Bangkok News

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  • 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…

  • Pilotless ‘air taxis’ takes first flights above Bangkok (video)

    Pilotless ‘air taxis’ takes first flights above Bangkok (video)

    Chinese aviation tech company EHang made history by launching its EH216-S pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Thailand. The debut passenger flights, held at the Thailand Drone Exhibition & Symposium 2024, mark a major milestone as Thailand becomes the 18th country to host EHang’s futuristic eVTOL flights. With the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) leading the…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • JAS kicks off a ‘goal’den era with EPL and FA Cup rights

    JAS kicks off a ‘goal’den era with EPL and FA Cup rights

    Jasmine International Public Company Limited (JAS) has struck gold, scoring exclusive broadcast rights for Premier League and FA Cup football matches across Internet and digital TV platforms in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. The broadcasting deal, valued at a staggering US$559.98 million (around 19,000 million baht), spans three seasons starting from the 2025/26 Premier League season, with an option to extend…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 6 Thai inmates stab prisoner to death in Bangkok prison (video)

    6 Thai inmates stab prisoner to death in Bangkok prison (video)

    Six Thai prisoners at Minburi Remand Prison in Bangkok assaulted and stabbed a fellow inmate to death with a sharpened iron rod and spoon for exposing their involvement in a drug case. Officers from Min Buri Police Station reported to the media that the stabbing occurred near the prison welfare shop in the fifth control area. The male prisoner, Yutthakarn,…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Suvarnabhumi Airport urges safety during Loy Krathong festival

    Suvarnabhumi Airport urges safety during Loy Krathong festival

    Suvarnabhumi Airport issued a strong warning to the public, urging them to avoid flying lanterns or balloons, setting off fireworks, or using lasers in the vicinity of the airport on November 15 during the Loy Krathong festival. These activities are not only a potential disruption to flight operations but also pose significant threats to aviation safety, potentially resulting in accidents,…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • UNICEF Thailand launches campaign for children’s brighter future

    UNICEF Thailand launches campaign for children’s brighter future

    UNICEF Thailand has launched an ambitious campaign titled A Better Tomorrow, Today, urging collective action for a brighter future for children. Faced with global challenges like conflicts, health crises, poverty, and climate change, UNICEF is pressing for immediate measures to safeguard children’s rights and potential. The campaign, which will include public events, social media initiatives, and celebrity participation, is designed…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Thailand migrant workers lose legal status amid new permit hurdles

    Thailand migrant workers lose legal status amid new permit hurdles

    Employers and migrant workers are expressing significant frustration over new registration and work permit renewal requirements in Thailand, which have led to many migrant workers losing their legal status. These requirements, introduced recently, have been criticised for their complexity and the obstacles they pose to both employers and employees. Nilubol Pongpayom, a representative from the employer group Nai Chang Si…

  • 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…

  • UN unveils toolkit to improve chemsex healthcare access

    UN unveils toolkit to improve chemsex healthcare access

    UN agencies have unveiled a novel toolkit aimed at enhancing healthcare access for those engaging in chemical sex, or chemsex, while minimising stigma. This initiative was launched during a two-day symposium in Bangkok, underscoring a commitment to improving health services for individuals involved in chemsex, a practice involving drug use to intensify or extend sexual experiences. The Joint United Nations…

  • Thailand biofuel subsidy ends in 2027, costs to rise for farmers

    Thailand biofuel subsidy ends in 2027, costs to rise for farmers

    Thailand’s Energy Ministry is set to introduce measures to mitigate the effects of the impending cessation of biofuel price subsidies in 2027. With the expiration of these subsidies, the cost of biofuels is anticipated to rise, impacting palm and sugar cane growers who supply raw materials for biofuel production. Farmers sell their crops to factories that produce two types of…

  • Bangkok bombshell: Thai woman walks as Erawan Shrine case crumbles

    Bangkok bombshell: Thai woman walks as Erawan Shrine case crumbles

    A Thai court sent shockwaves throughout the capital of Bangkok after clearing Thai woman Wanna Suansan of charges related to the devastating 2015 Erawan Shrine bombing that claimed 20 lives and injured 120 others. Wanna, a Thai national, was acquitted by Bangkok’s Southern Criminal Court today, November 7. The attack, which occurred in the heart of Bangkok, resulted in 20…

  • Japanese influencer dies after motorcycle accident in Bangkok

    Japanese influencer dies after motorcycle accident in Bangkok

    A Japanese influencer, also popular among South Korean netizens, died on October 31 after sustaining serious injuries in a motorcycle accident in Bangkok in September. The younger brother of the 30 year old influencer, Satomi Yamanishi, better known as Satton, used her Instagram account last month to share news of the accident and Satton’s condition. “She was in a motorcycle…

  • Ransom and dung: Kidnapped Japanese man’s faeces ordeal stinks in Bangkok

    Ransom and dung: Kidnapped Japanese man’s faeces ordeal stinks in Bangkok

    A Japanese victim sought help from the Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (IDMB) after one Thai man and two Japanese men kidnapped him, forced him to eat faeces, and demanded 300,000 baht ransom from him. The Japanese victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, filed a complaint against the two Japanese suspects and the Thai man at Chok Chai Police…

  • PM Paetongtarn launches ‘no gift policy’ to curb ISCOC corruption

    PM Paetongtarn launches ‘no gift policy’ to curb ISCOC corruption

    Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has initiated a bold new measure with the introduction of the No Gift Policy for the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), aiming to prevent officers from accepting gifts in exchange for their services. PM Paetongtarn, acting as ISCOC director, has formalised this policy through a declaration of intent signed on October 30. The document sets…