News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. The Thaiger delivers the latest national news that matters.
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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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Gang members arrested in Pattaya for assault on Laotian woman
Two men from a gang of seven have been apprehended in connection with a robbery and assault on a 26 year old Laotian woman, identified as Waewta, in Pattaya, Chon Buri province. The group, which included one woman and six men, used balaclavas to conceal their identities during the attack on February 2. They reportedly used a gun to intimidate,…
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Officer surrenders after assault and firearm theft in Chon Buri
A police officer has surrendered after assaulting his ex-girlfriend, attacking a police officer who intervened, and fleeing with the officer’s firearm. The 37 year old Kittisak, affiliated with the Immigration Police, kicked down the door of a house in Sattahip district, Chon Buri province, and assaulted his ex-girlfriend. Police Sub-Lieutenant Pasakorn Phachurabiabna, who attempted to assist the woman, was severely…
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Thailand heatwave: Extreme temperatures and storms expected
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted extreme heat, with the northern region experiencing temperatures exceeding 40°C. Additionally, there is a risk of thunderstorms in nine southern provinces, with high waves expected at sea. Yesterday, March 24, the TMD predicted weather conditions for the next 24 hours. Northern Thailand will see rising temperatures, with widespread heat and haze, and some…
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Thailand cracks down on e-cigarette sales with mass URL purge
Thailand’s war on illegal vapes has gone digital, with government officials shutting down over 9,500 online links linked to the sale and smuggling of e-cigarettes. Deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan revealed that between March 2024 and March 19, 2025, the Digital Economy and Society Ministry took down 9,515 URLs involved in the illicit vape trade. “We are using every tool…
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Fuelling the festivities: Petrol and diesel prices cut for Songkran
Motorists are getting a Songkran surprise as Thailand’s Oil Fund slashes petrol and diesel prices by 1 baht per litre—just in time for the holiday travel rush. Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, who also chairs the Oil Fuel Fund Management Committee, announced that the price cut will be rolled out in two phases. The first reduction of…
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Sour deal: China squeezes out 19 Thai products over safety fears
China has slammed the brakes on 19 Thai products, including sweetened condensed milk, citing safety concerns and labelling issues. The move, part of a broader crackdown that saw 357 shipments from 38 countries rejected in January this year, has sent shockwaves through Thailand’s export sector. According to the Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) released…
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Drunk Thai woman attempts hara-kiri after dispute with husband
A Thai woman today attempted to perform hara-kiri, cutting open her stomach, after a dispute with her husband while they were both drunk at a rented house in Chiang Mai province. Officers from Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station and rescuers arrived at the two-storey house in the Mueang district of the province at about 2am, today, March 24, after receiving…
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Bangkok choking: PM2.5 toxic dust clouds capital in pollution panic
Bangkok and a staggering 57 out of 76 provinces across Thailand found themselves gasping for breath today, as hazardous PM2.5 dust levels enveloped the nation. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) sounded the alarm, highlighting the north, northeast, central plain, and east regions with red-level warnings, while the south enjoyed clearer skies. GISTDA deem PM2.5 levels below 37.5…
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Phuket cops bag major methamphetamine suspect in Thalang bust
Phuket police collared a major drug suspect in Thalang, seizing a staggering stash of methamphetamine. The dramatic operation, spearheaded by Thalang Police Chief, Police Colonel Nikorn Chuathong, unfolded on Friday, March 21. Leading the charge was Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Luecha and his team of investigators from Thalang Police Station. Their target? Prasan “Him” Nopparat, a 45 year old alleged…
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Fake cash chaos: Phuket cops probe tourists over dodgy dollars
Phuket police are on high alert after two foreign women allegedly tried to exchange fake US dollars at a local currency exchange. Officers were called to the exchange near a major Cape Panwa hotel on Saturday, March 22, after staff became suspicious of six US$50 bills. The women, whose nationalities remain undisclosed, handed over the notes in exchange for 9,750…
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2 suspects arrested, 2 police injured in illegal gun crackdown
Two Thai police officers sustained injuries during a shooting while carrying out an illegal gun crackdown in Bangkok at the weekend. One suspect was arrested at the scene, while another surrendered the following day. A 62 year old witness reported the shooting on Soi Sook Anan in the Kannayao district of Bangkok to Kannayao Police Station at about 8.30pm on Saturday,…
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Bangkok man caught with unlicensed gun at checkpoint
A man was apprehended with an unlicensed gun at a checkpoint on Chalerm Phong Road in Sai Mai, Bangkok. The man admitted buying the weapon from a friend without transferring ownership or having a permit. At 8.30am this morning, March 24, Police in Bangkok initiated a policy for crime prevention checkpoints in the capital. Police Major General Jedsada Suaysom, Commander…
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Speeding driver causes major crash, minor injuries reported
A major collision occurred between an employee bus and a speeding pickup truck driver when the bus attempted a U-turn on Phan Thong-Ban Kao Road in Phan Thong district, Chon Buri, at 5.30am this morning, March 24. The pickup truck, unable to stop in time, crashed into the rear of the bus. Police are reviewing CCTV footage for further investigation.…
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Thai motorcycle taxi rider loses nearly 30,000 baht in fake dollar scam
A Thai motorcycle taxi rider lost nearly 30,000 baht after a scammer tricked him into exchanging fake dollar banknotes at a bank in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok. The motorcycle taxi rider, 43 year old Saksan Phungphat, carried his baby boy to seek help from Channel 3 after police allowed the scammer to remain at large despite his loss of…
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Two homes gutted, Pattaya residents burned in frantic fire escape
A raging fire tore through a residential area in Pattaya, leaving two homes in ruins and two people injured as they desperately tried to save their belongings. The blaze erupted at 1pm, yesterday, March 23, in Soi Thung Klom-Tanman 15, prompting a rapid response from Nongprue police, firefighters, and Sawang Boriboon rescue teams. Three fire engines rushed to the scene,…
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Four arrested with AK-47s bound for Phuket
Phang Nga police apprehended four people with AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition in their possession at a checkpoint on Phang Nga-Thap Put Road on Saturday, March 22. The group claimed they were transporting the firearms to Phuket. The arrests took place at the Wang Mo Kaeng checkpoint in Mueang Phang Nga district, led by officers under Police Captain Boonserm Phengkliang,…
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Minister demands tighter security after student clash at MBK Centre
The minister for higher education urged for enhanced security measures, particularly in shopping malls, following a confrontation at MBK Centre in central Bangkok at the weekend. Supamas Isarabhakdi, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, yesterday, March 24, announced her intention to request the Royal Thai Police Office to bolster security in high-risk locations. She also emphasised monitoring…
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Truck-stop terror: Motorcyclist smashes into lorry near Pattaya
A 21 year old Cambodian motorcyclist was left seriously injured after colliding with a parked 18-wheeler on Sukhumvit Road, Bang Lamung, near Pattaya. Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre was alerted to the crash at 2.06am, yesterday, March 23, near the Krating Lai Bridge, heading towards Bangkok in Chon Buri province. Rescue volunteers and medical teams rushed to the scene. A…
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United Nations urges Thailand to collaborate for sustainable future
A United Nations official called on the Government of Thailand, private sector, and communities to collaborate for the nation’s sustainable future. Kanni Wignaraja, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Development Programme, highlighted the need for inclusivity in these efforts. During her recent visit to Thailand for the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2025, held from…
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Thailand video news | Thailand delays decision on cutting visa-free stay to 30 days, Philippines adds buses, trains amid transport strike
In Thailand video news, Alex and Jay cover key updates, including Thailand’s delayed decision on reducing visa-free stays and a dramatic BMW crash in Phuket. A German man linked to dentist attacks was found dead in Korat, while a violent brawl at MBK Center has sparked calls for tighter mall security. A British tourist alleges mistreatment in a Thai jail,…
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Slow progress in Thaksin hospital aid probe due to limited info
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) reported that the investigation into allegations of government officials aiding former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in obtaining medical treatment at the Police General Hospital (PGH), bypassing prison detention, is progressing slowly due to limited access to information. Saroj Phungramphan, the NACC Secretary General, stated yesterday, March 23, that their team is gathering evidence, including witness…
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Pattaya motorbike thief crashes student’s birthday bash
A Pattaya motorbike thief become a party pooper in the early hours of this morning, ruining a student’s birthday party celebrations, as revealed by a social media post that’s gone viral. CCTV footage from yesterday, March 23, at 8pm revealed a daring theft unfolding in Soi Buakhao. The clip captured a thief effortlessly making off with a black Honda PCX—license plate…
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Thailand urged to review new co-payment health insurance rule
The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) urged the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) to reevaluate the new co-payment health insurance rule, calling it unjust for consumers and ineffective in addressing fundamental issues. Implemented on March 20, the rule requires policyholders to cover up to 50% of medical expenses, replacing the previous comprehensive coverage plan. Post-Covid-19 pandemic, rising healthcare costs and an…
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Blazing bandit: Foreign thief tunnels into Phuket weed shop
A foreign man remains at large after drilling through the wall of a cannabis store in Phuket to steal products worth 30,000 baht and 2,000 baht in cash on Saturday, March 22. The owner of the cannabis store, Saen Sook Smoke Weed, 24 year old Kwan, filed a theft complaint with officers at Patong Police Station on Saturday afternoon, March…
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Thaksin wades into Thailand debt storm with bold bailout plan
Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has reignited debate over the country’s mounting debt crisis, urging the government to buy up bad loans to help struggling households. The 75 year old’s proposal? The state should step in, purchase non-performing loans (NPLs) from financial institutions, and wipe debt-ridden individuals off the National Credit Bureau’s blacklist. But not everyone is convinced by…
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Storm warning: Thai provinces brace for a real reign of terror
The Meteorological Department of Thailand has forecasted severe weather conditions for today, March 24, predicting heavy rain in nine provinces, affecting 20% of the areas. Northern Thailand is expected to face extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celcius (°C). A low-pressure system due to heat is covering northern Thailand, while a weakening high-pressure system or cool air mass…
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Toddler takes the wheel: SUV crash kills two children in Buriram
A female SUV driver crashed and killed two children, aged nine and 13, on a motorcycle in the Isaan province of Buriram on Saturday, March 22. The SUV driver’s two year old child reportedly sat on her lap and grabbed the steering wheel, leading to the crash. The fatal accident was reported to officers at Satuek Police Station and the…
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Thai delegation aims for 7.3 billion baht rice deal in South Africa
The Commerce Ministry of Thailand has dispatched a delegation to South Africa to promote Thai rice, aiming to finalise a major export deal valued at approximately 7.3 billion baht. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan assigned Worawong Ramangkura, Assistant Minister of Commerce, to lead a delegation from March 24 to March 30, including representatives from the Thai Rice Exporters Association, General Mill…
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Thief steals gold worth 7.8 million baht in Ayutthaya heist
A lone thief armed with a gun stole gold worth over 7 million baht in under a minute at a shopping mall in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The incident occurred at 6.30pm yesterday, March 23. The deputy investigator at Phra In Racha Police Station received a report about the armed robbery at a gold store located within a shopping mall…
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Massage gets a rub down: Thailand cracks whip on shady parlours
The Thai government is cracking down on dodgy massage parlours that are tarnishing the reputation of nuad Thai, as the industry faces a shortage of 50,000 skilled practitioners. The Ministry of Public Health is stepping in to restore the craft’s credibility, amid concerns that inconsistent standards and seedy businesses have led to Thai massage being wrongly linked to brothels. Adviser…
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