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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Sponsored How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Bangkok overhaul plan could hand governor more power
Should Bangkok be run more like a country than a city? Politicians think so — and big changes could be coming. Yesterday, May 1, at Bangkok City Hall’s Nopparat Room near the Giant Swing, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt welcomed Members of Parliament to discuss sweeping proposals to overhaul the city’s outdated administration system. The meeting brought together top Bangkok executives and…
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Bangkok SAO death toll hits 68 after 5 more bodies found
Five more bodies have been recovered from the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building, bringing the death toll to 68. Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, reported that the bodies were discovered in Zone D between 10pm on Wednesday, April 30, and 9am yesterday, May 1. The search for the missing continues, with heavy machinery operating…
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Filipino man stays at Bangkok hotels and vanishes without paying
Police arrested a Filipino university student for staying at several five-star hotels in Bangkok without paying, causing losses of several hundred thousand baht. Officers from Immigration Division 1 received multiple complaints from hotel staff in Bangkok regarding fraudulent activities involving a Filipino national. The man reportedly deceived hotel employees to obtain free stays and meals at luxury hotels across the…
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Thai Army denies online ops, says it’s just ‘correcting facts’
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) claims that it does not engage in online military-style information-influencing operations but instead provides factual corrections to misleading social media information. During a House Committee on National Security meeting, the army spokesperson discussed the state’s use of social media. The session included representatives from the Office of Policy and Planning, Internal Security Operations Command, and…
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Thunderstorms and strong winds batter Thailand, TMD warns
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather warning for today, May 2. Thunderstorms and strong winds are forecast across upper Thailand, with Bangkok also affected. Residents are cautioned about the potential dangers of intense weather conditions, particularly in the North, northeast, and central regions. Upper Thailand will experience thunderstorms and strong winds due to easterly and southeasterly winds…
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Fake police caught extorting migrant workers, employers in Bangkok
Officers arrested a Thai man posing as a police officer who extorted money from migrant workers and their employers at the popular tourist destination Asiatique the Riverfront, in the Charoen Krung neighbourhood of Bangkok Restaurant owners and business operators in the area questioned officers at Wat Phraya Krai Police Station about the frequency of operations targeting migrant workers after observing…
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How to hack Thailand’s May holidays for a 10-day break
Get ready to pack your bags—May is shaping up to be a jackpot month for long holidays, and if you play your cards right, you could be lounging for 10 days straight. Hot on the heels of April’s Songkran break, May brings another wave of public holidays that offer golden opportunities for extended rest, road trips or relaxing staycations. Whether…
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Chinese men accuse Thai official of extortion and illegal watch seizure
Two Chinese nationals accused Thai Customs officials of extortion and unlawful luxury watch seizure at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok on August 4 last year. The alleged corruption by the Thai officials came to light after the news-focused X (formerly Twitter) account, Red Skull, shared the story on April 28. The account reportedly obtained the details from a man whose two Chinese…
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Retired police general in Bangkok hit-and-run incident
A retired police general was involved in a hit-and-run accident involving a luxury car and a motorcycle near the entrance of Kluaynamthai Hospital on Rama 4 Road, Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei district, Bangkok. The incident occurred at 11pm on April 27. The driver fled towards Phra Khanong intersection, where vigilant locals managed to stop him. The area falls under the…
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Transport ministry proposes MRT Act changes for 20-baht flat fare
The Ministry of Transport is set to propose changes to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Act during a special session of the House of Representatives next month. This aligns with the introduction of a 20-baht flat fare for the electric railway system planned for September. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri stated yesterday, April 29, that the ministry is finalising a…
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Concrete slab from old overpass kills driver in Bangkok
A concrete slab fell from an older overpass onto a pickup truck, injuring the driver yesterday on the outbound side of Rama 2 Road in Bangkok. The incident, not related to the new bridge construction, prompted immediate action to assist the injured party. The accident occurred around 8am, yesterday, April 29, when concrete debris fell from an old overpass connecting Krathum…
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Luxury durian afternoon tea launched to boost Thai tourism
Durian lovers, rejoice! Thailand’s King of Fruits is getting a five-star makeover. To boost gastronomy tourism, Thailand is promoting its premium Mon Thong durian with an exclusive Durian Decadent Afternoon Tea campaign, aiming to create unforgettable travel experiences for modern, experience-seeking tourists. Launched during the summer High Season, this campaign highlights innovative culinary experiences featuring Thailand’s prized Mon Thong durian,…
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Cement block falls onto truck, driver injured on Rama II expressway
A motorist has been injured after a large cement block fell from the construction site of the Rama II elevated expressway, smashing onto his pickup truck as he was driving beneath the ongoing project. The shocking incident occurred on Rama II Road, as the driver was heading towards Samut Sakhon. The unnamed driver told emergency medical technicians (EMTs) that he…
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Thai locals show compassion, aid foreign woman in roadside seizure (video)
A foreign woman experienced a seizure on the roadside, prompting immediate assistance from nearby Thais who showed great compassion. Yesterday, April 28, a TikTok user @guyslumclub posted a video capturing the incident, highlighting the kindness of Thai locals who rushed to help without hesitation. The post humorously encouraged support for the poster’s noodle shop, Ann’s Kuay Teow Khua Gai, Baanthat…
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Bangkok ranks No. 6 among world’s friendliest cities for expats
Bangkok has been named one of the world’s most expat-friendly cities, securing 6th place in the annual survey conducted by InterNations. While Malaga, Spain, clinched the top spot as the most welcoming city for expatriates, Bangkok’s high ranking highlights the city’s growing appeal to foreigners. According to the survey, expats in Bangkok reported feeling very welcomed by locals, with 67%…
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Thai transport ministry fast-tracks 20 baht train fare policy
The Ministry of Transport is accelerating efforts to implement the 20 baht flat fare for electric trains policy, targeting completion by September 2025. A new draft of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand Act is slated for Cabinet consideration in May. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri highlighted that the ministry is currently detailing the draft law, aimed at modernising…
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Bangkok officials embezzlement charges for fake bus repairs
Police General Adisorn Ngamjitsuksrisuk, an advisor to the Governor of Bangkok, revealed details of a major corruption case involving the alleged embezzlement of funds intended for the repair of large buses under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The case was uncovered by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), which discovered irregularities in the disbursement of repair budgets. The investigation…
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Xin Ke Yuan Steel’s licences revoked after legal violations
Industry Minister Akanat Promphan announced today that Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co Ltd will have its operating licences permanently revoked, alongside a nationwide ban on its use of induction furnace (IF) technology, following multiple legal violations on the State Audit Office (SAO) building. Akanat explained that Xin Ke Yuan Steel had violated several legal regulations and would face an investigation…
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Chinese national arrested in Bangkok for counterfeit goods
Police apprehended a 48 year old Chinese national at a well-known shopping mall in the Pratunam area of Bangkok, today, April 28. The suspect, Yang Jin, was caught smuggling and selling counterfeit goods, with over 27,856 items seized from his store. The operation was led by Police Major General Tasnaphum Charupraphan, with Police Colonel Phuwadech Julkasevi and Police Lieutenant Visarut…
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Foreign Instagrammer slammed for climbing Bangkok’s ghost tower
Both Thai and international netizens criticised a foreign Instagrammer and his friend for breaking into and climbing the renowned ghost tower in Bangkok. The Instagram user, @ryan_rrobertson, shared a video of himself and his friend climbing multiple skyscrapers in various countries. His most recent video showed them at the top of the famous Sathorn Unique Tower in Bangkok. The property…
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Crane accident in Bangkok injures two construction workers
Two construction workers sustained injuries when a crane basket cable snapped, causing them to fall onto Pracharat Bamphen Road in Huai Khwang district, Bangkok. The incident yesterday, April 27, occurred near the Huai Khwang intersection. Police Colonel Prasopchok Iampinit, chief of Huai Khwang Police Station, along with Deputy Police Superintendent Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekachai Malawanno, instructed Police Lieutenant Chaiya Weluwanarak…
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Protest planned against SEC and land bridge projects in Thailand
Opponents of the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) and the land bridge megaproject, which aims to connect the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, have pledged to protest on July 1 if the government moves forward with this plan. Prasitchai Nunuan, an activist and leader of the SEC Watch group, one of 94 groups opposing the SEC, stated that the…
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Collapsed Bangkok building death toll rises to 60
Rescue teams in Bangkok have uncovered three more bodies from the rubble of a 30-story building that collapsed last month, bringing the death toll to a devastating 60. The bodies were found in the fire escape stairwell area of the under-construction State Audit Office (SAO) building in Chatuchak district. Officials fear that more victims may be discovered as search and…
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PM Paetongtarn leaves hospital after fever recovery
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was discharged from hospital after recovering from a high fever, according to government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub yesterday, April 25. The 38 year old PM was admitted to hospital on Thursday evening, April 24, following her return from a two-day official visit to Cambodia. After a medical examination yesterday, doctors found her condition had improved and…
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Tour de theft: Israeli’s bike swiped in Bangkok, found on Facebook
A cheeky thief tried to cash in on a stolen bike belonging to an Israeli tourist by flogging it on Facebook but got caught peddling his crime to an undercover cop. Bangkok police nabbed the suspect who allegedly nicked a pricey bike from a visiting tourist in Yaowarat, Chinatown’s bustling food and shopping district, before listing it online for a…
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Down with fever: PM Paetongtarn hospitalised after Cambodia trip
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was rushed to the hospital last night after returning from an official trip to Cambodia, according to Government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap. “Paetongtarn had a packed schedule in Cambodia from Wednesday to Thursday, meeting with officials and discussing important issues,” Jirayu explained. After departing Cambodia around 2pm yesterday, April 24, she arrived back in Thailand at approximately…
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Thai transwoman commits suicide after losing 7 million baht in scam
A Thai transwoman committed suicide in her parked car outside her barbecue restaurant in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, after reportedly losing over 7 million baht in an investment scam. A worker at the restaurant in Bang Kruai district noticed the vehicle belonging to his transgender employer, Sarut, parked outside unusually early on the morning of April 24. He became suspicious,…
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Thai police defend probe into Chulalongkorn exam leak scandal
Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) defended its involvement in the investigation of a 2023 exam paper leak at Chulalongkorn University. The case allegedly implicates a former senior police officer who was then enrolled in a special undergraduate law programme. On Wednesday, April 23, the TCSD commissioner, Police Major General Siriwat Dipho, stressed that the investigation is being conducted impartially…
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SUV crushed between 2 trucks causes 8 deaths, 3 injuries
In a heart-wrenching accident, eight lives, including those of young children, were tragically cut short when a colossal 22-wheel truck slammed into a parked SUV and another lorry in an emergency parling area. The crash, which left three others injured, occurred on a motorway heading towards Chon Buri province. Officials from the Phranakhon Radio Centre were alerted to the fatal…
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Second storm warning for upper Thailand this summer
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a second warning regarding summer storms expected to affect upper Thailand from tomorrow, April 26 to Thursday, May 1. This announcement highlights the potential for thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, and heavy rainfall in some areas. The storms are anticipated due to a moderate high-pressure system from China moving over Vietnam and the South China…
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