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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Patong’s traffic issues persist due to private road ownership
Patong’s traffic woes continue to frustrate local government agencies as Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri highlights the challenges faced due to private ownership of Soi Saensabai. The notorious Phuket street is known for traffic congestion and safety hazards and has seen several pedestrian injuries, including those involving foreign tourists. The inability of Patong Municipality to impose any regulations or initiate improvements on…
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Thailand’s TV dramas to ‘script’ new chapter in economic growth
Thailand’s TV dramas are set to become the next big thing in economic growth as the government throws its weight behind the creative industry. In a bold move, a dedicated subcommittee has been established under the National Soft Power Development Committee to craft policies turbocharging the sector. With traditional TV viewership dwindling, channels are dusting off old classics and cutting…
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Thai man commits suicide after shooting 2 women over love fraud
A 60 year old Thai man committed suicide in the middle of a rice field in the central province of Ayutthaya after shooting two women, allegedly for cheating him out of money in a love fraud. The two victims remain in critical condition. A local discovered the two injured women on Bang Pla Mor Temple Road in the Ban Barn…
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British tourist dodges death after toxic night at Laos hostel (video)
A British tourist revealed her narrow escape from death after a night out at a notorious Laos hostel turned into a near-fatal encounter with methanol poisoning. This same party spot has become infamous following the tragic deaths of six other holidaymakers, casting a dark shadow over Vang Viang, a village once famed for its boisterous backpacker scene. The unfortunate casualties…
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Thai man claims unawareness after driving 30km with body on roof
A Thai man yesterday fatally struck a pedestrian with his hatchback in the Isaan province of Surin and drove 30 kilometres with the body on the car roof, claiming he was unaware of it. Officers from Chom Phra Police Station contacted officers at Tha Tum Police Station yesterday, November 24, to intercept the hatchback, with registration number กฉ 1079 Samut Prakan, after…
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Labour of love: Minister fights for informal workers’ rights
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is actively advocating for a legislative measure to enhance the protection and welfare of approximately 20 million informal workers, according to a statement from the ministry’s spokesperson. The Labour Ministry is preparing to engage in discussions with the Cabinet’s secretary-general to determine the appropriate timeline for presenting the bill to the Cabinet for consideration. Phumiphat Mueanchan…
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Michelin shifts gears: Revs up investment amid Thailand’s EV push
Iconic French tyre manufacturer Michelin is turbocharging its investment in Thailand, eager to ride the wave of the government’s electric vehicle (EV) push, even as local car sales take a dip. With the pedal to the metal, Michelin plans to rev up sales by rolling out cutting-edge products and eco-friendly technologies in line with the global shift towards sustainable business…
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Thai PM yet to unveil new stimulus to boost economic growth
After nearly three months in office, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is poised to influence Thailand’s economic growth through a series of new stimulus proposals. These measures aim to address various economic challenges and are anticipated to be unveiled shortly. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) recently projected Thailand’s GDP growth to be between 2.3% and 3.3% for 2025,…
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Crypto rockets: Bitcoin set to reach new heights
Bitcoin’s star is on the rise, with traders buzzing about the possibility of its price rocketing from a cool US$98,000 to a dazzling US$180,000. This optimism stems from the hope of the Federal Reserve slashing interest rates next year and a flood of interest from big-money institutional investors. Bitcoin hit an all-time high of US$98,000, yesterday, November 24, thanks to…
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Thailand to expand child support to all under six years old
Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is poised to propose an expansion of the early childhood development scheme, with plans to present the child support proposal to the Cabinet shortly. The scheme aims to broaden its reach by extending financial support to all children under six years of age, enhancing the current system that aids children from impoverished…
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Trailer Mobile drives change: Pattaya clears the air on pollution
In a bid to clear the air, Pattaya City unveiled its latest weapon against pollution yesterday: a cutting-edge mobile air and noise monitoring station, aptly named the Trailer Mobile. Launched yesterday, November 24, in a breezy ceremony on Pattaya Beach by Mayor Poramase Ngampichet, the initiative promises to keep locals and tourists clued up on the city’s environmental status. Mayor…
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Man accidentally shoots himself cleaning gun in Phuket
A man accidentally shot himself while cleaning his gun, leading to a critical situation as he lay in a pool of blood. His girlfriend, initially thinking a hairdryer had exploded, discovered the true cause upon turning around. The incident occurred at 5pm yesterday, November 24. Police Lieutenant Somchai Nuboons, an investigator from Kathu Police Station in Phuket, was alerted to…
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Road to recovery: Drunk foreign man hits the pavement in Thailand
In the early hours of this morning, a foreign man was discovered in a drunken stupor, lying smack in the middle of Phimai-Chumphon Road, in Nakhon Ratchasima. Police were alerted at approximately 3am, today, November 25, about the 70 year old, who sported a nasty head wound and a noticeable absence of a shirt. Racing to the scene, officers found…
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Drunk deputy district chief kills 2 teenagers, injures 1 in Tak car crash
A drunk deputy district chief crashed her pickup into a motorcycle carrying three Thai teenagers on a road in the northern province of Tak, resulting in two deaths and one serious injury. Officers from Umphang Police Station were alerted to the fatal accident on the Mae Sot-Umphang Road in the Umphang district of Tak at approximately 8.15pm on Friday, November…
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Phetchabun police detain 722 in motorcycle gang crackdown
Police in Phetchabun detained 722 people linked to the Nam Mai Aab motorcycle gang gathering, roughly translating to no showering or no bathing. Over 10,000 participants and 6,000 motorcycles assembled in the province, prompting police action to maintain order and ensure public safety. The gathering took place over two days, with Phetchabun’s Provincial Police Commander, Saranai Kongmuang, directing units to…
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Concrete chaos: Chinese tourist dodges disaster in South Pattaya
A night out in South Pattaya turned into a scene from a horror film as a Chinese tourist narrowly escaped serious harm when a homeless man launched a concrete block at her. The shocking incident unfolded in front of a Bali Hai hotel, setting off a flurry of activity as local rescue services and police rushed to the scene. The…
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Former cop caught on the wild side of Pattaya Walking Street
A former Thai police officer on the run was nabbed while casually strolling down Pattaya’s infamous Walking Street. Former cop Adisorn Tummato found himself in cuffs yesterday, November 24, after eagle-eyed Tourist Police swooped in, ending his reign of terror with a suave arrest in the bustling heart of South Pattaya. The 47 year old ex police officer was no…
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Monk defrocked after drug raid at Khon Kaen monastic site
Police swooped on a monastic site in Chum Phae district, Khon Kaen province, following complaints from villagers about non-monastic activities. One monk was found with a positive drug test and was immediately defrocked. The incident took place yesterday, November 23, when Aoychai Khamboonruang, the district chief of Chum Phae, along with Rakchat Rueangcharoen, the superintendent of Chum Phae Police Station,…
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Teenagers injured in Samut Prakan street chase shooting
Two former vocational students became embroiled in a dramatic street chase in Samut Prakan, pursued and shot by rivals from a different institution. Both teenagers suffered injuries in the incident and managed to escape to a convenience store for help. The shooting occurred yesterday, November 23 at 7.30pm outside a convenience store in Si Racha Kraeng Noi, Bang Sao Thong…
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Man leads police on three day car chase across three provinces
A dramatic car chase unfolded across three provinces in Thailand after a man allegedly stole a vehicle from a petrol station and evaded police for three days while on methamphetamine. The man, identified as 37 year old Weeraphon Laphan was eventually apprehended after a collision with a police vehicle. Officers first received reports of a stolen grey Honda Civic from…
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Over 6,000 motorcyclists cause ruckus in Phetchabun trip
A group of Thai bikers recently descended upon Phetchabun during a trip titled the No Bathing Trip, drawing attention for boosting the local economy while also raising safety concerns. The event, which saw around 6,000 motorcycles and tens of thousands of participants, aimed to explore attractions like Phu Thap Boek and Khao Kho. However, the trip was not without incident, as…
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EC persists in Thaksin investigation despite court ruling
The Election Commission (EC) remains steadfast in its investigation into allegations against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, focusing on claims of his manipulation of the Pheu Thai Party and interference in the coalition government. This action continues despite the Constitutional Court’s recent decision to dismiss a petition accusing Thaksin and the ruling party of attempting to overthrow Thailand’s constitutional monarchy.…
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Wichit, Phuket set to face water supply outages
A significant water supply outage is set to impact a large area of Phuket on Thursday, November 28. The outage, scheduled from 9am to 11.30pm, is necessary to facilitate essential repairs to a 400mm HDPE water supply main in key areas. The Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) Phuket urges residents and businesses in the affected areas to take the following precautions.…
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Police raid tiger trafficking ring in Nonthaburi
Police recently raided a tiger carcass trafficking ring in Nonthaburi, discovering a large tiger skin openly advertised for sale on social media. This operation followed a tip-off received yesterday, November 23, prompting swift action from local and international wildlife protection agencies. Attaphol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, noted that the raid was part…
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Thai healthcare tycoon Boon Vanasin flees as fraud charges mount
Boon Vanasin, the founder of Thonburi Healthcare Group (THG), is currently at large in China while his wife and daughter have surrendered to the police in Thailand. Faced with charges of public fraud, 79 year old Jaruwan Vanasin, and her daughter, 51 year old Nalin, turned themselves in to the police and have denied all allegations against them. The two…
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Thailand braces for weather changes amid rising temperatures
Thailand is experiencing significant weather changes, with the Meteorological Department (TMD) warning of rising temperatures in the north and severe monsoon conditions in the south. Heavy rainfall is expected in eight provinces, leading to potential flash floods and landslides. TMD has forecasted weather conditions for the next 24 hours indicating that the high-pressure system and moderate cold air mass covering…
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East Thailand: Exhausted driver crashes pickup into street light
A factory owner experienced a serious accident after falling asleep at the wheel due to exhaustion. The accident occurred when his black Ford Ranger pickup truck veered off the road, crossed the median, and crashed into a street light, before flipping over into a forested area in Chanthaburi province, East Thailand. The incident took place yesterday, November 22, and police…
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Caterpillar outbreak devastates Songkhla’s coconut plantations
A significant outbreak of black-headed caterpillars has severely impacted coconut plantations across four districts in Songkhla, causing extensive damage to the crops. Local agricultural officials are responding by deploying parasitic wasps and chemical agents to combat the infestation. Agricultural experts have reported that the black-headed caterpillar infestation is affecting coconut trees in the Sathing Phra Peninsula and other areas of…
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Phatthalung declared disaster zone amid severe flooding
Severe flooding has hit several areas in the southern province of Phatthalung, prompting officials to declare disaster zones across four districts, affecting 15 subdistricts, 57 villages, and 12 communities. The heavy rainfall has led to both flood and wind disaster declarations, with urgent evacuations underway to move residents to safer areas. Kongsakul Jantrach, acting governor of Phatthalung, convened a meeting…
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Fields of flower: Tourists flock to see Phayao’s sunn hemp
A vibrant field of sunn hemp, spread across 5 rai in front of the Phayao Agricultural and Technology College, has become a popular photography spot for tourists, coinciding with the winter season. This picturesque site, located in Mae Na Ruea subdistrict, Mueang district, Phayao province, is drawing attention with its radiant yellow hues. Prasert Phrompa, the Director of Phayao Agricultural…
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