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 Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
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Hot ink, cool runs: Pattaya set for tattoo parades, bikini escapades
Anticipation is bubbling over in Pattaya as the city prepares to host not one, but two sensational events that promise to turn up the heat this weekend: the Pattaya International Tattoo Festival and the eagerly awaited Pattaya International Bikini Beach Race 2024. Kicking off the festivities, Central Marina is poised to become the epicentre of creativity with the tattoo festival…
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Land of opportunity: Thailand lays ground for 99-year ‘lease’ of a lifetime
In a bold move to bolster foreign investment, Thailand is set to revolutionise its land lease policies by extending terms to an impressive 99 years. This game-changing proposal was unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira at the glitzy CEO Econmas Awards 2024, marking a monumental shift for international investors eyeing long-term opportunities in the Land of…
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Thailand embraces AI to lead global economy by 2030
Thailand is rapidly embracing artificial intelligence (AI) technology across public and private sectors, aligning with global technological advancements. This movement was highlighted during a seminar, where experts emphasised the importance of an AI-ready workforce to propel Thailand into the forefront of the AI-driven global economy by 2030. Scheduled as a significant milestone, 2030 is anticipated to witness a global economic…
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Monks under ‘charm’ fire for selling Moo Deng amulets
A wave of drama unfolded when Thai monks from a temple in the Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri introduced Moo Deng amulets, sparking concern among residents. Locals worry that these charms could make people excessively gullible. The pygmy hippo Moo Deng has become a sensation among Thais and foreigners alike. Moo Deng has drawn thousands of visitors to the…
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Thailand’s industrial sector hit by mass layoffs amid economic woes
Mass layoffs have swept through Thailand’s industrial sector, with approximately 2,600 factory workers losing their jobs over the past two days. Financial difficulties have compelled employers to downsize their operations, leading to significant disruptions in the workforce. An electric vehicle manufacturer in Chachoengsao announced that 600 workers will be laid off, effective December 1. This decision, communicated in a letter…
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15,000 Malaysian tourists flock to Thailand for Diwali, Halloween
Thailand’s southern border districts are experiencing a significant surge in visitors from Malaysia as tourists flock across the border to celebrate Halloween and Diwali. Yesterday, October 31, marked a notable influx, with over 15,000 Malaysian tourists crossing the Sadao immigration checkpoint in Songkhla‘s Sadao district. The day coincided with Malaysia’s public holiday for the Diwali festival, prompting many to take advantage…
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Med school malpractice: Thai students fight ‘doctoring’ of licence fees
A prospective Thai doctor is on a quest for justice after educational service agencies allegedly attempted to overcharge her and 20 other medical students studying in the Philippines, and fabricated a document for medical licences in Thailand. There are also suspicions that the Medical Council of Thailand may have had a hand in these dubious dealings. The victim, referred to…
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GDP on the up: Thailand’s economy gears up for 2.7% ‘Thai’ to growth
Thailand’s Finance Ministry is projecting GDP growth of 2.7% for the current year, with expectations to reach 3% in 2025. The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) announced that while fiscal measures have been maximally employed to bolster the economy, further support from monetary policy is essential for achieving higher growth rates. During the ministry’s economic briefing, Pornchai Thiraveja, FPO Director-General, reaffirmed…
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Malaysian tourist falls from Phuket hotel balcony onto parked car
A Malaysian tourist‘s trip to Phuket took a dramatic turn when she fell from a hotel balcony in Patong, landing on a parked car below. The incident occurred early today, November 1, sending shockwaves across the bustling tourist area. The local police in Patong responded swiftly to an emergency call at 4.37am, arriving at the hotel situated on Rat-U Thit…
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Pattaya security guard investigated after knife threat in parking row
A condominium security guard in Pattaya’s Jomtien area is under investigation after allegedly brandishing a knife at a resident over a parking dispute. The incident, which had raised concerns about future safety, involved 46 year old Ek and his partner, 49 year old Am, who reported the matter to the police. Ek recounted the incident that occurred yesterday, October 31,…
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Phuket woman injured by stray bullet during Halloween evening
A Halloween evening in Phuket took a terrifying turn when a woman was unexpectedly struck by a stray bullet while outside her residence in Srisoonthorn. The incident occurred yesterday evening, October 31, raising concerns about safety in the usually peaceful neighbourhood. The Thalang Police, along with rescue workers, responded promptly to the distress call from Moo 8, Srisoonthorn, arriving around…
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Murder-suicide attempt: Burmese man dies after stabbing Thai girlfriend
A Burmese man stabbed his Thai girlfriend and committed suicide following her discovery that he had a legal wife in Myanmar and her request to end the relationship. The Thai woman survived the attack and remains in hospital. The Burmese man, 29 year old Htet, attempted to murder his Thai girlfriend, 24 year old Jiraporn, yesterday, October 31. However, only…
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Shocking tragedy: Electrician electrocuted in building mishap
An electrician tragically lost his life due to electrocution while working on the electrical installation of a newly constructed rental building. His death was discovered by a colleague who noticed he had not joined the team for lunch. Police received a report yesterday, October 31, at 3pm regarding the unfortunate incident at a rental room in Chong Kham, Mueang district,…
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Samut Prakan resident critically injured in Halloween shooting
A dramatic incident unfolded on Halloween night in Samut Prakan, where a man was left critically injured after being shot twice. The young man managed to flee on his motorbike for over 10 kilometres, seeking help from locals. Emergency responders from Samut Prakan Hospital rushed to provide first aid to 29 year old Komkrit after the shooting. He sustained gunshot…
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Udon Thani man arrested for child prostitution scheme
A 42 year old man was arrested for facilitating child prostitution after disguising himself as a food delivery rider in Udon Thani. The man, Yutthasart, allegedly charged clients 1,000 baht and deducted 200 to 300 baht from the children involved. Police Colonel Phatthanawong Chantapol, along with the investigative team from Udon Thani Provincial Police, announced the arrest, citing charges of…
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Thai teacher’s close call: Drug addict hides in her room
A Thai teacher narrowly escaped danger after discovering a drug addict hiding in her welfare accommodation near a school in the Thong Pha Phum district, in Kanchanaburi province. The teacher reported the incident to Thong Pha Phum Police Station on Wednesday, October 30, after finding the Thai man in her room. She shared CCTV footage with the police as evidence,…
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Jealousy turns deadly: Man shot at Mae Sot restaurant
A tragic incident unfolded at a restaurant in Mae Sot when a 34 year old man was shot dead by the establishment’s owner, a retired civil servant, in a fit of jealousy. The altercation, which escalated into a deadly confrontation, took place in the early hours of today, November 1. The incident occurred around 3am when the police, led by…
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South Korean man takes an ‘unfare’ ride in stolen Bangkok taxi
Police yesterday arrested a South Korean man for stealing a taxi parked near a petrol station in the Chatuchak neighbourhood of Bangkok. Officers from Bang Sue Police Station arrested the South Korean man, 52 year old Kim Hwangil, yesterday, October 31, shortly after he stole a blue Toyota Altis taxi with the registration plate ทฬ 9000 Bangkok, from 38 year…
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Spooky scenes: Police raid leaves partygoers haunted by drug bust
A Halloween night raid on two popular pubs in Chanthaburi left partygoers in disarray as police discovered nearly 100 people with drugs in their system and multiple underage patrons. The crackdown now seeks a five-year closure of the venues. The operation took place around 1:30am today, November 1, initiated by Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.…
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Drug-addicted Thai man kills 4 month old daughter with pesticide
A drug-addicted Thai man in the central province of Lopburi confessed to adding pesticide to a milk bottle which resulted in the death of his four month old daughter. The 45 year old man, Suriya Thippaha, took his son-in-law, 39 year old Chatmongkhon Chaiyatha, to Lamsonthi Police Station in Lopburi province, accusing him of killing his four month old granddaughter…
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KO tragedy: British boxing hopeful’s final round in Pattaya hotel
A young British boxing hopeful was found lifeless at the swanky Vogue Hotel in Pattaya, Thailand. The grim discovery of Joshua Goldstone in the early hours of Wednesday, October 30, has left friends and fans reeling, as the boxer’s Australian mate is battling for his life amidst the scandalous surroundings of a potential drug overdose. The 21 year old fighter’s…
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British man injured in Nongprue prompts emergency response
A British man was found injured near Nong Yai Railway Road in Nongprue, Bang Lamung, prompting emergency responders to arrive at the scene. The incident unfolded when locals noticed the approximately 40 year old man, who was shirtless and only wearing socks, with noticeable scratch wounds on his body. He appeared agitated and was shouting but unable to communicate effectively…
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Police officer in drunk driving crash escapes legal action
A troubling police corruption case has emerged involving an officer allegedly driving while drunk, resulting in a collision with a parked car, yet faced no legal repercussions. The incident, which took place four months ago, raised concerns over potential bias and inadequate investigation. The incident occurred previously on June 20, when a red Mazda parked on the roadside within the…
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Pattaya restaurant turns into a shootout: Chaos as tempers flare
A gun-toting Thai man caused alarm at a bustling Moo Krata restaurant in Pattaya after firing a shot during a heated dispute. The incident took place outside the Moo Krata Baek Kap Din Sam restaurant on Petchtrakul Road at approximately 4.06am on October 30. Witnesses reported that the man aimed his weapon at a group of men before making a…
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Pattaya police detain 11 homeless individuals causing disturbances
Eleven homeless people were taken into custody by Pattaya police after causing disturbances to both residents and tourists. The operation, which took place on October 30 at 10am, was spearheaded by Wichak Phetnooch, Senior Community Development Officer. A team of 50, comprising officers from Pattaya Police Station, social development officials, police volunteers, and special operations officers, conducted a thorough search…
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Heavy rain alert for 33 provinces in Thailand as temperatures drop
Weather warnings have been issued for 33 provinces in Thailand, forecasting heavy rain covering 30% of areas due to a new wave of cold air bringing strong winds and a significant temperature drop expected tomorrow, November 2. From November 2 to 5, the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) indicates moderate to relatively strong high-pressure system from China is expected to…
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Karon police ‘taxi’ the bull by the horns: No more illegal rides
Karon police have hit back at online accusations claiming they’ve been lax in tackling illegal taxi operations. In a bold announcement, they revealed that a whopping 208 illegal taxis have been stopped and seized since the start of July. In a statement released earlier yesterday, October 31, Karon Police reassured the public that their officers have been conducting checkpoints at…
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Russian man faces Phuket charges for mafia-like intimidation
A Russian man, accused by his compatriots of acting with mafia-like intimidation, faces charges in Phuket after allegedly threatening several individuals, including former employees. Allegations against him include cutting the brake line of a motorcycle, an act that has led to charges of attempted murder, among others. Cherng Talay Police Chief Weeraphong Rakkhito confirmed that the investigation had concluded and…
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Thailand’s cultural treasures shine bright: No.8 in global rankings
Thailand has secured a top spot in cultural heritage, ranking eighth out of 89 countries, according to a recent US News & World report. This prestigious ranking catapults Thailand into the elite league of culturally rich nations, celebrated for its vibrant traditions and historical significance. The American media powerhouse determined the rankings based on five crucial attributes: cultural accessibility, rich…
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Black Friday starts now – Grab 10% off your health insurance plan
If you’re an expat living in Thailand, you’ve likely experienced the complexity of navigating healthcare abroad. With Black Friday rolling in, it’s the perfect time to secure a health insurance plan that provides peace of mind and a safety net when you need it most. For a limited time, you can grab 10% off your health insurance, a smart move to…
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