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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Bank on it: Chinese counterfeit cash caper at Chatuchak Market
Police arrested a Chinese man at the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok yesterday with 95 counterfeit 1,000-baht banknotes in his possession. Officers from Bang Sue Police Station were called to the market yesterday, October 27, by the owner of a glasses shop, Phatcharanat, who informed them that the Chinese man, identified as Su Zhenfeng, paid 200 baht for glasses with…
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Explosion at Thai zinc factory kills 2 Burmese workers, injures 28
A devastating explosion at a zinc production facility in Kabin Buri district, Prachinburi, has left two Burmese workers dead and 28 others injured. The shocking incident unfolded yesterday, October 27, with Thai national media reporting that around 70 employees were on-site at the time, out of a total workforce of 232. Local officials from the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation…
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Motorbike crash in Pattaya leaves rider critically injured
A motorbike crash in Naklua, Pattaya, has left a rider in serious condition after a terrifying incident early yesterday morning. Emergency responders raced to the scene near Soi Sukhumvit 3 at 3.36am, yesterday, October 27, where they found chaos unfolding. The scene was grim, with the motorbike heavily wrecked and the rider, an unidentified man believed to be around 35…
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Bangkok Art Biennale returns with 200 contemporary art pieces in 11 venues
The biennial art festival, Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB), returns with 200 pieces of contemporary art at 11 landmarks around the city from October 24 to February 25, 2025. The international contemporary art festival BAB 2024 marks its fourth iteration this year. The Bangkok Art Biennale Foundation organises the festival in collaboration with the Thai Beverage Company, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration…
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Heroic driver rams gunman on motorcycle in Phatthalung
A dramatic incident unfolded today when a brave man reversed his pickup truck to ram into a motorcycle whose rider had been firing shots at random vehicles. Police have identified the suspect and are poised to issue an arrest warrant on charges of attempted murder. Today, October 27, Police Lieutenant Pakorn Chaiprom from Lam Pam Police Station in Mueang district,…
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Diamond ring recovered after 30-hour search in Nakhon Phanom landfill (video)
A diamond ring lost in a rubbish pit in Nakhon Phanom sparked significant social media interest after its owner spent 30 hours searching for it. The incident was documented on TikTok, capturing the extensive efforts to recover the ring. The story began when the owner removed the diamond ring while washing hands, only to have it accidentally fall into the…
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Police pursue school director’s daughter for 15 million baht fraud
Police are set to issue a summons for the daughter of a school director involved in a fraudulent savings scheme that has swindled over 15 million baht. The family maintains they were unaware of her actions, and her whereabouts remain unknown. A significant case emerged in Ban Kruat district, Buriram province, where local traders presented evidence, including chat messages and…
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Two students drown in Chon Buri reservoir whirlpool tragedy
Two students drowned in a reservoir after being sucked into a whirlpool while swimming to beat the heat during their school holidays. Friends called for help, but it was too late. Their bodies were found by divers an hour later. Police Lieutenant Colonel Pornchai Lueaphon, an investigator from Phlu Ta Luang Police Station in Chon Buri province, received the distress…
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Man cuts off EM bracelet, takes girlfriend hostage in Chon Buri
A man recently released on bail cut off his electronic monitoring bracelet and took his girlfriend hostage at a condominium in Chon Buri. Police stormed the unit after negotiations failed, rescuing the woman and arresting the suspect. Today, October 27, police, led by Police Colonel Wattanachai Sangrit, coordinated with over 20 officers and local government officials to raid a condominium…
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Tourists save injured Mae Khaeng turtle Kamkaew with quick action
A group of tourists played a crucial role in rescuing a critically injured turtle named Kamkaew at Mae Khaeng Luang Waterfall. The turtle was found immobile on the sand, suffering from visible injuries. Swift action by the tourists and park officials ensured Kamkaew received timely medical attention. Yesterday, Wiang Kosai National Park’s Facebook page shared images and details about the…
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Tropical Storm Chami prompts warning for heavy rains in 44 provinces
Weather conditions today prompted the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) to issue the 11th warning for Tropical Storm Chami. Heavy rains are expected to hit 44 provinces, including Bangkok, from today through October 29, cautioning residents about potential flash floods and forest runoff. TMD, under the acting director Sukanya Yawichan, has issued the 11th announcement regarding Tropical Storm Chami. The tropical…
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People’s Party challenges congestion fees, urges investment in public transport
The People’s Party (PP) is challenging the government’s proposal to introduce traffic congestion fees, advocating instead for the development of a comprehensive public transport network to alleviate urban crowding. Surachet Praweewongwut, a list-MP for PP, argued that while congestion charges might help ease traffic, the current feeder system is insufficient to persuade people to switch from private cars to public…
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7 hidden health threats every expat man in Thailand needs to know
Living as an expat in Thailand surely offers a vibrant lifestyle, but certain health risks may catch you off guard. While Thailand has a solid healthcare system, it’s important to stay aware of potential threats that could affect your well-being. Here are seven hidden health issues expat men in Thailand should watch out for, and tips on how to manage…
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Thai nationals unscathed in Israeli attack on Tehran, says ministry
Thai nationals remain unaffected by the recent Israeli attack in Tehran, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. Nikorndej Balankura, the ministry’s spokesman, reported that the Thai Embassy in Tehran has been in constant communication with the ministry. According to the Thai Association in Iran, no Thai nationals were impacted by the attack. Balankura noted that Iran’s air…
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Call for Thai government to aid 110 trafficked victims in Myanmar
A call for government intervention has risen, urging the officials to assist 110 victims of human trafficking who were deceived and transported through Thailand to engage in illegal work in Myanmar. The Network for Victim Assistance in Human Trafficking addressed an open letter to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, highlighting the plight of the victims. These individuals, hailing from nine countries,…
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Dugong deaths rise, experts warn of drastic decline in Andaman Sea
Eight dugongs have died and washed ashore this month, according to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). Marine ecosystem expert Thon Thamrongnawasawat has warned that in five to eight years, only a few dozen dugongs might remain in the Andaman Sea. The DMCR reported that between October 1 and October 24, four male and four female dugongs were…
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Second phase of Khon Kaen to Nong Khai railway starts this year
Construction for the second phase of the double-track railway from Khon Kaen to Nong Khai will commence at the end of this year, with an estimated budget of 28.6 billion baht. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Governor, Veeris Ammarapala, confirmed that the project is expected to take approximately three years to complete. The SRT board, in a meeting yesterday,…
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Thai government urges swift updates for digital wallet distribution
The Thai government confirms that the second phase of the 10,000 baht digital wallet distribution will reach all registered citizens, urging vulnerable groups to rectify any issues promptly to avoid forfeiting their rights. Today, October 26, Jirayu Huangsap, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, discussed the progress of the 10,000 baht economic stimulus transfer in an interview broadcast on the…
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Chemical tank explosion kills two, injures twelve in Thai factory
A chemical storage tank explosion at a lead-smelting factory in the Borthong Industrial Estate has resulted in two fatalities and twelve chemical exposure injuries. Police are urgently investigating the incident, which occurred at 9.26am today, October 26. On receiving the report, Police Lieutenant Colonel Worawit Wanna of Wang Takian Police Station took immediate action. The explosion happened at a factory…
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Thailand establishes semiconductor board to boost industry
Thailand aims to bolster its standing in the regional semiconductor industry, with significant efforts underway to prepare a skilled workforce for escalating demands. This move is marked by the formation of the National Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Industry Policy Committee, also known as the National Semiconductor Board, chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Paetongtarn signed an order to establish the…
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Parking altercation at Nonthaburi market, two women stabbed
A late-night altercation at the Owl Market in Nonthaburi, Thailand, resulted in two women being stabbed over a parking dispute over a barrier fence. The confrontation escalated when concerns about moving a fence to avoid vehicle damage spiralled into violence. Police received a report around 1.30am today, October 26, about a woman being stabbed in the car park behind the…
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Tropical storm Trami to drench 31 provinces in Thailand today
A severe tropical storm, Trami, is set to bring heavy rain and potential flooding to 31 provinces across Thailand today, October 26, with 40% of the areas expected to experience significant rainfall. The Meteorological Department has issued a weather forecast, warning of the tropical storm’s impact over the next 24 hours. Strong northwesterly and northeasterly winds are sweeping across the…
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Thailand raises retirement age to 65 for all sectors
Thailand’s Labour Ministry is set to extend the retirement age for both private and government sectors to 65 years, aligning it with countries like Singapore and Switzerland, announced Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Phiphat stated that the decision to increase the retirement age is influenced by significant advancements in health and medical technology, which have improved life expectancy. Additionally, the ministry plans to…
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Big Joke’s wife counters alleged victim with illegal police uniform claim
Sirinatda Hakparn, the wife of former police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, denied allegations of theft made by another police officer’s wife. She also accused the woman of wearing a police uniform despite having no position within the Royal Thai Police (RTP). The 50 year old woman, Thanattha, filed a complaint at Phra Kanong Police Station on October 20, alleging…
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Thai’d and tested: Pattaya’s 30-baht wonder serves up tasty treats
A humble Pattaya diner is taking the seaside resort by storm with its lip-smacking Thai dishes at just 30 baht a plate, proving that great taste doesn’t need to break the bank. At the heart of this culinary buzz is Krua Khun Nai Kiew, a small eatery run by its passionate owner Rattanaporn Chueachuchat. While most restaurant owners might fret…
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Perverted man terrifies locals by masturbating in public for 2 hours
Residents in the Mak Khaeng sub-district, Mueang District, in the Isaan province of Udon Thani, urged local police to arrest a perverted man after he was seen masturbating outside a victim’s home for over two hours on Wednesday, October 23. The owner of the house where the incident occurred, 51 year old Praphada, shared in an interview with Matichon that…
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Thai freshman remains unconscious 6 months after brutal hazing
A Thai freshman remains unconscious at a hospital in Pathum Thani province, near Bangkok, after being brutally assaulted in a hazing at a university in Bangkok in April. An older student admitted to kicking the victim in the chest. The victim’s 42 year old mother, Thanawan Pannoppha, sought help from Channel 7 after no one took responsibility for her injured…
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Thailand rejects lese majeste in new amnesty bill
The House of Representatives yesterday voted to reject the proposal to include lese majeste offences in the new political amnesty bill. The decision saw 270 MPs voting against the inclusion, with 152 in favour. The proposal, yesterday, October 24, was part of a special committee report that explored alternatives to the proposed amnesty bill for political offenders. Despite the rejection…
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Nakhon Phanom monk attacks man with machete
A blade-wielding monk attacked a man with a machete, leaving him seriously injured. The incident occurred at Wat Si Bun Rueang in Nakhon Phanom, with the monk claiming self-defence against a suspected thief. Police received a report of an assault involving a monk at Wat Si Bun Rueang, located in Ban Kham That, Nakhon Phanom. Officers arrived to find a…
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Chiang Rai police arrest youth gang leader and 18 others
Chiang Rai police apprehended the ringleader of a youth gang involved in a series of violent disturbances across the city, along with 18 other individuals. The group had been engaged in random assaults, property damage, and detonating explosive devices on city streets. The incidents occurred near the Baan Den intersection, in front of Mengrai Maharaj School, in Mu 5, Nang…
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