THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

ONWR Warns of Drought Risks Due to El Nino Phenomenon The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) has issued a warning for people in Thailand to prepare for potential drought conditions by conserving water. The El Nino phenomenon, which began in July, has led to significantly less rainfall than in typical years. Coordinated Efforts to Address the Drought Crisis ONWR secretary-general Surasee Kittimonthon, speaking after a meeting with representatives from various water-related agencies, stated that a plan has been established to address the possible drought crisis, especially during intermittent rains in August. These agencies include the Department of Royal Irrigation, the Department of Water Resources, Thai Meteorological Department, and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat). The national committee on water resources supports the plan, which identifies the areas most vulnerable to drought and outlines the necessary tools, machines, and additional water sources to assist in emergencies. “We have…

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s Surprise Visit to Khao San Road Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha recently made an unexpected visit to Khao San Road, engaging in an entertaining water fight with locals and tourists alike. The Prime Minister and members of the United Thai Nation Party arrived at the famous Songkran celebration venue on Friday afternoon, where they were met with excitement and curiosity from the crowd. Discussing Safety Measures amid Songkran Celebrations Upon arrival, Gen Prayut took the time to discuss safety measures with officials responsible for overseeing the festivities. As he began his consultation, enthusiastic revelers initiated a light-hearted water attack, prompting the Prime Minister to purchase a large water gun to fend off his assailants. Despite attempts by his followers to protect his face from the onslaught, the crowd continued its playful assault. First Visit in 15 Years and Boosting Tourism Efforts As he made his way through…

Super Poll Survey Predicts No Landslide Victory in May 14 Election The latest Super Poll survey reveals that none of the parties will secure a landslide victory in the upcoming May 14 election. The nationwide survey, conducted from April 5-13 with 6,073 participants, forecasts that Pheu Thai will come out on top, securing 160 House seats from both constituency and party-list systems. Pheu Thai Leading the Charge Pheu Thai is expected to win 133 out of the 400 constituency seats and an additional 27 out of 100 party-list seats. Although the party has set an ambitious goal of winning 310 seats, Super Poll estimates that it will secure a maximum of 185 seats or a minimum of 135 seats in a worst-case scenario. Bhumjaithai Comes in Second Bhumjaithai is predicted to finish as the runner-up with a total of 121 seats, comprised of 101 constituency seats and 20 party-list seats.…

Celebrate Family Day and Songkran at Thailand’s National Parks Thailand’s Family Day, which falls on April 14, presents an excellent opportunity for Thai nationals to visit the country’s national parks. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has announced that entry fees for national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and non-hunting areas across the country will be waived for Thai nationals and their vehicles on this special day. An Invitation to Strengthen Family Bonds Anucha Mokhaves, from the Department of National Parks, mentions that the government encourages Thai nationals to visit national parks during Family Day and the Songkran festival. These visits aim to foster relationships among family members, boost tourism, and allow visitors to learn about Thailand’s natural resources. National parks typically experience an influx of local visitors during the Songkran festival. Preparations for the Holiday Season To accommodate the increased number of visitors during the New Year Festival,…

Growing Social-Welfare Expenditures in Thailand Pose Economic Challenges Thailand’s rising social-welfare costs are expected to surpass 1 trillion baht in 2033 due to an ageing population and the increasing cost of elderly care. As the number of senior citizens in Thailand rises, the government’s spending must also grow to accommodate their needs. At the same time, tax revenues from the working-age population are under strain. Falling Birth Rates Concern Finance Ministry The country’s Finance Ministry, represented by deputy spokesperson Pornchai Thiraveja, highlights the falling birth rates in Thailand since 2013. This demographic shift can lead to a deceleration in the country’s economic growth, thereby affecting the state’s tax revenues. Moreover, the cost of providing services to the growing elderly population has increased by 5.15% over the past five years, according to Pornchai. Striking a Balance Between Spending and Tax Revenue As the cost of elderly care rises, the Thai government…

Songkran Celebrations Resume, Bringing Back Water Fights and Revelry After three years of subdued festivities due to Covid-19, Thailand’s traditional New Year celebrations, Songkran, returned in full force on Thursday. The event, marked by water fights and enthusiastic splashing, has been a cause for concern among conservative Thais and authorities, as it often features partygoers scantily clad and engaging in wild water battles. Authorities Enforce Four Strict Rules for Songkran Festivities With worries that this year’s Songkran celebrations could be particularly rowdy, authorities have implemented four rules to maintain order during the event. The regulations, which apply to both Thais and foreigners, include: No nudity No going half-naked No face-daubing powder No high-pressure water guns Mass Influx of Foreign Tourists Expected for New Year Celebrations Over 300,000 foreign tourists are predicted to join the throngs of Songkran revelers in Bangkok and other popular tourism destinations. Bangkok has set up 198…

Paving the Way for Tourism with NFTs and Digital Coupons In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering the tourism industry, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has partnered with more than 30 collaborators, including prominent IT company Crypto City Connext, to launch a non-fungible token (NFT) project. This innovative venture offers digital coupons featuring “Nong Sukjai,” the TAT’s adorable mascot, illustrated in various styles by over 20 collaborating artists. Trial Phase and Exclusive Collection Points Currently in its trial phase, these exclusive NFTs can be collected only at specific attractions: Ratchaprasong Road in Bangkok, Nimmanhaemin Road in Chiang Mai, Dibuk Road in Phuket, Khao Niaw Road in Khon Kaen, and Yomjinda Road in Rayong. On April 13, TAT released 5,550 digital coupons across these five locations, with differing levels of rarity—5,000 are “normal” NFTs, 500 are “rare”, and the remaining 50 are “super rare.” The rarer the coupon, the more…

Collaboration to Boost Eastern Sarus Crane Population in Vietnam The Zoological Park Organization (ZPO) has joined forces with the Vietnam Zoos Association to increase the population of the Eastern Sarus Crane in Vietnam. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the collaboration also includes the People’s Committee of Dong Thap Province in Vietnam and the International Crane Foundation. Reintroducing Cranes to Thailand and Expanding Efforts Since 2009, the ZPO has been working on reintroducing Eastern Sarus Cranes to Thailand, with breeding and release taking place in the natural wetlands of Buri Ram province. “We aim to bring them back from the brink of extinction into their natural habitat so they can continue to grace our skies,” stated Attapon Srihayun, director-general of the ZPO. Attapon expressed gratitude toward those involved in the project, including scientists and staff from the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant, Mahidol University, as well as those…

Super Poll Survey Predicts Close Race in May 14 Election The latest Super Poll survey indicates that no party will secure a landslide victory in the upcoming May 14 election. Conducted from April 5-13 among 6,073 respondents, the nationwide survey predicts that Pheu Thai will emerge as the winner with 160 House seats in both the constituency and party-list systems. Projected Results for Pheu Thai Party According to the survey, Pheu Thai will secure 133 of the 400 constituency seats and an additional 27 of the 100 party list seats. The party had originally aimed to win 310 seats; however, the Super Poll suggests that their best outcome will be 185 seats or 135 seats in the worst-case scenario. Bhumjaithai Party Expected to Take Second Place Bhumjaithai is predicted to finish second with a total of 121 seats—101 constituency seats and 20 more from the party list. In an ideal…