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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New tree species unearthed in Thai Geopark
Researchers from Chiang Mai University have uncovered a brand-new species of Ylang Ylang, or cananga tree, at the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark. Dubbed “Chalermprakiat” in honour of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, this discovery is set to shake the botanical world. Ylang Ylang, a tropical tree known for its fragrant flowers, is typically found in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia,…
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Man brings mother to confront security guard who called him fat
A man and a security guard resolved their dispute amicably after a heated after-school exchange in Nonthaburi yesterday, July 10, when the security guard called the man fat after he drove fast by her on a motorcycle in a school zone. As a response, the man brought along his mother to confront the guard. Head of the security guard unit,…
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Teenager violently attacked by rivals in rental room near Pattaya
A teenager was violently attacked by rivals and left with serious injuries in his rental room near Pattaya. The incident was reported to the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation around 4.06pm on Wednesday, July 9. Rescue workers promptly arrived at the scene in a rental room in the Khao Mai Kaew subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Upon arrival,…
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Russian man arrested for illegal business, bribe attempt
A Russian man attempted to secure his freedom by offering a 1 million baht bribe to Thai police after being arrested for illegally operating a motorcycle rental service in Koh Pha Ngan, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. Pha Ngan Tourist Police received a tip-off about a foreigner working illegally in Thailand. Following further investigation, the man…
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Siriraj Hospital unveils AI-powered 3D printing for titanium implants
Siriraj Hospital, in collaboration with Meticuly, has introduced a revolutionary titanium 3D printing system powered by artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to negate logistical and time constraints by creating regulatory-compliant implants directly within healthcare facilities. The partnership has led to the installation of an innovative 3D printing system that can design, manufacture, and deliver patient-specific implants within one to seven days,…
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Young man found dead in Suphan Buri with suspicious soda bottle
A young man was found dead in his vehicle in Suphan Buri, with a suspiciously open soda bottle containing white residue. Police are investigating but no foul play is suspected by the family. Police in Suphan Buri were alerted to the discovery of a deceased individual in a parked pickup truck near a library in Don Chedi Subdistrict. The incident…
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Thai man wanted for groping woman’s breasts on motorcycle
A Thai woman urged netizens to help her locate a man who groped her breasts while she was travelling on a motorcycle with her friend in Phuket on Tuesday. The victim took to social media to share the story, saying it happened around 9.30pm on Tuesday, July 9, near the SuperCheap grocery store in Soi Kok Makham, Rawai sub-district, Phuket.…
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Thailand vehicle sales plummet 24% as debt pressures rise
Thailand’s vehicle market faces a challenging 2024 as initial optimism fades amid weaker-than-expected sales and increasing debt pressures. Vehicle sales in Thailand declined sharply by 24% year-on-year in the first four months, totalling only 46,738 units, according to the Asean Automotive Federation (Asean Autofed). This marks a significant drop from the 59,530 units sold during the same period in 2023.…
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Fatal collision between motorcycle and pedestrian in Chon Buri
A fatal collision between a motorcycle and a pedestrian led to a fatality in Chon Buri, Thailand. The accident occurred yesterday at 9.40pm on the Phan Thong-Ban Kao Road in Ban Kao, Phan Thong District, Chon Buri Province. The local police, along with rescue teams from the Sawang Utthayan Phan Thong Foundation, promptly responded to the scene. The crash involved…
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Japanese national arrested in Bangkok
Bangkok police arrested a Japanese national involved in a transnational crime syndicate. The 30 year old suspect had overstayed his visa and allegedly threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend. The investigation began when a Thai woman filed a police report accusing her ex-boyfriend, Ichiro, of assault and unlawful detention. Police learned that Ichiro frequently sent threatening messages, including photos of firearms…
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Bang Lamung police seize 3kg meth and firearm in drug bust
Bang Lamung police apprehended a suspected drug dealer yesterday, confiscating 3 kilogrammes of methamphetamine and a firearm. The operation, led by Superintendent Police Colonel Navin Sinthurat, involved Chon Buri administrative officials and anti-drug officers. Police conducted a sting operation targeting Saran Mankit, also known as Mike, a 34 year old resident of Kamphaeng Phet province. The arrest took place at…
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Thai-Philippine MoUs for rice exports worth 2.8 billion baht signed
The Commerce Ministry recently facilitated a significant trade development, leading a team of rice exporters to the Philippines and securing memorandums of understanding (MoUs) valued at 2.8 billion baht (US$77 million). Ronnarong Phoolpipat, Director-General of the Foreign Trade Department, headed the delegation, which included Charoen Laothamatas, president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, during a visit from July 3 to…
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Election Commission seals deal: Senatorial results get green light
The Election Commission (EC) finally endorsed the results of the senatorial election. Despite initial delays and mounting complaints, the EC confirmed the election’s integrity and backed all 200 winners. The EC convened today, July 10, meeting from 9am to 2.30pm, to resolve the matter. Initially slated for an announcement on July 3, the endorsement was repeatedly postponed due to a…
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Early retirement scheme slashes Thai Defence senior ranks
The Cabinet approved an early retirement scheme for senior Defence Ministry officials, effective this October. According to insider sources, the initiative is set to revolutionise the armed forces by offering retirement packages to over 700 top brass. The ambitious three-year campaign aims to retire 732 high-ranking officials, approximately 244 each year, slashing the defence budget by an impressive 4.47 billion…
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Motorcyclist crashes into taxi after road rage incident (video)
A motorcyclist, in a blind fit of road rage with a car, neglected to assess the surrounding traffic and rear-ended a taxi. The incident, captured on video and shared widely online, has sparked a flurry of comments from social media users. The heated dispute was posted on a Facebook page, with the clip showing a motorcyclist getting into an altercation…
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Thailand’s BOI opens first Saudi branch amid growing ties
Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) will inaugurate its first branch in Saudi Arabia this week, signalling a new chapter in economic relations between the two nations. The new office in Riyadh, opening this Sunday, July 14, marks a significant step in fostering investment and business growth. This strategic expansion has drawn high-profile attendees, including Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and over…
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Checkpoint bust: Kanchanaburi police seize pills and heroin stash
Police in Kanchanaburi yesterday arrested a drug trafficker at a checkpoint for smuggling 20,000 methamphetamine pills and 17 kilogrammes of heroin. The man confessed to transporting the drugs for a friend’s nephew in exchange for motorcycle repair costs. Police set up a checkpoint on the Thong Pha Phum-Sangkhla Buri route after receiving a tip-off about a grey Chevrolet transporting drugs…
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GAC AION charges ahead in Thailand with new EV hub in Rayong
China’s 4th-largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, GAC AION New Energy Automobile, is gearing up to revolutionise Thailand’s automotive landscape with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Rayong’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) on July 17. Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul announced that the cutting-edge plant, costing a staggering 2.3 billion baht, is poised to kick off operations by November. Boasting…
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Serpent’s kiss: 4 metre python found in company bathroom
A large python measuring over 4 metres was discovered slithering into the roof of a bathroom at a staff residence of a prominent company. The snake had previously bitten an employee, requiring nearly 40 stitches. The python was found again yesterday, July 9 at 10am. Rescue workers from Chachoengsao were alerted to the presence of a massive python inside the…
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Amata City factory in Rayong to close by January 2025
A long-standing company in Amata City Industrial Estate, Rayong, is set to close its doors after 20 years, gradually laying off employees to complete the process by the end of this year or at the latest by January 2025. This news, posted by the News Chon Buri-Rayong Online page, has sent shockwaves through the local workforce, as the company is…
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Ads for cosmetic procedures by medical professionals banned
The Medical Council of Thailand issued a new regulation prohibiting medical professionals from advertising their expertise in cosmetic procedures. This announcement aims to ensure ethical practices and provide accurate information to the public. Today, July 10, the Royal Gazette published Medical Council Announcement No. 39/2567 regarding the advertising of cosmetic procedures by medical practitioners. This regulation, effective immediately, aims to…
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Thailand govt defends Buriram graduates amid cheating claims
The Thai government fiercely defended 40 Buriram Rajabhat University graduates against allegations of cheating in their competitive exams for assistant teaching positions. Rumours have been swirling that the graduates were aided by leaked exam papers, a suspicion magnified by the fact that the Minister of Education, Permpoon Chidchob, is from Buriram province. Addressing the controversy, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime…
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Seoul-searching: South korea & Thailand kickstart trade pact talks
The Trade Ministry of South Korea yesterday announced the initiation of negotiations with Thailand to establish an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) to enhance bilateral trade and investment. The South Korean delegation, headed by Deputy Minister for FTA Negotiations Roh Keon-ki, is set to engage in discussions with his Thai counterpart, Chotima Iemsawasdikul, in Bangkok through until tomorrow, as reported by…
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Oil smuggling fugitive escapes with politician’s help
Crime Suppression Division (CSD) officers are seeking warrants for the arrests of six individuals allegedly involved in the brazen hijacking of three oil smuggling vessels from the Marine Police Division’s pier in Sattahip on June 11. Police Colonel Anek Taosuparb, CSD Deputy Commander, revealed to the media today, July 10, that two of the six suspects, including the ringleader known…
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Northern Thailand: Fire destroys home, injures elderly woman
A devastating fire destroyed a home in Phrae province, leaving an elderly, disabled woman injured. Police and local agencies swiftly moved to assist following the incident, which occurred at noon today. The tragedy unfolded when a fire broke out at a single-story wooden house in Village 6, Taopoon subdistrict, Song district. Police Lieutenant Colonel Krittipoom Thaboon received the alert and…
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Foreign man smashes car window and tries to assault Lao man
A Laotian businessman demanded that a foreigner in the Isaan province of Udon Thani take responsibility for smashing his car window and attempting to punch him in the face. Mueang Udon Thani Police Station was alerted to investigate a damaged car at Nong Bua Market Intersection at 4pm yesterday, July 9. Upon arrival, officers met the car’s owner, a 68…
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Police arrest Russian gang leader for sale of counterfeit passports
Thai immigration officials apprehended the leader of a Russian gang involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit passports. The operation, which caused damages exceeding 30 million baht, had its manufacturing hub in the Dominican Republic before smuggling the fake documents into Thailand. Today, July 10, the Immigration Bureau held a press conference to announce the arrest of 44 year…
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Park officials nab suspects for illegal forest clearing to plant durians
Park officials apprehended two suspects for illegally clearing forest land to plant durian trees on an area spanning 3 rai. Hearing the sound of forest clearing, officials moved in, capturing one individual while the other fled, later convincing him to surrender. Officials from the Phetchaburi branch of the Protected Areas Regional Office 3 received a report from Kittisak Somsri, head…
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New Thai Airways deal supercharges UK-Asia courier service
Heathrow Airport’s only on-site express courier handler, CFL, inked a three-year deal with Thai Airways (THAI), boosting courier capacity between the UK and the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. CFL Chief Executive Matthew Ware expressed his excitement. “We are delighted to formalise this important partnership with THAI. Exporting is vital for the UK economy, and this deal will give UK businesses…
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Ang Thong park still positive amid worst coral bleaching in decades
Ang Thong National Marine Park is experiencing its most severe coral bleaching event in a decade, with conditions expected to improve by August. The park anticipates earning over 40 million baht in revenue by the end of the fiscal year. Ang Thong National Marine Park is grappling with a significant coral bleaching crisis, its most severe case in the last…
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