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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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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Thailand Video News | Thailand’s $14 Billion Handout Scheme Faces Initial Hurdles, Dutch Teenager Falls to Death from Cliff in Krabi
In this Thailand video needs, Alex and Jay delve into the news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia countries. The video highlights several pressing issues, including Thailand’s $14 billion handout scheme encountering initial hurdles, the tragic fall of a Dutch teenager from a cliff in Krabi, and the arrest of a Japanese man for attempted rape in Bangkok. Additionally,…
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Transwoman busted at Bangkok hotel for pimping out teenage girls
Officers from the Children and Women Protection Sub-Division arrested a Thai transwoman at a hotel in Bangkok for pimping out two teenage girls, aged 16 and 17. Officers found several advertisements for the young sex workers on various social media platforms, so they posed as clients and contacted the 30 year old transgender woman, Samart, who had shared the ads.…
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Nonthaburi: Elderly man found dead in car after altercation
An elderly man was found dead in his car after a heated argument with a younger colleague escalated into violence. The incident occurred at a company in Sai Noi district, Nonthaburi province. The discovery of the deceased, Prasert Donkaew, a 77 year old company driver, was made when his lifeless body was found inside a white Toyota Hilux Revo parked…
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US ambassador to join PM’s drug mission in Thailand
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is considering inviting US Ambassador Robert F Godec to the northern region later this month to observe the progress in anti-drug operations. The Thai premier yesterday revealed that he and Godec discussed the country’s drug problems on Wednesday, July 31. While the US anti-narcotics agency collaborates with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, there have…
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Attempted murder suspect stabs Thai police officer during arrest
A Thai man stabbed a police officer during an arrest for attempted murder in the Isaan province of Phichit yesterday, August 1. The injured police officer, Pairat Saenamart, and an investigating team from Mueang Phichit Police Station discovered the wanted suspect, 40 year old Manit Chimthong, hiding in a house in the Tha Luang sub-district in Phichit after a previous…
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Bangkok requests extension to settle BTS Skytrain debt
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced yesterday that the city will require additional time to address its substantial debt owed to Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), the operator of the BTS Skytrain. The debt, amounting to billions of baht, was accumulated through hiring BTSC to manage the electric train service on two extended sections of the BTS, known as the…
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Butterbear brings joy to children battling cancer at Siriraj Hospital
Butterbear, the popular mascot beloved by teens and office workers, recently visited Siriraj Hospital to lift the spirits of children battling cancer. The visit was warmly received by doctors, nurses, and the young patients themselves. Butterbear made a special appearance at Ananda Mahidol 6 Ward, engaging in charitable activities to support young cancer patients. The event was documented by the…
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Thai senators pledge better welfare for media professionals
Senators from professional group No.18, specialising in mass communication and literature, have committed to enhancing the status and quality of life for media professionals. One of the leading senators in this group, Chaiyong Maneerungsakul, revealed that the recently elected Senate candidates come from diverse media backgrounds, including roles such as public relations officers in hospitals. As the most senior senator…
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Community chief ends life after shooting ex-girlfriend in Phetchaburi
A Thai community chief in the southern province of Phetchaburi committed suicide after shooting his ex-girlfriend at her beauty salon. Fortunately, the woman survived the shooting but remains in a critical condition. A Thai man, Luechai, rushed to his girlfriend’s beauty salon in the Banlat district of Phetchaburi after hearing two gunshots while talking to her on the phone. Upon…
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Pattaya City achieves 99.41 score in anti-corruption assessment
Pattaya City achieved a significant milestone by securing a score of 99.41 in the Integrity and Transparency Assessment (ITA) conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). This assessment evaluates ethical practices and transparency among local administrative organisations across Thailand. Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampichet proudly shared the results for the fiscal year 2024, highlighting the comprehensive evaluation by the NACC. A…
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AIS, Oracle Alloy unveil Thailand’s first hyperscale cloud service
Advanced Info Service (AIS) announced a partnership with Oracle Alloy to introduce Thailand’s first locally owned and operated hyperscale cloud infrastructure services. This significant collaboration aims to enhance the country’s cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, currently valued at around 100 billion baht. The newly formed partnership, confirmed to involve a joint investment of up to 8 billion baht by…
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Pattaya seeks public input on Red Line Monorail Project
Pattaya City held a public consultation to gather feedback on the proposed Red Line Monorail Project. The meeting featured presentations on environmental impact mitigation measures and the planned route. Residents attended the session to review the details and provide suggestions to ensure the project meets community needs. Local officials revealed that the Red Line Monorail will stretch from Dolphin Roundabout…
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Belgian thief’s key to crime: Unlocking 200,000 baht (video)
Songkhla Provincial Immigration Police yesterday arrested a Belgian man after he stole hotel key cards from Thai and Malaysian victims and robbed them of 200,000 baht. Police arrested the 26 year old Belgian thief, Abdelali, at a hotel in the Hat Yai district of Songkhla province yesterday, August 1, after the Thai and Malaysian victims filed a theft complaint with…
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Thailand to increase forest ranger salaries and workforce
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment plans to bolster its forest protection efforts by increasing the number of forest rangers, aiming to alleviate the current workload and enhance forest conservation across the nation. Ratchata Pisitbannakorn, assistant to Environment Minister Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, highlighted the ministry’s appreciation for the diligent work of rangers during a World Ranger Day event on Wednesday,…
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Thailand’s bike boom hits a brake with debt drag
Thailand’s motorcycle manufacturing output is expected to continue its decline in the second half of the year due to high household debt and a weak economy, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The FTI Vice-Chairman and spokesperson for the federation’s Automotive Industry Club, Surapong Paisitpatanapong, commented on the challenging economic conditions. He noted that while the motorcycle industry…
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Phatthalung named agricultural product development hub
Phatthalung has been designated as the southern hub for an agricultural product development initiative by the Thailand Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Trade of Thailand, and the Provincial Chamber of Commerce. This decision aims to bolster the agricultural sector by showcasing and distributing quality local products nationwide. At least eight agricultural products from Phatthalung have received the government’s Product…
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Thailand invests 1 billion baht to boost AI skills and startups
Thailand is poised to harness the momentum of the global artificial intelligence (AI) trend, aiming to transition from an AI user to an AI application creator, as stated by the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC). The country’s strategy involves leveraging its robust ecosystem, which includes high-performance computing infrastructure, thriving data centres, and ongoing development of skilled employees, research…
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Prize winner takes home 6 million baht in Thai lottery draw (video)
The latest lottery draw took place today at the Government Lottery Office (GLO) building in Nonthaburi. The winning numbers for today’s draw (August 1) have been announced, with the grand prize winner taking home 6 million baht. The first prize comes with two adjacent prizes, each worth 100,000 baht. The second prize has five winners, each receiving 200,000 baht, while…
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Chinese-owned factory fined 1.8 billion baht for waste water in reservoir
Chachoengsao Provincial Court fined a Chinese-owned factory 1.8 billion baht for releasing waste water into the Jone Reservoir in the central province of Chachoengsao. THH Moly Processing Company’s illegal action came to light in 2019 after 2 million cubic metres of water in the Jone Reservoir was contaminated with multiple toxic substances. Locals could not use the water for consumption…
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Thailand outbound travel takes a dive amid economic woes
Thailand’s outbound travel market is facing a sharp decline, with consumer spending power plummeting and overseas holiday plans on hold. Charoen Wangananont, President of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), revealed in an exclusive interview with Krungthep Turakij that economic uncertainties have led many Thais to postpone international trips to avoid extra costs during these tough times. “We had initially…
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Buffet restaurant Daidomon to close final branch in Thailand
Legendary buffet restaurant Daidomon will close its remaining branch on August 5, bringing an end to its 41-year history. This announcement has left buffet enthusiasts across Thailand disheartened. The Daidomon chain has faced persistent financial difficulties, which led to the closure of its Daidomon Korean Grill branch at Central Ubon Ratchathani on April 30. Until now, the only remaining branch…
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Severe flooding in Mae Hong Son threatens rice fields
Heavy rainfall in Mae Hong Son has caused the Mae Sa Nga River to overflow, flooding over 1,000 rai of rice fields. The famous Sutongpe Bridge, a well-known tourist spot, is also at risk of submersion, with landslides blocking several roads. Mae Hong Son is currently facing a crisis due to continuous heavy rainfall which has led to severe flooding…
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Japanese man arrested for attempted rape of drunk Thai woman
A Thai woman took legal action against a Japanese man for attempting to rape her while she was drunk at Royal City Avenue (RCA) in Bangkok in the early hours of Sunday. The victim and her boyfriend filed a complaint at Makkasan Police Station after the incident occurred at about 4.40am on Sunday, July 28. The couple also obtained footage…
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Temu’s takeover: Thai e-commerce expert warns of price war
The Thai e-commerce landscape is about to face a major upheaval, warns Pawoot Pongvitayapanu, CEO of Creden.co and PaySolutions. Speaking on Krungthep Turakij’s Deep Talk programme, Pawoot cautioned that the arrival of the Chinese online retail giant Temu on Monday could spell trouble for local retailers already battling fierce competition. Pawoot highlighted that while Thai consumers are already familiar with…
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What is the current state of Thailand’s casino legislation, and how likely is it to change in the near future?
Thailand stands on the brink of a potentially transformative shift in its approach to gambling. For many years, casinos have been completely banned in the country, reflecting a conservative stance deeply rooted in cultural and legal traditions. However, recent developments suggest that Thailand might be on the path to legalising and regulating casino operations, marking a significant departure from its…
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Digital wallet scheme sees 5.8 million registrations in three hours
Registration for the digital wallet scheme surged to 5.8 million people within just three hours. Officials expected the number to hit 7 million by noon today, following the government’s launch of a scheme allowing citizens to claim 10,000 baht via a digital wallet through the Tang Rat application on smartphones. This initiative, open from today, August 1 to September 15,…
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Dutch teenager falls to death from cliff at viewpoint in Krabi
An 18 year old Dutch teenager yesterday fell to his death from the Ngon Nak Nature Trail viewpoint in the southern province of Krabi after he became separated from his family. A Dutch couple, Karin Monique Valkhoff and Rinus Gerard Bakker, yesterday, July 31, sought help from Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park rangers after their 18 year…
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Villagers seek fortune from mysterious ancient stone in Buriram
An elderly man and his family performed a ceremony to seek fortune from a mysterious stone resembling an ancient boundary marker, which they unearthed 10 years ago and have since remained safe. His son revealed experiencing unusual sensations upon first touching the stone. During a local ceremony yesterday, 86 year old Samran Kaewkhunthong, his family, and fellow villagers from the…
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Thai rice exports forecasted to drop below 8 million tonnes in 2025
Thai rice exports are projected to fall below 8 million tonnes next year, facing several challenges that threaten their competitiveness. Key issues include insufficient research and development (R&D) in rice varieties, a rising global supply of rice, and the potential lifting of India’s rice export restrictions by the end of the year. Charoen Laothamatas, president of the Thai Rice Exporters…
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Korean Air’s new 787-10 takes flight to Thailand
Korean Air is set to dazzle travellers with the deployment of its first Boeing 787-10, taking off on the Seoul Incheon to Bangkok route from today, August 1. This marks a significant milestone, as Thailand becomes the inaugural Southeast Asian destination for the airline’s newest widebody jet. The SkyTeam Alliance member currently operates four daily flights on this bustling route,…
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