Bangkok News

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  • Phanom district honoured at Beautiful District Awards in Bangkok

    Phanom district honoured at Beautiful District Awards in Bangkok

    Phanom district in Bangkok received an honourable mention at the Ministry of Interior’s Beautiful District Awards ceremony held yesterday. The event, organised by the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Interior Housewives Association, and the Department of Local Administration, celebrated districts providing exemplary public services. The ceremony took place at the Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao. Present at the…

  • Bangkok street vendors must be poor enough to operate: BMA

    Bangkok street vendors must be poor enough to operate: BMA

    In a move that’s bound to shake up Bangkok’s bustling street food scene, new City Hall regulations will allow only “poor Thais” to operate as street vendors. The bold rules, signed by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, have sparked controversy with their stringent requirements, including a ban on migrant workers. Once published in the Royal Gazette, the new rules will go…

  • Governor’s plan to transform Bangkok’s crumbling footpaths

    Governor’s plan to transform Bangkok’s crumbling footpaths

    Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has taken matters into his own hands, rolling up his sleeves to personally inspect the chaotic renovation of Lat Phrao Road’s battered footpaths. The governor visited the busy Lat Phrao intersection on Tuesday, September 17, where a 20-kilometre overhaul is underway, aimed at bringing the pavements up to scratch. Years of neglect, due to the Yellow…

  • Brakes off: Bangkok’s car free day lets tourists cruise sans traffic

    Brakes off: Bangkok’s car free day lets tourists cruise sans traffic

    Bangkok is revving up for Car Free Day this weekend on Banthat Thong Road, offering a vehicle-free zone for tourists to cruise around and soak up various activities. The event, dubbed Bangkok Car Free 2024: Connecting for Life, aligns with the annual World Car Free Day on September 22, according to Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) spokesperson Aekvarunyoo Amrapala. In a…

  • Bangkok Bank gives a healthy boost to Siriraj with 70 million baht

    Bangkok Bank gives a healthy boost to Siriraj with 70 million baht

    Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited (PCL) made a healthy contribution of more than 70 million baht to Siriraj Hospital through its Bangkok Bank-Siriraj Card Project, reinforcing the bank’s dedication to social responsibility and community support. On Mahidol Day, Pochanee Kongkalai, Executive Vice President and Assistant VP of Customer Banking, proudly presented the cheque for 70,315,053.39 baht to Professor Dr Apichat Asavamongkolkul,…

  • Cannabis chaos: Thailand’s weed rules you can’t afford to break

    Cannabis chaos: Thailand’s weed rules you can’t afford to break

    Thailand’s cannabis scene is about to get a whole lot more official but there are big consequences for those who don’t play by the rules. From January 1, 2025, consumers will still have access to the country’s wide variety of dry flowers but breaking key regulations could land you in hot water. The rules are simple: no smoking in public,…

  • Prawit to sue TV host and ex-spokesman over wiretapping claims

    Prawit to sue TV host and ex-spokesman over wiretapping claims

    Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Prawit Wongsuwon plans to take legal action against TV host Danai Ekmahasawat and former Pheu Thai Party spokesperson Prompong Nopparit. They are accused of releasing voice recordings that allegedly incriminate him. Party secretary-general Paiboon Nititawan announced yesterday, September 18, that complaints would be filed with Hua Mak police, accusing Danai and Prompong of wiretapping or disseminating…

  • Heavy rain, high waves to hit Thailand due to monsoon and storm

    Heavy rain, high waves to hit Thailand due to monsoon and storm

    Heavy rain and high waves are anticipated across Thailand from today, September 19 to Monday, September 23, driven by the annual monsoon and an emerging tropical storm set to impact Vietnam tomorrow. Kornrawee Sitthichivapak, Director-General of the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), announced yesterday that the north, northeast, and central plain, including Greater Bangkok, the east, and south regions will experience…

  • People’s Party bets on transparency in casino concerns

    People’s Party bets on transparency in casino concerns

    The People’s Party raised concerns about the Thailand government’s casino project, citing fears that recent revisions to the plan could lead to questionable business practices. Nont Pisarnlimjaroenkit, a People’s Party MP for Nonthaburi, addressed Parliament, stating that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration aims to generate new revenue by integrating underground businesses into the tax system. This proposal includes an entertainment…

  • Prawit’s leaked audio drama: Secret ambitions exposed?

    Prawit’s leaked audio drama: Secret ambitions exposed?

    An aide to Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader General Prawit Wongsuwan filed a police complaint against two high-profile figures for allegedly leaking a bombshell phone conversation. The explosive recording, which Prawit previously dismissed as a doctored or AI-manipulated fake, has now landed two individuals in hot water. PPRP Secretary-General Paibul Nititawan took the reins, filing the complaint today at Hua…

  • Snakes alive: Thai woman battles 4-metre python in Samut Prakan

    Snakes alive: Thai woman battles 4-metre python in Samut Prakan

    A quiet night turned into a nightmare for a woman in Samut Prakan province when a 4-metre-long python wrapped itself around her for nearly two hours, leaving her fighting for her life. The woman, 64 year old Arrom Arunroj, had just finished her dinner and was washing dishes at the back of her house, located near a dense reed forest…

  • Bangkok joins 30-baht healthcare scheme with 6 billion baht budget

    Bangkok joins 30-baht healthcare scheme with 6 billion baht budget

    A budget allocation of 5.9 billion baht has been approved to support the 30-baht healthcare scheme, which will now extend to Bangkok, making it the 46th province in the programme. The project will be officially launched on September 27. The announcement was made at the National Health Security Office (NHSO) in Bangkok, where Jadej Thamatachaaree, Secretary-General of the NHSO, explained…

  • Capella Bangkok named World’s Best Hotel 2024

    Capella Bangkok named World’s Best Hotel 2024

    Capella Bangkok has taken the hospitality world by storm, claiming the coveted top spot on The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024 list. Leaping from No.11 in 2023 to No.1 this year, the hotel not only tops the global rankings but also secures the title of Best Hotel in Asia. Since its 2020 opening, the riverside retreat has charmed guests with…

  • Thailand Cabinet keeps VAT at 7% for another year

    Thailand Cabinet keeps VAT at 7% for another year

    The Thailand Cabinet has decided to maintain the current value-added tax (VAT) rate at 7% for another year. This decision was announced by Jirayu Huangsub, an advisor to the Prime Minister of Thailand, at 12.40pm yesterday, September 17. The announcement follows a Cabinet meeting where the economic situation was discussed, especially concerning the VAT rate set to expire at the…

  • Iranians nabbed for stealing cash from Chinese tourist in Bangkok

    Iranians nabbed for stealing cash from Chinese tourist in Bangkok

    Thonglor police arrested two Iranian suspects for allegedly stealing cash from a Chinese tourist in Soi Sukhumvit 20, Khlong Toei, Bangkok. The suspects, 29 year old Dinarvand and 41 year old Mirzaniapargoo, were apprehended in front of a condominium in the Sathorn district. The incident began when the Iranian pair befriended the Chinese tourist outside a hotel in Soi Sukhumvit…

  • National wage committee to finalise 400-baht minimum wage

    National wage committee to finalise 400-baht minimum wage

    Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced that the national wage committee will reconvene on Friday to discuss the implementation of a 400-baht minimum wage for large employers nationwide starting October 1. The tripartite committee, which includes representatives from employees, employers, and the government, met on Monday. However, all five employer representatives were absent, leaving only the 10 members from the employee…

  • Green Day announces first Thailand concert in 14 years

    Green Day announces first Thailand concert in 14 years

    Green Day fans are in for a treat as the legendary post-punk rock band announced a concert in Thailand after a 14-year hiatus. Scheduled for February 12, 2025, the event will take place at Impact Arena, Mueang Thong Thani, and is organised by Live Nation Tero. The announcement, made yesterday, September 16, has thrilled rock enthusiasts across the country. Green…

  • Two Bangkok districts to become pedestrian paradise

    Two Bangkok districts to become pedestrian paradise

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is shaking things up with a plan to transform the eastern districts of Phra Khanong and Bang Na into a pedestrian’s dream. In a move that will have locals leaving their cars at home, the new zones will encourage walking, running, and biking as part of a healthier, greener lifestyle. Deputy Bangkok Governor Tavida Kamolvej…

  • Wired up: Jobless man arrested for stealing 208 metres of copper in Bangkok

    Wired up: Jobless man arrested for stealing 208 metres of copper in Bangkok

    Police arrested a man suspected of stealing copper wire totalling over 208 metres from the Ong Ang canal in Bangkok, valued at more than 180,000 baht. The suspect claimed he resorted to theft after losing his job. Police Major General Samart Promchat, Deputy Police Major General Narit Pratthanaporn, and Police Colonel Pawat Watsupattra from the Phra Ratchawang Police Station yesterday,…

  • Jet fuel boom: Thailand’s aviation set for sky-high growth

    Jet fuel boom: Thailand’s aviation set for sky-high growth

    Thailand’s aviation sector is ready to soar, fuelled by a surge in air travel and jet fuel demand, according to Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services Plc (BAFS). The refuelling giant, which serves Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, is seeing a bright future as the aviation industry bounces back from the pandemic slump. BAFS President ML Nathasit Diskul revealed the company’s expected…

  • Police quickly nab suspects in Bang Phli market burglary

    Police quickly nab suspects in Bang Phli market burglary

    Police in Bang Phli swiftly arrested two suspects less than 24 hours after a late-night burglary at a local market office. The suspects, 18 year old Anuwat, and 42 year old Natthapimon, were apprehended with stolen gold and cash worth nearly 1 million baht. Today, September 17, Police Colonel Pairoj Phetploy and Investigation Chief Santirat Ngernmun, along with a team…

  • Ruling party loyalist set to chair Bank of Thailand amid rate dispute

    Ruling party loyalist set to chair Bank of Thailand amid rate dispute

    A ruling party loyalist and critic of the central bank governor is set to be nominated as the chair of the Bank of Thailand (BoT), as the government seeks to assert influence over the institution amid ongoing disputes over interest rates. The Pheu Thai Party-led government plans to back 66 year old former deputy premier and Finance Minister Kittiratt Na…

  • Less than 40 million Thais expected to join digital wallet scheme

    Less than 40 million Thais expected to join digital wallet scheme

    The Government of Thailand anticipates fewer than 40 million participants in its flagship digital wallet handout scheme, with the initial phase set to benefit 14.5 million vulnerable individuals starting yesterday, according to a Finance Ministry official. Under this stimulus programme, the government plans to distribute 450 billion baht to 45 million people, with each registered participant receiving 10,000 baht to…

  • Thailand raises alarm on online child sexual harassment surge

    Thailand raises alarm on online child sexual harassment surge

    Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) raised alarms about the severe impact of sexual harassment on social media on children and young people. A recent social outlook report from the NESDC, released yesterday, indicates that victims of such harassment risk developing a range of social, emotional, and mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. In some cases, these…

  • Samyan Smart City buries cables to enhance energy solutions

    Samyan Smart City buries cables to enhance energy solutions

    The Samyan Smart City project in central Bangkok is advancing, with significant efforts focused on relocating overhead power and communication cables underground, according to the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA). Last month, overhead cables along Chulalongkorn Soi 12 leading to Banthat Thong Road, and near the King Rama VI Monument close to Lumpini Park, were removed. This initiative aims to eliminate…

  • Thailand’s plan to ‘track’ down train costs with 20 baht fare cap

    Thailand’s plan to ‘track’ down train costs with 20 baht fare cap

    The Government of Thailand is considering taking over seven electric train lines, worth around 500 billion baht, to fulfil a campaign promise from the Pheu Thai Party to cap fares at a mere 20 baht per route. Finance Permanent Secretary Lavaron Sangsnit revealed that the Finance Ministry has been approached by the Transport Ministry, through the State Enterprise Policy Office,…

  • Chinese men arrested for using remote jammer to steal from cars

    Chinese men arrested for using remote jammer to steal from cars

    Police apprehended two Chinese nationals accused of using a remote jammer to unlock newly parked cars and steal valuables from them. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) detained 38 year old Zhangjin, and 31 year old Zhenghong, at a rest area on the Bangkok-Chon Buri Motorway in Bang Pakong district, on Saturday, September 14. Police caught the pair attempting to open…

  • Bangkok couple arrested for exploiting Shan state minors

    Bangkok couple arrested for exploiting Shan state minors

    Police arrested a couple in Bangkok’s Pracha Chuen area on allegations of exploiting minors from Myanmar’s Shan state for forced labour. The arrests took place yesterday morning when officials from the Department of Provincial Administration, alongside Pracha Chuen police officers, raided a house on Ngamwongwan Road in the Lak Si district. The suspects, identified only as 35 year old Golf,…

  • Opposition calls for Pheu Thai’s pledged 600-baht minimum wage

    Opposition calls for Pheu Thai’s pledged 600-baht minimum wage

    The opposition urged the implementation of the Pheu Thai Party’s promised 600-baht minimum wage while criticising the government’s labour policy for a perceived lack of initiatives to enhance labour skills. Sia Jampathong, an MP from the People’s Party, highlighted these concerns during yesterday’s final day of a joint Parliament sitting. He noted that labour policy was conspicuously absent from the…

  • Thai defence minister appoints ex-RTA expert as secretary

    Thai defence minister appoints ex-RTA expert as secretary

    Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai appointed General Trisak Indararusmi, a former expert with the Royal Thai Army (RTA) and a former classmate of ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as his secretary. This appointment precedes Phumtham’s official commencement at the ministry, set for Monday. Gen. Trisak, an alumnus of Class 10 from the armed forces preparatory school, is expected to bring significant experience…