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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Massive Hat Yai raid seizes 5,000+ illicit cigarette packs, 2 arrested
A major raid took place today in southern Thailand, where police, Songkhla administrative officials, and officers from the Excise Office raided a large illicit cigarette shop. The officials seized a considerable amount of contraband alongside a hefty sum of cash. The incident took place in the city of Hat Yai in Songkhla province. The operation was headed by Chavakij Suwankiri,…
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Fireworks factory explosion triggers panic in tranquil Chiang Mai community (video)
A thunderous explosion rocked all tranquillity when a fireworks factory exploded, sending tremors of shock through a Chiang Mai community and engulfing the plant in billowing fire and smoke. The emergency response was put into swift action around midday today. The incident occurred in the sub-district of San Pu Leui, located in the Doi Saket district. The intense noise and…
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Psychic’s Thai-drama prediction: Alarm bells ring for August anarchy and lockdown woes
Renowned Thai psychic raised alarm bells warning that Thailand could experience severe unforeseen circumstances from August onwards, hinting at the possibility of another lockdown situation and anarchy on the streets. Dr Plai predicts a surge in disruptive events involving young women in Thailand. The international community’s scrutiny of Thailand’s affairs and rescue pleas were among the other issues highlighted by…
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Man’s refusal to cross Bangkok traffic junction sparks social media speculation (video)
In a puzzling incident in Bangkok‘s Don Mueang district, a man triggered a public stir as he persistently refused to cross a traffic light junction on his motorbike, obstructing local commuters. The mysterious behaviour occurred today and swiftly made the rounds on social media platforms, where users speculated about his potential motives, ranging from health concerns to a potential phobia…
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Chaiyaphum hospital under scrutiny after sudden death of a discharged patient
A man has sought justice for his mother’s death following a sudden cardiac arrest just after she was discharged from the emergency room of a hospital. The peculiar death of his 64 year old mother on Saturday has raised doubts about her medical treatment. The man demands a detailed investigation into the causes of her death. The incident occurred in…
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Thai man arrested for making a dick of himself in public places
Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT) officers arrested a Thai man involved in the creation and sale of explicit videos showing his penis in public places on the Twitter and OnlyFans platforms. Bang Yee Khan Police Station in Bangkok received a complaint from a man on Wednesday, July 19 that he had been lured into recording a video of his penis in…
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Nakhon Ratchasima schoolboy fatally stabs peer in jealousy-fuelled dispute
In a tragic incident, a Year 8 student fatally assaulted his Year 10 schoolmate, reportedly due to jealousy, at a prominent school in Pimai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand. The assailant, who did not flee the scene, surrendered to police following the unfortunate event. The incident unfolded as A, a 14 year old student, stabbed 15 year old B with…
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Spurs and Foxes foiled: Thai sports authority ‘kick-off’ apology for cancelled clash in Bangkok
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) today apologised for the cancellation of a pre-season friendly between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. The game was abandoned after a heavy downpour in the capital caused flooding in the stadium, leading to the unfortunate cancellation of the match. Originally slated to kick off at 5pm, the match was…
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Lopburi teacher’s close call in car fire due to suspected engine malfunction
A teacher narrowly escaped a car fiery mishap while en route to school earlier today, suspecting that an engine malfunction may have sparked the fire. At exactly 07,49am, the Ban Mi Municipality’s Fire and Rescue team were alerted of the burning car incident occurring near the Ban Mi Municipality Sports ground, in the Pon Thong sub-district, Lopburi province. The scene greeted…
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Phuket couple held with thousands of meth pills and illegal firearm
In the early hours of yesterday, a man and woman were apprehended in Phuket, Thailand, after they were discovered to be in possession of 27,000 Yaba pills, an illegal form of methamphetamine, and over 900 grams of ya ice, a form of crystal meth. The duo, namely 39 year old Wirawong “Nueng’ Noichan,” who is a resident of Prabaramee Road,…
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Whistleblower’s deadly game: Ex-Thai League referee commits foul murder in Pattaya
A horrifying scene played out yesterday when a former Thai League football referee took a woman’s life in a brutal murder before succumbing to self-inflicted wounds in Pattaya. The gruesome murder incident transpired at a three-storey lodging establishment, featuring a café and shophouse, situated along the Jomtien Beach Road in the Banglamung district of Chon Buri. The heated event transpired…
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Flour protest: Activist group targets Palang Pracharath members at Pheu Thai office
Political chaos erupted outside the Pheu Thai Party head office in Bangkok yesterday, as the Thalu Wang activist group staged a disruptive protest, demanding the party cease negotiations with Thailand’s military-backed factions. The protest, which saw flour being poured on Palang Pracharath Party (PPP) members, resulted in the cancellation of a press conference. The roots of this turmoil can be…
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Ford Thailand showcases Ranger Raptor’s potential in thrilling off-road media event
In a recent initiative called the Ford Ranger Raptor Unbeatable Experience, Ford Thailand championed the capabilities of its leading 1-tonne pickup truck, the Ford Ranger Raptor. The experiential event allowed the Thai media to get a first-hand taste of the vehicle’s off-road and cross-country prowess. An impressive fleet composed of the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel and 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol models…
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Unyielding monsoon rains trigger flood and landslide alerts in 44 Thailand provinces
According to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), an unbroken spread of rainfall is affecting 44 provinces across Thailand, with a heavy downfall of 80% covering areas including Bangkok. The relentless rain is forecasted to continue into the next 24 hours. The TMD warns of potential dangers with flash floods and landslides being a significant concern, particularly in low-lying areas, and…
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Thao Wessuwan spirit invocation ceremony in Rayong draws devout Buddhists and tourists
Amidst a downpour, villagers assembled for a traditional ‘Thao Wessuwan’ spirit invocation ceremony at the Wat Noen Suk temple, also known as Wat Laok, in Rayong province yesterday. The event, led by Anan Nakniyom, the Deputy Governor of Rayong, saw participation from various government and private sector organisations, as well as devout local Buddhists. The temple area turned into a…
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Clam-bushed in Thailand: 53 year old diver vanishes, family in deep distres
The family of a 53 year old diver are distraught after he disappeared whilst fishing for clams in a reservoir in northern Thailand. His motorbike and discarded shoes were found at the reservoir yesterday, leading his family to believe he had drowned. Police were alerted to the man’s disappearance, leading a coordinated search with local divers. The local police from…
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Chumphon durian farmer fatally shot: Locals feared regular gunfire
Police are on the hunt for a gunman who shot dead a 63 year old durian farm owner in his backyard. Locals reported frequent gunfire from the victim’s farm, causing anxiety amidst fears of stray shots. The incident occurred at around 4.30pm today when the police received a report of a fatal shooting in a durian orchard in southern Thailand.…
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District official accused of workplace affair and misconduct
The permanent secretary of the Art Samart District Office in the Isaan province of Roiet has been accused of having a scandalous affair within the workplace and granted special leave days to his alleged lover. On Thursday, July 20, the Facebook page, Watchdog (ปฏิบัติการหมาเฝ้าบ้าน), shared a picture of a Thai woman with text on the top of the picture saying… “Phi…
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ESG Scoring pioneered by Thailand’s GSB for large business loan approvals
In a first for Thailand, the Government Savings Bank (GSB) is revolutionising its loan approval process. Chief executive Vitai Ratanakorn shared that GSB will introduce environmental, social and governance (ESG) scoring when deciding loans for sizeable businesses, requiring a credit limit of 500 million baht or more. This ESG scoring pioneering model aims to incentivise companies to contribute positively to…
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Thailand’s smartphone market holds promise despite economic strain
In these difficult financial times, Thailand’s smartphone market still carries incredible potential for device makers, particularly in high-end models, despite reduced support of handset subsidies by mobile operators, according to Oppo, a leading Chinese smartphone maker. With a market value exceeding 100 billion baht, Thailand’s smartphone market is regarded as a gem within Southeast Asia. The Senior Executive Vice-President at…
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Thai Android users lose money in ThaID app scam orchestrated via SMS
In an emerging threat to privacy and finances, Android smartphone users in Thailand are being entangled in a sophisticated cyber scam. Orchestrated through the pretence of updating the mobile app ThaID, the scammers acquire remote control of the victim’s phones, enabling them to steal funds. The Department of Provincial Administration (DPA) notified the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) of this…
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Thailand’s economy eyes rebound in 2023 buoyed by China’s booming influence
A light of hope has started to shine on the future of Thailand’s economy as we look forward to this year, and China’s influence as a significant driving force cannot be ignored, so suggests a leading Thai economist. The said economist, Kirida Bhaopichitr, who honours the position of Director for the Economic Intelligence Service at the Thailand Development Research Institute…
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Food allergy: Thai woman’s severe reaction to buffet lunch prompts food safety warning
After eating at a well-known buffet, a woman suffered severe food allergy reactions. She took to TikTok to recount her ordeal, warning others of the potential risks associated with consuming food from such establishments, and calling for businesses to exercise more caution regarding food safety. The woman posted a video on TikTok. She said… “That this incident won’t happen to…
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Car fire: Luxury vehicle bursts into flames on Bhumibol Bridge, family escapes unharmed
A prestigious factory owner and his family barely escaped when their luxury vehicle spontaneously caught fire on the Bhumibol Bridge. The car fire incident took place while the man was driving his wife and three children home from a shopping centre. The entire car was scorched when the fire took hold, however, incredibly, there were no injuries. An investigator from…
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Safety fears rise as key Phuket boat tour facility Chalong Pier sinks again
In Thailand, Chalong Pier, a key Phuket boat tour facility is under scrutiny as concerns are being raised about the potential safety hazards it poses. The main pontoon, used by tourists to board tour boats, is reportedly sinking again and is visibly covered in rust. The pontoon in question had previously gone under reparations last year when it started sinking.…
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Bluebottle influx at Phuket’s Layan Beach: officials urge caution
Layan Beach has seen the arrival of Portuguese man-o-war, commonly referred to as ‘bluebottles’, washed ashore by the tide. Beachgoers are urged to observe caution and remain vigilant in light of this current issue. This concern was brought to the public awareness by an avid reader of Phuket News who discovered four to five bluebottles on the shoreline on a…
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Thai court mandates repositioning of wild elephant within 15 days
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) of Thailand is facing a new directive from the Nakhon Si Thammarat Administrative Court. The court ruling mandates the capture and repositioning of a wandering wild elephant known as “Phlai Chao Nga” within a stringent time frame of 15 days. The wandering pachyderm had ventured away from Tai Rom Yen…
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Extended Thai public holidays offer rare six-day break amidst King’s birthday
In the week ahead, residents and visitors in Phuket are encouraged to soak up a rare bounty of public holidays, set across five out of six consecutive days. Starting next Friday (July 28), the nation will unite to celebrate the 71st birthday of the King. Adding to the festive period, two significant Buddhist events, Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa…
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Pattaya marathon sets record as over 14,000 runners boost city’s sports tourism
Pattaya in the limelight this weekend as over 14,000 Thai and international enthusiasts took part in the prestigious Pattaya Marathon in its 30th iteration. Introducing the popular event, which sets off from Terminal 21, was none other than the Pattaya City Mayor, Poramese Ngampiches. The marathon, which extends over two consecutive days – from July 22 to 23, is not…
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Thai waste segregation campaign saves 127.8 million baht in 5 months
The recent waste segregation campaign aimed at advocating for the proper segregation of household rubbish seems to be reaping rewards in Thailand, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Aekvarunyoo Amarapala, a spokesperson for the BMA, revealed over the weekend that the last five months saw a considerable decrease in both the amount of garbage making its way to the…
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