The Commerce Ministry is joining forces with the private sector to roll out an exciting price reduction campaign for goods and services, ramping up the anticipation for the upcoming digital wallet scheme set to launch three months later. On a vibrant Saturday, Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who also serves as the deputy prime minister, spearheaded a lively discussion with over 150 private operators. This initiative, a strategic economic stimulus, was set in motion by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s directive. Minister Phumtham shared that the prime minister has put the ministry on a mission to collaborate across all sectors to lend a hand to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The aim is to lighten their financial load and slash living costs for three months, running from August 20 to November 20, 2024, leading up to the eagerly awaited 10,000 baht digital wallet scheme debuting in December. First on the agenda is partnering…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
A gardener displays a message on his phone, confirming his registration for the digital wallet initiative at Government House on August 1. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) The Pheu Thai-led government’s grand digital wallet handout scheme seems set to continue, regardless of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s fate as the Constitutional Court deliberates on his controversial decision to appoint ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a cabinet minister. Political insiders suggest that Pheu Thai’s flagship policy, aimed at invigorating the economy, will proceed as long as the party remains in power. On Wednesday, the Constitutional Court is slated to decide whether Mr. Srettha will stay in office following his choice to bring Pichit into the fold as a PM’s Office Minister during the last cabinet shuffle. The contention arises from a petition filed in May by 40 former senators. They argued against Pichit’s appointment, pointing out his 2008 conviction for contempt of court, where he…
**Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at Government House on Aug 7. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)** When politics heats up, everyone’s eyes turn to the central players, and right now, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is feeling the spotlight. At Government House, a hub of activity on any given Sunday, the coalition parties of the Pheu Thai-led government are gearing up to respond to a much-anticipated ruling by the Constitutional Court this Wednesday. The burning question on everyone’s mind: Will Srettha keep his position? This uncertainty stems from his controversial appointment of Pichit Chuenban, an ex-convict, to a ministerial post. Though it might seem like a political nail-biter, seasoned observers believe the Prime Minister will successfully weather this storm. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai mentioned on Saturday that a regular monthly meeting of the coalition representatives is slated for today at Government House. “It’s just a routine discussion,” Phumtham assured reporters,…
As the People’s Party embarked on a new chapter of its political journey, a scene brimming with enthusiasm unfolded at Stadium One in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district. The membership drive kick-started on a vibrant Saturday, and the atmosphere was electric with anticipation and optimism. Among the crowd, People’s Party spokesman Parit Watcharasindhu was seen using his phone to capture a snapshot of party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun, and an effervescent supporter. This moment signified not just the birth of a new political entity but also the enduring spirit of the dissolved Move Forward Party. In an impressive show of support, the People’s Party amassed more than 17 million baht in donations within the first day, far surpassing their initial goal of 10 million baht. By 4:30 PM, a whopping 33,123 individuals had signed up as members. For a mere 50 baht a year, enthusiasts could join the party’s…
In a groundbreaking operation, the Customs Department has teamed up with the Narcotics Suppression Bureau to seize heroin worth about 97 million baht, aimed for overseas markets in Taiwan and Australia. Director-General Theeraj Athanavanich proudly announced on Saturday, shedding light on the intricacies of the authorities’ meticulous efforts that successfully thwarted the audacious smuggling plans on three separate occasions. The drama began on August 7th at Bangkok Port, when customs officials noticed suspicious cargo labeled as meat grinders and meatball making machines, destined for Taiwan. Upon closer inspection, the vigilant authorities discovered a cleverly concealed stash of heroin, ingeniously hidden within the motors of two meat grinders. Weighing in at 11.8 kilograms, the haul was valued at an eye-popping 35.2 million baht. Just a day later, on August 8th, the detectives struck gold again at Bangkok Port. This time, the illicit substance was hidden amidst 600 pieces of hill tribe…
ICONSIAM, a prestigious global landmark situated along the majestic Chao Phraya River, continues to assert its status as a prime worldwide destination. This time, it has teamed up with FINDING UNICORN to host the captivating “FINDING SUMMER LAND HELLO! BANGKOK” event, marking the grandest pop-up shop debut in all of Southeast Asia. The River Park area at ICONSIAM has undergone a magical transformation, morphing into a purple wonderland amusement park. Here, you’ll find cherished characters such as FARMER BOB, zZoton, RiCO, ShinWoo, and more, all featured in a special collection alongside limited-edition mystery boxes. The period of the event is filled with exciting promotions and delightful surprise activities, ensuring endless fun. Throughout the “FINDING SUMMER LAND HELLO! BANGKOK” event, ICONSIAM and FINDING UNICORN have meticulously curated a series of special activities to enthrall fans. The grand opening, slated for 16 August 2024, promises to be nothing short of spectacular, with…
In the ever-evolving pursuit of beauty, striking the right balance between enhancement and preservation is no easy feat. Yet, Dr. Amir Hashemloo, a luminary physician hailing from Iran, has not only mastered this delicate equilibrium but has also transformed it into a form of art. Renowned for his cutting-edge techniques in facial contouring and proportion adjustments, Dr. Hashemloo’s approach exemplifies his unparalleled expertise and unwavering dedication to maintaining the natural essence of every face he touches. Born and raised in the bustling city of Tehran, Dr. Hashemloo’s pathway into the medical realm was sparked by a profound curiosity during his early years. His academic journey unfolded at the esteemed Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, where he perfected his skills and graduated with flying colors. It was during these formative years that his ardor for beauty, skin, and hair blossomed into a relentless commitment to excellence. Rooted in the principles…
In a heartwarming display of empathy and modern thinking, Bannongtae School in the Ubon Ratana district of Khon Kaen province has made a commendable decision, earning widespread applause from netizens. Opting to break from tradition, the school has decided to forgo the typical Mother’s Day ceremonies to better accommodate the varied family dynamics of its students. Early Saturday morning, the school used its official Facebook page to make the announcement, stating that they will not be hosting the usual event where students pay respect to their mothers. Instead, they have encouraged students to channel their love and appreciation into creating heartfelt greeting cards for their guardians at home. The school’s message, which quickly amassed around 700 shares and numerous positive comments, emphasized their understanding and sensitivity towards students whose mothers might not be able to attend the traditional ceremony. The decision is particularly significant in the northeastern provinces of Thailand,…
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has stirred up quite the conversation, urging the government to move a proposed 20-megawatt nuclear reactor from Nakhon Nayok to a more suitable location and calling for greater transparency with the public. This advice came hot on the heels of a petition by the Nakhon Nayok Citizen Association back in April 2022, claiming that the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Tint) might’ve skipped over some crucial human rights steps in their project execution, as shared by NHRC member Sayamol Kaiyoorawong. The petition raised several eyebrows as it revealed that Tint, intending to set up the reactor in Moo 2, Tambon Saimoon, Ongkharak district, had engaged a consultant for an environmental health impact assessment (EHIA) report. Yet, here’s the kicker—the project relied on data from 1990, including the chosen site. Even more concerning was that the EHIA report popped up without prior chats with the…
In a case that has drawn significant attention, a Thai-Cambodian couple have been apprehended for allegedly orchestrating an online scam involving the pre-ordering of the widely adored Labubu art toys. The ensuing fallout has resulted in damages exceeding 2 million baht, leaving a trail of distraught victims. Officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) swung into action on a bustling Friday morning, executing a warrant to search a condominium on Sukhumvit Soi 107 in the province of Samut Prakan. There, they apprehended 27-year-old Pathomchai, hailing from Nakhon Pathom, and his partner in crime, Pen Paisi, a 27-year-old Cambodian national. The charges against the couple are hefty and multifaceted: public deception, falsifying computer data, and money laundering. During their arrest, authorities confiscated a trove of high-end belongings, including designer clothes, bags, shoes, watches, two bank passbooks, a car, and frozen assets valued at over 9 million baht. As the investigation…