The Interior Ministry is set to propose a substantial increase in financial aid for flood victims at the upcoming cabinet meeting on Tuesday. As announced by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has directed the Ministry of Finance to allocate an additional 3 billion baht from the central budget to support those affected in 57 provinces. On Wednesday, funds earmarked for the Comptroller General’s Department were redirected to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to expedite relief efforts. Minister Anutin confirmed that a detailed survey commenced on the same day to identify eligible recipients who will receive financial aid ranging from 5,000 to 9,000 baht per household. “Despite our best efforts, we recognize that even 9,000 baht per household may fall short of the needs,” Minister Anutin admitted. “We are determined to offer more comprehensive support and will bring this matter to the cabinet for approval on…
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The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has issued a critical alert to 11 central provinces bisected by the Chao Phraya River, urging them to brace for significantly heightened water levels as the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat escalates water drainage operations. Det Lekwichai, the RID’s acting Director-General, delivered this urgent advisory to the governors of Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and Bangkok. Mr. Det explained that the Royal Irrigation Department plans to amplify its water outflow from 1,500 to 2,000 cubic meters per second, spurred by an increased volume of water surging down from the north. The department forecasts that the Chao Phraya River’s water flow will hit the C2 water measurement station in Nakhon Sawan tomorrow at a staggering rate of up to 2,100 cubic meters per second. When this primary flow is combined with a…
In a whirlwind of growing frustrations, a substantial number of consumers seek justice in a case involving a high-profile online retailer accused of selling substandard gold jewellery. The situation unfolded dramatically as twenty disgruntled individuals, who felt they had been duped by Kornkanok Suwannabut and her husband, Kanpol Rueng-aram, converged yesterday. They met with Pol Col Kraiwit Saenthaweesuk, the chief investigator of the Consumer Protection Police Division, pushing for legal action against the couple. Anusorn Asurapong, the lawyer representing these twenty complainants, revealed that there are at least 135 more victims who could not be present to file their complaints. He noted that logistical challenges, such as residing in distant provinces or being overseas, prevented their attendance. According to him, the total damages suffered by these 155 complainants are estimated to amount to at least 2 million baht. One frustrated complainant recounted their futile attempt to lodge a complaint with…
During an enlightening tour of the newly established Thailand Victim Identification and Referral Centre in Don Muang district, an official couldn’t resist capturing the moment. The center, designed to support potential victims of human trafficking under the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) system, was officially unveiled on a sunny Tuesday. Amidst the clamor of the event, Pattarapong Chatpattarasill’s camera clicked, immortalizing a significant stride in Thailand’s fight against human trafficking. The Thai government proudly opened this pivotal centre with the ambition of enhancing the country’s reputation on the global stage. Their ultimate goal? To elevate Thailand to Tier 1 on the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) ranking. During the inauguration, Pol Lt Gen Prachuap Wongsuk, the Assistant Commissioner-General and Acting Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), underscored the government’s longstanding commitment to combating human trafficking, emphasizing its designation as a national agenda. Pol Lt Gen Prachuap elucidated…
The Royal Forest Department (RFD) has announced that Thailand’s burgeoning carbon trading scheme is set to play a crucial role in preserving the nation’s lush, verdant forests. Remarkably, a pilot program initiated back in 2015 has already seen communities generate an impressive seven million baht in carbon credits. Yesterday, during the “Carbon Credit Trade for Sustainable Forest Management” event, RFD director-general Surachai Achalaboon underscored the importance of carbon trading schemes. He emphasized that these schemes offer tangible benefits to local communities, providing them with both economic incentives and the motivation to protect precious forest ecosystems. One shining example of this success is the community of Ban Khong Ta Bang, nestled in Phetchaburi’s Tha Yang district. This community enthusiastically joined the Thailand Voluntary Emission Reduction Programme (T-Ver) in 2015. Under the guidance and supportive wings of the RFD, Kasetsart University, the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, and independent power producer Ratch Group,…
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) is gearing up to enter public-private partnerships (PPPs) next year for the much-anticipated 20-billion-baht Srinakarin-Suvarnabhumi Airport expressway project. Set against the bustling backdrop of Thailand’s urban landscape, this new expressway is envisaged to be operational by 2030, transforming the commute to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Recently, Exat’s deputy governor, Katpachon Udomthampakdee, led the third public hearing, a significant milestone towards initiating the project. During this session, Exat collected valuable opinions and feedback from various stakeholders, ensuring that the project meets the community’s diverse needs and expectations. Udomthampakdee emphasized that all gathered information would be meticulously reviewed to draft the project’s detailed plan. The drafting phase is projected to span three to four months, post which the project will hit its finalization stage. The total budget allocation for this extensive project stands at a substantial 20.7 billion baht. This allocation will comprehensively cover construction costs, design intricacies,…
Top-level meeting: Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra chaired the inaugural session of her five-member senior advisory team on Thursday at the illustrious government guest house known as Baan Phitsanulok. (Photo: Government House) In the captivating atmosphere of Baan Phitsanulok, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra gathered with her newly minted advisory team to chart the course for Thailand’s future. With just over two years left in office, the agenda was ambitious: eradicate poverty and foster a thriving economy. Deputy chairman of the advisory panel, Surapong Suebwonglee, echoed the prime minister’s determination, saying, “Prime Minister Paetongtarn is resolute in her mission to lift Thais out of poverty. Her vision is to tackle economic issues head-on, paving the way for a prosperous economy.” This high-stakes meeting took place at Baan Phitsanulok, located on the elegant Phitsanulok Road. The grand mansion, resonating with history, was abuzz as the prime minister shared updates on her personal X…
In the heart of Buri Ram, a woman proudly fans out a bundle of 500-baht bills on a sunny Thursday. She’s one of the lucky recipients of the government’s 10,000-baht handout programme, an initiative that’s sending ripples of excitement—and much-needed financial relief—throughout the nation. Captured in a vivid moment by Surachai Piraksa, this scene is quickly becoming emblematic of hope for many struggling citizens. The high-profile handout, launched this Wednesday, allows recipients to spend their 10,000 baht on virtually anything they wish—including clearing their lingering debts. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has been quite vocal about this newfound financial freedom. “They can use the money [to clear their debts],” he stressed on Thursday, making it clear that the programme is designed to solve real-world problems. “They have the right to use the money to solve their problems.” Phumtham confidently reiterated, “This is proof that the government will deliver its promises.…
Officials at Suvarnabhumi Airport found themselves in a high-stakes scenario on a recent Thursday, upon receiving a bomb threat linked to an incoming Thai VietJet Air flight from Danang. Fortunately, after thorough investigation, no explosives were found, and both passengers and crew emerged unscathed. “The incident did not affect the airport’s overall operations,” confirmed Kittipong Kittikachorn, the airport’s general manager in a statement released on Thursday evening. Initially, at 2:45 pm, authorities received a notification indicating a bomb threat aboard flight VZ 961 traveling from Danang, Vietnam, to Suvarnabhumi. This aircraft was transporting 120 passengers, six crew members, and 61 checked bags. Upon landing, the focal point of the investigation, a Polish woman who was reported to have made the threat, was swiftly escorted to Suvarnabhumi police station. Authorities, upon careful consideration, determined that she had not intended any harm nor was she in the process of committing any act…
People’s Party spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu (left) and deputy party leader Sirikanya Tansakun attend a parliamentary meeting in Bangkok on Sept 3. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) The People’s Party has decided to hit the brakes on its push to amend constitutional articles dealing with ethical standards for political officeholders, thanks to an unexpected U-turn by the Pheu Thai Party. According to party spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu, the main opposition party prefers to temporarily shelve this contentious topic to prevent it from becoming a sticking point that could cause other crucial proposals to lose support. Parit emphasized that the party is vigorously advocating for six other constitutional revisions. These include a bill designed to thwart future military coups, one aimed at reforming the armed forces, and another to prevent collusion between the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the government. “The likelihood of these amendments being ratified before the next general election may be slim,…