Thamanat Prompow addressed reporters as he arrived at Government House on a Tuesday, exuding an air of determination. The announcement was a storm brewing in the political landscape of Thailand: Thamanat had stepped down as the secretary-general of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), taking with him five other key members of his group who resigned from their executive positions. “I have already informed the party of my decision to resign,” Thamanat declared on a notable Thursday, confirming that their collective resignation had been reported to the Election Commission, stirring the political cauldron. This move comes just before a critical party board meeting set to be chaired by none other than leader Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon on the upcoming Friday. Interestingly, Thamanat and his colleagues have maintained their PPRP memberships strategically, ensuring they don’t lose their crucial MP seats. Delving into legal maneuvers, Thamanat admitted he’s seeking ways for his allies and…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In the bustling city of Khon Kaen, construction workers are hard at work, flesh and bone clashing with concrete and steel, building the future one brick at a time. Captured through the lens of Chakkrapan Natanri, their efforts tell a poignant story of labor and aspiration. Meanwhile, in the political arena, the Pheu Thai Party-led government continues to assert its commitment to a groundbreaking labour policy. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has confirmed that the ambitious plan to elevate the daily minimum wage to 400 baht nationwide remains unaltered. Eyeing a rollout on October 1, Mr. Phiphat promises that more intricate details will soon see the light of day. A specialized wage committee, helmed by permanent secretary for labour Pairoj Chotikasathien, is slated to converge twice, hammering out the nitty-gritty before making a public announcement. “Expect the specifics of the new wage rate to be unveiled within this month,” says Mr.…
The updated driver’s licence now proudly showcases a larger Red Cross emblem emblazoned with the words “organ donor” at the top right corner if the holder is a registered donor. (Photo: Thai Red Cross Organ Donation Centre Facebook) The Department of Land Transport (DLT) is revamping driver’s licences to make it unmistakably clear if the holder is an organ donor. As revealed in a recent announcement in the Royal Gazette on Wednesday, this new design officially rolled out on August 7, replacing the older version that had been in use since January 29, 2021. Rest assured, all driver’s licences issued prior to August 7 this year will continue to be valid until their respective expiration dates, ensuring a smooth transition. The redesigned licence prominently features a larger Red Cross emblem accompanied by the term “organ donor” at the top right corner, a significant enhancement from the previous version which sported…
Tensions were high when Wantana “Pa Na” O-thong, a spirited 62-year-old from Ratchaburi, decided to shave her head in a dramatic act of protest after her arrest. Her arrest incident took place during then-Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s visit in March 2023, a date that would not soon be forgotten by anyone involved. (Photo: TLHR) In a twist of events that could be seen as a blow for freedom of expression, the Court of Appeal Region 7 overturned a lower court’s ruling. The appellate judges declared that Wantana’s treatment at the hands of police and security officers violated the constitutional rights to freedom of expression, a decision publicized by the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights on Thursday. Examining the circumstances, the court recognized the disproportionate methods used on Wantana, who was 62 at the time of the incident. Such rough handling was deemed inappropriate given her age and status. This more…
Under the watchful eyes of the security personnel at Suvarnabhumi airport, a Philippine suspect, notorious in police records, was escorted through the bustling terminal on Thursday. This arrest marks the climax of a five-month-long manhunt following the audacious theft of a diamond necklace valued at an impressive 250,000 baht. The dramatic scene unfolded with officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) closing in on Rolly Sabalza, a 49-year-old who had eluded justice since March. Pol Maj Gen Theeradet Thumsuthee, the investigative commander at the MPB, provided insights into the operation that led to Sabalza’s capture. According to him, the Bangkok South Criminal Court had issued a warrant for Sabalza’s arrest on charges of theft by false pretences. The crime took place in the glittering boutiques of a shopping mall located in Bangkok’s vibrant Pathumwan district on March 25, where Sabalza pulled off his heist, slipping away just as smoothly as…
It was a typical bustling May morning at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, poised and composed, stood alongside the then Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Cameras flashed, recording every moment for posterity. It was clear—change was on the horizon, yet some things were staying remarkably familiar. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) Fast forward to the present, and Paetongtarn Shinawatra, now the Prime Minister herself, is ready to make her first policy statement next week. “Consistency with a hint of evolution,” she assured, hinting at an approach that reveres tradition but isn’t shy of innovation. Despite the familiar threads owing to her predecessor’s administration, she’s ready to tweak certain aspects, notably the digital wallet handout programme. On Thursday, the Prime Minister was seen dedicatedly at work in Shinawatra Tower 3, the interim stronghold for the Pheu Thai Party, meticulously crafting her policy statement. Amidst the clamor, a figure known by all, her…
Imagine the bustling energy of the Hua Hin Night Market, where the vibrant hues of local crafts mix with the sizzling aromas of street food. The serene ambiance is unexpectedly shattered by an incident that’s left the residents in the picturesque resort town of Prachuap Khiri Khan reeling. This story, involving shadowy corners and long-standing local figures, captures the dramatic clash against the backdrop of Hua Hin’s nightlife. In a shocking development, five senior police officers have been reassigned following a tragic incident where a soldier was fatally shot in an illegally operated nightspot, a mere 500 meters from the police station. This unprecedented shake-up involves high-ranking officers, including Pol Col Kampanart Na Wichai, the station superintendent. According to Hua Hin Today, they’ve been moved to the Prachuap Khiri Khan police operations center, awaiting further inquiries. The accused in this startling case is Jakkrit Worakul, a 34-year-old adviser to the…
In a dramatic turn of events at a highway checkpoint in Rattaphum district, Songkhla, a van loaded with dreams heading towards Malaysia was intercepted by vigilant immigration officers on Thursday. These officers unearthed a startling discovery: 15 illegal migrants from Myanmar, all hoping for a chance at a better life and employment opportunities across the border. (Photo Credit: Assawin Pakkawan) It was a regular Thursday when officers from the Immigration Bureau, armed with keen instincts and crucial information, joined forces with the Highway Police Division. Their target was a van, moving suspiciously through tambon Khuha Tai. As the officers approached and initiated a search, they uncovered an unexpected human cargo: 12 men, three women, and even a child, all crammed inside the vehicle, harbouring hopes of a brighter future in Malaysia. Behind the wheel was Somsak, a 55-year-old Thai driver whose journey ended in handcuffs. The officers, acting on prior…
In a thrilling display of mixology mastery, Campari and Alchemy Thailand orchestrated the Campari Red Hands Thailand 2024 bartender cocktail competition at the illustrious Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok Hotel. Amidst the vibrant energy and spirited cheers of the crowd, Dheeradon “Gotji” Dissara, the ever-talented General Manager of Ray Cocktail and Bite, clinched the coveted title. With this spectacular win under his belt, Dissara is now all set to represent Thailand at the prestigious Campari Red Hands Asia 2024 competition, slated to electrify Milan, Italy, this November. The event was a star-studded affair, graced by notable personalities such as Thanamon Suthon, the charismatic Campari Group Brand Ambassador for Thailand; the renowned Supawit Muttarattana; Symphony Loo, the dynamic Campari Group Regional On-Premises Manager; Arno Schonfelder, the astute General Manager of Alchemy Thailand; and the enigmatic Carla Porter and Michele Montauti. Their presence not only elevated the competition but also underscored the significance…
In an unexpected turn of events on the sun-drenched island of Koh Phangan, a blend of scenic charm and legal drama unfolded on Wednesday, leaving tourists and locals buzzing. Posing for pictures with tourist police, an Austrian man found himself at the center of an arrest that would make any travel blog scroll-stopping news. Identified solely as Guenter, his adventure extended beyond guiding sights and sounds to encountering the less picturesque whims of Thai law enforcement. Picture this: Guenter, seated rather stoically beside officers, was apprehended at a cozy eatery amid the tropical backdrop of this southern province. Clad in the island’s casual aura, he was in the company of two foreign tourists, perhaps blissfully unaware of the day’s impending twist. His chariot of choice? A sturdy Toyota Hilux Revo pickup truck, its registration hailing from Surat Thani, which had been his trusty steed on many an adventure. As the…