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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Bangkok to launch raids on illegal pet markets after tragic fire
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced it will launch raids on unauthorised pet markets across the city following a devastating blaze at a Chatuchak district pet market that resulted in the death of over 5,000 animals. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, alongside BMA representatives and an animal protection organisation network, addressed the media on Wednesday regarding the fire at Sri Somrat Market.…
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Bill leaves bad poll taste: Over 60% oppose controversial amnesty bill
An online poll revealed that more than 60% of respondents are against a contentious draft amnesty bill, proposed by Poonsuk Poonsukcharoen of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights and seconded by a staggering 36,723 people. The bill, currently under parliamentary consideration, sparked a fierce public debate. Conducted between May 13 and June 12 in accordance with Article 77 of the Constitution,…
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Police raid karaoke bar uncovering child prostitution ring
The Thai police conducted a raid on a karaoke bar in the Lat Pla Khao area, revealing a child prostitution ring exploiting minors to pay off exorbitant debts. The operation rescued teenage victims aged between 15 and 16 years old. Special Operations from the Department of Provincial Administration carried out the raid yesterday to rescue the teenage victims of human…
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Victims condemn news agency for airing monk sex scandal videos
The Thai victims of a sex scandal involving a former monk condemned a news agency for publishing their explicit videos, causing embarrassment and making other victims scared to provide information to the police. A Thai couple, A and B, and their friend, C, sought help from Saimai Survive after the former monk, Phra Ajarn O, allegedly manipulated them into having…
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Thai court to review 2001 Thai-Cambodian MoU’s constitutionality
Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) Deputy Leader Paiboon Nititawan has taken his concerns about the 2001 Thai-Cambodian memorandum of understanding (MoU) on joint development in the Gulf of Thailand to the Constitutional Court, questioning its alignment with the Thai constitution. Paiboon had initially requested the Ombudsman to petition the court on April 10 but, after the Ombudsman failed to act within…
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Family searches for missing 77 year old Thai woman in Bangkok
Relatives are urgently searching for a 77 year old woman who has been missing for two days after visiting a health centre in the Khlong Sam Wa district. Efforts to locate her have so far been unsuccessful. Facebook user Ratchakorn Wichaitcharn posted an announcement seeking help to find the elderly woman, Ubon Jaitam, who disappeared from Public Health Service Centre…
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Election shocker: Over 23,000 candidates’ personal data exposed
The Election Commission (EC) accidentally exposed the national ID numbers of over 23,000 candidates who had advanced to the district-level senatorial elections. The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC)’s Eagle Eye Centre sounded the alarm, revealing the EC Office had breached personal data protection laws. “The EC Office must immediately conceal the leaked numbers and provide an explanation.” The PDPC, under…
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Diplomats unite to celebrate LGBTQI+ rights in Bangkok
In a display of unity and support, the European Union delegation, alongside the embassies of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, hosted a vibrant reception to celebrate Pride Month at the US Chief of Mission’s residence in Bangkok. Themed Pride, Rights, Thrive, the evening party yesterday marked a significant milestone in Thailand’s journey towards LGBTQI+ equality, highlighting the…
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Pheu Thai in crisis: Will new strategies save the day?
Political analysts predict the ruling Pheu Thai Party will deploy fresh strategies to revive its sagging popularity after a lacklustre performance over the past nine months. Despite a government survey by the National Statistical Office showing 44.3% satisfaction with the administration, a NIDA Poll tells a grimmer story: only 25.19% of the public are content. A significant 34.35% of respondents…
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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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Siberian Husky in urgent need of blood donation after snake bite
A Siberian Husky faces a dire situation after being bitten by a snake and requiring an urgent blood donation at Kasetsart Animal Hospital in Bang Khen. The dog’s condition necessitated an immediate amputation of its right hind leg to prevent the spread of infection. The heartfelt plea for help was posted on the Facebook page ปู่ลอยด์, urging dog owners to…
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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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On track: SRT proposes dual-track railway to Nakhon Ratchasima
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) proposed two options for the construction of a dual-track railway between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, assuring locals that the Simathani Bridge will not be demolished. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Transport, aimed to finalise plans and address concerns. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport Surapong Piyachote along with numerous…
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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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Thai commando takes taxi driver for a ride after fare fraud fiasco
A Thai commando police officer dragged a taxi driver to Huay Kwang Police Station in Bangkok after the driver attempted to overcharge him using a modified meter. The driver claimed he needed the money to feed stray dogs and cats. Police Lance Corporal Phubate Rattanaphong told Channel 3 that the incident took place on the morning of June 9 during…
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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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Nearly 30% of Thailand’s beggars are foreigners
Thailand’s bustling streets are teeming with beggars, and the latest statistics reveal a startling trend: nearly 30% of them are foreigners. Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa made the revelation today, June 11, addressing a surge of complaints on social media about the growing presence of beggars, especially outside Bangkok’s major shopping malls. According to Varawut, approximately 8,000…
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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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Chao Phraya River embankment collapse causes waves of concern
A section of Chao Phraya River embankment collapsed causing significant concern among locals and governmental officials in Nonthaburi’s Pak Kret district. The embankment collapsed at approximately 5.40pm yesterday, June 9, leaving concrete rubble and exposed rebar stretching 75 metres. This incident was reported to the subdistrict administrative organisation by Phra Khru Nontakun Phiphat, the abbot of Wat Choeng Lane, a temple…
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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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