🇹🇭 Bangkok Post
Thailand · EN · https://www.bangkokpost.com
About Bangkok Post
The Bangkok Post was founded in 1946 by Alexander MacDonald and Prasit Lulitanond. It is owned by Post Publishing PCL, whose ordinary shares are traded on The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) under the symbol "POST". Major shareholders include the Chirathivat family, the South China Morning Post of Hong Kong, and GMM Grammy Pcl, with Suthikiati Chirathivat becoming the largest shareholder in 2015.
Media Bias/Fact Check rates the Bangkok Post as Right-Center biased due to its promotion of the right-wing government and gives it a Mixed factual reporting rating, citing poor sourcing and pro-government propaganda. The outlet operates within Thailand's 'not-free' press environment, where strict lèse-majesté laws and self-censorship are prevalent, particularly concerning the monarchy and government. A notable controversy occurred in 2018 when editor Umesh Pandey was reportedly forced to resign for refusing to 'tone down' critical coverage of the ruling military junta.
Reading context
Media systems vary by law, ownership, and editorial custom. We preserve each outlet's framing and add context so readers can compare coverage without treating one country as the default.
Health ministry disputes widespread graft claims in hospital funds
- Thailand's Ministry of Public Health refutes claims of widespread corruption in health promotion funds, citing an investigation into over 16,000 complaints. - The probe found that only 0.3% of compl…
Down with the death penalty?
- A series of recent murders has reignited Thailand's debate on the necessity of the death penalty. - While capital punishment exists, executions are rare, leading to public concern over repeat offend…
No signs of bullying: witness
- Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul urged the public to avoid speculation about the cause of a school shooting. - He specifically advised against assuming bullying triggered the incident at Debsirin …
E-waste Alarm in Prachin Buri as Illegal Plant Shut Down
- An electronic waste plant run by foreign operators in Prachin Buri, Thailand, has been shut down. - The plant reportedly operated illegally for over a year within a national reserved forest area. - …
Bangkok Tops Cathay Pacific Flyers' Favorite Destinations Survey
- Bangkok has been named the favorite destination for Cathay Pacific flyers in an annual online survey. - The Thai capital was praised for its street food, hospitality, nightlife, dining, and shopping…
Bankers warn deliberate defaulters
- The Thai Bankers' Association (TBA) warned that deliberate loan defaulters could face legal action and be barred from future credit access. - This warning comes amid a wave of social media posts enc…
Stern test from within
- Thailand's coalition government faces internal threats to its stability less than four months after taking office. - Mounting pressures from within the ruling Bhumjaithai Party, particularly corrupt…
Reformists oppose delay to board poll
- A social security reform group has petitioned the Central Administrative Court to overturn the postponement of the Social Security Board election. - The group argues that election officials misinter…
FM: Chinese ambassador should create understanding, not protect only Chinese interest
- Thailand's Foreign Affairs Minister urged the Chinese ambassador to foster mutual understanding, not just protect Chinese interests. - The call follows an incident where airport security mishandled …
Manhunt widens for police killers in Thailand's south; separate attack injures one in Pattani
- Two police officers were killed and four injured in an attack at a palm plantation in Narathiwat, Thailand. - Investigators believe six suspects, possibly including a fugitive wanted on drug charges…
Bangkok launches quantum tech hub to boost national capabilities
- Thailand has launched Quantum Club Thailand, a national collaborative platform to advance the country's position in the global quantum technology landscape. - The initiative aims to foster collabora…
Thailand's Trade Deficit Signals Economic Shift, Not Deterioration
- Thailand's widening trade deficit, driven by increased imports of machinery and raw materials, signals economic transformation rather than deterioration. - Rising imports are fueling productive inve…
China's paper gold ban has muted effect
- China's recent ban on retail trading of paper gold is unlikely to significantly impact global gold market liquidity in the short term. - Robust physical demand, especially from central banks, contin…
Questions swirl over BJT unity
- Speculation is mounting over potential disunity within Thailand's Bhumjaithai (BJT) party. - Despite leaders' assurances of unity, recent developments have fueled rumors of internal tensions. - The …
Govt reviews power deals as costs fall
- The Thai government is reviewing long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with private producers to lower electricity prices. - Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt stated that periodic reviews…
Sadao border crossing upgrades aim to drive growth in trade and travel
- The Sadao Border Checkpoint in Songkhla province, Thailand, is undergoing upgrades to boost cross-border trade and traveler flow. - The checkpoint is Thailand's most prominent land crossing, generat…
Super El Niño to hit Thailand next year, altering rainfall patterns
- Thailand faces a Super El Niño event starting in October, expected to last through early 2027. - The phenomenon could reduce rainfall by at least 10%, impacting crops and water supplies, with potent…
Wat Pho: Beyond the Reclining Buddha
- Wat Pho in Bangkok is known for its massive Reclining Buddha, but offers much more historical depth. - Two academics developed an app, Insight Wat Pho, to help visitors explore the temple beyond the…
Test bureau boss faces 7 criminal charges
- The director of Srinakharinwirot University's Educational and Psychological Test Bureau faces seven criminal charges. - The charges stem from an alleged fraud scheme related to recruitment examinati…
Steel sector hit by imports, volatility
- Thailand's steel industry faces significant challenges from global price volatility and increased competition from Chinese exports. - Tata Steel (Thailand) Plc, a subsidiary of India's largest steel…
ASEAN chief urges stronger diplomacy between Thailand and Cambodia
- ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn urged Thailand and Cambodia to strengthen diplomatic dialogue to resolve ongoing border conflicts. - He noted that while a ceasefire exists, challenges remain, …
Vietjet presses on with Udon plans
- Vietjet Thailand plans to increase domestic and international flights in the final quarter, banking on the high season. - The airline is developing Udon Thani as a regional hub for northeastern Thai…
Thailand targets top wellness destination status in Asia within three years
- Thailand aims to become a leading wellness and longevity destination in Asia within three years. - The government plans to integrate modern medical technology with traditional Thai medicine and deve…
Quantum tech roadmap effort starts to accelerate
- Thailand's Digital Economy and Society Ministry plans to accelerate its national quantum technology roadmap, leveraging supercomputing for public services. - The initiative aims to boost public heal…
Fighting the phone addiction scourge
- Concerns over children's mental health are fueling a renewed debate about the impact of excessive mobile device use on academic performance and learning. - Excessive screen time is also linked to in…
Amulet boom draws capital concerns
- Chinese visitors are driving a boom in Thailand's sacred amulet market, attracting new customers and increasing sales. - Thai immigration police warn that the surge in demand may be exploited for mo…
Italian pupils fined over skytrain row
- Five Italian students were fined in Bangkok after a public confrontation on the BTS Skytrain, which was widely criticized online. - The students apologized to a Thai woman they had mocked and offend…
Thailand's new government beset by crises
- Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's administration faces public skepticism and multiple crises three months into its term. - Analysts cite economic hardship, bureaucratic inertia, and corruption al…
Thailand to use welfare data for job creation and skills push
- Thailand's government will use welfare card data to help over five million low-income individuals find jobs and improve skills. - The registration identified over five million recipients aged 20-60 …
LSD bust prompts warning to parents
- Customs officers seized 529 LSD blotter stamps from Germany destined for Thailand. - The LSD paper featured colorful manga-style designs, raising concerns it could appeal to children. - Authorities …
B2.1bn in land seized in nominee bust
- Thai authorities seized 126 rai of land worth over 2.1 billion baht in Krabi. - The land was allegedly acquired through a foreign nominee scheme involving a British national. - The investigation aim…
Axing Land Bridge 'the right move'
- Opposition parties approve the government's decision to scrap the Land Bridge project. - They favor a smaller-scale "Missing Link" strategy, deeming it more economically viable. - The new approach i…
Thai government plans to shrink state sector workforce by one million
- The Thai government plans to reduce the public workforce by one million employees, from three million to two million, as part of civil service reforms. - Public consultations on an early retirement …
Drones unlock new opportunities, but regulations need upgrade
- AI and Robots Ventures Co (ARV), a PTT Exploration and Production subsidiary, sees potential in drone technology. - ARV advises the government to continuously update drone regulations. - Updated reg…
PM defends stance on China, says ties with Taiwan unaffected
- Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul defended Thailand's adherence to the One China policy, stating it will not impact economic ties with Taiwan. - Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed disap…
Call for green power to supply data centers
- Thailand's Renewable Energy Industry Club urges the government to allow renewable power producers to sell electricity directly to data centers. - This move aims to bypass wholesale purchases and sup…
DES minister says building trust key to creating AI hub
- Thailand aims to become a Southeast Asian AI hub by prioritizing governance, infrastructure, and talent, focusing on trust as a competitive advantage. - The national strategy centers on three pillar…
17.3m workers 'unable to support their retirement'
- 17.3 million "near-retirement" workers in Thailand face a high risk of insufficient retirement savings, according to the National Savings Fund (NSF). - This situation is raising concerns about the f…
THAI sees aviation recovery in H2 despite fuel uptick
- Thai Airways International (THAI) is expected to report its financial results bottoming out in the second quarter. - Analysts anticipate that tourism stimulus efforts will aid airlines in the second…
Opposition readies for censure bid, urges government to prove anti-graft resolve
- Thailand's opposition is preparing a no-confidence debate against the government over corruption scandals. - Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut demands concrete action, not just rhetoric, t…
Pet ownership creates a new economic opportunity
- The global pet economy is booming as owners increasingly treat pets as family members. - This trend, known as pet humanization, drives spending on premium food, health supplements, insurance, and lu…
US launches strikes to 'punish' Iran after troops killed
- The U.S. launched airstrikes against Iran in retaliation for the deaths of two American service members in Jordan. - Iran responded by targeting two U.S. bases in Kuwait with drones, escalating regi…
Roads partially reopen at Bangkok tunnel leak site
- Inbound lanes of Prajadhipok Road in Bangkok have partially reopened after a leak in the under-construction Purple Line rail tunnel. - The leak caused subsidence and forced the closure of the road t…
Messi's Argentina to Face Spain in World Cup Final Amidst Personal Twists
- Argentina and Spain were scheduled to play in the Finalissima, a match between South American and European champions. - The match, originally set for Qatar earlier this year, was canceled due to US-…
England survive France fightback to secure third place in Miami goalfest
- England defeated France 6-4 in a high-scoring World Cup third-place playoff, securing their best finish since 1966. - Kylian Mbappe scored twice to become the all-time World Cup top scorer and top s…
Govt plans to cut civil service with early retirement offer
- The Thai government proposes a voluntary retirement scheme for civil servants aged 40 to reduce the state workforce. - Ministers argue the plan will cut personnel costs and modernize government, but…
Ministry urges data updates after welfare roll review
- Thailand's Finance Ministry acknowledges database discrepancies affecting the state welfare card scheme. - The number of qualifying applicants dropped significantly to 9.5 million from 18.8 million.…
Thai PM courts Chinese investors, vows to streamline regulations and tackle corruption
- Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is meeting with Chinese investors in Chengdu to promote Thailand as an investment destination. - Investors cited Thailand's strong infrastructure and strategi…
Laos defends handling of tainted-alcohol deaths
- Laos authorities cannot determine the cause or blame for six tourist deaths in 2024 linked to methanol-tainted alcohol because families refused autopsies. - The Ministry of Public Security stated th…
Gold prices face turbulence as oil, Fed risks increase
- Gold prices could fall to $3,600-$3,800 per ounce if US-Iran tensions escalate and oil prices rise significantly. - A sustained oil price increase to $90-$100 a barrel for over a month would exacerb…
Thailand aims to finish EU FTA talks this year
- Thailand aims to finalize free trade agreement negotiations with the European Union by the end of 2026. - Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with European business representatives to discuss tra…
Anutin, Xi to meet in Shanghai
- Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Shanghai on Friday. - The meeting's agenda includes Thai-Cambodian border security, transnational crime, and economi…
Power plan for data centres readied
- Thailand is finalizing a pilot direct power purchase agreement (PPA) scheme to support the growth of data centers and cloud services. - The scheme allows private renewable energy producers to sell c…
PM urged to strengthen tourism ties with China
- Thailand's tourism industry is urging the government to strengthen ties with China. - The Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) wants agreements to boost affordable travel and cooperation. - This…
DNA tests confirm invasive tilapia in canned products, contradicting government claims
- DNA tests confirm canned products seized from a factory in Samut Sakhon contain blackchin tilapia, an invasive species. - The findings contradict earlier government claims that the fish was Nile til…
Thailand's 2027 budget: Business leaders fear insufficient investment for growth
- Business leaders worry Thailand's 2027 budget lacks sufficient investment to drive economic growth, with investment expenditure at only 20.8%. - The government's fiscal 2027 budget bill passed its f…
Calls for Isoc reform mount
- Security experts are calling for reforms to Thailand's Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), urging modernization, increased transparency, and reduced spending. - Critics argue Isoc's structu…
Ministry pursues Phuket land recovery
- Thai authorities are intensifying efforts to reclaim 25 rai of protected land in Phuket's Sirinat National Park. - Legal judgments in two cases involve revoking land-use certificates and demolishing…
Voter interest in ruling Bhumjaithai Party wanes amid economic woes and scandals
- Support for Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Bhumjaithai Party has significantly declined three months into their term. - Public preference polls show the People's Party leader Nattap…
The high cost of a reshuffle
- Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is prioritizing ministerial performance over political reshuffling, citing the complex political landscape. - The current cabinet is built on three key factions: y…
Ministry restructure a tourism priority
- Thailand's Tourism and Sports Ministry will be restructured into separate Sports and Culture and Tourism ministries. - This restructuring aims to promote tourism and sports more effectively. - The m…
Airport rail link partner denies contract exit amid dispute
- Asia Era One, a consortium led by CP Group, denies canceling the high-speed rail project connecting three Thai airports. - The company states a recent letter to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) w…
Consumers optimistic as businesses remain cautious in Thailand
- Consumer confidence in Thailand rose in June for the first time in four months, supported by lower fuel prices and a government co-payment scheme. - Business confidence, however, declined, with oper…
AI adoption helps Thai firms become digitally mature
- Thai businesses have reached a medium level of digital maturity for the first time, driven by accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) adoption. - The Thailand Digital Outlook 2026 survey shows an …
Ex-minister faces graft charges over road bid-rigging
- Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) found grounds to charge a former deputy interior minister, family members, and associates over alleged bid-rigging. - The case involves 43.2 mil…
Chadchart sets out work plan
- Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt pledged a 100-day program to address key city issues. - The plan focuses on tackling air pollution, flooding, and improving transparency. - It also aims to imple…
Thailand's Airline-Based Tourism Fee Plan Hits Snag; Digital Card Proposed
- Thailand's plan to collect a tourism fee via airlines faces implementation challenges. - Aviation bodies argue that airlines' back-office systems are not equipped for the fee collection. - They sugg…
Thailand aims to be AI and data hub by 2035
- Thailand aims to become a regional AI and data center hub by 2035, focusing on robotics and green digital infrastructure. - The UTCC AI Institute, launched by the University of the Thai Chamber of C…
Govt backs new amnesty bill
- Thailand's government coalition agreed to back Senate amendments to a bill promoting peaceful society and providing amnesty. - The amendments refine wording without changing the bill's core principl…
Analyst: Telecom schism stalls agenda
- A telecom analyst urged the Thai government to intervene in the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) due to internal conflicts stalling digital agendas. - The analyst cited…
Former Thai speaker calls for dissolution of security agency Isoc
- Former Thai House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha called for the dissolution of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc). - He argued Isoc's functions overlap with other agencies and its budge…
Virtual banks face growth, profitability tests in Thailand, brokerage says
- Thailand's three virtual banks are expected to reach a combined loan portfolio of 200 billion baht within 5-6 years. - Profitability hinges on business models, with global virtual banks typically ta…
Energy reform 'must proceed'
- Thailand's Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas stated that energy reform is crucial for economic security. - He emphasized the need for closer collaboration with the private sector on energy tran…
High costs, higher hopes
- Thailand is prioritizing economic development through data centers and electric vehicles (EVs), aiming for significant growth. - The strategy faces scrutiny over whether these sectors can deliver th…
Council urges review of IF products
- The Asean Iron & Steel Council (AISC) recommends reviewing the use of induction furnace (IF) technology for steel bar production in Southeast Asia due to safety concerns. - A technical paper highlig…
Thai Senate approves broad political amnesty bill, excluding lese majeste cases
- Thailand's Senate approved a bill for a broad political amnesty covering offenses from the past two decades. - The legislation excludes cases under the lese majeste law, sparking debate about its ef…
Thai Govt Backs 2026 Investment Push, Eyes Trillions in FDI
- Thailand's government plans to mobilize hundreds of billions of baht in public and private investment to support economic growth in 2026, designated the "Year of Investment." - The strategy involves…
Community Collection Hubs Target Coconut Glut
- Thailand is strengthening its aromatic coconut industry by establishing community collection centers to manage supply chain issues. - These centers will handle collecting, grading, processing, and m…
Parents debate curbing kids' social media time
- Thai parents are debating how to manage their children's social media and online gaming habits amidst discussions of potential government restrictions. - Many parents find the challenge lies within …
Thailand Launches National AI Readiness Index for Businesses
- Thailand has launched its first national AI Readiness Index (TARI) for organizations. - The project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHE…
Court jails eight for illegal surrogacy network
- Eight individuals, including four obstetricians and four brokers, were sentenced to prison for their involvement in a transnational commercial surrogacy network. - The network, allegedly financed by…
Five officials probed over exam cheating
- Five officials from Thailand's Department of Local Administration are under investigation for alleged fraud in local government recruitment exams. - Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed irre…
MP questions watchdogs' big budgets
- A Thai MP questioned the performance and large budgets of three independent agencies: the Election Commission, the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and the State Audit Office. - The MP cited the…
Thai tourism eyes China-Japan travel shift with caution
- Thailand's tourism sector is monitoring the potential impact of Chinese tourists resuming trips to Japan. - This shift could affect the number of Chinese visitors to Thailand in the latter half of t…
Thailand to Finalize AI Legislation in Coming Months, Balancing Promotion and Regulation
- Thailand is working to finalize its draft Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act within the current fiscal year. - The legislation aims to strike a balance between promoting AI adoption and implementing s…
Thailand Ranked Among Asia's Best for Starting a Business in Global Report
- Thailand ranks 27th globally and 7th in Asia for starting a business, according to US News & World Report's Best Countries 2026 rankings. - This ranking aligns with the Thai government's ongoing eco…
Cops widen probe into exam fraud
- Police are expanding their investigation into alleged fraud in the 2025 local civil service recruitment exams. - Investigators have requested evidence from the National Anti-Corruption Commission, t…
Royal visit marks France milestone
- Thailand's King and Queen are on a five-day state visit to France, marking 170 years of diplomatic relations. - This is the third official state visit by a reigning Thai monarch to France. - The vis…
Thai brokerages pivot beyond commissions
- Thailand's securities brokerage industry is undergoing a transformation due to declining commission fees and volatile trading volumes. - Firms are diversifying revenue streams beyond traditional bro…
Blueprint for a better Bangkok
- Bangkok's newly elected governor faces numerous tasks to develop the capital, which serves millions of residents and millions of tourists annually. - Business leaders urge the governor to enhance Ba…
Looting and theft plague Venezuela's earthquake-hit zone, compounding tragedy
- Looting and theft have broken out in La Guaira, Venezuela, the area hardest hit by recent earthquakes. - Stores and homes have been ransacked, with reports of both opportunistic crime and desperatio…
Thai opposition to scrutinize AI spending in 2027 budget debate
- Thailand's opposition parties are preparing to scrutinize AI-related spending in the 2027 budget debate. - Lawmakers question the justification and unclear benefits of numerous projects citing artif…
Phuket official held in exam scam
- A Phuket assistant governor, Rungruang Thimabut, was arrested for allegedly acting as a middleman in a recruitment scam. - Victims reportedly paid a total of 900,000 baht in bribes for guaranteed su…
Senate poll fixing case 'on track' for review completion, says EC chief
- Thailand's Election Commission is on track to finish its review of a high-profile Senate election collusion case within the legal timeframe. - EC chairman Narong Klanwarin stated the commission deli…
Classmates recall princess's humility at university
- Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati studied law at Thammasat University alongside hundreds of classmates. - Classmates recall her humility and ease, noting she participated in activities and …
Infrastructure fund to help finance rail buyback plan
- Thailand's government plans to buy back rail concessions in Greater Bangkok for up to 200 billion baht to reduce fares. - Funds will be raised through the Mass Rapid Transit Authority and a gradual …
Industry groups act on shrimp prices after Malaysia ban
- Thai industry groups are directly purchasing shrimp from farmers to stabilize prices after Malaysia suspended imports. - The suspension on June 1 caused shrimp prices to drop by 50-60 baht per kilog…
Bank of Thailand upgrades 2026 GDP growth forecast to 2.3%
- The Bank of Thailand has raised its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 2.3% from 1.5%, citing strong exports and government stimulus. - The Monetary Policy Committee unanimously decided to maintain the pol…
Huai Khwang targeted in nominee firm crackdown
- Thailand's Department of Business Development (DoBD) is intensifying its crackdown on nominee shareholding schemes and illicit financial activities. - The operation targeted businesses in Bangkok's …
Europe wilts under record heat as AC sales soar
- Europe is experiencing an unprecedented heatwave, with record-breaking temperatures in many countries. - Sales of air conditioners and fans have surged across the continent as people struggle to cop…