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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Shine Muscat scandal: Grapes of wrath as dodgy imports leave a sour taste
In a juicy scandal that’s peeling away layers of safety concerns, the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) is demanding the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take a bite out of dodgy importers flooding the market with tainted Shine Muscat grapes. Lab tests have unearthed a sour truth: nearly all of the samples are riddled with banned substances. Last week, 23 out…
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Thai man survives attempted murder orchestrated by ex-girlfriend
A Thai man survived an attempted murder after a brutal gang attack allegedly orchestrated by his ex-girlfriend, whom he dated for only two months before breaking up at her condominium in the Huai Khwang area of Bangkok. The victim, Jakkrit, sought help from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive, claiming that the police failed to deliver justice. He reported that he almost…
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EXAT digs deep but hits financial roadblock on N1 Expressway
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) seems set to abandon its plans for an underground route in the controversial N1 Expressway development, citing financial concerns. EXAT Governor Surachet Laophulsuk revealed that the board has decided to delay the project after a study raised serious doubts about its financial viability. Despite a promising equity internal rate of return (EIRR) projected at…
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Bank on it: Chinese counterfeit cash caper at Chatuchak Market
Police arrested a Chinese man at the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok yesterday with 95 counterfeit 1,000-baht banknotes in his possession. Officers from Bang Sue Police Station were called to the market yesterday, October 27, by the owner of a glasses shop, Phatcharanat, who informed them that the Chinese man, identified as Su Zhenfeng, paid 200 baht for glasses with…
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BEM takes legal action against escalator stunt at Bangkok metro
Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM) has taken legal action against an individual for his alleged reckless behaviour, as captured in a viral video showing him sliding down an escalator handrail at a metro station in Bangkok. A Facebook user known as Nut Freerunning posted the video on October 22, tagging it with “Slider+MRT+freerunning.” The footage depicted the man running through…
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Big Joke’s wife counters alleged victim with illegal police uniform claim
Sirinatda Hakparn, the wife of former police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, denied allegations of theft made by another police officer’s wife. She also accused the woman of wearing a police uniform despite having no position within the Royal Thai Police (RTP). The 50 year old woman, Thanattha, filed a complaint at Phra Kanong Police Station on October 20, alleging…
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Thai freshman remains unconscious 6 months after brutal hazing
A Thai freshman remains unconscious at a hospital in Pathum Thani province, near Bangkok, after being brutally assaulted in a hazing at a university in Bangkok in April. An older student admitted to kicking the victim in the chest. The victim’s 42 year old mother, Thanawan Pannoppha, sought help from Channel 7 after no one took responsibility for her injured…
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Thailand pumps the brakes on private sector traffic perks
The Ministry of Transport firmly dismissed allegations from the opposition that its proposed traffic congestion fees will disproportionately benefit the private sector, asserting that the policy is designed with accountability in mind. Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote addressed concerns raised by Suphanat Meenchainan, a Bangkok MP from the opposition People’s Party, during a House meeting yesterday, October 24. Transport Minister…
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Thai taxi driver arrested for stabbing Australian tourist in Bangkok
Thai police arrested a taxi driver for the brutal stabbing of an Australian tourist with a box cutter, causing injuries. The driver confessed to the crime, stating that a quarrel led to the incident, which occurred after the tourist slammed the car door loudly and refused to pay for the damage. Yesterday, October 24, Police Major General Witthawat Chinnakam, Police…
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Bail granted to Big Joke’s wife amidst theft and affair accusation
Phra Khanong Police Station officers granted bail to the wife of former police chief, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, after four hours of questioning regarding a theft accusation yesterday, October 24. The wife of a police officer, 50 year old Thanattha, filed a complaint against Big Joke’s wife, Sirinatda Hakparn, accusing her of stealing valuables worth approximately 5.7 million baht from…
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Big Joke’s on her: Police wife caught in affair and burglary storm
The wife of former Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, has surrendered to Phra Kanong Police Station following allegations of an affair and the theft of 5.7 million baht. These allegations, concerning an extramarital affair and the theft of valuables worth approximately 5.7 million baht, surfaced after a complaint was filed with the police on…
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Gold-digging: Ex-cop’s wife accused of affair, burglary in Bangkok
A Thai woman accused the wife of a former police chief of having an adulterous affair with her husband and stealing approximately 5.7 million baht worth of cash and gold accessories from her condominium in Bangkok. The 50 year old woman, Thanattha, filed a complaint at Phra Khanong Police Station on October 20, alleging that the wife of the former…
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Bangkok launches new measures to combat PM2.5 pollution
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to implement new measures aimed at reducing air pollution, specifically targeting PM2.5 fine dust pollution. BMA spokesperson Aekvarunyoo Amrapala revealed that Bangkok’s PM2.5 dust levels often surpass the safe threshold of 50µg/m³ from November to March due to stagnant air conditions. To combat this, the BMA has directed all district offices to start…
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Bangkok drug gang suspect at large after shooting at police
A suspect from a drug gang in Bangkok remains at large after firing five shots at police to facilitate his escape. His accomplice, who was apprehended, was found with 160,000 methamphetamine pills and 1 kilogramme of crystal methamphetamine hidden in the car’s boot. Yesterday, October 22, around 10.30pm, police officers led by Rangsang Sonsingh, along with Sanchai Keerirat and Wutthichai…
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Bangkok university under fire for substandard aircraft repair course
A Bangkok university is under intense scrutiny following allegations of offering a substandard aircraft repair technician course, charging nearly 1 million baht in total fees. The Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Ministry has launched a formal investigation into the matter. Supamas Isarabhakdi, the minister, directed the ministry’s permanent secretary, Supachai Pathumnakul, to establish an investigative team. This action follows…
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Iranian man caught impersonating police to rob tourists in Bangkok
Officers in Bang Rak apprehended an Iranian man impersonating a police officer to search tourists’ bags and steal cash. The suspect was finally caught at the Sadao checkpoint while attempting to flee to Malaysia. Police Major General Samart Phromchat, with local officers and immigration police, arrested 53 year old Ghiasi Arefhossein on charges of theft by impersonation. The arrest was…
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Rural Roads demands BMA pave the way with late 197.9m baht fee
The Rural Roads Department urged the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to settle an outstanding payment of 197.9 million baht in land lease fees. These fees cover the use of three specific areas, including a portion of Ratchaphruek Road, and for the construction of two electric railway lines. Pichit Hoonsiri, the department’s deputy director-general, mentioned that the department sent a formal…
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Armed gang extorts 4 million baht, kidnaps two in Bangkok heist
Five armed men stormed a prominent company on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok, extorted over 4 million baht, and kidnapped two Chinese nationals before abandoning them on Nawamin Road. Police are currently investigating the incident. Yesterday, October 20, two Chinese nationals reported to Suthisan Police Station that they had been victims of an armed robbery and kidnapping at their workplace on…
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Bangkok proposes congestion fee to fund flat 20-baht train fare
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt expressed support for the Transport Ministry’s proposal to introduce a congestion fee for vehicles entering the central parts of Bangkok. The revenue generated from this fee would be used to subsidise a flat 20-baht fare across all electric train lines in the city. Congestion charges are not a novel idea, having been successfully implemented in cities…
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State workers lose 18 million baht in iCon Group scam
Two state enterprise employees have come forward as victims of The iCon Group scam, having lost a total of 18 million baht. The state workers, along with 102 others, have filed complaints with the police. The workers, 49 year old Pitipat and 32 year old Piromna presented evidence of money transfers and related documents to the investigators. Their ordeal began…
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EC investigates Pheu Thai Party, dissolution probable
The Election Commission (EC) has commenced an investigation into the ruling Pheu Thai Party, which could potentially lead to its dissolution, as reported by multiple local media outlets yesterday, October 18. The EC has formed a committee to examine complaints alleging that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been exerting influence or directing party activities. This information was shared by…
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Iranian duo arrested for night theft in Bangkok
Two Iranian nationals were arrested on charges of theft at night after being caught red-handed by Thonglor Police in Bangkok yesterday evening, October 17. Police officers, led by Witawat Chinkam, the Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 5 commander, and Pansa Amarapithak, the Thonglor Police Station superintendent, conducted the operation following multiple reports from tourists. These tourists had reported incidents where foreign…
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Deputy speaker shuts down House debate on amnesty bill
Tensions flared in Thailand’s House of Representatives yesterday as Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangphan unexpectedly slammed the gavel on a heated debate, abruptly closing the session before a vote on a controversial amnesty proposal could be held. The debate centred on a report led by Pheu Thai MP Chusak Sirinil, which explored ways to draft an amnesty bill aimed at…
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Kidnapping hoax unmasked: Mum’s fake abduction tale sends public into a spin
Police confirmed the safety of a seven year old Thai girl after her mother faked her abduction on social media, causing panic and confusion among the public. The Thai mother, whose identity remains undisclosed, took to Facebook to claim that her seven year old daughter, named Omyim, was missing. The mother stated that the girl disappeared near an international school…
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Joint session on 2017 Thailand constitution set for mid-December
The House of Representatives anticipates holding a joint session with the Senate by mid-December to deliberate on a bill amending the 2017 constitution. According to Nattawut Buaprathum, a People’s Party list MP and opposition whip chief, this decision follows an agreement between the government and opposition whips. The whips agreed that starting deliberation during the nearly concluded parliamentary session would…
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Gang attack in Bangkok leaves man fatally shot
A notorious gang stormed a rival’s home, resulting in a tragic shooting where the older brother came out to confront them but was fatally shot multiple times. The younger brother revealed the deceased had just returned to visit their mother before being caught in the crossfire. Police have identified the suspects. At 2am today, October 18, Tosaphon Rungchaeng, a deputy…
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GHB holds savings bonds prize draw in Nonthaburi
The Government Housing Bank (GHB) held the prize draw for its savings bonds yesterday, October 16, at the prize draw building of the Government Lottery Office (GLO) in Nonthaburi. The event was presided over by Akkarut Sonthayanon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Chairman of the GHB Board, along with Thidaporn Meekingthong, GHB Deputy Managing Director. Media…
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Chatuchak condo residents glue-d to growing homeless woes
Residents of a condominium in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, raised concerns about a growing number of homeless individuals who have taken up residence in front of their building, indulging in alcohol and glue sniffing, and leaving food waste scattered. Despite repeated reports to local government officials, the issue remains unresolved. A post on the Facebook page Drama-addict highlighted the problem, with…
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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,…
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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…
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