THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

The skies aren’t the only things bustling above Thailand with trains crisscrossing in a transport tale that seems to be spawning chapters with every government meeting. Recently, the Transport Ministry exchanged anxious glances as it peered into the legal whirlwind surrounding a crucial airport rail project that ties together the bustling hubs of Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. Imagine a web of steel and speed stretching across Thailand’s vibrant landscapes, yet caught in a tangle of legalities! Leading this narrative, Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the maestro who also chairs the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, stepped up with the flair of a seasoned negotiator. His mission? To untangle the 224 billion baht saga while ensuring the train project doesn’t derail into a pit of endless court cases. After all, no one wants a legal train wreck scattered across Thailand’s transport future. This legal drama kicked into high gear…

In a dynamic move to enhance bilateral trade and investment, the commerce giants of Thailand and Sweden are looking to the future with optimism and a sprinkling of innovation. The venue for this promising tête-à-tête was none other than a high-level meeting held on Friday, November 14. Bearing the torch for economic collaboration, Thailand’s Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun warmly welcomed Swedish Ambassador Anna Hammargren to the negotiating table. Their agenda? To drive forward the Thailand-Sweden Strategic Partnership and breathe life into the much-anticipated Thailand–EU Free Trade Agreement. With gears set in motion, the discussions pushed into uncharted territories of technology, particularly focusing on green products and sustainable growth. As both nations rolled out their imaginations, they honed in on lucrative dimensions such as cutting-edge technology, telecommunications infrastructure, and the charm of sustainable consumer products. Oh, and let’s not forget Thailand’s vibrant agricultural and processed food sectors, which promise to tantalize…

In the whirlwind world of high-speed rail developments, a simmering tension has taken center stage between the Transport Ministry and concessionaire Asia Era One. This saga unfolds in the bustling hub of Thailand, where a hefty 224-billion-baht, high-speed rail project is poised to connect three major airports: Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, donning his hat as chair of the mighty Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, has been navigating this tricky terrain with the skill of a tightrope walker. A recent meeting brought together the formidable forces of the EEC Office, the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG), Asia Era One Co Ltd, and the State Railway of Thailand, to untangle the knotty issue of proposed contract amendments. At the heart of the matter lies Asia Era One’s insistence on reshaping the existing contract framework. They suggest swapping to a “pay-as-you-build” model for state financial support—a move…

In a unified outcry over an alarming environmental issue, residents in Myanmar severely impacted by unregulated mining have raised their voices, right at the symbolic landmark of the Kok River Bridge in Chiang Rai. This is a flashpoint moment, offering a vivid display of environmental advocacy in action—captured poignantly by Wassayos Ngamkham’s snapshot. The People’s Party (PP), a formidable force for change, has amplified these concerns, urging the government to energetically tackle the creeping threat of arsenic contamination. This environmental blight is not merely restricted to local northern rivers, but has menaced its way into the intricate networks of the mighty Mekong in the Northeast. This escalating crisis calls for immediate dialogues to be organized with our neighboring allies—China, Myanmar, and Laos. PP’s dynamic deputy spokesman, and Chiang Mai’s vocal MP, Phattarapong Leelaphat took to his digital platform on Saturday. Here, he presented a damning critique, suggesting that the authorities…

On the vibrant yet notorious streets of Pattaya, where the night’s energy often pulsates with the rhythm of a city that never sleeps, an unexpected police raid unfolded in the wee hours of Sunday morning. The venue at the heart of this drama? Space Club—a hotspot famous among night owls looking to lose themselves in its eclectic ambiance. Yet, not every story under its neon lights ends in a fairy tale. As the clock struck 3 am, a squadron of police officers descended upon Space Club with resolute faces and a clear mandate. Reporters, straining for a peek at the unfolding operation, were held at bay as a cloak of mystery draped over the scene. The patrons inside, about 200 in number, were more than likely blissfully unaware, at least momentarily, of the unfolding drama about to change the course of their night. Around two hours into the operation, the…

On a warm day back in May 2023, the sun shone brightly over Ban Bang Kapi School in the bustling Bang Kapi district of Bangkok as voters, filled with mixed emotions of hope and uncertainty, stepped into makeshift cubicles to cast their votes. This sweeping exercise of democracy is vividly captured in a photograph by Varuth Hirunyatheb, reminding us of the ever-evolving political landscape in Thailand. Fast forward to November of this year, and a fresh wave of curiosity has swept over Thailand’s central provinces as they face a pivotal decision. Who should be Thailand’s next prime minister? It seems that a majority in these regions are still pondering that very question. A survey, recently conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration, affectionately known as the Nida Poll, embarked on a quest from November 10th to 13th to seek answers from 2,000 eager participants. This survey embraced a diverse…

In the heart of Thailand, amidst the vibrant chaos that is so characteristic of Southeast Asia, the provinces north of Bangkok are grappling with a deluge that has taken both residents and authorities on a wild, watery ride. Just last week, the governor of Pathumthani, Ekawit Meepien, was seen personally delivering consumer products to an 82-year-old blind woman marooned in the flooded tambon Ban Mai of Muang district. Such heartwarming efforts become everyday tales in Pathum Thani, which is just one of the nine drenched provinces in the Central Plains. Good news, though, appears on the horizon as hydrologists predict a much-needed reprieve. From November 20 to 24, the mighty Chao Phraya River is forecast to recede by 40 to 75 centimeters. This is due to a strategic reduction in water discharge at the Chao Phraya barrage in Chai Nat province, a crucial move orchestrated by the vigilant deputy secretary-general…