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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ex-Thai artist finds fame washing himself in the middle of the road (video)
A viral video showing a Thai man washing himself in the middle of a road in the Phra Khanong area of Bangkok has captivated onlookers, dubbing him as the “Phra Khanong sensation.” The man, identified as 43 year old Samphan, originally from the area, shared insights into his life and past experiences. Previously, he earned between 1,000 and 5,000 baht…
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Taiwanese man offers 100 pig heads at Bangkok temple
A Taiwanese man made a significant offering at Wat Ko Suwannaram in Bangkok’s Sai Mai district after winning millions in the lottery. Yesterday, February 5, the lucky man, along with friends and devotees, presented 100 pig heads, 3,000 candles, and various food items as a gesture of gratitude. The offerings were made to the Great Brahma Emperor, a large statue…
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Thai media regulator jailed for abusing power in TrueID scandal
A high-ranking member of Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has been sentenced to two years in prison for abusing her position in a controversial case involving the OTT media platform TrueID. The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases ruled today that Professor Pirongrong Ramasoota was guilty of malfeasance in office, having unfairly targeted TrueID and causing…
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Thai court rules traffic fines unlawful since 2020
Thailand’s top court has dropped a legal bombshell, ruling that traffic fines issued by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) since July 2020 were unlawful—potentially affecting millions of motorists. The Supreme Administrative Court (SAC) yesterday, February 5, partly overturned a ruling by the Central Administrative Court (CAC), which had previously found that two RTP announcements on traffic fines, issued in July…
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Thai royal command appoints four military officers as bodyguards
A royal command has been issued, appointing four military officers as royal bodyguards. Yesterday, February 5, the Royal Gazette published the royal command detailing the appointments. These appointments are made under the authority of Section 7 of the Royal Security Act of 2017, in conjunction with Sections 6, 8, and 10 of the Royal Bodyguard Act of 1937, and Section…
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Thai mother fears son lured into Cambodian scam gang
A Thai mother has approached the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) to report her 21 year old son’s disappearance, fearing he might have been enticed to join a call scam gang in Poipet, Cambodia, by a woman he met online. The woman, 48 year old Khajorn Somjai, accompanied by her eldest son, 27 year old Boonlong U-Nak, reported the missing person…
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Smoke signal: Suvarnabhumi sparks smoking rooms outrage
Smoking row ignites as the Airports of Thailand (AoT) makes a shocking bid to reintroduce smoking rooms at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, pushing against the global trend towards smoke-free terminals. As the world gears up for 100% smoke-free airports, Thailand’s move has stirred up a storm of controversy. Associate Professor Dr Naowarat Charoenkha from the Thai Health Promotion Institute, part of…
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Bangkok police raid leads to seizure of illegal contraband, sex toys
Police in Min Buri district conducted raids on three locations linked to a Chinese financier, resulting in the arrest of Thai and foreign nationals for illegal entry and the seizure of a substantial amount of contraband, including over 10,000 sex toys and numerous e-cigarettes. Today, February 6, Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, along with…
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Illegal gambling ring in Bangkok busted, Taiwanese nabbed
Thai cybercrime police conducted a major raid on an illegal online gambling network in Bangkok, apprehending a Taiwanese leader and detaining more than 20 administrators. The network, which posed as an NFT trading website, was secretly providing online gambling services, including slots, live casinos, sports betting, and poker. Officials estimate the network’s annual cash flow exceeded 500 million baht. This…
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PPRP opposes casino legalisation, fears national harm
The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) announced its opposition to the government’s proposed bill on entertainment complexes, which aims to legalise casino gambling. The party argues that the legalisation of casinos could negatively impact Thailand and its citizens, while the bill disproportionately empowers the prime minister. The party plans to address the casino issue during the no-confidence debate it intends to…
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Foreign man stabs Thai app-based motorcycle rider in car park
A foreign man refused to pay a transport fare and stabbed a Thai app-based motorcycle rider in the car park of a shopping mall in Bangkok’s Pathum Wan district on January 24. A video of a foreigner arguing with a Thai app-based motorcycle rider was shared on a Thai social media platform last month but it only gained attention from…
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Anutin: Thaksin still has political power despite election results
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul countered assertions that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has lost his political influence. Anutin maintains that Thaksin continues to wield significant political power. “Warriors are warriors. To underestimate Thaksin or say he is losing his magic can bring [the big mouth] an unprecedented disaster.” The statement follows analyses from political commentators questioning Thaksin’s influence after…
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Thai FDA assures public on Coca-Cola recall safety
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clarified concerns regarding Coca-Cola’s recall of soft drinks in Europe due to excessive chlorate levels. The FDA assured that the affected batches from Belgium have not been imported into Thailand, with most imported soft drinks originating from ASEAN countries like Laos and Singapore, which are not involved in the recall. Deputy Secretary-General of…
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Over 27 tonnes of illegal drugs to be destroyed in ONCB crackdown
Over 27 tonnes of illegal drugs are set to be destroyed tomorrow as part of drug eradication efforts by the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). Apikit Chrojprasert, Deputy Secretary General of the ONCB, attended an event yesterday, February 4, alongside police and other officials to prepare for the large-scale incineration of illegal drugs. The total weight of drugs confiscated…
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Thailand’s new digital entry rule sparks panic: TM6 form
Thailand’s latest travel rule is set to shake up the entry process for all foreign visitors but with just a few months to go, crucial details remain missing. From May 1, all non-Thai passport holders must complete the Thai Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before travelling, replacing the outdated TM6 paper form. The online submission will require personal details, travel plans,…
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AirAsia expands Thai network with new routes from Suvarnabhumi
AirAsia is ramping up its domestic game with the launch of two brand-new routes from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, offering twice-daily flights to Udon Thani and a daily service to Khon Kaen. The budget airline is doubling down on Suvarnabhumi as a major hub, adding to its existing domestic connections, which include six daily flights to Chiang Mai, four to Phuket,…
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Bangkok warns of rising PM2.5 dust levels from February 6
Bangkok has issued a warning regarding PM2.5 dust levels, which are expected to reach the orange level from tomorrow, February 6 to Sunday, February 9. Residents are advised to wear masks, refrain from open burning, and report smoke-emitting vehicles via Traffy Fondue and hotline 199. Yesterday, February 4, Ekwaranyu Amrapal, Bangkok’s government spokesperson, highlighted the forecast for PM2.5 dust levels…
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Bangkok’s new bus shelters as much use as a chocolate fireguard
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) addressed concerns regarding the transparency of its bus shelter procurement initiative amidst criticisms that they are as much use as a chocolate fireguard as the shelters won’t protect people from the sun and rain. The BMA outlined plans for two shelter models: one is 2.3 by 3 metres, accommodating three individuals, priced at approximately 230,000 baht.…
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Chinese gambling trio busted in Bangkok luxury condo raid
Three Chinese men have been arrested in Bangkok for allegedly running an illegal online gambling network with over 200,000 members and a daily turnover exceeding 2 million baht. Tourist Police raided a luxury condominium in Huai Khwang today, February 4, apprehending 41 year old Wen Chong, 24 year old Peng Cheng, and 31 year old Po Hong. The suspects were…
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Toxic smog disrupts Bangkok flights as PM2.5 levels soar
Bangkok’s toxic air pollution has reached hazardous levels, forcing flight diversions and sparking health warnings across the city. On Sunday morning, February 2, several flights were diverted from Don Mueang International Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport, as thick smog reduced visibility to just 150 metres. Among the affected flights was AirAsia X Flight XJ901 from Harbin, China, which had to be…
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Bangkok man arrested for setting fire to relative’s pickup
A 52 year old man was arrested for allegedly setting fire to a relative’s pickup in Bangkok’s Nong Chok district. The incident followed a dispute over a motorcycle accident and occurred on Saturday, February 1, when a Ford Ranger was found burned beside a house in Bangkok. Upon investigation, police discovered security camera angles had been altered, obscuring the identity…
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Thai teen saved from drowning in Chao Phraya River
A 24 year old rider and volunteer from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation jumped into the Chao Phraya River to rescue a 16 year old girl who had fallen in. The incident took place yesterday, February 3 at 3.30pm, and the girl was subsequently taken to Ang Thong Hospital for treatment. Police from Mueang Ang Thong Police Station had been informed…
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Bangkok commits to dust-free classrooms amidst pollution concerns
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has committed to increasing the number of dust-free classrooms within its schools by the end of the year. During a community inspection in Watthana district, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt highlighted the need to address public concerns, particularly those related to environmental and public health issues. The 58 year old Bangkok chief confirmed that 744 out…
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Lufthansa extends A380 service to Bangkok
Lufthansa is giving travellers to Thailand an upgrade, extending its Airbus A380 service on the Munich-Bangkok route due to surging demand during Songkran, Thailand’s biggest festival. Originally set for a limited run, the airline has now confirmed the superjumbo will continue flying until April 25, offering passengers a spacious, top-tier experience. The decision cements Lufthansa’s commitment to premium long-haul service,…
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2 Thai social media influencers arrested for promoting Yaba online
Two Thai social media influencers promoted methamphetamine, also known as Yaba, on the TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) platforms, leading to their arrest yesterday, February 2. Officers from the Technology Crime Suppression Division raided a house in Soi Ram Inthra 40 in the Bueng Kum district of Bangkok to arrest two social media influencers, 21 year old Suppanat Panyasin and…
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Teen attacked in Bangkok after tea shop stumble
An 18 year old man sustained minor injuries after being attacked by four teenagers in Bangkok’s Nong Khang Phlu district today. The altercation began when the victim tripped outside a tea shop and uttered an expletive, which the group took offence to. According to the police, the incident occurred today, February 3, near the entrance of Soi Phetkasem 108, prompting…
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Thailand considers cutting free public lighting to lower power bills
The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) stated that discussions among national state agencies are necessary regarding the Energy Ministry‘s proposal to reduce power bills by cutting the government’s free electricity supply to public lighting. Currently, local administrative bodies and departments responsible for highways and rural roads are exempt from paying for public lighting, a cost shouldered by the government amounting to…
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PM Paetongtarn highlights policy successes in monthly address
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered her monthly television address yesterday, February 2, highlighting her administration’s efforts and accomplishments since the beginning of the year. The programme, titled Okat Thai Kap Nayok Paetongtarn (Opportunities for Thailand with Prime Minister Paetongtarn), is scheduled to air on the first Sunday of each month on the NBT HD2 channel, which is controlled by the…
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Bangkok campaign targets rice field burning to combat air pollution
Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, has announced a campaign to eliminate burning in rice fields to tackle air pollution caused by fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The initiative, launched yesterday in Nong Chok district, aims to address the issue across 80,000 rai of rice paddies and 4,000 farming households in 10 districts, including Nong Chok, Khlong Sam Wa, and Lat Krabang. Over…
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Thaksin Shinawatra allowed to leave Thailand with 5m baht surety
The Criminal Court has granted Thaksin Shinawatra permission to temporarily leave Thailand, requiring a 5 million baht cash surety to ensure his return. The former prime minister received approval yesterday, January 31 to visit Malaysia on Sunday and Monday. Thaksin named himself and Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa as witnesses, supported by documentation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to validate…
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