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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Mentally ill Thai woman suspected in Chiang Mai missing boy case
A five year old boy with special needs went missing from an education centre in Mae Wang district in the northern province of Chiang Mai on Wednesday. The boy, Napaphat “Pleum” Chaisawat, disappeared from the Special Education Centre in the afternoon. He was wearing red sportswear with the number 23 on his shirt. Security camera footage from the centre showed…
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Man arrested for snatching and pawning gold necklace in Bangkok
A 27 year old man was arrested for snatching a foreigner’s gold necklace weighing 10 baht, later pawned to fuel his online gambling habit. The arrest took place yesterday, November 28, following a detailed investigation by Phayathai Police Station officers. The incident occurred in early October when a foreign national reported being robbed while walking along Phetchaburi Soi 15, Ratchathewi,…
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Bridge collapse on Rama II Road leaves 3 dead and over 10 injured
A concrete segment of a bridge under construction over Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon province near Bangkok collapsed at about 4am today resulting in three deaths and more than 10 injuries. The deadly accident occurred on Rama II Road today, November 29, while 39 construction workers were working on the project. A concrete segment, along with the launching gantry…
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Manchester pedophile’s reign ends: Bravery of victims hailed (video)
A Greater Manchester police detective yesterday hailed the bravery of victims of a pedophile after he was jailed for 27 years following a 40-year reign of terror. The pedophile, 74 year old David Marsh, was jailed yesterday, November 28, for 27 years for grooming and sexually abusing boys between the ages of six and nine in the 1980s and 1990s.…
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Black Friday is here: Last 48 hours to get your 10% off health insurance plan
With only 48 hours left in this Black Friday promotion, now is your chance to secure comprehensive health insurance at an exclusive 10% discount. For expats living in Thailand, navigating healthcare can bring unexpected challenges. Whether it’s accessing quality healthcare, managing family health, or preparing for emergencies, a reliable health plan can make all the difference. Why health insurance matters…
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Female student attacks junior in Bangkok school violence
A shocking act of school violence rocked a prominent school in the Phatthanakan subdistrict, Suan Luang district, Bangkok, where a female student physically assaulted a junior. The attack, reportedly prompted by a perceived lack of respect, involved pulling hair, slapping, and kicking. The incident was captured in a 30-second video shared on a Facebook page, showing the junior student being…
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Scottish holidaymaker’s scooter disaster in Koh Pha Ngan
A Scottish holidaymaker’s volunteering quest to mend his broken heart took a disastrous turn on the sunny tropical island of Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand. In what was meant to be a soul-soothing retreat at an animal sanctuary, Paul McDonald found himself embroiled in a terrifying traffic drama after a high-speed scooter crash left him bruised, battered, and toothless. The 33…
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Sorn to be wild: Bangkok eatery spices up Michelin map with 3-star triumph
Move over, culinary giants, Thailand claimed its spot on the Michelin map! In a historic first, Bangkok’s Sorn has become the only Thai restaurant to snag the coveted three stars in the 2025 Michelin Guide Thailand, unveiled yesterday, November 27. Led by the visionary Chef Supaksorn Jongsiri, Sorn earned the prestigious accolade for its “excellence, quality, and consistency,” according to…
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Golden glory: Lopburi’s sunflower fields spark tourism boom
Lopburi province is turning heads as its stunning sunflower fields burst into full bloom, creating a jaw-dropping golden carpet framed by dramatic mountain peaks and vivid blue skies. Tourists are flocking to this seasonal wonderland, capturing dreamy photos and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. The crown jewel is a 75-rai (12-hectare) sunflower field in the Manao Wan subdistrict, owned by…
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Plans in the works to increase hippo population in Thailand
Plans are progressing for Moo Toon, the older brother of the famed hippo Moo Deng, to mate with Moo Manao at Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, aiming to increase the population of pygmy hippopotamuses in Thailand. Moo Toon celebrated his fifth birthday recently at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, where he resides with his sister. Moo Manao, currently eight…
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Bet on busted: International gambling ring crumbles in Chiang Mai
An opulent online gambling racket has been busted in the heart of Chiang Mai, as Thai police swooped in on a Taiwanese-led operation pulling in over 10 million baht a month. The syndicate, which targeted gamblers from Thailand, China, and Taiwan, had set up shop in luxury properties across the city, living it up large while running the illegal network.…
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Thailand’s economy rebounds but experts warn of growth risks
Thailand’s economy is showing signs of recovery, yet economists warn of ongoing risks that could hinder its growth potential. Key challenges include elevated household debt, slow income recovery for vulnerable groups, and Thailand’s economic interdependence with China. Despite these issues, the Thai economy reported a growth of 1.9% in 2023, although this was below expectations. The economy is gaining strength,…
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Laotian influencer commits suicide over allegedly VIP patron loss
A Laotian woman tragically committed suicide during a livestream yesterday allegedly because she lost a VIP patron who paid her over 100,000 baht per month. Officers from Hua Mark Police Station last night, November 27, were alerted that a woman died from a gunshot wound at a house in Soi Krungthep Kritha 7, Section 4, on Rama 9 Road in the Bangkapi…
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Chinese woman nabbed in Bangkok for running illegal beauty salon
Police in Bangkok pulled back the curtain on a rogue beauty operation today raiding an illegal six-storey salon in the bustling Bang Kapi area and arresting seven women. The salon, named YF Salon, offered a full menu of beauty services, from hair and nail treatments to massages and even filler injections. But behind the glitz was a dark reality—none of…
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AOT confirms facial recognition for international flights
Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) yesterday announced that the state-owned enterprise will implement facial recognition services at six major airports for international flights starting December 1. The biometrics-based system will be deployed at Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Don Mueang, Hat Yai, Phuket, and Suvarnabhumi airports. AOT anticipates the new technology will significantly streamline the passenger experience, reducing checkpoint processing time…
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Anchors away: RTN leads eco-mission to save Maya Bay
Maya Bay, the jewel of Thailand’s Andaman Sea, is getting a new lease of life thanks to a bold conservation push led by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). In a grand event on Monday, November 25, Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakul of the RTN Third Area Command spearheaded the installation of mooring and fish egg buoys, alongside a deep-sea garbage collection…
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Sink or swim: Thai submarine deal stuck in murky waters
Thailand’s long-delayed submarine deal with China remains in troubled waters as Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai admits he’s yet to make a call on the contentious project. “The project’s fate is still not clear because I have not yet studied it. I’ll decide after studying it.” The 13.5 billion baht procurement of an S26T Yuan-class submarine has been stalled amid political…
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SET soon to adpot AI for monitoring of listed companies
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) is set to implement artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance its monitoring of listed companies amid growing concerns about corporate fraud. SET President Asadej Kongsiri explained that the AI adoption will enable the bourse to more rapidly detect irregular share price movements and trading activities, allowing for quicker investor notifications. Asadej highlighted that late…
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Phuket’s tourism extravaganza: Andaman festival set to dazzle
Phuket is gearing up for a tourism extravaganza like no other. Governor Sophon Suwannarat has thrown open the doors to the Andaman Tourism Networking 2024, a dazzling showcase of six Andaman provinces under the banner, Happening Andaman. Mark your calendars for December 6 to 8 at Saphan Hin, because this three-day event promises to be unforgettable. Speaking at a press conference…
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Thailand’s manufacturing index poised for growth after 2024 dip
Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) is set to see a turnaround next year, with expectations of a 1.5 to 2.5% growth. This forecast comes as a recovery from the anticipated 1.6% contraction in 2024, largely attributed to weak consumer purchasing power and high household debt, as reported by the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE). OIE Director General Passakorn Chairat expressed…
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Thai mother ignores after new husband sexually assaults daughter
A Thai father is taking legal action against his ex-wife’s new husband after the man sexually assaulted his 16 year old daughter while the mother allegedly turned a blind eye for financial reasons. The 16 year old girl from Pattaya turned to Channel 7 after her biological mother refused to help and did not believe her account of the sexual assault…
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People’s Party shuns protests, opts for Parliamentary reform
Thailand’s main opposition group, the People’s Party (PP), has decided not to engage in the upcoming anti-government protests orchestrated by former protest leader Sondhi Limthongkul. Instead, PP is committed to operating within the Parliamentary system to fulfil its role as a political entity. Parit Wacharasindhu, spokesperson for the People’s Party, stated yesterday, November 27, that the party would prioritise addressing…
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Phuket cracks down on human trafficking in fisheries
Phuket officials are doubling down on the fight against human trafficking in the island’s bustling marine fisheries sector. At a meeting held yesterday, November 27, leaders stressed the urgency of safeguarding workers from exploitation and aligning with global anti-trafficking standards. The high-level talks, chaired by Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri, gathered agency heavyweights at the Provincial Welfare and Labour Protection Office.…
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Three referendums required for 2017 constitution rewrite
Three referendums are deemed necessary for a complete rewrite of the 2017 constitution, according to Nikorn Chamnong, the secretary of the joint House-Senate panel on the referendum bill. This statement directly counters the claim made by People’s Party list MP Parit Wacharasindhu, who suggested that only two referendums would be needed, a point he believed was backed by Parliament President…
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Family suspect black magic in deaths of Thai man and daughter
A Thai man and his daughter died under mysterious circumstances in their home in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Relatives suspect their deaths may be linked to the woman’s belief in black magic. A relative visited the home of 87 year old Samreng and his 57 year old daughter, Katechada, in the Pak Phun sub-district of Mueang Nakhon…
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Car fire on Bangkok intersection causes chaos and delays
A dramatic car fire erupted on an elevated road, causing panic among passing drivers and leading to widespread traffic congestion. The incident unfolded yesterday, November 27 at 5pm on the outbound Borommaratchachonnani Road. Flames and thick smoke filled the sky, catching the attention of motorists. Emergency services from the Thaweewattana Fire and Rescue Station quickly responded to the scene. Upon…
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Thailand to safeguard Buddhism from exploitation
The Government of Thailand announced a commitment to taking a proactive approach to safeguarding Buddhism, aiming to address issues before they escalate into public controversies or complaints. This marks a shift from previous strategies, where the National Office of Buddhism typically responded to problems only after they surfaced. Chousak Sirinil, a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for overseeing…
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Thai police banned from collecting fees for red checkpoint boxes
Thai police issued an urgent directive prohibiting officers from collecting monthly fees for red checkpoint boxes following a corruption ruling by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). An official notification was acknowledged by Phumithat Khositwanichpong, Deputy Commander of Nonthaburi Provincial Police, acting on behalf of the Provincial Police Commander. The directive, marked as the most urgent under number 0016.413/8182 and dated…
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Father and daughter found dead in house in Nakhon Si Thammarat (video)
Two lifeless bodies were discovered in a remote house in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, leaving relatives and police shocked. The deceased, a father and daughter, were found in the same home, surrounded by mysterious artefacts, raising suspicions about the daughter’s beliefs in the supernatural. Police Lieutenant Colonel Montri Wannakhong from the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Police Station…
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Infant child drowns in canal after left unattended by mother
A tragic accident occurred when a young child went missing after being left alone by his mother who stepped out briefly to go shopping. The child, aged just one year and eight months, was later found drowned in a nearby canal, 2 kilometres from home. Local officials received a report about a missing child in the village of Mueang Ngam,…
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