With the resurgence of great-power rivalries dominating international relations once more, democratic governments find themselves increasingly reliant on covert operations to influence or reshape regimes in weaker states. Yet these secretive maneuvers, far from promoting global democracy, are highlighting its frailties at a time when authoritarianism is gaining ground. Indeed, local militaries—whether supported externally or not—continue to be the primary forces behind regime changes. Take Pakistan as an example: in 2022, the military orchestrated the removal of Prime Minister Imran Khan, reasserting its historical dominance over the civilian government. Similarly, in Bangladesh, the military recently exploited a violent student-led uprising to force Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee. They then installed an interim administration helmed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Still, external powers frequently play a pivotal role in such upheavals. Admittedly, the mechanisms involved are generally opaque. Because strategic subterfuge seldom leaves obvious traces, intervening nations can credibly deny…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
An association representing state-run hospitals nationwide declared a boycott of a crucial meeting held on Monday by the National Health Security Office (NHSO). This move stemmed from the NHSO’s persistent disregard for the association’s viewpoints on the budget allocation plan for the upcoming 2025 fiscal year, which begins on October 1. Dr. Anukul Thaitanundr, the director of Ratchaburi Hospital and president of the State-Run Hospitals Club, voiced this sentiment to the media on Wednesday, revealing that proposals made by the hospitals at previous gatherings had never been taken into account. For instance, the hospitals’ repeated demands for fair financial compensation to cover recent losses were consistently ignored, despite these losses being a direct result of the NHSO’s abrupt modification of the reimbursement rate calculation for healthcare services provided under its universal healthcare scheme. Worsening the situation, Dr. Anukul highlighted the association’s disagreement with the NHSO’s budget planning process for the…
The political landscape of Thailand shook recently with the release of an eyebrow-raising audio clip purportedly featuring a man expressing his aspirations to climb to the pinnacle of the nation’s leadership. The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), however, was quick to label the clip as a fabrication, allegedly conjured up by AI. This snippet of sound was just one of four intriguing clips showcased on the television program “Inside Thailand,” which purportedly carried the voice of PPRP leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon. The first audio clip stirred the pot with a conversation among four individuals. One of them earnestly laid bare his ambition to become “Number 1.” In his own words, “I’ve been a deputy and worked for the prime minister for a long time. I’ve made many accomplishments and now I want the people to give me a chance to be the number 1. I’ll ask them.” To this, another participant…
In a dramatic turn of events last November, two Taiwanese and Japanese men found themselves in the crosshairs of Thai law enforcement. The duo was apprehended for allegedly orchestrating a call scam that ruthlessly drained 9 billion baht from unsuspecting Japanese victims. The authorities showcased their diligent work with a snapshot of the accused men, solidifying this high-profile case. (Police Photo). Every single day, a staggering 700 cases of call center scams flood the police desks, culminating in a jaw-dropping 450 billion baht in annual damages, as reported by the astute Sompong Yenkaew, chief of the Region 6 public prosecution office. His remarks came during a riveting training program for public prosecutors at a cozy hotel in Phitsanulok’s Muang district on a bustling Wednesday. The training was no ordinary affair—its mission was to arm prosecutors with the skills and insights crucial for tackling the ever-evolving threats posed by cybercriminals and…
Members of the Muslim Students Federation of Thailand gathered in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district back in 2019 to solemnly commemorate the 15th anniversary of the horrific Tak Bai massacre. (File photo) Meanwhile, under a tense atmosphere in the Thai Parliament, a fiery debate rages on. The spotlight is on Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri, a list-MP from the ruling Pheu Thai Party and a former Army Region 4 Commander. He stands accused in the notorious case of the 2004 Tak Bai massacre, a case that haunts the national conscience even after two decades. With the statute of limitations set to expire in a mere 44 days, the urgency to bring Gen Pisal to trial is undeniable. Parliament convened on Wednesday to deliberate whether to waive parliamentary immunity, allowing Gen Pisal to be tried in the Narathiwat Criminal Court. The case is set to recommence on October 12. Normally, an MP cannot be tried…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, center, and cabinet ministers at Government House last Saturday. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her unwavering confidence that the government’s sweeping policies, set to be unveiled before Parliament on Thursday, will ignite an economic whirlwind, turbocharging the nation’s financial landscape. The highlight is the ambitious digital wallet handout program poised to make significant waves. In an eagerly anticipated address to Parliament on Thursday and Friday, Ms. Paetongtarn will unveil the government’s strategic vision. Under constitutional mandates, the government must declare its agenda before initiating work. Paetongtarn will paint a broad picture of the policies, while her cabinet ministers dive into the intricate details of their respective domains. “The digital wallet program will come into sharp focus following the policy statement,” Ms. Paetongtarn assured. “My role will be to sketch the overall strategy, while the finance minister delves into the specifics. The goal of…
The Transport Ministry is firmly adamant: Bangkok Port isn’t going anywhere. Instead, there’s a grand vision on the horizon, one that promises to transform the non-developed areas of the port into what they’re calling “smart communities.” Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri shed light on the ambitious plan to rejuvenate the spaces at Bangkok Port, also famously known as Klong Toey Port. Minister Manaporn emphasized that ever since Srettha Thavisin was at the helm as Prime Minister, the government’s stance has been clear: no relocation policy for Bangkok Port. The focus, she reiterated, is solely on upgrading and enhancing the port’s infrastructure to boost water transport and logistics. The vision entails making the most out of the port’s expansive 2,353 rai of land, parts of which have remained underutilized, to unlock their full potential. The Transport Ministry is gearing up to breathe new life into these underused parcels of land. Imagine…
On Wednesday, homes and businesses in tambon Wiang Pang Kham, Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai, found themselves overwhelmed by floods, transforming the area into one of the most devastated by recent downpours in Thailand’s upper North. In some spots, the floodwaters soared up to two meters, necessitating numerous evacuations. Water surged through the streets, forming unexpected rivers where roads once lay. This turmoil was vividly captured in photos shared by Wiang Phang Kham Subdistrict municipality. Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district has been under relentless assault from floodwaters, while just to the south in Chiang Mai, tragedy struck as a landslide claimed six lives. The northern regions can’t seem to catch a break from the harsh weather’s unforgiving blows. Disaster mitigation officials in Chiang Rai have identified severe flooding issues, particularly evident in tambons Mae Sai, Wiang Pang Kham, and Koh Chang within the Mae Sai district. The water levels…
Porsche is turning the big 5-0, celebrating a landmark anniversary of their iconic 911 Turbo, and how better to commemorate than by toasting with a stylish twist? Announcing an exclusive series of twelve sneaker designs created in collaboration with sportswear maestro Puma, Porsche enthusiasts everywhere are in for a special treat. Each sneaker model is limited to a mere 911 units – a nod to the legendary car’s model number – making them as collectible as they are fashionable. Two of the standout models bear significant historical ties to Porsche’s legacy. First off, we have the “Turbo No. 1” sneaker, a glamorous tribute based on the 911 Turbo gifted to Louise Piëch for her 70th birthday. This design, boasting a metallic silver exterior, mirrors the iconic red and blue tartan pattern found within the original car’s interior. Then there’s the “Turbo 930,” which honors Dr. Ferry Porsche’s 1976 Turbo with…
The highly anticipated SISTAM 2024, the premier B2B conference and exhibition, is gearing up to take place from 26 to 27 September 2024 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC). SISTAM – Smart Industrial Safety & Technology for Advanced Maintenance – will unite industry giants, experts, and professionals to dive deep into the latest innovations in smart industrial safety and maintenance technology. This event aligns seamlessly with the Thailand 4.0 initiative, a visionary move to propel the Thai economy through innovation, high-value manufacturing, and sustainability. The 2-day conference, themed ‘3S – Smart, Safe, and Sustainable Technologies Toward Tomorrow,’ aspires to elevate Thailand’s industrial sector by enhancing safety and maintenance standards and fostering an ecosystem of knowledge exchange. Nucharin Paradeevisut, Managing Director of ExpoSis – the organizer of SISTAM, expressed: “SISTAM 2024 is more than just a trade show; it’s a congregation of minds dedicated to the advancement of…