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Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
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Sponsored Thailand health insurance that covers chronic conditions: What expats need to know
The Thaiger key takeaways Managing chronic conditions in Thailand requires health insurance that covers specialist visits, medications, tests, and hospital stays. Cigna offers high-coverage plans with access to top hospitals, direct billing, and telemedicine support for convenient long-term care. Expats...
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Chao Phraya River embankment collapse causes waves of concern
A section of Chao Phraya River embankment collapsed causing significant concern among locals and governmental officials in Nonthaburi’s Pak Kret district. The embankment collapsed at approximately 5.40pm yesterday, June 9, leaving concrete rubble and exposed rebar stretching 75 metres. This incident was reported to the subdistrict administrative organisation by Phra Khru Nontakun Phiphat, the abbot of Wat Choeng Lane, a temple…
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Gold prices expected to rise amid Federal Reserve rate cuts
YLG Bullion International advises investors to accumulate gold as prices consolidate, with expectations of a rise in the medium to long term, particularly after anticipated interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve later this year. Global gold prices have increased by 13.2% this year as of today, driven by high demand from central banks and institutional investors amidst tightening supply,…
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Spitting mad: Russian tourist’s traffic light tantrum in Phuket
A Russian man spat on a Thai woman and tried to slap her at Wat Naka Intersection in Phuket on May 29 in anger over a traffic light misunderstanding. The 46 year old Thai woman, Phatchareeya Rattanatorrakarn, accompanied by her husband, Boonyong Burirak, filed a complaint against the Russian at Vichit Police Station at 2pm on May 29. Phatchareeya said…
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Thailand trades up: Digital efforts land 32nd spot on global index
Thailand climbed to the 32nd position out of 65 countries on the Global Trade Modernisation Index (GTMI) 2024, highlighting its moderate performance in digital trade. The Kingdom of Thailand ranked 3rd among ASEAN nations and showed a significant improvement in readiness for digital trade. Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Montri Mahaplerkpong announced yesterday, June 9, that growth…
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Over 80 patients flee Krabi drug rehab centre over alleged abuses
More than 80 patients escaped from a drug rehabilitation centre on Koh Sriboya, an island in the southern province of Krabi, over alleged abuses by the Thai authorities. A community leader on Sriboya Island reached out to officers from Khlong Kanan Police Station for assistance, as residents grew concerned about approximately 80 patients who had absconded from a drug rehabilitation…
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Father’s shadow: Bride’s emotional whirlwind at wedding doppelgänger
A bride became emotionally overwhelmed when she encountered a man at her wedding who bore a striking resemblance to her father, who died three years ago. The man’s appearance, mannerisms, and even his name closely resembled those of her late father, prompting a wave of nostalgia and tears. A TikTok user with the handle chadaporn002 posted a video featuring a man…
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Nightclub raid near university leads to police reassignment
Police in Pathum Thani reassigned five officers from the Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station following a raid on an unlicensed nightclub near a prominent university highlighting the lack of action surrounding the issue called for a more thorough and transparent investigation. The crackdown occurred yesterday when central investigation police searched a nightclub in Rangsit at around 1.15am, officers found a…
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Thailand boosts food safety, bans harmful agrochemicals
Thailand’s food safety protocols are on the rise following successful efforts to ban harmful herbicides and pesticides such as paraquat and chlorpyrifos, alongside triumphant attempts to limit glyphosate use, as discussed at a recent seminar. A recent seminar titled A Decade for Driving to Food Safety highlighted that fewer individuals are now receiving treatment for symptoms related to the use…
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Police officer confesses to fatally shooting Burmese man in hospital
A police sergeant confessed to fatally shooting a Burmese man at Khon Kaen Hospital in Isaan on June 6. He accused the deceased of bothering his father, who was a patient in the bed next to the victim. The deceased, 29 year old Kyaw Swar Aong, was shot dead in his hospital bed at around 11pm on June 6. His…
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Two fishermen rescued after boat capsizes off Jomtien Beach
Two fishermen were rescued after their small fishing boat capsized off Jomtien Beach amid strong waves and winds. One of the fishermen was seriously injured. The incident occurred around 7.06am today. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation received a call about a boat capsizing and two people falling into the water and sustaining injuries. Upon arriving at the scene, rescue…
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Deaf shoeshiner in Pattaya inspires with dedication and skill
A deaf shoeshiner in Pattaya has captured the admiration of netizens for his perseverance and dedication. Known as Kai, his story surfaced online after a local journalist saw him cleaning a tourist’s shoes on Pattaya Beach. Kai earns his living by offering shoe cleaning services to tourists. Despite being deaf and mute, he communicates with customers using a sign that…
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Police arrest debt collector with firearms and drugs in Bangkok
Police apprehended a debt collector and seized two firearms along with quantities of ketamine and methamphetamine. Following an undercover operation, police arrested Somchai, also known as Am, and charged him with multiple offences. Officers from Romklao Police Police Station, led by Kiattikul Sonthinen, yesterday collaborated with Somphot Thongmun and Kornwararat Promsawan to arrest the 39 year old Somchai. The arrest took…
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Two bikers killed in tragic Phetchaburi accident
A tragic accident involving a group of big bike riders on a trip to Phetchaburi resulted in the deaths of two people. The incident occurred when a young woman, riding a pillion, fell off the motorcycle, and a subsequent attempt to avoid her by another bike led to a fatal collision with a truck. The accident took place at 8.10am…
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Buriram girl suffers repeated rape, family demands justice
An 11 year old girl was allegedly raped twice by a 52 year old neighbour in Buriram, leading to severe distress for her and her family. Despite reporting the incident to the police, the case has seen little progress, causing frustration and fear for the young victim. Nui, the 47 year old mother, reported that on March 12, her daughter…
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Severe monsoon warning issued for 40 Thai provinces including Bangkok
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning about severe monsoon conditions affecting 40 provinces across Thailand, including Bangkok. Heavy rainfall is expected in 60% of the areas, with potential flash floods and sudden water surges. The TMD today forecasts that a monsoon trough will traverse Thailand’s upper northern and upper northeastern regions. Additionally, the southwest monsoon covering the upper…
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Chinese woman found safe after 25-million-baht scam in Bangkok
Police located a 27 year old Chinese woman, previously believed to be kidnapped for a 25-million-baht ransom, at a shopping mall in Bang Na district yesterday evening. The police found Lu Xinlei at HomePro Bangna. She was then taken to Phra Khanong Police Station, where she reunited with her mother and elder sister, who had recently arrived from China following…
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Thailand and Laos to launch Bangkok-Vientiane railway this month
Thailand and Laos are poised to inaugurate a new railway network connecting Bangkok and Vientiane, with a trial run scheduled for later this month, as announced by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). The initiative is set to improve connectivity for travellers and facilitate the movement of goods between the two nations, positioning Thailand as a key logistics hub in…
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Burmese student sets condo room ablaze in Lat Phrao, panic ensues
A Burmese student, in a fit of rage, set his room on fire at a condo in the Lat Phrao area causing panic among the residents. The incident took place around 3pm yesterday, and police quickly responded to control the situation. Police Lieutenant Colonel Thewin Sripua, Deputy Inspector at Lat Phrao Police Station, received a report of a man causing…
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Police raid unlicensed Rangsit nightclub, find 65 underage patrons
Police raided an unlicensed nightclub popular among Rangsit’s youth, discovering 65 underage patrons. The venue had never applied for a permit and was known for admitting minors and serving them alcohol. Police blocked all exits to prevent escape. Yesterday, June 8, officers led by Saruti Kwangsopa, commander of the Anti-Human Trafficking Division, executed a raid on a nightclub in Lak…
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Monk dies in Nonthaburi after mobile roof frame collapses
A tragic incident occurred yesterday at a temple in Nonthaburi’s Sai Noi district, where a monk was fatally injured by a collapsing mobile roof frame. The accident happened around 6.30pm when three monks were moving the large structure. Police Lieutenant Rung Liemkhoksoong, who responded to the scene, confirmed the details of the incident. A mobile roof frame with wheels, measuring…
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Father’s heartbreak as son drowns at dangerous overflow dam
A father is devastated after learning that his 15 year old son drowned at an overflow dam, despite having warned him in the morning not to go out and play. Friends recounted the tragic moment, noting that the boy, who was not a strong swimmer, slipped on algae-covered concrete near the bank. At 5.30pm yesterday, Kasem Senaprakon, an officer from…
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Mixed-breed dog attack leaves five year old girl with severe injuries
A mixed-breed dog, the offspring of a Pit Bull bitch and a local Thai dog, attacked a five year old girl, leaving her with severe head injuries. The incident occurred outside a residence in Ban Phue District, Udon Thani Province, late yesterday afternoon. The girl is currently under close medical supervision at Ban Phue Hospital due to the deep wounds…
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Chiang Mai to become digital startup hub with new visa scheme
Chiang Mai is poised to become a digital startup hub in Southeast Asia, with the government pledging support to achieve this goal, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced during a visit to the northern province yesterday. PM Srettha highlighted Chiang Mai City as an established haven for digital nomads and one of the world’s leading creative cities. “Late last year, Tim…
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APEC tourism summit: Thailand to revamp Asia-Pacific tourism
Thailand has unveiled its ambitious plans for the 12th Tourism Ministerial Meeting (TMM12) of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, set to take place in the Republic of Peru from June 5 to 9. Deputy Government Spokesperson Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri announced that this crucial summit will focus on acknowledging and endorsing the progress made under the APEC Tourism Working Group…
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Fisherman electrocuted while repairing boat near Chanthaburi pier
A fisherman died after being electrocuted while attempting to repair his leaking boat. The incident took place yesterday near an old pier under the Somdet Phra Taksin Bridge in Laem Sing, Chanthaburi. Police Lieutenant Colonel Surapong Prongngam from Laem Sing Police Station received a report from the Sawang Katanyu Dharma Association’s rescue centre about the fatal accident. Upon arrival at…
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New automatic passport control tested at Suvarnabhumi Airport
The new Automatic Channel for passport control at Suvarnabhumi Airport was personally tested by Wisanu Prasarttong-Osoth, chairman of Airports of Thailand (AOT), before its official launch yesterday. This system aims to ease congestion at immigration checkpoints. Wisanu participated in a real-world test of the new automatic passport control system before heading to Malaysia on flight TG415. The new system is…
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Thailand investigates boat crash injuring four Chinese tourists
A probe has been ordered by Thailand’s Transport Ministry into a boat crash that injured four Chinese tourists near Tha Tien pier yesterday afternoon. The incident occurred around 4pm on the Chao Phraya River in Phra Nakhon district when a long-tailed tour boat collided with a Royal Thai Navy (RTN) ferry. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri reported that the crash…
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Thai condo market faces turbulence with Myanmar buyers blocked
The Thai condominium market is bracing for a storm as Myanmar’s crackdown on property purchases by its citizens threatens to halt a major influx of foreign investment. According to the Thai Condominium Association, the clampdown could significantly impact condo transfers during the second and third quarters of this year. Prasert Taedullayasatit, president of the association, revealed that Thai condo units…
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Austrian Airlines to operate more flights to Bangkok
Austrian Airlines, boasting a modern fleet of Airbus A320s, Boeing 767s, and Boeing 777s, has increased its weekly flights from Vienna to Bangkok to 13 flights. Brendan Shashoua, Lufthansa Group Senior Director Sales – Southeast Asia and the Pacific made the announcement. “Since 1988, Austrian Airlines has connected Vienna with the vibrant Thai capital of Bangkok. With Thailand being a…
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Thailand goes green: Major push for sustainable tourism unveiled
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched an ambitious plan to boost sustainable tourism, revealed at the Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2024, held from June 5 to 7 in Phang Nga. A key highlight of these plans is hosting Asia’s second Tourism Cares summit in 2025. Partnering with the US-based NGO, this summit will focus on promoting regenerative…
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