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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    5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)

    Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...

  • Motorcyclist dies in crash with truck on dark Bangkok road

    Motorcyclist dies in crash with truck on dark Bangkok road

    A tragic accident occurred on Jaturathit Road in Din Daeng, Bangkok, when a 26 year old motorcyclist collided with the rear of a 10-wheel truck. The accident, which happened in the early hours of today, November 13, resulted in the motorcyclist’s death as he became trapped in the back of the vehicle. Police Lieutenant Colonel Jirapha Channara from the Din…

  • Bangkok air quality goes up in smoke as pm2.5 levels spike

    Bangkok air quality goes up in smoke as pm2.5 levels spike

    Air quality in Bangkok has deteriorated significantly, with hazardous PM2.5 levels recorded across 49 districts. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) warned citizens about the pollution levels, which were found to be above the standard threshold for health safety. The alarming situation was reported at 7am today, November 13, when GISTDA, under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science,…

  • Motorcyclist dies after running red light in Bangkok crash

    Motorcyclist dies after running red light in Bangkok crash

    A tragic traffic incident occurred at the Wat Samian Nari intersection in Bangkok, where a motorcyclist ran a red light and collided with a passing pickup truck, resulting in the motorcyclist’s immediate death. The accident happened early today, November 13, at 12.30am, leaving police in the capital city to respond swiftly to the scene. Police Lieutenant Vichian Buntan-sen from Prachachuen…

  • Deceitful Thai man arrested after Bangkok Grab driver robbery

    Deceitful Thai man arrested after Bangkok Grab driver robbery

    A cunning man orchestrated a robbery by luring a Grab driver with a fake request before turning on him with a weapon in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang area. The police swiftly apprehended him, ending his short-lived evasion. The man, 37 year old Jaturong, was arrested by police officers yesterday after a report at 2.30pm, yesterday, November 12. The operation was led…

  • Bangkok to beat the gridlock with new congestion charge

    Bangkok to beat the gridlock with new congestion charge

    Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit revealed that Bangkok could soon join cities like London and Singapore with a congestion charge aimed at unclogging the city’s crowded streets and reducing pollution. Suriya announced a six-month timeline for the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) to finalise a study identifying the best model for implementing the charge. “We’re looking at…

  • Thai Cabinet approves 3 new holidays for 2025 and 2026

    Thai Cabinet approves 3 new holidays for 2025 and 2026

    The Thai Cabinet has approved an addition of three special public holidays for the years 2025 and 2026, resulting in a total of 21 official holidays next year. These additional days aim to extend existing holiday periods into longer breaks. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Phumtham Wechayachai, announced the decision following the Cabinet meeting at Government House earlier…

  • Bangkok couple arrested for 39 million baht lottery embezzlement

    Bangkok couple arrested for 39 million baht lottery embezzlement

    A Bangkok couple, employed by lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd, has been taken into police custody amid allegations of embezzling 39 million baht from a Thai woman who had previously won a significant Euromillions lottery prize. This arrest marks a significant development in an ongoing investigation into the alleged financial misconduct surrounding the case. The couple, 34 year old Nuwat Yongyut and…

  • Pawsitive growth: Thailand’s pet food exports skyrocket 31%

    Pawsitive growth: Thailand’s pet food exports skyrocket 31%

    Thailand’s pet food exports have surged by around 31% in the first nine months of the year, raking approximately 80 billion baht, according to the Commerce Ministry’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO). The demand for high-quality dog and cat food led the charge, accounting for around 71 billion baht—an impressive 39% increase compared to the previous year. “The pet…

  • Ex-Finance Minister Kittirat to head Bank of Thailand amid backlash

    Ex-Finance Minister Kittirat to head Bank of Thailand amid backlash

    Former Finance Minister Kittirat Na-Ranong has been selected as chairperson of the Bank of Thailand (BOT), sparking fierce debate over his potential influence on the nation’s economic policies. In a closed-door meeting that lasted five hours yesterday, November 11, the selection committee decided to appoint Kittirat to replace Poramethi Vimolsiri, whose term ended in September. The committee also appointed two…

  • Passenger tries to open plane door on Bangkok-South Korea flight

    Passenger tries to open plane door on Bangkok-South Korea flight

    Panic erupted onboard a Korean Air flight from Bangkok to Incheon, South Korea, when a passenger allegedly attempted to open the emergency exit mid-flight, sparking a frantic scramble by the cabin crew to restrain him. The terrifying incident occurred on Korean Air flight KE658 on Thursday, November 7. The unnamed man reportedly commandeered a crew seat without permission, ignoring warnings…

  • Fake monk returns to Bangkok to beg day after losing robes (video)

    Fake monk returns to Bangkok to beg day after losing robes (video)

    Just one day after being unmasked as a fake monk, a 65 year old man from Saraburi, Central Thailand, was spotted back on the streets of Bangkok, resuming his act as a disabled beggar—but this time without his monk’s robes. Last weekend, netizens sparked an outcry when they spotted the fake monk begging in the Phaya Thai district, using crutches…

  • Bangkok urges ‘zero-foam’ floats for eco-friendly Loy Krathong festival

    Bangkok urges ‘zero-foam’ floats for eco-friendly Loy Krathong festival

    Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is calling on residents to adopt a zero-foam approach for this year’s Loy Krathong festival, encouraging the use of biodegradable floats to safeguard the environment. The push comes after last year’s festival saw over 20,000 of the 639,828 floats collected made from foam, despite previous environmental appeals. Worranut Suaykhakhao, Deputy Director of the Environment Department at…

  • Bangkok man goes on violent rampage after woman rejects him

    Bangkok man goes on violent rampage after woman rejects him

    A Thai man stabbed a married woman yesterday for rejecting his advances, crashed his car into six vehicles and nine people, slit his own throat, and drove his damaged car to a hospital in the Bang Khen area of Bangkok, where he caused further chaos before being arrested. One of the injured victims called officers from Bang Khen Police Station…

  • Bangkok plans cycling lanes to ease congestion in key districts

    Bangkok plans cycling lanes to ease congestion in key districts

    The capital’s bustling streets may soon see a transformation as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Thailand Walking and Cycling Institute Foundation (TWCIF) are set to introduce a walking and cycling lane project in four heavily congested areas. A feasibility study for this initiative is scheduled to conclude next month, setting the stage for a city-wide shift in transportation…

  • Tunnel expressway project shelved due to projected lack of returns

    Tunnel expressway project shelved due to projected lack of returns

    Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced the cancellation of a major expressway infrastructure project’s underground component. The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) will not proceed with the tunnel section of the Phase 3 Northern Expressway project (N1 section), which was designed to connect the Si Rat Expressway to both Ngamwongwan and Prasert Manukit roads. The decision comes…

  • Pickpocketing Mongolian tourists arrested in Bangkok

    Pickpocketing Mongolian tourists arrested in Bangkok

    Bangkok police apprehended two Mongolian nationals in connection with a series of tourist-targeted thefts in the Sukhumvit area of the capital. The arrests occurred at 1am today, November 11, when Thonglo police officers caught 35 year old Sodbayar, and 40 year old Uyangabaatar along Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok. The investigation began after a female tourist reported her wallet stolen outside…

  • No time to lose: Mexican tourist returns pricey watch after Bangkok airport mix-up

    No time to lose: Mexican tourist returns pricey watch after Bangkok airport mix-up

    A Mexican woman on holiday with her family in Phuket agreed to return a luxury watch worth about 200,000 baht to a Thai woman, stating that she thought it belonged to a family member and mistakenly took it from Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok. A 21 year old Thai woman, Rachawalee, filed a complaint with Don Mueang Police Station…

  • Bangkok air pollution spikes as 35 areas exceed safe PM2.5 levels

    Bangkok air pollution spikes as 35 areas exceed safe PM2.5 levels

    Bangkok faced a spike in PM2.5 pollution levels, with 35 areas registering unhealthy air quality, prompting swift action from City Hall. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) issued warnings to help residents mitigate health impacts from the pollutants. PM2.5, or ultra-fine dust particles, exceeded the safe threshold of 37.5 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) in several areas, according to AirBKK, BMA’s…

  • Police raid exposes illegal gambling in Bangkok restaurant

    Police raid exposes illegal gambling in Bangkok restaurant

    Police raided a Chinese restaurant in the heart of Bangkok, disguised as a legitimate eatery, and arrested four Chinese nationals for illegal gambling. The raid, which took place yesterday, November 9, at 9.30pm, was led by Jesada Yangnok, alongside deputy officers from Wang Thonglang Police Station. This followed intelligence that the establishment was operating as a covert gambling den. Upon…

  • Bangkok police nab suspects in tourist robbery with steak knife

    Bangkok police nab suspects in tourist robbery with steak knife

    Bangkok police recently apprehended two young men accused of robbing a Chinese tourist with a steak knife in the bustling Bang Rak district. The incident, which took place in the early hours of the morning, resulted in the suspects facing serious charges. Jetsada, a 22 year old man, and 23 year old Suradet were arrested by Bang Rak police on…

  • Big pay day: Thailand minimum wage to hike to 400 baht in 2025

    Big pay day: Thailand minimum wage to hike to 400 baht in 2025

    Thai workers could be ringing in the new year with a pay boost, as the Labour Ministry announces plans to raise the minimum wage to 400 baht per day in 2025. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed the increase, calling it “a new year present” for the nation’s workforce. Initially slated for October, the raise faced delays as the national wage…

  • Loy Krathong festival to generate 6.9 billion baht tourism revenue

    Loy Krathong festival to generate 6.9 billion baht tourism revenue

    Thailand’s Loy Krathong festival is set to boost the economy, with an expected 6.9 billion baht in tourism revenue from 1.9 million domestic trips, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The northern region is forecasted to be the most popular destination, drawing the highest number of tourists. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool projected a 9% increase in tourist…

  • NHSO investigates clinics over universal healthcare referral issues

    NHSO investigates clinics over universal healthcare referral issues

    The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has announced an investigation into clinics that fail to properly refer universal healthcare patients to hospitals, potentially resulting in legal action and penalties. This decision comes in response to complaints from healthcare subscribers in Bangkok, who have reported significant challenges in obtaining necessary referral documents for hospital treatment. These complaints highlight a worrying trend…

  • Thailand grants citizenship to 483,000 migrants

    Thailand grants citizenship to 483,000 migrants

    The Thai government’s recent decision to grant citizenship to a significant number of migrants and ethnic minorities has received a warm welcome from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The move, announced by the Cabinet yesterday, aims to provide Thai citizenship to over 483,000 individuals who have either been residing in Thailand for an extended period or were born within…

  • Bangkok survey finds 377 homeless on Ratchadamnoen Avenue

    Bangkok survey finds 377 homeless on Ratchadamnoen Avenue

    Bangkok’s initiative to survey the homeless population along Ratchadamnoen Avenue has uncovered 377 people, prompting police to record their details and facilitate access to welfare rights and vocational training. This operation took place at the Rattanakosin Room in the Bangkok City Hall, located in the Phra Nakhon district. The meeting was chaired by Chakkapan Phewngam, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, alongside…

  • Thai woman arrested in Bangkok for pimping out girls aged 14-16

    Thai woman arrested in Bangkok for pimping out girls aged 14-16

    Police arrested a 25 year old Thai woman at a Bangkok hotel for operating a prostitution ring and pimping out three girls aged between 14 and 16. Officers from the Children and Women Protection Sub-division received a tip-off that girls under 18 were being sent to work as party entertainers. In addition to entertaining clients, they were also forced to…

  • Ancient artefacts to return to Thailand for cultural preservation

    Ancient artefacts to return to Thailand for cultural preservation

    Artefacts from the ancient Ban Chiang World Heritage Site, which dates back 3,000 years, are set to return to Thailand next week to commemorate the International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property. The return of these artefacts signifies a significant step toward preserving Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. The US Embassy in Bangkok, in collaboration with the regional office of…

  • Naked truth: Bangkok women seek help from sexual harassment

    Naked truth: Bangkok women seek help from sexual harassment

    Two Thai women are appealing for help after enduring sexual harassment from a neighbour in their Bangkok apartment building. The neighbour frequently strips naked, roams the hallway, knocks on doors indiscriminately, and sends letters containing explicit messages. The women, 32 year old Aum and 66 year old Bee, turned to social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet for help. Yesterday, November…

  • Iron deficiency: Thai boxer Rodtang’s weighty woes lose him title

    Iron deficiency: Thai boxer Rodtang’s weighty woes lose him title

    Thai boxer Rodtang Jitmuangnon, famously dubbed “The Iron Man,” found himself at the centre of controversy this week after failing to make weight twice, resulting in the loss of his ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship title. Despite this setback, he is still set to take on British Muay Thai champion Jacob Smith at the ONE 169 event, scheduled for…

  • Police raid illegal gambling den in Bangkok, 20 arrested

    Police raid illegal gambling den in Bangkok, 20 arrested

    Police in Suthisan successfully raided an illegal gambling den secretly operating in Bangkok. Twenty individuals were apprehended during the operation, which took place at a house at the end of Soi Inthamara 22 in Din Daeng, Bangkok. The raid was initiated around 9pm yesterday, November 7, following reports of suspicious activity over the past two to three days. Led by…