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 one hospital visit in Thailand could cost more than your whole trip

    Thailand is a favourite spot for travellers who want to enjoy more while spending less. From cheap street food to low-cost hotels and fun attractions, it’s easy to stretch your budget here. But there’s one thing many people don’t think...

  • Samut Prakan teen girl attempted assault suspect arrested

    Samut Prakan teen girl attempted assault suspect arrested

    A suspect accused of attempting to assault a 15 year old student in Samut Prakan has been arrested. The incident involved the suspect allegedly following the girl from school on his motorcycle to her residence, where he attempted to commit the assault. The girl’s quick thinking and cries for help thwarted the attack. Police received a tip-off yesterday evening from…

  • Transport Ministry may delay Don Mueang toll hike

    Transport Ministry may delay Don Mueang toll hike

    The Ministry of Transport is considering to postpone a planned toll rate increase on the Don Mueang Tollway and may even lower the current fees, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Initially, the toll rates were set to rise from 115 baht to 130 baht per trip this year. Suriya has tasked the Department of Highways, which granted the concession…

  • Woman dies in house fire in Samut Sakhon

    Woman dies in house fire in Samut Sakhon

    A house fire claimed the life of a woman trapped inside her own home. The incident took place yesterday in Bang Thorat, Samut Sakhon. Police Lieutenant Kritsanaphon Watjanaphan, Deputy Inspector of Bang Thorat Police Station, received a report of a fire in a house located in Village No. 6, Bang Thorat Subdistrict, Mueang District. Fire trucks from Bang Thorat Subdistrict…

  • Royal barges restored for King’s 72nd birthday celebration

    Royal barges restored for King’s 72nd birthday celebration

    Restoration of 52 royal barges will be completed in time for a royal kathin ceremony in October, as part of celebrations for the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28, according to the Culture Ministry. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol stated today that only minor details remain, with the work scheduled to finish by the end of this month. The Fine Arts…

  • PM Srettha’s TV premier: Another propaganda show?

    PM Srettha’s TV premier: Another propaganda show?

    Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to make his TV debut as the host of Talk with Srettha tomorrow, June 22, nearly 10 months after assuming office. This tradition of Thai leaders hosting TV shows to address the nation, dubbed “the prime minister meets the people,” has a storied history. But will Srettha’s show bring something new to the…

  • Robinson Srinakarin to close after 30 years with big clearance sale

    Robinson Srinakarin to close after 30 years with big clearance sale

    End of an era as renowned department store Robinson Srinakarin, which has served the community for 30 years, will permanently close its doors on August 20. Located within Seacon Square Srinakarin in Nong Bon, Prawet, Bangkok, its closure will leave only three Robinson branches. Robinson Seacon Square’s official page announced the closure with a promotional campaign, offering up to 50%…

  • MFP urges budget reform, reassures public with its scrutiny efforts

    MFP urges budget reform, reassures public with its scrutiny efforts

    In a heated budget debate, the Move Forward Party (MFP) claims a significant victory in its relentless scrutiny of the 2025 budget. Party leaders assure the public that their meticulous examination has met expectations, confident that their efforts won’t disappoint. Natthapong Rueangpanyawut, a party-list MP from MFP, highlighted a pressing issue during the debate: the need for fundamental budgetary reform.…

  • Japanese tourist exposes corrupt Thai traffic officer in viral video

    Japanese tourist exposes corrupt Thai traffic officer in viral video

    A Japanese tourist exposed a corrupt Thai traffic police officer by sharing a video of the officer in Bangkok asking him to secretly pay 500 baht to avoid a charge for driving without an international driving licence. The Japanese YouTuber shared a video with the caption, “How to deal with corrupt Thai police when you get arrested.” In the video,…

  • Purrfect: Stray cats seek forever homes at Bangkok Expo 2024

    Purrfect: Stray cats seek forever homes at Bangkok Expo 2024

    Bangkok’s Benjakitti Park is buzzing with excitement as the BKK Expo 2024 rolls into town, inviting animal lovers to consider adopting stray cats and transforming lives one purr at a time. Deputy Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Governor Tavida Kamolvej announced today, June 20, that a variety of stray cats, now vaccinated and sterilised, are being showcased at the Sua Pa…

  • Defence ministry clarifies salary guidelines

    Defence ministry clarifies salary guidelines

    To quell public outrage, the Defence Ministry unveiled comprehensive guidelines detailing what can and cannot be deducted from conscripts’ salaries. The move follows a recent scandal involving dubious salary deductions by the 22nd Logistics and Supports Battalion. The guidelines, released on the ministry’s website today, clarify the permissible deductions from the 11,000 baht monthly salary of conscripts. This announcement comes…

  • Limited-edition banknotes issued to celebrate king’s birthday

    Limited-edition banknotes issued to celebrate king’s birthday

    The Bank of Thailand has released a stunning series of commemorative banknotes, igniting a frenzy among collectors and royal enthusiasts. These special 100-baht notes are designed to honour His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, marking his 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on July 28. Available from July 23, these exclusive notes are already creating waves. Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput…

  • Bangkok commuters go bananas as monkey halts BTS traffic

    Bangkok commuters go bananas as monkey halts BTS traffic

    A passenger today spotted a monkey on the railway track at Bang Wa BTS Station in Bangkok. Officers from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) announced they hope to catch the animal as soon as possible to avoid any possible accidents. The Red Skull News X account shared a video of a monkey walking along the…

  • Thailand sobers up: Slams brakes on extended alcohol sales hours

    Thailand sobers up: Slams brakes on extended alcohol sales hours

    The Government of Thailand dashed hopes of extended alcohol sales hours, citing alarming statistics on road casualties and accidents. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced the decision following a tense panel meeting at the ministry on Tuesday, asserting that public safety must take precedence. “The ministry’s alcoholic beverage control committee reviewed road accident statistics and related legal implications, recognising the…

  • Don Mueang tollway tolls to rise by up to 10 baht

    Don Mueang tollway tolls to rise by up to 10 baht

    Don Mueang Tollway, the operator of the elevated Uttraphimuk Tollway, announced a toll increase of 5 to 10 baht, bringing the maximum toll fee to 170 baht, effective December 22. The announcement was made today by Don Mueang Tollway Public Company Limited, informing users about the upcoming change in toll rates based on the concession contract amendment agreement 3/2550 dated…

  • Sky-high opportunities: Vietjet Thailand holds recruitment event

    Sky-high opportunities: Vietjet Thailand holds recruitment event

    Vietjet Thailand took off with its largest recruitment event in six years on June 15, transforming the Paragon Cineplex in Siam Paragon into a bustling hub of aviation career opportunities. This year’s Sky Career Festival, an annual extravaganza since 2018, saw the launch of Vietjet Thailand’s groundbreaking Major Cadet Pilot Training Programme. Over 10,000 eager attendees flocked to explore diverse…

  • Deputy PM defends mammoth borrowing to jump start growth

    Deputy PM defends mammoth borrowing to jump start growth

    In a heated parliamentary session yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira staunchly defended the government’s proposal to borrow a staggering 865 billion baht to mitigate the fiscal 2025 budget deficit. Pichai argued that this bold move is essential to rejuvenate Thailand’s languishing economy and achieve targeted GDP growth. He assured lawmakers that the loan would adhere strictly…

  • Thailand’s big gamble: Mega casinos set to hit the jackpot

    Thailand’s big gamble: Mega casinos set to hit the jackpot

    Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced that Thailand is on the brink of legalising large-scale entertainment complexes with casinos. The final draft of this ambitious bill is set to be ready for Cabinet deliberations within the next three to four weeks. Julapun revealed that 16 government agencies have already weighed in on the plan. “Their insights will be included as…

  • Progressive Movement’s senate bid: Triumph or tragedy?

    Progressive Movement’s senate bid: Triumph or tragedy?

    In a last-ditch effort to reshape Thailand’s political landscape, the Progressive Movement’s campaign to secure one-third of Senate seats and amend the junta-drafted 2017 Constitution is faltering as the election reaches its climax. Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit kicked off the campaign in April with a bold goal: securing 70 People’s Senators in the 200-member upper house. However, the initial…

  • PM Srettha’s review: Torsak may return as police chief

    PM Srettha’s review: Torsak may return as police chief

    The results of an investigation into conflicts among senior police officials have been submitted to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, recommending that Torsak Sukwimol could return to his position as National Police Chief, while Surachate Hakparn aka Big Joke remains under review. PM Srettha received a report from the Fact-Finding and Legal Examination Committee, chaired by Chatchai Promlert, concerning publicised conflicts…

  • Thai government expands 30-baht healthcare to 46 provinces

    Thai government expands 30-baht healthcare to 46 provinces

    The Thai government expanded its 30-baht healthcare policy, allowing residents to access medical services with their ID cards across 46 provinces, including Bangkok. This initiative aims to ensure better healthcare accessibility and efficiency for all citizens. Jadet Thammathat-Aree, Secretary-General of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), announced the implementation of this policy on Monday, June 17, in accordance with the…

  • Insurance giant loses 40 billion baht Covid lawsuit

    Insurance giant loses 40 billion baht Covid lawsuit

    The Central Administrative Court dismissed a colossal 40 billion baht lawsuit against the Office of Insurance Commission, filed by Syn Mun Kong Insurance Public Company. This landmark case revolved around the commission’s prohibition on cancelling the company’s controversial Covid 2 in 1 (jer-jai-job) insurance policies, sold to approximately one million customers at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021.…

  • British Airways flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur resume soon

    British Airways flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur resume soon

    British Airways (BA) resumes flights to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok this year, marking a significant step in its regional expansion strategy. Chairman and CEO Sean Doyle expressed the importance of this strategic return. “For a global carrier like us, expanding our network in Asia as quickly as possible is crucial. With more aircraft joining our fleet in the coming years,…

  • Court orders evidence in PM Srettha’s ethics case

    Court orders evidence in PM Srettha’s ethics case

    The Constitutional Court has thrown the government into turmoil by demanding all parties in Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s ethics case submit evidence within 15 days. The court’s decision came yesterday, setting a new hearing date for July 10 but it remains uncertain whether a ruling will be issued then, leaving the government in a state of anxiety. The case revolves…

  • Couple found dead in car in Suan Luang, Bangkok

    Couple found dead in car in Suan Luang, Bangkok

    A couple was found dead in a parked car on Phatthanakan Soi 12 in Bangkok with the engine running until the fuel was exhausted. CCTV footage revealed they had entered the vehicle after leaving their workplace. The incident occurred around 8.20pm yesterday. Police Lieutenant Sirichai Kaewprasith from Khlong Tan Police Station responded to the discovery of two bodies, one male and…

  • PM Srettha scandal escalates: Court demands more evidence

    PM Srettha scandal escalates: Court demands more evidence

    The Constitutional Court has thrown a curveball in the case against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, demanding additional evidence within 15 days. This comes after allegations surfaced regarding his controversial Cabinet appointment, stirring up a storm of legal challenges and political intrigue. The court’s move sets the stage for a pivotal hearing on July 10, prompting a flurry of submissions from…

  • Constitutional Court orders testimony from MFP by July 3

    Constitutional Court orders testimony from MFP by July 3

    The Constitutional Court ordered the Move Forward Party (MFP) to provide testimony for its dissolution case by July 3, for the court to examine on July 9. The Election Commission (EC) filed a petition arguing there was reasonable evidence to believe that the MFP had committed acts of subverting the democratic form of government with the king as head of…

  • Indian man arrested at Bangkok airport for smuggling cocaine

    Indian man arrested at Bangkok airport for smuggling cocaine

    Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF) officers at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok arrested an Indian man on Sunday for smuggling cocaine worth 17 million baht into Thailand. Finance Minister Junlaphan Amornvivat held a press conference at the Customs Office in Don Mueang Airport on June 16 to reveal details of the 39 year old Indian man’s arrest. Junlaphan explained…

  • Shock as top Senate candidates fail to advance

    Shock as top Senate candidates fail to advance

    The provincial senator election at the weekend saw 3,000 candidates advance to the national stage but not without some unexpected snubs. The Election Commission (EC) office confirmed the results of the provincial senator election on Sunday, June 16, revealing that 3,000 hopefuls will move forward to the national level. Among these successful candidates are 2,164 men and 836 women. However,…

  • Finance minister: Digital wallet funds to exclude mobile phones

    Finance minister: Digital wallet funds to exclude mobile phones

    Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat urged the Commerce Ministry to reconsider its decision to permit recipients of the 10,000-baht payout from the digital wallet scheme to use the funds on mobile phones. He argued that this move would not benefit the domestic economy as intended. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin shares these concerns, noting that most mobile phones are either manufactured…

  • Heavy rains and high waves forecast in 39 provinces

    Heavy rains and high waves forecast in 39 provinces

    Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a warning of heavy rains in 39 provinces, including Bangkok and its vicinity, due to the southwest monsoon. Anglers are advised to exercise caution as high waves are expected in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. TMD predicts weather conditions for the next 24 hours, with the southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand,…