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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Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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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…
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Torsak Sukvimol reinstated as National Police Chief
Police General Torsak Sukvimol has resumed his role as National Police Chief following an investigation into a prominent internal conflict, as announced by Wissanu Krea-ngam, an advisor to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Wissanu disclosed the results of the investigation, which was initiated by the prime minister through a fact-finding committee led by Chatchai Promlert. The inquiry scrutinised the discord between…
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Thailand sobers up: Slams brakes on extended alcohol sales hours
The Government of Thailand dashed hopes of extended alcohol sales hours, citing alarming statistics on road casualties and accidents. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced the decision following a tense panel meeting at the ministry on Tuesday, asserting that public safety must take precedence. “The ministry’s alcoholic beverage control committee reviewed road accident statistics and related legal implications, recognising the…
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Don Mueang tollway tolls to rise by up to 10 baht
Don Mueang Tollway, the operator of the elevated Uttraphimuk Tollway, announced a toll increase of 5 to 10 baht, bringing the maximum toll fee to 170 baht, effective December 22. The announcement was made today by Don Mueang Tollway Public Company Limited, informing users about the upcoming change in toll rates based on the concession contract amendment agreement 3/2550 dated…
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Deputy PM defends mammoth borrowing to jump start growth
In a heated parliamentary session yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira staunchly defended the government’s proposal to borrow a staggering 865 billion baht to mitigate the fiscal 2025 budget deficit. Pichai argued that this bold move is essential to rejuvenate Thailand’s languishing economy and achieve targeted GDP growth. He assured lawmakers that the loan would adhere strictly…
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Drunk Thai taxi driver found dead in car outside ex-wife’s apartment
A drunk Thai taxi driver was found dead in his car parked outside his ex-wife’s apartment in the Bang Bon district of Bangkok on Tuesday night. Officers from Bang Khun Thian Police Station were alerted to the man’s death by 43 year old Thai woman Surumpa, at around 10pm, on June 18. She discovered the lifeless body of her ex-husband,…
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Thailand’s big gamble: Mega casinos set to hit the jackpot
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced that Thailand is on the brink of legalising large-scale entertainment complexes with casinos. The final draft of this ambitious bill is set to be ready for Cabinet deliberations within the next three to four weeks. Julapun revealed that 16 government agencies have already weighed in on the plan. “Their insights will be included as…
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Progressive Movement’s senate bid: Triumph or tragedy?
In a last-ditch effort to reshape Thailand’s political landscape, the Progressive Movement’s campaign to secure one-third of Senate seats and amend the junta-drafted 2017 Constitution is faltering as the election reaches its climax. Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit kicked off the campaign in April with a bold goal: securing 70 People’s Senators in the 200-member upper house. However, the initial…
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Thai government expands 30-baht healthcare to 46 provinces
The Thai government expanded its 30-baht healthcare policy, allowing residents to access medical services with their ID cards across 46 provinces, including Bangkok. This initiative aims to ensure better healthcare accessibility and efficiency for all citizens. Jadet Thammathat-Aree, Secretary-General of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), announced the implementation of this policy on Monday, June 17, in accordance with the…
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PM Srettha unveils 3 trillion baht economic boost plan
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin rolled out a mammoth 3.753-trillion-baht economic revival blueprint aimed at turbocharging Thailand’s financial fortunes. As lawmakers embarked on a heated three-day debate, the Bangkok-born Thai PM pitched his vision to rejuvenate the sluggish economy, promising a surge in growth. In a bid to unleash Thailand’s economic potential, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin proposed a hefty 3.753 trillion baht…
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Insurance giant loses 40 billion baht Covid lawsuit
The Central Administrative Court dismissed a colossal 40 billion baht lawsuit against the Office of Insurance Commission, filed by Syn Mun Kong Insurance Public Company. This landmark case revolved around the commission’s prohibition on cancelling the company’s controversial Covid 2 in 1 (jer-jai-job) insurance policies, sold to approximately one million customers at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021.…
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British Airways flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur resume soon
British Airways (BA) resumes flights to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok this year, marking a significant step in its regional expansion strategy. Chairman and CEO Sean Doyle expressed the importance of this strategic return. “For a global carrier like us, expanding our network in Asia as quickly as possible is crucial. With more aircraft joining our fleet in the coming years,…
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Couple found dead in car in Suan Luang, Bangkok
A couple was found dead in a parked car on Phatthanakan Soi 12 in Bangkok with the engine running until the fuel was exhausted. CCTV footage revealed they had entered the vehicle after leaving their workplace. The incident occurred around 8.20pm yesterday. Police Lieutenant Sirichai Kaewprasith from Khlong Tan Police Station responded to the discovery of two bodies, one male and…
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Big Joke demands impeachment of anti-corruption commissioner
Police General Surachate Hakparn, better known as Big Joke, who has been suspended from his Deputy Police Chief position, has gathered enough signatures for a petition to lay charges against a member of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Big Joke submitted a petition with 20,000 signatures, demanding the impeachment of a NACC commissioner. The petition was handed over to House…
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PM Srettha scandal escalates: Court demands more evidence
The Constitutional Court has thrown a curveball in the case against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, demanding additional evidence within 15 days. This comes after allegations surfaced regarding his controversial Cabinet appointment, stirring up a storm of legal challenges and political intrigue. The court’s move sets the stage for a pivotal hearing on July 10, prompting a flurry of submissions from…
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Constitutional Court orders testimony from MFP by July 3
The Constitutional Court ordered the Move Forward Party (MFP) to provide testimony for its dissolution case by July 3, for the court to examine on July 9. The Election Commission (EC) filed a petition arguing there was reasonable evidence to believe that the MFP had committed acts of subverting the democratic form of government with the king as head of…
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Shock as top Senate candidates fail to advance
The provincial senator election at the weekend saw 3,000 candidates advance to the national stage but not without some unexpected snubs. The Election Commission (EC) office confirmed the results of the provincial senator election on Sunday, June 16, revealing that 3,000 hopefuls will move forward to the national level. Among these successful candidates are 2,164 men and 836 women. However,…
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Thaksin gets a bail-out: Ex-PM walks free on 500,000 baht bond
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra walked free today after the Criminal Court granted him bail of 500,000 baht, following his arraignment on lese-majeste and computer crime charges. Thaksin appeared before public prosecutors early this morning and was promptly taken to the Criminal Court for his arraignment, confirmed Prayut Phetcharakhun, spokesperson for the Office of the Attorney-General. The court accepted the…
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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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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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NHRC urges Thai govt to stop deportation of Vietnamese activist
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the Thai government to halt plans to deport Vietnamese activist Y Quynh Bdap, expressing concerns for his safety. Authorities arrested 32 year old Y Quynh Bdap in Bangkok this week. He is a prominent figure within the Montagnard ethnic group from Vietnam’s Central Highlands and co-founded Montagnards Stand for Justice, an organisation…
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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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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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MFP’s support for Pheu Thai sparks coalition speculation
The Move Forward Party (MFP) has recently shown a surprisingly empathetic stance towards the ruling Pheu Thai Party, sparking accusations that their previous antagonism may have been an act. Observers have noted two key developments suggesting a possible reconciliation between the two largest parties, following Pheu Thai’s earlier decision to abandon a post-election promise to form a government with MFP.…
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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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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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PM Srettha blasts army over unapproved salary deductions
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has been caught in a controversy following revelations about questionable salary deductions from conscripts, including a 500 baht fee for cleaning a septic tank. However, the RTA claims these documents were never approved or implemented. Colonel Richa Suksuwanon, Deputy Spokesperson for the RTA, addressed the uproar yesterday. He clarified that the leaked document detailing the deductions…
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