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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Bangkok cracks down on smoky buses amid pollution crisis
To tackle Bangkok’s escalating air pollution, city officials inspected public buses for black smoke emissions at the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority’s (BMTA) Sathuphradit Depot on Tuesday, January 14. The initiative, led by Phonprom Wikitset, Advisor to the Governor of Bangkok, and Prapat Luangsirinapa, Director of the Environmental Office, aimed to address the city’s fine particulate matter (PM2.5) crisis. The inspections…
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PM perfects ‘Salaam’ greeting on helicopter to Muslim south
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepared for a visit to Thailand’s southern Muslim-majority provinces by practising the universal Islamic greeting, “as-salaam alaykum” (peace be upon you), aboard an air force helicopter. Assisted by Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, the PM repeated the greeting several times to perfect her pronunciation. “I practised this earlier too, but I want to get it just right.”…
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Rawai woman busted in 36 million baht fake investment scam
A 36 year old woman in Rawai has been arrested for her alleged role in a massive investment scam that defrauded victims of over 36 million baht. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), in collaboration with the Highway Police Division, apprehended the suspect, identified as Wipha, at a residence in Soi Samakee 2 following a detailed investigation. Wipha faces multiple charges,…
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British fraudster nabbed in land scam at Bangkok airport
A British national was arrested at Suvarnabhumi International Airport upon returning to Thailand, accused of orchestrating an elaborate property fraud worth nearly 20 million baht. Officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), led by Police Colonel Theeraphast Yangyuen and Police Lieutenant Colonel Woraphot Lalitjirakul, apprehended the 57 year old British man, Quentin (surname withheld) yesterday, January 15 under an…
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South Thailand unrest: Defence chief demands strategy overhaul
Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Minister of Defence Phumtham Wechayachai called for a bold rethink of Thailand’s southern border strategy following a recent motorcycle bomb attack in Pattani that left defence volunteers and civilians injured. In a scathing critique of current measures, Phumtham urged the National Security Council (NSC) to replace the ineffective cycle of lifting and reinstating emergency decrees with a more…
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Lottery fever grows as Teachers’ Day draw nears in Udon Thani
As the lottery draw approaches Teachers’ Day tomorrow, January 17, a popular destination for those seeking fortune is the mystical island of Kham Chanod in Udon Thani province. Known for its spiritual significance, the site is bustling with visitors who come to pay their respects to the revered spirits of Grandfather Srisuttho and Grandmother Phatumma. At the Kham Chanod shrine,…
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Chaos on Pattaya Beach: Drunk tourists fuel brawls in hotspot
Pattaya Beach, known for its stunning coastline and electrifying nightlife, is grappling with a surge in alcohol-fuelled brawls involving unruly tourists. Once a haven for relaxation and revelry, the iconic destination has seen a troubling rise in disruptive incidents, leaving locals and officials concerned about the city’s reputation. Reports reveal that drunken altercations have become an all-too-common sight, particularly after…
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Family feud in Prachin Buri leaves man critically injured
A family dispute in Prachin Buri province resulted in a severe injury when a 20 year old man allegedly shot his 36 year old brother-in-law, with a homemade firearm. The incident took place yesterday, January 15, in front of a house in Mueang Nadi district, but the family has not disclosed the reason behind the altercation. Police Lieutenant Colonel Yutthaphum Damrongtham…
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Thai durian exporters face losses due to new Chinese regulations
Durian farmers and exporters in Chumphon province are facing significant financial losses due to new Chinese import regulations requiring certification for the absence of Basic Yellow 2: an organic compound classified by the World Health Organisation as a Group 2B carcinogen. Thailand currently lacks the necessary testing equipment, leading to delays and financial strain for the industry. The new Chinese…
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Paw-trait of loyalty: Faithful dog waits for dead owner outside 7-Eleven
In a heart-wrenching tale of devotion, a stray dog named Moo Daeng (roasted pork) has captured the hearts of Thai social media users after being spotted waiting for its late owner outside a 7-Eleven in downtown Korat. Dubbed the “Hachi of Korat,” Moo Daeng’s story has drawn comparisons to Japan’s legendary loyal dog, Hachikō. The poignant story went viral after the…
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Thai man attacks Swiss man with cue stick over pool game dispute
A Thai man attacked a Swiss tourist with a cue stick at a bar in Pattaya, accusing the foreigner of cheating during a game of pool. Rescuers from the Sawang Borriboon Dhammstan Foundation responded to the incident at a bar on Soi Khao Ta Lo in Bang Lamung district, Pattaya, last night, January 15, following reports of a physical altercation.…
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Customs seizes 256 tonnes of smuggled e-waste at Thai port
Thai Customs officials uncovered a haul of over 256 tonnes of hazardous electronic waste smuggled into the country from Japan and Hong Kong via Laem Chabang Port. The seizure, announced at a press conference by Customs spokesperson Panthong Loykulnanta, highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal waste imports under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s directive to prioritise public health and environmental safety.…
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Second post-mortem to be conducted on death of Indian woman
A chilling twist has emerged in the alleged murder of a 32 year old Indian woman whose body was flown back to India from Thailand late Tuesday night, January 14. Lucknow police, acting on her family’s complaint, are set to conduct a second post-mortem today to uncover the truth behind her suspicious demise. The woman, Priyanka Sharma’s husband, city-based doctor…
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Mother arrested for gold theft amid lender threats in Thailand
A 27 year old mother was arrested for stealing a gold bracelet after facing dire financial straits. She resorted to stealing following threats from a lender who intimidated her by threatening her four month old child. The incident occurred on January 12 in a gold shop in Hua Ro, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district, Ayutthaya province. Suwichada Ongying, who works…
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Israel to open 13,000 agriculture jobs for Thai workers
Some 13,000 jobs in the agriculture sector are set to be made available for Thai workers, as announced by Israeli Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Avi Dichter. In recent discussions held in Jerusalem, senior Thai officials, including Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and Department of Employment Director General Somchai Morakotsriwan, met with Dichter. The Thai delegation visited Beit Hilkia Moshav on…
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Chiang Rai schools warn over child abduction vehicle alert
A warning has been issued regarding a suspected child abduction vehicle, leading to the closure of schools and increased vigilance among locals in Chiang Rai. The alert follows reports of a suspicious man attempting to abduct children yesterday, January 15. Bunsong Tinaree, the district chief of Mueang Chiang Rai, announced an urgent radio message, labelled as ChR.0118/01, to the local…
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Fake doctor and lawyer swindle 2.75 million baht from Thai nurse
A Thai nurse from the Isaan province of Udon Thani lost 2.75 million baht in two separate investment scams, leaving her unable to afford the care of her bedridden mother and daughter. The victim, 48 year old Bee, filed a complaint with the Provincial Police Region 4 and shared her experience with news agencies to warn others about falling victim…
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Former English footballer caught in drug smuggling own goal
A former footballer from Liverpool confessed he deeply regrets smuggling drugs from Thailand after quitting the professional game to allegedly look after his cancer-stricken grandparents. The former Tranmere Rovers footballer was arrested by immigration police while transferring through customs at Manchester Airport. Jamie Kilcourse, returning from a holiday in Bangkok with friends, was stopped by Border Force officers upon arrival…
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Firefighters battle forest fire near monastery in Chon Buri (video)
A forest fire broke out at 9.30pm yesterday, January 15 along a mountain range in Village 4, Pong subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. The extensive spread of the fire poses a threat to a nearby monastery, leading to immediate action from local officials and residents. The fire’s rapid progression has raised concerns for the safety of the monastery, which…
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Thai woman abused, forced to shave head by cheating husband
A Thai woman is seeking justice after her drug-addicted, unfaithful husband brutally abused and forced her to shave her head. The man reportedly denied her request for a divorce and even sent pictures and videos of himself having sex with his mistress to his wife. Chalida Palamart, founder of the Be One organisation, assisted the 29 year old woman, named Onn,…
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Passenger refuses to pay full fare in Ayutthaya taxi dispute (video)
A taxi driver encountered an unusual situation when a passenger refused to pay the full fare after being driven from Suvarnabhumi international Airport to Ayutthaya, claiming the taxi meter was rigged. The incident occurred yesterday, January 15 in a residential area of Mueang district, Ayutthaya province. Local police received a report from the driver, 43 year old Achitsaphong Dokput, regarding…
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Phuket under siege: Tidal wave of trash threatens tropical paradise
The once-idyllic waters and landscapes of Phuket is in danger of being flooded in a rising tidal wave of trash is threatening to overwhelm this renowned tourist haven. Plastic bottles and empty beer cans now clutter the ocean floor while the island itself groans under the weight of mounting rubbish, casting a shadow over its famed beaches. Behind the scenes,…
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Banana plant in Phayao sparks lottery frenzy with unique bud
A unique phenomenon in Phayao province has attracted attention as a banana plant, seemingly cut down, has produced a bud resembling a lotus flower from its trunk. Residents are flocking to the site with hopes of finding lucky lottery numbers, believing a local spirit, known as the Goddess Tanee, is offering protection. Locals informed the media yesterday, January 15, about…
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Illegal cuts: South Koreans snipped up in Bangkok salon raid
Police yesterday arrested four South Korean nationals for working illegally at a renowned hair salon in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok. Officers from the Immigration Bureau acted on a tip-off and raided the salon, located on the second floor of a building in the Sukhumvit neighbourhood, at around 3.30pm, yesterday, January 15. Upon arrival, officers found both Thai and foreign customers…
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Phuket cracks down on parasailing risks following accident
Officials in Karon announced a sweeping crackdown on water sports safety protocols following the death of a parasailing staff member earlier this month. The high-profile meeting, held on Tuesday, January 14 at Karon Municipality, aimed to bolster safety for tourists and operators. Chaired by Karon Police Chief Police Colonel Khundet Na Nongkhai and Phuket Marine Office Chief Natchapong Pranit, the…
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Relatives surrender in 20 million baht Australian job scam
Parents, grandparents, and relatives surrendered to police in connection with a scam promising Australian jobs to 250 victims, resulting in losses of 20 million baht. The main suspect remains at large, prompting another summons scheduled for later this month. The investigation in Buriram province revealed that 28 year old Thamonwan, also known as Oi, allegedly posed as an Australian Embassy…
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Thai PM faces petition over jailed activist adviser appointment
Activist Sonthiya Sawasdee has lodged a petition against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra concerning the appointment of a former jailed activist as her adviser. Sonthiya requested that the Office of the Attorney-General forward his complaint to the Constitutional Court regarding the appointment of Nattawut Saikuar, a significant figure in the red shirt movement, on October 4 last year. Sonthiya claims that…
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3 Pattaya transwomen assault Laotian woman over job loss (video)
Three Thai transwomen brutally attacked a Laotian woman in Pattaya earlier this week, accusing the victim of getting them fired from their jobs. A Laotian woman, identified only as Da, called on Thai news agencies to assist her in seeking justice after she was brutally assaulted on Pattaya Sai Song Road at 2.59am on Tuesday, January 14. The incident occurred…
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Thailand video news | Thailand’s new tax rules raise concerns for expats, Trump’s Greenland comments ignite Chinese Taiwan debate
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex delves into pressing issues from Thailand and neighbouring countries. Featured stories include Thailand’s new tax rules raising concerns among expats, a shocking hit-and-run in Pattaya, and public outrage over cannabis vaping on Bangkok’s BTS trains. Additional coverage explores a voyeur scandal in Nakhon Si Thammarat, risks of money laundering tied to Thailand’s casino…
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Korat calls for urgent donations amid major blood shortage
Residents across northeastern Thailand are being encouraged to donate blood to address a significant shortage, as highlighted by officials at Regional Blood Centre V. Hospitals in regions such as Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Buriram, and Surin are currently receiving only 30 to 40% of their required blood supply, according to Sirilak Piakkhunthod, head of the blood centre. Sirilak noted that 39…
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