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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    How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?

    Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....

  • Bangkok condo raid uncovers 6,596 illegal e-cigarettes

    Bangkok condo raid uncovers 6,596 illegal e-cigarettes

    A man and a woman employed to sell e-cigarettes were apprehended in a Bang Kapi district condominium, with police seizing over 6,596 pieces of disposable e-cigarettes. The operation occurred yesterday, May 26, when officers from the Special Tools and News Analysis Division, under the Metropolitan Police Bureau, executed a search warrant at a condo in Bangkok. Anan, a 40 year…

  • Bangkok taxi crackdown nets 76 drivers for cheating and refusals

    Bangkok taxi crackdown nets 76 drivers for cheating and refusals

    Bangkok’s tourist police are cracking down hard on taxi drivers who cheat tourists by refusing rides, avoiding meters, or blocking traffic. In a major enforcement sweep, 76 drivers were arrested for violating the law in the city’s busy tourist areas. Today, May 27, Police Lieutenant General Saksira Pueak-am, Commander-in-Chief of the Tourist Police Bureau, ordered strict action to ensure taxi…

  • 27 animals seized, 2 arrested in Bangkok airport wildlife sting

    27 animals seized, 2 arrested in Bangkok airport wildlife sting

    Thai police dealt a major blow to wildlife traffickers after intercepting 27 exotic animals hidden in luggage on two separate flights at Suvarnabhumi International Airport yesterday. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the smuggling attempt. The first haul included 20 blue iguanas and two sulcata tortoises found in the luggage of an Indian passenger preparing to board flight TG325…

  • BLACKPINK is back: Bangkok gears up for epic ‘deadline’ tour stop

    BLACKPINK is back: Bangkok gears up for epic ‘deadline’ tour stop

    BLINKs, it’s happening! K-pop royalty BLACKPINK is officially reuniting for a brand-new world tour—and yes, Bangkok is on the map. After making waves worldwide with solo projects and smashing records with their last tour, Born Pink, the chart-topping girl group is turning up the heat once again with the BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR <DEADLINE>. The electrifying new tour kicks off in Seoul on…

  • Visa-vamps: Vietnamese sex workers steal Bangkok spotlight

    Visa-vamps: Vietnamese sex workers steal Bangkok spotlight

    Vietnamese sex workers have taken over the streets of Bangkok, with a bombshell report revealing there are now more of them plying their trade in Thailand than Thai prostitutes, and it’s all thanks to the kingdom’s easy-entry visa system. Channel 7 News lifted the lid on the capital’s growing sex-for-sale scandal, pointing the finger at generous tourist visa policies that…

  • Thai police ground aircraft for safety checks after fatal crashes

    Thai police ground aircraft for safety checks after fatal crashes

    The national police chief has suspended all police aircraft for comprehensive safety evaluations following two crashes within a month that resulted in the deaths of nine people. Police General Kittharath Punpetch announced yesterday, May 26, that all planes belonging to the Thai Police Aviation Division (TPAD) would remain grounded until they complete new safety inspections. “Experiencing two crashes in a…

  • Bangkok restaurant criticised over misleading birthday promotion

    Bangkok restaurant criticised over misleading birthday promotion

    A Japanese restaurant in Bangkok faces criticism after a customer’s dissatisfaction with a birthday promotion gained traction on social media. The incident was highlighted yesterday, May 26, by a well-known Thai consumer rights Facebook group. The customer visited a popular à la carte Japanese restaurant, enticed by an online promotion offering a complimentary salmon rice cake for those celebrating their…

  • From run to ruin: mini-marathon at Bangkok park turns out to be scam

    From run to ruin: mini-marathon at Bangkok park turns out to be scam

    Nearly 2,000 runners fell victim to a scam mini-marathon at Suan Luang Rama IX Public Park in Bangkok. The total amount of financial loss remains under investigation. Several runners took to social media yesterday, May 25, to condemn the organiser of the mini-marathon, Run for Destination 2025. Around 1,800 runners arrived at the venue only to find an eerily quiet…

  • Fatal motorcycle taxi driver stabbing in Bangkok&#8217;s Khlong Toei

    Fatal motorcycle taxi driver stabbing in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei

    A dispute between two intoxicated motorcycle taxi drivers in Bangkok escalated into a fatal stabbing, resulting in the death of one person. The incident occurred on Ratchadaphisek Road in Khlong Toei district on May 24 at approximately 11pm. During the altercation, 32 year old Apivat, who was drinking beer at the scene, got into a heated argument with 27 year…

  • Bangkok driver rams into motorcyclist for stopping at zebra crossing

    Bangkok driver rams into motorcyclist for stopping at zebra crossing

    A Thai motorcyclist accused a hatchback driver of deliberately ramming into him on a Bangkok road on May 22, allegedly out of anger after the rider stopped at a zebra crossing, which briefly blocked the driver’s way. The 24 year old victim, Butchart, sought assistance from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after officers at Bang Khen Police Station allegedly ignored his…

  • Body of worker retrieved from 19-metre hole in Bangkok

    Body of worker retrieved from 19-metre hole in Bangkok

    The body of 33 year old Sarawut Chantasont, also known as Dao, has been successfully retrieved after falling into a 19-metre deep pile foundation hole at a construction site of the Orange Line metro project in Bangkok. The incident, which took place on May 19 at the site located between Soi Lan Luang 6 and 8, required an extensive rescue…

  • Bangkok mall busted for counterfeit luxury goods in crackdown

    Bangkok mall busted for counterfeit luxury goods in crackdown

    Yesterday, a major operation targeted a well-known shopping mall in Bangkok, uncovering counterfeit luxury brands, including bags and watches. The Thai government is intensifying its efforts to combat copyright infringement, aiming to remove Thailand from international watch lists for such issues. Government Spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap highlighted the importance placed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration on addressing all forms of…

  • Bangkok transwoman caught on CCTV stealing neighbours&#8217; parcels

    Bangkok transwoman caught on CCTV stealing neighbours’ parcels

    The family of a Thai transwoman who stole her neighbours’ parcels at a condominium in Bangkok attributed her actions to mental illness and pledged to compensate the victims. Residents of a condominium in Thong Lo, Bangkok, took to social media to expose the thefts. Victims claimed that officers, reportedly from Makkasan Police Station, were unable to resolve the matter effectively.…

  • Thai actress reveals series of assaults by ex-boyfriend with police ties

    Thai actress reveals series of assaults by ex-boyfriend with police ties

    A Thai actress is seeking justice and protection after being brutally assaulted by her ex-boyfriend, who also threatened her against taking legal action, boasting of his father’s influence as a police officer. The actress, identified only as Bell, contacted the Foundation Campaigning to Reclaim Social Justice (CRSJ) for assistance and went public with her story, expressing hope that the suspect…

  • Thai defence minister warns of potential future coup

    Thai defence minister warns of potential future coup

    Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has not dismissed the potential for a future coup in Thailand, urging all sides to reflect on past events to bolster democratic institutions. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the 2014 coup by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), he emphasised the need for patience and adherence to democratic processes, warning against…

  • Senators revolt: Block vote on key appointments amid scandal

    Senators revolt: Block vote on key appointments amid scandal

    Thailand’s political arena is heating up as a group of senators prepares to demand the suspension of a key selection process amid explosive allegations of vote-rigging. A coalition of so-called “minority senators,” led by Premsak Piayura and Nantana Nantavaropas, is gathering signatures to halt the Senate’s scheduled selection of members to several independent organisations during its session May 29-30. The…

  • Eight foreigners detained for illegal street food sales in Bangkok

    Eight foreigners detained for illegal street food sales in Bangkok

    Eight foreigners, consisting of one Turkish national and seven from Myanmar, were detained for illegally selling street food on Khao San Road and Rambuttri Road in Bangkok. The operation was a collaboration between Immigration Division 1 and Chanasongkram Police Station. This initiative aimed to address the issue of foreigners working without proper authorisation in Bangkok’s major tourist areas. The focus…

  • Bangkok police arrest notorious motorcycle theft gang

    Bangkok police arrest notorious motorcycle theft gang

    Siam Boonsom, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, and senior police officials, successfully apprehended a motorcycle theft gang in Bangkok. The suspects, 45 year old Somsak, known as Ood, and 40 year old Ting Ko Ko Oo, yesterday, May 21, were caught in possession of four motorcycles and numerous spare parts in Soi Lat Phrao 119, Khlong Chan, Bang Kapi district. The investigation…

  • Overturned truck causes crude oil spill on Bangkok road

    Overturned truck causes crude oil spill on Bangkok road

    A sleepy trucker turned a Bangkok expressway into a hazardous oil slick early this morning after dozing off behind the wheel and flipping his 18-wheeler. The incident unfolded at 1.20am today, May 22, on the Kanchanaphisek Road, near kilometre marker 52+900 in Prawet district, as the 18-wheel trailer truck veered into the central reservation and overturned, spilling over 30 tonnes…

  • Thai airports to boost services for elderly and disabled passengers

    Thai airports to boost services for elderly and disabled passengers

    Flying in Thailand is about to get a major upgrade—especially for those who need it most. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is rolling out a new set of regulations aimed at dramatically improving service standards for passengers requiring special assistance. Whether you’re elderly, injured, or living with a disability, these new rules are designed to make air travel…

  • Bangkok job fair to offer over 600k opportunities next month

    Bangkok job fair to offer over 600k opportunities next month

    The Ministry of Labour will be hosting a significant job fair in Bangkok next month, presenting over 600,000 opportunities across various age groups to enhance national employment and prepare the workforce for future demands. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced that Job Expo Thailand 2025 will take place June 6-8 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. The event will feature…

  • Scam city: Bangkok tops list for tourist fraud

    Scam city: Bangkok tops list for tourist fraud

    Planning a holiday in Thailand? You’d better watch your wallet. Bangkok has just been named one of the world’s top hotspots for tourist fraud, with nearly half of all reported scams involving dodgy taxi and car rental deals, according to a new report by the Mastercard Economics Institute. Released this week and highlighted by CNBC, the report reveals a disturbing…

  • Prawit takes a tumble at Bangkok&#8217;s Wat Pho (video)

    Prawit takes a tumble at Bangkok’s Wat Pho (video)

    General Prawit Wongsuwan, better known as “Big Pom,” took a dramatic tumble down the stairs at Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s most iconic temples, during a royal blessing ceremony on Monday evening. But despite the fall, party officials insist the political heavyweight is in fighting form. The incident occurred on Monday, May 19, just after 7pm, as General Prawit, leader…

  • Grab wars: Bangkok taxi drivers threaten airport chaos

    Grab wars: Bangkok taxi drivers threaten airport chaos

    Fuming taxi drivers vowed to bring chaos to Bangkok’s skies and streets, threatening to blockade Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Government House if the PM doesn’t scrap Grab’s airport access. Tempers flared at Government House today, May 21, as more than 50 furious cabbies rallied outside Gate 5, demanding an end to what they call “unfair favouritism” towards Grab drivers at…

  • Monorail mania: Thailand&#8217;s Pink Line to operate free trial run

    Monorail mania: Thailand’s Pink Line to operate free trial run

    Bangkok commuters have a new reason to celebrate — the long-awaited Pink Line monorail extension to Muang Thong Thani officially opened yesterday, May 20, promising to ease traffic headaches and ramp up convenience for eventgoers. Even better? It’s completely free to ride until June 16. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), which owns the project, along with operator…

  • Ex-British air hostess claims she&#8217;s been &#8216;suitcased&#8217; in drug bust

    Ex-British air hostess claims she’s been ‘suitcased’ in drug bust

    A former British air hostess claims she’s been stitched up in a £1.5 million (66.5 million baht) drug bust in Sri Lanka, insisting she had no clue 46 kilogrammes of cannabis was stuffed in her suitcase. Charlotte May Lee is facing years behind bars in a notorious Sri Lankan prison after being arrested in Colombo with a suitcase stuffed with…

  • Sink or spend? Thailand nears decision on submarine deal

    Sink or spend? Thailand nears decision on submarine deal

    Thailand’s long-delayed and controversy-laden submarine deal is finally approaching crunch time — and it’s sink or spend for the Defence Ministry. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that a final decision on the 13.5 billion baht submarine procurement project could be made by the end of this month or in early June. The high-stakes verdict follows consultations with the Royal Thai…

  • SRT approves delayed Lat Krabang container depot overhaul

    SRT approves delayed Lat Krabang container depot overhaul

    After years of frustrating delays, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is finally pushing forward with a 40 billion baht upgrade of Bangkok’s Inland Container Depot in Lat Krabang and the green light couldn’t come soon enough. The SRT board last Thursday, May 15, approved a long-awaited study into the project’s future, identifying a public-private partnership (PPP) under a net…

  • Van fire on Bangkok bridge disrupts traffic, no injuries

    Van fire on Bangkok bridge disrupts traffic, no injuries

    A fire engulfed a van on a bridge over the Ramintra intersection at kilometre 8, causing extensive damage to the vehicle. The incident, reported today, May 21, required intervention by fire and rescue teams. An electrical short circuit is suspected to have started the blaze. Police from Khan Na Yao station received a report of a vehicle fire on the…

  • Snake protest forces Bangkok condo management to act on hidden pets

    Snake protest forces Bangkok condo management to act on hidden pets

    A Bangkok condominium resident released two snakes into a hallway in protest after the building’s management allegedly ignored complaints about noisy pets kept by residents who were violating the no-pet policy. Several residents of the condominium, in the Ratchada area of the capital, shared videos and photos of the two large snakes on their social media accounts. They explained that…