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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Foreign Ministry warns against PP visit to detained Thai crew in Myanmar
Concerns have been raised by the Foreign Ministry regarding a potential visit by representatives of the opposition People’s Party (PP) to Myanmar to meet four Thai trawler crew members currently detained there. Vice Minister Russ Jalichandra expressed yesterday, January 7, that while the ministry cannot stop Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a PP party-list MP and chairman of the House’s Military Affairs Committee,…
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Pop Mart makes a splash in Pattaya with new By the Sea store
Global art toy phenomenon Pop Mart is turning heads once again, this time with the grand opening of its brand-new By the Sea store at Central Pattaya Shopping Centre. The quirky, seaside-themed outlet is the latest addition to Pop Mart’s Thai expansion, cementing its position as a major player in the booming collectable art toy market. The move follows Pop…
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600,000 students to receive tablets by June, says education ministry
Approximately 600,000 high school students are set to receive tablets from the Education Ministry by June, as part of efforts to facilitate flexible learning environments. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, an assistant to the education minister and a ministry spokesperson, shared recent developments regarding this initiative, which aims to address educational inequality. He confirmed the distribution of tablets to 600,000 students by early…
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Chinese tourist drowns in Rayong cave during dive tour
A Chinese tourist drowned while participating in a tour at Rayong’s Khang Khao Cave. She was swept away by an undercurrent and her body was found 2 kilometres away. The incident occurred yesterday, January 7 when police were alerted by Khao Laem Ya National Park officials about the discovery of a deceased female tourist near Ko Kudi, Mueang Rayong district.…
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Mahout charged for elephant goring Spanish woman in Thailand
Police in Thailand have charged the mahout responsible for the elephant that gored a Spanish woman to death last week in Koh Yao. The deadly incident has since ramped up intense scrutiny of Thailand’s elephant tourism industry. The 38 year old mahout, Theerayut Inthaphudkij, faces charges of negligence causing death after a tragic accident involving the 22 year old Spanish tourist…
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Thai university faces legal threats over unauthorised police training
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) will initiate legal proceedings against Siam University if it fails to address the issue of a Chinese executive allegedly conducting an unauthorised volunteer police training programme for Chinese nationals. Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi stated yesterday, January 7, that Siam University confirmed its lack of involvement or awareness regarding the programme and…
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Meth dealer crashes into car of Thai actress’ mother in Phitsanulok
A dramatic car chase unfolded in Phitsanulok as police chased a suspected drug dealer. Despite having his car tyres punctured by armed police, the suspect continued to flee, eventually colliding with a vehicle belonging to the mother of Thai actress Tukk Lila. The suspect was eventually apprehended, and a large quantity of methamphetamine was discovered. The incident occurred at 2pm…
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Thai woman, initially reported missing, admits to faking abduction
The Be One organisation yesterday reported that a Thai woman, initially reported as missing, faked her abduction and disappearance. Her friends and family allegedly complained to the organisation for revealing her photographs to the public. Friends of the 26 year old Thai woman, Arissara “Alice” Srichathum, urged the Facebook page Tudd Entertain to spread news about her disappearance. Many netizens, as well…
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Orange Line construction closes Bangkok flyover for two years
The flyover on Bangkok’s Charan Sanit Wong Road has been closed to facilitate the construction of the Orange Line electric railway. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes to alleviate traffic congestion. Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) Deputy Governor Kittikorn Tanpao announced the closure to accommodate the development of the Orange Line, specifically the Bang Khun Non-underground station. This station…
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Israeli Embassy lacks updates on six Thai hostages held by Hamas
The Israeli Embassy in Thailand reported that it lacks any information regarding the six Thai hostages still held by Hamas, amidst reports of potential hostage exchanges in the region. A representative from the Israeli Embassy confirmed the news yesterday, January 7. “There is still no information about the Thai hostages.” The statement follows a report from January 6 by Reuters,…
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Thailand video news | Chinese actor missing at Thailand-Myanmar border found, Former French-Cambodian opposition MP assassinated in Bangkok
In today’s Good Morning Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring you top stories from Thailand and across Asia. Highlights include the safe return of a Chinese actor after his disappearance at the Thailand-Myanmar border, a troubling assault on a transgender woman in Pattaya, and the dramatic rescue of a child trapped in a car. Other stories cover a tragic…
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Thailand’s Children’s Day logo sparks joy and vitality
Thailand’s Ministry of Education has unveiled the heartwarming story behind the Children’s Day logo set to represent the nation from 2023 to 2027. The spotlight falls on Wikawee Rattamanee, a talented Silpakorn University student whose design won a nationwide competition last year. Her creation, centred on the theme of a child’s smile, earned her the top prize of 35,000 baht.…
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Six Myanmar teens arrested for assaulting Thai man at temple fair
Six Myanmar teenagers were arrested for assaulting a Thai man, citing an incident at a temple fair where they allegedly stepped on each other’s feet. The police assured that this was an altercation among hot-headed youths, not related to any gang influence. Yesterday, January 7, at the multi-purpose ground of the Samut Sakhon Provincial Police Headquarters, Samut Sakhon Governor Narit…
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Thai airports get safety and check-in boost as travellers rise by 14%
The Transport Ministry has instructed the Department of Airports (DoA) to enhance measures in support of travellers following more than 14% rise in passenger numbers over the new year period. Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced yesterday, January 7, that from December 27 to January 2, the DoA recorded 319,275 passengers, reflecting a 14.12% increase compared to the previous year. The…
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Thai woman arrested in onsen credit card theft, Chinese suspects involved
Police arrested a Thai woman at her condominium yesterday, January 7, for conspiring with Chinese suspects to commit credit card theft at several onsen establishments in Bangkok. Numerous onsen patrons came forward to issue warnings and seek justice after their credit cards were stolen following visits to various onsens in Bangkok. The stolen cards were used by the thieves, resulting…
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Sloshed and splashed: Tipsy Thai man makes waves in Pattaya
Pattaya officials sounded the alarm yesterday after a booze-soaked escapade by a local Thai man made waves in front of the Amari Hotel. The drunken Thai man, clearly under the influence, took a less-than-graceful plunge into the sea, leaving onlookers in disbelief. Pattaya City municipal officers dashed to the scene, only to find the soggy thrill-seeker showing all the signs…
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PM Paetongtarn to inaugurate International Boat Show in Phuket
Phuket is bracing for a high-profile visit as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra lands on the island tomorrow, January 9 to tackle critical local issues and boost tourism. With an ambitious agenda in tow, the 38 year old PM is set to chair key meetings and launch a glamorous luxury lifestyle event, according to the Phuket Public Relations Department. Touching down…
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Thailand tourism China-ing bright with visitor boom
Hold onto your tuk tuks, folks, Thailand’s tourism scene is making a triumphant comeback, with Chinese travellers leading the charge of foreign visitors. Thanks to more lenient visa rules, and especially to Thailand’s Chinese friends, the Land of Smiles is grinning wider than ever. The South China Morning Post reported that an impressive 35.5 million international jet-setters flocked to Thailand…
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Cambodian-French ex-MP assassinated in Bangkok, Thai gunman at large
A former Cambodian-French opposition Member of Parliament was assassinated in Bangkok yesterday, January 7. The gunman, identified as a former soldier in the Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC), remains at large. Officers from Chana Songkhram Police Station were alerted to a shooting on a traffic island opposite the popular tourist attraction Bowonniwet Vihara Temple in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district at around…
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Thailand’s N3 lottery might be scrapped due to poor sales
The Finance Ministry is evaluating the future of the N3 lottery due to its lacklustre public response since its introduction last November. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced yesterday, January 7, that the three-digit lottery (N3), designed to rival illegal lotteries and expensive six-digit tickets (L6), has not met expectations during its trial phase. Introduced on November 1 as part…
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Thai police rescue missing Chinese actor from trafficking gang
Missing Chinese actor Wang Xing was dramatically rescued by Thai police yesterday after being abducted by a human trafficking gang while on the Thai-Myanmar border. Wang Xing, known to fans as Xingxing, vanished on January 3 after departing Shanghai Pudong Airport for Thailand in what he believed was an acting gig along the border. Last seen in Mae Sot, the…
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No luck for Yingluck: Former PM ineligible for prison programme
Yingluck Shinawatra, former Prime Minister of Thailand, will not qualify for release under the forthcoming alternative prison detention programme if she returns to Thailand, as she does not meet the new eligibility criteria, stated Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. Yingluck was sentenced to five years imprisonment in August 2017. New regulations by the Department of Corrections (DoC) allow only those with…
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Policy scam-dal: Broker swindles 1 million baht from Alzheimer’s victim
A female insurance broker allegedly swindled 1 million baht from her client, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, leaving the victim in a critical condition. Relatives of the victim, 62 year old Marasri, sought assistance from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after discovering the loss. The family reported that 1 million baht was stolen, and the suspect, Waewta, only returned 300,000 baht…
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Thailand faces cold weather, frost and southern thunderstorms
Thailand is experiencing cool to cold weather, with frost reported in mountainous regions and thunderstorms anticipated in five southern provinces. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts temperature changes and advises caution for high waves at sea as of January 8. In the coming 24 hours, temperatures in northern and northeastern Thailand are expected to rise by 1 to 2 degrees…
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300 same-sex couples to wed in Bangkok as new law takes effect
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) anticipates that approximately 300 same-sex couples will get married in Bangkok on January 23 when the Marriage Equality Law comes into effect. Preparations for the event are underway, with Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon visiting district offices to oversee arrangements for marriage registrations. District officials have received training to guide couples through the necessary steps…
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Cock-a-doodle-don’t: Man’s heart can’t take noisy neighbour’s roosters
A 72 year old man in Ang Thong province contacted the police regarding a noise complaint about his neighbour’s roosters. Suffering from a heart condition, he reported that the noise kept him awake. The rooster owner, a 65 year old man, argued that roosters do not crow continuously and questioned how he could stop them from doing so. At 2pm…
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Bangkok: Iranians nabbed in Yaowarat robbery drama
Two Iranian nationals were arrested after allegedly robbing a Vietnamese tourist of 150,000 baht in a brazen street-side theft in Bangkok’s bustling Yaowarat district. The drama unfolded yesterday evening, January 6, when a 27 year old Vietnamese tourist approached police near the Hotel Royal Bangkok, claiming she had been attacked and robbed. According to her account, she had just withdrawn…
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Search for missing dog turns into scandal as cheque reward valid only in 2125
A dramatic turn of events unfolded when a cheque reward offered to someone for locating a missing dog and returning it to its owner was discovered to be invalid for 100 years, with a date of maturity set for 2125. The Thai woman, Kluay, took to social media to share a missing poster of her pet dog, Thong Dee. The…
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Senior moment: Helpful young man taxis off with granny’s goods (video)
A young man assisted an elderly woman carrying numerous items onto a shared taxi but accidentally forgot to return her belongings after holding on to them. Realising his oversight only after the vehicle had departed, he ran after the taxi to return them to her. The incident was shared by TikTok user @yutthana696, who posted a clip of the event.…
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Trapped tots: Three year old rescued from car drama in Uthai Thani
A distressing incident occurred yesterday in Uthai Thani province when a three year old boy became trapped inside a car at Lan Sak market. The police from Lan Sak Police Station received a call from a grilled chicken vendor yesterday, January 6, alerting them to the situation. Police responded to the scene to assist. Upon arrival, they discovered a black sedan parked…
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