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....

  • Chinese businessmen extorted for 2.5 million baht in Bangkok

    Chinese businessmen extorted for 2.5 million baht in Bangkok

    Bangkok was the scene of a daring extortion case involving five Chinese businessmen and a group of Thais, including law enforcement officers, yesterday, May 5. A press conference, held by Din Daeng police and other relevant agencies, revealed the shocking incident where the businessmen were forcibly detained and extorted for 2.5 million baht. The incident began unfolding on April 25…

  • Bangkok taxi meter scam outcry after 1,800 baht airport fare

    Bangkok taxi meter scam outcry after 1,800 baht airport fare

    A recent social media post sparked an outcry over alleged taxi meter fraud in Bangkok. A passenger complaint was highlighted, claiming an overcharge for a ride from Bang Khae to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, where the fare meter read an exorbitant 1,800 baht. The incident has raised concerns about overcharging and exploitation of foreigners by taxi drivers in the city. Bangkok’s…

  • Thai woman demands justice after taxi takes her to wrong airport

    Thai woman demands justice after taxi takes her to wrong airport

    A Thai woman is seeking justice after an app-based taxi driver took her to the wrong airport in Bangkok, causing her to miss her flight. The woman, whose identity was not revealed, shared her story on Facebook, expressing frustration that both the driver and the ride-hailing app refuse to take responsibility for her losses. The driver blamed her for not…

  • Bangkok Police Hospital initiates comprehensive care program

    Bangkok Police Hospital initiates comprehensive care program

    The Police General Hospital announced a proactive healthcare initiative dubbed Police Care for the People, aimed at providing comprehensive medical services to police officers, their families, and the general public. This project, revealed on May 2, this year, is in line with the policies set forth by the acting national police chief and encompasses a broad range of medical specialities.…

  • Bangkok’s street sweepers: Deputy governor’s vendor crackdown

    Bangkok’s street sweepers: Deputy governor’s vendor crackdown

    Lang Suan Road commercial area in Pathumwan, Bangkok, was bustling with activity this morning. However, not with the usual chaos of vendors setting up their street stalls, but a methodical inspection led by Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Chakkapan Phewngam, and his team of officials to clamp down on street vendor regulations, maintain public order and ensure cleanliness. This was not…

  • Bangkok’s eastern flank gets a wetland forest for recreation

    Bangkok’s eastern flank gets a wetland forest for recreation

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is transforming an 86-rai plot of land situated on Bangkok’s eastern flank into a wetland forest, a green space designed to provide urban dwellers with fresh air and recreational facilities. This plot, found in the Bung Kum district, was previously recognised as Klong Lam Bung Kum. Its initial purpose was to act as a floodwater-retention…

  • PM Srettha urges local authorities to monitor Covid-19

    PM Srettha urges local authorities to monitor Covid-19

    PM Srettha issued a directive to local authorities to closely monitor the Covid-19 situation following a surge in cases during the Songkran festival. This came after the prime minister and public health officials voiced concerns about a potential increase in Covid-19 cases. Kenika Ounjit, a spokeswoman for the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, announced yesterday that local authorities have been instructed…

  • Thai father of twins dies in Bangkok overpass fall

    Thai father of twins dies in Bangkok overpass fall

    A 50 year old Thai father of twin boys lost his life yesterday evening after his motorbike collided with a reflective sign and fell from the Ratchaphruek overpass onto the Borommaratchachonnani Road below in Bangkok’s Taling Chan district. The incident was reported to Deputy Inspector Atthachai Nuimat, an investigator at the Taling Chan Police Station, who arrived at the scene…

  • Thailand and Bangladesh pursue free trade agreement

    Thailand and Bangladesh pursue free trade agreement

    PM Srettha confirmed that Thailand and Bangladesh are keen on pursuing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The two nations signed a letter of intent last week to speed up the negotiation process, marking a significant milestone in their collaborative efforts. Speaking at a press conference following his meeting with Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the 62 year old Thai PM…

  • Thailand’s EC investigates potential senator election manipulation

    Thailand’s EC investigates potential senator election manipulation

    The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand is currently probing into claims of potential manipulation in the upcoming senator election process. The EC has cautioned potential candidates about registering with a questionable website. The EC indicated that the act of encouraging individuals to form groups for the Senate election competition could be a breach of election laws. Consequently, they have initiated…

  • Silencing the Voice: Pro-Thaksin outlet shuts down, sending shockwaves

    Silencing the Voice: Pro-Thaksin outlet shuts down, sending shockwaves

    A bombshell announcement rocks the media landscape as Voice TV, the longstanding bastion of pro-Thaksin views, announces it is shutting down. The board of Voice TV declared the end of its 15-year run, leaving some 100 journalists and staff members facing the axe. The abrupt closure has left tongues wagging, with no immediate rationale provided for the drastic move. Established…

  • Thai anti-corruption commission lets go of Yingluck’s exoneration

    Thai anti-corruption commission lets go of Yingluck’s exoneration

    Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has unanimously chosen not to contest the Supreme Court’s ruling, which exonerated former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and five others from malfeasance charges linked to a 240-million baht public relations campaign, according to an insider familiar with the situation. The NACC filed allegations against Yingluck, former Prime Minister’s Office minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, Yingluck’s secretary-general at…

  • Bangkok condo guard allegedly punched British woman (video)

    Bangkok condo guard allegedly punched British woman (video)

    A British woman and her Thai husband are pursuing justice following an incident at their Bangkok condominium where a security guard allegedly punched the woman in the face, resulting in severe mental health issues. CCTV footage, however, shows that the foreign woman initiated the physical altercation. Yesterday, April 25, Boon-ek Wongsuriyawattana, a 46 year old Thai man, accompanied his 37…

  • Thai government delays wage hike: Minimum muddle continues

    Thai government delays wage hike: Minimum muddle continues

    The Thai government has postponed the anticipated increase in minimum daily wage to 400 baht. The rise was initially set to take effect on Labour Day but the government will now await the outcome of a tripartite committee meeting on May 14. Karom Polpornklang, the deputy government spokesperson, confirmed yesterday that the wage increase would not start on May 1.…

  • Company executive arrested for DUI and police assault in Bangkok

    Company executive arrested for DUI and police assault in Bangkok

    A high-level global company executive faces legal consequences after being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and assaulting a police officer during a checkpoint operation in Bangkok. The incident occurred early on Tuesday when the executive, driving a black Mercedes-Benz, was stopped at a breathalyser checkpoint along the motorway in Suan Luang district. Upon inspection, police found the…

  • Bangkok riverside estate lists at 200 million baht

    Bangkok riverside estate lists at 200 million baht

    A Facebook post advertising a house for sale along the Chao Phraya River on Charansanitwong Road in Bangkok sparked widespread interest and surprise with its staggering 200 million baht price tag. Social media users have been buzzing about the post, shared in an exclusive group for luxury properties, presenting a prime piece of land with a view of the Sapaya…

  • Facebook football fan’s foul play: Gambling page operator nabbed

    Facebook football fan’s foul play: Gambling page operator nabbed

    Thai authorities arrested a 28 year old man in Samut Prakan for operating a popular football Facebook page with over 300,000 followers, which was found to be secretly promoting online gambling sites. The arrest was made during a raid on a residence in Samut Prakan province led by the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), following an investigation into illegal content…

  • Former deputy PM’s 87 million baht car collection revealed

    Former deputy PM’s 87 million baht car collection revealed

    Former Deputy Prime Minister and chairman of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), General Prawit Wongsuwon, has been exposed for his staggering wealth, including a fleet of luxury cars worth 87 million baht, as reported by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The NACC, responsible for scrutinising the assets of political office-holders and government officials, made public Gen. Prawit’s lavish holdings,…

  • Thai MPs set to jump ship as PM Srettha prepares major reshuffle

    Thai MPs set to jump ship as PM Srettha prepares major reshuffle

    Two Members of Parliament from the ruling Pheu Thai Party are on the brink of securing seats in the Cabinet, according to insider sources. Paopoom Rojanasakul, a party-list MP, and Jiraporn Sindhuprai, representing Roi Et, were reportedly spotted at Government House on Tuesday, fuelling speculation of their imminent ascent. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, despite dismissing rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle…

  • Government promises relief from Rama II Road traffic nightmare

    Government promises relief from Rama II Road traffic nightmare

    Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke assured the public that the torment of perpetual gridlock on Rama II Road would soon become a distant memory, with all construction projects scheduled for completion next year. Chai’s declaration came hot on the heels of a heated exchange on social media with Bangkok’s Move Forward MP, Rukchanok Srinork, who had raised concerns about the dire…

  • Thailand proposes ASEAN Troika to mediate Myanmar crisis

    Thailand proposes ASEAN Troika to mediate Myanmar crisis

    Thailand has proposed a collaboration between three or more ASEAN member nations to engage with Myanmar’s military junta, to mitigate the crisis and restore peace in the conflict-stricken country. The nation maintained its commitment to extend humanitarian assistance and foster peace amid the turmoil. Nikorndej Balankura, spokesman for the Foreign Affairs Ministry, announced yesterday that Thailand, through Laos, the current…

  • Health Ministry greenlights medical opium and magic mushrooms

    Health Ministry greenlights medical opium and magic mushrooms

    The Public Health Ministry authorised the utilisation of opium and magic mushrooms for medical treatment and research purposes. This groundbreaking decision, disclosed in a directive published in the Royal Gazette yesterday, signifies a significant shift in drug policy. Signed by Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, the directive came into effect today. It categorises opium and psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as…

  • Bangkok taxi driver aids drunk motorist with damaged car

    Bangkok taxi driver aids drunk motorist with damaged car

    A recent incident involving a drunk driver whose vehicle sustained severe damage, including a missing tyre, has become a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence. The event unfolded late at night on a busy Bangkok street and was captured on video by a local taxi driver who intervened to prevent further mishaps. The taxi driver, Phasda…

  • Thaksin hospital release: Justice Minister denies misconduct

    Thaksin hospital release: Justice Minister denies misconduct

    Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong remained resolute, shrugging off the latest petition urging the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to delve into the ministry’s alleged misconduct surrounding Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospital release and parole. Police Colonel Tawee reiterated the ministry’s adherence to regulations governing prisoner treatment outside confinement and parole eligibility. However, he acknowledged citizens’ rights to petition the NACC if they perceive…

  • Bangladesh prime minister visits Thailand

    Bangladesh prime minister visits Thailand

    Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to make waves in Thailand as she embarks on a high-profile six-day mission, kicking off with her arrival today at the invitation of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Government House confirmed Hasina’s stay until next Monday, April 29, promising a flurry of diplomatic activity. A series of significant signings, including official agreements and memoranda…

  • Thai agencies launch e-system to streamline corporate data

    Thai agencies launch e-system to streamline corporate data

    The Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC), and the Business Development Department have collaborated to implement an electronic system streamlining corporate data. This highly anticipated paperless system is projected to save residents and entrepreneurs up to 7 billion baht annually. Sanan Angubolkul, the chamber’s chairman, stated that the project eliminates the need for…

  • Indian coffee trader busted with 10 anacondas on Bangkok flight

    Indian coffee trader busted with 10 anacondas on Bangkok flight

    Customs officials intercepted a 56 year old coffee trader from Sakleshpur, India with a suitcase filled with 10 baby yellow anacondas, on a flight from Bangkok to Bengaluru. At Kempegowda International Airport, the trader, arriving on Thai Air Asia Flight No. FD-137, was swiftly apprehended on Saturday night, sparking a high-stakes investigation into the illicit trafficking of exotic reptiles. The…

  • Former officials to face charges for 2004 Tak Bai massacre

    Former officials to face charges for 2004 Tak Bai massacre

    Criminal charges are set to be filed against nine former security officials involved in the 2004 Tak Bai massacre. Lawyers representing the victims’ families are spearheading this legal action. This move comes months before the expiration of the 20-year statute of limitations on the case, which is due to conclude in October this year. The charges will be filed at…

  • PM Srettha discusses interest rate cuts with bank chiefs

    PM Srettha discusses interest rate cuts with bank chiefs

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavasin convened a meeting with top executives from four major banks to discuss potential interest rate reductions aimed at aiding vulnerable groups within the country. The discussions took place at the Government House at 9am today just before the weekly Cabinet meeting. PM Srettha, who also serves as Finance Minister, sought cooperation from the leaders of both…

  • Thailand targets global animal feed market

    Thailand targets global animal feed market

    The Government of Thailand is spearheading a move to become a global leader in the production and export of animal feed, focusing on quality assurance and safety to cater to the global market. The initiative is expected to generate an economic value of up to 300 billion baht. Chai Watcharong, the spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, announced…