It’s hard to fathom, but nestled amidst the tranquil pagodas and saffron fabrics of Thailand’s Buddhist temples is a bustling world of finance worth a staggering 410 billion baht. Imagine coffers holding riches across 39,000 bank accounts, all under the steady watch of the Bank of Thailand and the vigilant eyes of the National Office of Buddhism (NOB). Yet, despite the sacred aura, temple finances have unwittingly become the spotlight of public scrutiny. As whispers of impropriety echo through temple halls, a drama unfolds that could rival any soap opera. It all began with reports of several senior monks embroiled in a scandal more suited to tabloids than sanctuaries—a sordid tale of alleged relationships with a woman, provocatively tagged ‘Golf’ in insider circles. The scandal, cascading through headlines with all the grace of tragic opera, left the formerly revered monks shedding not only their robes but also perhaps their principles.…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
The air is thick with tension and anticipation as the Thai volleyball team stands on the precipice, teetering between triumph and relegation in the high-octane world of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL). The stakes have never been higher, and the culmination of their efforts will be decided in their final face-off against Canada in the early hours of Monday morning Thai time. The dedicated fans of the “Thai spikers” are gearing up for a nail-biting spectacle, their hearts set on witnessing a climb to victory, the sweet antidote to the bitter suspense. This electrifying narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a crucial match between global volleyball powers that took place recently in Chiba, Japan. Here, France demonstrated an unapologetically dominant performance against South Korea, clinching victory in straight sets of 25-17, 25-19, and 25-21. Under the tactical prowess of head coach César Hernández González, who intriguingly previously guided South Korea…
The winds of change have swept yet another poignant chapter of history into the world’s spotlight, as three key locations earn the recognition they so solemnly deserve. These hallowed grounds—the former M-13 prison, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (previously the S-21 prison), and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre—now bear the UNESCO stamp, serving as eternal testaments to the unspeakable horrors endured during the Khmer Rouge era. Like emotive whispers from the past, these sites paint a chilling canvas of the regime’s tyranny, under which approximately two million lives were extinguished. The calendar marks it as fifty years since the rise of this regime in 1975, spearheaded by the enigmatic yet tyrannical Pol Pot, a man whose name became synonymous with brutality. Under his terrifying command, Democratic Kampuchea’s communist state wreaked havoc for three years, eight months, and twenty days—a timeline etched indelibly in human sorrow. Tuol Sleng, or S-21, ceased…
In an intriguing turn of events, Thailand’s political landscape finds itself under the microscope as former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra lobbed serious accusations, creating a buzz harder to ignore than a fire-breathing dragon in a small village. With no shortage of drama, he suggested that an obscure but elite group of senators concocted a scheme spicier than a chili pepper salad, aiming to unseat his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, by the end of July. Their alleged goal? To pull off a chain reaction that could derail the simmering probe into their own voting collusion—putting a neat little bow on this political Pandora’s Box. The revelation came during what turned out to be a no-holds-barred interview session, part of the illustrious Nation 55th Anniversary: Solution for Thailand – Chapter 1 event. Picture this: an elegant ballroom at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai in Bangkok, the date July 9, where Thaksin…
The latest bulletin from the Meteorological Department rings the alarm bells for all of us in Thailand. It cautions us to brace ourselves for a deluge of heavy rain over the next two weeks, anticipates an intensified monsoon that will drench large swaths of the country. According to the department’s Sunday alert, their prediction isn’t mere guesswork. It’s derived from advanced weather simulation models developed by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). These models paint a dramatic weather picture, suggesting that some regions could be submerged under 750 millimeters of rain by July 24. The department has raised the red flag, signaling the potential for flash floods and sudden runoffs, whisking us away from our daily routines to prepare for nature’s impending high-pressure wash. Northern Provinces Await the Monsoon’s Wrath Batten down the hatches, citizens of Thailand’s upper North and Northeast! These areas are squarely in the crosshairs…
In the heart of Southeast Asia, where the vibrant cultures and historical landmarks boast stories as colorful as its sunsets, a man by the name of Mahathir Mohamad stands as a testament to endurance and resilience. With a tenure exceeding two decades as the leader of Malaysia, Mahathir’s journey through public life is akin to a winding river—full of unexpected turns and a narrative rich in complexity. While his name is synonymous with transformative changes and ambitious visions, Mahathir’s resilience is further highlighted by the formidable battles he has faced offstage, particularly against his health. Renowned for his towering presence in the political landscape, Mahathir’s saga with heart conditions dates back many years, accompanied by a series of heart bypass surgeries that have punctuated his longstanding career. As recently as October, he found himself once again weaving through corridors of the hospital for a respiratory infection—as reported by Reuters—shedding light…
In a maneuver that’s set to redefine the travel experience for Chinese students and their families, Thailand’s Immigration Police Division 2 has unveiled an initiative designed to accelerate their passage through some of the country’s busiest airports. This initiative, dubbed the “Happy Chinese Summer Channel,” aims to paint a stress-free picture of family travel during the much-anticipated school holiday period in China. Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimphadee, the commanding force behind Immigration Police Division 2, proudly announced that the fast-track lanes are now wending their way through Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, and Chiang Mai international airports. It’s a timely welcome mat approximately laid out to greet the swarm of tourists expected as the summer sun smiles upon the holidays. Zooming Through the Clearance Maze Traditionally, the rigmarole of immigration clearance at Thai airports has been synonymous with long waits, often stretching close to 40 minutes. But for those privileged enough…
In a dramatic turn of events that has left many travelers in a logistical bind, Nan province’s picturesque but now precarious roads faced an unexpected fate before noon on Sunday. A landslide and a bridge collapse have rendered two crucial arteries utterly impassable, thanks to that delightful duo of nature’s finest—gravity and eroding soil. The Department of Highways sounded the alarm bright and early at 11:30am, urging the road-weary to swerve away from Highways 1083 and 1243. It’s as if Mother Nature herself decided that these roads needed a break, throwing in a landslide and some soil erosion just for good measure. Blocking the Huay Phai–Had Rai Road with a Landslide First on the disaster hit parade is Highway 1243, affectionately dubbed the Huay Phai–Had Rai Road, located in Na Noi district. Somewhere between kilometre markers 49+575 and 49+625, a landslide has staged an unexpected show, blocking any and all…
The vibrant universe of hot pot buffets saw an unexpected spark in 2019 when Suki Teenoi burst onto the scene, challenging the traditional titan, MK Restaurant Group, a culinary force since 1989. With each brand wielding unique strengths and addressing distinct audiences, their rivalry is akin to a simmering broth full of competition. Suki Teenoi, aiming to tantalize taste buds and wallets alike, is stirring the pot with an audacious 50% buffet discount at 10 select locations. For a mere 117 baht per diner—down from the usual 276 baht—this appetizing offer covers 109 baht for the buffet itself, complimentary refills, and a 7% value-added tax. This sizzling promotion is set to unfold during the nocturnal hours of July 17 and 18, from just past midnight to the early morning light. The bustling branches peppering this promotion include: Phahol – Watcharapol The Street Ratchada Rainforest King Kaew Lamlukka Klong 2 Petkasem…
The stage is set, and the Indo-Pacific waters are abuzz with activity as nations converge for a grand display of military prowess and cooperation. This isn’t just a drill; it’s a symphonic dance of diplomacy and defense, where countries unite with a dual focus on collaboration and monitoring the ever-watchful eye of China. As the Indo-Pacific region becomes a hotbed for military maneuvers, the Talisman Sabre exercise, held biennially, takes center stage, showcasing the art of quick response and deterrence. In a recent press conference held against the bustling backdrop of Sydney, Lt Gen Joel Vowell, the deputy commanding general of the US Army Pacific, emphasized the essence of unity among the participating nations. The aim? To orchestrate a formidable symphony of rapid response capabilities that drapes an effective defensive curtain over the region. But as with any grand performance, spectators are sure to gather. Vice Adm Justin Jones, chief…