THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong, the charismatic figure of the party, was spotted handing an invitation to Democrat secretary-general Det-it Khaothong at the Parliament in Bangkok on August 28th. The photo, which has been making rounds across social media, captured a moment that has since sparked fervent discussions and debates. But what do the people think about such a pivotal political alliance? The heartlands of the Democrats, especially the South, didn’t take the news lightly. According to an illuminating survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), the decision taken by the Democrats to join the Pheu Thai-led government has stirred quite the controversy. The survey was conducted over September 2nd and 3rd, with NIDA polling 1,310 individuals aged 18 and above, cutting across various educational levels, occupations, and incomes. The voices from 14 southern provinces were compiled to understand the sentiments towards the Democrats’ surprising move. Let’s…

Phrae: In a fervent display of unity and discontent, approximately 1,000 residents came together to protest the Pheu Thai Party’s controversial plan to resurrect the Kaeng Suea Ten Dam project in Song district. The impassioned protest took place in tambon Sa Lab, where locals creatively expressed their dissent by parading three coffins labeled with the names of Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, and former Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi. These officials have been singled out as key proponents in reviving the contentious project. The catalyst for this protest was a recent statement by Mr. Phumtham, highlighting the government’s renewed focus on a mammoth 200-billion-baht water management initiative, which includes the contentious dam. The primary objective, according to Mr. Phumtham, is to mitigate flooding in the Yom River basin, a goal that has stirred both hope and concern among the local populace. The…

In a captivating display of camaraderie and commitment, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra flashed mini-heart signs during a group photo session with her newly sworn-in cabinet ministers on Saturday. On the verdant lawn of Government House, the symbolic gesture embodied a promise for heartfelt governance even as His Majesty the King granted audience to approve the entire 35-member cabinet. These ministers have sworn an oath to serve the nation, pledging to work under Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s leadership. Determined to ensure stability and continuity in governance, Prime Minister Paetongtarn has vowed to completing her three-year term. Fresh off chairing a special cabinet meeting at Government House, she discussed significant plans to prepare the government’s policy statement, which is set to be presented to parliament on September 12–13. This crucial step must be taken before the government can proceed with its legislative agenda. “I am committed to fulfilling my duties until the end…

In the bustling heart of Bangkok, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, the steadfast leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), chaired a vital meeting at the party’s headquarters on Friday. As cameras flashed and journalists scribbled notes, one thing became abundantly clear: despite his and his party’s notable exclusion from the new coalition government, Prawit’s political sway remains as formidable as ever. Political pundits have been abuzz, speculating that Pheu Thai’s newfound partnership with the Democrat Party is more of a cunning maneuver than a bona fide olive branch. “The game is not over yet,” insists Sathit Wongnongtoei, a former Democrat Party MP. “Everyone is well aware of Gen Prawit’s extensive network within the political and independent sectors.” According to Sathit, Pheu Thai’s exclusion of the PPRP from the coalition led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is no mere oversight. Rather, it’s a calculated move, with Prawit’s connections stirring suspicion. The general’s…

Forecasting this year’s flood situation, Chawalit Chantararat, a renowned water expert and director at Team Consulting Engineering and Management Public Company Limited (Team Group), predicts that the forthcoming floods will not mirror the catastrophic deluge of 2011. His optimistic outlook, recently shared with the Bangkok Post, is grounded in a combination of smaller water masses descending from the North and the country’s heightened preparedness to address potential flood disasters. Chawalit emphasized that while significant rainfall has been recorded in northern provinces such as Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae, Sukhothai, and Phichit, it has not yet reached levels capable of submerging the entire region. This year’s water flow past Muang district of Nakhon Sawan province was measured at 15.6 billion cubic meters, a stark contrast to the 23.4 billion cubic meters recorded on September 25, 2011. “The massive water volumes witnessed in 2011 were primarily due to the convergence of the Ping,…

Incoming overflow: Sandbag embankments have been reinforced along Tha Ratcha Woradit near City Hall as Bangkok braces for an overflow of the Chao Phraya River. The Royal Irrigation Department has issued flood warnings to 10 provinces and Bangkok, effective from Sunday. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul) The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has alerted residents across 11 Central provinces about an impending increase in the water discharge rate from the Chao Phraya Dam. This proactive measure is intended to alleviate the devastating impacts of super typhoon Yagi. Det Lekwichai, acting director of the RID, announced on Saturday that the alert extends to Bangkok, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan. The water discharge rate from the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat is set to skyrocket from 300 cubic meters per second to an impressive 1,500-1,700 cubic meters per second, owing…

In a significant and era-defining policy shift, the Chinese government announced on Thursday, September 6, 2024, a decision that marks the end of an epoch: China will no longer facilitate the overseas adoption of its children. This groundbreaking move puts a full stop to a practice that has spanned over three decades, intricately linked to China’s erstwhile stringent one-child policy—an approach that has shaped countless lives and international adoption narratives. The one-child policy, implemented in 1979, was initially driven by a necessity to curb a burgeoning population. Over the decades, this regulation has had far-reaching social consequences, including the widespread practice of international adoption. Western families often adopted Chinese orphans and abandoned children, providing them with new lives far from their birthplaces. These adopted children, now adults, have created diverse communities and narratives that intertwine east and west, connecting cultures through the bonds of family. However, China’s internal demographic dynamics…

Hearts and minds: Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra made a heartwarming gesture during a group photo session with her cabinet ministers on the lawn of Government House on Saturday. The ministers had just been granted an audience with His Majesty the King for their swearing-in ceremony, during which the entire 35-member cabinet received the King’s approval. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has committed to fulfilling her full three-year term in office and has taken proactive measures by forming a team to address any legal complaints that may arise against her. Following a special cabinet meeting at Government House on Saturday, she outlined the government’s policy statement to be presented to parliament on September 12–13. The government is obligated to present its policy statement to parliament before it can commence its operations. As Ms. Paetongtarn expressed, “I am dedicated to carrying out my duties until I complete my three-year term,…

With the Social Security Fund (SSF) teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, the government’s inaction could spell disaster for millions who rely on it. The urgency of the situation demands swift and decisive measures, lest workers and retirees face unimaginable hardships in their golden years. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn recently proposed several remedies to stave off this impending catastrophe, but is it enough? Thailand is grappling with an ageing population, and the younger workforce that feeds the SSF is dwindling. As a result, the fund’s expenses—covering everything from old-age allowances to welfare support—are ballooning. Research suggests that in just a decade, expenditures could outstrip income, depleting reserves within 30 to 40 years if nothing is done. The time for action is now, not later. Established in 1990, the SSF has over 24 million contributors and assets totaling 2.6 trillion baht. However, financial sustainability has always been a concern. Numerous studies,…

Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, center, chairs a general meeting of the Palang Pracharath Party at its head office in Bangkok on Friday. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) The political stage in Thailand is nothing short of an intricate chessboard, where moves and countermoves are the order of the day. Despite being excluded from the new coalition government led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, General Prawit Wongsuwon and his Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) continue to be influential players, say political pundits. Down But Not Out Sathit Wongnongtoei, a former Democrat Party MP, remarked that the game is far from over for Gen Prawit. “Gen Prawit retains substantial political clout, thanks to his extensive network of politicians and members of independent organizations,” Sathit told the Bangkok Post. Sathit believes that Pheu Thai’s decision to exclude PPRP from the coalition wasn’t just a matter of political strategy but also a reaction against Gen Prawit. His alleged…