Yesterday, former commerce minister Phumtham Wechayachai proudly touted a series of remarkable achievements of the Commerce Ministry during his initial year at the helm. These triumphs include securing higher prices for agricultural produce, alleviating the public’s cost of living, and amplifying the competitive edge of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Now serving as the defence minister in the Paetongtarn government, Phumtham held a vibrant press conference to shed light on the successful commerce-focused endeavors under his watch. Phumtham enthusiastically detailed how the ministry fostered collaboration among Thai conglomerates and government entities, orchestrating a collective effort to procure both primary and secondary crops. This initiative injected approximately 200 billion baht into the coffers of Thai farmers, significantly boosting their incomes. Such measures reflect the concerted efforts to bolster the agricultural sector, making it a cornerstone of the nation’s economic stability. Moreover, the ministry’s endeavors were not limited to just bolstering farmers’…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra must act swiftly to boost public confidence in her administration’s ability to tackle the myriad problems facing the nation. This was the strong recommendation from political analyst Assoc Prof Thanaporn Sriyakul during a Monday press conference. He emphasized that the first crucial step involves clearly outlining the measures her government intends to implement in order to address these issues comprehensively. Most importantly, the Prime Minister should detail the financial strategies her administration will employ to secure the necessary funding for urgent policies. “A transparent plan will allow her to shine brighter than her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra,” Sriyakul suggested, highlighting the potential for Paetongtarn to carve out her unique political legacy. However, he issued a warning: if her policies mirror Thaksin’s vision too closely—as outlined in his forum speech on Aug 22—both Paetongtarn and the Pheu Thai Party could find themselves under investigation for…
Anti-drug authorities in Thailand have made a significant dent in the battle against narcotics, capturing a staggering 1,607 suspects across six northern provinces this year. With a renewed vigor, they are pledging to intensify their efforts as they move into the next fiscal year, starting just next month. The regions primarily in the spotlight include the robust and picturesque territories of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Phayao, Nan, and Tak. These provinces aren’t just known for their scenic beauty and cultural riches; they’ve unfortunately become vital links in a sprawling drug network. Estimates reveal there are tens of millions of methamphetamine pills and hundreds of kilograms of crystal methamphetamine stockpiled near the Thai border. These stashes are poised to make their way into central and southern Thailand, and even as far as Malaysia, wreaking havoc on communities. Held on a crisp morning, a press conference saw Pol Lt…
In a recent announcement, the Surat Thani Provincial Education Office sought to clear the air regarding the closure of the Myinttar Yeink Learning Centre. Authorities emphasized their efforts to integrate its students into Thai education schools, only to face cooperation challenges from the centre. This announcement follows the National Human Rights Commission’s concerns about the shutdown of an unlicensed migrant children’s learning centre in tambon Bang Kung of Muang district on September 4, which triggered the closure of all Burmese language learning centres in the province. This sudden shutdown has left over 2,000 migrant children in the region grappling with an abrupt halt in their education. Chokdee Srathakan, head of the Surat Thani Provincial Education Office, addressed the media to elaborate on the efforts and legal processes involved. According to Chokdee, multiple discussions were held with the Myinttar Yeink Learning Centre, but legal actions became inevitable due to persistent non-compliance.…
The Transport Ministry has sounded the horn, rallying the Marine Department to accelerate its plans to enhance maritime connectivity along the Andaman Sea provinces. This initiative is set to ripple through the regional economy like a swift current, stimulating vibrant economic activities across the region. According to Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri, this ambitious 740-million-baht project is a cornerstone of a new strategic thrust championed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Their vision? To overhaul the local logistics infrastructure and invigorate tourism. Imagine this: the construction of two brand-new piers, Ao Po Ferry Pier in Phuket and Tha Len Pier in Krabi, paired with vital renovations to Manoh Pier and Chong Lard Pier in the captivating Koh Yao district of Phangnga. Once these upgrades are completed, the maritime connectivity between Phuket, Phangnga, and Krabi—collectively dubbed the Andaman Triangle—will be as smooth as a dolphin gliding through…
As the rhythmic waters of the Yom River continue to swell and cascade into the lives of Sukhothai’s residents, a call for aid rises with them. Local citizens, battling the relentless floodwaters for over two months now, are appealing to the government for relief as the torrential impact of Typhoon Yagi is set to exacerbate the situation. The deluge has submerged areas like tambon Pak Phra in Muang district and tambon Kong in Kong Krailat district, leaving an indelible mark on the community. Among those affected is Wongduan Si-phongsai, a resilient 60-year-old resident of Koh Kong, an island nestled in the Yom River. Wongduan’s tranquil life has been disrupted by rising waters, cutting off access to her village. With a wistful gaze, she fears that her home will not see reprieve until the rains subside after the Loy Krathong festival in November. Another local, who chose to remain anonymous, lamented…
In a profoundly unsettling incident, a 31-year-old IT technician finds herself jobless and partially blind after a distressing medical ordeal allegedly sparked by a misdiagnosis at a privately run hospital in Bangkok. The woman, known as Sasinan (surname withheld for privacy), turned to the Sai Mai Tong Rot relief and emergency Facebook page to share her harrowing experience. Her plight began on June 18 when she noticed a red eye and felt a sore throat. Hoping for a simple solution, she picked up some over-the-counter medication, but it offered no relief. Determined to get professional help, she visited a privately run hospital in Phahon Yothin on June 20. There, a doctor diagnosed her with tonsillitis and administered an antihistamine injection, advising her to rest at home. However, things took a dark turn when she returned home. Sasinan reported severe chest pain, a full-body rash, blurred vision, and swollen lips. Alarmed,…
In a decisive move on Monday, Thailand’s Senate gave the green light to the government’s colossal 3.75 trillion baht ($111 billion) budget bill for the upcoming 2025 fiscal year. This monumental budget, designed to steer the nation through the next financial cycle, is a testament to Thailand’s ambitious plans for growth and development. Yet, the journey is not over. The budget bill, now passed by the Senate, awaits the royal nod before it can officially become law. The anticipation builds as everyone from policymakers to ordinary citizens eagerly awaits this final stamp of approval. The approval of this budget is a critical step that signifies more than just numbers on a ledger. It’s a reflection of Thailand’s economic strategies and priorities. From infrastructure projects aimed at boosting connectivity and economic efficiency to social programs designed to uplift communities, the budget aims to cover a broad spectrum of needs and ambitions.…
The Democrat Party has made it crystal clear: if there’s even a whiff of corruption within the government, they won’t hesitate to pull the plug on their coalition involvement. This staunch anti-corruption stance was proudly reiterated by the party’s secretary-general, Dech-it Khaothong, on a sunny Monday morning, his first official day as the newly-appointed deputy public health minister. Mr. Dech-it, accompanied by his supportive wife Supaporn Kumnerdpol and his equally committed son Saksit Khaothong (an MP for Songkhla, might we add), made a heartwarming appearance at the party’s headquarters. They paid their respects to the revered Phra Mae Thorani, the Mother Earth Goddess statue, in what was a symbolic and emphatic start to his tenure. During their special first meeting of cabinet ministers—hot on the heels of Friday’s grand swearing-in ceremony before the King—issues of corruption and the inevitable topic of constitutional amendments took center stage. Dech-it was unequivocal: “If…
A gleaming replica of a high-speed train, a harbinger of the future Thai-Sino rail connection that aims to link Bangkok to the Northeast, stands ready. This is a vision set to revolutionize travel across Thailand. As of now, all eyes are on Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote. He feverishly seeks the nod of approval from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on a pivotal construction contract under the State Railway of Thailand (SRT)’s ambitious high-speed train project. This essential contract, dubbed Contract 4-5, covers a critical 13.3-kilometre stretch in the first phase of the cross-country rail initiative. The fortunate recipient of this contract is Boonchai Panich Co, having won through a competitive bidding process. Yet, the signing of this contract remains in limbo, entangled in debates over its strategic location near Ayutthaya Station. Ayutthaya Station, found a mere 1.5 kilometers from the storied Ayutthaya Historical Park, has become the fulcrum of this…