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THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

Saab’s Gripen Jets Propel Thailand’s Air Force Ambitions: A Leap Towards Aerial Superiority

In the enchanting realm of aerial defence, an intriguing dance of diplomacy and high-stakes negotiations plays out, underscored by the rhythmic hum of fighter jets slicing through the sky. At the heart of this narrative is Sweden’s defense juggernaut, Saab AB, which recently unfurled its ambitious blueprint to bolster the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) with its state-of-the-art Gripen fighter jets. This proposal isn’t just about augmenting Thailand’s aerial might; it’s a testament to Saab’s commitment to intertwine economic incentives with top-tier military hardware, promising to adhere to Thailand’s offset policy like a well-crafted symphony. Tucked away in the intricate tapestry of this deal is a staggering 19-billion-baht vision that the RTAF harbours for the forthcoming fiscal year, eyeing the acquisition of new aerial guardians. The offset policy, a critical pivot around which these negotiations swivel, demands that suppliers of military marvels to Thailand reciprocate with equal gusto, forging a…

Northern Thailand Engulfed in Smog: Mae Hong Son’s Desperate Battle Against Rampant Wildfires

Imagine waking up to a sky so smoggy, the sun’s rays barely penetrate the haze. This isn’t a scene from a dystopian novel; it’s a reality for the residents of Northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai, as they grapple with an escalating air pollution crisis. Despite the merciful respite of rain, the situation remains dire due to persistent wildfires. As of Monday, the scenic but now smoke-shrouded area of Mae Hong Son has reported a staggering 6,646 wildfires for the year. The lush landscapes of Muang Mae Hong Son district, Pai, and Mae Sariang have been the hardest hit. The resulting air pollution has propelled Mae Hong Son into a record nobody wants to break: exceeding safe levels of airborne particulates for 38 consecutive days. The grim leaderboard of pollution is topped by Mae Sariang district, where the air quality index scores a worrying 130.5 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³)…

Thailand’s Wage Hike Celebration: A Boost for Workers in Bangkok and Beyond Ahead of Songkran Festival

Imagine sauntering through the bustling streets of Bangkok’s central business district, where the aroma of delicious Thai cuisine wafts through the air, enticing everyone from suited executives to hardworking construction workers. Speaking of whom, these workers often find a moment of solace and sustenance from their packed lunch boxes amidst the symphony of construction sounds. A quintessential scene, isn’t it? Now, let’s delve into something that’s creating quite the buzz across the Land of Smiles. This April, just in time for the revelry of the Songkran festival, there’s going to be an extra sprinkle of joy for many employees. The tripartite wage committee, a coalition of representatives from the government, employers, and employees, has just given the green light to a delightful wage hike, setting the new minimum wage at a cool 400 baht a day for lucky workers in select locales across 10 provinces. So, who’s on this merry…

Move Forward Party Faces a Defining Moment: Amidst Dissolution Threats, Unity and Resilience Prevail

On a remarkably intense day at the parliament, under the watchful eyes of Move Forward’s advisory chairman Pita Limjaroenrat and alongside the party leader Chaithawat Tulathon, the air buzzed with anticipation and a slice of uncertainty. This was no ordinary gathering; it was a pivotal moment following the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the party’s daring attempts to amend the lese-majeste law on January 31st. The image, captured in vivid detail by Nutthawat Wichieanbut, underscored the seriousness of the moment. Amid swirling rumors and media frenzy, Move Forward Party’s very own MP, Pakornwut Udompipatskul, stepped forward to clear the air. Shrouded in speculation was the notion of a refuge for Move Forward’s MPs, under the banner of a newly minted entity named “Kao Mai” – or New Step – poised to host MPs in the face of possible dissolution. Pakornwut addressed these assertions head-on, clarifying the confusion that last week’s meeting…

Minister Varawut Silpa-archa’s Pledge: A Beacon of Hope for 19 Stateless Children in Thailand

In an enchanting land where the hustle and bustle of daily life meld with the serene landscapes, a story unfolds that tugs at the heartstrings. It’s a tale not of folklore, but of hope, compassion, and the undying spirit of humanity. At the center of this narrative stands Varawut Silpa-archa, Thailand’s Social Development and Human Security Minister, who recently found himself addressing a matter that stirred the nation’s conscience. Imagine, if you will, a small group of 19 stateless children, their ages ranging from the tender age of 5 to the cusp of adulthood at 17, ensnared in circumstances beyond their control. These young souls found themselves in Lop Buri, a quaint district with stories lurking in its corners, trapped in a situation that should be alien to any child’s experience. Rescued during a monkhood ordination programme at the peaceful albeit mysterious Wat Sawang Ar-Rom, these children’s plight had caught…

Italian Ingenenuity Meets Thai Ambition in the Land Bridge Mega Project: A Leap Forward for Global Logistics

In the bustling corridors of power at Government House, where the pulse of Thailand’s future infrastructure vibrates with anticipation, Transport Minister Suriya Juengrungreangkit dropped a tantalizing tidbit that has set tongues wagging and minds racing. In a serendipitous meeting infused with the promise of innovation and collaboration, an Italian company, known for its prowess in pushing the boundaries of railway technology, has cast its eyes toward the Land of Smiles, considering a leap into one of the country’s most ambitious projects—the Land Bridge mega project. The scent of rich Italian espresso seemed to linger in the air as Mr. Suriya recounted his dialogue with none other than the Italian ambassador Paolo Dionisi, alongside the trailblazers from the Mermec Group. Their conversations, steeped in the spirit of cooperation, explored the vibrant possibilities of melding Italian ingenuity with Thai visionary projects in public transport. Imagine, if you will, a project so bold,…

Thaksin Shinawatra’s Triumphant Return: A New Chapter Begins at Pheu Thai Party in Thailand

Imagine the excitement bubbling in the air as the streets became a sea of eager faces, all waiting for a moment that would be etched in the annals of political lore. It was a day unlike any other; the sun was shining a little brighter and the air felt a bit lighter, as the former leader and cherished patriarch of the Pheu Thai party, made his grand return from a self-imposed exile. The date was marked in every calendar – August 22, a day that would now be remembered for the homecoming of Thaksin Shinawatra. The very ground seemed to tremble with anticipation outside the party’s headquarters, as supporters from far and wide began congregating from the early hours of the morning. They wore their hopes like badges of honor, each person a testament to the unwavering spirit of the red-shirt movement. Their cheers filled the air, creating a symphony…

Thaksin Shinawatra’s Dramatic Return to Pheu Thai Headquarters: A Political Homecoming in Thailand

In a scene that could have been lifted right from a vivid political thriller, Thaksin Shinawatra, the enigmatic former Prime Minister of Thailand, made his way to the bustling headquarters of the Pheu Thai Party. Nestled in the heart of Bangkok within the architectural marvel of the OAI Tower on New Phetchaburi Road, the air was thick with anticipation on that fateful Tuesday afternoon. Varuth Hirunyatheb captured the moment with a photograph that seemed to pulsate with the energy of the gathered crowd. Amidst swirling rumors and vehement denials concerning his influence over the party he once helmed, Thaksin’s arrival was nothing short of cinematic. Key figures within Pheu Thai, along with MPs, started congregating at the tower by late Tuesday morning, setting the stage for a reunion tinged with the aroma of political intrigue. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s progeny and the current torchbearer of his political legacy, was among the…

Bangkok Tragedy: The Pursuit of Justice for Dr. Waraluck Supawatjariyakul and the Call for Road Safety Reform

In the luminous city of Bangkok, a story unfolded that captured the hearts and shook the foundations of public trust in law enforcement and road safety regulations. At the center of this saga was Police Lance Corporal Norawich Buadok, his life forever intertwined with the tragic demise of Dr. Waraluck Supawatjariyakul, an esteemed ophthalmologist whose untimely departure left a void not just in her family, but in the community she served. The cataclysmic event occurred on a January morning that started like any other. The streets buzzed with the energy of a city that never sleeps, and Phya Thai Road, in front of the venerable Bhumirajanagarindra Kidney Institute Hospital, was no exception. It was here, on this bustling avenue, that fate intervened in the most heart-wrenching of ways. Norawich, astride his crimson steed—a red Ducati big bike, a symbol of power and speed—was seeking to tame the asphalt jungle. But…

Tragic Loss of Dr. Waraluck Supawatjariyakul Spurs Road Safety Campaign in Bangkok

In the bustling heart of Bangkok’s Ratchathewi district, a story unfolded in January 2022 that would ripple through the city’s streets, leaving a profound mark on the community and sparking a resolute campaign for change. Amid the chaos of urban life, the Supawatjariyakul family faced an unimaginable tragedy when Dr. Waraluck Supawatjariyakul, a promising 33-year-old opthalmologist, was struck down by a police motorcyclist while crossing the street on a zebra crossing. The incident, which claimed Dr. Waraluck’s life, ignited a fervent conversation around road safety and the responsibility of those behind the wheel – or handlebars, in this case. It wasn’t just any motorcyclist; the perpetrator was Pol L/Cpl Norawich Buadok, a 23-year-old junior policeman attached to the Protection and Crowd Control Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, astride a Ducati Monster big bike. The tragedy occurred as Pol L/Cpl Norawich, having just picked up a police document, maneuvered his…