It is truly disheartening to see individuals who are meant to be stewards of our natural environment choosing to exploit and harm it instead,” said Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, in response to a recent incident involving a diving instructor. “Engaging in the hunting of marine wildlife will ultimately result in the depletion of our oceans and the demise of diving as a viable profession. It is clear that this individual has failed as an instructor, as it is their duty to set a positive example for others.” A series of photos that sparked public outrage last week were shared on the MONSOONGARBAGE THAILAND Facebook page, featuring a diving instructor from the Southern province boasting about his capture of a triggerfish. In a post accompanying the photos, the instructor stated: “This ferocious triggerfish is renowned at Ko Ran Pet for biting several of my free dive…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Get ready for an exciting new opportunity brought to you by the Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) aimed at reigniting the passion for domestic tourism in the Land of Smiles. If you’ve ever fantasized about exploring Thailand’s beauty and diversity, this campaign will give you the chance to do just that and, quite possibly, turn your passion into your livelihood! TAT has launched a search for the top 20 contenders, who will battle it out to claim the prestigious title of “Tourist of Thailand.” The participants will be required to showcase their traveling experiences through content posted on their personal social media channels. At stake for the winner is a jaw-dropping prize, consisting of a monthly income of 126,000 baht for four months (a whopping 504,000 baht in total), plus exclusive vouchers granting access to various tourist attractions throughout Thailand. With these resources, the champion will create captivating travel content…
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha made a strong appeal to voters in the southern province of Songkhla during a campaign event on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming May 14 general election and urging the younger generation to help him shape the nation. Addressing a crowd in Muang district, Gen Prayut, the top prime ministerial candidate of the United Thai Nation Party (UTN), underscored the need for change and expressed gratitude for the support from Songkhla residents. During his speech, Gen Prayut introduced the UTN leader and second prime ministerial candidate, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, as well as the UTN candidate Jua Ratchasi. Following the event, the prime minister visited several markets in Muang to garner support for the UTN’s parliamentary candidates in the district. On Saturday evening, Gen Prayut addressed thousands of supporters at the UTN’s inaugural rally in Phatthalung’s Muang district. He asserted that all proposed policies could be implemented…
The importance of sustainable farming, food safety and security, and addressing poverty among farmers was the subject of a recent 11-party forum on agriculture and food security. The forum discussed the need for organic farming, technological innovation, and upgrading the agricultural industry to meet international standards, as well as tackling land ownership disparity. The event was organized by the National Farmers Council, Biodiversity, Sustainable Agriculture, and Food Sovereignty Action Thailand (the BioThai Foundation), Chulalongkorn University’s Social Research Institute, and their partners. Decharut Sukkumnoed, director of the Move Forward Party (MFP)’s Think Forward Centre, suggested that the government’s subsidy schemes should be revamped as they have failed to improve farmers’ livelihoods. “The farm sector needs restructuring and a fresh workforce of young farmers to supplement ageing farmers and upgrade the production of agricultural products,” he said. The MFP plans to increase the land rights fund from 300 million baht to 10…
In a bid to resolve a long-standing land dispute between Karen villagers and local authorities, an independent committee has granted permission for the villagers to return to their ancestral home in Bang Kloy Bon within the Kaeng Krachan National Park. The committee, chaired by PM’s Office Minister Anucha Nakasai and including a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Suchart Setthamalinee, published a report on April 18 outlining their proposed solutions for the evicted Karen villagers. The primary solution recommended by the committee involves approving the request of 732 Karen villagers to return to their fertile lands deep within the forest of Bang Kloy Bon. In addition, the committee proposed allowing 150 Karen villagers to establish a new community in Huay Mae Priang village, located in the Kaeng Krachan district of Phetchaburi province. Both groups will receive aid and compensation for their forced eviction from Bang Kloy Bon. Furthermore,…
In a coordinated effort, police raided a room at the Asia Pattaya Hotel in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, in the early hours of Monday, apprehending 80 Indian nationals caught in the midst of a high-stakes gambling game. (Photo: Chaiyot Pupattanapong) The small coastal town of Pattaya in Thailand’s Chon Buri province was abuzz with excitement in the dark hours of Monday morning when a team of law enforcement officers, led by Chon Buri police chief Pol Maj Gen Kampol Leelaprapaporn, descended upon the luxurious Asia Pattaya Hotel in Soi Phra Tamnak 4, tambon Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district. Tipped off by undercover police, the officers had received reliable intelligence that a group of Indian nationals had booked rooms at the hotel from April 27 to May 1, and had rented the Sampao meeting room specifically for gaming purposes. Upon entering the hotel, the police officers found a large gathering…
A chilling tale unfolded in Chiang Mai as a used car saleswoman fell victim to a suspected serial rapist who posed as a potential customer. The 40-year-old suspect, Nathapol Panpadungsap, was arrested in Muang district less than 48 hours after his heinous act was committed. The unsuspecting 35-year-old victim met the suspect at a coffee shop near her used car dealership in San Sai district after he claimed to have just driven past her establishment. At the coffee shop, the unsuspecting woman and the suspect, who was clad in a polo shirt and trousers, engaged in a friendly conversation over coffee as she showed him a car quotation form. Taking advantage of the situation, the suspect lured the woman into his pickup truck. According to police reports, the man admitted to raping the victim at a nearby motel before brutally murdering her. He proceeded to load her lifeless body into…
On an ordinary Sunday morning at Ban Song railway station in Surat Thani’s Wiang Sa district, the quick thinking and bravery of station master Thitipong Piripol made him a local hero. Thanks to his timely intervention, a 75-year-old woman with impaired hearing narrowly escaped being hit by a train on its way into the station. A security camera captured the heart-stopping moment, which has since been widely shared, earning Thitipong the admiration and gratitude of the community. At approximately 9:50 am on Sunday, the elderly woman, unaware of the rapidly approaching express train No. 85 (Bangkok-Nakhon Si Thammarat), proceeded to cross the rail track. The video footage clearly shows her oblivious to the imminent danger she was in. Thitipong Piripol, witnessing the unfolding scene from his office, wasted no time in taking action. He dashed out and pushed the woman off the track just moments before the train would have…
Deputy governor Tavida Kamolvej recently inaugurated a temporary vaccination facility situated on the 6th floor in Zone D of the renowned MBK Centre shopping mall. The establishment of this unit, Tavida explained, is the result of a collaboration between the Medical Service Department and the Klang Hospital. Open daily from 9am to 3pm, individuals can receive a complimentary Moderna bivalent vaccine at this walk-in clinic. To be eligible, individuals must be a minimum of 12 years old and either have received a prior vaccination or recovered from a Covid-19 infection more than three months ago. Additionally, proof of vaccination must be provided. Foreign visitors can also take advantage of the vaccination services by presenting their passports, although fees may apply for non-residents. This temporary unit will operate daily until May 12 and will reopen for the weekends of May 20-21 and May 27-28. The deputy governor informed that the number…
Key members of the Democrat Party, Suchatvee Suwansawat and Watanya Bunnag, have announced the ambitious plan of turning the resort island of Phuket into a technology hub and model city for Thailand and the ASEAN region. As part of their election campaign, the Democrat Party aims to make Phuket a top tourist destination by providing free internet access in various locations across the island, creating a public transportation system to ease traffic congestion, and upgrading Phuket Rajabhat University to expand its fields of study. Suchatvee Suwansawat, who is also the head of the party’s policy committee, believes Phuket’s appeal as a top tourist destination makes it a perfect candidate for the proposed free internet access initiative. He emphasized that the service should be offered as a form of public welfare and be more convenient for locals and tourists alike. In addition, the Democrat Party has committed to supporting the development…