As the sun dips below the horizon in Bangkok, a sea of devout spirits converges at the Foundation of the Islamic Centre of Thailand, filling the air with a sense of unity and anticipation. The call to sight the moon after sunset on Sunday reverberates through the hearts of Thai Muslims nationwide, heralding the commencement of Ramadan, a time of reflection, prayer, and community. This call, issued by the Office of the Chularatchamontri, sets in motion a wave of excitement and spiritual preparation across the country. The pulse of anticipation was particularly palpable on Saturday at the bustling Yala railway station. Here, a throng of Muslim faithful, primarily hailing from the vibrant southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, were embarking on their journeys home. The air was thick with the scent of adventure and the hum of eager conversations, as many prepared to embrace the fasting month. This flurry…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Picture this: a silent hush falls over a vast sea of ambitious teens, their pens poised dramatically over test papers that could very well chart the course of their futures. It’s a sunny morning, beginning at 8:30 AM and stretching until the demanding clock hands mark 1 PM. This isn’t just any exam; it’s the golden ticket to Thailand’s most illustrious educational institution. Yes, you guess it – we’re talking about the entrance examination for Triam Udom Suksa School. This year, a sweeping 11,600 dreamers from every nook and cranny of the nation gathered, their hopes cradled in the balance of meticulously selected answers. The stakes? Oh, they’re sky-high. Triam Udom Suksa, a bastion of learning that’s stood proudly since 1938, was throwing open its venerable doors to a mere 1,520 students across eight distinct programs. Here’s the kicker, though: only 1,110 of those seats are earmarked for the brightest…
On a dazzling Saturday, amidst the buzz of global diplomacy and the backdrop of Melbourne’s dynamic energy, a story unfolded that caught the attention of many. It was a narrative that wove together the threads of respect, admiration, and a bit of intrigue involving two prominent figures: the Thai premier Srettha and Singapore’s own Lee. As the ASEAN-Australia summit came to a close, Srettha found himself clarifying the air, amidst whispers and the ever-churning rumor mill of the press. In a frank exchange with journalists, Srettha was quick to dismiss any notions of discord between him and Lee. “No problems,” he asserted, his words slicing through the speculation with the precision of a well-sharpened blade. It was a testament to the mutual respect that existed between the two leaders, a respect that was palpable even as they navigated the complexities of geopolitics. During their interactions in Melbourne, conversations flowed with…
Welcome to the enchanting town of Lop Buri, a place where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with the wild. Here, in the heart of Thailand, about 120 kilometers north of the vibrant city of Bangkok, there’s a spectacle that draws both locals and travelers from across the globe. Imagine a scene straight out of a fantasy novel, where monkeys are the main guests at a grand buffet festival held in their honor at Phra Prang Sam Yot. Yes, you read that right – a feast for monkeys! Celebrated annually in November, this unique event not only showcases the town’s deep-rooted love for these furry residents but also highlights Lop Buri’s eccentric charm. However, amidst the town’s picturesque allure and its amusing primate citizens lies a complex coexistence that occasionally tips the scale from harmony to discord. The recent narrative of Arikanta Kanchanasinmetha brings this delicate balance to light. On a seemingly…
In a captivating blend of politics and ancestral homage, the stage is set for an intriguing encounter in Chiang Mai—the cultural heartbeat of the North. The city, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant traditions, is poised to welcome two significant figures, Premier Srettha and the enigmatic Thaksin, next week. This rendezvous could be more than mere coincidence; it’s a dance of diplomacy and deep-rooted respect unfolding in the mountainous embrace of northern Thailand. Srettha, during his sparkling visit to the city of lights, Paris, revealed to the eager Thai press his itinerary filled with purpose and resolve. Between March 15 and 17, he will delve into the environmental challenges shadowing Chiang Mai, examining the wildfires and the relentless smog that casts a veil over the city’s natural beauty. His mission extends beyond the environmental, touching on the nerve-wracking drug issues alongside local authorities, a testament to his commitment to…
Imagine this: amidst the buzz and anticipation, the showdown that has had sports enthusiasts on the edge of their seats has taken an unexpected twist. Yes, folks, we’re talking about the much-awaited “The Match of Legends” featuring none other than the titans of the ring, Pacquiao and Buakaw. Fresh Air Festival, the masterminds behind this epic clash, dropped a bombshell on their website last Saturday. Contrary to the swirling rumors and whispers in the media corridors, “The Match of Legends” is not canceled but merely postponed from its initially slated date of April 20th. Attributing the slight hiccup to the mysterious forces of “force majeure,” the folks at Fresh Air Festival are not just hanging by a thread but standing strong with a promise that the event will unfurl its grandeur within this year. Yes, you heard it right! The spectacle that everyone has been eagerly waiting for, is set…
Imagine this: Deep in the heart of France, amidst the buzzing hub of maritime magnates, an assembly unlike any other was brewing. The French skies bore witness to a groundbreaking venture as the cream of the corporate crop, including giants like CMA-CGM Group and Artelia Co, came together under the auspices of the French government. The agenda? To revolutionize the way goods shimmy and shake across the seas, all thanks to the audacious vision of Thailand’s Southern Economic Corridor (SEC). Enter stage left: Panya Chupanich, Thailand’s maestro of transport magic, ready to weave the future of logistics right before our eyes. But what’s this grand spectacle about, you ask? Picture a land bridge, a thoroughfare of trade, cutting across Thailand from the gleaming Gulf of Thailand to the mysterious Andaman Sea. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we’re talking about a logistics masterpiece, unfurling over 89.35km of terrain, destined to link Chumphon…
Imagine walking down the bustling streets of Bangkok’s Bangbon district, where the air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of street food and the vibrant chatter of daily commerce. Amid this lively urbanscape, a sight so singularly poignant catches the eye—a simple fruit seller, his table laden with nature’s bounty, and a sign that reads, “Urgent: an eye for sale.” The story quickly captured the hearts and imaginations of netizens worldwide when the Facebook Page “Panda Lab Doctor” shared a photo of this man and his heart-wrenching placard. The post, adorned with empathy, read: “Feeling sorry for him. Seeing him selling fruit at [Bangkok’s] Bangbon district and ready to sell one of his eyes too.” This was not a scene from a dystopian novel but a real-life drama unfolding on the streets of Bangkok. Curiosity and concern led local media to delve into this unusual tale. They discovered the man…
In the intricate tapestry of Thai politics, where each thread weaves a narrative of struggle, former red-shirt vanguard Jatuporn Prompan has once again stirred the cauldron of controversy. With the sharpness of a seasoned critic, he accuses the government of dawdling—a veritable Hamlet in the political theatre—over an issue as polarizing as amnesty for those entangled in the web of politically motivated legal battles. On a Friday wrapped in expectation, Mr. Jatuporn threw down the gauntlet, challenging the government to shift gears from its perceived procrastination and set the wheels in motion for a new political amnesty plan. His frustration was palpable, a reflection of a deeper simmering unrest among those who hope to see the dawn of political reconciliation. According to Mr. Jatuporn, the actions—or rather, the lack thereof—by the government, under the premiership of Prayut Chan-o-cha, reek of token gestures aimed solely at appeasing the mounting pressure for…
In the verdant, mysterious forests along the Thai-Myanmar border, not all that is hidden can be considered treasure, at least not in the conventional sense. In the tranquil district of Pai, nestled within the scenic embrace of Mae Hong Son province, a more sinister cache was uncovered, laying bare the stark realities of the underground drug trade that skulks in the shadows of Southeast Asia’s idyllic landscapes. On an otherwise ordinary Friday night, the air in Pai district was charged with anticipation as local officials, along with vigilant border patrol and police forces, embarked on a covert mission. Their goal was clear, spurred by recent intelligence reports: to intercept and foil a drug gang’s ambitious plan to smuggle a formidable stash through the natural crossings in the unsuspecting Pai Song-ngae village. The target was not just any freight but a staggering 1.2 million speed pills and 35 kilograms of the…