Former national police chief Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmoung and seven other defendants, indicted for assisting Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya in evading criminal charges following a notorious 2012 hit-and-run, made their entrance at the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases to face the music on Tuesday. This scene, captured by Nutthawat Wichieanbut, serves as a prelude to a highly anticipated trial that promises twists and turns worthy of a thriller novel. The court has set a compressed seven-month timeline for this trial, diverging from the usual year-long process. This decision underscores the colossal public interest swirling around the mishandling of the case. All eight defendants, including former deputy attorney-general Nate Naksuk, paraded in to declare their not guilty pleas, battling charges ranging from dereliction of duty to altering the recorded speed of the Ferrari involved in the accident. The latter shockingly led to the dismissal of reckless driving…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
On Monday, people could be seen browsing a food bank in Bangkok’s Saphan Sung district, thanks to an initiative that has captured hearts and attention. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) The Bangkok Food Bank marked a significant milestone by launching its 50th center in Saphan Sung district. Since its inception, the initiative has served over two million meals to those grappling with hardship. The city’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, graced the opening ceremony, proudly announcing the project’s success in establishing a food bank in every district of Bangkok. As reported by the Bangkok Food Bank website, this remarkable initiative gathers surplus food and hands it out free of charge. It operates much like a minimart, allowing recipients to pick out the items they need, rather than receiving pre-packaged food. Governor Chadchart revealed that the project has already delivered over two million meals—equating to approximately 500,000 kilograms of food—to the vulnerable individuals registered in…
Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Zaki Baz, the dynamic Group CEO of Rembrandt Asset Management & CEO of Rembrandt Hotels Corporation, the company is on the verge of revolutionizing both hospitality and asset management realms. Armed with over two decades of extensive experience that spans local and international hotel management, Mr. Baz brings a treasure trove of expertise and a forward-thinking vision, particularly in strategic revenue management and advanced finance. His unwavering focus on quality, digital innovation, and delivering unmatched guest experiences is setting a sky-high benchmark for industry excellence. Rembrandt Asset Management stands tall as a premier company, overseeing a kaleidoscope of subsidiaries: Rembrandt Hotels Corporation: This powerhouse subsidiary is devoted to investing in and managing a diverse portfolio of hotel properties, from the seasoned and established to the budding and under-development. Its mission? To ensure top-tier service, supreme guest satisfaction, and stellar financial performance at every location.…
Rakesh Saxena, the infamous architect behind the Bangkok Bank of Commerce (BBC) collapse, made headlines once again as he arrived at the Bangkok South Criminal Court in June 2012, escorted by police. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard) Fresh out of prison, Saxena finds himself back in the hands of law enforcement. Police have apprehended the 72-year-old Indian national, notorious for his role in the BBC debacle, and have commenced arrangements for his deportation to India. The BBC’s downfall in 1995, triggered by colossal under-collateralized loans, is widely regarded as the precursor to the devastating Asian “Tom Yam” financial crisis. A source divulged that economic crime suppression police collected Saxena from the Medical Correctional Institution on Monday. To ensure his well-being, he was taken to Police General Hospital for medical care while concurrent efforts were made to coordinate his deportation with Indian authorities. Born in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Saxena’s journey from a bustling…
Worachai Wijitwongjaroen graciously accepted his prize at the exhilarating meatball-eating contest in Buri Ram last Sunday. The spectacle, immortalized through the lens of Surachai Piragsa, showcased a truly record-setting feat by the self-proclaimed “world champion.” With unmatched enthusiasm and gastrointestinal fortitude, Mr. Worachai devoured a staggering 65 sticks of deep-fried meatballs within a mere five minutes. This impressive feat eclipsed his previous record by two sticks, securing his throne in the seventh annual contest. The festivities were more than just a showcase of insatiable appetites. The primary objective was to bolster the travel industry and invigorate local businesses within the province. The vibrant series of events held over Sunday and Monday attracted over 100 contestants from across the country, each competing in various categories with fervor. The air buzzed with excitement, filled with the tantalizing aroma of countless meatballs sizzling to perfection. Deep-fried meatballs in Buri Ram have cemented their…
The usually lively and bustling Sai Lom Joy Market, which is situated on the border with Myanmar in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district, found itself submerged under the relentless overflow from the rain-swollen Sai River on a challenging Tuesday. The picturesque market, a crucial economic hub, was shuttered as the exuberant Sai River spilled over its banks on Monday night. This came after incessant heavy rains battered the border since Sunday night, turning what is typically a vibrant marketplace into a watery chaos. According to reports from the public relations office in Chiang Rai, the devastation left local traders on edge. As the river’s waters surged with unprecedented speed, anxious vendors could be seen hurriedly locking up their shops and whisking away their precious merchandise to higher, safer grounds. Even on Tuesday, the water levels remained stubbornly high, reaching depths of up to one meter in several riverside places, a…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, radiant in her civil service dress uniform, flashed a cheerful mini-heart gesture during a group photo session with her cabinet ministers on the picturesque lawn of Government House on Sept 7. The joyful moment captured by photographer Nutthawat Wichieanbut quickly became the talk of the town, with reactions ranging from admiration to outrage. In a surprising twist, serial petitioner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana swooped in with yet another complaint aimed at Ms. Paetongtarn. Known for his knack for stirring political pots, Mr. Ruangkrai has now accused the Prime Minister of committing a grave offense by simply making a mini-heart gesture in her official attire. Not one to shy away from legal skirmishes, he’s already pursuing the dissolution of the Pheu Thai Party, alleging it is unduly influenced by Ms. Paetongtarn’s father, Thaksin Shinawatra. Mr. Ruangkrai has submitted meticulous paperwork to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), calling into question…
Picturesque Vang Vieng, nestled amidst breathtaking karst mountains, is located 154 kilometers north of Vientiane, the capital of Laos. (File photo) The state-run Transport Co is gearing up to reinstate the Udon Thani-Nong Khai-Vang Vieng bus service this November. Vang Vieng, a charming town in the Lao province of Vientiane, serves as a halfway point to the cultural haven of Luang Prabang. The town is celebrated for its stunning vistas, dramatic limestone cliffs, and intriguing caves that beckon adventurers from around the globe. After a recent meeting held in Vientiane between Thai and Lao land transport officials on September 4-5, Transport Co’s acting general manager, Atthawit Rakchamroon, announced the eagerly anticipated reopening of this bus route. Starting at Udon Thani airport and traveling through Nong Khai province, the service will once again connect travelers to the enchanting township of Vang Vieng. Scheduled for an early November kickoff, the service will…
The venerable Nishitetsu Group, famously known as The Nishi-Nippon Railroad Company, Ltd., celebrated a significant milestone on the 9th of September, 2024, by inaugurating its first ‘CROOM’ brand hotel outside Japan—Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Bangkok Silom. Nestled in the frenetic heart of the Silom area, one of Bangkok’s premier business districts, this venture marks the group’s second foray into the city’s hospitality scene, building on the success of the Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Bangkok, which opened its doors in 2020. Based in Fukuoka, Nishitetsu Group is distinguished as one of Japan’s ‘Big 16’ private railroad companies. Beyond its well-paved tracks, this diversified conglomerate spreads its wings across a multitude of sectors, operating buses, supermarkets, real estate ventures, travel agencies, and extending its influence to hotel management, logistics, and distribution services on a global scale. The strategic placement of the new Silom hotel, conveniently near the MRT (Subway) and BTS (Skytrain), positions guests…
The CBA Foundation has recently unveiled the Chula WISE program (Chula Wisdom for Self-Enrichment) designed for students at Chulalongkorn University. This innovative initiative has evolved from the highly successful ChAMP (Chulalongkorn Alumni Mentorship Program) pioneered by the Chulalongkorn Business School (CBS), which has been a cornerstone for undergraduate mentorship, facilitating invaluable learning experiences from alumni. This model has transcended educational boundaries, becoming a benchmark for several public and private organizations alike, thus setting a new course for personal and professional development. Given the soaring demand from students eager to unlock their potential, ChAMP ingeniously embraced online technologies, giving birth to Chula WISE—an online platform that transcends traditional classroom boundaries, epitomizing the essence of lifelong learning. In this ‘New Normal’ era, universities are tasked with empowering undergraduates, fostering strong foundational growth essential for thriving in an ever-evolving global landscape. Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, Acting President of Chulalongkorn University, emphasized that the…