THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

The impact of vaping on youth has captured the nation’s attention once again, as evidenced by a recent incident that stirred significant online outrage. Seized e-cigarettes and related products, valued at a staggering 72 million baht, were spotlighted by the Customs Department as they prepared these items for destruction on February 25, 2023. The heart of the controversy, however, involves a video clip that went viral about a week ago, prompting the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) to intervene. The clip revealed a troubling scene: two young mothers, identified only as Por, 22, and Nut, 19, were seen vaping with their young children nearby – an eight-month-old infant and a two-year-old toddler, respectively. Shared prominently on the Red Skull Facebook page, the video drew a torrent of criticism from concerned netizens who questioned the mothers’ decision to expose their children to such risks. In defense, the video…

The controversy began with a revealing photo posted on the Survive Facebook page this past Saturday. Accompanying the image was a harrowing complaint of mistreatment that has sent shockwaves through the community. This photo has put a spotlight on the punishment practices within the military, raising serious questions about discipline and justice. The incident in question centers around two non-commissioned officers (NCOs) who meted out extreme punishment to several privates for allegedly breaking military rules. As a consequence, these NCOs have now been sentenced to 45 days in a military prison. The sordid details first came to light through a report made by the younger sister of one of the privates to the Sai Mai Tong Rod Facebook page. The grim episode took place at the 25th Cavalry Battalion of the 4th Cavalry Regiment, King’s Guard, in Chiang Mai’s scenic Fang district. What unfolded was nothing short of brutal. The…

Ms. Mingkwan Pattanawong, central figure and Krungsri’s Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Branding and Marketing Division, alongside her stellar executive team, basked in the glory of two prestigious awards that celebrate their groundbreaking “Make Life Simple” brand campaign. This dynamic campaign earned the Marketing & Brand Initiative of the Year – Thailand award at the ABF Retail Banking Awards 2024, hosted by Asian Banking & Finance (ABF) in the vibrant city of Singapore. But Krungsri didn’t stop there; they also clinched the IMC – Multiple Platforms Award (Bronze level) from the MAAT Media Awards 2024, an esteemed event orchestrated by the Media Agency Association of Thailand (MAAT). These accolades represent a magnificent milestone for Krungsri’s branding journey. In 2023, Krungsri underwent a transformative brand refresh, heralding a new brand promise: “Make Life Simple”. This refreshing slogan seamlessly aligns with contemporary trends and lays the groundwork for a robust, continuous…

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has recently submitted an official request to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), seeking approval to utilize designated areas for constructing the highly anticipated western route of the Orange Line. Envisioned to create a seamless connection between Bang Khun Non and Min Buri, this new line promises a groundbreaking enhancement in Bangkok’s public transportation landscape. On a bustling Wednesday, Tawatchai Napasaksri, who heads the BMA’s Public Works Department, shared insights into the ongoing dialogue between the MRTA and his department. The focal point of their discussion? The intricate route details of the Orange Line MRT project, meticulously examined and debated earlier that week. Diving into the specifics, the proposed route is set to kick off from Sutthawat Road, wending its way majestically along Siriraj Road. The most thrilling part? The line will undertake a daring subaqueous journey beneath the iconic Chao Phraya River.…

Australia is ardently championing the advancement of sustainable technology in Southeast Asia, as highlighted by Angela Macdonald, the Australian Ambassador to Thailand. Speaking at the vibrant Techsauce Global Summit 2024, hosted at the iconic Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Macdonald detailed the comprehensive strategies aimed at nurturing a thriving and secure region through technological innovations. “Technology is, of course, an integral part of that,” she passionately remarked. Responding to an inquiry from the Bangkok Post regarding Australia’s noticeable commitment to fostering sustainable tech and innovation within Southeast Asia, and particularly Thailand, Macdonald emphasized the necessity for ethical technology usage and robust social guidelines, ensuring universal safety. “But there is so much potential to use these technologies to recreate a better world,” she enthused, her vision for a brighter future glowing with optimism. At the heart of the summit, the Australian pavilion, meticulously organized by the Australian Embassy in conjunction with…

The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) has taken swift action to support two young children after a concerning video surfaced online. The viral clip, which made waves last week, featured two young mothers, identified only by their nicknames Por, 22, and Nut, 19, casually vaping next to their kids—a tender eight-month-old infant and a sprightly two-year-old toddler. The controversial video was originally posted on the Red Skull Facebook page, sparking outrage and a barrage of criticism targeted at the mothers’ behavior. In defense, the video’s uploader retorted, “Everyone has their own parenting style. What you see might not be what you think. We raise our children happily in our own way. How does that bother anyone else?” This defense did little to quell the public’s concerns. Reacting to the uproar, MSDHS Minister Varawut Silpa-archa commented yesterday that the event took place in a house provided by a…

Truckers in the Northeast are waving a red flag, urgently calling on the government to either lower the skyrocketing price of diesel or raise the cargo transport fees. Without these measures, they fear their trucks will soon become relics of the past, parked indefinitely. Wichai Sawangkhachon, the president of the Northern Transport Association (NTA), highlighted that nearly half of the over 10,000 trucks owned by the 700 member businesses of the NTA are currently gathering dust. A staggering 3,000 trucks have been repossessed by finance companies due to unpaid loans, a situation Wichai describes as dire. The key culprits behind this trucking nightmare? Blame it on the soaring diesel prices and a noticeable dip in demand for truck transport services. Wichai emphasized that these twin factors are driving truckers out of business at an alarming rate. The impact of these hurdles isn’t just theoretical—it’s being felt on the ground, where…

Hat Karon: A mesmerizing beach facing changes. (Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand) PHUKET: In a bid to preserve the allure of Hat Karon, the second longest stretch of sand in Phuket, local authorities have initiated a comprehensive beach cleanup. The urgency stems from fears that unchecked commercialization could tarnish the area’s natural charm and, by extension, its attractiveness to tourists. Governed by the astute Sophon Suwannarat, a high-stakes meeting with the Joint Public and Private Sector Committee on Economic Development underscored the pressing need for regulating beach accessories like umbrellas and sunbeds at three iconic beaches—Hat Karon, Hat Kata, and Hat Patong. The directive calls for a significant reduction in the number of rental umbrellas and sunbeds clustered along these stunning coastlines. This initiative, supervised by an appointed deputy governor, aims to not only declutter the beaches but also enhance the visitor experience. It’s a bold move, championed by the…

A woman holds a placard with the message “No matter how many times a dissolution is issued, I’ll still vote for Move Forward” as she and other party supporters gather at its head office in Bangkok to hear the Constitutional Court’s ruling on Wednesday. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) The United States and the European Union on Wednesday issued statements expressing serious concern about the Constitutional Court’s order dissolving the opposition Move Forward Party and its implications for democracy in Thailand. The US State Department said the decision “jeopardises Thailand’s democratic progress and runs counter to the aspirations of the Thai people for a strong, democratic future”. “The United States does not take a position in support of any political party, but as a close ally and friend with deep and enduring ties, we urge Thailand to take actions to ensure fully inclusive political participation, and to protect democracy and the freedoms…

An artist’s rendering vividly depicts a station on the soon-to-be-launched rail link that’ll connect three major airports in Thailand, including the prominent U-Tapao in the Eastern Economic Corridor. Exciting news is swirling around the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) high-speed rail system contract, with authorities buzzing that a decisive conclusion to its revision is expected next month. This ambitious high-speed rail project stands as a beacon of innovation, set to seamlessly connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports, revolutionizing travel in the region. Originally inked in 2019, the contract between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Asia Era One – a powerhouse consortium spearheaded by the Charoen Pokphand Group – promised new heights in transportation. Central to this collaboration was a concession agreement to operate the illustrious Airport Rail Link (ARL). But, like many grand plans, it faced unforeseen hurdles when the Covid-19 pandemic rolled in, with passenger numbers plummeting…