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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.
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Thailand health insurance that covers chronic conditions: What expats need to know
The Thaiger key takeaways Managing chronic conditions in Thailand requires health insurance that covers specialist visits, medications, tests, and hospital stays. Cigna offers high-coverage plans with access to top hospitals, direct billing, and telemedicine support for convenient long-term care. Expats...
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Fugitive child sexual abuse offender reveals bribery plot to escape justice
German media has uncovered a dark tale of child sexual abuse in Thailand, where a suspect spills the beans on his desperate bid to escape justice by using bribery. The story kicks off in Thailand, where a notorious foreigner involved in child sexual abuse was arrested. The Thai authorities held a press conference to announce the arrest, sending shockwaves through…
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Young motorcyclist injured in hit-and-run incident on Pattaya’s Beach Road
Pattaya witnessed an unfortunate hit-and-run incident in the early hours of yesterday, December 1, where a young motorcyclist was left injured due to a collision with a fruit side cart. The incident took place on the bustling Beach Road, and the victim was identified as 20 year old Krawit Jandang. Pattaya police were alerted about the accident around 2am. They…
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Fatal night-time collision on Uthai Thani road claims teenage life
A tragic collision on a dark road resulted in the death of a 17 year old high school student and injured two others yesterday, December 1. The incident occurred on the Khao Khong Chai-Ban Pa Ao route, in Uthai Thani’s Lan Sak district. The vehicles involved were an E-Tan pickup carrying a full load of rice, a Honda PCX scooter,…
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Thailand ambulance crew narrowly escapes attack by drug-crazed patient
An ambulance crew had a near-death experience when they were attacked by a patient yesterday, December 1. The patient’s relatives had obscured information, not disclosing that the patient was in a drug-induced frenzy. The patient turned violent, using an electric saw to attack the ambulance, with no one coming to the rescue. The driver’s quick thinking allowed the whole team…
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Thailand’s digital leisure evolution
Thailand, a country known for its vibrant culture and picturesque landscapes, is currently experiencing a remarkable transformation in its leisure and entertainment sectors. This transformation, deeply rooted in the digital revolution, is reshaping how Thais engage with entertainment and cultural activities. Thailand is forging ahead on an innovative path where technology expands cultural offerings to make them more accessible and…
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Popular snack vendor finds 100,000 baht stolen from Chiang Mai home
A popular snack vendor known for her revealing outfit, returned to her Chiang Mai home yesterday, November 30 to find nearly 100,000 baht had been stolen from her safe. The 27 year old vendor, Aranya Abhaiso, also known as Olive Tokyo No Bra, suspects the culprit to be someone close to her and is preparing to file a police report.…
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House committee formulates 2024 budget proposal
The House committee responsible for scrutinising planning and monitoring budget expenditure is formulating a budget proposal for next year. The proposal is expected to be reviewed by the House in early January. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, the committee’s chair and a list MP of the Move Forward Party, confirmed that the panel is currently processing budget requests from various state agencies. These…
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Thai drug addict leaves 9 year old boy fighting for life in shocking Isaan attack
Police arrested a Thai drug addict after he attacked three victims in the Isaan province of Nakhon Panom on November 29. Among the victims were a nine year old boy who is battling to save his life and another individual who sustained serious injuries. Phonsawan Police Station officers swiftly responded to the incident at Phon Sawang Temple in the Phonsawan…
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Sky’s the limit for drama: Fire drill steals the show near Phuket International Airport
Onlookers in the vicinity of Phuket International Airport yesterday were treated to an unexpected spectacle of dark smoke rising into the sky. Fear not, Phuket Airport General Manager Monchai Tanode clarified that the source of the smoke was a routine fire drill conducted by the airport’s Fire and Rescue Department. Monchai, in his role as the general manager of Phuket…
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Rice production crisis forecast: Dry woes, dwindling waters, and El Nino brew trouble
Asian rice production during the off-season is predicted to suffer due to a blend of unfavourable weather conditions including dry planting, dwindling reservoirs and ongoing El Nino weather patterns. These issues are due to reduce the early 2024 yields, further squeezing supplies and potentially causing a rise in food inflation. Both India, the world’s largest rice exporter and Thailand, the…
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Stamp spectacle: World’s priciest stamps unveiled in unprecedented exhibition
Stamp enthusiasts, brace yourselves for an unprecedented clash of philatelic titans at the Thailand 2023 – World Stamp Championship Exhibition! The famed British Guiana One-Cent Magenta, a global record-holder at over US$8 million (280 million baht), and the Japan 1871 500mon Center Inverted, valued at a staggering 4.4 million euros (168 million baht), are sharing the limelight for the first…
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Thai Commerce Ministry plans new year mega sale
The Thai Commerce Ministry has unveiled plans for a new year mega sale, an extensive retail event, to alleviate living costs for the local population. The sale, which is being presented as a new year’s gift to the citizens, is set to take place at Muang Thong Thani from December 20 to December 24. The Commerce Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, reported…
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Slap happy: Quirky Slap Bar leaves social media buzzing with bizarre business antics (video)
An unusual business venture known as the Slap Bar has been creating a buzz on social media. The account of @harry_shosta on the Twitter platform shared a clip of this bizarre enterprise, where customers pay for the privilege of being slapped by female employees. This cafe, while offering the usual food and drink services, extends its uniquely strange service to…
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Major tourist alert: National parks drop e-ticketing system
The National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP) has pulled the plug on e-ticketing for six of Thailand‘s prized national parks, sparking outrage and concerns as the tourist high season kicks off. The decision to suspend e-ticketing for tourists visiting six national parks in Thailand has triggered a storm of criticism, with many deeming it untimely and poorly planned.…
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Thai man punches neighbour to death after conflict over dog waste
A Thai man reportedly punched his neighbour to death on the side of the road in the northern province of Lampang after a dispute over dog waste. The killer claimed he acted in self-defence. Mueang Lampang Police Station officers and a rescue team rushed to the scene on Lampang-Ngao road at 7.45am today, December 1. The deceased, 68 year old…
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Hong Kong and Thailand join FPS with PromptPay, unlocking cross-border QR payment linkage
In a move set to redefine international payments, Hong Kong‘s Faster Payment System (FPS) joined hands with Thailand‘s PromptPay, unlocking a seamless cross-border QR payment linkage. Hong Kong and Thailand have unleashed a financial revolution, enabling residents to flex their digital wallets across borders. The cross-border QR payment linkage between Hong Kong’s FPS and Thailand’s PromptPay is set to transform…
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Shinawatra greenlights 5.1 billion baht for soft power industries and Songkran
The Soft Power National Development Committee, headed by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has approved a budget of 5.1 billion baht to boost 11 industries in Thailand, including the Songkran festival. The plan includes a grand Songkran celebration, dubbed the World Water Festival – The Songkran Phenomenon, to draw international tourists to Thailand. The announcement was made on December 1. The Soft Power…
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Young women ignore safety warnings at Phu Chi Fah, sparking concerns
Two young women risked their lives by crossing a safety line at Phu Chi Fah viewpoint to take photographs, triggering concerns from officials about a potential increase in copycat behaviour. Phu Chi Fah National Park in Thoeng, Chiang Rai, reported the incident occurred at 6.04am on October 26, and issued a public warning on their page. The tourist attraction has…
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Pregnant Burmese woman begs thief to return 240,000 baht’s worth of gold
A pregnant Burmese woman turned to social media to convey her heart-wrenching disappointment and appeal to a thief for the return of gold accessories valued at over 240,000 baht, which were stolen from her. The Burmese victim shared an image of now-empty gold containers along with a video capturing her emotional plea on social media. In the video, she tearfully disclosed…
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Thai dancer reports ex-partner for physical abuse and animal cruelty
Doing Good Foundation founder Dr Panadda Wongphudee and Dr Darunee Sutthipithak, known as Pecky Sritanya, yesterday, accompanied a 32 year old dancer who suffered physical abuse, to Bang Khen Police Station. The dancer, Pattiporn (surname withheld), reported to Deputy Investigation Officer Rattichai Piyawet that her former boyfriend, 33 year old Prakasit from Nan province, had subjected her to physical abuse,…
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Chon Buri: Four Cambodian men posing as fake monks apprehended in Si Racha
Four Cambodian individuals posing as fake monks were apprehended by immigration police on a mountain near a community in the Si Racha district, Chon Buri. They were disguised as fake Buddhist monks in yellow robes, residing in makeshift shelters. The operation was carried out this morning, December 1, following residents’ grievances about several Cambodian nationals masquerading as monks and asking…
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Thai man jailed for up to 10 years for illegally selling tiger carcasses
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and related departments arrested a Thai man for running an online shop illegally selling tiger carcasses and other protected animals. This comes in the wake of the arrest of two individuals in January this year for selling tiger carcasses online. The case was connected to another suspect managing a Facebook…
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NACC scandal: Former Deputy Secretary-General’s shocking assets cover-up lands him in Supreme Court snare
The Supreme Court delivered a decisive blow to Prayat Puangjumpa, the former deputy secretary-general of the National Counter-Corruption Commission (NACC). Prayat’s appeal, aimed at overturning a false asset declaration conviction, was mercilessly rejected, resulting in a suspended jail sentence and a hefty fine. The Supreme Court, in a plenary meeting, upheld the previous court’s ruling, affirming a four-month suspended jail…
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Sanctuary saga ends in sorrow: Beloved elephant Mali passing leaves fans trumpeting for change
Mali, a beloved elephant at a Philippine zoo has died after plans fell through to relocate the animal to a sanctuary following a worldwide campaign supported by indie rock star Morrissey, former lead singer of The Smiths. Mali, the star attraction at Manila Zoo for over four decades, was found dead on November 28. Raised in solitary confinement since her…
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409 million baht assets of Thai senator seized for transitional crime involvement
The Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) raided seven locations yesterday linked to Thai senator Upakit Pachirirangkun and seized assets worth 409 million baht on charges of involvement in a transitional crime organisation. Move Forward Party MP Rungsiman Rome revealed the alleged close relationship between Senator Upakit and Myanmar’s leading drug trafficker, Tun Min Latt, during a 2022 Parliament debate.…
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Thai Prime Minister to review proposed energy tariff increase
Srettha Thavisin, the Thai Prime Minister, is set to convene a meeting with the relevant bodies following the revelation that the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) intends to surge the energy tariff from 3.99 baht per unit to 4.68 baht per unit from January to April next year. This proposed increase has stirred renewed demands for a revamp of the nation’s…
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Thai Ministry of Interior launches online registration for debt assistance
The Ministry of Interior has initiated a programme to assist citizens struggling with off-system debt, inviting them to enrol either online or in-person from today, December 1, until February 24 next year. This scheme is part of the government’s efforts to alleviate the impact of high-interest-rate debts on the populace. For online registration, individuals can visit the website https://debt.dopa.go.th. The…
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Pattaya police honoured by American Legion Post for dedicated service
In a heartfelt gesture of gratitude, the Sergeant Thomas Oliver Ahlberg Memorial American Legion Post TH02 in Pattaya recently recognised the dedicated efforts of the Royal Thai Police at Soi 9 station. The commendation came in the form of certificates of appreciation, acknowledging the tireless work of the police officers in assisting American citizens and contributing to the welfare of…
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Thai woman mysteriously dies, her body found in abandoned garbage chute
Police suspect foul play after the body of a missing Thai woman was found in an abandoned garbage chute at a Royal Thai Army welfare accommodation in the Phayathai district of Bangkok. Bang Sue Police Station officers received a report of the death of a 36 year old Thai woman, identified as Ann, at 9.40pm yesterday, November 30. Ann’s lifeless…
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Thailand boosts traditional medicine to attract wellness tourism
Thailand‘s Public Health Ministry is elevating its endeavours to showcase traditional wellness and medicine as a tourist attraction, in a bid to boost the nation’s revenue. As voiced by Deputy Health Minister Santi Promphat yesterday, the country is renowned for its superior traditional medical knowledge and herbal plant utilisation. Santi was addressing the subject of traditional and alternative Thai medicine…
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