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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100,000 meth pills seized in Pathum Thani drug bust
A significant drug bust occurred in Pathum Thani when Thai police swooped to arrest a 28 year old man. A large cache of drugs was seized, including 100,000 methamphetamine pills, ice, ecstasy, heroin, and ketamine. This operation was conducted by the Metropolitan Police Bureau, led by various high-ranking officials, including Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom. The arrest of Theeraphong, also…
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Influenza cases surge to over 130,000 in two months
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has issued a warning about a surge in influenza cases, with over 130,000 patients reported in the past two months. DDC Director-General Panumas Yanwetsakul revealed that from January 1 to February 24, there were 131,826 reported cases of influenza, resulting in a dozen fatalities. The majority of cases were among children aged five to…
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Billion-baht business bust: 2 Chinese arrested in Phuket
In a massive crackdown on illegal business operations, two Chinese nationals were arrested in Phuket for using Thai nominees to conceal ownership of multiple lucrative ventures, including restaurants, international schools, hotels, car rentals, condominiums, and luxury villas. The duo’s investments were valued at approximately 1 billion baht, with 4.1 million baht in cash seized during the arrests for further investigation,…
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Fool’s gold: Man kills woman for fake jewellery, dumps body in field
Police arrested a Thai man on suspicion of murdering a woman and abandoning her body in a paddy field in the central province of Nakhon Pathom. After the killing he reportedly stole her gold accessories which were later confirmed to be fake. A Thai fisherman discovered the woman’s body in a paddy field in the Sampran district of Nakhon Pathom…
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Highway to the danger zone: RTAF to test Gripen fighter jet in Songkla
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is set to conduct a test involving the takeoff and landing of a Gripen fighter jet on Highway 4287 in Songkhla province tomorrow, February 27. The exercise, comprising two flights, is designed to boost operational flexibility by ensuring that operations can continue from alternative locations if airports are compromised, an Air Force source revealed.…
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Free Internet for disabled Thais under new government initiative
In a groundbreaking move to bridge the digital divide, a new initiative will provide free Internet access to over 1.1 million disabled people across Thailand. The programme, launched through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), and Bangkok Tellink, aims to empower disabled people by giving…
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Thailand still top choice for Chinese tourists despite decline
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) addressed claims that Chinese tourist numbers have plunged by 94%, with many supposedly opting to travel to Japan instead. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool confirmed that Thailand remains the top destination for Chinese tourists. She suggested that the recent decline might be linked to the government’s crackdown on call centre scams. Thapanee highlighted that despite…
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Dirty secret exposed: Illegal dumping scandal rocks East Pattaya
A shocking discovery of illegal construction waste dumped along a nearly 1-kilometre stretch of road near Motorway No.7 in East Pattaya has sparked outrage and a massive cleanup operation. The eyesore, located just before the municipal landfill, consisted of construction debris, tiles, cement scraps, foam boxes, and tree branches, turning the area into a stinking, unsanitary mess. Mayor Winai Inpitak…
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Stinging setback: Man knocked out after brutal hornet swarm attack
A 55 year old man suffered serious injuries yesterday after being attacked by a swarm of hornets, losing consciousness. The incident occurred near the Ang Thong-Sing Buri road’s entrance to Wat Ton Son Municipal School 1 in Talat Luang subdistrict, Mueang district, Ang Thong province. Emergency services were alerted at 6pm, yesterday, February 25, and upon arrival, they found the…
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Thailand video news | British man arrested in Chiang Mai for 25-year overstay, New MH370 search begins 11 years after disappearance
The latest edition of Thailand Video News covers key stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia, highlighting major events and pressing issues. Reports include a British man arrested in Chiang Mai for overstaying his visa by 25 years, a public outcry in Phuket over a foreigner walking naked into a convenience store, and a security guard attacking tourists on Bangla Road.…
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Wife killed and husband injured after gambling debts dispute
A domestic dispute over gambling debts led to a fatal stabbing in Khlong Wan subdistrict, Mueang district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Yesterday, February 25, a husband and wife quarrel escalated, resulting in the wife’s death and the husband’s severe injury. Upon arriving at the scene, a sombre atmosphere prevailed as locals and relatives gathered to prepare for the deceased’s funeral. The…
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Vietnamese fishing boat collides with Thai patrol ship in illegal entry
A Vietnamese fishing vessel collided with a Thai patrol ship after illegally entering Thai waters, leading to the arrest of one boat and its crew of four. Yesterday, February 25, at 5pm, the Royal Thai Navy’s HTMS Thepa and a patrol ship towed the foreign fishing vessel to the multi-purpose port in Khlong Yai district, Trat province. This event followed…
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Gate crashers: Thieves steal stainless-steel gate in broad daylight
Two suspects were detained following the outrageous theft of a large stainless-steel gate in broad daylight from a house in Mueang 4, Nong Prue district, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. The incident, involving a green pickup truck, was captured on surveillance cameras, leading to their arrest. Yesterday, February 25, Police Colonel Tawee Kutthalaeng, along with Deputy Police Superintendent Somchanok Fakphairoj and…
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People’s Party targets Bangkok 2026 election with pollution policies
The main opposition, the People’s Party (PP), is ambitiously aiming for a comprehensive victory in Bangkok’s gubernatorial election next year, with plans to address the city’s numerous challenges through targeted policies. Bangkok MP Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, responsible for the party’s election strategy, highlighted an early focus on combating air pollution during the launch of the Hackable Bangkok 2026 campaign yesterday, February…
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Thai van driver fined after schoolboy falls through back door
A Thai schoolboy survived after falling from a school van onto the road when the rear door accidentally opened while the vehicle was in motion in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat. A Thai man, Supachai Saetuang, who was driving behind the school van and witnessed the incident, shared dashcam footage on Facebook to warn other school van drivers and…
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Peeling good: 67 year old fruit vendor urges for support in Thailand
A 67 year old fruit vendor, known locally as “Uncle Kong,” who has been selling fruit for 47 years, is urging people to support his business rather than offer donations. If sales do not improve by April, he plans to move to a welfare home. Uncle Kong shared that he began selling fruit at the age of 20. Currently living…
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Con call: Elderly scammed out of 2.4 million baht in Yasothon
A phone scam targeting elderly people in Yasothon resulted in a 68 year old woman and a 75 year old man losing 2.4 million baht. After the incident, the fraudsters taunted the victims’ son by claiming his mother had been deceived to the point of shock. In late January, an unfamiliar number contacted Nanta, a 68 year old resident of…
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Police dismantle billion-baht foreign business network in Thailand
The Police Region 8 announced the results of its operation dismantling a foreign business network unlawfully taking jobs from Thais, with damages exceeding 1 billion baht. Yesterday, February 25, Police Major General Pornchai Khajornklin, Deputy Commander of Police Region 8, revealed the findings of an investigation and raid targeting foreign groups conducting illegal business activities in Thailand. The operation spanned…
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Fatal nap: Passenger found dead on Rayong-Nakhon Phanom bus
A routine bus journey turned tragic when a passenger was found dead in his seat, having been mistaken for being asleep by fellow travellers. The chilling discovery was made when the bus driver attempted to wake him at his stop, only to find his body cold and unresponsive. The incident occurred on a tour bus travelling from Rayong to Nakhon…
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Thai woman arrested with ketamine hidden in underwear at border
Police arrested a Thai woman with ketamine hidden in her underwear as she crossed the border in the Isaan province of Sa Kaeo after working as a party entertainer in Poipet, Cambodia. The 28 year old Thai woman, Sararat Saengmook, was stopped at the Khlong Luek Border Checkpoint in the Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo at about 10.30am yesterday, February…
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Man critically injured over unpaid debt of tens of thousands baht
A 32 year old man was shot and critically injured after failing to repay a debt of tens of thousands of baht. The incident occurred at 6am today, February 26, in a house located in the Mueang district of Chon Buri province. Police Lieutenant Chinawat Thisala was notified of the shooting. Emergency services and rescue units attended the scene and…
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Bangkok condo nightmare: Noise, cannabis, and daily rentals
Residents of a Bangkok condominium are at their wits’ end as daily rentals by foreigners have turned their once peaceful home into a noisy nightmare. Complaints of loud parties, the smell of cannabis lingering in hallways, and blatant rule-breaking at the swimming pool have become all too common, leaving long-term residents frustrated and desperate for solutions. The issue was recently…
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15 year old schoolboy stabs friend after girlfriend jibes (video)
A 15 year old schoolboy stabbed his friend at a temple near Matthayom Wat That Thong School in Bangkok yesterday, February 25, in anger after being repeatedly teased about his girlfriend. Patrol officers from Khlong Ton Police Station were called to investigate a stabbing at the temple near Ekkamai BTS Station at approximately 3.35pm yesterday. Upon arrival, officers found the…
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MRT breakdown leaves commuters stranded during rush hour
Commuters were left fuming during this morning’s rush hour as the MRT malfunctioned between Chatuchak Park Station and Phahon Yothin Station, stranding passengers and causing significant delays. The breakdown occurred at approximately 7.50am today, February 26, leaving hundreds of commuters stuck on platforms and inside trains. The MRT management quickly issued a statement at 8.30am. “The MRT is malfunctioning at…
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At least 17 deaths reported in coach bus accident in Prachin Buri
A coach bus crashed into a traffic barrier and overturned on the side of a road in the central province of Prachin Buri at 3.30am today, February 26, resulting in at least 17 deaths and multiple injuries. Officers from the Wang Khon Police Station in the Nadee district of Prachin Buri closed the right lane of Road Number 304 to…
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Room for concern: Foreign investors in Thai property causes a stir
Tourist industry insiders voiced concerns about the amount of foreign investors snapping up hotels, pool villas, and luxury digs in Thailand’s bustling tourist hotspots like Phuket and Bangkok. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), added his voice to the growing chorus of concern. He’s especially wary of Russian property owners flouting the rules by secretly renting out…
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Miss Grand Thailand 2025 gets 120 million baht sponsorship
Miss Grand Thailand 2025 made a spectacular debut at Bravo BKK yesterday, February 25, under the dazzling theme A Star Is Born, welcoming contestants from 77 provinces. The event, organised by Nawat Itsaragrisil, CEO of Miss Grand International Public Company Limited, marked the beginning of an intense competition filled with glamour, fierce rivalry, and undeniable beauty. This year’s event captivated…
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Weather alert issued for heavy rain across 24 Thai provinces
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather warning for today advising residents across 24 provinces to stay alert for heavy rainfall, flash floods, and forest runoff. Coastal areas may experience sea waves exceeding 3 metres due to weather conditions. The TMD’s 24-hour forecast indicates that the easterly and southeasterly winds bringing moisture from the South China Sea and…
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Bass-case scenario: Pattaya bar’s booming beats face the music
Pattaya police swooped on a notorious Pattaya beer bar complex after complaints from fed-up locals about the noise transforming their nights into a nightmare. On Tuesday, February 24, at 8.30pm, Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampichet had finally had enough and ordered a full-scale investigation of the hubbub hotspot in Soi Diana, South Pattaya, following a chorus of noise complaints from grumbling…
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Young Thai CEO charged in 800 million baht fraud case
In a shocking twist to a massive investment scam, the CEO of a Thai company has been charged with aiding fraudsters who defrauded victims out of 800 million baht through a fake digital investment scheme. The accused allegedly registered a company used by scammers to launder money, receiving just 500 baht for his role in the elaborate fraud. Police Colonel Thiraphas…
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