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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  • Justice minister says ‘no special treatment’ for Yingluck

    Justice minister says ‘no special treatment’ for Yingluck

    Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s potential return to Thailand sparked a national debate after her brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, hinted at a possible homecoming around next year’s Songkran festival. Speaking in an interview with Nikkei Asia, Thaksin stated his sister could be coming home. “I don’t think there’s any issue preventing her from coming home. I believe she…

  • SMS-sational bust: Thai police ‘text’ down SMS scam in Bangkok

    SMS-sational bust: Thai police ‘text’ down SMS scam in Bangkok

    Undercover Thai police made a significant breakthrough in a dramatic move against cybercrime when arresting a Chinese national linked to a massive SMS scam operation right in the heart of Bangkok’s bustling Sukhumvit area. Yang Mu Yi, the alleged mastermind, was detained after investigators traced a barrage of fraudulent messages back to a high-tech mobile transmitter found in his possession.…

  • Thai smile, Roman style: New Italy-Thailand flight to boost tourism

    Thai smile, Roman style: New Italy-Thailand flight to boost tourism

    Thailand just got a little closer to Italy. The inaugural ITA Airways direct flight from Rome to Bangkok touched down at Suvarnabhumi Airport, marking the beginning of a new era for tourism and business travel between the two countries. This direct route, running five times a week, offers Italian travellers a smoother journey to Thailand’s famous beaches, cultural sites, and…

  • Thai news presenter sparks concern by drinking tap water on air (video)

    Thai news presenter sparks concern by drinking tap water on air (video)

    A political debate concerning the potability of tap water in Bangkok sparked significant public attention. Renowned news presenter Sorayuth Suthassanachinda decided to test this claim himself by drinking a glass of tap water, leading to an array of reactions from concerned viewers. Sorayuth, a popular figure in Thai media, addressed the issue of drinkable tap water during his programme กรรมกรข่าว…

  • Alcohol bill on the rocks: New legislation nearly ready to pour

    Alcohol bill on the rocks: New legislation nearly ready to pour

    Wisarn Techathirawat, chairperson of the special committee overseeing the new Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill, announced that the legislation is nearing completion. Aiming for submission to Parliament by mid-December, the draft is approximately 80% finished. At a national academic conference on alcohol, Wisarn revealed that Parliament had given the green light to five Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill drafts, contributed by the…

  • Bangkok cops slam brakes on late-night biker race

    Bangkok cops slam brakes on late-night biker race

    Police apprehended a group of young motorcyclists engaging in dangerous racing activities on Ramintra Road, Bangkok, around 3am today. The individuals were charged with multiple offences as law enforcement officials moved swiftly to ensure public safety. The operation was led by Anan Worasat, the superintendent of Bang Khen Police Station, who directed officers to crack down on illegal street racing.…

  • Trump and Thailand: PM Paetongtarn pledges to strengthen ties

    Trump and Thailand: PM Paetongtarn pledges to strengthen ties

    In a historic phone call, Thailand’s youngest Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, reached out to congratulate US President-elect Donald Trump on his election victory, underscoring Thailand’s commitment to a robust alliance with Washington. The conversation, which took place at 9.50am today, November 19, as disclosed by government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsub, marks an early push to fortify diplomatic and economic ties between…

  • Thai baby rescued from teen mum forced to sell sex and use drugs

    Thai baby rescued from teen mum forced to sell sex and use drugs

    A Thai social media influencer and Bangkok police officers rescued a two month old baby from her abusive 15 year old mother, leading to the discovery of the teenager’s tragic life of rape, drug use and underage prostitution. The social media influencer, Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet, and police officers raided a house in Soi Charan Sanitwong 13 in the Phasi Charoen…

  • Subaru overturns on Kaset-Nawamin Road, driver missing

    Subaru overturns on Kaset-Nawamin Road, driver missing

    A Subaru vehicle veered off the road and overturned in a grassy area along the Kaset-Nawamin Road. Police are actively searching for the driver, questioning whether alcohol might have been involved. The incident was reported at 3.35am today to the Khok Kram Police Station. The accident occurred on Prasert Manukit Road (Kaset-Nawamin) inbound, heading towards the Kasetsart intersection in the…

  • Intoxicated Thai man arrested for false report of monk firing gun

    Intoxicated Thai man arrested for false report of monk firing gun

    A man under the influence of alcohol fabricated a story accusing a monk of firing a gun into the sky, leading to the man’s arrest at Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok. He was found with an air gun and later confessed to making a false report after consuming alcohol. Police, led by Phuwadol Ounpho, the commander of Bang Sue…

  • Thai police seize 80 million baht assets in online fraud raid

    Thai police seize 80 million baht assets in online fraud raid

    Police dismantled a sophisticated network involved in online investment fraud, apprehending seven suspects and seizing assets worth over 80 million baht. The operation, named Cyber Guardian, was conducted by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB)’s Anti-Cyber Crime Division. Cyber Guardian targeted individuals involved in a criminal organisation that deceived the public through fake online platforms. Seven individuals, 36 year old Saiyan,…

  • Bangkok car crash: Honda Civic bursts into flames, passengers escape

    Bangkok car crash: Honda Civic bursts into flames, passengers escape

    A dramatic car accident unfolded in Bangkok as a Honda Civic hurtled across a road divider, crashing into a utility pole and bursting into flames. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of today, November 19, saw a young man and woman narrowly escaping the blazing vehicle. Police Lieutenant Investigator Sangansak Chiamsanguanwong from Bueng Kum Police Station received a…

  • Porsche-paced: Thai woman taken for a ride in surprise luxury Grab

    Porsche-paced: Thai woman taken for a ride in surprise luxury Grab

    In the most thrilling ride of her life, a Thai woman was left gobsmacked when a luxury Porsche showed up for her ordinary Grab booking. The surprise pickup, which has since become an Internet sensation, was all thanks to the driver’s usual vehicle being in the shop, leaving him to earn points in style with his flashy substitute. TikTok user…

  • Thai man’s bewitching romance scam, casts spell on victims (video)

    Thai man’s bewitching romance scam, casts spell on victims (video)

    Two Thai women are seeking justice for themselves and other victims after a Thai man allegedly ran a romance scam, cast black magic spells and swindled money from them and others. The two victims, 27 year old Kasamon and 29 year old Phitchaya, sought help from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive to facilitate legal action against the alleged romance scammer, identified…

  • Medeze scoops prestigious industry award for stem cell innovation

    Medeze scoops prestigious industry award for stem cell innovation

    MEDEZE Group Public Company Limited hit a high note in the world of regenerative medicine, bagging the coveted ACES Award for Industry Champions of the Year. This accolade shines a spotlight on the firm’s monumental strides in stem cell banking across Southeast Asia, celebrating its impressive evolution from Bangkok Stem Cell in 2010 to Thailand’s top mesenchymal stem cell bank…

  • Bangkok motorcycle shop fire causes explosions and tragedy

    Bangkok motorcycle shop fire causes explosions and tragedy

    A devastating fire erupted at a motorcycle shop, resulting in multiple explosions and significant property damage, while the discovery of the shop owner’s wife’s body added to the tragedy. Police are investigating the cause of the blaze that broke out in the early hours of today. At around 1am, today, November 17, police officer Korawik Suputat from Bang Khun Thian…

  • Thailand launches QR system to track tobacco products

    Thailand launches QR system to track tobacco products

    Thailand’s Finance Ministry has unveiled a new technology aimed at transforming the monitoring of tobacco products. The “QR Cigarette” system, announced by Deputy Finance Minister Paophum Rojanasakul, is a Track & Trace innovation designed to follow tobacco products throughout their lifecycle, from production to purchase. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance tax collection efficiency, boost transparency,…

  • Thief caught after stealing historic sword from Bangkok temple

    Thief caught after stealing historic sword from Bangkok temple

    A notorious thief was apprehended after stealing a revered sword belonging to King Taksin from a renowned temple in Thonburi, Bangkok. The suspect, claiming self-defence intentions, was not believed by police who suspected a different motive. The incident occurred at Wat Intharam Worawihan, situated in Bang Yi Ruea, Thonburi, where the sword went missing on Wednesday, November 13. CCTV footage…

  • Frenchman faces legal action for unlawful macaque possession in Bangkok

    Frenchman faces legal action for unlawful macaque possession in Bangkok

    A French national has found himself facing legal action for allegedly keeping four young macaques unlawfully after showcasing them on social media. This incident unfolded when officials from the Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, along with police from the Natural Resources and Environment Crime Division, executed a search at the individual’s residence in Bangkok. Department representative, Naruphon Thipmontha,…

  • High ambitions: Suvarnabhumi aims to triple transit traffic by 2030

    High ambitions: Suvarnabhumi aims to triple transit traffic by 2030

    Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand’s busiest international gateway, is gearing up for a major transformation to become Southeast Asia’s ultimate transit hub. Airports of Thailand (AOT) plans to raise the airport’s transit flights from a mere 4% to a soaring 20% as part of an ambitious master plan to rank among the world’s top 20 airports by 2030. This bold goal is…

  • Police in Thailand to receive increased allowances this year

    Police in Thailand to receive increased allowances this year

    Police officers across Thailand are set to receive increased allowances this year, following a directive signed by Kittirat Phanpetch, the National Police Chief. The directive, dated Tuesday, November 12, emphasises the need for efficient budget management and cautions against any misallocation of funds. Kittirat issued the directive to various police divisions, including the Metropolitan Police Bureau and Provincial Police Regions…

  • Thailand consumer confidence rises for first time in eight months

    Thailand consumer confidence rises for first time in eight months

    Consumer confidence in Thailand saw its first improvement in eight months this October, driven by reduced concerns over recent floods and improved economic conditions influenced by government policies. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) reported a rise in the consumer confidence index to 56, up from 55.3 in September. The consumer confidence index, which measures consumers’ outlook…

  • Constitutional amendment: PP proposes Senate removal in process

    Constitutional amendment: PP proposes Senate removal in process

    The People’s Party (PP) yesterday submitted a proposal aiming to remove the Senate from the constitutional amendment process, according to the House of Representatives’ secretariat. This is one of the 17 proposals put forth by the PP, targeting specific sections of the constitution for amendment. A central focus of these proposals is Section 256, which requires that any charter amendment…

  • PM Paetongtarn to visit Malaysia for trade and border security talks

    PM Paetongtarn to visit Malaysia for trade and border security talks

    Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra plans to visit Malaysia next month to enhance bilateral ties, focusing on trade and border security improvements. This announcement follows Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s meeting with Malaysian Ambassador Datuk Jojie Samuel during his farewell visit, where they discussed pressing issues along the southern border that necessitate increased collaboration. Anutin highlighted that PM Paetongtarn’s December…

  • Blaze destroys pickup in Bangkok condo car park

    Blaze destroys pickup in Bangkok condo car park

    A fire broke out in the underground car park of a condominium in the Chokchai 4 area, causing a pickup truck to be completely destroyed and two other vehicles to suffer damage. Police suspect the blaze originated from a pile of rubbish. The incident occurred around midnight today when Chokchai Police Station received a report about a vehicle fire within…

  • Public Health Ministry: 6.5 million Thais at risk of diabetes

    Public Health Ministry: 6.5 million Thais at risk of diabetes

    As Thailand marks World Diabetes Day, the Public Health Ministry is ringing alarm bells over the diabetes crisis affecting more than 6.5 million Thais—roughly 10% of the population. Diabetes, often dubbed the “silent killer,” is ravaging communities nationwide, with over 90% of cases being type 2 diabetes, a largely preventable condition linked to lifestyle factors. Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin emphasised…

  • Missing in Thailand: Taiwanese woman suspected to be trafficked

    Missing in Thailand: Taiwanese woman suspected to be trafficked

    A Taiwanese woman’s dream trip to Thailand turned into a nightmare as her father reports a chilling ransom demand for her safe return. Police are now urgently investigating a suspected human trafficking case involving a young woman from Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan in her twenties, who vanished after arriving in Thailand on Wednesday, November 6. The case came to light…

  • Suvarnabhumi soars as UNESCO’s most beautiful airport (video)

    Suvarnabhumi soars as UNESCO’s most beautiful airport (video)

    In a triumph for Thai architecture, Suvarnabhumi International Airport has been hailed by UNESCO as one of the top six most beautiful airports globally for 2024. But that’s not all, the airport’s SAT-1 building has also bagged a nomination for the prestigious Prix Versailles Award for the most stunning airport design on the planet, with results set to be revealed…

  • Bangkok set for traffic chaos as flyovers close for Orange Line

    Bangkok set for traffic chaos as flyovers close for Orange Line

    Heavy traffic congestion looms over Bangkok as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) prepares to close and demolish three key flyovers for the construction of the Orange Line electric train route. This significant infrastructure project is set to begin tomorrow, November 15, causing major traffic disruptions in some of the city’s busiest areas. The BMA announced yesterday its plan to dismantle…

  • Emerald bust: Chinese guides arrested near Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew

    Emerald bust: Chinese guides arrested near Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew

    Thai Tourist Police officers yesterday arrested two Chinese nationals outside Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, for illegally working as tour guides. The two Chinese women, identified as 42 year old Ji Xianlan and 32 year old Na Xulan, were apprehended while assisting tourists outside the temple, yesterday, November 13. Police reported that a…