THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

Security personnel cuffed demonstrators outside the Tak Bai police station in Narathiwat, preparing them for transport to an army camp on October 25, 2004. Tragically, seventy-eight of them died during the journey, a somber event forever etched in Thailand’s history (Bangkok Post file photo: Thawatchai Kemgumnerd). In a significant development, Thai authorities announced on Wednesday they will be prosecuting eight former security personnel over their roles in the Tak Bai crackdown two decades ago. The devastating incident saw 78 protesters suffocate or be crushed to death when crammed into army trucks. According to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), all eight — which include six soldiers and two civilians — are being charged with premeditated murder with foreseeable consequences. OAG spokesperson Prayut Phetcharakhun stated during a press conference, “The use of overcrowded trucks to detain protesters was inappropriate, though there was no intent to cause death. The suspects could…

In a jaw-dropping testament to our app-obsessed world, 2022 saw a mind-boggling 255 billion new app downloads globally, coupled with a staggering $67 billion spent in app stores. With most of us glued to our screens for an average of five hours a day—that’s more than a third of our waking moments—mobile advertising spend skyrocketed to an eye-watering $336 billion. In this whirlwind world where viral app trends are as fleeting as they are fierce, staying ahead of the game is no walk in the park. Enter data.ai, the undisputed champion of app analytics and development, ready to arm you with the tools to keep you relevant and competitive. “Leveraging the tremendous power of artificial intelligence and machine learning, data.ai delivers a comprehensive suite of tools that spans the entire app lifecycle,” says David Kim, Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, data.ai. “Our solutions ensure your tailor-made apps hit the mark, catering precisely…

The picturesque Mekong River is currently teetering just 20 centimeters below its overflow threshold in the Muang district of Nakhon Phanom, creating quite the spectacle this Wednesday. (Photo: Pattanapong Sripiachai) But don’t pack away those umbrellas just yet! The weather forecast suggests we are in for a deluge starting from Thursday and continuing through Monday, courtesy of our ever-reliable annual monsoon and a burgeoning tropical storm that’s set to make landfall in Vietnam this Friday. Kornrawee Sitthichivapak, the maestro at the helm of the Meteorological Department, painted a rather wet picture on Wednesday. From September 19th to 23rd, heavy downpours and gusty winds will be sweeping across the North, Northeast, Central Plain including bustling Greater Bangkok, the East, and the South. Think of it like nature’s own symphony—with runoff and flash floods potentially taking center stage in steep and low-lying areas, plus anywhere near waterways. The real drama, however, starts…

Phitsanulok, Thailand – A remarkable milestone was recently celebrated with great enthusiasm as Mr. Phusit Somchit, Governor of Phitsanulok Province, and Ms. Chortip Salyapongse, Director of the Plant Protection Research and Development Office (PPRD) at the Department of Agriculture, officially inaugurated Bayer’s newly minted Inspection & Quality Control Building, dedicated to vegetable and corn seed production. The grand opening, held on September 17, 2024, was graced by a host of distinguished local government dignitaries, including Ms. Nongyao Korkanruad, Director of BOI Area 7 (Phitsanulok), and Ms. Papassorn Wattanakulpakin, Director of the Phitsanulok Seed Research and Development Center. They were joined by Mr. Weraphon Charoenpanit, Country Commercial Lead for Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar at Bayer Thai Co., Ltd., Bangla Bose, Head of APAC Product Supply, and Mr. Mark Nash, Tomato Crop Family Lead for Vegetable Seeds Product Supply, as well as an enthusiastic assembly of Bayer employees. Since its inception in…

Exciting changes are afoot at Standard Chartered Bank! The financial giant has recently announced the appointment of Anchalee Bunsongsikul as the new President, CEO, and Head of Banking & Coverage for Standard Chartered Bank (Thailand) and its Representative Offices in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. This significant transition takes effect on 18 September 2024, and the entire banking community is buzzing with anticipation. Anchalee steps into the role formerly held by Plakorn Wanglee, bringing with her an impressive legacy of over three decades in the banking and finance sector. Known for her extensive expertise in client and product knowledge, Anchalee has cultivated a robust network of clients over the years. Since joining Standard Chartered Bank in 2012, she’s played a pivotal role in steering the Corporate & Institutional Banking (CIB) Client Coverage business in Thailand. Her résumé is further adorned with illustrious titles such as Head of Financial Markets and Head…

Arrom Arunroj, at 64 years old, found herself in an unimaginable battle on a quiet Tuesday night at her home in Samut Prakan. This wasn’t a typical evening by any measure; instead, she was entangled in the coils of a massive 4-meter-long python. The drama unfolded in her house in soi Suk Sawat 84, tambon Khlong Bang Pla Kot, in the Phra Samut Chedi district. The massive serpent had wrapped itself around her for nearly two harrowing hours. Her weakening cries for help echoed into the night, eventually catching the attention of a concerned neighbor passing by, who promptly alerted authorities around 10pm. Enter the brave souls from the Samut Prakan Poh Tek Tung Foundation. Responding swiftly, the rescuers arrived at the dimly lit house. Despite the daunting darkness, the faint sounds of Ms. Arunroj’s pleas guided them. Faced with a locked door, the team had to break in. Inside,…

Omnicom Media Group (OMG) Thailand has solidified its leadership team following consistent growth in the region. Elevating the organization’s dynamics, Jinnarat Sampuntharat, who previously helmed the position of Managing Director at OMD Thailand, now steps into the pivotal role of Chief Operating Officer at OMG Thailand. In this elevated capacity, she will synergize with CEO Rochelle Chhaya and CFO Noppadol Vetvoranich to navigate the business through one of APAC’s most competitive markets. Moreover, Rerngrith Jindaporn has been appointed as the General Manager of OMD Thailand, where he will be responsible for propelling the agency’s growth, enhancing operational efficiency, nurturing client relationships, and seizing new business prospects. Complementing these shifts, Dr. Pittayaphan Sriweawnetr has been entrusted with an expanded mantle as Head of Insights and Marcomms for OMG Thailand, fortifying the company’s insights and communications strategies. These strategic modifications underscore OMG Thailand’s commitment to excellence and continued growth, epitomizing the network’s…

PHUKET: The island province of Phuket found itself submerged under sheets of water on Wednesday morning, as relentless rainfall turned bustling streets into temporary rivers. The incessant downpour caused significant flooding in several areas, particularly in Muang district. Among the most affected were parts of Patak, Chaloem Phrakiat, Chaofa Tawantok, and Wiset roads, leaving commuters in a soggy situation. The Tha Kraeng intersection in tambon Talad Nuea became a virtual swimming pool, forcing traffic to come to a standstill. Motorists watched in disbelief as their daily routes transformed into daunting aquatic obstacles. Kathu district didn’t escape the watery chaos either. In front of Wat Kathu, the revered temple appeared to float amid the floodwaters, while nearby Siko Market experienced unwelcome water visitors. Simon Cabaret Phuket, usually a hotspot for dazzling performances and glittery shows, found its entrance more suitable for canoes than the usual tourists. As the gushing water took…

In a vibrant press conference held on September 11 by the Information Office of the State Council, Li Fei, the Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce, painted a colorful picture of the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO). Celebrating its 20th year, Li gleefully touted the accumulated experience and the blossoming results that have made CAEXPO a cornerstone for economic and trade collaboration between China and ASEAN member states. Over two decades, the expo has become a major stage where Vietnamese G7 Coffee, Malaysian Musang King durians, Thai jasmine rice, and Laotian beer successfully captivated Chinese taste buds, and now eagerly look to future opportunities to deepen their market presence. The upcoming 21st CAEXPO promises to be an event like no other, promising higher quality and efficiency while fostering a closer, united China-ASEAN community. So, what wonders await at the 21st CAEXPO? Let’s dive into the highlights and initiatives that will leave attendees both…

On the picturesque island of Koh Samui in Surat Thani, authorities have taken decisive action against 21 illegally constructed villas, some of which were occupied by foreign nationals. This enforcement move took place on Tuesday and saw municipal, military, and ombudsman’s representatives converge to post closure notices on the villas perched on the Khao Ma Ngaen mountain in the charming tambon of Bo Phut. These 21 villas were part of a larger illicit establishment of 46 villas, all constructed without the necessary permits, by three audacious companies in Bo Phut. The breathtaking view from the mountainside may have caught the eye of many, but the authorities were keen to bring an end to this blatant disregard for building regulations and environmental sanctity. Among the tenants in three of these villas, there was a notable figure—a French entrepreneur running a cleaning business. He revealed that he had secured a one-year lease…