratanavadi remains wealthiest shareholder in Thai market for fifth year
For the fifth year running, Gulf Energy Development Plc‘s Chief Executive, Sarath Ratanavadi, tops the list as the wealthiest shareholder in the Thai capital market. Despite a 12.9% dip from the previous year, his shares were valued at a whopping 190 billion baht, according to a recent survey. The annual assessment, a joint effort between Money & Banking magazine and…
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Boeing 787 emergency dive: Gulf Air flight’s shocking diversion to Bangkok sparks panic
A Gulf Air routine flight GF250 took an unexpected detour from Bahrain to Dhaka, diving into an emergency landing in Bangkok. The gripping incident unfolded as the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, flight A9C-FE, grappled with foggy mayhem and fuel crises. A Gulf Air Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, en route from Bahrain to Dhaka, plunged into a nail-biting emergency over Bangkok. The routine…
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Weather warning: Thailand set for thunderous theatrics and chilly mornings
The Thailand Meteorology Department (TMD) warns of thunderstorms across 14 provinces, with foggy mornings and cooler temperatures in the north and northeast regions of Thailand. The south experiences waves up to 2 metres high, while Bangkok sees fog and a minimum temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, as reported on today. The TMD’s 24-hour forecast states that high atmospheric pressure, or…
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Thai department of intellectual property seeks to safeguard Muay Thai
The Department of Intellectual Property, under the Thai Ministry of Commerce, is making swift strides to protect and promote the nation’s soft power elements, beginning with intellectual property (IP) rights related to Muay Thai and its associated products. This move is a direct response to calls made by Commerce Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, to curb violation of the nation’s IP rights.…
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Thai Airways’ billion-dollar gamble: Boeing dominates as Airbus left on runway
Thai Airways International is on the verge of sealing a blockbuster deal with Boeing for a fleet expansion, leaving Airbus in the dust. The stakes are sky-high in this multi-billion dollar saga, with insider sources revealing the ins and outs of this high-flying negotiation. In an aviation showdown, Boeing emerges victorious as Thai Airways gears up to finalise a deal…
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Anchalee Tephabutra resigns from Thailand’s Democrat Party after 31 years
Anchalee Tephabutra, a prominent political figure and a devoted member of the Democrat Party for over 31 years, announced her resignation, causing ripples in the political landscape of Thailand. Having been a confidante to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva during his tenure, her departure from the party marks a significant event. Anchalee has been a cornerstone for the Democrats in Phuket…
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Thai organisations demand stronger action against sexual harassment in education
A network of over 100 child and women’s organisations led by Ticha Na Nakorn today submitted a petition to the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Thailand, demanding stronger action against sexual harassment following the life imprisonment of six perpetrators. The defendants, four teachers and two older students were convicted of sexually abusing three students in Mukdahan Province. Ticha, an advisor…
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Highs and lows in Pattaya as marijuana shop puts its foot on the illegal laughing gas peddle
In Pattaya, a shop selling legal marijuana products was discovered to be selling laughing gas to tourists too. A discreet investigation revealed that the shop, operating under the guise of a legal enterprise, was surreptitiously selling nitrous oxide balloons to an unsuspecting clientele, comprising both Thai locals and curious foreign tourists. The audacity of the operation was epitomised by a…
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Taiwanese man dies after hospital in Thailand refuses to treat him
Taiwan media platform TVBS reported that a private hospital in Thailand refused to treat a Taiwanese man who later died as a result of his injuries in a car accident. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the Thai government to improve its healthcare system. TVBS reported yesterday, December 11, that the Taiwanese man, whose identity was not revealed, was fatally…
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PTT’s OR diversifies with budget hotels and community malls at petrol stations
PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc (OR) is renewing its focus on diversifying its non-oil business ventures, with plans to construct budget hotels within its petrol stations and incorporate community malls catering to tourists. The company’s President and Chief Executive, Disathat Panyarachun, shared these developments. The next quarter will see OR onboarding a business consultant to oversee the hotel project.…
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Myanmar overtakes Afghanistan as world’s opium giant
Myanmar surpassed Afghanistan to become the globe’s leading opium producer, leaving the world stunned. The United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) dropped a bombshell report today, December 12, disclosing alarming figures that signal a seismic shift in the illicit drug trade landscape. Myanmar, the new opium powerhouse, produced a staggering 1,080 metric tonnes of opium this year, eclipsing…
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Tourists evicted from Phuket resort due to property dispute
A sunny vacation turned sour for several tourists who were holidaying at a resort in Kamala, Phuket when they unexpectedly found themselves embroiled in a property dispute that led to them having to seek alternative accommodation. The hotel operator was evicted from the property, leaving approximately 20 rooms of guests stranded and forced to fend for themselves. The eviction process…
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Intoxicated woman disrobes and pees in middle of a Chinese restaurant
A woman heavily intoxicated in a restaurant in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, caused a stir by undressing and urinating in full view of other patrons. The shocking incident was captured and shared online, sparking widespread concern and reminding people of the dangers of excessive drinking. In the heart of a bustling eatery in Shenzhen, a woman lost control of herself after…
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Russian man’s erratic behaviour causes stir at Phuket Airport
A peculiar scene unfolded in Phuket‘s bustling airport yesterday as bystanders observed a Russian man, scantily clad in denim shorts and sans shirt or shoes, meandering aimlessly through the terminal. The spectacle escalated as the man clambered onto a balcony of the terminal, his behaviour becoming increasingly erratic and alarming. Local authorities, including members of the Tourist Police and representatives…
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Urgent national police investigation into ruthless debt collector suicides in Thailand
The National Police Chief launched an investigation into the case of an individual who took his own life due to the extreme pressure from ruthless debt collectors. The investigation, conducted today at the National Police Office, aims to identify any other possible victims and vows to prosecute all cases without exception. The debtor, creditor, and debt collector will be brought…
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Family ties unravel in murder mystery: Thai trio nabbed for alleged Isaan killing, daughter smells foul play
Police arrested a Thai woman and her two children for the alleged murder of a Thai man in the Isaan province of Sisaket. The suspects accused the deceased of alcohol addiction and abusive behaviour but, in a remarkable twist, the deceased’s biological daughter believes the suspects murdered her father for his money and property. The dead body of the 48…
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