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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  • Red Bull tycoon files lawsuit for 50 million baht over bribery claims

    Red Bull tycoon files lawsuit for 50 million baht over bribery claims

    Red Bull energy drink magnate Chalerm Yoovidhya launched another defamation lawsuit, this time targeting a news outlet and four individuals, seeking 50 million baht in damages over bribery allegations. Chalerm disputes claims made by Police Colonel Wirut Sirisawatibutr, a former police officer turned columnist for Sueb Jark Khao. The allegations suggest the tycoon paid a 300-million-baht bribe to shield his…

  • Thailand to lower meth possession threshold to one tablet

    Thailand to lower meth possession threshold to one tablet

    Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health is pushing for regulatory changes that will classify anyone caught with more than one methamphetamine tablet as an offender, a shift from the current threshold of five tablets. This proposal aims to close a controversial loophole that has allowed individuals found with up to four tablets to be treated as addicts requiring rehabilitation instead of…

  • EC to clarify court ruling impact before Sunday Senate elections

    EC to clarify court ruling impact before Sunday Senate elections

    The Election Commission (EC) is set to clarify the implications of a Constitutional Court ruling, which agreed to examine a petition challenging four contentious provisions in the Senate election law. This comes just before district-level voting is scheduled nationwide for Sunday. The court declined to issue an injunction, indicating no severe consequences were anticipated if the Senate election proceeded. The…

  • Royal birthday bash amidst political firestorm

    Royal birthday bash amidst political firestorm

    Defence Minister Sutin Klungsaeng has directed the military to orchestrate grand celebrations for His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary next month, even as tensions escalate over a controversial political amnesty bill. Preparations for the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28 are underway while Parliament debates whether to include Article 112 in the amnesty bill, which imposes up to…

  • Honest Bangkok cabbie cashes in, returns 80k to Maldivian man

    Honest Bangkok cabbie cashes in, returns 80k to Maldivian man

    A Thai taxi driver proved that not all of the capital’s cabbies are crooks when he returned 80,000 baht in cash, along with personal belongings, to a Maldivian man who left them behind while travelling from Banthat Thong Road to Pradipat Road in Bangkok. The Maldivian man, Ali Hafeez, left his backpack in an orange taxi while travelling from Banthat…

  • Iranian businessman nabbed for 21 million baht fraud in Bangkok

    Iranian businessman nabbed for 21 million baht fraud in Bangkok

    Immigration Bureau officers arrested an Iranian businessman in Bangkok for defrauding his friend, causing damages worth over 21 million baht. The Immigration Bureau announced its successful operation during a press conference today, June 5. Among several cases reported, the 61 year old Iranian man, Abul, was arrested at a condominium on Romklao Road in the Lat Krabang district of Bangkok…

  • Taste bud triumph: Time Out names Bangkok one of best food cities

    Taste bud triumph: Time Out names Bangkok one of best food cities

    Bangkok has been named the sixth-best city in the world for food by the renowned lifestyle magazine Time Out. The announcement was made today, June 5, bringing joy to many in Thailand’s capital. Chai Wacharong, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is thrilled with the news. Time Out, known for its focus on lifestyle,…

  • Ex-boyfriend suspected of stabbing girlfriend to death in Bangkok

    Ex-boyfriend suspected of stabbing girlfriend to death in Bangkok

    A resident contacted the police after witnessing a Thai woman being stabbed to death in the early hours of today in the Jomthong district of Bangkok The 33 year old witness, Klanarong Nitjakam, called officers at Bang Khun Tien Police Station to investigate the fatal stabbing, which happened at about 1.30am today, June 5. The victim, identified as 31 year…

  • Bangkok woman contracts rare lung infection from feeding pigeons

    Bangkok woman contracts rare lung infection from feeding pigeons

    A Bangkok woman who regularly fed pigeons unknowingly inhaled fungal spores, leading to a lung infection and requiring surgery to remove a mass. Despite having no symptoms, she was diagnosed with cryptococcal pneumonia, which had formed a cavity in her lung. Manoon Leechawengwong, a respiratory disease specialist, shared the case on Facebook, detailing the woman’s condition. At 52 years old,…

  • Pita says he is prepared to replace Srettha as PM

    Pita says he is prepared to replace Srettha as PM

    Former prime minister candidate Pita Limjaroenrat has stated he is ready to lead the country if the law permits and current PM Srettha Thavisin is ousted by a court verdict. Pita, a prominent figure in the Move Forward Party (MFP), expressed his readiness to take the reins amid growing political uncertainty. At the Bangkok Pride Parade held at the National…

  • Srettha seeks legal counsel from Wissanu amid Pichit controversy

    Srettha seeks legal counsel from Wissanu amid Pichit controversy

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has sought legal advice from his newly-appointed adviser, Wissanu Krea-ngam, to prepare his defence in court over the contentious appointment of Pichit Chuenban as a PM’s Office minister. Srettha disclosed yesterday that a defence has already been drafted but requires further refinement before its submission to the Constitutional Court by June 10. “He is one of…

  • Over 50% of Bangkok residents give Chadchart a thumbs up

    Over 50% of Bangkok residents give Chadchart a thumbs up

    Bangkok’s bustling streets are abuzz with approval for Governor Chadchart Sittipunt’s performance, as a recent NIDA Poll reveals. After two years at the helm of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Chadchart has garnered widespread satisfaction among residents. In an extensive survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), 2,000 Bangkok residents aged 18 and over shared their views…

  • Stepfather arrested for sexual abuse of 12 year old girl in Bangkok

    Stepfather arrested for sexual abuse of 12 year old girl in Bangkok

    Authorities have apprehended a Thai man in Bangkok following a report from a doctor that a 12 year old girl claimed she had been sexually abused by her stepfather since she was six years old and that her mother did not believe her. The disturbing events began around 2017 when the girl was only six. Living with her biological mother…

  • Thailand’s Pride Month to attract 860,000 visitors

    Thailand’s Pride Month to attract 860,000 visitors

    The Thai government is preparing to champion gender equality, anticipating that Pride Month activities will provide a significant economic boost. Deputy government spokeswoman Kenika Ounjit highlighted that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration had announced this initiative as he assumed office. “The government aims to foster a society that embraces diversity and equality across age, gender, religion, and social status, positioning…

  • Chadchart signs MOU on renewable energy projects in Bangkok

    Chadchart signs MOU on renewable energy projects in Bangkok

    Bangkok has taken a significant step towards becoming a smart city, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) Governor Wilas Chaloeysat. The agreement, formalised yesterday, aims to advance smart city development and renewable energy projects in Thailand’s bustling capital. Chadchart stressed the importance of sustainable energy and efficiency,…

  • Man found dead at Bangkok petrol station

    Man found dead at Bangkok petrol station

    A man was found dead next to a Toyota C-HR car at a petrol station in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong area, while the woman who was with him has gone missing. Police are investigating and searching for the woman for questioning. Police Lieutenant Sumit Klangdi, Deputy Inspector of Phra Khanong Police Station, reported that at 11.40pm yesterday, a male body was…

  • Pride Month kicks off with Rainbow Runway in Bangkok (video)

    Pride Month kicks off with Rainbow Runway in Bangkok (video)

    Pride Month celebrations kicked off with grandeur on the 80-metre Rainbow Runway at the centralwOrld Rhythm of Pride 2024 event held at CentralWorld in Bangkok. The event underscored diversity and equality for the LGBTQ+ community, marking a significant celebration in the heart of Bangkok. The highlight of the event was Metinee Kingpayome, a prominent figure in the LGBTQIAN+ community, who…

  • Woman arrested for theft from tourists in Bangkok for the 12th time

    Woman arrested for theft from tourists in Bangkok for the 12th time

    Authorities at Phra Ratchawang Police Station have apprehended a Thai woman for stealing from foreign tourists in Bangkok. This marks the 12th time she has been caught, with her latest release from jail occurring only a few months ago. Officers led by Phawat Watsupat, commander of the Phra Ratchawang Police Station, and Paisan Detkalaya, deputy commander of investigation, along with…

  • Ex-MP Vatana to return to Samut Prakan after 15 years on the run

    Ex-MP Vatana to return to Samut Prakan after 15 years on the run

    Former Samut Prakan MP and Deputy Interior Minister Vatana Asavahame has announced his intention to return to Samut Prakan in two months to visit locals after evading corruption charges for 15 years. A housewarming ceremony took place yesterday at the new residence of Soontorn Pansangtong, the former deputy minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the former deputy chief of Samut…

  • Thailand cracks down on illegal e-cigarettes to protect children

    Thailand cracks down on illegal e-cigarettes to protect children

    Authorities in Thailand are set to take decisive action against the illegal use of e-cigarettes, emphasising the need to protect children from the health risks associated with vaping. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared that the country has ignored the issue for too long, during an event commemorating World No Tobacco Day yesterday. “The authorities must begin solving the problem right…

  • Temples banned from requiring HIV tests for ordination

    Temples banned from requiring HIV tests for ordination

    The Sangha Supreme Council has endorsed a proposal from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to prevent temples from mandating HIV tests for men seeking ordination, arguing that HIV is not a chronic infectious disease. Wasan Paileeklee, a member of the NHRC, announced yesterday that the commission had looked into a complaint about a temple in Bangkok’s Suan Luang district,…

  • MFP minister faces tough questions on foreign policy

    MFP minister faces tough questions on foreign policy

    Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Chulapong Yukate demanded that Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa reveal his vision for Thailand’s foreign policy. The call came during a House Committee on Foreign Affairs meeting, leaving the nation eager for answers. Chulapong, who serves as the deputy chairperson of the committee stated that the public wants to know in which direction the foreign minister…

  • Thai man stabbed by girlfriend’s ex, attacker flees with woman

    Thai man stabbed by girlfriend’s ex, attacker flees with woman

    A Thai man is seeking justice after being stabbed by his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend at a condominium in Bangkok. The attacker escaped arrest and fled to the central province of Chainart with the victim’s girlfriend. The victim, 21 year old Thanawat Phontaecha, urged non-profit organisation Saimai Survive to follow up on the complaint of the physical assault for him. Thanawat claimed…

  • LGBTQ+ community migrating Bangkok for freedom & fun’s sake

    LGBTQ+ community migrating Bangkok for freedom & fun’s sake

    A Chinese real estate agent revealed the LGBTQ+ community is flocking to Bangkok to escape persecution and seek a new life that offers them more freedom. In 2019, 40 year old Owen Zhu’s real estate career was flourishing, with Chinese investors eagerly buying Bangkok properties, but the pandemic struck, halting travel and spending. Although Chinese buyers were slow to return, one…

  • Mother mourns British woman found dead in Bangkok hotel

    Mother mourns British woman found dead in Bangkok hotel

    The heartbroken mother of a 36 year old British woman from Bexhill, East Sussex, southeast England has paid an emotional tribute to her daughter, who was recently found dead in a Bangkok hotel room. Rebecca Turner was on an adventure in Southeast Asia with friends when tragedy struck. Her mother, Anita Turner, described her as a vivacious and outgoing woman…

  • Bangkok crackdown on street vendors: Pay up or pave the way

    Bangkok crackdown on street vendors: Pay up or pave the way

    Bangkok City Hall is set to implement stringent measures aimed at regulating street vendors, targeting their income, enforcing tax compliance, and ultimately eliminating hawking on pavements. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced these measures following a meeting focused on enhancing the orderliness of the city’s surroundings. New regulations for vending on streets and in other public areas will soon come into…

  • Nation TV’s fresh shows set to revolutionise Thai news

    Nation TV’s fresh shows set to revolutionise Thai news

    In a thrilling leap into its 25th year, Thailand’s leading news network, Nation TV, is undergoing a groundbreaking transformation under the concept NEXT to The Future. The network is revamping its programming to amplify its renowned news shows and exclusive talks, adding community news and harnessing AI technology to enhance its editorial prowess. This bold move solidifies Nation TV’s position…

  • Thailand hosts key ASEAN-Canada trade talks in Bangkok

    Thailand hosts key ASEAN-Canada trade talks in Bangkok

    Thailand has taken significant steps forward in trade relations by hosting the eighth round of ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) negotiations in Bangkok between yesterday and today. The meeting aimed to expedite various aspects of the agreement, to conclude discussions by 2025. Chotima Iamsawatigul, Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations, appointed Ratchawit Piyapramote, Deputy Director-General of the same department,…

  • Bangkok’s flood battle plan: Governor teams up with TMD

    Bangkok’s flood battle plan: Governor teams up with TMD

    To combat flash floods during the looming rainy season, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). This dynamic duo aims to revolutionise the city’s response to heavy rains and floods, promising faster and more efficient interventions. After a high-stakes meeting with Kornrawee Sitthichivapak, Director-General of the Meteorological Department of Thailand, and top officials…

  • Over 2,000 applicants disqualified in senatorial election

    Over 2,000 applicants disqualified in senatorial election

    The Election Commission (EC) has thrown over 2,000 hopefuls out of the senatorial race, leaving just over 46,000 contenders to vie for seats across the nation. The EC’s announcement of qualified candidates yesterday sent shockwaves through the political arena, with disqualified applicants given until Saturday to plead their case before the Supreme Court or provincial courts. Reasons for disqualification range…