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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    Why retirees in Thailand are choosing long-term health insurance over quick fixes

    Retirees in Thailand are increasingly seeing the importance of health insurance in protecting their well-being during retirement. With insurance requirements for retirement visas and rising healthcare costs, many are moving away from short-term plans and choosing long-term coverage. Long-term health...

  • Thai actress faces 2 years in jail for drunk driving but sentence suspended | Thaiger

    Thai actress faces 2 years in jail for drunk driving but sentence suspended

    A Thai actress faces two months’ imprisonment after confessing to drunk driving and refusing an alcohol test at a checkpoint in Bangkok on Sunday, August 24. Her sentence was suspended for two years. The 33 year old actress, Marie Broenner, and her alleged boyfriend, businessman Asakon “Boss” Singsikornkun, were caught on a viral video arguing heatedly with police officers at…

  • SmartLynx Thailand lands first jet ahead of big launch | Thaiger

    SmartLynx Thailand lands first jet ahead of big launch

    A new player is taxiing onto Thailand’s aviation scene as Thai SmartLynx Airlines has taken delivery of its very first aircraft, an Airbus A320, signalling its ambitious entry into the country’s skies. The 13.4 year old narrowbody jet, now carrying the Thai registration HS-SXA, touched down at Bangkok Don Mueang Airport on August 22. Previously flown by SilkAir, the A320…

  • Passenger plunges from bridge after Bangkok taxi driver falls asleep | Thaiger

    Passenger plunges from bridge after Bangkok taxi driver falls asleep

    An app-based motorcycle taxi rider fell asleep and crashed into a bridge railing in Bangkok, causing his female passenger to plunge onto the road below. The moment was captured on video and shared on TikTok by user @rnatpakan, showing the woman falling from the bridge at the Ratchayothin Intersection in the Chatuchak district at about 7am yesterday, August 25. She…

  • Bangkok launches 20-baht train fare registration amid legal uncertainty | Thaiger

    Bangkok launches 20-baht train fare registration amid legal uncertainty

    The registration for the 20-baht flat fare on Bangkok’s train networks began today, August 25, with the scheme promised to take effect on October 1, despite three relevant bills still awaiting Parliamentary approval. The Ministry of Transport, under the supervision of Pheu Thai Party member Suriya Juangroongruangkit, launched the scheme to reduce living costs for Thai citizens, aiming to increase…

  • Thai actress faces drunk driving charge after refusing test at police checkpoint | Thaiger

    Thai actress faces drunk driving charge after refusing test at police checkpoint

    A renowned Thai actress is facing a drunk driving charge after refusing an alcohol test at a police checkpoint in Bangkok’s Wang Thong Lang district in the early hours of yesterday, August 24. Officers from Wang Thong Lang Police Station had set up a checkpoint on Pradit Manutham Road when they stopped a green Porsche driven by 33 year old…

  • Bangkok police seize fake Marshall speakers worth 600,000 baht | Thaiger

    Bangkok police seize fake Marshall speakers worth 600,000 baht

    Yesterday, August 24, police in Bangkok apprehended six people suspected of selling counterfeit Marshall brand speakers and headphones. The operation, led by Police Major General Thantaphum Charuprat and involving collaboration with the Department of Intellectual Property and brand representatives, resulted in the seizure of 206 items valued at over 600,000 baht (US$18,480). The arrested individuals, identified as 45 year old…

  • Thai police arrest Myanmar national wanted for theft in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Thai police arrest Myanmar national wanted for theft in Bangkok

    Thai immigration officers in Samut Songkhram apprehended a 27 year old Myanmar national, Zen Tun, wanted for theft after fleeing to work in Bangkok. As part of the crime crackdown strategy ordered by Police General Kittirat Phanphet, police were instructed to target criminal activity, including people with outstanding warrants and firearm-related crimes between August 15 to August 24. Police Lieutenant…

  • Thaksin dodges jail, lawyer eyes travel comeback | Thaiger

    Thaksin dodges jail, lawyer eyes travel comeback

    Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has walked free from a Section 112 trial, and his lawyer now wants his travel ban lifted. Lawyer Winyat Chartmontri announced plans to formally request the revocation of Thaksin’s travel ban following the former premier’s acquittal in a controversial lese majeste case. The Criminal Court cleared Thaksin yesterday, August 22, of charges under Section 112…

  • 4 Vietnamese arrested for turning Bangkok house into drug factory | Thaiger

    4 Vietnamese arrested for turning Bangkok house into drug factory

    Police arrested four Vietnamese nationals for transforming a rented house in the Lat Phrao area of Bangkok into a drug production facility. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) disclosed details of the arrests during a press conference yesterday, August 21, following the apprehension of the suspects in mid-August. The operation stemmed from discussions during the Thailand-Vietnam Bilateral Meeting…

  • Tempura favourite Tenya exits Thailand after 10 years | Thaiger

    Tempura favourite Tenya exits Thailand after 10 years

    Thailand’s tempura lovers are in mourning as popular Japanese restaurant chain Tenya is pulling the plug after nearly a decade in the country. Known for its crispy tempura bowls and authentic Japanese flavours, Tenya will shut its last two branches at Terminal 21 and Samyan Mitrtown on August 31, signalling the end of its run in Thailand. Originally launched in Asakusa,…

  • Thaksin faces jail as court drops royal insult verdict | Thaiger

    Thaksin faces jail as court drops royal insult verdict

    Thailand’s political soap opera enters a tense new chapter as the Criminal Court delivers its long-awaited verdict today in the lese majeste case against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, exactly two years after his dramatic return from exile. Security is being ramped up around the courthouse, with media crews banned from entering without prior approval. Reporters will be allowed to…

  • Thailand drenched in heavy downpour brought on by monsoon | Thaiger

    Thailand drenched in heavy downpour brought on by monsoon

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall expected in 41 provinces, including Bangkok, where up to 70% of the area is expected to be affected. Residents are advised to be cautious of potential hazards due to the significant rainfall. Heavy rain is anticipated in certain areas across Thailand, with particularly severe conditions forecasted for the…

  • Lumpini Park’s new street food hub to open next year | Thaiger

    Lumpini Park’s new street food hub to open next year

    Bangkok’s famous street food scene is about to get a facelift, as the city races to complete its first official hawker centre next to Lumpini Park. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) confirmed that the Lumpini Park Hawker Centre, currently under construction on Ratchadamri Road, is set to open early next year. It’s designed to tidy up footpaths, raise hygiene standards,…

  • 2 doctors face jail time after cosmetic surgery leaves woman in coma | Thaiger

    2 doctors face jail time after cosmetic surgery leaves woman in coma

    A Thai doctor, who owned a clinic in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district, faces six months in prison after a cosmetic surgery performed six years ago left a woman in a coma. Another doctor who owns the clinic faces three months behind bars. In 2019, 31 year old Apiphu Hirunyanit filed a complaint with Sutthisan Police Station after his younger sister,…

  • Paetongtarn’s fate fast-tracked in leaked clip scandal | Thaiger

    Paetongtarn’s fate fast-tracked in leaked clip scandal

    The political heat just got hotter for suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as Thailand’s top court fast-tracks her potential disqualification over a controversial leaked audio clip. At 10.30am today, August 21, the Constitutional Court began hearing witness testimony in a case brought by 36 senators who claim the prime minister violated ethical standards in a private conversation with Cambodian Senate…

  • Fake tower, real scam: Korean man busted in Bangkok SMS sting | Thaiger

    Fake tower, real scam: Korean man busted in Bangkok SMS sting

    A South Korean scammer took mobile fraud to the streets of Bangkok before cyber cops caught him with a fake cell tower in his car. On Tuesday, August 19, 35 year old Kim Do-yeong was arrested at Pracha Songkroah Intersection in Din Daeng district while driving a Toyota sedan loaded with a false base station (FBS) device. The high-tech kit…

  • Bangkok man arrested for stabbing taxi driver amid cannabis delusions | Thaiger

    Bangkok man arrested for stabbing taxi driver amid cannabis delusions

    A 30 year old man, Chawin, was apprehended for allegedly attacking a motorcycle taxi driver in Bangkok, resulting in severe injuries. Police acted on an arrest warrant from the Criminal Court, dated August 19, for causing grievous bodily harm. Chawin was taken into custody in Tha Ruea district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, with a folding knife found in his possession.…

  • Air Serbia eyes Bangkok return after decades-long break | Thaiger

    Air Serbia eyes Bangkok return after decades-long break

    Thailand could soon welcome more Balkan tourists directly, as Air Serbia considers reviving long-haul winter flights to Bangkok, a destination not served from Belgrade since the collapse of Yugoslavia. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirmed it’s in talks with the airline as part of a push to boost direct air access from the Balkan region. TAT’s marketing representative for…

  • Pheu Thai shuts down Prayut comeback rumours | Thaiger

    Pheu Thai shuts down Prayut comeback rumours

    Rumours of a shocking political U-turn have been flatly denied by the Pheu Thai Party, following claims they planned to nominate former coup leader and ex-Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha as their next candidate for premier. Slamming the speculation as fake news, Pheu Thai Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong told reporters the rumour had nothing to do with the party and dismissed…

  • Bangkok’s ‘green lung’ boosted by Thai-Norwegian push | Thaiger

    Bangkok’s ‘green lung’ boosted by Thai-Norwegian push

    Bangkok’s “green lung” is breathing easier thanks to Bangchak Corporation’s bold reforestation push, now earning praise from the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce (TNCC). The chamber, which counts Bangchak as a premium member, has put the energy giant’s environmental mission in the spotlight as it drives sustainability and biodiversity work in Bang Kachao, Samut Prakan province. Bangchak, led by Senior Executive…

  • Thai Michelin-starred chef Jay Fai fined for unclear crab omelette pricing | Thaiger

    Thai Michelin-starred chef Jay Fai fined for unclear crab omelette pricing

    The Ministry of Commerce fined the renowned 1-star restaurant owner, Jay Fai, 2,000 baht following a complaint from a YouTuber over the unclear pricing of her signature dish, the crab omelette. The well-known Thai YouTuber based in the UK, Pitchaya “Peachii” Chaychana, posted on X on August 15 that she and her friends were charged 4,000 baht for the crab…

  • Paetongtarn skips Cabinet again as court date looms | Thaiger

    Paetongtarn skips Cabinet again as court date looms

    Thailand’s suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing the fight of her political life—and she’s staying silent. For the second week running, Paetongtarn skipped yesterday’s weekly Cabinet meeting, fuelling speculation as she prepares to take the stand in an explosive ethics case linked to a leaked phone call. The 38 year old leader, who also holds the post of culture…

  • Thailand pushes for UNESCO glory with ancient shadow play | Thaiger

    Thailand pushes for UNESCO glory with ancient shadow play

    The Ministry of Culture confirmed yesterday that nang yai, a spectacular shadow puppet performance dating back to the 15th century, will be proposed for UNESCO’s Register of Good Safeguarding Practices by March 2026. Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, currently overseeing the ministry, said the campaign is officially titled the Community-based Revitalisation of Nang Yai Tradition in Thailand (CRNT). She described…

  • Bangkok’s Banthat Thong to become global street food hub | Thaiger

    Bangkok’s Banthat Thong to become global street food hub

    Bangkok’s famous Banthat Thong Road could soon rival the world’s top foodie destinations after the Commerce Ministry unveiled bold plans to transform it into a global street food landmark. Once packed with up to 40,000 visitors a day, the bustling stretch has seen numbers dwindle amid rising rents, falling Thai spending power, and tougher competition. Business operators say survival has…

  • Jay Fai under scrutiny after YouTuber charged 4,000 baht for crab omelette | Thaiger

    Jay Fai under scrutiny after YouTuber charged 4,000 baht for crab omelette

    The Department of Internal Trade announced plans to investigate food pricing at the Michelin-recommended restaurant Jay Fai in Bangkok, after a well-known YouTuber claimed she was charged 4,000 baht for a crab omelette that should have cost 1,500 baht according to the menu. Thai YouTuber Pitchaya “Peachii” Chaychana, better known as Peachii Stephen Oppa, shared her experience on X on…

  • Bangkok nightclub raided, 328 detained in Huai Khwang operation | Thaiger

    Bangkok nightclub raided, 328 detained in Huai Khwang operation

    Yesterday, August 15, police conducted a raid on an illegal nightclub in Huai Khwang district, Bangkok, detaining 328 patrons, including 122 Thais and 206 foreigners. Six individuals tested positive for drugs, and four packets of “happy water” were discovered. Huai Khwang Police Station, in collaboration with various enforcement units including the Metropolitan Police Division and the Office of the Narcotics…

  • GrabFood rider dies in collision with parked truck in Bangkok | Thaiger

    GrabFood rider dies in collision with parked truck in Bangkok

    A collision occurred on Rama 2 Road when a motorcycle driven by a GrabFood rider collided with the back of a parked 10-wheel truck, resulting in the rider’s death today, August 14, at 2.15am. Police Captain Prasert Phunkaew from Samae Dam Police Station reported the accident took place near an oil station at the entrance of Soi Rama 2, 94,…

  • Japanese man attacked in Bangkok for filming smokers in prohibited area | Thaiger

    Japanese man attacked in Bangkok for filming smokers in prohibited area

    A group of foreign men, reported to be Chinese nationals, allegedly attacked a Japanese man at a condominium in Bangkok’s Rama 9 neighbourhood after he filmed them violating the building’s rules by smoking in a prohibited area. The incident came to light after a video of the assault was shared on the Facebook page รู้ทันจีน News (meaning See Through China)…

  • Bangkok raids seize illegal goods worth over 20 million baht | Thaiger

    Bangkok raids seize illegal goods worth over 20 million baht

    Over 690,000 illegal and substandard products have been confiscated in extensive raids across Bangkok, focusing on significant warehouse networks and retail outlets as part of a crackdown on unsafe goods. Deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan announced that the Team Sud Soi task force, under Industry Minister Akanat Promphan and permanent secretary Nattapol Rangsitpol, collaborated with the Thai Industrial Standards Institute…

  • Man stabbed in Bangkok after confrontation over a glance | Thaiger

    Man stabbed in Bangkok after confrontation over a glance

    A confrontation over a glance led to a 40 year old man stabbing a 48 year old with a knife outside a bank in Bangkok’s Thon Buri district. The assailant was apprehended by bystanders and later charged by police. Police Colonel Suraphat Rattanatraiwong from Buppharam Police Station received the report of the stabbing incident. The altercation took place on the…