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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Lunar New Year rituals at Bangkok’s dragon lotus temple draw Thai-Chinese community
Today marks the onset of the Lunar New Year, also known as the Year of the Dragon, a significant occasion for Thais with Chinese roots. The shared belief of expelling impending misfortune, termed as fixing a cursed year or Pi Chong in Thai, strengthens the cultural ties between the two communities. A customary practice during the Lunar New Year involves…
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Pita’s shocking family secrets exposed in IG post controversy
Former Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat came forward to address the controversies surrounding his alleged Cambodian ancestry. In a recent Instagram post that captivated his 2.7 million followers, Pita shed light on his maternal grandmother, Anusri, and the intriguing connections within his family tree. Setting the record straight, Pita affirmed his grandmother’s birthplace as Bangkok, vehemently dismissing any claims…
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Thai woman arrested in murder for hire case after 16 years
Officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) arrested a Thai woman in Bangkok in a murder for hire case after she evaded arrest for over 16 years. The body of a Thai woman was found in a canal in Pak Poon sub-district, Mueang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province on July 8, 2008. She bore signs of strangling on her neck…
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PM Srettha heralds visa-free travel between Thailand and China (video)
In a heartening message marking the Lunar New Year, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his optimism about the newly lifted visa requirements between Thailand and China, anticipating a significant boost in bilateral relations and travel. During his well-wishing messages on Lunar New Year, PM Srettha conveyed his hopes that the lifting of visa requirements would foster increased interaction between Thailand…
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Crackdown on underage prostitution, teen Thai pimp arrested
Children and Women Protection Sub-Division and Chana Songkram Police Station officers swooped on an underage prostitution racket and arrested a 19 year old pimp as she accompanied two underage sex workers to a hotel in Bangkok. The teenage pimp, Rapheporn, was arrested on Wednesday, February 7, at the hotel on Prachathipatai Road in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok, and…
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Peruvian seeks Thai justice as yakuza thugs get ‘light’ punishment
A Peruvian man is seeking justice from the Thai authorities after five Japanese yakuza thugs received light sentences for assaulting him at a restaurant in Bangkok. The victim suffered severe injuries and spent more than 400,000 baht on treatment. The 35 year old Peruvian man, Tetsuo Kobashikawa, contacted non-profit organisation Saimai Survive for help seeking justice. The organisation accompanied him to…
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The realities of PM2.5 in Thailand revealed by ‘Check Dust’
Thailand is facing a grave environmental crisis as PM 2.5 levels soar to dangerous heights, threatening the health of millions. The Thai Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), in partnership with the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) and other relevant bodies, took decisive action to combat this escalating threat. The Check Dust application, utilising cutting-edge…
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Thai PM proposes campus switch to diffuse student conflict at Rajamangala University
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday suggested that the relocation of Rajamangala University of Technology’s Uthenthawai Campus (Uthen) from its current location in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district could be the key to resolving its longstanding rivalry with Pathumwan Institute of Technology students. The 61 year old Thai prime minister emphasised that a change of location and a shift in student mindset are…
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Honouring His Majesty’s 72nd birthday: Lord Buddha’s relics
The Department of Religious Affairs declared that rare relics of the Lord Buddha and his chief disciples Sariputra and Moggallana will be transported from India to be showcased at Sanam Luang, allowing the public to offer their respects from 9am to 8pm, starting from February 22 until March 19. Following this period, the relics will embark on a journey to…
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Bangkok police seize 10 million meth pills, 60kg crystal meth in major drug bust
Following a two-month-long surveillance operation, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau of Bangkok’s Division 6 successfully dismantled three drug trafficking networks, seizing 10 million methamphetamine pills and 60 kilogrammes of crystal meth. The haul, intended for distribution in local communities, was intercepted at 1pm yesterday, February 8, at the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 6. Assistant Commissioner of the National…
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Update: Meet the first female president of the Football Association of Thailand
Nualphan Lamsam clinched a resounding victory to become the new president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), leaving her competitors in the dust. The former men’s team manager secured an impressive 68 out of 73 votes, marking a significant shift in leadership at the association, as she takes over from Police General Somyot Poompunmuang following his eight-year tenure. The…
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Thai football in turmoil: Race for FAT presidency and financial promises revealed
The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) is set to usher in a new president, marking the conclusion of Police General Somyot Poompunmuang’s eight-year tenure as the nation’s football chief. The battle for the coveted position has seen former national men’s team manager Nualphan Lamsam emerge as the frontrunner, with the election scheduled to take place at FAT headquarters in Bangkok’s…
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Bangkok Metropolitan Council approves 23.4 billion baht for Green Line extension
The Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) gave the green light for a whopping 23.4 billion baht payment to the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) for crucial electrical and mechanical (E&M) installation work and operation services for the Green Line’s second extension. This decision comes after a crucial meeting that saw high-ranking officials deliberate the fate of the city’s transportation system.…
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Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair set to boost Thailand’s economy
The 69th Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair is set to take place from February 21 to 25 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The Department of International Trade Promotion and the Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand (GIT) are organising the event, in partnership with a joint committee that includes 13 government and private sector organisations. As one of…
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Thai patient seeks HIV prevention after alleged syringe attack in Bangkok mall
A Thai doctor shared that one of her patients sought post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), for possible exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), after she was stabbed with a syringe when walking in a shopping mall in Bangkok. The doctor posted the story of her patient on her Twitter account, @VorachatMD, on February 3. “#Warning! A patient requested PEP (a medicine to…
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Food for thought: Activist hospitalised after 11-day hunger strike
Political activist Netiporn Sanesangkhom, aka Bung, was transferred from prison to the Correctional Hospital yesterday, following a hunger strike lasting 11 days, as confirmed by her legal representatives. Suffering from symptoms including hepatitis and cystitis, Netiporn was too frail to walk, as stated by Thai Lawyers for Human Rights on their official account. Her confinement began at the Central Women’s…
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Korean Air’s sky-high soar: More flights to Bangkok amid tourism rebound
Korean Air unveiled plans for two more weekly flights from Incheon to Bangkok, reflecting the resurgent appetite for travel as the world emerges from the grip of the pandemic. Kim Jongmin, the airline’s country manager, revealed that the added flights on the Incheon-Don Mueang route are in response to surging demand, particularly from South Koreans seeking reprieve from the winter…
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Shiva’s Golden Boy statue: A historical repatriation to Thailand
Two revered relics, the Golden Boy statue embodying the Hindu deity Shiva, and a graceful kneeling female figure with uplifted arms, are poised to make a triumphant return from the United States to Thailand. Set against the backdrop of a highly anticipated repatriation ceremony scheduled for May this year, these cherished artefacts are stirring a wave of national pride. Culture…
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Flash mob fiasco: MFP’s Pita disqualified as PM candidate
Move Forward Party (MFP)’s prime ministerial candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat has been barred from the premiership after receiving a suspended jail sentence for his involvement in a 2019 Bangkok flash mob protest, as confirmed by a renowned legal expert. Jade Donavanik, a lecturer at the College of Asian Scholars, clarified that the recent four-month suspended sentence handed down by the Pathumwan District…
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Pandemic alert: 8,197 Thailand dengue cases reported in January
The Disease Control Department (DCD) issued a stark warning amid a surging wave of dengue fever cases, urging the public to shield themselves from mosquito bites. With a staggering tally of over 8,000 infected individuals and a count of 13 fatalities so far, the situation demands immediate attention. Thongchai Keeratihuttayakorn, the DCD Director-General, revealed alarming statistics, indicating a 91.25% surge…
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Thailand to merge ID and disability cards for streamlined support
Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), announced plans to merge identification (ID) and disability cards as part of an effort to streamline support for disabled individuals. The disability allowance includes those who are incarcerated. The minister’s declaration was in response to the story of Monthon Phetsang, a 48 year old disabled man who embarked on a…
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Corruption potential in the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme
Despite potential warnings from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the government has confirmed plans to proceed with the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat agreed to let the digital wallet policy committee begin work next week. The focus of the forthcoming meeting will be on the potential for corruption during the handout…
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Agoda reveals hotspots: Bangkok heats up rankings
Agoda unveiled the hottest must-visit destinations with the Big Mango, Bangkok sizzling in second place. Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam emerged as the unrivalled favourites, igniting a tourism frenzy in the first month alone. Moreover, Malaysia and South Korea are hot on their heels, rounding up the top five inbound markets. According to Agoda’s January 2024 booking rankings, Asian travel destinations have…
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Discover an enchanting evening with rising R&B stars in Bangkok
Get ready for a night of soul-stirring melodies as five rising R&B stars from California grace Bangkok with their enchanting tunes during The Modern Nostalgia Tour: Live In Bangkok at the BCC Hall of Central Ladprao, Phahon Yothin Road, on February 20 at 8pm. Presented by the Very Company, this special live performance promises to be a musical extravaganza, perfectly…
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PM Srettha pays unannounced visit to Suvarnabhumi Airport amidst biometric glitch
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin paid a surprise visit to Suvarnabhumi International Airport yesterday morning, amongst reports of a recent biometric system glitch that threw the airport into chaos during rush hours. The glitch, a repeat offender, wreaked havoc on automatic passport control channels, leaving departing jet-setters stranded and frustrated. Eyewitnesses claim the prime minister’s unannounced appearance was a direct response…
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Hong Kong’s Greater Bay Airlines operates double daily flights to Bangkok
Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) is offering two daily flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok to cater for the growing demand over the Lunar New Year festivities and beyond. From Hong Kong’s bustling airport, GBA’s flight HB281 takes off at 8.30am, landing at Suvarnabhumi International Airport near Bangkok by 10.30am. A second daytime flight jets off with HB283 departing at 3pm,…
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Foreign men allegedly swindles 1.2 million baht from Thai victims
Two Thai victims sought help from Channel 7 after two foreign men swindled them out of US$34,700 (about 1.2 million baht) while the police delayed taking action on the case. A Thai woman named Karnratha, along with her boyfriend, implored Channel 7 to broadcast their story to put pressure on officers at Lumphini Police Station to take action on their…
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Thai man cycles 400 kilometres for justice after losing disability allowance
A Thai man, paralysed in both legs, devised a plan to cycle more than 400 kilometres from the northern province of Sukhothai to Bangkok in pursuit of justice after his disability allowance was cut off. Despite his plea for assistance, authorities declined to aid him in his endeavour. A rescue team in the central province of Ang Thong accompanied the…
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Bangkok’s Chinatown kicked off Chinese New Year celebrations
Thailand kicked off its grandest Chinese New Year celebration in the heart of Bangkok’s Chinatown on Yaowarat Road. Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, joined forces with Wu Zhiwu from the Embassy of The People’s Republic of China to officially inaugurate the festivities. The Chalermphrakiat Gate, Odeon Circle, Yaowarat Road, now hosts the Tunnel of Golden Dragon, symbolising…
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Thai Cheese Tour unleashes culinary delight across Thailand
In a cheesy twist to the conventional travel experience, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) kick-started the Thai Cheese Tour 2023-2024 last November. This year-long gastronomic journey, sponsored by TAT, has been spreading the love for Thailand’s burgeoning artisanal cheese industry through an array of pop-up events in tourist hotspots, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and beyond. What began as…
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