THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

Welcome to the verdant, lush landscapes of Chiang Mai, where the air sometimes veils a less than idyllic reality. Here, amidst the breathtaking forests and sprawling reserves that stretch infinitely across 9 million rai (approximately 1.44 million hectares), a contentious debate fires up between the government and its opposition. The bone of contention? The sufficiency of manpower dedicated to warding off the menacing specter of forest fires. In the heart of this heated dialogue, Deputy Government Spokesperson Kenikar Oonjit stands as a beacon of information and reassurance. Critics, particularly some vociferous opposition MPs, lament the slender battalion of merely 1,800 rangers tasked with the Herculean job of protecting this vast expanse from the ravages of fire, alleged to be ignited by villagers under an ancient belief. This belief, steeped in tradition, holds that the practice of burning the forest floor could catalyze a renewal of sorts – giving rise to…

Imagine waking up in the picturesque city of Chiang Mai, nestled in the heart of Thailand’s verdant landscapes. Known for its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and stunning temples, this northern gem usually beckons travelers from every corner of the globe. However, on a seemingly ordinary Sunday morning, the serene ambiance was overshadowed by a rather unwelcome guest – air pollution. According to the Swiss air quality technology maestro, IQAir, at precisely 9.16 am, the city found itself grappling with an air quality index (AQI) of a staggering 179, accompanied by 110.25 micrograms per cubic meter of air of the fine pollutants PM2.5. These aren’t just numbers; they represent a concerning reality regarding the air we breathe and its profound impact on our well-being. The AQI, a universally recognized scale, gauges the concentration of air pollutants and their imminent health risks, painting a clear picture of the air quality around us.…

In a daring operation that unfolded like a scene from an action-packed blockbuster, Cambodian officials, in a remarkable display of international collaboration, swooped in to rescue 19 Thai nationals ensnared by the nefarious grips of a call scam gang in Oddar Meanchey on a tension-filled Saturday. This story is not just a tale of liberation; it’s a stark reminder of the dark underbelly of cybercrime in our increasingly connected world. The saga began with a distress call – a beacon of hope amidst despair – that was received last Thursday by the vigilant ears at the Suranaree Task Force. The caller, a desperate victim, had somehow managed to reach out for help, setting in motion a rescue operation that would span nations and unite them against a common foe. Maj Gen Nat Sri-in, the stalwart commander of the Suranaree Task Force, recounted the whirlwind of events that led to the…

In the heart of Thailand’s pulsating political arena, a captivating drama unfolds as Chaithawat Tulathon, the charismatic leader of the Move Forward Party, prepares to step into the spotlight for an electrifying two-day general debate against the incumbent government, slated for April 3-4. This event, akin to a grand political theater’s opening night, has the nation on the edge of its seats, eagerly awaiting the performance of the opposition under Chaithawat’s seasoned direction. (Photo credit: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) However, the build-up to this political showdown paints a complex picture of public sentiment. According to a revealing Nida Poll, there’s a palpable sense of reservation among the populace, with many expressing the belief that the government, like a slow-blooming flower, deserves more time to unfurl its policies and enrich the nation with the fiscal nourishment of 2023’s budget. The data unveils that a significant 32.75% of respondents advocate for this patience, preferring…

On a crisp Saturday in the verdant forests of Chiang Mai, amidst the sounds of nature and the subtle whispers of the trees, Pita Limjaroenrat lent an attentive ear to the dedicated volunteer forest firefighters from the Mirror Foundation. But this was no ordinary visit. As the former leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), Pita’s presence in the northern province of Thailand was teeming with determination and an unyielding spirit, especially in the face of the Election Commission’s (EC) looming cloud of dissolution threats. The political air in Chiang Mai was particularly charged, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the ever-controversial former premier Thaksin Shinawatra also gracing the province with their visits. However, Pita was quick to clarify, his trip was far from a political maneuver. With the poise and clarity of a seasoned leader, he shared that his journey northward was propelled by a steadfast commitment to justice…

Imagine a world where the glass ceiling isn’t just cracked, but completely shattered. That world isn’t a figment of our collective imagination; it’s becoming a reality in some corners of the globe, with the Philippines leading the charge. In a groundbreaking survey released by Grant Thornton, a prestigious UK-based global accounting behemoth, an eye-opening discovery was made. A stunning 43% of the top executive positions in companies across the Philippines are occupied by women. In a world where the fight for gender equality in the workplace rages on, this statistic isn’t just impressive; it’s revolutionary. But the surprises don’t stop there. The survey, a meticulous endeavor that spanned Asia, Europe, and America, interviewed a whopping 4,891 medium-sized companies. These businesses, 90% of which boast a workforce ranging from 50 to 2,500 employees, revealed a trend that could very well redefine the corporate hierarchy as we know it. And while the…

On a balmy afternoon on August 27, 2023, amidst the hustle and bustle of a lively Phuket street, a certain allure draws passersby to the charming stalls laden with nature’s own green remedy – cannabis. The aroma fills the air, adding a layer of intrigue to the vibrant tapestry that is Thailand’s street scene. It’s a snapshot that epitomizes the country’s burgeoning relationship with recreational cannabis, a narrative of liberation, celebration, and now, a looming chapter of restriction. In the heart of Bangkok, a spirited congregation known as the “Green Party” brings together cannabis aficionados. Amidst puffs of smoke and laughter, Thodsapol Hongtong, a prominent figure in this green revolution, revels in the camaraderie. At 31, Thodsapol isn’t just another enthusiast; he’s an influencer and proprietor of a cannabis shop, championing the green cause through his platform, “Channel Weed Thailand.” For him, cannabis isn’t merely about the high; it’s about…

In the corridors of diplomacy and amid the bustling, interconnected world of international travel, a curious case emerges—one that might seem miniscule in the grand avalanche of daily news but signifies much more upon a closer look. This tale spins around the Land of Smiles, Thailand, and its samurai-spirit neighbor, Japan, entangled in a matter of overstaying visits, visa regulations, and the unceasing tick of the diplomatic clock. So, let’s delve into this narrative, shall we? The setting for our story unfolds within the esteemed walls of the Foreign Ministry of Thailand, where commitment isn’t just a word, but an action. The issue at hand? A significant increase in the number of Thai nationals who find the charm of Japan so irresistible they overstay their 15-day visas. Picture this: from the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the tranquil zen gardens of Kyoto, Japan unfurls its wonders, making time seem like…

Imagine immersing yourself in the verdant expanses of Finland’s forests, where the wild berries hang like jewels, ripe for the picking. For years, this idyllic scene has been a seasonal reality for Thai workers, making the arduous journey to the far reaches of Europe’s north, anticipating the sweet rewards of their labor. However, a recent development has cast a shadow over this picturesque endeavor. The Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has put a halt to the merry berry-picking saga, at least for the near future. In a move that has left bushes bristling with soon-to-be unpicked berries, the ministry announced a pause on the acceptance of visa applications from wild-berry pickers hailing from Thailand. This decision doesn’t only ripple across Thailand but also touches the lives of those in Cambodia and Myanmar, who fall under the jurisdiction of Finland’s embassy in Bangkok. For the summer of 2024, dreams of harvesting…