Water discharges from major dams are being meticulously regulated to reduce the impact of floods and water overflow in downstream provinces, according to the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR). The adjustments are in effect at the dams on the Ping, Wang, and Nan rivers—three vital tributaries of the Chao Phraya River. Paitoon Kengkarnchang, ONWR’s deputy secretary-general, explained the critical need for these measures. Mr. Paitoon emphasized the delicate balance dams must maintain between water inflow and outflow. Releasing too much water too quickly could exacerbate the flooding in downstream areas, while insufficient releases could deplete water reserves needed for the dry season. The strategy is to strike just the right balance. Specifically, the Bhumibol Dam on the Ping River has adjusted its water discharge to one million cubic metres (m³) per day. This calculated reduction aims to manage downstream water levels more effectively while storing enough for future needs.…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
The political landscape is heating up as the opposition People’s Party (PP) vehemently urges the coalition government to rethink its decision to indefinitely defer the House’s examination of a new amnesty bill. Made on Monday, this contentious choice has created ripples, for the bill aims to heal the wounds of past political clashes among various factions. At the helm of this vociferous call to action is Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the dynamic leader of the PP, who declared that there’s simply no valid reason to delay the review set for tomorrow as per the coalition’s suggestion. “These study findings are mere opinions on how the new amnesty bill should be, devoid of any legal obligation,” Natthaphong asserted. Highlighting the urgency of the matter, he stressed that those entangled in legal prosecutions due to their past political involvements are not only deserving but are also anxiously awaiting legal remedies. On the other side…
The Labour Ministry has officially promised that by the end of the year, a nationwide minimum wage of 400-baht will be implemented, confirmed by Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. However, the tripartite wage committee is currently in a holding pattern, waiting for the official appointment of two crucial members. Both the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and the Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare (DLPW) retired in late September. Just yesterday, the ministry took a step forward by appointing Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyuth as the new permanent secretary. The name of the new director-general of the DLPW will be submitted to the cabinet for approval next week, Mr. Phiphat stated. In addition, there’s a question mark hanging over the representative from the Bank of Thailand (BoT). This individual retired last year but is eligible to stay on the wage committee until March next year. The new permanent secretary…
One of Thailand’s most acclaimed scholars has brought forth a compelling argument: the government should amp up its financial support for academic research. This, according to Prof. Phadungsak Rattanadecho, is the missing piece that could propel the nation into the realm of groundbreaking innovations and cutting-edge technologies. His thoughtful insights were shared during an engrossing seminar co-hosted by Thammasat University and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, held at the lively Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. Prof. Phadungsak, who wears many prestigious hats as a senior research scholar at the Thailand Research Fund and the director of the Centre of Excellence in Electromagnetic Energy Utilisation in Engineering at Thammasat University, delved deep into Thailand’s hurdles in technological advancement. He painted a clear picture: the nation is teetering on the brink of innovation but lacks the robust foundation of high-quality research to push it over the edge. During this riveting seminar, Thailand’s top…
The bustling metropolis of Bangkok never ceases to amaze with its blend of modernity and history. In an exciting new initiative, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has embarked on a journey to breathe new life into the rich cultural tapestry of Thon Buri. As part of this ambitious mission, the BMA has meticulously assessed historical sites with an eye toward propelling tourism and enhancing the city’s development blueprint. Leading this charge is Thaiwut Khankaew, the dynamic director of the BMA’s City Planning and Development Department. Recently, Khankaew and his team, accompanied by the savvy consultants from A-Seven Corporation, made a whirlwind tour of Thon Buri’s iconic landmarks. The goal? To harness the district’s untapped potential and galvanize the local economy. Their journey took them through the bustling Khlong San district, where they marveled at the serenity of Wat Anongkharam, the historical majesty of Goowatin Islam Mosque—also charmingly known as the…
In the far reaches of the southern provinces, a significant transition is on the horizon. The Ministry of Interior, alongside the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), is gearing up to withdraw military forces by 2027. Their strategy? To empower local volunteer forces to step up and ensure the safety and security of the region. This ambitious plan was formalized recently with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), witnessed by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Army Commander Charoenchai Hintao. Minister Anutin shed light on the initiative, emphasizing the MoU as a testament to the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Interior and Isoc. The goal is clear: to provide the necessary training to volunteer forces, enabling them to effectively relieve the military of their current duties while maintaining public safety. These volunteers, drawn from local communities, already hold a wealth of knowledge about the area and its residents. However,…
The Pheu Thai Party’s ambitious plan to construct a colossal seawall consisting of nine artificial islands in the Gulf of Thailand, extending from Bangkok’s Bang Khunthian district to Chon Buri, has sparked a wave of protests among critics. These project naysayers raise significant environmental concerns. Initially conceived by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his illustrious “Vision for Thailand 2024” dinner talk on August 22 in Bangkok, the project has been at the forefront of public debate ever since. Plodprasop Suraswadi, who once held the deputy prime minister position and now chairs Pheu Thai’s environment policy committee, supports the seawall’s potential to shield Bangkok and its surrounding Central Plains provinces from the ever-looming threat of rising sea levels. According to him, this project could serve as a vital lifeline, protecting the capital from devastating floods while simultaneously ushering in a new era of urban development. Envisioned as islands powered by…
Sondhi Limthongkul, a former leader of the yellow-shirt People’s Assembly for Democracy, has announced that he will keep a close eye on the government’s actions until early next year before making a decision on whether to initiate mass protests. (File photo) Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has urged Sondhi Limthongkul, the erstwhile protest leader, to reconsider his plans for a massive anti-government rally next year. Paetongtarn suggested that Sondhi, the once-co-leader of the now-defunct People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), should try resolving his grievances with the government first before going down the protest route. “I’ve only been in office for barely a month. Does he really want to oust me already?” she asked rhetorically, adding a touch of humor to an otherwise serious situation. On his recent YouTube program, Sondhi, the former media giant and founder of the Manager group, announced his contemplations to rekindle mass protests against the government. The…
The charred remains of a bus carrying 38 students and six teachers on what was supposed to be an educational field trip from Uthai Thani have cast a somber shadow over the highway in the Rangsit area of Pathum Thani on Tuesday. The tragedy has left the nation heartbroken. (Photo: Pongpat Wongyala) In a devastating turn of events, twenty students and three teachers lost their lives to a ferocious fire that engulfed their bus in Pathum Thani. As the smoke cleared, the fate of two others remained distressingly unclear. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit confirmed that sixteen students and three teachers were rushed to nearby hospitals, and an investigation into the cause of the accident is underway. Doctors at patRangsit Hospital reported that out of the three students admitted for burn treatment, two required ventilator support—a grim testament to the severity of their injuries. The bus driver, identified as Samarn Chankut,…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra engaged with reporters at Government House on Tuesday amidst a flurry of questions and flashing cameras. The country’s political landscape was once again under the spotlight as the prolific activist, Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, raised a pivotal issue that could shake the foundations of the current administration. According to Mr. Ruangkrai, Ms. Paetongtarn should be ousted from her position for delaying the divestment of her shares in a well-known golf club until two weeks after assuming office. Addressing the Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday, Mr. Ruangkrai cited the law stating that a minister should not control more than a five percent stake in any company to ward off potential corruption. But Ms. Paetongtarn had a hefty 30% stake in Alpine Golf and Sports Club, only parting with the shares on September 3. She was elected prime minister by parliament on August 16 and received formal endorsement from His…