Bangkok News

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  • Seized drug assets to fund addict rehabilitation in Thailand

    Seized drug assets to fund addict rehabilitation in Thailand

    Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin endorsed initiatives to allocate seized assets from narcotic drug cases towards funding the rehabilitation of drug addicts. Somsak revealed that during his tenure as the Justice Ministry chair, he had amended several narcotic laws, particularly those concerning asset seizures. He noted that the previous laws were too passive, resulting in only 20 million baht annually…

  • Singaporean man drugged, robbed by Thai girlfriend in Bangkok

    Singaporean man drugged, robbed by Thai girlfriend in Bangkok

    A Singaporean man filed a complaint against his Thai girlfriend after she allegedly drugged him at a hotel in Bangkok and stole cash and valuables worth over 1 million baht. The Singaporean victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, complained to Huay Kwang Police Station yesterday, June 25. He explained that he met the Thai woman, aged about 30, online and had…

  • Government to accelerate Sino-Thai HSR project

    Government to accelerate Sino-Thai HSR project

    The Sino-Thai high-speed rail (HSR) link construction will be a major item on the agenda at next week’s mobile Cabinet meeting in Nakhon Ratchasima, with the government eager to accelerate the project, according to Digital Economy and Society (MDES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong. The 250.77-kilometre high-speed rail link between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima is projected to be completed by 2028. Currently,…

  • Thailand to adopt offset policy for military procurements

    Thailand to adopt offset policy for military procurements

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin emphasised the necessity for the armed forces to adopt an offset policy when procuring weapons and military hardware. This policy aims to secure reciprocal benefits as a precondition for approving new procurement deals. The Thai premier said the policy should include opportunities for Thailand to participate in the development of new defence technology from the country…

  • DLT proposes four new electric bus routes for Rangsit station

    DLT proposes four new electric bus routes for Rangsit station

    The Department of Land Transport (DLT) proposes four new electric bus routes to improve connectivity to the State Railway of Thailand’s (SRT) Red Line Rangsit Station in Pathum Thani province. The plan aims to address the inadequacies in the current feeder system, which were highlighted by a recent Transport Ministry survey. Transport Ministry spokesperson Krichanont Iyapunya stated that the DLT’s…

  • Groundbreaking Thai sci-fi flick ‘Uranus2324’ to release in July

    Groundbreaking Thai sci-fi flick ‘Uranus2324’ to release in July

    In a historic milestone for Thai cinema, Uranus2324, the nation’s first space science fiction film, is set to premiere on July 4. This highly anticipated film has already garnered significant attention, being one of only four films to receive funding under Thailand’s Soft Power initiative and securing global distribution deals. Produced by Velcurve Studio in collaboration with GM Generators Co.,…

  • Thailand imports shrimp from Ecuador amid local production crisis

    Thailand imports shrimp from Ecuador amid local production crisis

    Thailand, once the world’s leading shrimp exporter, now finds itself importing shrimp from Ecuador. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed the Department of Fisheries to investigate and report back in the next Cabinet meeting. The nation, which used to produce and export 600,000 tonnes of shrimp annually, now produces only 200,000 tonnes. This significant decline has necessitated the importation of shrimp,…

  • Singapore foreign minister visits Thailand to discuss bilateral issues

    Singapore foreign minister visits Thailand to discuss bilateral issues

    Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan kicked off his official visit to Thailand today, answering the call of his Thai counterpart, Maris Sangiampongsa. Today’s packed agenda includes a working luncheon with Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and a formal welcome dinner hosted by Maris. According to the Thai Foreign Ministry, the two leaders are set to discuss key bilateral issues, fortifying…

  • Thailand’s tourism revenue goal in jeopardy: Tourism minister

    Thailand’s tourism revenue goal in jeopardy: Tourism minister

    Thailand faces an uphill battle in reaching its ambitious 3.5 trillion-baht tourism revenue target for 2024, as admitted by Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich. Speaking at the Thai Hotels Association’s annual conference, Sermsak highlighted the current progress and challenges ahead. “In the first five months of this year, Thailand has welcomed 15 million foreign tourists, generating 1.1 trillion baht.…

  • PM Srettha faces corruption probe over asset disclosure

    PM Srettha faces corruption probe over asset disclosure

    Political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana is pushing for a corruption investigation against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, accusing him of failing to fully disclose his assets and previous executive roles. Ruangkrai announced his petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate potential inconsistencies in the wealth and former position statements submitted by the Thai premier upon assuming office as prime minister…

  • DSI slaps Stark CEO with a torrent of charges

    DSI slaps Stark CEO with a torrent of charges

    In a dramatic twist to one of Thailand’s largest corporate frauds, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) charged Chanin Yensudchai, former CEO of Stark Corporation, with a slew of serious offences including money laundering and document forgery. Acting DSI Director Yutthana Praedam confirmed the charges also encompass negligence, fraud, embezzlement, and violations of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1992. Despite…

  • Budget battle: Defence minister stands his ground on expenditures

    Budget battle: Defence minister stands his ground on expenditures

    During the ongoing budget debate in Parliament, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang fiercely defended his military spending plans against a barrage of criticism from the opposition. The Move Forward Party (MFP)’s Wiroj Lakkanaadisorn launched a scathing attack on the defence budget last Friday, June 21, accusing it of prioritising troop salaries and benefits over the advanced weaponry necessary for modern warfare.…

  • Malaysia Airlines flight to Bangkok returns to Kuala Lumpur

    Malaysia Airlines flight to Bangkok returns to Kuala Lumpur

    Malaysia Airlines has clarified an emergency incident involving flight MH780, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. The flight had to return to Kuala Lumpur International Airport due to technical issues. Flight MH780, operated by Malaysia Airlines, declared an emergency code 7700, indicating a serious issue requiring immediate attention. The aircraft descended from its cruising altitude to…

  • Foreigner criticised for hammock stunt on Bangkok billboard (video)

    Foreigner criticised for hammock stunt on Bangkok billboard (video)

    A foreign man is facing backlash after he created a video of himself lying in a hammock hung from a large advertisement billboard near Asoke Intersection in Bangkok. Thai social media account Red Skull shared a video of the foreign man yesterday, June 23, with a caption that read, “Is this the same foreigner from the previous viral video, where he…

  • Bangkok police arrest man for selling modified blank guns

    Bangkok police arrest man for selling modified blank guns

    Police in Bangkok have apprehended a 26 year old man for selling modified blank guns. Despite attempting to flee by jumping over a fence, he was captured. He admitted to selling these weapons to local teenagers and has a notable criminal history. Today, June 23, officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau, under the leadership of Theeradech Thammasuthee, alongside Kiattisak Sarathong-Aoi,…

  • Phuket governor celebrates SDG localisation at Bangkok event

    Phuket governor celebrates SDG localisation at Bangkok event

    Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat participated in the closing ceremony of the SDGs Localisation: Thailand’s Journey Towards Sustainability project orchestrated by the United Nations in Bangkok yesterday. The event, held at the ESCAP Hall meeting room at the United Nations Conference Centre on Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, served as a platform to spotlight Thailand’s initiatives in integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into…

  • PM Srettha crushes coalition crisis rumours

    PM Srettha crushes coalition crisis rumours

    Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has slammed rumours suggesting the Palang Pracharath Party might be ousted from the coalition government. Speaking to reporters at Parliament yesterday, June 21, Srettha decisively quashed the speculation. “I have never mentioned any changes, and these rumours did not come from me.” The 62 year old PM assured that the coalition’s internal communications remained harmonious.…

  • Budget deficit: Government to unveil new economic measures

    Budget deficit: Government to unveil new economic measures

    Amidst budget deficit concerns, the government will introduce new measures to boost the struggling economy next week, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced today. Discussions about economic stimuli and the stock market were held with Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira yesterday evening. “A significant announcement on short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures will be made tomorrow or the day after.” When asked if…

  • Gold shop worker in Samut Prakan caught stealing for gambling

    Gold shop worker in Samut Prakan caught stealing for gambling

    A female employee at a gold shop in Samut Prakan has been caught stealing gold over several months to fund her online gambling habit. The shop owner, 48 year old Chak Kamol Tantarasmee reported the theft to the police at Samrong Tai Police Station, armed with CCTV footage as evidence. Chak noticed irregularities in his employee’s spending habits, which led…

  • Samut Prakan teen girl attempted assault suspect arrested

    Samut Prakan teen girl attempted assault suspect arrested

    A suspect accused of attempting to assault a 15 year old student in Samut Prakan has been arrested. The incident involved the suspect allegedly following the girl from school on his motorcycle to her residence, where he attempted to commit the assault. The girl’s quick thinking and cries for help thwarted the attack. Police received a tip-off yesterday evening from…

  • Woman dies in house fire in Samut Sakhon

    Woman dies in house fire in Samut Sakhon

    A house fire claimed the life of a woman trapped inside her own home. The incident took place yesterday in Bang Thorat, Samut Sakhon. Police Lieutenant Kritsanaphon Watjanaphan, Deputy Inspector of Bang Thorat Police Station, received a report of a fire in a house located in Village No. 6, Bang Thorat Subdistrict, Mueang District. Fire trucks from Bang Thorat Subdistrict…

  • Royal barges restored for King’s 72nd birthday celebration

    Royal barges restored for King’s 72nd birthday celebration

    Restoration of 52 royal barges will be completed in time for a royal kathin ceremony in October, as part of celebrations for the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28, according to the Culture Ministry. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol stated today that only minor details remain, with the work scheduled to finish by the end of this month. The Fine Arts…

  • Severe weather warning issued for 37 provinces, including Bangkok

    Severe weather warning issued for 37 provinces, including Bangkok

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe weather warning for 37 provinces, including Bangkok, predicting heavy rainfall across 60% of the area. Citizens are advised to be cautious of potential flash floods and forest runoff. The forecast for the next 24 hours indicates that the southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is relatively…

  • PM Srettha’s TV premier: Another propaganda show?

    PM Srettha’s TV premier: Another propaganda show?

    Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to make his TV debut as the host of Talk with Srettha tomorrow, June 22, nearly 10 months after assuming office. This tradition of Thai leaders hosting TV shows to address the nation, dubbed “the prime minister meets the people,” has a storied history. But will Srettha’s show bring something new to the…

  • MFP urges budget reform, reassures public with its scrutiny efforts

    MFP urges budget reform, reassures public with its scrutiny efforts

    In a heated budget debate, the Move Forward Party (MFP) claims a significant victory in its relentless scrutiny of the 2025 budget. Party leaders assure the public that their meticulous examination has met expectations, confident that their efforts won’t disappoint. Natthapong Rueangpanyawut, a party-list MP from MFP, highlighted a pressing issue during the debate: the need for fundamental budgetary reform.…

  • Japanese tourist exposes corrupt Thai traffic officer in viral video

    Japanese tourist exposes corrupt Thai traffic officer in viral video

    A Japanese tourist exposed a corrupt Thai traffic police officer by sharing a video of the officer in Bangkok asking him to secretly pay 500 baht to avoid a charge for driving without an international driving licence. The Japanese YouTuber shared a video with the caption, “How to deal with corrupt Thai police when you get arrested.” In the video,…

  • PM Srettha in talks with BoT chief over handout scheme

    PM Srettha in talks with BoT chief over handout scheme

    Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has yet to address Bank of Thailand (BoT) Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput’s staunch opposition to the government’s colossal 500-billion-baht handout scheme. Acknowledging the brewing conflict, PM Srettha admitted he and the central bank governor held divergent views, necessitating urgent discussions. Governor Sethaput, in a candid Bloomberg interview, criticised the sweeping economic stimulus, suggesting it was excessive…

  • Purrfect: Stray cats seek forever homes at Bangkok Expo 2024

    Purrfect: Stray cats seek forever homes at Bangkok Expo 2024

    Bangkok’s Benjakitti Park is buzzing with excitement as the BKK Expo 2024 rolls into town, inviting animal lovers to consider adopting stray cats and transforming lives one purr at a time. Deputy Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Governor Tavida Kamolvej announced today, June 20, that a variety of stray cats, now vaccinated and sterilised, are being showcased at the Sua Pa…

  • Limited-edition banknotes issued to celebrate king’s birthday

    Limited-edition banknotes issued to celebrate king’s birthday

    The Bank of Thailand has released a stunning series of commemorative banknotes, igniting a frenzy among collectors and royal enthusiasts. These special 100-baht notes are designed to honour His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, marking his 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on July 28. Available from July 23, these exclusive notes are already creating waves. Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput…

  • Bangkok commuters go bananas as monkey halts BTS traffic

    Bangkok commuters go bananas as monkey halts BTS traffic

    A passenger today spotted a monkey on the railway track at Bang Wa BTS Station in Bangkok. Officers from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) announced they hope to catch the animal as soon as possible to avoid any possible accidents. The Red Skull News X account shared a video of a monkey walking along the…