Thailand News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, and lifestyle—get breaking updates from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. Stay informed on Thai society, economy, tourism, and expat life with The Thaiger.
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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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EU denounces Thailand’s opposition party dissolution
The European Union (EU) voiced serious concerns about the dissolution of Thailand’s opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) by the Constitutional Court, highlighting its potential negative impact on the country’s democratic progress. The EU labelled the court ruling as a setback for political pluralism in Thailand, noting that the MFP garnered 14 million votes out of 39 million in the 2023…
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Woman’s drink driving leaves motorcyclist injured in Pattaya
A woman driving a car collided with a motorcycle, leaving the male rider seriously injured. The police suspect the woman was intoxicated and have sent her for alcohol testing. The incident occurred at 1am today, August 8, on Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya, near Chaiyaphruek Intersection. At the scene, officials found a severely damaged Honda Jazz with a Bangkok registration that had…
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Thailand to revise EEC high-speed rail contract by next month
Government officials anticipate finalising the revised contract for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) high-speed rail system by next month, paving the way for the project’s next phase. This high-speed rail system, a cornerstone project for the EEC, aims to connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Asia Era One, a consortium led by…
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Krabi loan shark arrested for violent tactics and high-interest rates
Police arrested a notorious loan shark in Krabi for charging exorbitant interest rates of 35% to 135% per year and assaulting debtors who failed to repay on time. Yesterday, August 7, officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) and the Ao Luek Police Station executed a court-issued warrant to apprehend the suspect, Parinyada, also known as Lek, at her…
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Man arrested for running bullfighting betting site in Phatthalung
Cyber police apprehended a 39 year old man from Khao Chaison suspected of operating an online bullfighting gambling website. He confessed to being the administrator of a Line group, setting betting odds and streaming matches for group members. Yesterday, August 7, Police Colonel Theera Chueasuwan, Superintendent of Division 4, and his team, including Police Lieutenant Colonel Thepprasit Samsi and Police…
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Thai forces seize 130,000 meth pills after clash with traffickers
A fierce clash between Thai forces and a drug trafficking gang led to the seizure of over 130,000 methamphetamine pills. The confrontation occurred at 9.40am yesterday, August 6, near the Khao Hua Lon passage in Ban Nong Tao, Mon Pin Subdistrict, Fang District, Chiang Mai Province. The Pha Dam Command, under the Chaiyanuphap Task Force, was conducting a patrol to…
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University student crashes, kills motorcyclist in Nakhon Ratchasima
A tragic accident occurred yesterday when a university student driving a black Toyota Fortuner collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the death of the motorcyclist. The incident took place at 6.30pm, yesterday, August 7, near a community clinic in Nakhon Ratchasima. The collision happened before a railway crossing on Suebsiri Road. The black Toyota Fortuner with license plate ขธ 2158…
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Surin community intensifies search for missing man
Surin residents and local officials are intensifying their search for a 37 year old man who mysteriously disappeared five days ago. Concerned family members have even performed traditional rituals, seeking help to find him, but have yet to see any results. Today, August 8, a local news outlet reported that Somchai Kaewkam was last seen on August 2 around 7am.…
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Severe monsoon warning issued for Thailand with heavy rainfall
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning for severe monsoon conditions across Thailand, particularly in the northeast and eastern regions, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected. Residents are advised to be cautious of sudden flooding and flash floods, while the sea will experience waves up to 2 metres high, prompting advisories for sailors to avoid navigating the Gulf…
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Thai AirAsia launches new route from Tiruchi to Bangkok
Thai AirAsia will be launching direct flights from southern India’s Tiruchirappalli (also known as Tiruchi) to Bangkok, starting September 21. This move not only expands the airline’s network but also strengthens its foothold in the Indian market. The new service will operate thrice a week, offering flights in the Bangkok-Tiruchi-Bangkok sector on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The flight will depart…
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Thai thief gets his knickers in a twist over stolen briefs (video)
A Thai thief who stole underwear from a village in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok got his knickers in a twist and begged a victim to drop legal charges against him, fearing his wife would be hurt and think he liked other people’s underwear more than hers. The victim, a Thai woman named Bee, reported the theft to Chaiyaphruek Police Station…
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Cebu Pacific resumes flights from southern Philippines to Bangkok
Cebu Pacific resumes its international flights and launches new domestic routes from the southern Philippines city of Davao, including to Bangkok. Starting October 28, Cebu Pacific will operate direct flights thrice weekly between Davao and Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport. This eagerly anticipated route is a game-changer for those yearning to explore Thailand’s vibrant streets, bustling markets, and rich cultural…
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Asian woman found dead on Phuket’s Kata Beach
An Asian woman was found dead on Kata Beach in Phuket early this morning. The grim find was made by a lifeguard, according to Karon police. The victim, who was clad in a black two-piece swimsuit, was approximately 160 centimetres tall, around 30 years old, with long black hair. Her body was discovered lying face down on the sand, directly…
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Thailand takes off with green aviation: SAF guidelines
Thailand’s Energy Ministry is poised to unveil groundbreaking guidelines on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the final quarter of this year, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). This initiative tackles the colossal carbon footprint of the energy sector, the top offender in global warming. With the energy sector spewing out a staggering 69% of total emissions—40% from…
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Thai Lion Air flight delayed over fake bomb threat at Indian airport
At India’s Cochin International Airport, a passenger’s fake bomb threat wreaked havoc, delaying Thai Lion Air flight SL211 and leading to the individual’s arrest. The drama unfolded today during a routine security check before the flight’s departure to Thailand. According to Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), the disruptive passenger made the bomb threat while undergoing the Secondary Ladder Point Check…
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Move Forward Party dissolved, leaders banned for 10 years (video)
The Constitutional Court of Thailand today announced a verdict to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP) over their efforts to reform the lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Law, and ban the managing executives of the party for 10 years. In April, the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) requested that the Constitutional Court consider dissolving…
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Drama, death, spirituality: The White Lotus season 3 teaser drops (video)
The first sneak peek of The White Lotus season 3 in Thailand has landed. The highly anticipated third season of Mike White’s hit murder mystery series, The White Lotus, was teased for just six seconds, but it revealed plenty. Despite production halts due to actors’ and writers’ strikes, everything is now back on track, with a 2025 release confirmed. The…
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PM Srettha’s mother honoured at royal cremation ceremony
The funeral of Chodchoi Thavisin, mother of Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, took place with significant figures from various sectors attending to pay their respects. His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua appointed General Surayud Chulanont, President of the Privy Council, to represent him in the royal cremation ceremony held at Wat Thepsirintrawat yesterday, August 6 at 5pm. Notable attendees…
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Thailand Parliament rejects pornography and sex toy legalisation
Parliament today rejected the Move Forward Party’s (MFP) proposal to legalise professions related to pornography and the sex toy industry. The decision was based on concerns about explicit advertising and potential violations of Muslim religious principles. MFP MP Taopiphop Limjittakorn submitted a draft to revise Section 287 of the Criminal Law to legalise professions related to pornography and the sex…
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Inmate charged with sexual assault in Bang Kwang Central Prison
A prisoner in Bang Kwang Central Prison has been charged with drugging and sexually assaulting a fellow inmate. Despite reporting the incident to prison staff, no action was initially taken, leading to further harassment and severe emotional distress for the victim. The incident occurred in a cell at Bang Kwang Central Prison on January 7. The victim decided to seek…
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Gold prices take a tumble: Time to strike while the metal’s hot
Gold prices experienced a significant drop today, prompting potential buyers to act quickly. As of today, August 7, gold jewellery is being sold at 40,700 baht per baht weight, a decrease of 400 baht compared to yesterday. This information comes from the Gold Traders Association (GTA), which released the latest prices at 9.07am. Gold bullion with 96.5% purity is being…
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Three insurgents killed in Pattani clash with security forces
Security forces in Thailand’s southern province of Pattani engaged in a fierce clash with a group of insurgents in the Khlong Chang area, resulting in three insurgents being killed. This incident follows a sequence of violent events linked to the insurgents over several years. The confrontation occurred during a law enforcement operation in Khlong Chang, Naket subdistrict, Khok Pho district,…
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4.8 million baht seized from Big Joke over alleged gambling links
The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) confiscated 4.8 million baht in life insurance cash surrender value from the former Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, and his wife as the couple was suspected of using proceeds from online gambling to pay for a life insurance policy. Big Joke and four other police officers in his…
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Red Shirt leader sentenced to five years for disclosing state secrets
The Criminal Court sentenced Red Shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan to five years in prison without probation for disclosing confidential state documents regarding Thai-Cambodian relations. His lawyer has filed for bail with collateral amounting to 250,000 baht. The Criminal Court convened yesterday, August 6, to deliver its verdict on the undecided case number 2540/2565. The public prosecutor had charged Thai politician…
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Pattaya City honours Queen Sirikit ahead of 92nd birthday
Pattaya City hosted an event to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother in anticipation of her 92nd birthday on August 12, which is Thailand’s Mother’s Day. The ceremony, held at 10.30am today, August 7, in the Thappraya Room at Pattaya City Hall, reflected the city’s deep respect and gratitude towards the Queen Mother. Mayor Poramese Ngampichet led the…
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Phuket Airport grounded: Power cut leaves flights in the dark
Phuket International Airport faced a brief power outage last night because of a power failure in the Provincial Electricity Authority’s (PEA) 115kV electricity distribution system. The outage, which started at 6.25pm, yesterday, August 6, impacted the Thalang district area, including the airport, according to an announcement from the Airports of Thailand Phuket branch (AoT Phuket). The disruption was attributed to…
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Fake cop caught with his pants down and penis out on social media
Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station in northern Thailand arrested a man impersonating a police officer after he sent lewd pictures of his penis to women on social media. A netizen took to a local Chiang Mai Facebook group to share a picture of the suspect and warned women to stay away from him because he randomly sent explicit pictures to…
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New pygmy hippo at Khao Kheow Zoo sparks naming contest
Khao Kheow Open Zoo recently announced a new addition to its family, a female pygmy hippopotamus born to parents Jona and Tony. The zoo is inviting the public to vote on the baby hippo’s name, with options including Moo Deng, Moo Daeng, and Moo Sub. On July 25, the zoo introduced a new member, born to 25 year old Jona…
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Thief arrested after stealing donation box from Saen Suk Temple
A thief was arrested after using bolt cutters to steal a donation box from Saen Suk Temple. He confessed and requested police for some incense to apologise to the temple’s guardian spirit, claiming the spirit had visited him in a dream and demanded he return the stolen items. Police yesterday, August 6, received orders from Police Major General Kiatkul Sonthinen,…
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Algerian boxer Khelif triumphs over Thai boxer Janjaem
In a welterweight semi-final clash at the Paris Olympics, Imane Khelif emerged victorious over Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng by unanimous decision, securing her place in the women’s final at Roland Garros. Khelif, a silver medallist at the 2022 World Championships, and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting have found themselves at the centre of a heated gender debate that has captivated the Olympic…
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