Bangkok News
-
Sponsored Is private health insurance in Thailand worth it? Real costs vs risks explained
Thailand has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options. Public hospitals offer affordable care, but many people, including expats, choose private health insurance for faster service, modern facilities, and more treatment choices. To decide if private health...
-
Loy Krathong festival set to light up Wat Arun on November 15
Bangkok’s Wat Arun is set to illuminate the night on November 15 with its Loy Krathong festival. The festival promises a multicultural experience, underscored by a theme song performed in an array of languages, including Thai, English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Spanish, to foster a deeper understanding of the event’s cultural importance. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced that the Suntharaporn…
-
Thai man slaps famous lawyer allegedly over criticism of Islam
A Thai man slapped a famous lawyer during an interview at the Central Investigation Bureau’s Complaint Centre in Bangkok today, November 1, claiming he was offended by the lawyer’s criticism of Islam. Pictures and videos of the incident, in which renowned lawyer Dhammarat Sarapanya was slapped, circulated on Thai social media this afternoon. Dhammarat was seen giving an interview at…
-
South Korean man takes an ‘unfare’ ride in stolen Bangkok taxi
Police yesterday arrested a South Korean man for stealing a taxi parked near a petrol station in the Chatuchak neighbourhood of Bangkok. Officers from Bang Sue Police Station arrested the South Korean man, 52 year old Kim Hwangil, yesterday, October 31, shortly after he stole a blue Toyota Altis taxi with the registration plate ทฬ 9000 Bangkok, from 38 year…
-
Thai mother pimped out autistic daughter to dealer for drugs
Police arrested a Thai mother at her home in the Khlong Sam Wa district of Bangkok on Tuesday, after she pimped out her 16 year old autistic daughter to a dealer to obtain free drugs. A Thai grandmother filed a complaint with Nimitmai Police Station, yesterday, October 30 that her autistic granddaughter went missing from their home in the Khlong Sam…
-
Thai-phoon trouble: Flights grounded as Kong-rey storms Taiwan (video)
Chaos reigned in the skies as Thai Airways International grounded several flights with typhoon Kong-rey barrelling towards Taiwan. The airline pulled the plug on three Bangkok-Taipei routes yesterday, October 30 (TG634, TG636, and TG635) and grounded TG637 today, leaving travellers in a tailspin. Announcing the shutdown on Facebook, the national carrier urged affected passengers to dial their hotline at 662-356-1111…
-
Bangkok’s grey gamble: Elderly caught playing their cards wrong
Police in Bangkok arrested a group of elderly people for illegal gambling, seizing 200 baht in cash and other gambling paraphernalia. The raid, prompted by complaints about parked vehicles blocking traffic, saw an 80 year old among the detainees engaging in a friendly game of chance with peers. Police in Bangkok, led by high-ranking officials, launched a raid on a…
-
Thai influencer arrested with drugs and firearms in Bangkok
Thai social media influencer Phor Ban Khlong Toei, renowned for his presence on TikTok and participation in Fight Club Thailand, was apprehended by police at his residence yesterday. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Division 5 seized a quantity of crystal methamphetamine and firearms during the arrest. The arrest sent ripples through the online community, as many followers of Phor…
-
British Airways spreads its wings: Gatwick-Bangkok flights back on
In a move that’s set to soar to new heights, British Airways relaunched its direct flights from London Gatwick to the bustling city of Bangkok. The inaugural flight, BA 2231, took to the skies from Gatwick, yesterday, October 29, making a graceful touchdown at Suvarnabhumi Internationa Airport this afternoon, marking a triumphant return to the Land of Smiles. Tourism Authority…
-
Michelin chef Jay Fai cooks up clarity: ‘I’m not closing my restaurant’ (video)
Renowned Thai chef and owner of Michelin-starred restaurant Jay Fai Pratu Phee denied rumours of her retirement, clarifying that it was a misunderstanding. The 81 year old street food legend also extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Thailand to try her food. Recently, multiple media outlets reported that Supinya Jansuta, better known as Jay Fai, planned to close…
-
Bangkok’s Orange Line expansion advances with overpass removals
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is accelerating discussions with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to dismantle overpasses in anticipation of the Orange Line’s expansion. This strategic move is set to facilitate the construction of the western segment of the Bang Khun Non-Min Buri rail system, aiming for completion by 2030. Vithaya Punmongkol, acting governor for the MRTA,…
-
Ex-Russian mercenary hits a wall of ammunition trouble in Bangkok
An ex-Russian war dog found himself in the clutches of Bangkok police after a stash of ammunition was discovered in his swanky condo, along with explosive threats to take out rivals. Immigration police officers swooped on 25 year old Russian national, Milo Yanovich, at his Makkasan-area pad in the Ratchathewi district yesterday, October 28. Police Major General Phanthana Nuchanart, deputy…
-
Bangkok cops have last laugh on Khao San Road’s laughing gas sales
Bangkok police discovered two entertainment venues on Khao San Road selling nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, during a crackdown late on October 26. Officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and police officers from Phlapphla Chai 2 and Chana Songkhram Police Stations conducted inspections around 12.30am, pinpointing two nightclubs engaged in the illegal sale of gas in…
-
Sky’s the limit: Suvarnabhumi Bangkok aims for a million flights in a year
An ambitious target set by Thailand’s government aims to handle one million flights nationwide next year, following the recent opening of Suvarnabhumi International Airport’s third runway. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced the objective, emphasising the move as part of Thailand’s strategy to become the region’s aviation hub and to stimulate tourism and economic growth. After the official opening of…
-
Jay Fai-ning appetite: Michelin Thai chef hangs up her apron (video)
Renowned Thai chef Jay Fai is set to close her one-star Michelin restaurant next year, 2025, due to the increasing price of ingredients and exhaustion after seven years of cooking. Jay Fai Pratu Phee restaurant ranks among the top must-try street food stalls in Bangkok, having earned a prestigious one-star award over its seven years of operation. A visit to this…
-
Revved-up reckoning: Bangkok teen bike bandits get comeuppance
In a dramatic takedown that reads like a crime thriller, a gang of young motorcycle thieves has been nabbed in Bangkok—shockingly, with a 14 year old among the culprits. This motley crew, responsible for filching over ten bikes across the capital, were flogging their ill-gotten wheels for a measly 1,000-1,500 baht apiece, spotlighting a worrying trend of young hooligans descending…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Bangkok Art Biennale returns with 200 contemporary art pieces in 11 venues
The biennial art festival, Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB), returns with 200 pieces of contemporary art at 11 landmarks around the city from October 24 to February 25, 2025. The international contemporary art festival BAB 2024 marks its fourth iteration this year. The Bangkok Art Biennale Foundation organises the festival in collaboration with the Thai Beverage Company, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Bangkok market stabbing over 500 baht debt leaves one dead
A tragic incident occurred at a market in Bangkok, where a foreign worker fatally stabbed a drinking companion with scissors over a 500 baht debt dispute. Police were alerted to the incident around 10pm yesterday, October 23. Deputy Inspector Pisai Thongmee, along with several other officers, responded to a report of a fatal stabbing in Soi Ekkachai 64/7, Khlong Bang…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Police seize 68 motorcycles in Bangkok street racing crackdown
Police in Bangkok apprehended a large group of motorcycle riders racing on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, seizing 68 motorcycles and detaining both racers and their supporters. The operation followed reports on social media about the planned gathering. At 12.30am yesterday, October 23, Phuchong Mae-thung, a traffic control officer from the Vibhavadi Rangsit Traffic Control Centre, led over 60 traffic police officers in…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.