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Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourismā€”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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    Whatā€™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...

  • Drunk Mercedes-Benz driver kills delivery rider in Bangkok (video)

    Drunk Mercedes-Benz driver kills delivery rider in Bangkok (video)

    A drunk Mercedes-Benz driver crashed into a female Thai delivery rider on the Thai-Japanese Bridge in Bangkok, causing the victim to fall off the bridge and die at the scene. Officers from the Pathum Wan Police Station received a report of the accident at approximately 2.18am on Wednesday, December 4. The incident occurred on the Thai-Japanese Bridge above the Henri…

  • Rain check: Thailand provinces brace for a flood of trouble

    Rain check: Thailand provinces brace for a flood of trouble

    Weather conditions across Thailand prompted warnings for heavy rain and potential flash floods in 10 provinces, with Bangkok experiencing morning fog and a minimum temperature of 24 degrees Celsius. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reported that the northeast monsoon, covering the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region, has weakened. Meanwhile, a low-pressure area near the Strait of Malacca is…

  • Paws for alarm: Koh Muk walk turns into stray dog attack (video)

    Paws for alarm: Koh Muk walk turns into stray dog attack (video)

    A tropical stroll turned into a nightmare for a Thai tourist and her Russian husband on the picturesque shores of Koh MukĀ as a marauding pack of stray dogs set upon them with terrifying aggression. Angkana and her husbandā€™s idyllic walk turned into a fight for survival when faced with an onslaught from five to six stray hounds. In a valiant…

  • Phuket tragedy: US man electrocuted near restaurant

    Phuket tragedy: US man electrocuted near restaurant

    A tragic incident unfolded in Phuket as a long-separated couple, having reunited after years apart, faced an unimaginable misfortune. A man, who had travelled from the United States to meet his partner, tragically lost his life after being electrocuted. The tragic event occurred yesterday, December 5, at approximately 9.30pm near a grilled fish restaurant on Don Jomthao Road, Thepkasattri subdistrict,…

  • Paradise to Pattaya peril: Canadian’s vacation takes deadly dive

    Paradise to Pattaya peril: Canadian’s vacation takes deadly dive

    A Canadian tourist’s dream getaway to a plush resort near Jomtien Beach in Pattaya turned into a nightmare after a fatal fall. The Canadian, Gilbert Giroud, met his tragic end when he slipped and suffered fatal injuries, leaving holiday heaven in heartbreak. In a regular afternoon turning to chaos, patrolling police got the alarming call at 3.34pm, yesterday, December 5.…

  • Loei police seize 90 bikes in street racing crackdown

    Loei police seize 90 bikes in street racing crackdown

    Police in Loei province swooped on illegal street racing gang over a nine-day operation, seizing nearly 100 modified motorcycles and issuing numerous legal actions against offenders. The operation aimed to curb the public nuisance and safety hazards posed by these activities. Police in Loei province, including the Provincial Governor Chaipoj Jarunpong and Police Major General Phongpipat Siripornviwat, held a press…

  • Gunfire attack at Thai office linked to youth gang

    Gunfire attack at Thai office linked to youth gang

    A brazen attack unfolded at the administrative office of Wang Taku subdistrict, Nakhon Pathom, when unknown assailants opened fire, causing significant damage with 17 bullet holes in the building. Police suspect a youth gang may be behind this act of violence. At approximately 8.30am yesterday, December 4, investigation officer Kritnai Ngenyuang from Nakhon Pathom City Police Station received a report…

  • Thailand’s 2024 inflation forecast set between 0.2% and 0.8%

    Thailand’s 2024 inflation forecast set between 0.2% and 0.8%

    The Commerce Ministry has forecasted that Thailand’s headline inflation for 2024 will range from 0.2% to 0.8%, settling at a midpoint of 0.5%. This projection is part of a broader economic outlook that anticipates a range of factors influencing price changes in the coming years. In 2025, headline inflation is expected to be slightly higher, between 0.3% and 1.3%, driven…

  • Terror threat won’t deter Israeli tourists from Phuket, says PTA

    Terror threat won’t deter Israeli tourists from Phuket, says PTA

    Israel’s recent warning of a terrorist threat in Southeast Asia, following the murder of an Israeli rabbi in the United Arab Emirates, is not expected to impact Phuket, according to the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA). Despite the alert, Phuket remains a popular destination for Israeli tourists, with enhanced safety measures in place to ensure visitor security. The National Council of…

  • Family dispute turns deadly as man shoots uncle in Nonthaburi

    Family dispute turns deadly as man shoots uncle in Nonthaburi

    A 25 year old man, Chakraphan, fatally shot his uncle, 34 year old Chakrawat, in a heated altercation during a mealtime gathering. The incident unfolded late last night in front of a construction workers’ dormitory in Ban Mai, Bang Yai, Nonthaburi. Police from Bang Mae Nang swiftly apprehended Chakraphan after the shooting yesterday, December 4. Chakraphan’s mother, 50 year old…

  • Cyber police raid Chiang Mai resort, bust illegal call centre

    Cyber police raid Chiang Mai resort, bust illegal call centre

    Cyber police and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) carried out a raid on a luxurious resort in Chiang Mai, uncovering a Chinese gang operating an illegal call centre targeting Thai victims. The operation, which involved over 20 officers, took place yesterday afternoon, leading to the arrest of several individuals and the seizure of numerous illegal telecommunications devices. The…

  • Heavy rain warnings and flash flood risks in nine Thai provinces

    Heavy rain warnings and flash flood risks in nine Thai provinces

    Heavy rain warnings have been issued for nine provinces in Thailand, with risks of flash floods, forest runoff, and overflowing rivers. Coastal areas are also facing 2 metre high waves, while Bangkok experiences morning fog and cooler temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius. A moderate northeast monsoon currently affects the Gulf of Thailand and the southern regions, combined with a low-pressure…

  • ‘Fast Eddie’ Davenport fights closure of 652 million baht London mansion amid controversy

    ‘Fast Eddie’ Davenport fights closure of 652 million baht London mansion amid controversy

    Notorious fraudster Edward “Fast Eddie” Davenport has returned to the UK from Thailand to contest a police order to shut down his Ā£15 million (652 million baht) in Marylebone, London. The 58 year old, known for hosting raucous sex parties at the lavish property, is challenging a closure notice issued by the Metropolitan Police under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and…

  • Thailand cuts car taxes to boost electric vehicle production

    Thailand cuts car taxes to boost electric vehicle production

    Thailand’s National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee has approved a revamped car tax structure to bolster the production of hybrid vehicles and transition from internal combustion engines to electric power. Chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the committee aims to position Thailand as a leading hub for electric vehicle (EV) and electric motorcycle production in Southeast Asia. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, the Secretary-General…

  • Thailand expands free essential medicines list, saving 170 million baht

    Thailand expands free essential medicines list, saving 170 million baht

    The National Drug System Development Committee expanded the national list of essential medicines, ensuring that patients can access these drugs at no cost. This decision is set to improve healthcare accessibility for many in Thailand, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong yesterday, December 4. The committee has now made over 20 new drugs available on this national list.…

  • New M9 motorway to connect Bangkok districts in 2029

    New M9 motorway to connect Bangkok districts in 2029

    The Cabinet has given the green light for a significant new infrastructure project: a 35-kilometre M9 motorway aiming to connect Bangkok’s Bang Khunthian district with Bang Bua Thong district in Nonthaburi. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced this development, highlighting its potential to alleviate traffic congestion on Kanchanaphisek Road’s western side and enhance connectivity with Bangkok’s network of outer ring roads.…

  • Over 1,000 detained in Thai nominee crackdown on foreign businesses

    Over 1,000 detained in Thai nominee crackdown on foreign businesses

    Police intensified their crackdown on the use of Thai nominees by foreign businesses, resulting in the detention of over 1,000 individuals over recent weeks. This sweeping operation was a joint effort by police and the Ministry of Commerce, targeting companies engaging in illicit business practices. Investigations focused on 442 companies, collectively handling over 3.6 billion baht (US$105 million), across 46…

  • 1 dead, 3 seriously injured in Bangkok lift tragedy

    1 dead, 3 seriously injured in Bangkok lift tragedy

    A tragic accident occurred when an outdated lift at an air conditioning equipment store in the Taling Chan area of Bangkok malfunctioned, leading to one fatality and three serious injuries. The lift, unable to support more than 300 kilogrammes, resulted in a deadly fall. The incident took place at a five-storey building on Ratchaphruek Road, where the company sells home…

  • Chaos on the Chao Phraya: Tugboat smashes into 6 tour boats

    Chaos on the Chao Phraya: Tugboat smashes into 6 tour boats

    Tourists and locals were left stunned this morning when a heavily laden tugboat ploughed into six moored tour boats on Bangkokā€™s Chao Phraya River, sinking one and injuring a woman. The dramatic accident unfolded just before 11am near Krung Thep Bridge in the Bang Kholaem district, as the tug struggled against a strong current while hauling barges filled with sand.…

  • Pen gun blunder: Thai man’s bathroom mishap writes tragic end

    Pen gun blunder: Thai man’s bathroom mishap writes tragic end

    A Thai man accidentally shot himself dead on December 3 with a pen gun while using the bathroom at a strangerā€™s house in the Isaan province of Roi Et. Officers from Suwannaphum Police Station and medical workers were called to the house in the Ban Nong Jarn Community in Suwannaphum district to investigate the death of the 45 year old…

  • Former bank officer arrested in Nakhon Sawan for 500k fraud

    Former bank officer arrested in Nakhon Sawan for 500k fraud

    The Anti-Corruption Division of the police, in collaboration with the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, apprehended a former state bank officer involved in defrauding locals of half a million baht. The suspect faces charges at the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 6 today, December 4. Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), and…

  • Brew-haha: Coffee shop clash near Chanthaburi temple boils over

    Brew-haha: Coffee shop clash near Chanthaburi temple boils over

    A dispute over the ownership of a coffee shop near a temple in Chanthaburi province escalated into a chaotic confrontation, with people vandalising property and engaging in public altercations. The incident at Ko Proet Temple in Laem Sing district saw a group of people demolishing a wall and removing signage, all of which was captured by CCTV cameras. This conflict…

  • Bangkok traffic cop under fire for fine collection via tuk tuk driver

    Bangkok traffic cop under fire for fine collection via tuk tuk driver

    Concerns over corruption arose after a Bangkok traffic police officer was caught in a viral video instructing a motorist to pay a fine through the bank account of a tuk tuk driver. The alleged misconduct came to light after a TikTok account, Talk with the Police, shared a video of the questionable incident at the end of November. The caption…

  • Phuket and the Netherlands strengthen ties over tourism and traffic

    Phuket and the Netherlands strengthen ties over tourism and traffic

    H.E. Remco van Wijngaarden, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Thailand, met with Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai at Phuket Provincial Hall, alongside Sven Smolders, Honorary Consul for the Netherlands in southern Thailand. The gathering highlighted a shared commitment to bolstering ties through tourism, infrastructure development, and citizen welfare. With 500 Dutch nationals residing in Phuket and over 250,000 Dutch tourists…

  • Phuket Red Cross urges blood donations as tourist season begins

    Phuket Red Cross urges blood donations as tourist season begins

    The Phuket branch of the Red Cross Society and Vachira Phuket Hospital have made an urgent appeal for blood donations, particularly as the tourist High Season begins. With the approach of King Bhumibol Adulyadejā€™s birthday, which is also observed as Thailand National Day and Father’s Day, special blood donation events are planned for tomorrow, December 5. This date holds significant…

  • Man in Bang Bua Thong accused of sexually assaulting young girl

    Man in Bang Bua Thong accused of sexually assaulting young girl

    A deeply disturbing incident unfolded in Bang Bua ThongĀ where a 50 year old man allegedly lured a 13 year old girl into his home under the pretext of playing with his cats before attempting to sexually assault her. The distressing event came to light when the girl’s blind grandmother, along with a neighbour, reported the matter to the local police.…

  • Ready for takeoff: Thai SmartLynx poised to shake up Thai skies

    Ready for takeoff: Thai SmartLynx poised to shake up Thai skies

    Thailandā€™s aviation industry is about to soar with the arrival of Thai SmartLynx Airlines, set to launch operations in January 2025. Its inaugural aircraft, an Airbus A320, is currently undergoing meticulous engine inspections in Bali, preparing to meet the countryā€™s growing demand for air travel as tourism rebounds. With tourism projected to bring in 40 million visitors in 2025, Thai…

  • Man arrested for naked stroll in Samut Prakan village

    Man arrested for naked stroll in Samut Prakan village

    A 25 year old man from Pathum Thani was apprehended for wandering around a village in Samut Prakan late at night without any clothes on. Footage from CCTV cameras captured his actions. He confessed to doing so out of excitement and recklessness. The incident occurred in a village in Bang Kaeo, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, where residents reported seeing a…

  • Foreign driver at large after hit-and-run and chase in Bangkok (video)

    Foreign driver at large after hit-and-run and chase in Bangkok (video)

    A foreign driver managed to flee following a hit-and-run in the On Nut area of Bangkok and a high-speed chase with Thai motorcycle taxi riders. An app-based motorcycle taxi rider shared a video of the incident on his TikTok account, tukgii3, on Monday, 2 December, with the caption: “On Nut is very thrilling. #HitAndRun #OutsideBigCOnNut.” The video showed a red…

  • Chinese man arrested in Bangkok for alleged rape of Thai student

    Chinese man arrested in Bangkok for alleged rape of Thai student

    A 33 year old Chinese man has been apprehended by police in Bangkok following allegations of rape involving an 18 year old university student. The incident, which was reportedly filmed by the suspect, raised significant concerns about the safety of young women in the capital city. The victim recounted to police that she encountered the suspect, identified as Su Xing…