The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has hit back hard against a string of allegations from Cambodian officials and human rights groups, calling the accusations “fake news” and an apparent attempt to tarnish Thailand’s reputation abroad. The claims — that seven Thai rangers detained, beat, robbed and sexually assaulted a group of Cambodian migrant workers in Battambang province near the border — emerged between November 17–18 and set off a fast-moving diplomatic spat. Immediate denials and a rapid inquiry Major General Winthai Suvaree, the RTA’s spokesperson, went public quickly, saying an immediate investigation was launched the moment the stories surfaced. Patrol and ranger units along the Thai-Cambodian frontier — notably the Burapha Task Force in Sa Kaeo and naval units in Chanthaburi and Trat — were ordered to verify the details. After interviewing all rangers and patrols on duty the night in question, the army’s finding was straightforward: there was no…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the quiet hours of the morning on November 18, a loaded tugboat lost control and smashed into three riverside homes along the Chao Phraya River in Koh Kret, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi — leaving a trail of mangled wood, fallen power lines and stunned residents. The vessel, reportedly carrying more than 5,000 tonnes of gypsum boards, struck houses numbered 27, 27/1 and 27/2 at around 1:00 a.m., causing damage officials estimate at over 10 million baht. Nighttime chaos on the Chao Phraya Pak Kret Police arrived on the scene at about 5:00 a.m. and found severe structural damage to the riverbank properties. House 27/1 suffered the worst of the impact and partially collapsed into the river. A nearby power pole was toppled by the collision, plunging the sub-district into darkness and complicating early recovery efforts. Miraculously, there were no reported injuries. Owner counts loss after late-night shock The owner…
Late-night Pattaya Raid Uncovers Makeshift Shelter for Migrant Workers In the small hours of November 17, Pattaya immigration officers staged a focused raid that brought an unexpected late-night twist to Soi Sukhumvit-Pattaya 57. Acting on tips about suspicious activity tied to visa overstays and illegal employment, a team led by Pol. Col. Naphasphong Khosit-suriyamanee, Chief of Chon Buri Immigration, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Kawinwat Arayasuriwong swept into a house that, at first glance, looked like just another crowded rental — but quickly revealed a story that’s all too familiar in this coastal city. The operation was carried out under the direction of Police Major General Songprod Sirisukha, Commander of Immigration Division 3, and Police Colonel Hrit Ekuru, Deputy Commander, following orders from the Royal Thai Police and government efforts to crack down on illegal foreign workers and visa overstayers. Intelligence had flagged the location as a possible staging point for…
Thailand’s weather has suddenly decided to turn dramatic — think brisk mornings, blustery afternoons and seas that are grumbling like an old scooter refusing to start. A robust high-pressure system rolling in from China is stretching across the northeast and upper north and is expected to spill into the central and eastern regions. The result: a nationwide dip in temperatures, choppy winds and a thundery southern encore courtesy of the strengthening northeast monsoon over the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman waters. In plain terms: grab a jacket for the morning, batten down loose items outdoors, and if you’re a small-boat operator — consider an early coffee and a day ashore. What’s happening where Upper North: Expect cooler mornings and a temperature fall of about 1–3°C. Overnight lows will sit around 16–21°C and daytime highs should reach 24–28°C. Mountain summits will feel downright cold — dropping to 4–10°C — and northeasterly…
Thailand just gave its native felines a very official—and very purr-fect—upgrade. The Cabinet has approved designating five native cat breeds as “national pets,” a move meant to celebrate cultural roots, protect precious genetics, and turbocharge promotion of these feline ambassadors. The announcement came from Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat, who said the decision followed a proposal from the National Identity Committee and the National Savings Bank (NSB), both of which highlighted the deep connection between Thai cats and everyday life in Thailand. “Thai cats have long been part of Thai culture, intertwined with local beliefs, wisdom, and daily life. They are not only beloved companions but living symbols of our heritage.” — Siripong Angkasakulkiat That’s a high compliment for whiskers and whisker-adjacent lore. The five breeds officially recognized as national pets are the Suphalak, Korat, Siamese, Konja, and Khao Manee—each with its own look, temperament, and backstory that has…
Thailand’s ruling coalition has put a bright, brass-and-glitter bookmark on its calendar: the House of Representatives will be dissolved by January 31, 2026 — come rain, shine, or a round of parliamentary fireworks. Paradorn Prissanananthakul, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, confirmed the timeline on November 17, stressing that the administration is not only committed to that deadline but is poised to face whatever scrutiny Parliament can muster, including a possible no-confidence debate. The date isn’t plucked from thin air. It’s part of a memorandum of agreement with the People’s Party, and the coalition reiterated the plan in a recent meeting as speculation swirled that opposition parties might attempt to unseat the government through a censure motion. “The prime minister has already stated that the government is ready for parliamentary scrutiny in any form,” Paradorn said, framing the coming weeks as a test of political stamina and strategy. Despite the…
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…