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 house of representatives approves same-sex marriage bill | Thaiger

    Thailand house of representatives approves same-sex marriage bill

    Thailand has taken a monumental leap forward in the quest for marriage equality, with the House of Representatives approving a same-sex marriage bill on its final reading. The bill, backed by all significant political parties, secured a resounding victory with 400 of the 415 members present voting in favour. A mere 10 representatives opposed the motion. Danuphorn Punnakanta, a Pheu…

  • Thai drama’s similarities with Korean series sparks controversy | Thaiger

    Thai drama’s similarities with Korean series sparks controversy

    A Thai drama’s debut has sparked buzz online as netizens compare its premiere shots to those of the Korean series Lovestruck in the City (2020). Titled Until We Love, the romantic comedy revolves around an unconventional relationship that develops between a stepson and his stepmother, portrayed by the popular duo Mark Prin and Yaya Urassaya. Directed by Nok Thanthaphon, the…

  • Thai state personnel to receive Chinese language training | Thaiger

    Thai state personnel to receive Chinese language training

    A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the King Prajadhipok’s Institute (KPI), the Thai-Chinese Cultural Relationship Council (TCCRC), and the Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College (BLCC). The agreement, centred on Thai-Sino cooperation, aims to provide Chinese language training for Thai state personnel. The signing ceremony took place at the King Prajadhipok Museum on Lan Luang Road in…

  • Migrant workers get free pass home for Songkran celebrations | Thaiger

    Migrant workers get free pass home for Songkran celebrations

    To ease the journey home for migrant workers from Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced yesterday that they will be exempted from re-entry fees if they wish to return to their home countries to celebrate Songkran between April 1 and May 15. The decision, greenlit by the policy committee on the management of alien workers, aims to…

  • Bamboo barges battle plastic pollution in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Bamboo barges battle plastic pollution in Bangkok

    To tackle Thailand’s plastic pollution crisis, a pioneering project has been launched on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Black flies scattered as plastic waste cascaded from bamboo conveyor belts onto solar-powered barges, marking a significant step towards cleaner waters. Dubbed the “interceptor,” this innovative boat-like structure, trailing a floating barrier, utilises the river’s currents to guide plastic debris into…

  • Thai government splurges 2.95 billion on free school lunches | Thaiger

    Thai government splurges 2.95 billion on free school lunches

    The Cabinet has given the nod to a 2.95 billion baht free school lunch programme for nearly half a million students nationwide for the upcoming 2025 academic year. Karom Pholpornklang, the deputy government spokesperson, revealed the comprehensive scope of the initiative, stating that it will extend its benevolent reach across 7,344 schools throughout the country. This plan encompasses 6,855 schools…

  • Quick action: Bangkok police recover 70,000 baht for Chinese man | Thaiger

    Quick action: Bangkok police recover 70,000 baht for Chinese man

    Bangkok police officers demonstrated integrity by successfully recovering 70,000 baht in cash for a Chinese man who had lost his wallet on March 25, highlighting that not all Thai cops are corrupt. The Chinese man, Zhang Wei, rushed to Huay Kwang Police Station after finding himself without a wallet at midnight on March 25. Zhang believed he might have left…

  • Pickpockets theft of Norweigian-Thai couple was karma, say cops | Thaiger

    Pickpockets theft of Norweigian-Thai couple was karma, say cops

    A Thai police officer dismissed a complaint from a Norwegian man and his Thai girlfriend who lost 30,000 baht in cash and a mobile phone to four pickpockets outside a shopping mall in Bangkok. The Thai cop allegedly told the foreigner it was his fault, a result of bad karma in their past lives. The Thai woman and her Norwegian…

  • Minimum wage rises to 400 baht in 10 Thai provinces | Thaiger

    Minimum wage rises to 400 baht in 10 Thai provinces

    The minimum wage in selected areas of 10 Thai provinces is set to rise to 400 baht per day, as decreed by the tripartite wage committee yesterday. This new wage increase, which comes into effect on April 13, will apply to tourism-related businesses and four-star hotels with a staff of 50 or more. Pairoj Chotikasathien, the committee’s chairman and permanent…

  • Friend of Thai comedian suspected of stealing from shoe collection | Thaiger

    Friend of Thai comedian suspected of stealing from shoe collection

    A close acquaintance of renowned Thai comedian Jazz Chuanchuen has been issued with an arrest warrant for making off with several items from Jazz’s extensive shoe collection, worth over 300,000 baht. Min Buri Police Station Chief, Police Colonel Kris Komnoi, stated that investigators had gathered evidence, particularly from a social media livestream by the individual claiming responsibility for the break-in and…

  • Parents of eye doctor killed in hit-and-run to receive 27 million baht | Thaiger

    Parents of eye doctor killed in hit-and-run to receive 27 million baht

    A court ruling yesterday determined that a 23 year old police officer must pay 27.3 million baht in compensation to the parents of a doctor he fatally hit while riding a motorcycle in 2022. The incident occurred when the officer, Norawich Buadok, who was travelling between 108 and 128 kilometres per hour on his Ducati Monster big bike, struck 33…

  • Court clears Thai lawyer’s remark against Thaksin | Thaiger

    Court clears Thai lawyer’s remark against Thaksin

    Thai lawyer and politician Chuan Leekpai’s controversial statement branding ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra as a “harbinger of doom” for the Deep South has been deemed fair game by the South Bangkok Criminal Court. The legal battle, which teetered on the edge of defamation, reached its climax today with a verdict that left both sides reeling. The lawsuit, initiated just three days…

  • Thaksin Shinawatra’s secretive meet-up sparks political uproar | Thaiger

    Thaksin Shinawatra’s secretive meet-up sparks political uproar

    Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s sudden appearance at the Pheu Thai Party’s headquarters has sparked intense speculation about his true intentions. To dispel mounting rumours, Phumtham Wechayachai, former Pheu Thai Secretary-General, clarified that Thaksin’s scheduled rendezvous on Tuesday was merely a gesture of convenience. “It’s not about control. It’s about respect.” Phumtham asserted that the visit was solely to facilitate…

  • Thai telecom tycoon ties the knot | Thaiger

    Thai telecom tycoon ties the knot

    Somchai Lertsutiwong, the CEO of Thai telecommunication giant Advanced Info Service (AIS), finally tied the knot. The media mogul yesterday stunned many with his hush-hush marriage announcement. Somchai exchanged vows with 31 year old Kuntita Chartsomboonchai, also known as Pear, a standout brand representative from the AIS Smart Gen 2018 project. This covert ceremony, held on March 23, was a…

  • Rapid test kit set to combat kidney disease epidemic | Thaiger

    Rapid test kit set to combat kidney disease epidemic

    Chulalongkorn Hospital unveils the nation’s first rapid kidney disease test kit, a potential game-changer in battling a growing health crisis. A research team, spearheaded by Dr Nattachai Srisawat, unveils the ALB11 kit, designed to swiftly detect microalbuminuria, a crucial marker for kidney disease, in the comfort of one’s home. “An initial screening for the disease is pivotal for swift medical…

  • Srettha fires back: Defends overseas trips amid criticism | Thaiger

    Srettha fires back: Defends overseas trips amid criticism

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin staunchly defended his international excursions and trips to neighbouring nations, asserting their vital role in ramping up foreign investment in Thailand and fostering stronger regional ties. Addressing critics head-on, the 62 year old PM justified his frequent forays into provinces to tackle local issues, such as combating the PM2.5 airborne pollution blighting Chiang Mai. Responding to…

  • Homeowner wins 1 million baht settlement in property dispute | Thaiger

    Homeowner wins 1 million baht settlement in property dispute

    A gang involved in a property dispute has agreed to pay 1 million baht in damages to an elderly homeowner, with the payment to be made in three instalments. The Min Buri Civil Court will deliver the final judgment in the trespassing case on May 7. At the Min Buri Civil Court today, lawyer Amnuayporn Maneevan, representing the homeowner in…

  • Attack in Moscow: PM Srettha assures safety of Thai citizens | Thaiger

    Attack in Moscow: PM Srettha assures safety of Thai citizens

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin takes a stand to reassure Thais amidst the chaos of a shooting spree in Moscow. PM Srettha, speaking from Wing 6 of Don Mueang Airport, delivered a message of condolence and concern following the shocking massacre at a concert hall in Russia. The Bangkok-born PM issued the following statement on X, formerly Twitter. “I am deeply…

  • Thai citizens set to receive government handout by year-end | Thaiger

    Thai citizens set to receive government handout by year-end

    To dispense a financial lifeline, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat unveiled plans to ensure that eligible Thais receive a 10,000 baht handout before the year’s end. The initiative, slated to be facilitated through digital wallets, hinges on a decisive timeframe to be determined by the digital wallet committee. Speaking confidently yesterday, March 25, the minister expressed optimism that the committee,…

  • TCC proposes temporary power tariff reduction for Thai households | Thaiger

    TCC proposes temporary power tariff reduction for Thai households

    The Consumers Council (TCC) has proposed a temporary reduction in power tariffs to alleviate the financial strain on Thai households during the summer’s peak demand. This request follows the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) suggested alterations to the current power rate, which critics argue would not result in cheaper electricity bills. Critics contend that the ERC’s adjustments primarily aim to lessen…

  • Fare fight: Thai woman’s plea after Bangkok taxi driver slaps her | Thaiger

    Fare fight: Thai woman’s plea after Bangkok taxi driver slaps her

    A Thai woman took to social media to seek justice and also issue a warning to others after a male taxi driver in Bangkok slapped her in the face for refusing his dishonest service. The victim posted details of the incident on her Facebook account, stating that it occurred around 11pm on March 22. She mentioned flagging down a yellow…

  • Bowl brawl: Thai monk’s alms lid swipe has woman in stitches | Thaiger

    Bowl brawl: Thai monk’s alms lid swipe has woman in stitches

    A violent Thai monk struck a local woman with the lid of his alms bowl, leaving the victim with four stitches to her head. The monk’s thuggish attack was reportedly prompted by the woman’s delay in helping him pack his food offerings. A witness recorded a video capturing the moment when the monk, identified as Nart, attempted to flee after…

  • Bangkok couple arrested for scamming delivery workers via app | Thaiger

    Bangkok couple arrested for scamming delivery workers via app

    Bangkok police have arrested a couple accused of orchestrating a delivery app scam that tricked delivery employees into topping up a digital wallet, causing significant financial losses. The operation, led by high-ranking police officials, culminated in the capture of the suspects at their home yesterday. The police were alerted to the criminal activity following complaints from delivery workers who had…

  • Stagnant trade and closed doors shake Bangkok’s New Chinatown | Thaiger

    Stagnant trade and closed doors shake Bangkok’s New Chinatown

    Dubbed the “New Chinatown of Bangkok,” Pracharat Bamphen Road, once teeming with Chinese hot pot restaurants and bustling shops, is now shrouded in a veil of uncertainty. Several Chinese eateries have succumbed to the fierce battleground of competition, exacerbated by a decline in Chinese tourist footfall since the Covid-19 pandemic. While there’s been a slight uptick in numbers, it’s a…

  • E-cigarette manufacturers target students with new ‘toy pod’ trend | Thaiger

    E-cigarette manufacturers target students with new ‘toy pod’ trend

    The rise of a new breed of e-cigarettes, dubbed “toy pods” has sparked growing concern among academics. This new variant, designed to resemble popular cartoon characters or toy miniatures, is targeted explicitly at school and university students. Srirach Lapyai, a project manager at the Tobacco Control Research and Knowledge Management Centre (TRC), shed light on this alarming trend. According to…

  • Chao Phraya Princess enhances cruise services to boost tourism | Thaiger

    Chao Phraya Princess enhances cruise services to boost tourism

    Thailand’s tourism industry is witnessing a revival, with operators enhancing their services to attract the global inflow of tourists. A sought-after experience for many first-time visitors in Bangkok is a scenic cruise along the Chao Phraya River, the country’s main thoroughfare. Chao Phraya Princess, among the largest river cruise operators, has weathered several crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic. To survive…

  • Power down for the planet: Bangkok joins global Earth Hour | Thaiger

    Power down for the planet: Bangkok joins global Earth Hour

    To combat climate change, Bangkokians are urged to power off their lights and unused appliances from 8.30pm to 9.30pm tomorrow, aligning with the annual Earth Hour tradition observed internationally on the penultimate Saturday of March. Spearheaded by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and other partners since 2008, this symbolic gesture…

  • Thai FDA warns against illegal beauty products | Thaiger

    Thai FDA warns against illegal beauty products

    Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned against six illegal beauty and dental care products, including popular toothpaste and facial masks, urging the public not to purchase or use these items. This alert comes after a raid conducted in partnership with the Consumer Protection Board and the Royal Thai Police on a company in the Bang Na district. The operation…

  • 7-Eleven stores to get police reporting points for tourist safety | Thaiger

    7-Eleven stores to get police reporting points for tourist safety

    The Tourist Police Bureau, in partnership with CP All Public Company Limited, is rolling out a new initiative to boost tourist safety with the help of 7-Eleven convenience stores. This project will establish incident reporting points in 7-Eleven convenience stores across 20 major tourist hotspots in the country. This move is part of a broader strategy to promote Thailand’s tourism image and…

  • Stink city: Residents hold noses as foul odour fills Bangkok streets | Thaiger

    Stink city: Residents hold noses as foul odour fills Bangkok streets

    Residents in the capital city were left pinching their noses last night after an unpleasant smell permeated several districts of Bangkok. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) attributed the smell to a sudden weather shift and ensuing chemical reactions with airborne pollutants. The BMA issued the statement in response to numerous reports from citizens who were disturbed by a pungent, burning scent…