Bangkok News
Dive into the latest happenings in Bangkok with The Thaiger. Our team delivers up-to-date news, insightful analysis, and exclusive stories from the heart of Thailand’s dynamic capital. Keep your finger on the pulse of Bangkok’s ever-evolving political, economic, and cultural scene, as well as its thriving entertainment and nightlife. Stay informed about local events, transportation updates, and expat experiences in this vibrant metropolis.
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Sponsored Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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Finance Ministry to launch new 100 billion baht investment fund
Plans are underway at the Finance Ministry to establish a new investment fund similar to the previous state-controlled Vayupak Fund, aimed at bolstering Thai shares with strong fundamentals. This initiative is expected to be finalised within two weeks. Finance permanent secretary Lavaron Sangsnit announced that the new fund is projected to attract a minimum of 100 billion baht into the…
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ITA Airways launches direct flights from Rome to Bangkok
ITA Airways will launch a groundbreaking nonstop service between Rome (FCO) and Bangkok (BKK) starting November 16. This marks the airline’s inaugural route between Italy and Thailand, creating an exciting new travel option for leisure and business travellers. For the first time in years, passengers will enjoy direct flights connecting the Italian and Thai capitals, thanks to ITA’s state-of-the-art Airbus…
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SEC bill to launch 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge project by 2026
The draft of the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) bill is on track to be submitted to the Cabinet by the end of September, aiming to kickstart the 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject in 2026, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced yesterday. The blueprint for the project is currently being adjusted to align with the expectations of foreign investors and locals. These adjustments…
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Road-raging Bangkok taxi driver ready to serve a knuckle sandwich
A Bangkok taxi driver brandished brass knuckles and other weapons in an alarming road rage incident, leaving other drivers in fear. The incident was reported on social media by a prominent Facebook page which shared a video clip sent by a concerned follower. A public taxi driver, wearing a strikingly patterned shirt, reportedly displayed brass knuckles and an array of weapons…
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Fire under Ramkamhaeng Airport Rail Link Station under control
A ferocious fire broke out at a house and stalls under the Ramkhamhaeng Airport Rail Link Station in Bangkok at around 4.30am today. The situation is under control, no deaths or injuries were reported and train services resumed at 8.30am, today, July 1. Praram Radio Centre 199 received a report of the blaze at about 4.30am. The fire reportedly started…
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Bangkok boosts Yaowarat safety as Lisa’s video draws tourists
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Tourism and Sports Ministry are intensifying safety measures in Yaowarat, also known as Chinatown, following a surge in visitors inspired by Lisa’s Rockstar music video. The video, featuring Thai K-pop star Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal, was filmed in Bangkok’s Chinatown and has captivated audiences globally. The music video, which includes scenes shot near the…
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Japanese man arrested in Bangkok for overstaying visa
Thai Immigration apprehended a Japanese national in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei district after receiving a tip-off about his illegal stay. The 43 year old man was found to have overstayed his visa. Further investigations revealed the Japanese man, Miyoshi’s alarming criminal history. Allegedly involved in 111 theft cases across five areas in Japan last year, he caused damages amounting to approximately…
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Thai beautician tops senator votes with 79 votes
A 45 year old beautician emerged as one of the 200 newly elected senators, achieving the highest vote count with 79 votes. Her victory highlights a notable career in preventive medicine, skin and beauty expertise, and extensive advisory roles. Chinnachot Saengsang secured 77 votes, Police Lieutenant General Yutthana Thaiphakdi received 76 votes, General Kriangkrai Srirak garnered 74 votes, and Sopon…
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Thailand poised for unprecedented surge in tourists
Thailand is set to witness a phenomenal surge in tourists, with visitor numbers from four key markets, Malaysia, India, South Korea, and Russia, expected to hit record highs in 2024, thanks to robust government support and the country’s soft power initiatives. According to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), arrivals from Malaysia are projected to soar to 5 million…
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Thailand to host major Pride events in Koh Samui and Bangkok
Thailand is gearing up for two major events to mark the conclusion of Pride Month in 2024. The celebrations will take place on Koh Samui in Surat Thani Province and Bangkok, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin set to inaugurate the events. Deputy Government spokesperson Radklao Inthawong Suwannakiri invited both Thai residents and international visitors to join in the grand finale…
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Fare cut: Bangkok train rides slashed to just 20 baht
The Transport Ministry announced that commuters on Bangkok’s Blue, Yellow, and Pink electric train lines will pay a maximum fare of 20 baht by June 2025. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, revealed the progress of the government’s initiative to implement this fare cap on all electric train routes in the capital by September next…
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BLACKPINK Lisa’s ‘Rockstar’ hits two million views (video)
Lisa from BLACKPINK took the Internet and social media by storm with her latest release, Rockstar, which surpassed two million views within just an hour of its debut. This marks the Thai star’s first solo project since establishing her own company, LLOUD Co. Thai netizens were glued to their screens as Lisa’s highly anticipated video dropped at 7am today on…
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Thailand’s digital wallet budget faces review
A portion of Thailand’s 2025 national budget designated for the government’s digital wallet scheme is likely to be reconsidered by the special House Committee vetting the budget bill within the next couple of weeks, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. Julapun, who serves as vice chairman of the 72-member committee, commented on the panel’s decision to suspend scrutiny over…
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Thaksin sues Warong for 100 million baht over bribery defamation
Thaksin Shinawatra initiated a lawsuit against Thai Pakdee Party leader Warong Dechgitvigrom, demanding 100 million baht for alleged defamation related to a 2-billion-baht bribe accusation. Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyat Chartmontree, filed the suit yesterday, June 27, following Warong’s comments on social media and during a rally near Government House. Warong’s remarks, though not directly naming Thaksin, strongly implied his involvement in…
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SCB denies UN claims of aiding Myanmar military transactions
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) firmly denied any involvement in irregular transactions with Myanmar, challenging claims made in a recent United Nations report concerning the bank’s alleged role in financing military procurement. Tom Andrews, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, released a report this week detailing how Myanmar’s military regime continues to acquire weapons used against civilians. The…
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Police arrest man for smuggling crystal meth in clothes in Bangkok
Bangkok Police arrested a Thai man for smuggling crystal methamphetamine hidden in second-hand clothing parcels. The man confessed to working for over a month, earning 3,000 baht daily by packing and shipping drugs. Police officers, including Kiattikul Sonthinene, received a report from Kornwarat Promsawan and the Romklao investigation team about alleged drug trafficking activities in the Rong Kha Daeng community.…
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Thai blaze: Narcotics go up in smoke on international anti-drug day
To mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Thailand incinerated over 20 tonnes of confiscated narcotics valued at a staggering 6.45 billion baht yesterday, June 26. The vast quantity of drugs, primarily methamphetamine, was seized from 41,800 cases, underscoring the country’s relentless war on drugs. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin stated that this destruction is part of…
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Defence Ministry: 44 advisers axed over bribery allegations
Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang axed 44 of his advisers following bribery allegations. The move came after reports surfaced suggesting that some of his advisers were taking bribes from military units and related agencies. Sutin, who signed the dismissal order on Monday, explained that he was “streamlining his team and optimising the work process.” “Reports of bribery among some defence advisers…
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Bhutan prime minister visits Thailand after 10 years
Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay kicked off his official visit to Thailand on Tuesday, June 25, making history as the first Bhutanese leader to do so in over 10 years. The visit, which marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, has set the stage for a series of significant discussions and agreements aimed at strengthening…
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Purr-fect innovation: Chulalongkorn’s urine luck with cat health kit
Researchers from Chulalongkorn University unveiled the Cat Urine Test Kit designed to screen for kidney disease, gallstones, and cystitis in cats. This easy-to-use test kit promises quick and precise results, ensuring prompt treatment for our furry friends. All cat lovers cherish their pets’ health, but cats, like humans, can suffer from various ailments. The most prevalent feline issues include kidney…
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Army general tops polls in national Senate election
The Election Commission (EC)’s vote counting began at 9.40pm yesterday and concluded around 5am today, revealing the biggest political surprise of the year. With 2,989 candidates vying for seats, the new Senate will comprise 200 members from 20 professions, replacing the 250 junta-appointed senators whose term expired on May 10. Former 4th Army Region Commander General Kriangkrai Srirak, a classmate…
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Big Joke dismissed over alleged gambling ties
Police Commission members voted unanimously yesterday to support the acting national police chief’s order to dismiss Police General Surachate Hakparn, better known as Big Joke, as deputy chief over alleged ties to an online gambling network. The 12-member panel, chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, spent three hours deliberating before reaching their decision. Big Joke, a prominent figure known for…
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Former PM Niwatthamrong faces Senate election defeat
Former Deputy Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan faced an early exit in the first round of the national Senate elections yesterday, June 26. Despite his loss, Niwatthamrong, who served as caretaker prime minister following Yingluck Shinawatra’s removal by the Constitutional Court in 2013, remains unbowed and resolute. Niwatthamrong admitted that, like his fellow candidates, he had cast a vote for himself…
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Thaksin’s comeback: Ex-PM delivers lecture at Pheu Thai HQ
Paroled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a high-profile appearance at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters yesterday. As a special guest speaker for the Pheu Thai Party Academy, Thaksin delivered a riveting lecture, urging party members to continually improve their skills and embrace lifelong learning. Addressing a class comprised predominantly of Pheu Thai MPs, Thaksin commended their active participation in…
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AOT shakes up commercial space at Bangkok and Phuket airports
Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to reclaim prime commercial and office spaces at Suvarnabhumi and Phuket International Airports in a move to improve passenger satisfaction, despite facing a potential loss of over 90 million baht. AOT revealed plans to reclaim areas currently operated by King Power Duty-Free and office spaces used by key government agencies, including the Immigration Bureau, the…
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Bangkok police arrest serial burglar for construction store theft
Bangkok Police arrested a man for a series of burglaries, including a recent theft at a construction materials store. The 53 year old man was apprehended following a detailed investigation. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau, led by Teeradet Thamsuthi, along with the Udomsuk Police Station, successfully arrested the man, known as Yanyont, or Sinu, in an apartment in Phra…
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Thailand government slashes hotel fees in tourism boost gamble
The Thai Cabinet made a bold move to bolster its tourism sector by extending a waiver on operating fees for hoteliers for another two years. This strategic decision, made yesterday, June 25, aims to support the country’s ongoing economic recovery following the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The fee exemption, which spares hoteliers from the annual charge of 40…
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Mysterious dead body mistaken for a doll in Bangkok Canal
The body of a woman was discovered floating in Bang Mot Canal today by a passerby who initially mistook the body for a doll before realising it was a dead person. Bang Mot Police Station Police Lieutenant Thanakorn Thammaniramon received a report of the woman’s body floating in Bang Mot Canal, Thung Khru, Bangkok. Police quickly coordinated with forensic doctors…
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Senate bid: Ex-PM Somchai reveals the secret to his success
Former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat revealed the key to his success in reaching the final round of the Senate election: His wife’s unwavering support. Upon arriving at Impact Arena in Mueang Thong Thani today to participate in the election, Somchai dispelled rumours that he had been chosen to lead the next Senate. He clarified that he was competing in the…
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Arrest warrant issued for political activist Parit Chiwarak
The Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Parit Chiwarak, better known as Penguin, after the political activist failed to appear for a ruling in a high-profile lese majeste case. Parit, facing approximately 24 charges under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, remains free on bail, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR). The ruling, originally scheduled for yesterday,…
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