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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Royal Thai Air Force selects Gripen jets in 19 billion baht deal
The Defence Ministry is backing the Royal Thai Air Force‘s (RTAF) decision to select Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets over the American F-16 aircraft, as announced by Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, provided insights into the 19 billion baht (US$547 million) plan for acquiring four new fighter jets. The RTAF has opted for Gripen…
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Phuket scam busted: Con artist’s mule accounts hit a dead end
Phuket police slammed the brakes on a staggering 22 million baht scam operation, ensnaring a suspect accused of creating mule accounts for a crafty con gang, with one even masquerading as a top politician The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) revealed that the devious group duped unsuspecting victims by impersonating a well-known political figure, luring them into investing in a…
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Foreign man found dead after fall from 23-storey Bangkok building
A foreign man was found dead after falling from a 23-storey building in the Phaya Thai area of Bangkok. The incident occurred at 5.30pm yesterday, January 12, with his body discovered inside a school’s perimeter. No identification documents were found on him. Police Lieutenant Weerachai Kaewsanga from Phaya Thai Police Station received a report about the fall near Si Ayutthaya…
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Man escapes as car with LPG system catches fire
A man escaped unharmed when his car, a Honda Accord, equipped with an LPG system, caught fire shortly after he started the engine. The incident occurred at 7pm yesterday, January 12 at a parking lot behind Thammasat University Examination Centre in Rangsit, Pathum Thani province. An LPG system in a car is a fuel system that allows the vehicle to…
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Thai transwoman caught with crystal meth while filing police report
A Thai transwoman went from being a victim of theft to a drug suspect after unexpectedly presenting crystal methamphetamine to officers at Bang Lamung Police Station in Chon Buri. The 31 year old transwoman, Nattaphon, arrived at the police station at around 9.30pm on Friday, January 10, to report that a Thai man named Porramate had stolen the key to…
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Myanmar driver hits pedestrian on Vibhavadi Rangsit, fatal accident
A Myanmar national driving a black Chevrolet pickup truck reportedly struck a pedestrian, resulting in a fatality, on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Pathum Thani, yesterday, January 12. The incident occurred near a previous bus fire tragedy that claimed 23 lives. Police and medical personnel responded promptly to the scene. The accident took place on the inbound express lane of Vibhavadi Rangsit…
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Heartbroken Irish mum honours ‘special son’ lost in Thailand
The mother of a young Irishman paid tribute to her “special son” who died last week while scuba diving in Thailand. The heartbroken mother is now trying to repatriate the body of her beloved 21 year old son from County Clare, whose life was tragically cut short in Koh Tao. Robert “Robby” Kinlan, died unexpectedly on January 9 while on…
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Motorcycle accident in Buriram caused by blanket entanglement
A young couple was involved in an unexpected accident after a blanket they were using for warmth became entangled with their motorcycle’s chain, causing it to crash in the middle of the road. The unfortunate incident, which occurred yesterday, January 12, left the man with a chipped tooth and the woman with a cut lip. Fortunately, a 10-wheel truck following…
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Two men arrested for cable theft in Bangkok’s Si Phraya area
Two men were arrested yesterday for allegedly stealing communication cables in the Si Phraya area in Bangkok. The suspects were apprehended by police after suspicious behaviour was observed, including inconsistent explanations for their presence at the scene. The arrest was conducted by a team led by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom and several other senior officers, including Police Major General…
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Pattaya on pause: Plan ahead or lose the booze
Local officials in Pattaya issued a gentle reminder to plan carefully for upcoming events in the city including the Chon Buri local elections and the booze bans. Locals, visitors and tourists in Pattaya should mark their calendars as the region is likely to go dry from 5pm on January 31 to 5pm on February 1. While the exact date hasn’t…
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Thailand braces for cold snap with Bangkok at 16 degrees
The Thai Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) today, January 13, issued a weather forecast indicating a further drop in temperatures across Thailand, with Bangkok experiencing lows of 16 degrees Celsius and strong winds. The upper northern and northeastern regions are expected to see cold to very cold weather, with the highest areas experiencing even colder temperatures. The department advises residents…
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Drunk foreign tourist injured in Pattaya motorbike collision
Chaos erupted in the early hours of today on Pattaya Third Road as a foreign tourist, suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, was mowed down by a motorcyclist, leaving him with head injuries. At precisely 12.10am, today, January 13, Pattaya police were alerted to the scene, swiftly co-ordinating with the dedicated Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan rescue team to attend…
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Photographer arrested for obscene content on OnlyFans, earns over 2 million baht
A well-known photographer, 46 year old Thanakrit, was apprehended by the Metropolitan Investigation Bureau for distributing obscene images and videos of models on the subscription platform OnlyFans, reportedly earning over 2 million baht (US$57,590). The photographer, known by the nickname Ohm, has previously faced charges of obscenity. The arrest followed a complaint from a model, who alleged that the photographer…
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Man found dead in garden believed to succumb to cold weather
A 53 year old man was found deceased in his garden in Mueang district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, after reportedly stepping outside to urinate. Identified as Prawet from Ban Kok, the man was discovered by his stepson, who had gone out for a cigarette on the morning of today, January 12. Upon finding Prawet, the stepson alerted the village head and…
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Shocking discovery of newborn’s body in Lat Krabang dormitory
A housekeeper was shocked to discover blood seeping from a garbage bag, which revealed the body of a newborn upon inspection. The infant’s mother later confessed. Yesterday, January 11, Police Lieutenant Thirayu Wongsinghe of Charoen Noy Police Station was alerted to the discovery of a newborn’s body at a dormitory in Lat Krabang 13/8, Lat Krabang subdistrict, Lat Krabang district,…
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Kanchanaburi student faints after cannabis use at school event
A 15 year old student from Dan Makham Tia district in Kanchanaburi province became unconscious after allegedly smoking cannabis at school. The provincial governor has ordered an investigation into the incident, which was initially reported by the local news page Kan News Agency, alleging that a senior student coerced a junior student into using cannabis during a National Children’s Day…
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Human skeleton found in Chon Buri suitcase sparks investigation
The discovery of a human skeleton inside a suitcase in Chon Buri has prompted police investigations. No traces of blood or bodily fluids were detected, leading to suspicions about the circumstances of the bones’ presence. The suitcase was found yesterday, January 11, at 7pm, near Huai Yai road, approximately 1 kilometre before the intersection with road 331 in Bang Lamung…
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Tragic crash in Kamphaeng Phet claims two lives, child critical
A tragic accident occurred today, January 12, when a Honda Civic collided with a 10-wheel truck in Kamphaeng Phet province, resulting in the deaths of two individuals from the same family. The accident took place on Phahonyothin Road, where emergency services worked tirelessly to rescue the victims trapped inside the wreckage. The collision, which happened at the median of the…
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Man arrested in Trang for alleged rape of 17 year old niece-in-law
A 37 year old man, named Thavorn (surname withheld), was arrested for allegedly raping his 17 year old niece-in-law for nearly a year. The suspect was apprehended today, January 12, following a warrant issued by the Thung Song Provincial Court on January 6. The charges include rape and abducting a minor aged over 15 but under 18 for indecent acts.…
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Thailand braces for temperature drop and heavy rain
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued its ninth announcement, warning of a temperature drop between January 12 and 13 in northern and northeastern Thailand, with the mercury expected to fall by 3 degrees Celsius. Bangkok is also anticipated to experience a 2 degree Celsius decrease, accompanied by heavy rain in some areas and high sea waves. The announcement, made…
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Motorcyclist dies in pickup collision on Soi Nong Ket Yai
A collision occurred between a motorcycle and a pickup truck in Soi Nong Ket Yai, Bang Lamung district, at 5.06am yesterday, January 11, prompting a response from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre in Pattaya. Upon arrival, the rescue team discovered an orange pickup truck with severe damage at the front. The driver, 34 year old Chaiyarat Panpitanusorn, was present…
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Thai wildfire at Khao Loi fully contained after week-long battle
Thai officials have announced the successful containment of a wildfire at Khao Loi, situated within the Khao Siad Ai, Khao Nok Yoong, and Khao Ang Hin National Reserved Forests, located in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima. The fire initially ignited on January 3 behind Udomsuk Temple, affecting an area of 200 rai. Despite initial containment efforts, the fire reignited on…
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No human metapneumovirus cluster reported in Thailand, say officials
Thai health officials have confirmed that there is no cluster of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in the country and have advised the public to remain calm. The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has been monitoring information from the World Health Organisation and China regarding hMPV cases. Doctor Panumas Yanawetsakul, director-general of the DDC, stated that there is no confirmation of a…
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Uyghur detainees in Thailand fear imminent deportation to China
A group of Uyghur men, detained in Thailand for more than 10 years, claim that the Thai government is planning to deport them to China, where they risk abuse and torture, according to activists. Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit, former head of the National Human Rights Commission, has urged Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to clarify any plans regarding their deportation. The Associated…
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Transwoman robbed by teenager in Hua Hin, loses 90k baht items
An 18 year old man befriended and later robbed a transwoman, leaving her with nothing. The victim sought help from the Sai Mai Must Survive Facebook page yesterday, January 10. The incident began when the transwoman met a young man named Ball online on January 4, after he posted in a Hua Hin community group seeking companions. The transwoman, named…
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Petrol prices cut in Thailand for Children’s Day celebrations
PTT Station has announced a reduction in retail prices for various types of petrol and gasohol, coinciding with Children’s Day celebrations. Starting today, January 11, prices will decrease by 0.30 baht per litre for petrol and all types of gasohol, while E20 will see a 0.40 baht reduction, and E85 will drop by 0.50 baht per litre. Following the adjustments,…
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Kanchanaburi school director cleared of negligence allegations
A school director in Kanchanaburi province faced scrutiny after a Facebook page, known as Operation Watchdog, posted allegations of negligence, claiming the director only attended school three times a week. Investigations by education officials have found no misconduct. According to the Facebook post, the director reportedly missed school weeks entirely by claiming official duties, while residing in Tha Maka district,…
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Udon Thani mother forces Thai-British girl into abuse by stepfather
A 15 year old girl from Udon Thani province revealed that her biological mother forced her into a relationship with her stepfather, starting at the age of 11. This abuse continued for four years, coinciding with her biological father’s illness and subsequent death. Chalida Palamat, the head of the Pen Nueng Foundation, along with Udon Thani Social Development and Human…
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Pattaya Dinosaur Kingdom adds Jurassic fun to Children’s Day
Pattaya Dinosaur Kingdom is set to bring life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs to the city in celebration of National Children’s Day today. The event, taking place at King Taksin Monument Plaza in front of Pattaya City Hall, is generating enthusiasm among attendees. In collaboration with Pattaya City, the park will showcase enormous, realistic dinosaur models to mark the occasion. Among the highlights…
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Suphan Buri officers praised for buying food for drunk local (video)
Two officers from the Suphan Buri police department received praise for assisting a drunk local by purchasing food for him when he was unable to drive. They were honoured with an award for their commendable service yesterday, January 10. The incident came to light after a viral clip posted on TikTok by user @phatara_2_66 showed an intoxicated man requesting motorbike…
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