Bangkok News
Bangkok news, politics, business, crime, and nightlife—stay updated with breaking stories, events, and expat updates from Thailand’s capital. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted Bangkok news source.
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Sponsored How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Finance minister: Digital wallet funds to exclude mobile phones
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat urged the Commerce Ministry to reconsider its decision to permit recipients of the 10,000-baht payout from the digital wallet scheme to use the funds on mobile phones. He argued that this move would not benefit the domestic economy as intended. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin shares these concerns, noting that most mobile phones are either manufactured…
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Heavy rains and high waves forecast in 39 provinces
Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning of heavy rains in 39 provinces, including Bangkok and its vicinity, due to the southwest monsoon. Anglers are advised to exercise caution as high waves are expected in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. TMD predicts weather conditions for the next 24 hours, with the southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand,…
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Referendum bill set to pass initial House test
According to Chart Thai Pattana Party list-MP Nikorn Chamnong, who leads a sub-committee on the charter referendum, the government-sponsored referendum bill will pass its initial test. Nikorn stated the bill, which aims to revise the Referendum Act 2021 as part of the charter rewrite process, is ready for House deliberation following a meeting with opposition whips. Deputy Prime Minister and…
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Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn vows to reclaim Bangkok seats
Pheu Thai’s leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra has stepped into the ring with a new role, aiming to revive the party’s fortunes in Bangkok after last year’s crushing defeat by the Move Forward Party (MFP). Paetongtarn signed an order on Thursday to establish a panel dedicated to crafting political strategies, overseeing MPs and Bangkok Metropolitan councillors, and providing them with crucial advice.…
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Thailand free of human bird flu cases since 2006
Thailand remains free of human bird flu cases, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC). Authorities urge travellers from H5N2 outbreak areas to self-monitor for respiratory symptoms within 14 days of arrival and seek medical attention if symptoms arise. Travellers entering the country have been advised to remain vigilant for irregular respiratory symptoms. Immediate medical consultation is recommended if…
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Sustainability needs more than ESG compliance, says expert
Achieving sustainability requires more than just adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, according to Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO of Stewardship Asia Centre. Speaking at a conference in Bangkok this week, Peshawaria emphasised that a genuine desire for a better future is crucial. The ESG framework, which has been around since the 1990s, is proving effective in some areas but…
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Southeast Asia leads in anti-corruption initiatives with public support
Southeast Asia has emerged as a leading example of public initiatives tackling corruption, as highlighted by legal experts and academics at the Anti-Corruption Innovations in Southeast Asia conference recently held in Bangkok. The conference, which took place on June 7, aimed to share perspectives on innovative strategies to promote integrity and good governance across the region. Experts underscored the importance…
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Monsoon meltdown: Thailand braces for scattered rain
The monsoon in southwest Thailand has taken a backseat, leading to reduced rainfall across the country. However, some northern areas are still in for a soaking, prompting warnings for residents to stay vigilant against heavy and accumulated rain. Northern region: Thunderstorms are expected to cover 30% of the area, with particularly heavy rain forecasted for Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai,…
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PM Srettha dismisses resignation rumours amid court case
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin dismissed rumours of his potential resignation or dissolution of the House of Representatives before the Constitutional Court rules on a case that could see him removed from office. The controversy stems from his appointment of Pichit Chuenban as a PM’s Office minister. “I never think about resignation or a House dissolution. Let the legal procedure take…
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World Tourism Council: Innovative strategies to combat overtourism
Tourism is in crisis as overtourism sparks protests and unrest across the globe. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has a plan to turn the tide, urging cooperation between businesses and local communities to manage the influx of visitors. As travel demand skyrockets post-pandemic, locals in several countries are pushing back, calling for measures to control the surge of…
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PM Srettha monitors Bangkok canal development projects
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has taken a hands-on approach to ensure the success of a monumental development project in celebration of His Majesty the King’s 72nd Birthday or 6th Cycle Anniversary on July 28. The ambitious Klong Ong Ang and Klong Bang Lamphu project, one of 10 initiatives aimed at rejuvenating Bangkok, has been hailed for transforming the cityscape, making…
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Thaksin’s political comeback: A masterstroke or misfire?
Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra, despite facing charges under the lese-majeste law, is plotting a grand comeback. Engaging with influential political figures and major families, the 74 year old former prime minister plays the long game with a cunning new strategy. Thaksin is abandoning the 100-party list MP seat strategy, focusing instead on the 400 constituency MP seats, a tactic…
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Bangkok to launch raids on illegal pet markets after tragic fire
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced it will launch raids on unauthorised pet markets across the city following a devastating blaze at a Chatuchak district pet market that resulted in the death of over 5,000 animals. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, alongside BMA representatives and an animal protection organisation network, addressed the media on Wednesday regarding the fire at Sri Somrat Market.…
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Bill leaves bad poll taste: Over 60% oppose controversial amnesty bill
An online poll revealed that more than 60% of respondents are against a contentious draft amnesty bill, proposed by Poonsuk Poonsukcharoen of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights and seconded by a staggering 36,723 people. The bill, currently under parliamentary consideration, sparked a fierce public debate. Conducted between May 13 and June 12 in accordance with Article 77 of the Constitution,…
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Police raid karaoke bar uncovering child prostitution ring
The Thai police conducted a raid on a karaoke bar in the Lat Pla Khao area, revealing a child prostitution ring exploiting minors to pay off exorbitant debts. The operation rescued teenage victims aged between 15 and 16 years old. Special Operations from the Department of Provincial Administration carried out the raid yesterday to rescue the teenage victims of human…
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Victims condemn news agency for airing monk sex scandal videos
The Thai victims of a sex scandal involving a former monk condemned a news agency for publishing their explicit videos, causing embarrassment and making other victims scared to provide information to the police. A Thai couple, A and B, and their friend, C, sought help from Saimai Survive after the former monk, Phra Ajarn O, allegedly manipulated them into having…
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Thai court to review 2001 Thai-Cambodian MoU’s constitutionality
Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) Deputy Leader Paiboon Nititawan has taken his concerns about the 2001 Thai-Cambodian memorandum of understanding (MoU) on joint development in the Gulf of Thailand to the Constitutional Court, questioning its alignment with the Thai constitution. Paiboon had initially requested the Ombudsman to petition the court on April 10 but, after the Ombudsman failed to act within…
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Family searches for missing 77 year old Thai woman in Bangkok
Relatives are urgently searching for a 77 year old woman who has been missing for two days after visiting a health centre in the Khlong Sam Wa district. Efforts to locate her have so far been unsuccessful. Facebook user Ratchakorn Wichaitcharn posted an announcement seeking help to find the elderly woman, Ubon Jaitam, who disappeared from Public Health Service Centre…
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Election shocker: Over 23,000 candidates’ personal data exposed
The Election Commission (EC) accidentally exposed the national ID numbers of over 23,000 candidates who had advanced to the district-level senatorial elections. The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC)’s Eagle Eye Centre sounded the alarm, revealing the EC Office had breached personal data protection laws. “The EC Office must immediately conceal the leaked numbers and provide an explanation.” The PDPC, under…
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Diplomats unite to celebrate LGBTQI+ rights in Bangkok
In a display of unity and support, the European Union delegation, alongside the embassies of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, hosted a vibrant reception to celebrate Pride Month at the US Chief of Mission’s residence in Bangkok. Themed Pride, Rights, Thrive, the evening party yesterday marked a significant milestone in Thailand’s journey towards LGBTQI+ equality, highlighting the…
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Pheu Thai in crisis: Will new strategies save the day?
Political analysts predict the ruling Pheu Thai Party will deploy fresh strategies to revive its sagging popularity after a lacklustre performance over the past nine months. Despite a government survey by the National Statistical Office showing 44.3% satisfaction with the administration, a NIDA Poll tells a grimmer story: only 25.19% of the public are content. A significant 34.35% of respondents…
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Train travel from Bangkok to Beijing inching closer
Train travel between Bangkok and Beijing is moving closer to reality as Thailand gears up to expand its rail network. This new venture promises to transform travel and trade in the region, connecting major cities in Thailand, Laos, and China. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced a trial service between Bangkok and Vientiane, the capital of Laos, on July…
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TikTok warning: Bolt rider assaults Thai woman over fare dispute
A Thai woman took to TikTok to warn other users about her experience with the Bolt ride-hailing application, where the rider in Bangkok physically assaulted her after she refused to pay his inflated fare. The victim shared security camera footage of the physical assault on her TikTok account, @picnicka, yesterday, June 12. According to the victim, the violent app-based rider…
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Thai court reviews PM and Move Forward Party dissolution
The Thai Constitutional Court convened to address significant political issues, including the alleged subversion by the Move Forward Party (MFP) and a petition questioning Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s qualifications following the appointment of Pichit Chuenban as Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office. The court reviewed a petition from the Election Commission (EC), filed by the political party registrar, that…
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Siberian Husky in urgent need of blood donation after snake bite
A Siberian Husky faces a dire situation after being bitten by a snake and requiring an urgent blood donation at Kasetsart Animal Hospital in Bang Khen. The dog’s condition necessitated an immediate amputation of its right hind leg to prevent the spread of infection. The heartfelt plea for help was posted on the Facebook page ปู่ลà¸à¸¢à¸”์, urging dog owners to…
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MRT wins legal battle to extend Orange Line
The Supreme Administrative Court has upheld a previous ruling by the Central Administrative Court, greenlighting the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRT) to ink a deal with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company (BEM) for the Orange Line extension from Bang Khun Non to Min Buri. The legal tussle began when Bangkok Mass Transit System Company (BTSC) took the MRT to…
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Truck fire near gas station causes major disruption in Bangkok
A 22-wheel trailer truck carrying 15 tonnes of rubber scrap caught fire near a gas station, causing significant damage and triggering a substantial emergency response. Five fire trucks were dispatched to control the blaze, which erupted around 4.05am today. Police received a report of the fire from Apivat Sinpru, an investigator at the Thammasala Police Station. The incident occurred in…
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Robot surgeons to take over public hospitals after trial success
In a revolutionary leap for healthcare, robot-assisted surgery is set to be rolled out in more public hospitals following a triumphant trial at Rajavithi Hospital, announced the Department of Medical Services. Rajavithi Hospital began its journey with robotic surgeries in 2020, a visionary project spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Health, according to Dr Amporn Benjapolpitak, head of the department.…
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On track: SRT proposes dual-track railway to Nakhon Ratchasima
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) proposed two options for the construction of a dual-track railway between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, assuring locals that the Simathani Bridge will not be demolished. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Transport, aimed to finalise plans and address concerns. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport Surapong Piyachote along with numerous…
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Shock fare hike on MRT Blue Line: Pay up to 45 baht from July 3
The Thai Cabinet approved a fare increase for the MRT Blue Line, effective from July 3. This means passengers will soon be paying between 17 baht and 45 baht for their journeys, up from the current maximum of 43 baht. Deputy Government Spokesperson Kenika Anudit announced the decision yesterday, June 11, confirming that the Cabinet had greenlit the draft regulations…
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