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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  • Loy Krathong festival to generate 6.9 billion baht tourism revenue

    Loy Krathong festival to generate 6.9 billion baht tourism revenue

    Thailand’s Loy Krathong festival is set to boost the economy, with an expected 6.9 billion baht in tourism revenue from 1.9 million domestic trips, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The northern region is forecasted to be the most popular destination, drawing the highest number of tourists. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool projected a 9% increase in tourist…

  • 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…

  • Thai woman arrested in Bangkok for pimping out girls aged 14-16

    Thai woman arrested in Bangkok for pimping out girls aged 14-16

    Police arrested a 25 year old Thai woman at a Bangkok hotel for operating a prostitution ring and pimping out three girls aged between 14 and 16. Officers from the Children and Women Protection Sub-division received a tip-off that girls under 18 were being sent to work as party entertainers. In addition to entertaining clients, they were also forced to…

  • 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…

  • Police raid illegal gambling den in Bangkok, 20 arrested

    Police raid illegal gambling den in Bangkok, 20 arrested

    Police in Suthisan successfully raided an illegal gambling den secretly operating in Bangkok. Twenty individuals were apprehended during the operation, which took place at a house at the end of Soi Inthamara 22 in Din Daeng, Bangkok. The raid was initiated around 9pm yesterday, November 7, following reports of suspicious activity over the past two to three days. Led by…

  • 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…

  • Thai man harasses female student on Bangkok songthaew

    Thai man harasses female student on Bangkok songthaew

    A concerning incident involving a man allegedly harassing a female student on a public songthaew sparked warnings on social media. The incident, which occurred yesterday, November 6 at around 5pm, prompted calls for increased vigilance among commuters using this popular mode of transport. The incident unfolded on a songthaew travelling to the National Stadium, which was fully occupied at the…

  • 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…

  • Bangkok condo construction accident injures six, halts project

    Bangkok condo construction accident injures six, halts project

    A construction accident at a condominium site in Bangkok resulted in six workers being injured when a dust barrier collapsed from the sixth floor. Four of the workers sustained serious injuries. The project has been temporarily halted pending a thorough investigation. At around 6.30pm yesterday, November 6, police officer Sombat Saengmanee, along with other police, was notified of an accident…

  • VIP chauffeur punches security guard in parking dispute at Bangkok airport (video)

    VIP chauffeur punches security guard in parking dispute at Bangkok airport (video)

    A chauffeur for a VIP foreign passenger punched a security guard at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok yesterday following an argument over parking at the entrance to the passenger terminal. The 47 year old security team leader, Sergeant Thanakrit, filed a complaint against the assailant, 41 year old Worravit, at the Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station after the incident, which occurred…

  • Russell Crowe cooks up in Bangkok with Michelin-star chef Jay Fai

    Russell Crowe cooks up in Bangkok with Michelin-star chef Jay Fai

    Russell Crowe, the Oscar-winning Aussie with a soft spot for the Land of Smiles, is back in the spotlight after his recent jaunt to Bangkok. Yesterday, November 6, the silver screen sensation was seen rubbing shoulders with none other than the Michelin-star maestro, Jay Fai, known worldwide for serving up street food with a twist. Taking to social media, Crowe…

  • Thailand enforces stricter regulations on illegal factories

    Thailand enforces stricter regulations on illegal factories

    Thailand’s Industry Ministry is intensifying efforts to enforce stricter regulations on substandard products that falsely claim to meet Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) standards. Industry Minister Akanat Promphan announced the initiative following a Cabinet meeting, emphasising the need for collaboration with modern trade stores to conduct random product inspections. “To enforce measures to control substandard products, we are seeking cooperation…

  • Thailand coalition agrees on constitutional drafting assembly

    Thailand coalition agrees on constitutional drafting assembly

    The coalition parties in Thailand have reached a consensus on the need to establish a constitutional drafting assembly (CDA) to oversee the proposed amendments to the constitution. The Bhumjaithai Party emphasised that any changes put forth by the CDA must genuinely serve the interests of the people. Chaichanok Chidchob, Secretary-General of the Bhumjaithai Party, highlighted that discussions on charter amendments…

  • PM Paetongtarn pledges no interference in Thaksin detention probe

    PM Paetongtarn pledges no interference in Thaksin detention probe

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed concerns regarding her involvement in an investigation into allegations that her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, received preferential treatment during his detention at the Police General Hospital. She reassured the public and officials that she would not interfere with the ongoing probe. The 38 year old Thai premier confirmed the government’s commitment to adhering…

  • British and Dutch men arrested in Bangkok for drug trafficking

    British and Dutch men arrested in Bangkok for drug trafficking

    Officers from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) arrested a British man and a Dutch man at a condominium in Bangkok yesterday for drug trafficking. They were found in possession of 210 grammes of ecstasy and over 37 grammes of cannabis. The ONCB officers held a press conference today, November 6, to provide details on the arrests of…

  • Drug-fuelled gun incident in Suan Luang ends with arrest

    Drug-fuelled gun incident in Suan Luang ends with arrest

    A dramatic incident unfolded in the Suan Luang area when a man under the influence of drugs fired a gun in a residential area. Special operation forces, fully armed, surrounded the area and managed to apprehend the suspect. The man now faces serious charges. Police were alerted to the situation around 5am today, November 6, following instructions from Witthawat Chinkham,…

  • BDMS Wellness Clinic boosts health tourism with Longevity Card

    BDMS Wellness Clinic boosts health tourism with Longevity Card

    BDMS Wellness Clinic launched a new health initiative amid the rising global interest in wellness, particularly as societies worldwide face ageing populations and an increase in chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, obesity, and stress. This trend has significantly boosted the popularity of the wellness industry. Global wellness market data indicates an expected annual growth of approximately 8.6%, potentially…

  • Seven arrested in Bangkok market immigration crackdown

    Seven arrested in Bangkok market immigration crackdown

    Thai immigration officers apprehended seven foreign nationals, including individuals from China, Laos, and Myanmar, for illegally selling clothes at stalls in the Bobae Market in Bangkok. This operation was part of a broader crackdown on illegal activities. The operation was conducted by immigration officers who went undercover as customers in Bobae Market. Acting on a directive from the police chief,…

  • Bangkok saleswoman arrested for air conditioner fraud scheme

    Bangkok saleswoman arrested for air conditioner fraud scheme

    A Thai saleswoman has been apprehended by Bangkok’s investigative police for allegedly falsifying information to defraud clients by selling air conditioners. The arrest took place in the Ramkhamhaeng area of Bangkok after a thorough investigation led by the city’s police force. The saleswoman, 34 year old Panida, was taken into custody following a coordinated effort by the police, acting on…

  • Big Joke’s wife sues woman and her husband over alleged false theft complaint

    Big Joke’s wife sues woman and her husband over alleged false theft complaint

    The wife of former police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, filed a lawsuit against a woman and her police officer husband for allegedly lodging a false theft complaint accusing her of stealing gold and cash valued at 5.7 million baht. Sirinatda Hakparn, the wife of Big Joke, visited Phra Kanong Police Station on October 24 to deny accusations of theft…

  • Bangkok sings the blues: Cops bust Chinese in illegal karaoke bar

    Bangkok sings the blues: Cops bust Chinese in illegal karaoke bar

    Police officers raided an illegal karaoke bar in the Huay Kwang district of Bangkok yesterday, arresting 26 Chinese nationals involved in a drug party. Officers from Huay Kwang Police Station and the Youth and Women’s Welfare Centre received a tip-off about the illegal bar and acted swiftly, conducting the raid yesterday, November 5. Upon arrival, they encountered a 25 year…

  • PM Paetongtarn attends key regional conferences in China

    PM Paetongtarn attends key regional conferences in China

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to attend two significant regional conferences in Kunming, China. These gatherings, scheduled today, November 6, and tomorrow, will precede her journey to Peru for the APEC summit on Sunday, as confirmed by Jirayu Houngsub, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office. The initial conference is the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation Programme Summit (GMS…

  • Bangkok house of horrors: Owner trapped as two-storey falls flat

    Bangkok house of horrors: Owner trapped as two-storey falls flat

    A two-storey wooden house in Bangkok collapsed, trapping its 64 year old owner beneath the debris. The incident occurred when neighbours heard creaking sounds, prompting an investigation into the cause. The structure had been previously identified as a safety risk. At 12.50am today, November 6, Police Lieutenant Suchat Changtham from Wat Phraya Krai Police Station received a report regarding a…