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 police launch drunk driving crackdown near nightclubs

    Bangkok police launch drunk driving crackdown near nightclubs

    Traffic police have established checkpoints in front of entertainment venues as part of the Breath Before You Drive, Get Home Safely initiative. The campaign encourages tourists to refrain from driving under the influence, aiming to reduce road accidents. Last night, officials, including Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Police Major General Thawat Wongsanga, alongside the traffic police division led by…

  • Lao-American man arrested for stealing iPhone at Bangkok airport

    Lao-American man arrested for stealing iPhone at Bangkok airport

    A 58 year old man of Lao-American nationality was apprehended for allegedly stealing an iPhone 16 from a Japanese tourist at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Initially denying the accusation, he was confronted with evidence leading to his arrest. Police Lieutenant Colonel Seksanti Thiraruangrat and Police Lieutenant Colonel Papassorn Maituk, along with a team from the tourist police at Suvarnabhumi Airport, detained…

  • Ex-legal officer caught for embezzling 10 million baht in Bangkok

    Ex-legal officer caught for embezzling 10 million baht in Bangkok

    Police apprehended a former legal officer of the Social Security Office accused of embezzling 10 million baht from the social security fund. The suspect, who had been on the run, was captured while working at a shop in the Rama 9 area of Bangkok yesterday, February 13. Poomwisal Kasemsuk, Secretary-General of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), along with Ekachai…

  • School shame: Bangkok security guard accused of sexual assault

    School shame: Bangkok security guard accused of sexual assault

    A 21 year old security guard at a well-known Don Mueang school in Bangkok has been accused of sexually assaulting a 12 year old student in the school’s bathroom. What’s more alarming, the school director allegedly brushed off the incident, reportedly offering a measly 5,000 baht to make it all go away. The harrowing ordeal, which took place on February…

  • Valentine’s Day sees surge in LGBTQ+ marriage registrations

    Valentine’s Day sees surge in LGBTQ+ marriage registrations

    The government anticipates a significant number of LGBTQ+ couples will register their marriages today in celebration of Valentine’s Day, according to deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan. Sasikarn mentioned that numerous events are planned to support same-sex marriages across district offices nationwide on Valentine’s Day. In Bangkok’s Bang Rak district, renowned for Valentine’s marriage registrations, the district office will provide services…

  • Bangkok passenger caught smuggling ‘space oil’ at HK airport

    Bangkok passenger caught smuggling ‘space oil’ at HK airport

    A brazen drug smuggler’s trip from Bangkok to Hong Kong ended in disaster when customs officers uncovered a shocking stash of illicit “space oil” hidden in fruit-flavoured drink powder. The 22 year old suspect was stopped at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday, February 13, where officials discovered approximately 8 kilogrammes of the substance, containing the controlled drug etomidate, inside his…

  • Political chaos: Charter debate stalls as Pheu Thai blocks vote

    Political chaos: Charter debate stalls as Pheu Thai blocks vote

    Thailand’s charter amendment debate descended into chaos as the joint sitting of MPs and senators was abruptly adjourned due to a lack of quorum. The Pheu Thai Party strategically withheld participation to prevent the bill’s rejection, while a senator pushed for a Constitutional Court ruling on the process. The session began at 9.30am today, February 13, but was called off…

  • High-speed chase in Bangkok: Suspect escapes after collisions (video)

    High-speed chase in Bangkok: Suspect escapes after collisions (video)

    A man involved in a high-speed chase with police, which resulted in multiple collisions with civilian vehicles, managed to escape after abandoning his car. Yesterday, February 12, a viral clip from the อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 page showed police surrounding a grey pickup truck reversing to evade capture on Pracharat Road, near Taopoon Market, before colliding with civilian vehicles. On…

  • Thai DSI targets Karen leader in global call centre scam

    Thai DSI targets Karen leader in global call centre scam

    The issue of call centre scams is a significant concern in the Southeast Asia region, following revelations by Rangsiman Rome, an MP from the People’s Party. The MP exposed a fraudulent network causing distress for many. Rangsiman recently posted an image of an arrest warrant for Mong Chittu, leader of the Border Guard Force (BGF), alleging that the high-ranking officer is…

  • Bangkok taxi driver arrested for targeting intoxicated passengers

    Bangkok taxi driver arrested for targeting intoxicated passengers

    Police in Bangkok arrested a 46 year old taxi driver accused of stealing from passengers who were intoxicated and abandoning them en route. The arrest followed the attachment of a GPS tracker to his vehicle. The driver, Sawat was apprehended yesterday, February 12, in Soi Chok Chai 4, Soi 69, Lat Phrao district, Bangkok, acting under a warrant from the Criminal Court…

  • Thai TV host questions DJ Man’s 14 million baht extortion claims

    Thai TV host questions DJ Man’s 14 million baht extortion claims

    Well-known television host Noom Kanchai recently commented on DJ Man’s interview where he accused a fellow celebrity of extorting 14 million baht. The online community is abuzz with speculation, with many believing they have identified the individual in question. During his appearance on the talk show, DJ Man revealed that a prominent figure from the entertainment industry approached and allegedly promised…

  • Construction worker killed by collapsing wall in Bangkok

    Construction worker killed by collapsing wall in Bangkok

    A construction worker tragically died after being crushed by a collapsing wall during demolition activities in Soi Phahonyothin 32, Sena Nikom 1 Road in Bangkok. The Ruamkatanyu Foundation’s volunteer unit responded to the incident yesterday, February 12, which involved an old concrete wall that was in the process of being dismantled. The volunteer team at the scene is assessing the situation…

  • Chinese tourists lead 4.8m visitors to Thailand, boosting revenue

    Chinese tourists lead 4.8m visitors to Thailand, boosting revenue

    Over 4 million tourists have visited Thailand since the start of the year, with Chinese visitors leading the numbers. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced yesterday that from January 1 to February 9, Thailand hosted 4.8 million international tourists, contributing more than 234.9 billion baht in revenue. Chinese tourists ranked highest with 825,617 arrivals, followed by Malaysia with 617,631,…

  • Iran seeks to boost tourism ties with Thailand

    Iran seeks to boost tourism ties with Thailand

    Iran aims to enhance tourism exchanges with Thailand, as stated by its ambassador during an event celebrating Iran’s National Day in Bangkok on Tuesday, February 11. Nassereddin Heidari, the Iranian envoy in Bangkok, highlighted that over 50,000 Iranians visited Thailand as tourists last year, establishing it as a favoured destination. Iran hopes to see this figure rise. Tehran is eager…

  • Pregnant woman mourns husband shot by police in Bangkok theft

    Pregnant woman mourns husband shot by police in Bangkok theft

    A nine-month pregnant woman was left in mourning after her husband was shot dead by police during a motorcycle theft incident in Bangkok. The man, part of a gang involved in stealing motorcycles, was confronted by investigators and shot after allegedly threatening officers with a firearm. The family claims the police response was excessive. The shooting occurred near the entrance…

  • Illegal factory in Nonthaburi busted for fake sterile cotton balls

    Illegal factory in Nonthaburi busted for fake sterile cotton balls

    Thai police shut down an illegal medical supply factory in Nonthaburi after uncovering a massive operation producing unlicenced cotton balls soaked in diluted alcohol, potentially endangering thousands of patients. Consumer Protection Police (CPP) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials raided the factory in Khlong Khoi subdistrict yesterday, February 10, following a tip-off. Inside, they found over 9,000 packs of…

  • Elderly driver crashes Honda HR-V into pole in Bangkok

    Elderly driver crashes Honda HR-V into pole in Bangkok

    A 72 year old man drove a Honda HR-V into a utility pole, splitting it in half, as the vehicle spun to the opposite side of the road. Witnesses reported seeing the car approach at high speed without braking. The incident occurred at 3.30pm yesterday, February 10, opposite Rama 6 Soi 11, Rong Mueang subdistrict, Pathum Wan district, Bangkok. Volunteers…

  • Thailand govt eases spending rules for 10000 baht digital wallet

    Thailand govt eases spending rules for 10000 baht digital wallet

    The Thai government plans to relax conditions for spending under the third phase of the 10,000 baht digital wallet programme, ensuring access for those without smartphones. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed that the funds would be disbursed in the second quarter of this year. The Economic Stimulus Subcommittee has shown readiness and confidence in the blockchain system, with banks…

  • Bangkok battles coastal erosion with new wave barrier initiative

    Bangkok battles coastal erosion with new wave barrier initiative

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is collaborating with various organisations to combat the persistent erosion of Bangkok’s coastline in the Bang Khun Thian district. Jessada Chandraprabha, the director of the BMA’s Drainage and Sewerage Department, recently updated on the ongoing initiatives to tackle this issue affecting the capital’s shoreline. He explained that the department is working closely with related agencies…

  • Thai soldier dies in Bangkok public park in suspected suicide

    Thai soldier dies in Bangkok public park in suspected suicide

    A Thai soldier reportedly took his own life at a public volleyball court in Wachirabenchathat Park, also known as Rot Fai Park, in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok last night. A group of people playing volleyball fled the court after hearing a gunshot close to them at around 8pm, yesterday, February 10. Once the situation calmed, they returned to the…

  • Aeroflot flight makes emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport

    Aeroflot flight makes emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport

    A Moscow-bound Aeroflot flight turned into a mid-air ordeal after a landing gear malfunction forced the aircraft to circle over the Andaman Sea for hours before making an emergency landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Aeroflot Flight SU277, a Boeing 777-300ER carrying 346 people, took off from Phuket Airport at 3.20pm yesterday, February 10. Shortly after departure, the nose gear…

  • Naomi Campbell discusses Thai fashion industry boost with PM

    Naomi Campbell discusses Thai fashion industry boost with PM

    Former supermodel Naomi Campbell engaged in discussions with Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra yesterday, February 10, aiming to elevate Thailand’s presence in the global fashion industry by fostering the development of supermodels and fashion. Campbell’s meeting with the prime minister at the Government House focused on strategies to position Thailand as a leading nation for supermodels and a hub for…

  • Bangkok bus skids on oil, crashes into electric pole cable (video)

    Bangkok bus skids on oil, crashes into electric pole cable (video)

    A Bangkok public bus, route 167, encountered an oil slick on the road, causing it to lose control while navigating a curve. The incident occurred today, February 11, at 12.20am near the Maihai Sawan intersection in Thon Buri, Bangkok. The bus veered off course and collided with a high-voltage electric pole’s support cable, lifting its front wheels over 3 metres…

  • Man arrested in Bangkok for home thefts using motorbike (video)

    Man arrested in Bangkok for home thefts using motorbike (video)

    A 45 year old Thai man was apprehended by the police on February 8 for allegedly climbing into homes and committing theft for personal gain. This arrest followed an investigation after a social media page, อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้รีเทิร์น sought assistance with a case involving a thief on a motorcycle, suspected in two separate incidents. The investigation, led by Police Major General Siam…

  • Thailand’s air quality safe, Bangkok records lowest PM2.5 levels

    Thailand’s air quality safe, Bangkok records lowest PM2.5 levels

    In a rare twist of atmospheric fate, Thailand basked in pristine air quality this morning, with every province being given the green light for clean air by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). Foremost among them, bustling Bangkok boasted the lowest levels of ultrafine dust in the nation, marking a refreshing change for the capital known for its…

  • Jealous Thai man sets fire to ex-wife’s boyfriend leading to fatality

    Jealous Thai man sets fire to ex-wife’s boyfriend leading to fatality

    A jealous Thai man set fire to his ex-wife’s boyfriend in a temple parking lot in Bangkok on Friday, February 8, leading to the victim’s death. Officers from Bang Pongpang Police Station and rescuers from the Poe Teck Tung Foundation rushed to the Dokmai Temple’s car park after reports of a fire. Upon arrival, they found a Suzuki pickup ablaze, with…

  • Bangkok defends bus shelter costs amid public criticism

    Bangkok defends bus shelter costs amid public criticism

    Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt defended the design and pricing of new bus shelters intended to replace approximately 3,000 bus stops throughout the city. He stated that the costs are justified considering the complexities involved in their construction. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration‘s (BMA) bus shelter procurement project has faced public criticism, with detractors arguing that the design does not justify the…

  • Thailand’s capital relocation proposal faces opposition

    Thailand’s capital relocation proposal faces opposition

    A proposal by a lawmaker from the Pheu Thai Party for the relocation of Thailand’s capital to Nakhon Ratchasima has been met with opposition from a House study. The study suggests that such a move would require a significant budget and a referendum for decision-making. The Interior Ministry, tasked with forming a House committee to examine the proposal, indicated that the…

  • DoE raid: Unlicensed foreign teachers schooled in surprise sweep

    DoE raid: Unlicensed foreign teachers schooled in surprise sweep

    Department of Employment (DoE) officials swooped into Bangkok’s Ratchada and Bang Na areas to check on foreign teachers without any certification in a surprise operation. Hot on the heels of last week’s shock arrest of eight South Korean nationals teaching without valid work documentation, officials are leaving no stone unturned to rectify the situation. “Search, Arrest, Fine, Deport” is the…

  • Monitor lizard invades Bangkok home, elderly woman startled (video)

    Monitor lizard invades Bangkok home, elderly woman startled (video)

    A large monitor lizard unexpectedly entered a home, startling an elderly woman. Her daughter speculated the reptile was driven by a dog while attempting to steal eggs. The incident was captured on video and shared widely on social media. Yesterday, February 8, reporters visited the scene in the Bang Khun Thian coastal area of Bangkok, where the event occurred in…