In a recent turn of events, House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha addressed the surprising news of a substantial 14-million-baht loss faced by the Parliamentary Official Saving and Credit Cooperative due to a fraudulent scheme. Rest assured, he emphasized, the cooperative’s members need not worry, as the operations remain unaffected. Meanwhile, the hunt is on for any other individuals who may have been complicit in this financial trickery. The cooperative’s board swiftly took action by establishing a committee dedicated to delving deep into the embezzlement mystery. As it stands, the perpetrator, an errant employee, was pinpointed and promptly dismissed without any chance of receiving compensation. To ensure justice is served, a formal complaint has been lodged with the Bang Pho police station. It’s clear: wrongdoing won’t go unchecked on their watch. Mr. Wan delivered a message of reassurance to all cooperative members and stakeholders, highlighting that the organization’s main focus…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
The drama in the corridors of international diplomacy continues to unfold as Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai recently put an end to the swirling tales suggesting he was denied entry to the United States. The rumors surfaced in the wake of Thailand’s controversial decision to send Uyghur individuals back to China, a move that has drawn substantial international scrutiny. As reporters peppered Mr. Phumtham with questions about why he and other key ministers were absent from the Thai delegation to the US led by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, the ever-candid Defence Minister firmly put those rumors to bed. He reassured everyone that while the talks were indeed postponed, it was not due to any travel restrictions imposed on him. Rather, the Thai security officials simply chose to sit this one out and the ball could still keep rolling without their physical presence. The situation became more intriguing as the US Department…
Every year, the streets of Bangkok come alive with Scouts marching proudly, a display of unity and tradition. Last year’s National Scout Day was no different, with Scouts standing to attention, their uniforms neatly pressed. But change is afoot in the world of Thailand’s Scouting community. In a move designed to alleviate financial burdens on parents, the Education Ministry is shaking things up, doing away with the compulsory Scout uniforms in favor of ordinary school attire. This decision marks a significant shift in tradition, effective just in time for the new school term that starts in mid-May. This significant change was announced by Deputy Education Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul, following an update from the National Scout Organisation of Thailand. The organisation is diligently working on waiving the long-standing uniform mandate for students enrolled in state-run schools. This move comes as a breath of fresh air for many parents who’ve felt the…
As the golden sun lit up the historic city of Phnom Penh, a momentous event unfolded that showcased the flourishing relationship between Thailand and Cambodia. The peace-infused corridors of the Peace Palace played host to a vibrant mosaic of diplomacy, as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with her Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet. This pivotal gathering marked the grand occasion of commemorating 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations with the unveiling of a specially crafted logo. The air was charged with a spirit of ambition and collaboration as Prime Minister Paetongtarn announced an exciting goal shared by both countries: a commitment to bolster bilateral trade to an impressive USD 15 billion over the ensuing two years. To set this endeavor in motion, Ms. Paetongtarn embarked on a significant two-day visit, underscoring the strengthening bonds between these vibrant neighbors. The atmosphere at the Peace Palace resembled a jubilant family…
It was a scene straight out of a thriller, yet starkly real—a pickup truck marred with bullet punctures adorning its rear window and stranded with a flat tire, an unwelcomed souvenir of an ambush in Songkhla’s Saba Yoi district on a quiet Tuesday morning. (Photo: Abdullah Benjakat) As the southern winds carry whispers of recent unrest, Thailand’s deep South finds itself at an unsettling crossroads, where the tide of violence threatens to unsettle the delicate fabric of peace residing there. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has sounded the clarion call for security forces to elevate their game. His plea resonates with urgency: a call to action designed to stifle the cycle of bloodshed and anguish that has, once again, marked the southern border provinces with its dark ink. His words, laden with the weight of his dual role as both Deputy and Defense Minister, encapsulate his resolve to tackle the…
Picture this: a Western Hognose snake, sleek and curious, resting comfortably amidst 11 of its companions as they stowed away in parcels journeying from Taiwan to Chiang Mai in September 2019. Little did these serpentine adventurers know, they exemplified a larger issue: the clandestine trade of snakes creeping through borders. In a bid to wrangle this slippery trade and invigorate Thailand’s economy, the country’s cabinet has unfurled plans to lift the long-standing embargo on snake exports. Until now, for over three decades, Thailand’s serpentine treasures were preserved within its borders due to two pivotal resolutions from 1990 and 1991. But change is afoot. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, with resolute conviction, appealed to the powers that be and successfully annulled these restrictions. The result? A new dawn for snake breeders aiming to cater to an expanding global demand, while simultaneously choking the life out of unlawful snake trading.…
Deep beneath the tranquil forests and winding paths of Mae Hong Son’s Pang Mapha district, the earth decided to stretch and flex its ancient muscles. On a regular Wednesday evening, an event was set in motion beneath the idyllic landscapes that remain untouched by the hustle and bustle of modern life. The Earthquake Observation Division, eyes peeled sharply, pinpointed the epicentre of this little seismic spectacle with the precision of a cosmic cartographer. It all began with a humble rumble—a mere 3.3 on the Richter scale, yet enough to stir the pot of intrigue. It was 6:07 PM when Mother Nature gave a slight nod beneath the tambon Tham Lot, showing she hadn’t forgotten her dance routines yet. The quake was a tiny ripple in the fabric of the earth, detectable in the vicinity and compelling the residents to pause their evening routines, if only for a moment. What caused…
In a world where diplomatic relations often navigate turbulent waters, stories of international diplomacy can be as gripping as a spy novel. This tale unfolds as Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong journeyed to the Xinjiang region of China, aiming to visit the renowned Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar. Their mission was of significant concern: monitoring the status of Uyghur returnees, reportedly compelled to leave Thailand and return to China on a rather tense day marked as February 27. However, the plot thickens as Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai finds himself at the heart of swirling speculation. It was rumored that the United States has been playing hard to get—refusing him a visa. This alleged slight followed Thailand’s contentious decision to send 40 Uyghurs back to China, causing global heads to turn and wag fingers with disapproval. Amid mounting pressure, Minister Phumtham faced the media on a…
Amidst the relentless hubbub of busy Bangkok, backhoes tirelessly chip away at the mountainous debris of what was once the proud State Audit Office building, casting solemn shadows over Chatuchak district. This scene of determination and despair unfolds against the backdrop of a bustling city, where the dull rumble of machines harmonizes with the city’s restless heartbeat. The task at hand, both grim and hopeful, carries on under the vigilant eyes of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The tower’s proud silhouette has now dissolved into chaos—a testament to nature’s unpredictable fury, manifested in the March 28 earthquake that caught an entire city unawares. As these giant mechanical beasts clear away the remnants, the BMA’s disaster prevention and mitigation czar, Suriyachai Rawiwan, stands at the helm, orchestrating the complex dance with precision and somber resolve. His recent briefing captured not just the progress, but the poignant reality of hope intertwined with…
In a world where passports are the golden keys to adventure, Thailand’s visa-free entry scheme has been an exhilarating ticket for explorers worldwide. Imagine jet-setting into the Land of Smiles with just a backpack and a dream, all while dodging the hassle of a visa application. This scheme, a hallmark of Thailand’s tourism triumph, grants eligible foreigners a blissful 90-day stay without the bureaucratic clutter. Yet, like all good things, there’s a twist in the tale. Recent rumblings suggest that this idyllic program is not without flaws, compelling Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to hit the pause button and reassess its inner workings. During a Cabinet meeting that hummed with gravitas, Paetongtarn, at a fresh 38 years young, highlighted the scheme’s potential pitfalls. These include an upswing in troublesome visa overstays and the somewhat sneaky engagements by foreigners in job markets without proper permits. This has sparked a flurry of activity…