Apiwut Suwannarat, a 25-year-old individual with a penchant for pink attire, found herself in handcuffs at a dormitory near a university in the bustling Lat Phrao district of Bangkok. Her whimsical charm belied her alleged sinister operations: manipulating male university students into recording themselves in compromising acts, only to later sell these videos online. (Photo supplied by Wassayos Ngamkham) The twist? Apiwut is a transgender woman who has stirred quite the storm in Bangkok. Officers from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPO) were hot on her trail, eventually nabbing her on a seemingly ordinary Wednesday. Pol Col Phatthanaphong Sriphinphor, the watchful superintendent of ATPO sub-division 2, broke the news on Thursday, outlining the gravity of her charges which included human trafficking, the nefarious creation and spread of pornography, and the cyber distribution of such scandalous content. The sordid saga began unraveling with reports of a burgeoning group on the encrypted…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Looking past her professionalism and poise, Sirilak Kwong, affectionately known as “Lingling,” has captivated hearts not only in Thailand but around the globe. With her unique blend of charm and talent, she has risen through the ranks of the entertainment industry to become a prominent figure. Born on May 27, 2002, in Thailand, and standing at an elegant 168 cm, Lingling seamlessly transitions between her roles as an actor and model. Her social media presence is equally commanding, boasting a substantial following on Instagram (@linglingkwong) and TikTok (@linglingkwong). Her portrayal of Fahlada in the beloved series “The Secret of Us” has garnered critical acclaim and widespread admiration. On the other hand, Kornnaphat Sethratanapong, or “Orm” to her fans, brings a different yet equally compelling energy to the screen. Born in Hong Kong on May 11, 1995, and standing at 173 cm, Orm has also made a name for herself as…
True Corporation Public Company Limited (TRUE), Thailand’s telecom-tech titan and a beacon for global sustainability, has made significant strides by clinching its maiden sustainability-linked syndicated loan, amassing a whopping JPY141.3 billion. This financial maneuver is a historic first for a Thai telecom-tech enterprise venturing into the sustainability-linked debt arena. This groundbreaking loan not only marks True Corporation’s inaugural foray into the Japanese yen financing market, but it also stands as the most substantial Japanese yen loan and sustainability-linked loan ever secured by a Thai corporation. Initially set at JPY109.9 billion, the loan saw a surge in interest from both Japanese and international financial institutions, leading to an upsized total of JPY141.3 billion, thanks to the activation of the Greenshoe option. The loan’s linkage to crucial performance indicators underscores True Corporation’s unwavering dedication to sustainability. These KPIs include: (i) the reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 1 and 2), and…
In a heartwarming gesture of generosity, Advance Innovation Management Co., Ltd. (AIM Group), represented by their ever-dedicated Factory Assistant Manager, Ratchanon Wuttisiri, has made waves of kindness cascade through the community. On a particularly bright and hopeful day, 1,000 units of robust 20-litre water tanks were donated to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), setting the stage for a tale of solidarity and compassion. The eloquent reception of this benevolence took place at the iconic Bangkok City Hall, where the air was filled with a sense of shared purpose and camaraderie. Taking the helm on behalf of the BMA was Charoen Rungwilaicaroen, the esteemed Head of the Building Management Group within the Central Office of the BMA, Office of the Permanent Secretary of Bangkok. With a handshake that symbolized much more than a mere transaction, the water tanks were officially handed over, destined to support the flood victims in an initiative…
Prompong Nopparit, once the articulate spokesman for Pheu Thai, is gearing up to shake the political landscape once more. Tomorrow, he will petition the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to thoroughly investigate Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Prawit Wongsuwon’s conspicuous string of absences from parliamentary sessions. Adding fuel to the fire, just yesterday, he lodged a similar complaint with House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, urging an ethics probe into Gen Prawit’s conduct. Prompong emphasized that his calls for these investigations are pure of intent and devoid of any bias or a desire to smear Gen Prawit. “It’s not about casting aspersions,” Prompong explained, “but Gen Prawit’s persistent no-shows are making it glaringly evident that he’s falling short in his duties as a Member of Parliament. Taxpayers fund his salary, yet he’s MIA during critical meetings.” Driven by a sense of civic responsibility, Prompong said he’s exercising his right to defend…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra brought an electrifying energy to Government House on Wednesday as she officially launched the much-anticipated 10,000-baht cash handout scheme. The grand ceremony marked the beginning of a substantial economic stimulus plan designed to give a significant financial boost to millions of Thais. With the roll-out of the first phase, funds are being distributed to 12.4 million state welfare cardholders and 2.1 million disability cardholders through PromptPay, which is linked to their national ID numbers. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) The atmosphere was charged with optimism as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed the government’s dedication to pushing through with the second and third phases of the economic stimulus scheme. “We are diligently working on developing the payment system for the following phases. The Finance Ministry will share more information soon,” she assured during her vibrant speech to mark the program’s commencement. “Today is a monumental day for Thailand,” she…
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, in a candid moment on Wednesday, brushed off inquiries from the media regarding the future of the ruling Pheu Thai Party’s proposal for amending the charter on ethical standards for political officeholders. This proposal hit a roadblock when coalition partners cooled to the idea. Phumtham remarked that the government’s priority was addressing pressing issues, chiefly the devastating floods affecting numerous provinces and kickstarting the economy. The latter began visibly with a 10,000 baht cash handout to 14.5 million economically vulnerable individuals on Wednesday. When queried about whether Pheu Thai would retract its charter amendment bill from parliament amidst growing criticism, Phumtham, a significant figure within the ruling party, was unequivocal that this was not under deliberation. Previously on Tuesday, Phumtham had shared that the party was in the process of arranging a confab with coalition partners to deliberate on the Pheu Thai-sponsored amendment bill. The…
On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai casually dismissed queries from the press about whether the ruling Pheu Thai Party plans to advance a controversial charter amendment aimed at redefining ethical standards for political officeholders. This comes after significant pushback from coalition partners, who seem less than enthused about the initiative. Instead, Phumtham emphasized that the government’s current priorities include addressing severe flooding that has inundated multiple provinces and stimulating the economy. Just yesterday, the government distributed 10,000 baht in cash to 14.5 million vulnerable individuals as part of their economic relief efforts. When pressed on whether Pheu Thai would retract its charter amendment bill amidst growing criticism, Phumtham, a prominent figure in the ruling party, firmly stated that the issue was not open for discussion. Earlier this week, he mentioned that the party was organizing a meeting with coalition partners to deliberate on their sponsored amendment bill aimed at…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra officially inaugurated the much-anticipated 10,000-baht cash handout initiative with a grand ceremony on Wednesday. The launch saw the first wave of funds directed towards 12.4 million state welfare cardholders and 2.1 million disability cardholders through PromptPay, a system interconnected with their national ID numbers. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) The government is steadfast in its commitment to roll out the second and third phases of this economic stimulus plan following the successful initiation of the first phase. “The logistics for the subsequent phases are currently under meticulous development. The Finance Ministry will divulge intricate details in due time,” declared Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the event marking the programme’s commencement at Government House on Wednesday. “Today, a financial lifeline reaches the hands of Thai citizens,” she asserted. “This 145 billion baht infusion is set to spark a formidable economic surge. The 10,000-baht grant will open up new avenues…
It’s a case that’s been brewing for over thirty years, and today the spotlight is on former finance minister Thanong Bidaya as the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases deliberated over his fate. On a rather tense Wednesday morning, Thanong, once a pivotal figure in Thailand’s financial landscape, was released on bail. His arraignment spurs from bribery allegations tied to a controversial deal involving Rolls-Royce engines for Thai Airways International (THAI) that dates back decades. The lawsuit, unfurled by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), charges that Thanong contravened the State Employees Offences Act during his tenure as both THAI chairman and the airline’s long-term investments adviser. Also standing in the courtroom was Kaweepan Ruengpaka, THAI’s former vice president for finances, facing similar accusations. Notably, the NACC proceeded when the Office of the Attorney General opted out, essentially tossing the legal ball back to the NACC’s court. In a terse…