THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

The sun barely broke through the morning haze of Bangkok’s bustling Chatuchak district when chaos erupted amid the solemn silence. The recent catastrophe had left an indelible mark on the city’s skyline. The new State Audit Office building, once considered a testament to modern architecture, lay in ruins. This tragedy unfolded with ferocity as a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that originated from the distant lands of Myanmar shook the very foundations of the city on March 28, 2025. In the wake of this disaster, grim statistics shadowed the devastation: eighty-nine workers met their untimely demise beneath the rubble, while seven others still remained unaccounted for. The colossal edifice, a 2.1-billion-baht investment stretching thirty stories high, defied its purpose when it became the solitary skyscraper to bow down during the seismic assault. In the echoes of mourning, whispers of corruption began to surface. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) dropped a metaphorical bomb:…

Amidst the tranquil blues and teeming marine life of Mu Koh Surin National Park, an unexpected and unfortunate event unfurled as the MV Ayar Linn found itself ensnared on a delicate coral reef. This stunning locale, nestled in southern Thailand’s Phangnga province, became the setting for an environmental upset, as a Myanmar cargo ship inadvertently laid waste to the underwater beauty on June 1. The ship’s unwelcome stopover in Ao Jak Bay, captured in a stark yet poignant image, revealed its battered hull resting woefully upon a once-vibrant coral community. The reverberations of this grounding are substantial, with Thailand signifying its intention to seek a commendable compensation of no less than 12 million baht for the environmental havoc wreaked by this seabound ordeal, articulated by the vigilant Athapol Charoenshunsa, helming the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). The coral casualties span a spectrum of vibrant marine life,…

Sawadee, savvy traveler! If you’re gearing up for an adventure in the enchanting Land of Smiles, brace yourself for an experience that dances between the glittering spires of golden temples, tantalizes your taste buds with scrumptious street food, and gifts you with picturesque island sunsets and exhilarating tuk-tuk escapades. But if you aim to live out this escapade not just as an ordinary tourist, but as someone who intimately knows the som tam from the satay, you’ll need some high-tech aides in your digital arsenal. Thailand thrives on convenience, yet unlocking its treasures often requires the practiced touch of a local. As the wise Thai adage goes, “khao nai naa, klai taa mai hen” — meaning the obvious things can sometimes be hardest to see. Let me introduce you to three must-have apps that will elevate your Thai experience, making you dine like a local gourmet, luxuriate like a monarch,…

In a saga that captures the intoxicating blend of youth, audacity, and unscrupulous ambition, a 20-year-old woman from the serene Saraburi province has stirred up quite the legal storm. Known locally for her tempestuous disposition, she stands accused of orchestrating an illicit money lending operation that charged astronomical interest rates up to a staggering 300%. This case, with its intertwining tales of intimidation and exploitation, has brought forth troubling revelations about a network that preyed upon vulnerable targets—young girls between the tender ages of 13 and 16. The young entrepreneur-turned-alleged-perpetrator found herself at the epicenter of a community scandal when victims’ voices, initially silenced by fear, began to echo through the corridors of justice. It was the determined efforts of Ronnarong Kaewphet, the valiant chairman of the Justice Seeker Foundation, that amplified these cries. He not only inspired courage in the victims but also shepherded them to the Nong Khae…

In the seemingly sun-kissed land of Thailand, where tropical breezes and vibrant wildlife create a picturesque backdrop, a political storm is brewing over solar energy. A new initiative to enhance solar panel adoption has sparked more than just interest; it’s igniting a fiery debate surrounding potential political ramifications. The proposed legislation, designed to streamline the installation and energy trade associated with solar panels, has become a flashpoint for discussion, drawing both accolades and accusations. While some see it as a radiant step towards innovation, others fear it could cast shadows over fairness and autonomy. Leading the charge against the bill is Treerat Sirichantaropas, CEO of New Energy Plus Solutions and a seasoned political player as the former Deputy Secretary General of the Thai Sang Thai Party. In a bold move, Treerat took to the social media stage on X (formerly Twitter) to voice his discontent. He cautioned that the bill…

In the picturesque district of Hat Yai, within Songkhla province, the air reverberated with the mighty roar of the Gripen jet as it elegantly took off from Road 4287. On that thrilling day of February 27, 2025, a quiet road metamorphosed into an impromptu runway, serving up a spectacle that would entice any aviation aficionado. The occasion wasn’t just a showcase of sleek Scandinavian engineering by Sweden’s Saab; it was a foretaste of what is to come as the Royal Thai Air Force embarks on an ambitious journey. Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, the distinguished leader of Thailand’s aerial guardians, divulged plans to bolster national defense by acquiring a fleet of 12 Gripen JAS 39 fighter jets across the coming decade. This strategic decision, both innovative and astute, reflects a vision looking far beyond the horizon. Although there’s much excitement on the runway, the real buzz came when ACM Punpakdee…

In an unexpected twist of teenage bravado gone awry, a young Burmese lad discovered the perils of social media fame in Phuket’s Cherng Talay district. Eager to etch his name into the hallways of digital notoriety, this spirited youth turned to a somewhat unorthodox method: posing with machetes and a toy gun. Armed with nothing more than props and a flair for the dramatic, his antics triggered quite a stir amongst the locals and law enforcement alike. The spectacle began with an audacious post on Facebook, flaunting his ensemble of machetes, accompanied by a toy gun, all for the sake of what they call ‘clout’. Shocked by the unapologetic display, citizens promptly voiced their concerns, urging the authorities to intervene. The image, captioned with a fervent call to action—”So arrogant! ‘Phuket’ Myanmar teenager gang in the Cherng Talay area showing off guns and machetes on social media, locals complain! Asking…

For Thai students with aspirations of hitting the academic halls of the United States, recent announcements have provided a welcome sigh of relief. Amidst the whirlwind of headline-making news that danced around confusion created by a leaked memo, it turns out student visa interviews in Bangkok are still going strong, despite previous guidelines hinting otherwise. The whole kerfuffle started with a bombshell report by Politico on April 1st, which sent shockwaves across the globe: a remnant from the Trump administration had allegedly instructed US embassies to pause adding more student visa slots due to an anticipated overhaul in social media vetting. According to the memo, which read much like a strict edict, “Effective immediately… consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued.” Cue the panic button! Thai students and their hopeful parents, many of whom…