Northern Thailand News
Northern Thailand news, Chiang Mai news, business, tourism, and culture—stay updated with breaking stories, local events, and travel insights from Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai, and beyond. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted Northern Thailand news source.
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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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Sisaket hospital criticised for charging patients 5 baht per spoon
Controversy erupted over public hospitals in Thailand selling spoons to patients for 5 baht each. This practice, particularly at Kantharalak Hospital in the Sisaket province, was initially introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to prevent virus spread but it has now drawn criticism. The issue gained attention when a popular online page highlighted the situation, igniting a debate about the responsibilities…
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Yasothon man wins 12 million baht in lottery draw
A man from the northeastern province of Yasothon has become a multimillionaire after winning the top prize of 12 million baht in the latest lottery draw. Hailing from Don Sai Mun district, his life changed dramatically with the announcement yesterday, December 16, by the Thai Government Lottery. The winning numbers for the first prize were 097863, with additional prizes including…
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Tourists in Uthai Thani climb mountain for lottery numbers
Locals and tourists braved the steep climb up Mount Pla Ra in Uthai Thani province, reaching an elevation of 1,400 metres, to seek lottery numbers from the stalactites in a cave. The event, led by Theerapat Khachamat, the Governor of Uthai Thani, attracted over 100 participants, including government officials and tourists, who embarked on this challenging journey to explore the…
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Rangers intercept 200kg crystal meth from Laos at Loei border
Rangers at the Sri Song Rak Camp in Loei province recently disrupted a significant drug smuggling operation, seizing 200 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine (Ice). Following a tip-off received two days earlier about drug trafficking from Laos into Ban Huai Pao, Pak Chom, a rapid-response team was dispatched to patrol the suspected area. During their surveillance, rangers identified two pickup trucks…
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Police crack down on illegal forest farming in Lampang
Thai police launched CIB Crush Influence, an operation targeting investors exploiting forest lands, but the main suspects managed to escape. However, they discovered a couple illegally farming corn in the forests of Mae Mo, Lampang province, and have taken legal action against them. The operation was ordered by Jiraphop Bhuridej, head of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), and involved police…
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Thai man arrested in Buriram for home intrusion searching for wife
A troubling incident unfolded yesterday in Buriram province involving a 35 year old Thai man who was apprehended by police after an unusual intrusion into a resident’s home. The man, yesterday, December 12, claimed he was searching for his wife, who he believed had run away with another man. The police were alerted by the village chief of Ban Samrong,…
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Nakhon Phanom ritual sparks lottery hope with lucky number
A religious ceremony was recently held at the Phaya Nak landmark along the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom province in search of a lucky number for the upcoming lottery draw. A group of devotees from Bangkok recently conducted a significant ritual in honour of Phaya Srisattanakharat, or Grandfather Phaya Nak, aiming to invoke prosperity, fortune, and success in careers and…
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Phu Kradueng National Park shuts down after elephant attack
Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province has been closed indefinitely after a wild elephant attacked and killed a female tourist. The Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), Atthaphon Charoenchansa, has vowed swift action to ensure safety. In a chilling revelation, the same elephant has returned to the area where the attack occurred,…
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Maha Sarakham investment fraud victims lose 500 million baht
A significant fraud case has emerged in Maha Sarakham, where numerous victims have been deceived into investing in a bogus real estate development, losing over 500 million baht. The alleged fraud was orchestrated by two prominent financiers who promised high returns. Peace and Justice Club President Taen Khun has taken the victims to meet with investigators at the Economic Crime…
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Wild elephant tragedy claims one life at Loei national park
A dream trip to Thailand turned into a nightmare after a tourist was fatally attacked by a wild elephant in the picturesque Phu Kradueng National Park yesterday, December 10. Officials swiftly closed parts of the park, known for its stunning red maple leaves and serene trails, to prevent further tragedies. The victim, identified as 49 year old Jeeranan from Chachoengsao…
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Couple arrested for fake temple donation scam in Tak
Royal Thai Police apprehended a couple suspected of creating fake temple pages to solicit donations during the Kathin festival, deceiving the public and causing losses worth millions. The incident left relatives expressing anger about the moral implications of defrauding charitable contributions. Officers, led by Trirong Phiwan, arrested Tawan and Worawan, both 31 years old, at a resort in Tak province.…
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Police subdue armed suspect after car theft in Phitsanulok
A dramatic police chase unfolded yesterday when a suspect attempted to steal a vehicle from a car dealership in Phitsanulok province. The suspect was eventually subdued after a tense confrontation that left two officers injured. The incident began when police from Highway Station 3, Sub-Division 5, Thalang, received a report yesterday, December 10, about a white Mitsubishi Pajero with the…
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Dog roaming at Khao Yai may cost owner 20,000 baht fine
A red sedan was spotted at Khao Yai National Park, with its owner allowing a dog to roam freely, potentially facing a fine of up to 20,000 baht. This incident, which took place over the recent weekend, stirred significant attention on social media. The head of Khao Yai National Park, Chaiya Huaihongthong, confirmed the situation. A tourist captured images of…
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Chinese man dies during paragliding competition in Thailand
A Chinese man died in an accident during a paragliding competition in the northern province of Phetchabun yesterday, December 5. Officers from Lomkao Police Station were alerted to the fatal fall of a paragliding athlete by the owner of a house in the Lomkao district of Phetchabun at about 3.45pm yesterday and rushed to the scene with a medical team…
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Former bank officer arrested in Nakhon Sawan for 500k fraud
The Anti-Corruption Division of the police, in collaboration with the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, apprehended a former state bank officer involved in defrauding locals of half a million baht. The suspect faces charges at the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 6 today, December 4. Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), and…
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Nakhon Phanom lottery scam leaves woman 4000 baht short
A woman from the Nakhon Phanom province found herself in a distressing situation when she discovered that her lottery tickets were past their valid date, just as she was preparing to celebrate her supposed win with a grand meal. This incident has raised concerns about fraudulent sellers in the area. Nang Maew Thai, a 53 year old resident of Saen…
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Kalasin warns of rising ‘farmer’s fever’ cases with 120 infections
Kalasin’s public health sector is on high alert as they warn residents about the rising tide of melioidosis cases, with 120 reported infections and three fatalities. Known locally as “soil fever,” this bacterial infection poses a significant risk to farmers, and currently, no vaccine exists for prevention. Melioidosis, often referred to as “farmer’s fever,” is emerging as a serious public…
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Female high school student physically assaulted in Sisaket (video)
A video has surfaced on social media showing a disturbing incident involving a female student at a secondary school in Sisaket province. The footage captures the student being violently assaulted by her classmates in a classroom, with the aggressors recording the event and appearing to enjoy the act. The assault took place just six days after the victim began attending…
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High drama in Isaan: Man’s police assault claims don’t hold up
A Thai man accused police officers in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum of physically assaulting him during a visit to the police station to provide information about a drug suspect. The police, however, refuted the allegations, asserting their innocence and presenting clear evidence to support their defence. The complainant, identified as Wiroj, filed a formal complaint on November 29 against…
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Thailand grants citizenship to 72 stateless individuals in Chiang Rai
A historic moment unfolded in Chiang Rai as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra presented Thai citizenship cards to 72 individuals from ethnic minority groups, marking a monumental step towards addressing statelessness in the country. The ceremony, held at the GMS International Convention and Exhibition Centre on Sunday, December 1, highlighted Thailand’s commitment to inclusivity and human rights, with key officials and…
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Villagers in Uthai Thani flock to banyan tree for lucky numbers
Excitement builds as villagers gather around the near century-old banyan tree near a crematorium in Uthai Thani, hoping for a lucky lottery number. Reports indicate that on the evening before a lottery draw, people flock to this tree at Wat Hadsainngam in Village 8, Rabam subdistrict, Lan Sak district. The locals are drawn by the belief that a long-haired woman…
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Police in Nong Khai thwart major heroin smuggling operation
Police in the northeastern province of Nong Khai successfully intercepted a major drug smuggling operation involving two Thai women and a man from Laos, seizing 10 kilogrammes of heroin. The operation, believed to be preparing for internal distribution and eventual export, was halted yesterday, November 29. The arrest took place at 3pm at the 2104th Ranger Company. It was led…
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19 billion baht allocated for Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai flood repairs
Thailand’s government has allocated 19 billion baht for infrastructure and utility repairs in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, responding to the recent severe floods, according to Government Spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. This announcement followed a Cabinet meeting conducted in Chiang Mai, where an economic and social development plan was approved, as proposed by the National Economic and Social Development Council. The…
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Thaksin hits the road to boost Pheu Thai’s PAO hopes
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is back in the political spotlight, gearing up to help Pheu Thai candidates in key Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) races. After a triumphant showing in Udon Thani, the party is looking to capitalise on its momentum with Thaksin as its secret weapon. A party insider revealed the 74 year old former PM will visit…
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Devotees flock to Phayao temple for lucky lottery numbers
Lottery enthusiasts eagerly flocked to Wat Champaram in Phayao province to seek lucky numbers from Taowessuwan, a revered deity. As the lottery draw approaches, devotees hope the numbers 453 and 71 bring fortune in the upcoming December 1 draw. Wat Champaram in Huai Kaeo, Phayao province was bustling with activity as people arrived with offerings of red flowers, incense, and…
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Mentally ill Thai woman suspected in Chiang Mai missing boy case
A five year old boy with special needs went missing from an education centre in Mae Wang district in the northern province of Chiang Mai on Wednesday. The boy, Napaphat “Pleum” Chaisawat, disappeared from the Special Education Centre in the afternoon. He was wearing red sportswear with the number 23 on his shirt. Security camera footage from the centre showed…
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Naked and afraid: Thai man confronts thief with desperate plea
A Thai man shared a video of his plea to a thief on social media and sought help from local police officers in the northern province of Chiang Rai after his condominium room was a victim of two robberies. The victim shared the video, in which he begged the thief not to break into his room, on the news Facebook…
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RTA denies tensions with UWSA in Mae Hong Son
Tensions between Thai military forces and the United Wa State Army (UWSA) in Mae Hong Son’s Pai district have been dismissed by the Royal Thai Army (RTA), contradicting recent media claims. Colonel Thirat Sombatsiri, the RTA spokesperson, firmly denied reports circulating on social media, asserting that the border remains tranquil without any confirmed incidents of violence. “The overall border situation…
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Tutor arrested for defrauding over 30 parents in Nakhon Sawan
Police apprehended a female tutor accused of defrauding parents after a complaint was filed in Nakhon Sawan province. The accused, with three outstanding arrest warrants, was captured following a coordinated effort by local law enforcement. Yongyuth Kulthorn, a police lieutenant colonel with the Phayao Provincial Investigation Division, led the operation at 7pm yesterday, November 26, executing a warrant issued by…
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Dangerous elephant traps found in Khao Yai National Park
Numerous dangerous elephant traps have been unearthed in Khao Yai National Park, prompting immediate action from park officials. Reports indicate that these traps, designed to injure wild elephants, were strategically placed by locals in areas frequented by the animals. Chaiya Huaihongthong, head of Khao Yai National Park, received a tip-off from the community leader of Ban Mai Samakki in Village…
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