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 How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Drunk Thai woman attempts hara-kiri after dispute with husband
A Thai woman today attempted to perform hara-kiri, cutting open her stomach, after a dispute with her husband while they were both drunk at a rented house in Chiang Mai province. Officers from Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station and rescuers arrived at the two-storey house in the Mueang district of the province at about 2am, today, March 24, after receiving…
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Bangkok choking: PM2.5 toxic dust clouds capital in pollution panic
Bangkok and a staggering 57 out of 76 provinces across Thailand found themselves gasping for breath today, as hazardous PM2.5 dust levels enveloped the nation. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) sounded the alarm, highlighting the north, northeast, central plain, and east regions with red-level warnings, while the south enjoyed clearer skies. GISTDA deem PM2.5 levels below 37.5…
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Thailand warns vaping could lead to 5 years in prison
Following the Government of Thailand’s recent decisive action on e-cigarettes or vapes, anyone caught with the illegal items could face up to five years in prison and a hefty fine. Residents are also encouraged to report vape users or vendors through an official mobile application. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has now taken a firm stance against vaping, despite having previously supported…
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Phuket cops bag major methamphetamine suspect in Thalang bust
Phuket police collared a major drug suspect in Thalang, seizing a staggering stash of methamphetamine. The dramatic operation, spearheaded by Thalang Police Chief, Police Colonel Nikorn Chuathong, unfolded on Friday, March 21. Leading the charge was Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Luecha and his team of investigators from Thalang Police Station. Their target? Prasan “Him” Nopparat, a 45 year old alleged…
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2 suspects arrested, 2 police injured in illegal gun crackdown
Two Thai police officers sustained injuries during a shooting while carrying out an illegal gun crackdown in Bangkok at the weekend. One suspect was arrested at the scene, while another surrendered the following day. A 62 year old witness reported the shooting on Soi Sook Anan in the Kannayao district of Bangkok to Kannayao Police Station at about 8.30pm on Saturday,…
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Pattaya police beef up patrols to tackle crime surge
In response to a recent spike in criminal activities, Pattaya police rolled out a robust initiative to keep the city’s streets safe. Officers today, assembled at Pattaya City Police Station to deploy newly trained patrol units dedicated to maintaining order and preventing crime. This move comes after a series of unsettling incidents. Notably, a 71 year old British tourist was…
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Speeding driver causes major crash, minor injuries reported
A major collision occurred between an employee bus and a speeding pickup truck driver when the bus attempted a U-turn on Phan Thong-Ban Kao Road in Phan Thong district, Chon Buri, at 5.30am this morning, March 24. The pickup truck, unable to stop in time, crashed into the rear of the bus. Police are reviewing CCTV footage for further investigation.…
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Thai motorcycle taxi rider loses nearly 30,000 baht in fake dollar scam
A Thai motorcycle taxi rider lost nearly 30,000 baht after a scammer tricked him into exchanging fake dollar banknotes at a bank in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok. The motorcycle taxi rider, 43 year old Saksan Phungphat, carried his baby boy to seek help from Channel 3 after police allowed the scammer to remain at large despite his loss of…
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Thai doctor mysteriously dies in bloodstained shorts in Bangkok condo
A Thai doctor mysteriously died in his condominium in the Thonglo area of Bangkok. The doctor’s body was discovered in his bed by his boyfriend yesterday, March 23. Officers at Thong Lo Police Station were alerted to the death of the doctor, 37 year old Prakit, at 8.33am yesterday. The person who reported the incident was Prakit’s boyfriend, whose name…
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Truck-stop terror: Motorcyclist smashes into lorry near Pattaya
A 21 year old Cambodian motorcyclist was left seriously injured after colliding with a parked 18-wheeler on Sukhumvit Road, Bang Lamung, near Pattaya. Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre was alerted to the crash at 2.06am, yesterday, March 23, near the Krating Lai Bridge, heading towards Bangkok in Chon Buri province. Rescue volunteers and medical teams rushed to the scene. A…
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United Nations urges Thailand to collaborate for sustainable future
A United Nations official called on the Government of Thailand, private sector, and communities to collaborate for the nation’s sustainable future. Kanni Wignaraja, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Development Programme, highlighted the need for inclusivity in these efforts. During her recent visit to Thailand for the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2025, held from…
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Thailand video news | Thailand delays decision on cutting visa-free stay to 30 days, Philippines adds buses, trains amid transport strike
In Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover key updates, including Thailand’s delayed decision on reducing visa-free stays and a dramatic BMW crash in Phuket. A German man linked to dentist attacks was found dead in Korat, while a violent brawl at MBK Center has sparked calls for tighter mall security. A British tourist alleges mistreatment in a Thai jail,…
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Slow progress in Thaksin hospital aid probe due to limited info
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) reported that the investigation into allegations of government officials aiding former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in obtaining medical treatment at the Police General Hospital (PGH), bypassing prison detention, is progressing slowly due to limited access to information. Saroj Phungramphan, the NACC Secretary General, stated yesterday, March 23, that their team is gathering evidence, including witness…
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Pattaya motorbike thief crashes student’s birthday bash
A Pattaya motorbike thief become a party pooper in the early hours of this morning, ruining a student’s birthday party celebrations, as revealed by a social media post that’s gone viral. CCTV footage from yesterday, March 23, at 8pm revealed a daring theft unfolding in Soi Buakhao. The clip captured a thief effortlessly making off with a black Honda PCX—license plate…
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Thailand urged to review new co-payment health insurance rule
The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) urged the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) to reevaluate the new co-payment health insurance rule, calling it unjust for consumers and ineffective in addressing fundamental issues. Implemented on March 20, the rule requires policyholders to cover up to 50% of medical expenses, replacing the previous comprehensive coverage plan. Post-Covid-19 pandemic, rising healthcare costs and an…
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Blazing bandit: Foreign thief tunnels into Phuket weed shop
A foreign man remains at large after drilling through the wall of a cannabis store in Phuket to steal products worth 30,000 baht and 2,000 baht in cash on Saturday, March 22. The owner of the cannabis store, Saen Sook Smoke Weed, 24 year old Kwan, filed a theft complaint with officers at Patong Police Station on Saturday afternoon, March…
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Thaksin wades into Thailand debt storm with bold bailout plan
Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has reignited debate over the country’s mounting debt crisis, urging the government to buy up bad loans to help struggling households. The 75 year old’s proposal? The state should step in, purchase non-performing loans (NPLs) from financial institutions, and wipe debt-ridden individuals off the National Credit Bureau’s blacklist. But not everyone is convinced by…
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Storm warning: Thai provinces brace for a real reign of terror
The Meteorological Department of Thailand has forecasted severe weather conditions for today, March 24, predicting heavy rain in nine provinces, affecting 20% of the areas. Northern Thailand is expected to face extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celcius (°C). A low-pressure system due to heat is covering northern Thailand, while a weakening high-pressure system or cool air mass…
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Toddler takes the wheel: SUV crash kills two children in Buriram
A female SUV driver crashed and killed two children, aged nine and 13, on a motorcycle in the Isaan province of Buriram on Saturday, March 22. The SUV driver’s two year old child reportedly sat on her lap and grabbed the steering wheel, leading to the crash. The fatal accident was reported to officers at Satuek Police Station and the…
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Thai delegation aims for 7.3 billion baht rice deal in South Africa
The Commerce Ministry of Thailand has dispatched a delegation to South Africa to promote Thai rice, aiming to finalise a major export deal valued at approximately 7.3 billion baht. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan assigned Worawong Ramangkura, Assistant Minister of Commerce, to lead a delegation from March 24 to March 30, including representatives from the Thai Rice Exporters Association, General Mill…
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Thief steals gold worth 7.8 million baht in Ayutthaya heist
A lone thief armed with a gun stole gold worth over 7 million baht in under a minute at a shopping mall in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The incident occurred at 6.30pm yesterday, March 23. The deputy investigator at Phra In Racha Police Station received a report about the armed robbery at a gold store located within a shopping mall…
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Massage gets a rub down: Thailand cracks whip on shady parlours
The Thai government is cracking down on dodgy massage parlours that are tarnishing the reputation of nuad Thai, as the industry faces a shortage of 50,000 skilled practitioners. The Ministry of Public Health is stepping in to restore the craft’s credibility, amid concerns that inconsistent standards and seedy businesses have led to Thai massage being wrongly linked to brothels. Adviser…
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House of cards tumbles: Cops bust Hua Hin gambling ring
Six suspects have been rounded up in a dramatic police raid on an illegal online gambling empire operating out of Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) swooped in on LAVAMAX1688, a shadowy betting network that had raked in over 8 million baht in just eight months. With arrest warrants issued for seven people, officers stormed…
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PPRP’s Prawit to challenge PM Paetongtarn in censure debate
Attention has focused on the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader, Prawit Wongsuwon, amid speculation regarding his recruitment of Pheu Thai Party MP, Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung, for the upcoming censure debate against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. They are anticipated to present serious allegations against the government. PPRP Secretary-General, Paiboon Nititawan, confirmed that Prawit will speak following the opening remarks by…
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Thai military arrests Chinese man with 38 Starlink receivers
Thai military and police apprehended a Chinese national for allegedly smuggling 38 Starlink satellite receivers, suspected to be destined for a call centre gang in a neighbouring country. Yesterday, March 22, the Rachamanu Special Task Force, along with the anti-narcotics unit and police, set up a checkpoint at Ban Huai Yao, Village 10, in Dan Mae Lamao subdistrict, Mae Sot…
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Forest fire officer in Phayao dies during patrol efforts
A forest fire officer in Phayao tragically passed away after collapsing during patrol efforts to prevent and control forest fires. Yesterday, March 22, it was reported that the forest fire situation in Phayao province had eased following artificial rain, which extinguished fires in three district areas. Government officials, local leaders, volunteers, and forest fire patrol teams continue to work to…
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Chinese detained in Bangkok hotel for 11 billion baht fraud
Immigration officers in Bangkok have detained a Chinese man at a luxury hotel in Ratchaprasong, who was evading fraud charges for embezzling billions of baht. The suspect had changed his identity and acquired Vanuatu nationality on March 22. Officers of the Immigration Bureau have directed their units to enhance crime prevention efforts, particularly targeting illegal immigration and foreign nationals involved in…
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Couple confesses to gruesome murder over debt collection
Police have apprehended a couple accused of murdering a young woman over a debt, dismembering her body, and burying the remains behind their home before fleeing to Chiang Mai. They confessed that resentment over debt collection and offensive remarks led to the crime. Yesterday, March 22, at 1pm, Police Lieutenant Somphop Niamjamroen of Don Tum Police Station in Nakhon Pathom…
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Thailand plans 1 trillion baht land bridge to boost trade efficiency
The Ministry of Transport has introduced draft legislation for establishing a Southern Economic Zone, facilitating a substantial Land Bridge transport project to connect the Andaman Sea with the Gulf of Thailand. This bill proposes a commission to expedite the Southern Economic Corridor’s development across Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit expressed hopes for the…
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Thunderstorms and haze forecasted across Thailand’s provinces
The Meteorological Department has forecasted thunderstorms in 12 provinces, affecting 20% of the area. Northern Thailand is experiencing high temperatures and haze, with Bangkok expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius (°C) today, March 23. The low-pressure system over northern Thailand is increasing temperatures due to the weakening high-pressure system covering upper Thailand. This results in hot and hazy daytime conditions…
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