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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    Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run

    Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...

  • Jodd Fairs blaze: 1 injured as 120 shops go up in smoke, vendors hit with 1.3m baht setback (videos)

    Jodd Fairs blaze: 1 injured as 120 shops go up in smoke, vendors hit with 1.3m baht setback (videos)

    A fire broke out at Jodd Fairs Rama 9 market in Bangkok yesterday resulting in a minor injury to a Thai woman. A total of 120 shops were obliterated, leading to financial losses of approximately 1.3 million baht for the vendors. The fire was reported to police at about 4.21pm yesterday, December 13. Firefighters and rescue workers from Huay Kwang…

  • 2.4 million lights transform Bangkok cityscape into magical wonderland

    2.4 million lights transform Bangkok cityscape into magical wonderland

    In a luminous extravaganza set to rival the stars, over 2.4 million enchanting lights are casting their glow upon Bangkok‘s cherished Ratchadamnoen Avenue and Rattanakosin Island. This breathtaking spectacle, unveiled by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, promises to be a visual feast for locals and tourists alike. The dazzling campaign, inaugurated yesterday, December 12, at the Ministry’s headquarters on Atsadang Road,…

  • Taiwanese singer Jay Chou wows 70,000 fans in epic Carnival Concert in Bangkok (video)

    Taiwanese singer Jay Chou wows 70,000 fans in epic Carnival Concert in Bangkok (video)

    At Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok, Mandopop sensation Jay Chou last week transformed the venue into a musical carnival. Breaking records as the first Mandopop artist to grace the iconic stadium, the Taiwanese singer’s Carnival World Tour left fans breathless in an extraordinary audio-visual journey on December 8 and 9. Returning to Thailand after two decades, the 44 year old kicked…

  • Healthcare revolution or expat confusion? Thai Minister unveils game-changing scheme

    Healthcare revolution or expat confusion? Thai Minister unveils game-changing scheme

    In a move that promises to transform healthcare access for foreign nationals and the stateless, Thai Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew is set to launch a registration scheme on January 1 next year. The scheme, which boasts a mere five-minute registration process, aims to streamline access to public hospital coverage, leaving behind the antiquated healthcare systems that took weeks or even…

  • Thai art maverick unveils tech artistry: Limited edition Casetify collection

    Thai art maverick unveils tech artistry: Limited edition Casetify collection

    In a groundbreaking collaboration, a Thai artist has joined forces with Casetify, the international lifestyle brand celebrated for its tech accessories. Kantapon Metheekul, also known as Gongkan, stands alongside renowned Thai artists Phannapast Taychamaythakool, aka Yoon, and Nakrob Moonmanas in the prestigious league of Casetify collaborators. A distinguished alumnus of Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Decorative Arts, Gongkan’s influence extends beyond…

  • Thai teen’s fall from grace: Bangkok boy’s suicide attempt after family exposes theft

    Thai teen’s fall from grace: Bangkok boy’s suicide attempt after family exposes theft

    A Thai teen made a suicide attempt last night by leaping off a pedestrian overpass in the Thon Buri district of Bangkok after being confronted by his family for repeated theft. Bukkalo Police Station officers responded to the incident near Soi Somdet Phra Chao Taksin 40. They discovered the victim, Rung, on the road beneath the overpass with two broken…

  • Bangkok MP Rukchanok Srinork sentenced to six years for tweets

    Bangkok MP Rukchanok Srinork sentenced to six years for tweets

    The Criminal Court has sentenced Rukchanok Srinork, a Bangkok MP from the Move Forward Party (MFP), to six years in prison without suspension. The charges stem from her tweets and retweets of others’ messages in 2020, in violation of Section 112 of the Criminal Code and the Computer Crime Act and lèse majesté. The verdict was delivered at 9am today,…

  • Heartbroken Thai seeks solace in 7-Eleven robbery, demands jail time

    Heartbroken Thai seeks solace in 7-Eleven robbery, demands jail time

    A Thai man last night confessed to being heartbroken and insisted on being jailed after he carried out a robbery at a 7-Eleven convenience store situated within a petrol station in the Bang Khun Tian district of Bangkok. Convenience store employees and witnesses managed to detain the 26 year old Thai man, Autsadawut Yooman, who stole money from the store…

  • Bangkok blaze: Chemical chaos erupts as factory fire sparks fears in industrial estate

    Bangkok blaze: Chemical chaos erupts as factory fire sparks fears in industrial estate

    A chemical factory in Bangkok‘s eastern suburbs of Samut Prakan went up in flames, with explosions echoing within the Bang Pu Industrial Estate, raising concerns about the volatile chemicals stored within. Chaos erupted in the tranquil Bang Pu Industrial Estate in Samut Prakan province early yesterday morning, December 11. A chemical factory, stockpiled with ammonia, burst into flames, creating an…

  • Thai man ruptures windpipe by suppressing sneeze in first global case

    Thai man ruptures windpipe by suppressing sneeze in first global case

    In a peculiar medical case, a Thai man somehow managed to rupture his windpipe by suppressing a sneeze. The incident, which is reportedly the first of its kind in the world, was revealed by Dr Veerachai Jarusachaisri, a forensic medical expert at Srinakharinwirot University. The patient found himself needing to sneeze while driving. Instead of letting it happen, he stifled…

  • Unidentified man attacks Thai political aide in Government House

    Unidentified man attacks Thai political aide in Government House

    A dispute erupted at Government House during a Cabinet meeting today, December 12, when an unidentified man assaulted a Thai political aide. The incident occurred around 11.35am at the APCD 60+ coffee shop, adjacent to the main government building where the Cabinet meeting was taking place. The assailant, whose identity is known only as Itthipol, entered Government House without uttering…

  • Debunking claims of mobile phone towers causing brain damage (video)

    Debunking claims of mobile phone towers causing brain damage (video)

    A video circulating online claiming that mobile phone towers are hazardous and could cause brain damage has caused concern among netizens. The middle-aged man in the video alleges to be spending 60,000 baht monthly on brain treatments due to the impact of these towers, stirring a significant number of shares and likes on social media. Dr Jessada Denduangboripant, a professor…

  • Suvarnabhumi Airport unveils speed passport checks: No more immigration queues

    Suvarnabhumi Airport unveils speed passport checks: No more immigration queues

    In a move set to transform the travel game, Suvarnabhumi International Airport unveiled an upgrade to its passport control system. In an exclusive revelation, Police Lieutenant General Itthipol Itthisarnronnachai, the visionary commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, disclosed that a groundbreaking shift is underway at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Effective from December 15, the airport will extend its automatic passport channels to include…

  • Young man caught smuggling illegal Burmese workers into Thailand for 24,000 baht

    Young man caught smuggling illegal Burmese workers into Thailand for 24,000 baht

    A 20 year old man was apprehended for smuggling illegal Burmese workers into the country. This marks the fourth time the suspect has been caught in the act. The authorities are preparing to repatriate the workers and proceed with legal action against the suspect. The intensification of vehicle inspections by highway patrol officers led to the arrest of the young…

  • Parent’s tutor requirements spark online debate over Rajabhat University

    Parent’s tutor requirements spark online debate over Rajabhat University

    Social media users have been divided over a post by a parent seeking a tutor for their seven year old child but specifying that they mustn’t be a graduate from Rajabhat University. The post, which was shared in a Facebook group for finding home tutors, sparked a flurry of criticism and debate, with some accusing the parent of belittling the…

  • Debate arises over child’s safety as zoo employee drapes python around him

    Debate arises over child’s safety as zoo employee drapes python around him

    The appropriateness of a zoo employee placing a large python around a young boy sparked a debate online. A member of the Facebook group, AtHome Reptile, posted a photo of the incident, questioning whether the staff member could have ensured the boy’s safety in time in case of an emergency. The photo, taken yesterday, December 11, shows a man, presumably…

  • Air Canada flight revival: Bangkok to Vancouver route takes off for a holiday high

    Air Canada flight revival: Bangkok to Vancouver route takes off for a holiday high

    Great news for holidaymakers in North America and Thailand, as Air Canada today announced the reinstatement of direct flights between Bangkok and Vancouver. H E Ping Kitnikone, the Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Thailand, extended invitations to esteemed guests and partners for Air Canada’s Agency Reception at the Ambassador’s Official Residence. Air Canada has officially reinstated direct flights…

  • Popular Thai meatball franchise accused of unfair practices

    Popular Thai meatball franchise accused of unfair practices

    A well-known meatball franchise is in the midst of a drama, as a customer accuses the franchise owner of unfair practices and taking advantage of buyers. The complainant shared her experience on Facebook, sparking a wave of controversy. Numerous other individuals have allegedly suffered similar mishaps and are considering legal action. The Facebook user detailed her experience with the popular…

  • Thailand and Vietnam set for a strategic partnership

    Thailand and Vietnam set for a strategic partnership

    In a diplomatic move, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared the intention to elevate ties with Vietnam to a comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP). During bilateral talks with Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, the 61 year old Thai PM expressed optimism about the lightning-fast progress in their relations. He highlighted the effectiveness of collaboration across various sectors. Thailand and…

  • Private hospitals under fire as government cracks down on skyrocketing costs

    Private hospitals under fire as government cracks down on skyrocketing costs

    The Internal Trade Department tightens control on private hospitals, urging them to play ball in the battle against soaring medical expenses. The government demands transparency and cooperation from over 300 private medical institutions. Wattanasak Sur-iam, the director-general of the Internal Trade Department, has thrown down the gauntlet in a bid to bring down the cost of living for citizens. In a…

  • Thai PM unleashes secret weapon: Muay Thai to conquer the world

    Thai PM unleashes secret weapon: Muay Thai to conquer the world

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin unveiled a bold plan to transform Muay Thai into Thailand‘s ultimate soft power. The Thai PM declared Muay Thai as Thailand’s top soft power, highlighting its vast economic potential. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke conveyed the PM’s vision, stating that the administration is keen on integrating Muay Thai into school curricula to foster a new generation of…

  • Chao Phraya cruise operators slash prices as tourism battles slowdown

    Chao Phraya cruise operators slash prices as tourism battles slowdown

    Chao Phraya cruise operators are keeping prices level due to sluggish tourism and high competition. While tourism is taking its time to recover, business-oriented charters are sailing towards a stronger comeback. Poowadee Kunpalin, Vice-President of the Chao Phraya River Tourism Association, talks about the resurgence. “Business travellers, especially from South Korea and European countries, are leading the charge. These high…

  • Thai-Myanmar task force takes on border crisis

    Thai-Myanmar task force takes on border crisis

    Thailand and Myanmar have joined forces to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding along the Thai-Myanmar border. The initiative aims to provide much-needed assistance to the thousands affected by the ongoing conflict, with both nations committed to fostering peace in Myanmar. During a bilateral meeting at the 8th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) in Beijing, Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara underscored Thailand’s dedication…

  • Thai government launches aggressive campaign against illegal lending

    Thai government launches aggressive campaign against illegal lending

    The Thai government has prioritised an aggressive campaign against illegal lending and loan sharks, in an attempt to curb what Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin refers to as modern-day slavery. The move emphasises the urgency to dismantle such activities to restore social stability and security. The 61 year old Thai PM stated the issue of illegal loans has escalated to a…

  • Shocking stop: Thai Smile Buses Co., face backlash as passengers left stranded

    Shocking stop: Thai Smile Buses Co., face backlash as passengers left stranded

    The Thai Smile Bus Company faced a barrage of criticism as their electric buses ground to a halt, leaving passengers stranded and services disrupted. The uproar prompted an investigation into the sudden cessation of operations, revealing a deep-seated issue affecting the company’s ability to provide a reliable service. The Corporate Communications Department of Thai Smile Bus Company Limited officially addressed…

  • Thailand’s 2 billion baht electricity subsidy for 17.7 million households

    Thailand’s 2 billion baht electricity subsidy for 17.7 million households

    The Thai Cabinet has allocated 2 billion baht to subsidise electricity costs for 17.7 million vulnerable households. The scheme, set to be a new year’s gift, will apply to those using no more than 300 units of electricity per month, maintaining a cost of 3.99 baht per unit. Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Peeraphan Salirathaviphak, stated today, December 8,…

  • Thai mechanic found dead in sewer highlights lethal risks of heavy drinking

    Thai mechanic found dead in sewer highlights lethal risks of heavy drinking

    Tragedy struck when a 44 year old mechanic, known for his drinking habits, was found dead in a sewer in front of Wat Khae School, located in Pak Klong Bang Pla Kod, Phra Samut Chedi district, Samut Prakan province. The incident was reported today, December 8, at around 7.30am by residents and the local authorities. The tragic discovery was made…

  • Global carbon countdown: Is the world doomed? Shocking revelations from climate talk

    Global carbon countdown: Is the world doomed? Shocking revelations from climate talk

    At the Thai-German conference Climate Talk in Bangkok, Germany’s Ambassador to Thailand, Dr Ernst Reichel, warns that the world is perilously behind in achieving net-zero carbon emissions. As countries grapple with the devastating consequences of climate change, a fossil fuel ban emerges as a contentious issue during Climate Talk, creating challenges for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28)…

  • Dangerous honeycomb wax sweets trend sweeps social media in Thailand

    Dangerous honeycomb wax sweets trend sweeps social media in Thailand

    Social media is on fire with the sale of a potentially dangerous dessert, known as honeycomb wax sweets or simply, wax sweets. These cute, colourful treats conceal a hidden risk. A consumer posted on Facebook today, December 8, about a certain type of sweet that resembles a candle wax stick but contains a sweet filling. The shell, which is made of…

  • Bangkok’s retail revolution: Emsphere unveils glamorous shopping oasis worth 20 billion baht

    Bangkok’s retail revolution: Emsphere unveils glamorous shopping oasis worth 20 billion baht

    Bangkok‘s shopping arena just hit the jackpot with the grand opening of Emsphere, the glittering jewel in the Em District crown. Packed with star-studded events and jaw-dropping features, this 20 billion baht retail haven is set to catapult Bangkok into the global retail spotlight. Emsphere, the latest addition to the Em District in Phrom Phong, Sukhumvit Road, opened its doors…