Bangkok News
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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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Outcry as activist dies in custody: PM Srettha vows transparency
The untimely demise of political activist Netiporn Sanesangkhom sparked outrage and drew sharp attention to the justice system’s handling of detainees. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, expressing profound sorrow, conveyed his condolences to Netiporn’s family. Vowing transparency and justice, the Thai PM promptly ordered the Justice Ministry to investigate the circumstances of her passing. Netiporn’s demise on Tuesday ignited a storm…
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THEOS-2 satellite captures first high-detail images of Bangkok
Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) unveiled the first images captured by its THEOS-2 satellite. Launched into space on October 9 last year, the satellite has now successfully entered orbit and undergone rigorous testing and calibration by engineering teams to ensure it meets universal standards. Dr Pornthep Navakitkanok, Director of the National Satellite Manufacturing Centre, confirmed that THEOS-2…
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Thai woman steals 560,000 baht from businessman in romance scam
A Thai woman confessed to working with a romance scam gang to defraud a Thai businessman of approximately 560,000 baht. The victim, 41 year old Nontaphan, reached out to non-profit organisation Saimai Survive on May 9 after losing 560,000 baht to the 26 year old Thai woman named Akira. He sought their help to track down the woman, who was…
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Buckle up, Bangkok: Thai official floats capital relocation amid rising sea
A senior Thai official yesterday raised the alarming possibility that Thailand may need to consider relocating its capital city Bangkok due to the threat posed by rising sea levels caused by climate change. The bustling metropolis of the capital already grapples with severe flooding during the rainy season each year. Deputy Director-General of Thailand’s Department of Climate Change and Environment…
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Tantawan moved to hospital after activist’s death sparks stress
Political activist Tantawan Tuatulanon was transferred to Thammasat University Hospital due to severe stress after learning of the death of fellow inmate Netiporn Sansomsak, known as Bung. The transfer was recommended by medical professionals, and the prison authorities stated that there was no emergency condition prompting the move. Tantawan, who was being held at the Bangkok Remand Prison, was reportedly…
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Move Forward Party races against the clock for its final defence
The Constitutional Court has thrown a lifeline to the embattled Move Forward Party (MFP), granting a 15-day extension in their high-stakes battle against dissolution. Citing the noble cause of justice, this last-minute reprieve pushes the deadline to June 2, marking the final opportunity for the main opposition to salvage its political future. The legal saga dates back to April 3…
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Parking pandemonium: Thai woman’s pickup takes flight off rooftop (video)
A Thai woman today crashed her pickup into another on the fourth floor of a hospital parking building in Bangkok, sending the vehicle flying off the roof and onto the road below. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. The incident happened today, May 15, at about 7.24am, on the fourth floor of the 10-storey parking building at Phramongkutklao…
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Ombudsman: No jurisdiction over digital wallet scheme complaints
Keirov Kritteeranon, the secretary-general of the Office of the Ombudsman, revealed that they lack the power to escalate complaints about the contentious digital wallet scheme to the Constitutional Court or any other legal forum. At the heart of the furore are the government’s ambitious plans to distribute 10,000-baht payments to a staggering 50 million adult citizens through digital wallets, alongside…
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NBTC member corruption complaint thrown out
The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases has dismissed a high-profile dereliction of duties complaint against NBTC bigwig Pirongrong Ramasoota. The ruling cited insufficient evidence to support the allegations. True Digital Group, a faction of True Corporation, ignited the legal firestorm back in March, accusing Pirongrong of stirring up trouble by dispatching notices to 127 TV and radio…
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Bangkok man gets mental health help after faeces-hurling habit
A Thai man is finally receiving treatment for mental illness after throwing his faeces at neighbours’ houses in the Ratchada area of Bangkok for over two years. A Thai woman named Pha sought help from social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet after reporting the incidents to the man’s parents, Phahonyothin Police Station, and various government organisations, but was ignored. Pha recounted…
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Thai tyrant’s son blames shadowy figure for student massacre
Colonel Narong Kittikachorn, once notorious as one of Thailand’s three tyrants of the 1970s, passed away yesterday morning at the age of 90 in Bangkok’s Phramongkutklao Hospital. Hospital officials confirmed he had been receiving treatment in the intensive care unit. Born on October 21, 1933, Narong was the son of the infamous Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn and the son-in-law of…
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Justice minister vows action after hunger strike activist’s death
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong announced plans yesterday to visit political activist Tantawan Tuatulanon, who has been on a hunger strike since late January. This decision follows the tragic death of fellow activist Netiporn Sanesangkhom who succumbed to cardiac arrest at Thammasat University Hospital yesterday. Minister Tawee expressed his condolences over Netiporn’s death, emphasising the government’s commitment to transparency. “A thorough…
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Ex-minister dodges jail over Pattaya luxury condo scandal
The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases acquitted former Culture Minister and ex-mayor of Pattaya City Itthipol Khunpluem in a luxury condo scandal case. The high-profile case, involving allegations of abuse of power, reached its statute of limitations, allowing Itthipol to escape legal repercussions. Itthipol, who attended the court session in Rayong province yesterday, left without addressing the media…
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Bangkok hotels ‘MICE’ their way back to pre-pandemic occupancy levels
Bangkok hotel occupancy rates in the first quarter of 2024 have nearly hit pre-pandemic levels, driven largely by a surge in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) travellers. Tanakorn Thanuthanud, manager of the valuation and advisory services department at Colliers Thailand, revealed the exciting news. “The resumption of international events in Bangkok attracted more tourists to the city. Fan meetings…
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Doctor Climax: Netflix’s bold new series explores taboo Thai culture
Netflix is no stranger to controversy, and their latest series, Doctor Climax, is poised to push boundaries once again. Following the exploration of Thai Buddhism’s commercialisation in The Believers, Netflix is diving into the secretive world of Thailand in the 1970s with a show that promises to reveal what was once unspoken. Directed by the dynamic duo Kongdej Jaturanrasmee, known…
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Trillion-baht gamble: Deputy minister defends Land Bridge project
In a heated defence yesterday, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri championed the government’s ambitious 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge project, which she claims has sparked considerable interest from foreign investors. Her statement came in response to sharp criticisms from former Democrat leader Samart Ratchapolsitte, who cast doubt on the project’s cost-effectiveness and feasibility. Despite his scepticism, Manaporn insists the initiative is attracting…
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Thai widow criticises government’s lack of aid after Hamas attack
A Thai widow, lamenting the loss of her husband in the Hamas attack in Israel on October 7, voiced concerns over the lack of financial aid from the Thai government. The Thai woman, 30 year old Narisara Malee, is mourning the loss of her 34 year old husband, Tianchai Yotthongdee, who was among the Thai agricultural workers who lost their…
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BrewDog’s Bangkok expansion: What this means for Thai nightlife
Multinational brewery and pub chain BrewDog is shaking up the Bangkok bar scene with its latest announcement, partnering with Atalanta Hospitality to open its first bar in Thailand, part of a major push into the Asian market. BrewDog, known for its edgy branding and innovative brews, currently operates over 100 bars and hotels worldwide. Last year, it ambitiously unveiled plans…
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Samyan church calls for artists after graffiti incident
A historic church in the Samyan area, with a legacy spanning over 145 years, became the target of an unauthorised graffiti incident, sparking significant online debate. The act, deemed inappropriate by online users, led to a call for volunteers to contribute to the church’s upkeep in a more official capacity. The incident, which took place earlier today involved the Second…
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Bangkok security guard’s drainage hideout spurs police probe
A security guard emerged from a drainage pipe after a harrowing four-day ordeal, having taken refuge there out of fear for his life. He claimed he was evading individuals who threatened to harm him and plant drugs on him. Officials from the rescue services extracted him from his confined hiding place, following which he was rushed to Petchawet Hospital. The…
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Deadly heatwave strikes Thailand: 61 lives lost
The Ministry of Public Health announced a staggering toll: the heatwave has claimed the lives of 61 individuals in Thailand this year, a sharp rise from the 37 casualties recorded last year. Dr Apichart Vachiraphan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control (DDC) disclosed that Most of the heatwave fatalities, a harrowing 33, have devastated families in Thailand’s northeastern…
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Thailand’s deputy finance minister resigns
Kritsada Jinavijarana, former deputy finance minister, officially stepped down from his position, as confirmed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in an exclusive revelation to reporters. PM Srettha made the declaration moments before embarking on an official trip upcountry, slated to span multiple provinces. Kritsada’s abrupt resignation came hot on the heels of a reported dissatisfaction stemming from a perceived reduction…
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Thailand initiates senatorial election process
Thailand’s senatorial election has begun, appointing a new group of 200 senators following the end of the five-year term of the current 250 senators who were appointed by the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). The Election Commission (EC) announced that candidates can now obtain application forms and necessary documents from district offices in Thailand’s capital and provincial registration…
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Thailand to revise Child Protection Act
The Social Development and Human Security Ministry, under the leadership of Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, is set to propose an amendment to Thailand’s Child Protection Act within the month for Cabinet approval. The updated act will emphasise the significant role of families and local communities in ensuring the safety of children. Following the National Child Protection Committee meeting yesterday, Varawut unveiled…
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Godzilla the macaque succumbs to weight-related illnesses (video)
Godzilla, the once-overweight macaque sensation, captured hearts worldwide as his plight against obesity unfolded. But despite efforts to save him, the beloved primate tragically met his demise, leaving a community in mourning. Godzilla, the crab-eating macaque, met his untimely end at the Crystal Pet Hospital in Bangkok on Monday, May 6, succumbing to a plethora of weight-related ailments. At just…
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Shocking stats: Thailand’s hidden population crisis exposed
Thailand’s population secrets are out in the open, and the numbers are staggering. According to National Statistical Office (NSO) Deputy Director Suwannee Wangkan, a whopping 9.25 million people unofficially inhabit the Land of Smiles, with the vast majority flocking to Bangkok for work and study, shining a harsh spotlight on the nation’s deepening wealth gap. This clandestine population, constituting 13.2%…
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Minimum wage increase pledge sparks hotel industry crisis
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s promise to boost the minimum wage to 400 baht by October 1 has set off alarms in the private sector, particularly among hoteliers. Concerns abound as businesses foresee a hefty 15 to 20% surge in costs across goods and services, presenting a formidable hurdle for the hospitality sector. The impending wage revision marks the third adjustment…
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Thailand aims to host 2025 InterPride World Conference
Thailand is setting its sights on becoming the inaugural Asian host of the InterPride World Conference in 2025. This intention was announced by the Director of the Mega Events and Festival Department under the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Harisuda Boonyawat. The InterPride World Conference is a yearly congregation of Pride organisers worldwide. It serves as a platform for…
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Suspicion clouds Thai political scene with doubts over senatorial election
The air is thick with suspicion in Thailand’s political arena as experts cast doubts on the upcoming senatorial election. Associate Professor Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, a voice from Thammasat University’s Faculty of Law, raised concerns about potential manipulation and delays in the voting results during a panel discussion organised by the Thai Journalists Association. “The Election Commission’s deadline for announcing results on…
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BTS skytrain faces backlash amid assault allegations
Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), responsible for the operation of the city’s Skytrain services, refuted allegations concerning lax safety measures following an assault on a woman at the Kheha station on Wednesday, May 8. The Chief Operating Officer of BTSC, Sumit Srisantum, clarified that their security personnel were quick to react as soon as they were alerted by an…
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