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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Residents flock to Phetchabun temple for lottery blessings
At Wat Rat Pradit Wararam in Ban Hin Ngon, Phetchabun province, residents gather to seek blessings from the revered Luang Pho Thanjai, a uniquely beautiful Burmese-style Buddha statue. Known for its strikingly feminine features, the statue has previously granted fortune to worshippers, even leading some to win the first prize in the lottery. Nestled in the heart of Ban Hin…
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Russian tour guides busted in Phuket crackdown
Thailand’s sun-soaked tourist trails turned tense this week as Phuket Tourist Police swooped in on illegal tour guide operations, arresting two Russian nationals and fining two tour companies in a coordinated sting targeting unlicensed tourism activity. The crackdown, conducted yesterday, April 23, was spearheaded by Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekkachai Siri and involved officers from multiple police units and the Southern…
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Suspect arrested after attempted gold shop robbery in Yasothon
A suspect identified has been arrested following an attempted robbery at a gold shop in Mueang district, Yasothon province. The incident occurred on April 21 when the suspect, 29 year old Yotthana, also known as Sam Hongthong, disguised with a helmet and face covering, used an object resembling a firearm to threaten the shop owner. However, the owner resisted, preventing…
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Trang woman claims uncut hair has supernatural powers (video)
A 52 year old woman from Trang province has maintained her hair uncut for over a decade, measuring at 1.17 metres in length. Known locally as “Pom Pee Chor” or “ghost hair,” attempts to cut it have been unsuccessful, reportedly causing illness to those who tried. Journalists visited Nutcha’s home in Wangwon subdistrict, Kantang district, Trang. Her hair, which appears…
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Bug in the eye sparks bike smash in East Pattaya
A routine evening ride turned into chaos in East Pattaya after a bizarre bug-related mishap led to a crash between two motorbikes, leaving both riders injured. The collision happened around 9pm on Tuesday, April 22 along the Huay Kai Nao – Ban Dan Phajon Road in the Khao Mai Kaew subdistrict. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Pattaya City Rescue…
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Man arrested in Bangkok for child pornography ring
The Combating Human Trafficking Division arrested a 22 year old man accused of producing and distributing child pornography and enticing minors into inappropriate behaviour. The arrest of the suspect, Nakharin, took place yesterday, April 23, in the Pravet district of Bangkok. Police were alerted by an account named S0PIDA_Nam with over 44,000 followers, which was posting advertisements for more than 100…
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Phuket to stage tsunami drill at Kamala Beach
Sun, surf… and sirens? Tourists and locals on Phuket’s Kamala Beach are set to witness a full-scale tsunami emergency drill as Thailand prepares for the worst with one of its biggest disaster response simulations to date. From June 24 to 27, the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket) will take part in the Crisis Management Exercise: C-MEX…
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White lines, don’t do it! British man nabbed in drugs & visa overstay
A British man’s island joyride ended in handcuffs in Koh Samui after he reportedly tried to dodge a police stop, only to be caught with drugs in his bag and an expired visa in his passport. What started as a routine patrol turned into a high-speed chase through the streets of Koh Samui after a British man gave police the…
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2 foreign tourists found dead in Phuket hotels
A holiday in paradise ended in tragedy yesterday after a 52 year old Swedish tourist was found dead in his hotel room in Patong, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his sudden death. Patong police were alerted to the incident at approximately 12.58pm yesterday, April 23. Officers quickly responded to the scene on Thaweewong Road, along with emergency…
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Thai university professor blames AI for nude pre-dick-ament
A Thai university professor blamed an artificial intelligence (AI) photo editor for a nude image of himself that circulated on social media platforms. The Facebook news page Big Kren recently reported on a group, known as OutdoorHDY, who are allegedly involved in outdoor sexual activities and produced pornographic videos at several public locations in the southern province of Songkhla. The group…
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Busted! Pakistani man lived ‘life after death’ with dead Thai’s ID
A crafty Pakistani conman has been cuffed after living in Thailand for over a decade, using the stolen identity of a dead man to travel in and out of the country more than 100 times. The 41 year old Pakistan national has been arrested in Bangkok for living a double life, quite literally, after police uncovered a jaw-dropping identity scam…
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Pattaya’s new parking rules spark confusion and complaints
Motorists in Pattaya may want to double-check where they park from now on, or risk fines, towing, and a whole lot of frustration. In a bid to unclog its traffic-choked streets, Pattaya City has rolled out new parking regulations on Pattaya South Road and Thepprasit Road, hoping to ease congestion and restore some order to the city’s notoriously chaotic roads.…
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Phuket Airport baggage belt still broken amid repairs
Holidaymakers flying out of Phuket are being urged to stay calm, despite ongoing baggage belt breakdowns that continue to cause delays at Thailand’s second-busiest international gateway. Yesterday, April 23, Phuket International Airport (HKT) confirmed that one of its four main baggage conveyor belts in the international terminal remains out of action, while three lines have been repaired and are back…
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Foreign man causes scene at Bangkok hotel over deposit dispute
A foreign man caused a commotion at a hotel in Bangkok, accusing the Thai staff of cheating him and his family by charging them extra. The bedlam was caused after the staff requested a deposit for the rooms they had booked. The TikTok user Stantheman705 shared a video of the foreign family arguing with Thai hotel staff on Sunday, April…
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Chinese tourist’s joyride ends in horror crash on Pattaya street
A Chinese tourist’s midnight thrill ride turned into a nightmare after he slammed his high-powered motorcycle into a utility pole in Pattaya, leaving him fighting for his life. The horrific crash occurred at 5.16am yesterday, April 23, in Soi Chaloem Phrakiat 3. Emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre rushed to the scene, joined by Police Lieutenant Anand…
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Royal Thai Navy captures illegal Indonesian fishing vessel near Koh Lipe
The Royal Thai Navy’s Region 3 Command apprehended an Indonesian fishing vessel illegally fishing in Thai waters near Koh Lipe. Five crew members were detained yesterday, April 23. The operation was led by the director of the Maritime National Interest Protection Command Centre, Region 3, Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakul. Vice Admiral Suwat instructed Commander Saenthai Buaniam, the deputy director of…
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Suspect arrested in Songkhla monk shooting
Police have apprehended a suspect in the shooting of a novice monk collecting alms in Saba Yoi district, Songkhla province. The weapon used in the crime was reportedly stolen from a police officer in Na Pradu Police Station. The suspect, identified as Nasri (surname withheld), was captured at his residence following tips from residents and evidence from CCTV footage and…
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Thailand’s war on cyber fraud gets a major upgrade
Thailand is beefing up its fight against online scams in a big way — and it’s coming for the fraudsters faster than ever. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) is set to transform its Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre into a fully-fledged department, following the implementation of a powerful new emergency decree that came into effect on April 13.…
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Homeless man arrested for filming volunteer in Bangkok toilet
A homeless man was apprehended after secretly filming a female volunteer bathing in a portable toilet near the site of a collapsed building in Bangkok. The incident occurred early today, April 24, when the victim reported the invasion of privacy to the police at 12.30am. Somchai Chomchat, a committee member of the Sai Mai District Civil Protection Volunteer Centre, recounted…
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8,000 runners set for biggest Phuket marathon yet
Lace up those trainers and pack your sunblock — the Laguna Phuket Marathon 2025 is set to be the biggest yet, drawing more than 8,000 runners from 50 countries for an unforgettable weekend of sweat, speed, and stunning scenery. Phuket Governor Sopon Suwannarat and Laguna Phuket’s Managing Director Paul Wilson officially launched the event at a press conference in Bangkok yesterday, April…
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Panic button: Thailand to blast phones with emergency alert tests
Don’t panic if your phone suddenly screams at you in May — it’s not the end of the world, just a test. Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has announced a nationwide test of its emergency Cell Broadcast alert system, with thousands of phones set to blare warnings across selected locations. The staged tests are scheduled for May…
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Bomb attack in Pattani leaves seven injured in volunteer vehicle (video)
A bomb attack targeted a vehicle belonging to a volunteer defence force in Thung Yang Daeng district, Pattani province, injuring seven personnel. The incident occurred yesterday, April 23, at 3.16pm when the armoured pickup truck was crossing the Pakuh Bridge towards the Khomis market. The perpetrators and their numbers remain unknown, as the explosive detonated along the highway. The injured…
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Siriraj Hospital urges use of advanced radiology technology
Siriraj Hospital is advocating for the use of advanced technology in interventional radiology, a minimally invasive procedure that targets specific medical treatments. The hospital emphasised that investing in this technology could save more lives and has called on the government to consider its importance. Doctor Yongyut Sirivatanauksorn, director of Siriraj Hospital, highlighted the establishment of the Siriraj Centre of Interventional…
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Gambling site link to academic scandal uncovered in Bangkok
Evidence, consisting of secret chat logs and money transfer slips, has emerged linking a notorious gambling website operator to an academic scandal involving a police general. Yesterday, April 23, at the Technology Crime Suppression Division 1, Police Major General Siriwat Deephor, head of the division, announced the arrest of 53 year old Kanittha. She was apprehended at her residence in…
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Jealous Thai teen confesses to fatal abuse of 4 year old adopted brother
Police arrested an 18 year old Thai teen in the central province of Prachin Buri for the fatal abuse of a four year old boy, whom his father had adopted. The suspect reportedly admitted to harming the child out of jealousy. The 52 year old man, Rattana Saengsuwimon, reported the death of his adopted son, Kao, to officers at Rabopai…
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Commerce Ministry targets foreign nominees in 6 sectors
The Commerce Ministry has updated its nominee inspection strategy, focusing on six high-risk sectors. Auramon Supthaweethum, Director General of the Department of Business Development (DBD), stated that the agency is intensifying investigations into businesses suspected of using Thai nationals as nominees to conceal foreign ownership. This initiative aims to address the issue of foreign-operated nominee businesses that affect investor confidence…
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Police seize cannabis in secret bread tin operation in Samut Prakan
Officers from Bang Kaeo Police Station apprehended a group involved in the illegal sale of cannabis flowers, which were being discreetly packed in bread tins and sold online. Police seized over 500 kilogrammes of cannabis, valued at more than 5 million baht 5 (US$149,020), during a raid conducted at 2pm, yesterday, April 23. Police Colonel Adirek Thongkamkaew, along with deputy…
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Deadly heatwave to scorch Phuket, Bangkok and 35 provinces
Thailand is bracing for a brutal blast of heat, with public health officials warning that a life-threatening heatwave is set to grip Phuket, Bangkok, and 35 other provinces. The Department of Health has raised the alarm, predicting the heat index, the temperature people feel when humidity is factored in, will soar to dangerously high levels. Phuket is expected to hit…
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Phumtham denies visa scandal derailed US trade talks
Rumours are swirling about US visa sanctions throwing a spanner in Thailand’s trade negotiations but Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai says it’s all smoke and no fire. In a press briefing yesterday, April 23, Phumtham hit back at claims that visa bans, imposed over Thailand’s controversial deportation of Uyghur refugees to China in February, had sidelined key Thai negotiators from upcoming…
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South Korean man injured in restaurant bill dispute with Pattaya women
A South Korean man sustained a cut wound to his hand after attempting to wrest a knife from a Thai woman during a dispute over a restaurant bill in Pattaya. Rescuers from the Sawang Borriboon Dhammasathan Foundation were dispatched to a small alley near Pattaya Walking Street at around 9am, yesterday, April 23, to provide first aid to the 32…
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