In the quiet district of Mae Ai in Chiang Mai province, a startling discovery has cast a shadow over the idyllic landscape. Recent health checks have revealed unsettling levels of arsenic in the bodies of two young children, painting a grim picture that ties back to the local piscatorial practices along the Kok River. This river, a vital artery snaking down from Shan State, Myanmar, into Thailand, is now suspected to be a carrier of this invisible menace. The Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office, acting on concerns raised by local residents, conducted tests that came to fruition on the sobering afternoon of July 7. This was no ordinary health check — urine samples taken from four inhabitants of Kaeng Sai Mun village months earlier had finally been analyzed. To the dismay of the doctors and the families involved, the results pointed to alarmingly high arsenic levels in two siblings,…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Bangkok’s bustling city life is about to experience a metamorphosis, as commuters in the capital now have a reason to cheer. In a daring and welcome initiative, the government has announced that starting October 1, each ride on the city’s expansive electric train network will cost no more than 20 baht. Even the boldest of the city’s spirits – known for their never-give-up attitude – can breathe a sigh of relief at this newcomer in the government’s attempt to reduce our woe-fraught living expenses. Government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap confirmed today, July 8, that the Cabinet gave the thumbs up unanimously to the flat-rate policy, fulfilling a prime electoral pledge to combat the high cost of living. “Our 20-baht flat-rate electric train policy is an immediate measure we promised to roll out swiftly. We are assured that this will result in a significant boost in commuter numbers,” reflected Jirayu with optimism.…
Deep in the heart of Udon Thani, a story unfolded that could have been plucked straight out of an action-packed mystery novel — if not for the unfortunate touch of reality. It all commenced on a seemingly ordinary day, precisely on July 7th, at the modest hour of 11:30 in the morning. Two vocational students found themselves in the throes of a peculiar predicament, suddenly needing medical attention due to gunshot wounds. On initial inquiry, the tale they spun both intrigued and puzzled the authorities. Enter Police Lieutenant Colonel Thanaowat Suangsiri, the gallant knight at the helm of Mueang Udon Thani Police Station. Upon receiving news of the occurrence, he teamed up with Police Lieutenant Colonel Pichet Pakkhetati, along with a troop of officers, and galloped off to the alleged site of the incident. Their destination: a well-traveled railway crossing road in the tranquil village of Ban Nong Waeng, nestled…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, a courtroom echoed with the finality of yet another verdict. Thailand’s most notable human rights lawyer, Arnon Nampa, found himself encumbered with another sentence that added to the colossal tower of years he already faced in prison. On July 8, the Criminal Court in Bangkok handed down a two-year and four-month sentence stemming from charges of royal defamation and sedition. The incident at the core of this judgment took place at an electrifying protest in November 2020, pushing Arnon’s total time behind bars to an astonishing 29 years and one month, as reported by the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR). “This marks Arnon’s tenth conviction,” TLHR announced, underscoring a daunting legal streak. Each verdict is in appeal, yet, despite the repeated attempts to secure bail, the now 40-year-old lawyer remains firmly ensconced behind bars. His latest conviction revolves around a speech delivered amid…
In the picturesque province of Ratchaburi, a swirling debate has brought an unusual set of circumstances to the frontline of local news: speed bumps, and we’re not just talking one or two. Imagine, if you will, driving along a road where these asphalt humps aren’t just occasional guardians of traffic regulation but an unending array, stretching as far as the eye can see. Thirty-two of them, to be exact—plaguing the pavement of Nakhon Chum in Ban Pong district. The saga began with exasperated residents sharing video evidence of their bumpy ride on social media, eventually catching the attention of the well-known Social Hunter 2022 Facebook page. Accompanied by a caption that decried the 20 alleged bumps as excessive—though later updated to a confirmed count of 32—the post ignited a flurry of online discussion, each digital voice volleying an opinion on the matter. Public sentiment split like a well-worn road. On…
Thailand’s cyber sleuths have dismantled an elaborate scam that preyed on unwitting victims, snatching their credit card details and one-time passwords (OTPs) to fuel a high-flying shopping spree. The cunning caper bankrolled a murky cryptocurrency scheme, steered by the enigmatic Ma, a 35-year-old Chinese national, who orchestrated the ruse from the shadows of a Bangkok hotel. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) made headlines as their Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) corralled Ma in the bustling Huai Khwang district, putting an end to his digital escapades. Police disclosed that Ma cunningly conspired with hackers, deploying deceptive text messages laced with treacherous links. Victims, ensnared in the guise of routine transaction verifications, unknowingly handed over everything needed for the crooks to prowl Bangkok’s commercial havens. “This was no run-of-the-mill operation,” the CIB proclaimed. “It was a masterclass in manipulation, where victims believed they were confirming legitimate activities.” The legal team of an…
Bangkok is rising to the challenge of modern urban commuting with an awe-inspiring vision: a colossal 47.5-kilometer walkway and cycling path, a project poised to transform daily travel into a safer, eco-friendlier, and more delightful experience. Just recently, on July 7, Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon unveiled this impressive Saen Saeb Canal footpath and bike lane extension during an exclusive media tour. His presentation underscored the city’s mission to weave a seamless, sustainable transport web that elegantly connects key districts, bustling transit hubs, and vibrant neighborhoods. “This initiative transcends transportation; it’s about elevating the quality of life,” Wisanu passionately declared. “Our devoted residents deserve a secure, accessible way to move, stay active, and truly bond with their city.” This impressive corridor will stretch from the historical heart of Phra Nakhon to the lively suburb of Nong Jok, offering a continuous path for walkers and cyclists alike. The project goes beyond mere…
Imagine a heartwarming transformation so touching, it could melt even the hardest of hearts. This is the enchanting tale of Jokia, a once-reclusive elephant whose journey of healing and newfound joy has captured the world’s affection. For years, Jokia chose solitude over companionship, a shy soul haunted by a harrowing past she barely survived. Having been rescued from Thailand’s brutal logging trade, the blind elephant had little trust left for the world. Her days were marked by isolation, wandering aimlessly in the sanctuary provided by the Save Elephant Foundation, a place dedicated to rehabilitating elephants who bore the brunt of human greed. The caregivers at the sanctuary understood her reluctance; she had ample reason to stay aloof, having been betrayed so cruelly before. But life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. The arrival of Moloh Loh and her spirited calf, Lek Lek, at the sanctuary…
Thailand’s thrilling quest to embrace the world of legalized casinos has hit an unexpected turbulence, as the government’s audacious ride towards legalizing casinos has suddenly derailed. In an unexpected announcement, the colorful saga came to an abrupt halt when the government declared it would retract the controversial Entertainment Complex Bill amidst an ocean of public dissent and the latest wave of political commotion. On July 7, Chief Government Whip Visuth Chainaroon conveyed that a motion to withdraw the bill from the current parliamentary session will be proposed on July 9, the very day it was initially intended for debate. “It’s not as if we’re retreating out of fear,” Visuth emphasized with a flare of defiance. “It’s about engaging with the people first and dispelling any lingering concerns.” Previously, the government had hinted at postponing the bill’s enactment to give ample time to soothe public fears. The buzz around town included…
In the tranquil stretch of Samut Songkhram’s Bang Kon Tee district, a harrowing incident unfolded just as dusk began to settle on July 7, 2025. A tragic collision claimed the lives of two individuals, whose paths fatefully crossed in the most unfortunate of circumstances. Our narrative delivers not just the grim details, but the underlying poignancy of the event, as we delve into the human stories behind the headlines. The night was already commencing its symphony of nocturnal sounds, perhaps masking the subtle warnings as 19-year-old Damrongchai, a humble porridge vendor, mounted his trusty black PCX motorcycle—its license plate as identifiable as a familiar street sign, 2กฌ 1458 from Ratchaburi. As the wheels turned, weaving through the fabric of the city streets, little did he know that this ride home would be his last. Damrongchai had been making a living selling steaming bowls of porridge near a convenience store at…