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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    How one hospital visit in Thailand could cost more than your whole trip

    Thailand is a favourite spot for travellers who want to enjoy more while spending less. From cheap street food to low-cost hotels and fun attractions, it’s easy to stretch your budget here. But there’s one thing many people don’t think...

  • Laotian woman dies in Bangkok house fire, 4 others escape safely

    Laotian woman dies in Bangkok house fire, 4 others escape safely

    A Laotian woman lost her life after a fire broke out at her family home in the Bang Khun Thian district of Bangkok in the early hours of this morning. Four other family members sustained injuries in the fire today, May 13. Tha Kham Police Station and the Bang Khun Thian district firefighter team were alerted to the blaze at…

  • Baht to the future: 20 baht Bangkok train fare plan on fast track

    Baht to the future: 20 baht Bangkok train fare plan on fast track

    Bangkok commuters could soon be zipping across the city’s electric rail network for just 20 baht a ride, no matter how far they go, as the government pushes ahead with its wallet-friendly fare cap. The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) officially proposed a flat-rate fare ceiling of 20 baht for all electric train services, with Cabinet approval expected later this…

  • Myanmar man arrested for murder of Bangkok gym owner

    Myanmar man arrested for murder of Bangkok gym owner

    A 23 year old Myanmar national has been apprehended for the alleged murder of a fitness centre owner in Bangkok. The incident occurred after the suspect, Saihan, reportedly threatened his pregnant wife, leading to a deadly confrontation when he attempted to enter her employer’s home. Police Colonel Thitipong Siya, along with Police Colonel Pramote Chanbungkaew, led the investigation team from…

  • Fire at Bangkok factory causes toxic air pollution and evacuation

    Fire at Bangkok factory causes toxic air pollution and evacuation

    A fire broke out at a factory in the capital containing 300 tonnes of plastic pellets, resulting in air pollution and chemical emissions. Residents within a 300-metre radius were evacuated, with recommendations to avoid using air conditioning and instead use fans for ventilation. At 1.30pm yesterday, May 12, at the incident command centre located at Lam Pa Ong School, Doctor…

  • Manhunt in Bangkok for suspect in fatal shooting of gym owner

    Manhunt in Bangkok for suspect in fatal shooting of gym owner

    A 23 year old man from Myanmar is being pursued by police following the fatal shooting of a 70 year old fitness centre owner in Bangkok. The incident occurred after the suspect allegedly seized the victim’s firearm. The suspect then fled in the victim’s car towards Rangsit, prompting an intensive manhunt by law enforcement. The incident came to light on…

  • Last night’s Bangkok furniture factory fire rages on

    Last night’s Bangkok furniture factory fire rages on

    A fire erupted at a furniture factory on Chalong Krung Road in Bangkok last night, May 11, raising concerns about the potential collapse of the building. The blaze originated in the basement before spreading to several nearby communities with intense heat and significant smoke. The incident occurred at a furniture factory located in a two-storey structure with a basement used…

  • Bangkok police pursue suspects in Soi Pattanakarn shootings

    Bangkok police pursue suspects in Soi Pattanakarn shootings

    Police officials in Bangkok are investigating two shooting incidents that occurred in Soi Pattanakarn 32, with efforts underway to secure arrest warrants for suspects believed to number between 10 and 15. Yesterday, May 11, the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s chief, Siam Boonsom, alongside deputy chief Nopasil Poolasawat and other senior police officers, held a meeting to discuss the progress of these…

  • Bangkok drug network dismantled in major police bust

    Bangkok drug network dismantled in major police bust

    On May 11, police arrested four people at a condominium in Bangkok for drug-related offences, seizing various illicit substances including methamphetamine and ecstasy. This operation led to the dismantling of a major distribution network selling drugs in nightclubs. Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom and other senior officers supervised the arrest of 37 year old Wongsakorn, 32 year old Atcharaphat, 21…

  • Severe storm in Bangkok claims life as tree crushes shelter

    Severe storm in Bangkok claims life as tree crushes shelter

    A severe storm with strong winds and heavy rain resulted in a tree falling and crushing a shelter in Bangkok, leading to the death of 51 year old Buala. The incident was reported yesterday, May 11 and investigated by Police Lieutenant Colonel Pipatchai Panphim, deputy inspector at Thammasala Police Station. The tragedy occurred in the early hours within Soi Phutthamonthon…

  • Bangkok building collapse rescue ends; probe into malpractice begins

    Bangkok building collapse rescue ends; probe into malpractice begins

    Efforts to retrieve bodies following the collapse of the 2.1 billion baht State Audit Office building in Bangkok, instigated by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, have been concluded, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s announcement yesterday, May 10. Suriyachai Rawiwon, director of the BMA’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, reported that the final areas, including a lift…

  • Architect slams ‘botched’ Thai Parliament revamp

    Architect slams ‘botched’ Thai Parliament revamp

    Thailand’s leading architect has launched a scathing attack on plans to renovate the country’s new Parliament complex, branding them “destructive” and “irreversible.” National Artist Chatree Ladalalitsakul, the chief designer of the grand riverside structure, broke a decade-long silence to condemn the proposed modifications, which he says would compromise both its artistic integrity and structural safety. “For 10 years, we have…

  • Lightning alert: Severe storms to hit 55 provinces in Thailand

    Lightning alert: Severe storms to hit 55 provinces in Thailand

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning for today, predicting severe storms to impact 55 provinces across Thailand. Approximately 60% of the affected areas will experience heavy rainfall, strong winds, and some hail. The northeastern region is anticipated to be hit by summer storms, characterised by thunderstorms, gusty winds, and occasional hail. Other regions will begin to experience…

  • Couple claim relatives plan their murder for 120 million baht payout

    Couple claim relatives plan their murder for 120 million baht payout

    A Thai couple accused their relatives of plotting to murder them to claim an insurance payout totalling over 120 million baht. A police officer was allegedly involved in the plan. The couple, Tong and Au, sought help from the non-profit organisation Be One after Tong survived an alleged murder attempt in 2022. The couple later discovered over 50 life insurance policies…

  • Cheers allowed: Buddhist holiday booze ban eased

    Cheers allowed: Buddhist holiday booze ban eased

    Just after Phuket had announced a 30-hour alcohol sales ban this weekend for its upcoming municipal elections and the Visakha Bucha holiday, the Thai government officially relaxed its alcohol ban on sacred Buddhist holidays — but only under strict conditions. The Royal Gazette announced today, May 9, that the Prime Minister’s Office has revised its previous order on alcohol sales,…

  • Thailand to classify gas canisters as controlled products

    Thailand to classify gas canisters as controlled products

    Thailand’s Ministry of Industry proposes categorising gas canisters as a controlled product amid rising incidents of explosions at barbecue restaurants. Minister Ekanat Prompan highlighted the increasing popularity of barbecue eateries, which often use gas canisters for grills, and noted the risks of reusing canisters, which are designed for single use only. Despite existing safety standards, consumers are urged to adhere strictly…

  • Royal Ploughing Ceremony kicks off Thailand’s rice planting season

    Royal Ploughing Ceremony kicks off Thailand’s rice planting season

    The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, held at Sanam Luang today, marked the beginning of the rice planting season in Thailand. King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida presided over the annual event. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, members of the Cabinet, and diplomatic representatives were also in attendance. The ceremony, a traditional ritual promoting good fortune and agricultural prosperity, coincides with the sixth…

  • Bangkok woman arrested for mule account scam involvement

    Bangkok woman arrested for mule account scam involvement

    A significant arrest was made by the Metropolitan Police Bureau 3, who apprehended a 28 year old woman for her involvement in a mule account scam. Phannipa Phienamkot or Nong Paeng confessed to knowing she would eventually be caught, as multiple arrest warrants were issued against her, one of which was displayed prominently at her residence. Phannipa was captured at…

  • Bangkok motorcycle repairman shot dead over pawn dispute

    Bangkok motorcycle repairman shot dead over pawn dispute

    A motorcycle repairman was fatally shot in the early hours of today, May 9, in his shop on Soi Phatthanakan 32, Suan Luang district, Bangkok. The attack, which also left another person injured, stemmed from a dispute over a motorcycle pawn agreement. Police Lieutenant Phuwadej Wanichyobol, an investigator from Khlong Tan Police Station, was alerted to the incident at 1am.…

  • Security guard shot dead at Bangkok waste centre, suspect sought

    Security guard shot dead at Bangkok waste centre, suspect sought

    A security guard was shot dead at the maintenance office of a waste disposal centre in Pravet district, Bangkok, in the early hours of today, May 9. His wife revealed a mysterious warning he had given before the incident, providing clues about potential suspects. At 1am, Police Captain Worawit Meekham, an investigator from Pravet Police Station, received a report about…

  • Teen arrested in Bangkok with firearm for self-defence

    Teen arrested in Bangkok with firearm for self-defence

    A 17 year old was apprehended by police after exhibiting suspicious behaviour and found in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The teenager claimed the items were taken from a rival for self-defence. Legal proceedings ensued promptly. At 4am today, May 9, Police Colonel Anan Warasart, the superintendent of Bang Khen Police Station, directed investigation deputy superintendent, Police Colonel Sanpich…

  • Bangkok SWAT busts online gun dealers selling modified weapons

    Bangkok SWAT busts online gun dealers selling modified weapons

    Two suspects were arrested in Bangkok for allegedly modifying and selling guns online, sparking fears of a growing black market for weapons. The SWAT team swooped into a house in Suan Luang district, where they detained the duo, identified as 29 year old Natthakiat, also known as “New,” and 31 year old Suppasit, aka “Peach.” The arrests follow a series…

  • Compensation for SAO building collapse victims to begin tomorrow

    Compensation for SAO building collapse victims to begin tomorrow

    The first wave of compensation is set to be delivered tomorrow to the families of victims affected by the tragic collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok. A total of 21 relatives from the first batch will receive financial assistance after a series of negotiations with the ITD-CREC Joint Venture, involving Italian-Thai Development and China Railway No.10…

  • Thai ministry discusses agricultural product labelling for safety

    Thai ministry discusses agricultural product labelling for safety

    Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Itti Sirilattayakarn chaired a meeting to discuss plans for agricultural product labelling. The meeting, held in meeting room 134 at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, involved representatives from key departments such as the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS), the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Livestock Development, the Rice…

  • Anutin slams media over ‘false’ ISOC blacklist claims

    Anutin slams media over ‘false’ ISOC blacklist claims

    Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul fired back at persistent media claims that he’s been blacklisted by the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) for exploiting the monarchy for political gain. Speaking out on Tuesday, May 6, Anutin, who also serves as deputy prime minister and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, slammed the allegations as “false” and called on the media to stop…

  • Thai woman at large after swindling money from taxi riders

    Thai woman at large after swindling money from taxi riders

    A Thai woman remains at large after swindling money from at least three motorcycle taxi riders in Bangkok. The most recent victim lost 2,300 baht to the suspect. Natthida, the owner of a salon near Victory Monument, took to Facebook to warn motorcycle taxi riders in the area and nearby locations after a scammer posed as the owner of her…

  • Bangkok woman arrested for selling meth to aid bedridden father

    Bangkok woman arrested for selling meth to aid bedridden father

    Police apprehended a 43 year old woman suspected of selling methamphetamine, to support her bedridden father. The arrest of the woman, Yui, today, May 7, in the Min Buri district, Bangkok, uncovered five bags containing 121 pills and other evidence, following a tip-off from an informant. The operation was part of the government’s anti-drug policy and led by several high-ranking police officers.…

  • Senate committee to grill PM Paetongtarn on casino bill next week

    Senate committee to grill PM Paetongtarn on casino bill next week

    The special Senate committee examining the government’s casino-entertainment complex bill plans to invite Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to elaborate on the bill’s rationale in the upcoming week. The committee, led by Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, announced yesterday, May 7, that it will conduct its second meeting to review the project today. Despite media speculations, Dr Veerapun clarified that the Thai PM…

  • Teenage Thai girl missing after taxi ride from Bangkok to Pattaya

    Teenage Thai girl missing after taxi ride from Bangkok to Pattaya

    A 17 year old Thai girl has gone missing in the central province of Chachoengsao while taking a taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya. Today marks one week since her disappearance. The family of the missing teenager, Naphatsorn “Namtan” Plerphukiao, took to social media to gather information about her whereabouts. Namtan left her dormitory in the Rangsit area of Pathum Thani…

  • Thai politician arrested for drug trafficking in Bangkok bust

    Thai politician arrested for drug trafficking in Bangkok bust

    The People’s Party Samutprakarn’s Facebook page issued an apology to the public following the arrest of a party candidate for drug trafficking. Yesterday, May 7, police colonel investigators from Min Buri Police Station apprehended 27 year old Apivat, known as Fluke, with a substantial amount of drugs including 480,000 methamphetamine pills, 1 kilogramme of crystal methamphetamine, and 1 kilogramme of…

  • People’s Party slams pricey Thai Parliament car park project

    People’s Party slams pricey Thai Parliament car park project

    The People’s Party (PP) disclosed details about another expensive parliamentary project involving the construction of a car park building. Parit Wacharasindhu, an MP from the opposition who leads a House committee focused on political development, mass communications, and public involvement, stated yesterday that the House of Representatives’ secretariat announced a successful bidder for a 104.5 million baht project to design…