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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    Thailand health insurance that covers chronic conditions: What expats need to know

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  • Woman arrested for theft from tourists in Bangkok for the 12th time | Thaiger

    Woman arrested for theft from tourists in Bangkok for the 12th time

    Authorities at Phra Ratchawang Police Station have apprehended a Thai woman for stealing from foreign tourists in Bangkok. This marks the 12th time she has been caught, with her latest release from jail occurring only a few months ago. Officers led by Phawat Watsupat, commander of the Phra Ratchawang Police Station, and Paisan Detkalaya, deputy commander of investigation, along with…

  • Ex-MP Vatana to return to Samut Prakan after 15 years on the run | Thaiger

    Ex-MP Vatana to return to Samut Prakan after 15 years on the run

    Former Samut Prakan MP and Deputy Interior Minister Vatana Asavahame has announced his intention to return to Samut Prakan in two months to visit locals after evading corruption charges for 15 years. A housewarming ceremony took place yesterday at the new residence of Soontorn Pansangtong, the former deputy minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the former deputy chief of Samut…

  • Thailand cracks down on illegal e-cigarettes to protect children | Thaiger

    Thailand cracks down on illegal e-cigarettes to protect children

    Authorities in Thailand are set to take decisive action against the illegal use of e-cigarettes, emphasising the need to protect children from the health risks associated with vaping. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared that the country has ignored the issue for too long, during an event commemorating World No Tobacco Day yesterday. “The authorities must begin solving the problem right…

  • Heavy rainfall warning issued for 46 provinces including Bangkok | Thaiger

    Heavy rainfall warning issued for 46 provinces including Bangkok

    The Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather warning, forecasting heavy rainfall in 46 provinces, including Bangkok, with 70% of the area expected to be affected. Residents are advised to take precautions against potential flash floods and forest runoff. Moderate southwesterly monsoon winds are covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, coupled with a low-pressure area over…

  • MFP minister faces tough questions on foreign policy | Thaiger

    MFP minister faces tough questions on foreign policy

    Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Chulapong Yukate demanded that Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa reveal his vision for Thailand’s foreign policy. The call came during a House Committee on Foreign Affairs meeting, leaving the nation eager for answers. Chulapong, who serves as the deputy chairperson of the committee stated that the public wants to know in which direction the foreign minister…

  • Thai man stabbed by girlfriend’s ex, attacker flees with woman | Thaiger

    Thai man stabbed by girlfriend’s ex, attacker flees with woman

    A Thai man is seeking justice after being stabbed by his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend at a condominium in Bangkok. The attacker escaped arrest and fled to the central province of Chainart with the victim’s girlfriend. The victim, 21 year old Thanawat Phontaecha, urged non-profit organisation Saimai Survive to follow up on the complaint of the physical assault for him. Thanawat claimed…

  • LGBTQ+ community migrating Bangkok for freedom & fun’s sake | Thaiger

    LGBTQ+ community migrating Bangkok for freedom & fun’s sake

    A Chinese real estate agent revealed the LGBTQ+ community is flocking to Bangkok to escape persecution and seek a new life that offers them more freedom. In 2019, 40 year old Owen Zhu’s real estate career was flourishing, with Chinese investors eagerly buying Bangkok properties, but the pandemic struck, halting travel and spending. Although Chinese buyers were slow to return, one…

  • Toll fees waived on three expressways to honour Queen’s birthday | Thaiger

    Toll fees waived on three expressways to honour Queen’s birthday

    Toll fees will be waived on three expressways to commemorate the Queen’s birthday. The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), along with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) and Northern Bangkok Expressway Company Limited (NECL), have announced this special exemption. The announcement, made yesterday, specifies that the toll-free access is in honour of the Queen’s birthday on June 3.…

  • Bangkok crackdown on street vendors: Pay up or pave the way | Thaiger

    Bangkok crackdown on street vendors: Pay up or pave the way

    Bangkok City Hall is set to implement stringent measures aimed at regulating street vendors, targeting their income, enforcing tax compliance, and ultimately eliminating hawking on pavements. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced these measures following a meeting focused on enhancing the orderliness of the city’s surroundings. New regulations for vending on streets and in other public areas will soon come into…

  • Nation TV’s fresh shows set to revolutionise Thai news | Thaiger

    Nation TV’s fresh shows set to revolutionise Thai news

    In a thrilling leap into its 25th year, Thailand’s leading news network, Nation TV, is undergoing a groundbreaking transformation under the concept NEXT to The Future. The network is revamping its programming to amplify its renowned news shows and exclusive talks, adding community news and harnessing AI technology to enhance its editorial prowess. This bold move solidifies Nation TV’s position…

  • Thailand hosts key ASEAN-Canada trade talks in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Thailand hosts key ASEAN-Canada trade talks in Bangkok

    Thailand has taken significant steps forward in trade relations by hosting the eighth round of ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) negotiations in Bangkok between yesterday and today. The meeting aimed to expedite various aspects of the agreement, to conclude discussions by 2025. Chotima Iamsawatigul, Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations, appointed Ratchawit Piyapramote, Deputy Director-General of the same department,…

  • Neglected Bangkok man commits suicide on public road | Thaiger

    Neglected Bangkok man commits suicide on public road

    A Thai man feeling neglected decided to commit suicide today by hanging himself from a stand in the middle of a road in the Lat Krabang district of Bangkok. Lat Krabang Police Station officers were alerted to the death of a 53 year old Thai man, Peerawat, at around 7.30am today, May 30. His body was found hanging from a…

  • Over 2,000 applicants disqualified in senatorial election | Thaiger

    Over 2,000 applicants disqualified in senatorial election

    The Election Commission (EC) has thrown over 2,000 hopefuls out of the senatorial race, leaving just over 46,000 contenders to vie for seats across the nation. The EC’s announcement of qualified candidates yesterday sent shockwaves through the political arena, with disqualified applicants given until Saturday to plead their case before the Supreme Court or provincial courts. Reasons for disqualification range…

  • Thai AirAsia X flight returns to Osaka with landing gear issues | Thaiger

    Thai AirAsia X flight returns to Osaka with landing gear issues

    Passengers on Thai AirAsia X flight XJ613 experienced a heart-pounding drama when their flight from Osaka to Bangkok was forced to turn back due to undercarriage issues. Thai AirAsia X flight XJ613, an Airbus A330-300, took off from Osaka Kansai Airport at 9.52am local time last Friday, May 24, bound for Bangkok. Shortly after takeoff from runway 24L, the flight…

  • Srettha unveils plans for Thailand’s economy at UBS conference | Thaiger

    Srettha unveils plans for Thailand’s economy at UBS conference

    At the UBS Asian Investment Conference 2024 in Hong Kong, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin showcased a visionary blueprint for Thailand’s economic revolution. Addressing over 2,000 participants and 300 companies from the Asia-Pacific region, he laid out a series of strategic initiatives designed to attract global investment and drive innovation and sustainability. The 62 year old PM emphasised the nation’s readiness…

  • DSI shifts gears, catches Thai man for swerving luxury car taxes | Thaiger

    DSI shifts gears, catches Thai man for swerving luxury car taxes

    Department of Special Investigation (DSI) officers arrested a Thai man yesterday for evading 42 million baht in taxes on the import of nine luxury cars. The DSI arrested the suspect, Chettha, at his accommodation, Uthong Mansion, in the Wang Thonglang district of Bangkok yesterday, May 29. Chettha is charged under Section 243 of the Customs Act for importing goods to…

  • PM Srettha to announce huge tech investment at AWS Summit | Thaiger

    PM Srettha to announce huge tech investment at AWS Summit

    Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will grace the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Summit in Bangkok tomorrow. The highly anticipated event at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre will see AWS, Amazon’s cloud computing powerhouse, unveil its grand vision for Thailand. “Thailand is poised for a digital transformation.” Prime Minister Srettha will co-chair the summit’s opening ceremony, according to government spokesman…

  • Outrage as Chinese tourists let child urinate near sacred Thai site | Thaiger

    Outrage as Chinese tourists let child urinate near sacred Thai site

    A photograph of two Chinese tourists allowing their child to urinate on a path near Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall in Bangkok has ignited a heated online debate. The Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, nestled within the Royal Grand Palace in Bangkok, is a symbol of national pride and a key venue for state ceremonies. Formerly a royal residence, it…

  • Thai halal boom targets 84 trillion baht market | Thaiger

    Thai halal boom targets 84 trillion baht market

    In a move to capture a share of the burgeoning US$2.3 trillion (approximately 84 trillion baht) global halal market, the Ministry of Industry has launched the Thai Halal Industry Centre. This strategic initiative aims to position Thailand as the regional hub for halal products and services, with the market value expected to soar to US$2.8 trillion by 2025, driven by…

  • Thaksin’s shadow over Pheu Thai and election scandal rejected | Thaiger

    Thaksin’s shadow over Pheu Thai and election scandal rejected

    The Constitutional Court unanimously rejected a high-profile petition accusing the Pheu Thai Party of being dominated by paroled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The petition alleged that Thaksin’s influence and the controversial digital wallet scheme used in their election campaign violated section 49 of the Constitution. Decha Chairat, the petitioner, didn’t stop there. He also accused Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin…

  • Heroic doctor leads rescue after Singapore Airlines emergency | Thaiger

    Heroic doctor leads rescue after Singapore Airlines emergency

    Thailand has been lauded for its rapid and efficient response to an emergency when a Singapore Airlines flight encountered severe turbulence over Myanmar on May 21. Heading the emergency operation after Flight SQ321 diverted to Suvarnabhumi Airport was Dr Wichanya Burirak, a dedicated physician and aviation enthusiast. Chiang Mai University, where Wichanya graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, expressed pride…

  • Ex minister refunds Japanese tourist overcharged by tuk tuk driver | Thaiger

    Ex minister refunds Japanese tourist overcharged by tuk tuk driver

    A former transport minister personally compensated a Japanese victim overcharged by a greedy tuk tuk driver in Bangkok with 2,000 baht in cash, declaring it was his duty as a Thai citizen. The Japanese man took to X, formerly known as Twitter, on May 13, to report that he was overcharged by a tuk tuk driver, later identified as 29…

  • Weed demand justice: Cannabis advocates’ reclassification rally in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Weed demand justice: Cannabis advocates’ reclassification rally in Bangkok

    Cannabis entrepreneurs, farmers, and activists gathered in Bangkok to protest the government’s plan to reclassify marijuana as a narcotic, only two years after its decriminalisation. The rally, held yesterday in front of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific headquarters, saw nearly 2,000 signatures collected to support a legal petition aimed at halting the government’s…

  • Making cents: Thai PM showers BoT governor with praise | Thaiger

    Making cents: Thai PM showers BoT governor with praise

    During the Council of Economic Ministers’ meeting yesterday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin showered praise on Central Bank Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput for his constructive opinions on economic measures. This commendation comes hot on the heels of criticism from the PM’s adviser, Pichai Naripathaphan, who had lambasted the central bank for its inaction in supporting the government’s efforts to spur economic growth.…

  • Wissanu to advise Cabinet on legal matters, no political role | Thaiger

    Wissanu to advise Cabinet on legal matters, no political role

    Seasoned legal expert and former Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam is poised to become an adviser to the Secretariat of the Cabinet, assisting with the government’s legal affairs. Wissanu confirmed yesterday that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin would appoint him to the position. He mentioned that the secretariat had previously approached him for the role following his departure as deputy prime minister…

  • Thai banks urged to ‘transact green’ by BoT to aid local businesses | Thaiger

    Thai banks urged to ‘transact green’ by BoT to aid local businesses

    The Bank of Thailand (BoT) urges large commercial banks in Thailand to provide transition finance to aid local businesses in shifting from carbon-intensive operations to more sustainable practices. During the seminar EARTH JUMP 2024: The Edge of Action organised by Kasikornbank, Ronadol Numnonda, deputy governor of the central bank, revealed that last year, large local banks reported a total of…

  • Thailand seeks BRICS membership for global influence | Thaiger

    Thailand seeks BRICS membership for global influence

    Thailand set its sights on joining the intergovernmental organisation BRICS, which is expanding beyond its original membership of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The Thai Cabinet approved a draft of the official letter indicating Thailand’s intention to join the group, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates became official members of…

  • Bangkok ranked 17th dream destination for expats to work | Thaiger

    Bangkok ranked 17th dream destination for expats to work

    Bangkok secured a spot in the top 20 dream destinations for expat talent worldwide, as revealed in the 2024 Decoding Global Talent Report. The capital of Thailand claimed 17th position in the prestigious report. Published by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in conjunction with recruitment website The Network and digital recruitment platform The Stepstone Group, the report delves into workforce mobility,…

  • Gold stealing Taxi driver arrested for 2 million baht haul | Thaiger

    Gold stealing Taxi driver arrested for 2 million baht haul

    In a swift operation, police detained a taxi driver who was reportedly found in possession of gold worth 1.9 million baht. This follows a gold shop employee’s reports of losing over 40 baht of gold while en route to deliver the valuables to her place of employment in Yaowarat. Chaiyaporn, the gold shop owner, initially offered a 100,000 baht reward…

  • PM tunes up tourism: Bangkok’s Song Wat set to hit high notes | Thaiger

    PM tunes up tourism: Bangkok’s Song Wat set to hit high notes

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to enhance the promotion of Song Wat, one of Bangkok’s most historic trading areas, as a prime tourism destination. Following a walk along Song Wat Road and discussions with young entrepreneurs yesterday, the Thai premier expressed on his X account, formerly Twitter, that…