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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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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Koh Chang businessman fights illegal jetties causing coastal erosion
A business operator in Koh Chang appealed to the Interior Ministry’s Damrongdharma Centre to assist in the demolition of two large, unlawfully constructed concrete jetties that he claims are worsening coastal erosion. Kitti Yimrewat, the businessman, argues that these jetties, which he describes as comparable to buildings due to their massive size, have detrimental effects on nearby coastal areas. He…
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Thailand to open first CI centre for migrant workers in Samut Sakhon
Thailand’s Labour Ministry is set to open its first Certificate of Identity (CI) centre in Samut Sakhon next month, targeting support for migrant workers needing proof-of-status documents and aiming to maintain economic stability. The initiative, announced after a meeting of the National Committee on Migrant Workers Management, will assist labourers from Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. The CI centre will…
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Bangkok university under fire for substandard aircraft repair course
A Bangkok university is under intense scrutiny following allegations of offering a substandard aircraft repair technician course, charging nearly 1 million baht in total fees. The Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Ministry has launched a formal investigation into the matter. Supamas Isarabhakdi, the minister, directed the ministry’s permanent secretary, Supachai Pathumnakul, to establish an investigative team. This action follows…
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Police race to arrest Tak Bai massacre suspects before deadline
National police chief Kitrat Phanphet issued an urgent directive to locate all suspects involved in the 2004 Tak Bai massacre before the statute of limitations expires on October 25. Police General Kitrat provided an update on the arrest efforts, noting the critical time constraint with only two days left. More than 80 individuals lost their lives following a crackdown on…
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Thai man arrested for stealing from Russian couple in Phuket
Police arrested a Thai man for stealing from a Russian couple while the victims were enjoying Kata Beach in Phuket. The Russian couple, whose identities remain undisclosed, filed a theft complaint at Karon Police Station at around 8am on October 18. They reported that they visited Kata Beach and left their belongings unattended while enjoying the beach. The victims saw a…
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Thai cops race against crime to catch Chinese students kidnap gang
Thai police are urgently tracking a gang responsible for kidnapping three Chinese students from a renowned university in Thonburi, demanding a ransom of 1.5 million baht. The last known location of the students indicates they were taken across the border into Myanmar. On October 20 at 5am, a professor from the university reported the incident to the Thammasala Police Station…
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Weed out the thieves: Phuket cannabis shops on high alert after 100k baht heist
Cannabis shop owners in Phuket issued a warning regarding two foreign thieves who stole over 100,000 baht worth of cannabis from several shops across the province. The victims urged the Phuket Times to warn other cannabis shops in the province to be cautious of two young foreigners posing as customers and taking the opportunity to steal products. The page included…
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True Corporation amps up for royal spectacle along Chao Phraya
True Corporation supercharged its 5G, 4G, and WiFi networks ahead of the grand Royal Barge Procession sailing down the Chao Phraya River. This dazzling event journeys from Rama VIII Bridge to Wat Arun, promising top-notch connectivity for everyone eager to catch a glimpse. With extensive network testing already complete, True Corporation ensures they’re ready not just for the recent rehearsal…
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Port progress ‘pier’-fectly on track: Laem Chabang sailing ahead
Laem Chabang Port’s third development phase is sailing ahead, now reaching around 45% completion, with Pier F poised to debut by late 2027, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri confirmed. This ambitious project forms a cornerstone of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Development Plan and is among the top 15 infrastructure priorities under the Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration. However, the latest report…
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Thai man steals from friend to buy ring to win back ex-wife
A Thai man surrendered to the police after stealing more than 100,000 baht worth of valuables from his friend‘s home in Chon Buri province, allegedly to buy a gold ring to win back his ex-wife. The victim, 42 year old Tharathep, filed a complaint at Na Jomtien Police Station after catching his former colleague and neighbour, 44 year old Bandit,…
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Iranian man caught impersonating police to rob tourists in Bangkok
Officers in Bang Rak apprehended an Iranian man impersonating a police officer to search tourists’ bags and steal cash. The suspect was finally caught at the Sadao checkpoint while attempting to flee to Malaysia. Police Major General Samart Phromchat, with local officers and immigration police, arrested 53 year old Ghiasi Arefhossein on charges of theft by impersonation. The arrest was…
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Andaman Riviera set to ‘pave’ the way with final report in February
The ambitious Andaman Riviera project, a 50 billion baht (US$1.5 billion) initiative to construct over 600 kilometres of new roads along Thailand’s Andaman coast, is set to see its final report completed in February. The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OPT) confirmed the development yesterday, October 21. Chaiwat Sangkhaphak, OTP Division Director for Transport and Traffic System…
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Thai nationals in Korea prepare to exorcise ‘little ghosts’
Thai nationals in South Korea launched a new service aimed at facilitating the arrest of illegal Thai workers, also known as “little ghosts,” who have disputes with their clients. The Facebook page Poetry of B*tch shared details of this unusual new service yesterday, October 22. The service, operated by Thai people in South Korea, offers assistance to those who want…
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Lucky seven ‘float’ to safety after Phuket longtail capsizes
All seven passengers were plucked to safety after a longtail boat capsized near Koh Rang Yai, just off Phuket’s east coast, late yesterday afternoon. The alarm was raised at 5.20pm yesterday, October 21, a mere ten-minute boat ride from the shore, and police dashed to the scene. Rescue teams sprang into action, racing from AA Marina Pier in Rassada, while…
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Political unrest impacts Thailand’s stock market performance
Political turbulence, both on the domestic and international fronts, is tempering the growth prospects of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), despite the Thai index briefly surpassing the 1,500-point mark. Analysts note that the Election Commission’s (EC) recent decision to investigate Thaksin Shinawatra for potentially exerting undue influence over the ruling Pheu Thai Party is a significant factor. The political…
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Thai husband forgives wife in monk-y business affair scandal
A Thai husband in the Isaan province of Buriram is ready to forgive his wife after discovering she was having an affair with a drug-addicted monk. Unfortunately, his wife chased him out of their home and attempted to bail the monk out of detention. The husband, 31 year old Tone, filed a complaint against 37 year old monk Ek after…
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Drug-addicted Peeping Tom takes a ‘bake’ fall during rooftop escape
A drug-addicted Peeping Tom fell from the roof of a cake shop in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok while trying to evade arrest. Officers found 184 methamphetamine pills, also known as Yaba, in his possession. The staff of a cake shop, called Cake Foo, contacted officers from the Chaiyaphruek Police Station at about 10pm after a female worker noticed a man peeping…
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Three arrested in Bangkok for 28 million baht tax evasion
Three company directors were arrested for tax evasion by issuing fake invoices and evading VAT, causing over 28 million baht in damages to the Revenue Department. The arrests, which took place yesterday, October 21, were conducted by the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD). Police Major General Phutthidet Boonkrapue ordered the operation, with Police Colonel Chatchawan Chuchaiyarit, Police Lieutenant Colonel Watit…
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Filipino pickpockets in Bangkok get ‘Thai’d up by the cops
Thai police apprehended a group of Filipino pickpockets targeting tourists in a prominent hotel in the Phaya Thai area of Bangkok. The suspects are now facing charges for their night-time theft activities. The arrest occurred yesterday, October 21 at approximately 4pm, led by Police Major General Witwat Chinkam, along with other high-ranking officials from Thonglor Police Station. Seven Filipino suspects,…
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FTI calls for fair e-commerce platform playing field
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is urging the government to enforce stricter regulations on foreign e-commerce platforms and control the influx of low-cost products into Thailand. This call to action comes after a recent survey revealed that 35.1% of local entrepreneurs experienced a decline in sales due to inexpensive imports sold online. Vice-Chairman of the FTI, Peekthong Thongyai spoke…
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Thai activist accused of 10 million baht extortion linked to iCon Group
The CEO of the iCon Group, Waratphol “Paul” Waratworakul, accused a female activist of extorting more than 10 million baht from him by threatening to allege that his company was running a Ponzi scheme. Paul and 17 other leading members of the iCon Group are being detained at Bangkok Remand Prison and the Central Women’s Correctional Institution after being charged…
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Thai Airways plans rehabilitation exit by mid-2025, banks to benefit
Creditors of Thai Airways International (THAI), particularly Bangkok Bank (BBL) and Krungthai Bank (KTB), are set to benefit from the airline’s planned exit from its rehabilitation scheme by mid-2025. The banks are being provided with several options for debt repayment, according to analysts. In recent reports submitted to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and the Securities and Exchange Commission,…
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Serious crash in Phatthalung injures two teenagers critically
A serious accident occurred in Phatthalung involving a Mercedes-Benz colliding with a motorcycle, resulting in two teenagers sustaining severe injuries. The crash took place on the southbound side of the Asia Highway in Nakhayard, Khuan Khanun district, Phatthalung province. Police Lieutenant Sutam Pliawdee from the Nakha Yard Police Station received a report of the incident. Emergency services, including rescue teams…
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Thailand & Hong Kong aims for ASEAN financial hub status
Thailand is exploring a partnership with Hong Kong to establish a financial hub aimed at connecting ASEAN markets. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul announced the initiative after a meeting with Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting in Lima, Peru. The meeting highlighted Thailand’s ambition to become a global financial player, as…
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Thailand law change to combat pyramid schemes after iCon scandal
Thailand is moving swiftly to draft amendments aimed at closing loopholes in various laws to better combat pyramid-like schemes as announced by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat today, October 22. The initiative comes in response to the extensive damage caused by The iCon Group’s direct sales scandal. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra tasked multiple agencies, including the Justice Ministry and Finance…
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Thailand video news | Newin rejects Thaksin’s casino plan amid social concerns, Police hunt suspects in assault and robbery of delivery rider
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex brings attention to pressing stories from Thailand and across Southeast Asia. Key highlights include Newin Chidchob’s rejection of Thaksin Shinawatra’s proposal to legalise casinos, citing social concerns such as debt and addiction. Meanwhile, in Chiang Mai, a family seeks justice after a drunk Porsche driver’s lenient charges were met with public outcry. Additional stories…
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Thai motorcyclist killed on dark and bumpy road in Samut Prakan
A Thai motorcyclist died after riding on a dark and bumpy Sukhumvit Road in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok last night. Officers from Mueang Samut Prakan Police Station and rescuers from the Samut Prakan Foundation responded to a motorcycle accident on Sukhumvit Road near Thetsaban 1 School in the Paknam sub-district, Mueang district, Samut Prakan, last night, October 21. The…
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Ceiling collapse at Wat Pa Na Don leaves monks in shock
A ceiling collapse at Wat Pa Na Don in Udon Thani left monks and devotees in shock. The incident, which occurred while monks were performing a religious ceremony, resulted in no injuries but significant damage to the ceiling. The collapse happened during a gathering of monks and devotees at Wat Pa Na Don, located in Nong Na Kham, Mueang district,…
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Motorcyclist killed in crash with bus on Ramintra Road, Bangkok
A motorcyclist lost control and fell while overtaking, leading to a fatal accident with a bus on Ramintra Road in Bangkok. Police quickly responded to the scene to investigate the incident. Police and rescue volunteers rushed to Ramintra Road after a report of a fatal accident involving a motorcycle and a bus at 5.30am today, October 22. The accident occurred…
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Thai nurse discovers stranger’s dead body in back seat of her car
A Thai nurse contacted the police after discovering the dead body of a stranger in the back seat of her car, which was parked outside a hospital in the Isaan province of Sisaket. Nantawadee Khunwatee, a nurse at Sisaket Hospital, reported the shocking discovery to Mueang Sisaket Police Station officers at around 6pm yesterday, October 21. After finishing her shift,…
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