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’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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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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Bangkok steps up crackdown on illegal begging
Police in Bangkok have intensified efforts to curb illegal begging, with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) spearheading routine inspections in collaboration with various sectors. The initiative, announced by Varawut Silpa-archa, involves inspecting for illegal beggars five times a month, aiming to address the persistent issue effectively. During these inspections, Thai beggars are transferred to the Centre…
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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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EC ordered to present evidence against Move Forward Party
The Election Commission (EC) has been ordered by the Constitutional Court to present its list of witnesses and evidence in the high-stakes case against the Move Forward Party (MFP) before the next hearing on June 18. The nine judges of the Constitutional Court convened today to deliberate the EC’s petition to dissolve the MFP. The embattled party had already filed…
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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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More than 99% of Thais back marriage equality
A recent poll reveals that over 99% of Thais are in favour of the Marriage Equality Bill, advocating for legal benefits for same-sex couples. This groundbreaking survey, conducted by content platform The Attraction between May 20 and June 9, indicates a powerful push towards equality in Thailand. An overwhelming 99.3% of respondents backed the bill, though the exact number of…
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Human skeleton found next to Rat Burana office in Bangkok
A human skeleton was discovered next to the Rat Burana District Office in Bangkok. The body is believed to have been deceased for over a month. A woman is convinced it is her missing relative after identifying a necklace on the remains. At 10am today, residents reported finding a human skeleton in Soi Rat Burana 23, Rat Burana District, Bangkok.…
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Cyber police dismantle global call centre scam network in Bangkok
Thai cyber police dismantled a global call centre scam network, arresting a key member in Bangkok. The investigation revealed that the network had defrauded victims of over 200 million baht, claiming they were coerced into working in Poipet, Cambodia. Police Lieutenant General Worawat Watnakornbancha, Head of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), directed the operation led by Police Major General…
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Political turmoil sends Thai stock market plummeting
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin acknowledged that Thailand’s current political turmoil is likely behind the recent stock market plunge, which hit a four-year low on Monday. Analysts have pointed to three high-profile court cases shaking the nation’s political landscape as the primary cause of investor anxiety. “It is about stock market sentiment.” PM Srettha highlighted that he, among others involved in…
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Thailand’s food delivery apps dish out tasty profits
Thailand’s food delivery and on-demand super apps have demonstrated moderate growth despite economic hurdles, with major players generating significant revenue increases in 2023. Business data provider creden.co reports that total revenue for these apps reached 31.7 billion baht last year, rising from 27 billion baht in 2022. Grab Taxi (Thailand) achieved a profit for the second year running, with revenue…
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Protesters urge army to oppose Thaksin’s bail request
Protest groups called on the Royal Thai Army to oppose an anticipated bail request by former premier Thaksin Shinawatra when he reports to prosecutors to acknowledge his indictment on lese majeste and computer crime charges next week. Members of the Network of Students and People Reforming Thailand and Thai People Protecting the Monarchy marched to the army headquarters yesterday, submitting…
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Thailand drastically lowers threshold for meth possession
In a landmark decision, the Thai Cabinet redefined what constitutes personal drug use, slashing the permissible quantity of methamphetamine, also known as Yaba, and crystal methamphetamine (ice). Possessing just one Yaba tablet or 100mg of ice will now classify an individual as a drug user, a dramatic reduction from the previous threshold of five tablets or 500mg. Deputy government spokesperson…
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Bangkok police arrest four at luxury hotel for drug investigation
Police arrested four individuals at a luxury hotel in central Bangkok yesterday, including relatives of a prominent politician, and are preparing to conduct drug tests on them. The suspects, who were detained at 11.30am, are cooperating with the investigation. The four suspects, Naraset Thaises, Gitcha, Valis, and Anchaleeporn, are currently being processed at Makkasan Police Station, where officers are recording…
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Bangkok probes corruption in exercise equipment procurement
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is intensifying its investigation into allegations of corruption related to the procurement of exercise equipment for public parks in Bangkok. Evidence pointing toward potential irregularities has emerged during an initial probe, prompting a more extensive inquiry. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and BMA Deputy Permanent Secretary Nathapong Disayabutra revealed the expansion plans following a board meeting.…
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Bangkok police raid leads to high-profile drug and fireman arrest
A police raid on a prominent Bangkok hotel yesterday ended in the apprehension of Naraset Thaiset and associates after seizing crystal methamphetamine and a firearm. Investigators from Metropolitan Police Division 1 executed the raid on June 10 at approximately 10.20pm following reports of drug activities in a hotel room located in Bang Kapi, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok. Naraset Thaiset, who…
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PM Srettha defends appointment of Pichit Chuenban
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin presented his defence to the Constitutional Court regarding the contentious appointment of politician Pichit Chuenban as PM Office minister. The defence, submitted last Friday, was acknowledged by PM Srettha who refrained from divulging the specifics when questioned by the media. “It’s more of a clarification. I have the duty to clarify, and I think I’ve covered…
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Motorcyclist dies after falling from Bangkok overpass
A motorcyclist tragically lost his life after losing control and falling from an overpass onto a road near Phran Nok-Phutthamonthon Sai 2 Park. The incident occurred around 6pm yesterday. Despite extensive CPR efforts by rescue personnel, the man could not be revived. Police Lieutenant Detchawat Sadinchan, Deputy Inspector at Sala Daeng Police Station, received a report of the accident and…
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New automatic passport control tested at Suvarnabhumi Airport
The new Automatic Channel for passport control at Suvarnabhumi Airport was personally tested by Wisanu Prasarttong-Osoth, chairman of Airports of Thailand (AOT), before its official launch yesterday. This system aims to ease congestion at immigration checkpoints. Wisanu participated in a real-world test of the new automatic passport control system before heading to Malaysia on flight TG415. The new system is…
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Thailand investigates boat crash injuring four Chinese tourists
A probe has been ordered by Thailand’s Transport Ministry into a boat crash that injured four Chinese tourists near Tha Tien pier yesterday afternoon. The incident occurred around 4pm on the Chao Phraya River in Phra Nakhon district when a long-tailed tour boat collided with a Royal Thai Navy (RTN) ferry. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri reported that the crash…
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Thai condo market faces turbulence with Myanmar buyers blocked
The Thai condominium market is bracing for a storm as Myanmar’s crackdown on property purchases by its citizens threatens to halt a major influx of foreign investment. According to the Thai Condominium Association, the clampdown could significantly impact condo transfers during the second and third quarters of this year. Prasert Taedullayasatit, president of the association, revealed that Thai condo units…
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Pheu Thai rethinks lese majeste inclusion in amnesty bill
Pheu Thai Party has reconsidered its earlier statement regarding the inclusion of Section 112, or the lese majeste law, in the amnesty bill. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that the matter is complex and requires public consensus to prevent future disorder. Phumtham, the deputy leader of Pheu Thai, mentioned that the party has not reached a…
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Chinese tourist missing in Thailand, 25 million baht ransom
A Chinese tourist has gone missing while holidaying in Thailand, with her father receiving a ransom demand of 25 million baht for her release. Police at Phra Khanong Police Station were alerted by a Thai-Chinese interpreter named Moo, who works with the national cycling team coach, about the missing Chinese woman, 27 year old Xinlei Lu. Lu, who arrived in…
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Election Commission unanimously agrees on senator selection
All seven election commissioners have unanimously agreed to proceed with the district-level selection of senators tomorrow, despite looming legal uncertainties. Election Commission (EC) Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee announced yesterday afternoon that the commissioners have collectively decided against postponing the selection, which had been suggested by the EC Office. “There is no reason to delay.” The proposed delay was rooted in…
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Decline in family income threatens Thai children’s education
The average monthly income of Thailand’s very poor families has plummeted, placing children’s education in jeopardy. According to the Equitable Education Fund (EEF), these families’ earnings dropped to a mere 1,039 baht per month in 2023, down from 1,077 baht in 2020. This translates to a daily income of just 34 baht—far below the World Bank’s poverty line of 80…
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Vietnamese fugitive drug kingpin nabbed in Bangkok
One of Vietnam’s most wanted drug suspects has been captured in Bangkok after a year on the run. Vietnamese fugitive Nguyen Tuan Thanh was arrested at a luxurious condominium in Bangkok’s Watthana district, Police Lieutenant General Panurat Lakboon, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), announced today. The capture was orchestrated following a tip-off from Vietnam’s Counter-Narcotics…
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Silent but deadly: Thai woman nabbed for using mute couriers in drug ring
Police arrested a Thai woman with impaired hearing in Bangkok for using mute people as drug couriers, believing they would be unable to identify her or other dealers if caught. Officers from the Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Bureau (IDMB) and Makkasan Police Station arrested the 53 year old woman, Prayoon, with impaired hearing, for drug trafficking conspiracy at her…
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