Bangkok News

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    Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?

    Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...

  • Bangkok bombshell: Chilling find at iCon Group office turns heads

    Bangkok bombshell: Chilling find at iCon Group office turns heads

    Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers dashed to the scene this afternoon after a resident made a chilling discovery at the iCon Group office in Soi Ramintra 9, Bang Khen district, Bangkok. What first appeared to be a hazardous bomb left locals trembling in shock but turned out to be a well-crafted fake. The bomb packed ominously in a black briefcase,…

  • Chadchart inspects footpath renovation in Bangkok Yai district

    Chadchart inspects footpath renovation in Bangkok Yai district

    The capital’s streets are getting a makeover and Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is leading the charge. The 58 year old city chief, accompanied by Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon, hit the streets on Tuesday, October 15 to inspect the ongoing footpath renovation project on Itsaraphap Road near the MRT Itsaraphap Station in Bangkok Yai district. This ambitious upgrade, launched in June,…

  • Roll the dice: Casino bill feedback to be reviewed by Thai Cabinet

    Roll the dice: Casino bill feedback to be reviewed by Thai Cabinet

    A public hearing on the proposed casino-entertainment complex bill wrapped up with feedback set to be submitted to the Cabinet, announced the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) at the Ministry of Finance. The FPO, alongside the Digital Government Development Agency, collected public opinions on the bill via their websites over two weeks. The bill aims to establish entertainment complexes with legally…

  • Police chief orders swift arrest after fatal hit-and-run in Bangkok

    Police chief orders swift arrest after fatal hit-and-run in Bangkok

    A dramatic incident involving a motorcyclist killed in a hit-and-run occurred yesterday in Bangkok prompting immediate intervention from the national police chief. The event took place around 5.10pm, yesterday, October 16, as Chief Kittirat Panpet was on his way to a religious ceremony at Wat Thepsirin. While travelling to the ceremony following an inspection of police riot control units at…

  • Vocational student brawl disrupts Bangkok train commuters (video)

    Vocational student brawl disrupts Bangkok train commuters (video)

    Panic erupted on a crowded train this morning when a group of young vocational students were involved in a wild brawl, sending Bangkok commuters scrambling for safety at Siam BTS. The chaotic scene unfolded around 8.30am, today, October 16, with Police swooping in to detain the troublemakers. Videos circulating online show more than ten boys, believed to be vocational students,…

  • Feline fire fiasco: More than 20 injured in Samut Prakan blaze

    Feline fire fiasco: More than 20 injured in Samut Prakan blaze

    A late-night fire in a crowded apartment building in Samut Prakan’s Mueang district left more than 20 residents nursing minor injuries from smoke inhalation. The chaos erupted around midnight yesterday, October 15, as hundreds of tenants made a frantic escape from the five-storey building on Samrong Soi 20. The fire reportedly ignited in a second-floor room, where the tenant had…

  • Man robbed at knifepoint while selling iPhone 16 in Bangkok

    Man robbed at knifepoint while selling iPhone 16 in Bangkok

    A man was robbed at knifepoint after attempting to sell an iPhone 16 via Facebook. The incident took place early yesterday, October 15, near the entrance of Soi Phahonyothin 49 in Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok. Police are currently investigating the case to apprehend the suspect. Around 12.03am today, Bang Khen police officers were alerted to the robbery involving a weapon…

  • Climate activists rally in Bangkok: No more ‘carbon’ copies of injustice

    Climate activists rally in Bangkok: No more ‘carbon’ copies of injustice

    More than 200 climate activists descended on the United Nations Headquarters in Bangkok yesterday passionately demanding an end to climate change laws and carbon credit systems that favour corporate giants. The rally, titled “System Change Not Climate Crisis,” aimed to pressure the Thai government ahead of the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), taking place in Azerbaijan from November…

  • Fugitive general resigns amid Tak Bai scandal

    Fugitive general resigns amid Tak Bai scandal

    Retired General Pisan Wattanawongkiri, once the chief of Thailand’s 4th Army Region, has abruptly quit the ruling Pheu Thai Party and resigned from his MP position amidst a cloud of controversy. Wanted for his role in the brutal 2004 Tak Bai crackdown in Narathiwat, Pisan faces mounting pressure to return and face charges before the statute of limitations expires. The…

  • Where’s Prawit? General skips out on Parliament again

    Where’s Prawit? General skips out on Parliament again

    General Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, has sparked fresh controversy with his fleeting visit to Parliament today, October 16. Arriving at 7.40am, the 78 year old MP made a swift stop at the House of Representatives. Flanked by his security team, he signed in at the second-floor entrance to confirm his presence before the 9am session—then promptly…

  • PM Paetongtarn to host first informal dinner with coalition leaders

    PM Paetongtarn to host first informal dinner with coalition leaders

    Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will host an informal dinner with coalition party leaders next Monday, October 21, marking the first such gathering since she assumed office. This initiative aims to revive the practice of relaxed meetings similar to those held during the tenure of former prime minister Srettha Thavisin. The Thai premier highlighted the significance of these dinners, noting…

  • Petition calls for PM Paetongtarn’s removal: Adviser appointment

    Petition calls for PM Paetongtarn’s removal: Adviser appointment

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is embroiled in controversy once again, with a new petition demanding her removal from office over her appointment of Nattawut Saikua as an adviser. Nattawut, a former director of the Pheu Thai family, has a contentious past, leading to the latest challenge against the 38 year old PM’s judgement. Activist Nopparut Worachitwutthikul, formerly a leader of…

  • Mo Chit happens: Transport minister warns over Bangkok bus stop rubbish

    Mo Chit happens: Transport minister warns over Bangkok bus stop rubbish

    A large accumulation of rubbish behind the Bangkok Bus Terminal, commonly known as Mo Chit 2, in Chatuchak district, sparked outrage from Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, threatening to revoke public bus operating permits should the problem persist. Suphanat Meenchainan, an MP for Chatuchak, Bang Khen, and Lak Si from the People’s Party, highlighted the issue by posting a photo of…

  • Thai man severely injured after balcony collapses on Bangkok path

    Thai man severely injured after balcony collapses on Bangkok path

    A 65 year old Thai man sustained severe injuries after a balcony of a four-storey building collapsed onto him while he was walking along the footpath on Charansanitwong Road in the Bang Phlat district of Bangkok on October 12. The 36 year old deep-fried chicken vendor, Wae Nawae, who witnessed the accident, called officers from Bang Phlat Police Station and…

  • Bangkok to sign MoU for Orange Line, road closures expected

    Bangkok to sign MoU for Orange Line, road closures expected

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) for the transfer of areas during the construction of the Orange Line’s western section this week. Tawatchai Napasaksri, director of BMA’s Public Works Department, confirmed that the committee overseeing the handover of roads in Bangkok, along with…

  • Shocking arrest: Bangkok electrical wire thief nabbed

    Shocking arrest: Bangkok electrical wire thief nabbed

    Police apprehended a suspect involved in cutting electrical wires, while another managed to escape. The incident occurred early today, October 14, resulting in one arrest and a positive test for illegal substances. Around 4.30am, police officers from Thonglor Police Station, led by Police Colonel Pansa Amornapitak, Deputy Superintendent Police Lieutenant Colonel Natthakit Jokkhoksung, and their team, were patrolling the area…

  • Bangkok monorails test new systems after recent malfunctions

    Bangkok monorails test new systems after recent malfunctions

    Operators of Bangkok’s Yellow and Pink monorail lines are actively testing redesigned guide wheel and conductor rail systems to prevent future malfunctions. This initiative follows recent incidents where a guide wheel fell from a Yellow Line train, damaging vehicles below, and a section of the Pink Line’s conductor rail fell causing similar damage. Eastern Bangkok Monorail Co (EBM) and Northern…

  • Pheu Thai dismisses petition alleging monarchy undermining

    Pheu Thai dismisses petition alleging monarchy undermining

    The Pheu Thai Party dismissed the recent petition against it which accused the party of undermining Thailand’s constitutional monarchy. Pheu Thai asserted that it can address all raised concerns and emphasising that some claims lack merit. Chousak Sirinil, the party’s legal adviser, said yesterday, October 11, that the six accusations against Pheu Thai do not have sufficient grounds to be…

  • Bang to rights: Bangkok cops dismantle illegal firearms operation

    Bang to rights: Bangkok cops dismantle illegal firearms operation

    Police in Bangkok dismantled a major illegal firearms operation, arresting a 39 year old man who was the head of the Facebook group กิ๊บประธานเพื่อน GUN สำคัญเสมอ. The police seized 19 firearms and various ammunition from the operation. Yesterday, October 10, Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, Police Major General Noppasil Phoonsawat, Police Major General Theeradech Thamsutee, Police Colonel Chakrawut Klainin, and…

  • Thai TV host pulled from shows amid iCon Group scandal

    Thai TV host pulled from shows amid iCon Group scandal

    Popular television host Kan Kantathavorn has been suspended from all Workpoint Entertainment programmes as the investigation into his alleged involvement with the controversial The iCon Group heats up. The company swiftly announced yesterday, October 10, that Kan would be removed from hosting duties with immediate effect until his ties with the scandal-plagued business are cleared up. Kan, in a bid…

  • Thailand’s workplaces in crisis: Mental health support falls short

    Thailand’s workplaces in crisis: Mental health support falls short

    Thailand’s workplaces are failing to provide vital psychological help for employees grappling with stress, depression, and other mental health issues, campaigners warn. As the world marked Mental Health Day 2024 yesterday, October 10, Thai advocates are raising alarms over the country’s mental health crisis in offices, where employees struggle with burnout, fear, and stigma. The World Health Organisation (WHO)’s theme,…

  • Five-car crash on Nonthaburi bridge leaves three injured

    Five-car crash on Nonthaburi bridge leaves three injured

    Five vehicles collided on a bridge in Nonthaburi, resulting in three injuries. The incident occurred in the early hours of today, October 11, on Rama 4 Bridge, Chaiyaphruek Road, inbound to Bang Tanai subdistrict, Pak Kret district. Local police officers were alerted to the multi-vehicle crash and promptly arrived at the scene to investigate. Upon arrival, police discovered 22 year…

  • Bangkok buses introduce new safety measures for NGV fleet

    Bangkok buses introduce new safety measures for NGV fleet

    Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) announced a new safety initiative for all its buses, particularly those running on natural gas (NGV). The directive, emphasised by Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote, aims to elevate safety standards across the board. BMTA Director Kittikarn Jomduang Jaruwanpolkul revealed that the organisation operates a fleet of 809 NGV buses. This includes 486 blue air-conditioned low-floor…

  • Porked & busted: Thai woman nabbed for telling ‘pork’ pies 208 times

    Porked & busted: Thai woman nabbed for telling ‘pork’ pies 208 times

    In a sizzling tale of deceit, Bangkok police arrested a cheeky con artist for cooking up a scheme that left a local butcher over 1.6 million baht out of pocket. Wannipa, a 27 year old Thai woman, was collared by officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) after she used fake receipts to bag free pork not once, not twice,…

  • Toying with trouble: Thai cops bust multi-national sex toy syndicate

    Toying with trouble: Thai cops bust multi-national sex toy syndicate

    Police have dismantled a gang involving nine Thai and foreign nationals who were illegally selling sex toys, seizing a substantial amount of contraband. The operation revealed a well-organised syndicate with millions in circulation. On October 10, Police Major General Saruti Kwangsopa, head of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, ordered Police Colonel Korkiat Wutjamnong and Police Lieutenant Colonel Natthaphat Nampadit to…

  • Big bike forced off road by car on Bangkok highway (video)

    Big bike forced off road by car on Bangkok highway (video)

    A dramatic incident occurred on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Bangkok when a big bike was forced off the road by a car and ended up in the median strip’s bushes. The shocking footage was captured and posted on TikTok by user @noeyjirawadee. The incident, which happened yesterday, October 10, shows the motorbike rider travelling in the middle lane behind a…

  • Smell of trouble: Bangkok busts 7 Vietnamese for selling cannabis

    Smell of trouble: Bangkok busts 7 Vietnamese for selling cannabis

    The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) arrested seven Vietnamese men at a house in Bangkok for illegally selling cannabis after residents complained about the unpleasant, intoxicating smell. Locals in the Bueng Kum district of Bangkok filed a complaint with the ONCB, stating that a group of Vietnamese nationals had disturbed the peaceful community by using cannabis and releasing…

  • Bhumjaithai abstains from House vote on referendum bill

    Bhumjaithai abstains from House vote on referendum bill

    The Bhumjaithai Party refrained from participating in a House vote rejecting the Senate’s decision to maintain the double-majority clause in the constitutional referendum bill, according to party leader Anutin Charnvirakul. The House of Representatives voted 348 to zero yesterday, October 10, to reject the Senate’s amendments to the referendum bill, with 65 abstentions. The original House-endorsed bill proposed a change…

  • US ambassador vows stronger ties with Thailand

    US ambassador vows stronger ties with Thailand

    In a high-profile diplomatic push, the US ambassador to Thailand, Robert F Godec, has committed to enhancing economic, security, and humanitarian cooperation with Thailand under its new government. This bold pledge came during a meeting yesterday, October 9, with Chusak Sirinil, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, as both nations gear up for the 200th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.…

  • Bangkok bust: Cops hang up on Thailand’s largest call centre scam

    Bangkok bust: Cops hang up on Thailand’s largest call centre scam

    Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police swooped on four clandestine locations in Bangkok and arrested two Thai and Chinese leaders of the largest call centre scam gang in Thailand. Over 18,000 items of evidence were seized. CSD officers held a press conference yesterday, October 9, at about 4pm, to report on the details of the call centre scam suppression operation, named…