In a dramatic twist that echoes the stuff of legends, the unthinkable happened on a dimly lit stretch of the Chon Buri highway—an SUV flipped catastrophically, only for its driver to emerge unscathed, buoyed by a firm belief in the mystical powers of an amulet. This hair-raising incident occurred at 10:36 PM on May 16, and it quickly sent ripples through the community. The incident unfolded along Highway 36, precisely at the Chon Buri-Rayong Bypass, near Huai Yai Subdistrict. There, a sleek, black Isuzu MU-X lay dramatically overturned, sprawling across the highway like a stopped giant, parts of its body scattered haphazardly across the tarmac. The driver, a seasoned 47-year-old named Pornchai Kulbut, found himself trapped within the steel confines of his vehicle. However, thanks to a swift and efficient rescue operation, he was extricated without suffering so much as a bruise. In an exclusive chat with The Pattaya News,…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In an exciting move towards reinforcing economic camaraderie, Thailand and Vietnam have made a joint declaration to amplify their economic relations with an ambitious vision of reaching a staggering US$25 billion (833 billion baht) in bilateral trade annually. This announcement was brought to light by Thailand’s dynamic Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, during a high-profile media briefing that followed the 4th Thailand–Vietnam Joint Cabinet Retreat (JCR). The retreat was co-chaired by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and marked Paetongtarn’s official two-day visit which concluded just yesterday, May 16th. Notably, this gathering was a nostalgic nod to history, being the first of its kind in two decades since its first chapter during the leadership of Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s father. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub shared insights on the fruitful sessions of the JCR, where both nations took the opportunity to assess the progress of their bilateral cooperation while charting a future teeming…
All aboard for a delightful adventure as the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) rolls out its new plans to introduce the beloved KiHa 40 and 48 diesel trains, gifted by Japan, to the suburban routes by the end of this year. The excitement is palpable as SRT’s governor, Veeris Ammarapala, announced the impending trials set to commence before the month wraps up. These charming trains, renowned for their robust form and nostalgic appeal, have been meticulously adapted to glide seamlessly along Thailand’s narrow-gauge tracks. Out of a fleet of 20, revitalized and renovated with care, a select few will be ready to charm commuters by year’s end. Undergoing rigorous fine-tuning at SRT’s Makkasan depot, these trains are subject to intense scrutiny. Fueled by engines that purr with precision and brakes that grip with grace, each component undergoes inspection with a discerning eye, ensuring they meet the standards expected of them.…
As the powerful whispers of thunder ushered in the rainy season, the resilient island of Phuket stands ready, poised with a bustling flood battle plan worthy of applause. Acting Mayor Chalermporn Piyanarongroj, the charismatic Permanent Secretary of Phuket City Municipality, is at the helm, orchestrating preparations with precision since the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) jubilantly trumpeted the arrival of the rains on May 15. The mood is mixed across this lush island haven. While the refreshing showers bring a welcome respite and nature’s reawakening, the threat of potential flooding looms ominously. But despair not, for the noble guardians of the realm—the Phuket City Municipality Flood Prevention and Resolution Operation Centre—have unsheathed their instruments of salvation. In an awe-inspiring display of organization, they have mustered men and machines alike, with an arsenal of sandbags ready to march into action. They toil, clearing and dredging canals, ensuring water moves at a brisk…
Picture this: the sun is rising over Phuket’s famed Surin Beach, casting a golden glow on the waves gently kissing the shoreline. But alas, not everything has been as idyllic as this scene suggests. In a bid to preserve the natural beauty and restore public access, a determined team of Phuket officials embarked on a mission to reclaim Surin Beach from unwelcome squatters, effectively peeling back the layers of illegal occupation. On Thursday, May 15, the resolute task force swung into gear at the crack of dawn at 9 AM, relentless in their quest until past noon. Their goal? To clear out the interlopers—structures and belongings alike—that had taken up unauthorized residency at Village No. 3, Cherng Talay subdistrict. As the sand shuffled and debris piled up, the curtain closed on yet another chapter of intense enforcement. The operation miraculously crossed the halfway mark on just its second day, making…
Early birds in the tranquil Pang Ma Pha district of Thailand were in for an unexpected morning shake-up when a minor earthquake disrupted the wee hours of their Saturday. As dawn was breaking at precisely 5:16 AM, Earth decided to express its discontent by generating a gentle rumble beneath the picturesque province of Mae Hong Son. This seismic hiccup, registering a humble 2.0 on the Richter scale, was centered in the quiet haven of tambon Tham Lod. Nestled near the border it shares with Myanmar, this serene region usually boasts nothing more dramatic than breathtaking views of the surrounding lush landscapes. News of the quake was swiftly relayed by the ever-vigilant Earthquake Observation Division within the Meteorological Department. With its epicenter traced barely a kilometer beneath the earth’s crust, the tremor was a polite nudge, rather than a jarring jolt, bestowed upon the unsuspecting locals. Luckily, Mother Nature, in her…
It seemed like any other bustling day in the Phan Thong district of Chon Buri province, but as the sun beamed down on Friday, a dramatic incident unfolded at a factory building, sending ripples throughout the community and raising eyebrows amongst industry experts. As investigators combed through the debris of the partially collapsed structure, a familiar name glinted amongst the rubble. Steel bars branded “Sky” were once again at the heart of controversy. As Industry Minister Akanat Promphan highlighted through social media, these steel bars were produced by Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co., a company with a checkered past. The situation was more than just a misfortune—it was a pattern. The same brand had been implicated in an earlier structural failure of a government building in Bangkok—a collapse that had left in its wake questions about accountability and safety standards. The Phan Thong collapse wasn’t as catastrophic as some might…
In a spirited effort to bolster ties and foster mutual admiration, Bangkok recently rolled out the red carpet for a high-profile visit to introduce Guizhou province through the lenses of tourism, economics, and geography. The meeting took place in the revered Amornpiman Room at Bangkok City Hall, nestled in the historic Phra Nakhon district. This gathering unfolded amidst hopes of weaving a robust tapestry of friendship and collaboration between these two vibrant regions. Bangkok’s illustrious governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, candidly noted that while Bangkok has cultivated sister-city relations with over a dozen Chinese cities, a formal bond with Guizhou is still on the horizon. This meeting was hailed as a beacon for further deepening such ties. With stars in his eyes, Chadchart extolled the virtues of Guizhou’s captivating natural splendor and its turbocharged economic ascent, eagerly anticipating the exchange of insights, especially as Bangkok eyes expanding its own economic frontiers, notably…
During her recent visit, the Permanent Secretary embarked on a whirlwind tour of the schools, meticulously inspecting every nook and cranny with a sharp eye fixed on cleanliness and hygiene. The canteens gleamed under her scrutiny, cooperative stores were assessed with precision, and even the utensils did not escape her attention. Engaging with school staff, she listened intently to the myriad challenges faced in day-to-day operations and offered sage advice to ensure the wheels of education turned smoothly and effectively for students. The visit wasn’t merely a formal inspection, though. It transformed into an interactive experience brimming with cultural and moral undertakings. In a vibrant display of creativity, she observed a fascinating hat-dyeing demonstration that brought colors to life. With equal reverence, she paid homage to the school’s Buddha statue, a serene, silent witness to the activities of the day. As morning sunlit rays beamed down, she took part in…
In the typically serene village of Ban Yang En, nestled within the Mueang Thap Mon, Khao Chamao district, an unforeseen twist of fate recently brought unexpected exuberance. May 16 marked an unforgettable day as the lottery results unveiled the winning number, 251309, bestowing an astonishing fortune upon the village’s beloved restaurateur, On Phakdeengam. Renowned for her delectable braised chicken noodles and savory pork leg rice, 49-year-old On’s destiny took an exhilarating turn when her two first-prize lottery tickets transformed into a 12-million-baht windfall. The genesis of On’s surprising good fortune is a story as whimsical as it is remarkable. “Around a month ago,” On recollected, her voice a harmonious blend of disbelief and elation, “my nephew was delivering durians when a wheel from his vehicle unexpectedly detached. Bizarrely, the runaway wheel found refuge atop my relative’s house, whose address serendipitously ended in 309. The number stuck with me.” Her initial…