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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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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Unregistered hotels could boost tourism revenue to 3.5 trillion baht
Unregistered hotel operators entering the registration system could significantly increase hidden tourism revenues, potentially reaching 3.5 trillion baht if successful, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong stated that the annual revenue reported by the ministry is lower than the actual tourism figures due to the extensive informal economy, which includes illegal accommodations and…
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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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Thai man refuses to pay 80-baht fare, attacks Bangkok Bolt rider
Police arrested a Thai man for refusing to pay an 80-baht fare to a Bolt rider and attacking him in Soi Pracha Uthit 17 in Bangkok at the weekend. The Bolt rider, Kitikawin, took to a Facebook group for Bolt drivers to warn others and filed a complaint against the attacker, 19 year old Phuwadon, at Rat Burana Police Station.…
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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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Thailand tourists surge by 21% despite safety fears
Despite a recent high-profile trafficking case involving a Chinese actor, Thailand's tourism is booming. Foreign visitors are undeterred by safety concerns and arriving in record numbers.
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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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US tariffs could flood Thai market with cheap Chinese goods
Thailand may soon be swamped with an influx of cheap Chinese imports if the United States slaps high tariffs on Chinese goods, warns former Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai. The country must brace itself for economic turbulence, or risk being caught off guard. Speaking at the Chula Thailand Presidents Summit 2025 at Chulalongkorn University, Surakiart cautioned that if the US tightens trade…
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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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Thai police uncover illegal Bitcoin mining, costing 500 million baht
In Samut Sakhon, an extensive illegal Bitcoin mining operation was uncovered by Thai police yesterday, January 31, resulting in significant financial losses due to unauthorised electricity usage over a three-year period. The operation, which led to over 500 million baht in losses, was discovered during a raid conducted by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) following abnormal power consumption reports…
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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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British dad mysteriously vanishes in Bangkok
A British dad has vanished in Thailand after failing to board his flight home—sparking fears from his distraught family. The 33 year old Brit, James Sangwine, from Epping, Essex, jetted off to Bangkok on January 18 to visit a friend but hasn’t been heard from since he left for a night out on January 20. His partner, 38 year old…
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Cold weather warning in Thailand with frost on mountain tops
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather warning for today, February 1, highlighting cold to chilly conditions in the north and northeast, with frost expected on mountain tops. Residents are advised to be cautious of fire hazards due to dry weather, while South Thailand faces monsoon effects with high waves at sea. In the next 24 hours, a…
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Phumtham dismisses refugee employment proposal as impractical
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed disapproval of Fair Party list MP Kannavee Suebsang‘s proposal to offer employment to refugees. Phumtham considers it impractical. Phumtham addressed concerns over the United States’ decision to reduce funding for hospitals in nine refugee camps along the Thailand-Myanmar border. He noted that the Thai government is also impacted by this decision,…
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Reckless Thai rider’s wild trip lands him fine, suspended jail term
In a courtroom twist that highlights the perils of flouting traffic laws, a young Thai rider found himself at the mercy of the justice system after a reckless ride through Bangkok. Jesada Pholyeam’s day of reckoning came as the court handed him a one-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and a 3,000 baht fine. To make matters worse for…
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Thailand gears up for Chinese tourist surge amid charter flight push
Thailand is ramping up efforts to boost Chinese tourist arrivals by increasing charter flights from secondary cities in China while launching a major domestic travel subsidy in June. Chuwit Sirivejkul, regional marketing director for East Asia at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), revealed that Thailand welcomed an average of 22,000 to 24,000 Chinese tourists daily in January. The numbers peaked…
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Thai lawyer Sittra charged in 111m baht fraud case
The Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) has charged prominent lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd, known as Lawyer Tam, and six others in a fraud case involving Jatuporn Ubonlert, also known as Madame Oy. The court ordered them to repay 111 million baht. This sum includes 72 million baht from a fraudulent online lottery investment scheme and 39 million baht from scams related…
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Burning rubber: Blazing inferno engulfs Bangkok car plant
In the early hours of this morning, chaos descended upon a renowned car assembly company in Lat Krabang, Bangkok, as a ferocious fire lit up the capital’s sky. Police Lieutenant Jirayu Wongsingh, an investigator from Chok Chai Noi Police Station, was jolted into action with reports of a blaze ripping through the company premises on Luang Phaeng Road, Thap Yao…
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Bangkok seeks air pollution control status amid rising PM2.5 levels
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to request the government’s declaration of Bangkok as an air pollution control area due to anticipated rises in PM2.5 levels over the coming week. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced yesterday, January 29, that he will present the proposal to the Cabinet next week. Declaring Bangkok a pollution control area would empower the BMA to…
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Publicity stunt: PM Paetongtarn launches monthly TV show
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to make her TV debut this Sunday, February 2, in the first episode of her brand-new talk show, Empowering Thais. The programme aims to promote her government’s achievements and future vision, giving the public a direct insight into national policies. Airing on Channel 11 of the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT), the half-hour…
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