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 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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Thai agencies launch e-system to streamline corporate data
The Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC), and the Business Development Department have collaborated to implement an electronic system streamlining corporate data. This highly anticipated paperless system is projected to save residents and entrepreneurs up to 7 billion baht annually. Sanan Angubolkul, the chamber’s chairman, stated that the project eliminates the need for…
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Indian coffee trader busted with 10 anacondas on Bangkok flight
Customs officials intercepted a 56 year old coffee trader from Sakleshpur, India with a suitcase filled with 10 baby yellow anacondas, on a flight from Bangkok to Bengaluru. At Kempegowda International Airport, the trader, arriving on Thai Air Asia Flight No. FD-137, was swiftly apprehended on Saturday night, sparking a high-stakes investigation into the illicit trafficking of exotic reptiles. The…
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Former officials to face charges for 2004 Tak Bai massacre
Criminal charges are set to be filed against nine former security officials involved in the 2004 Tak Bai massacre. Lawyers representing the victims’ families are spearheading this legal action. This move comes months before the expiration of the 20-year statute of limitations on the case, which is due to conclude in October this year. The charges will be filed at…
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Minister warns against fake Labubu doll scam
Reports of a sinister scam preying on Labubu doll enthusiasts have flooded in, warned Prime Minister’s Office Minister Puangpet Chunlaiad. Puangpet delivered a stern warning to the public, her handbag adorned with a green Labubu doll and a pink one grasped firmly in her hand. “Prices of these coveted dolls, often reaching thousands of baht, have soared since Thai K-pop…
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Thailand targets global animal feed market
The Government of Thailand is spearheading a move to become a global leader in the production and export of animal feed, focusing on quality assurance and safety to cater to the global market. The initiative is expected to generate an economic value of up to 300 billion baht. Chai Watcharong, the spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, announced…
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Thailand government plans to raise minimum wage to 400 baht
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn unveiled yesterday that the Government of Thailand has assembled a series of fresh employment benefits set to be introduced on May 1, International Workers’ Day. The most notable of these is a proposal to elevate the minimum wage to 400 baht across the nation. The new minimum wage rate of 400 baht has already received the…
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PM Srettha aims to boost Asia-Pacific’s sustainable development
PM Srettha charged the United Nations’ Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) to assist in identifying innovative solutions to promote sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific region. This appeal was part of his address at the 80th ESCAP session, themed Leveraging Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific, held in Bangkok yesterday, April 22.…
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Thai tourism sector proposes 300-baht tax to counter over-tourism
Thai tourism operators are advocating for government regulations to address the rising issue of over-tourism in the country. They propose the implementation of a 300-baht tourism tax, which they believe could alleviate the problem. Their call for action comes in response to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s commitment to make 2025 a pivotal year for Thai tourism. The Federation of Thai…
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Senators’ lavish overseas jaunts spark outrage
Former Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi has launched a scathing attack on a cohort of senators set to embark on overseas study trips, labelling their plans a disgrace to their dignity. In a fiery Facebook post today, Plodprasop condemned the European excursions planned by several Senate committees, whose terms are set to conclude on May 10, citing the hefty 81…
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Bangkok e-cigarette raid seizes 10,000 products
Thai authorities have swooped on five e-cigarette outlets in the vicinity of Bangkok’s universities and residential properties, confiscating 10,000 e-cigarette products valued at 3 million baht. The operation was headed by Puangpet Chunlaiad, a minister from the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday in collaboration with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) and officers of Lat Phrao Police Station. The…
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French national apprehended in Bangkok on kidnap charge
Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police Bureau apprehended a 45 year old French national at a hotel in the Silom area of Bang Rak district. The arrest, which took place around 10pm yesterday concerned allegations of a planned kidnapping of the young daughter of a renowned businesswoman, with a demand for a 200 million baht ransom. The arrest warrant for Sandra Christina Marie Diersten,…
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BYD electric bus charges Thong Lo roads in Bangkok
In a move towards eco-friendly commuting, BYD, the leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer from China, has unleashed its electric bus onto the bustling streets of Bangkok. Offering complimentary rides to commuters in the vibrant Thong Lo area until April 30, this trial run marks a pivotal moment in Thailand’s transportation landscape. Under the auspices of Rever Commercial Vehicles Ltd, the…
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Dead Burmese man found in water tank of Bangkok condo
The change in colour and odour of the tap water at a condominium in the Min Buri district of Bangkok led to the discovery of a dead Burmese man in a rooftop water tank early this morning. Residents alerted the condo’s owner about the slow flow of tap water, noting an unpleasant odour and a shift in its colour. The…
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Brewing herbal revolution: Thai herbs poised to spice up global markets
Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke unveiled Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s master plan to transform Thai herbs into a formidable soft power product, captivating domestic and international markets. “Prime Minister Thavisin’s vision is crystal clear: to propel Thailand’s herbal industry to unprecedented heights, elevating the status of Thai herbs worldwide.” Harnessing the innate medicinal prowess, rich biodiversity, and indigenous knowledge embedded within…
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TAT to launch Nihao Festival in October to woo Chinese tourists
To captivate the hearts of Chinese tourists, the Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT) has unveiled a month-long extravaganza, the Nihao Festival, set to take place for the entire month of October. Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool announced the grand scheme yesterday, aiming to entice holidaymakers during China’s National Day Golden Week, renowned for its bustling travel fervour. The festivity will unfurl across Bangkok’s…
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Klook and TAT join forces to revolutionise Thailand tourism
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Klook, Asia’s premier platform for travel experiences, have inked a deal to supercharge the kingdom’s allure. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool expressed the perfect timing for this collaboration, highlighting their shared goals of promoting Thailand as a top tourist destination. “We have set our goals to collaborate and create comprehensive joint marketing with Klook…
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Thai PM’s power play: Srettha hints at defence portfolio addition
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin drops hints of an unprecedented power move, hinting at the possibility of adding the defence portfolio to his already hefty workload. This bombshell revelation comes amidst swirling speculations about an imminent Cabinet reshuffle that could reshape Thailand’s political landscape. Addressing a curious press pool after the delayed Cabinet meeting, the 62 year old PM, wearing a…
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Thai Ministry to reimburse victims of call centre scams
The Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) announced plans to reimburse victims with more than 10 billion baht worth of money and assets, previously seized from call centre scam operations. The assets, including 6 billion baht in cash, were retrieved by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) in 2021, according to Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong. He iterated that AMLO is…
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Pheu Thai Party eyes House Speaker position
The Pheu Thai Party is reportedly planning to reclaim the House Speaker position from the Prachachat Party, according to a source yesterday. This move is part of the ruling party’s strategy to restructure its parliamentary operations, and it is predicted that the position might be given to a prominent member of the party, possibly a minister who may be removed…
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Thai government’s triple referendum approach under scrutiny
The Cabinet will acknowledge the government’s stance on a triple referendum as a part of the process to amend the entire charter next week, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham asserted that despite being a protracted process, three referenda would ensure a judicious approach. However, critics have raised concerns that organising the triple referendum, each…
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Thailand scraps visa requirements for Kazakhstan tourists
The Thai Cabinet gave its nod for the permanent removal of visa requirements for tourists from Kazakhstan, a government spokesperson announced. This move aims to increase the influx of tourists from Kazakhstan, one of the rapidly evolving markets for Thailand’s tourism sector and a significant contributor to the nation’s economic development. Data released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand indicates…
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Bangkok aims to reduce plastic use with more water refill stations
To combat plastic pollution, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Bottle Free Seas project has proven to be a roaring success, with plans now underway to expand its reach by installing an additional 200 drinking water refill points across the city. Launched last August, this eco-initiative has already made a significant dent in plastic bottle consumption, slashing the usage of a…
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Bangkok commuters to ride electric trains for just 20 baht
Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit pledged that by September 2025, electric train rides throughout the metropolitan area will cost a mere 20 baht, fulfilling a longstanding promise of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. This initiative, initially implemented on select lines last year, faced scepticism from opposition figures like Surachet Pravinvongvuth of the Move Forward Party. Yet, Suriya remains steadfast, asserting that…
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Xi Jinping’s bullet train gift sparks China-Thailand railway reality
A replica of China’s Fuxing bullet train, bedecked in Thailand’s national colours and gifted during the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok in November 2022, now finds itself at the epicentre of a transformative railway saga between China and Thailand. As the wheels of progress turn, the construction of the China-Thailand Railway, a flagship venture under the Belt and…
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Shinawatra saga: Yingluck’s comeback fuels legal limelight
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s potential return from exile sparks intrigue over her legal fate, mirroring her brother Thaksin’s tumultuous history, claims the Shinawatras’ lawyer. Pichit Chuenban, a figure linked to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s Cabinet due to his close allegiance to the Shinawatras, responded to speculation about Yingluck’s comeback. “I really don’t know. I’m only taking care of her…
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Century-old heritage house on sale for 45 million baht in Bangkok
An almost century-old two-storey heritage house on the banks of the Chao Phraya River has sparked interest online after being listed for sale at 45 million baht. The property, boasting a land area of 200 square wahs (800 square metres), has been praised for its robust structure, despite showing signs of age. It was revealed today by a Facebook user,…
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Three year old girl survives Ferris wheel plunge in Bangkok
In a heart-stopping moment captured on CCTV, a three year old Thai girl found herself dangling from a Ferris wheel gondola after a daring grab for a metal bar sent her on a terrifying ride at Liab Duan Market in Bangkok. With astonishing strength, little Kanchaya Phoyen clung on for dear life as the wheel ascended, eventually dropping a stomach-churning…
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Bangkok Airways soars to new heights with Sabre
Bangkok Airways has solidified its long-standing collaboration with Sabre, the global leader in innovative travel technology. The Suvarnabhumi International Airport-based carrier, renowned for its extensive network spanning over 20 regional destinations, including Cambodia, China, Laos, Maldives, and Singapore, has reaffirmed its commitment to Sabre’s cutting-edge solutions. Chulin Kocharoen, Vice President of Network and Product Development at Bangkok Airways, expressed the…
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Hong Kong man arrested with drugs at Songkran event in Bangkok
Police arrested a man from Hong Kong at the S2O Songkran Music Festival 2024 water fight in the Ratchada area of Bangkok on April 16 for possession of ketamine and happy water. More than 200 officers from Wang Thong Lang Police Station, along with K-9 dogs, screened participants for weapons and drugs at the festival entrance during the three-day event.…
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Sanam Luang Songkran bash smashes records
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) declared the recent Songkran celebrations at Sanam Luang in Bangkok a resounding success, drawing in a staggering 784,000 participants. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool shared the triumphant news at a press conference, unveiling the splashing success of the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024. The vibrant celebrations, spanning from April 11 to 15 on Rajdamnoen Klang…
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