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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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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Funeral woe turns to joy as Thai parents realise ‘dead’ son is alive
Thai parents held a three-day funeral for their son before discovering that he was still alive and undergoing treatment at a hospital in the southern province of Phatthalung. Amarawadee Datekhao shared the case of mistaken identity that her family experienced with ThaiRath yesterday, March 26. She explained that her 17 year old son, Pongsaphak Thaneerat, and his friend were rushed…
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Renowned Thai abbot dies from heatstroke amid soaring temperatures
A renowned abbot from a well-known temple passed away unexpectedly yesterday after suffering from heatstroke in a bathroom. The 66 year old Phra Khru Kampeera Siddhikun, abbot of Wat Burapha Ban Khae and head monk of Phak Phang subdistrict, was discovered by fellow monks and rushed to a hospital. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead at 6.30pm, yesterday, March…
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PM Paetongtarn heads to Phuket to boost sustainable tourism
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is bringing her soft power message to the golden sands of Phuket in a bold bid to reshape the future of Thai tourism. The 38 year old Thai premier is set to jet off to the southern island tomorrow, March 28, as part of her push to position Thailand as a global leader in sustainable travel.…
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Air quality worsens, affecting 56 Thai provinces with high PM2.5
Air quality in the Kingdom of Thailand has deteriorated over the past week, impacting 56 provinces with elevated PM2.5 levels, notably affecting the north and northeast. Projections for the week indicate worsening conditions. As of March 27, the Air Pollution Solution Communication Centre released its air quality report. The report highlights that the PM2.5 levels exceed national standards across several…
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Thieves steal Honda Wave 125i motorcycles in Saraburi heist
Three young thieves stole two Honda Wave 125i motorcycles from a dormitory in Nong Khae district, Saraburi province. The theft occurred within three minutes, leaving the owner with only the registration documents. One of the motorcycles was newly purchased just a month ago. Yesterday, March 26, Boonsanong Kamphumi, the 37 year old owner of a white-red Honda Wave 125i, licence…
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Thailand approves mega entertainment complex bill with casino cap
Thailand is going all-in on entertainment—but not just for gamblers. In a landmark move, the Cabinet has approved the draft Integrated Entertainment Business Act and sent it to the House of Representatives for further consideration. While the inclusion of casinos may raise eyebrows, the government insists they’ll be strictly regulated and capped at just 10% of any entertainment complex. “The…
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Pattaya lifeguards and foreigner rescue man from suicide (video)
Two Thai lifeguards and a foreigner yesterday successfully rescued a man who attempted to commit suicide in the sea off Pattaya. Two Thai lifeguards and a foreign man who witnessed the incident yesterday, March 26, pulled the Thai man, later identified as Pisit, out of the sea. Pisit reportedly choked on seawater and was exhausted, as the sea had very…
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Suspect in 7.8 million baht gold robbery arrested
The suspect involved in a gold robbery valued at approximately 7.8 million baht has been apprehended. Police, after scrutinising CCTV footage for two days, discovered a suspicious pickup truck used by the suspect to survey the area before committing the crime. A press briefing is scheduled for today. March 27. The incident involved a male suspect who used a firearm…
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Thai transwoman and boyfriend arrested for killing brother
Police in Pathum Thani arrested a Thai transwoman and her boyfriend after uncovering evidence that they had murdered her younger brother and managed to keep the crime hidden for three months. The victim, a 28 year old Thai man, Jakkarin Charoenpha, went missing in mid-December last year. Jakkarin left his rented room in the Isaan province of Nakhon Ratchasima on…
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Police slam brakes on teen biker gang in Chalong crackdown
A gang of 11 teenagers were arrested early yesterday morning for causing a disturbance and loitering in Chalong, with six motorcycles seized during the operation. The arrests were made yesterday, March 26, under the supervision of Police Colonel Rungrit Rattanaphakdi, Superintendent of Chalong Police Station, after officers were alerted to a gathering of youths causing a nuisance near Soi Chao…
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Thai man found dead in car after unusual online order
A 29 year old man was discovered dead in his vehicle after ordering items online, raising suspicions among family members who had noticed his unusual behaviour three to four days before his death. Yesterday, March 26, at 7.30pm, Police Lieutenant Colonel Jaresak Suwannasont, Deputy Inspector of Bang Nam Priao Police Station, was informed about a death inside a car parked in…
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Stricter safety urged after multiple Rama II construction accidents
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has called for stringent safety measures in response to recurrent accidents at a major construction project on Rama II Road, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. A meeting with Italian-Thai Development (ITD) is scheduled for tomorrow, March 28. The minister has directed the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare (DLPW), alongside the Institute for the Promotion…
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Thai food fight: Restaurant industry left starving as spending drops 40%
Thailand’s restaurant industry is in turmoil, with purchasing power dropping by over 40% in the first quarter of 2025, according to Thanivarn Kulmongkol, President of the Thai Restaurant Association. The sluggish economic recovery and stagnant incomes have left consumers tightening their belts, opting for savings rather than spending, especially ahead of major festivals like Songkran. This downturn is affecting all…
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Russian man’s Phuket cannabis empire goes up in smoke
Police in Phuket yesterday arrested a Russian man for illegally distributing dried cannabis flowers and vapes, seizing illegal items worth nearly 1 million baht from his accommodation. Local police officers, in collaboration with administrative officials, launched a crackdown on the illegal sale and use of cannabis and e-cigarettes in Phuket between 21 and 30 March. The arrest of the 24…
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Lottery tips and stories fuel excitement for April 1 draw
Lottery enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the draw on April 1. Various sources have shared their predictions for this upcoming event. Here are some notable lottery tips and stories circulating. Renowned lottery predictor Mae Nam Nueng revealed her picks for April 1. She highlights the number 4 and suggests combinations such as 4176. For a three-digit finish, she proposes 417 and…
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Thailand video news | Trump tariff threat hits Thai auto industry, Cambodia rebuilds cathedral destroyed by Khmer rouge
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring key stories from Thailand and Southeast Asia. Thailand’s auto industry faces uncertainty as Trump’s proposed tariff threatens exports. Meanwhile, dramatic incidents unfold in Pattaya, including a hostage standoff involving a Tunisian tourist and a drunk American causing chaos on the road. In Bangkok, plans for a Formula One Grand Prix by…
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Illegal condo rentals exposed in Pattaya crackdown
The Thai government has launched a major crackdown on illegal daily condominium rentals, with a focus on three prime locations in Pattaya. Foreign investors, particularly Chinese nationals, have been accused of turning multiple condominium units into de facto hotels, violating the Hotel Act. These illegal operations have sparked outrage among locals and led to direct intervention by the Ministry of…
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Frenchman wanted for fatal prison break arrested in Phuket
Phuket police officers yesterday arrested a Frenchman wanted for aiding a prisoner’s escape and killing prison guards in France last year. The BBC reported last year that the French prisoner, 30 year old Mohamed Amra, also known as “The Fly,” managed to escape from custody while being transported back to prison after attending a court hearing. Amra had been arrested on…
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Phuket rolls out EV buses to boost tourism and reduce pollution
Phuket is set to introduce two new 18-seat open-top electric buses to enhance its tourism appeal. These environmentally friendly vehicles aim to tackle pollution and PM2.5 dust issues while serving as promotional tools for tourism, according to Saroj Angkanapilas, Mayor of Phuket municipality. The buses are adorned with illustrations of the area’s distinctive Sino-European architecture, highlighting the Old Town’s cultural…
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Chon Buri crackdown on illegal foreign workers intensifies
Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed the active crackdown on illegal foreign workers in Chon Buri, following reports of illegal employment. Yesterday, March 26, a special task force, Tri-Thai Protectors, was deployed to investigate Chinese businesses in Si Racha district after complaints of illegal foreign workers surfaced. The operation, led by Inspector General Pichet Thongphun and Police Lieutenant Colonel Amnat Chooklin,…
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British widow’s Thailand dream turns to heartbreak
A British woman paid tribute to her “kind, compassionate” husband, who died after suffering a heart attack on a flight home from their dream holiday in Thailand. The couple’s flight was diverted to India when he took ill and eventually died in a Delhi hospital. The dead man’s British wife, Gill Dunn, then had the ignominy of bringing her husband’s…
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Thai police surrenders after fatally shooting girlfriend in Nakhon Pathom
A Thai police officer turned himself in after fatally shooting his girlfriend in front of her family members at a house in the central province of Nakhon Pathom yesterday, March 26, the victim’s birthday. The Police Senior Sergeant Major from the Thung Song Hong Police Station, 38 year old Arnon, surrendered himself at Mueang Nakhon Pathom Police Station yesterday after…
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YouTuber’s van collides with truck, injuring seven in Nakhon Ratchasima
A van carrying the team of a popular YouTuber collided with the rear of a trailer truck, injuring seven people, including the YouTuber’s mother. The incident occurred yesterday, March 26, at 8.30am, on Mittraphap Road in Nakhon Ratchasima. Police Colonel Ratthawit Anandadilakkrit from Khong Police Station received the report and directed Police Lieutenant Songphon Nimmani to the scene, along with…
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Khon Kaen school janitor accused of assaulting girls
The Sai Mai Must Survive Facebook page urged officials to maintain oversight on a case involving a school janitor accused of sexually assaulting schoolgirls, including a kindergartener, in Khon Kaen. Parents of the victims reached out to the page, expressing concern that the case, which emerged approximately one month ago, might encounter delays or risk being shelved due to diminishing…
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Singaporean wanted after Thai girlfriend found dead in Bangkok condo
Police are searching for a Singaporean man after his Thai girlfriend was found dead in the bathroom of a luxury condominium on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok yesterday, March 26. The naked body of the 30 year old woman, Proudphilas Paladon, was discovered in the bathroom of a unit on the 22nd floor of a condominium near Soi Sukhumvit 39 in…
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Teenagers arrested in Bangkok for homemade gun attack
Two teenagers were apprehended within two hours after brandishing homemade guns and firing shotgun shells at a rival in the Lat Krabang area. The incident, which took place on March 25 at approximately 8.30pm, resulted in no injuries. Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, along with other high-ranking officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau, disclosed the arrest of 18 year old…
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PM Paetongtarn rules out Cabinet reshuffle after no-confidence win
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated that a Cabinet reshuffle is not imminent after surviving a no-confidence motion. Yesterday, March 26, she received substantial backing from Parliamentarians, with the vote totaling 319 to 162, with seven abstentions. After the vote, the Thai premier confirmed no immediate plans to alter the Cabinet. When questioned about whether her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin…
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Hot weather and thunderstorms expected in upper Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather warning for upper Thailand, predicting hot weather with potential thunderstorms and gusty winds in 28 provinces, including Bangkok. Residents should prepare for a summer storm from March 29 to April 1. As of today, March 27, the department’s 24-hour weather forecast indicates hot to very hot conditions across upper Thailand due…
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Why Thai casinos are embracing Bitcoin: trends and insights
Crypto casinos, in general, and Bitcoin casinos, in particular, have drawn considerable attention in the past few years. However, in many countries, there exists a blanket ban on casinos or gambling. Thailand is one such country where gambling is largely illegal and is allowed in a restrictive manner. In Thailand, gambling was allowed only for horse races and those offered…
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East Pattaya mayor resolves year-long streetlight issue
A long-standing streetlight issue in Nong Pla Lai subdistrict, East Pattaya, which has left a key road in darkness for over a year, is finally being addressed. Phinyo Homklun, the Mayor of Nong Plalai, visited the area around the street cutting through Phon Thep 6 and Phon Thep 8 villages to investigate and resolve the problem after numerous complaints from…
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