THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, exchanged stern words with Noppadon Saen-ngai, 57, the head of the Department of Highways spot check special unit, as he placed him under arrest for charges of demanding and receiving bribes from operators of overloaded trucks. In a bold move against corruption, officers from the Counter Corruption Division (CCD) and representatives from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) carried out a series of raids on Tuesday morning. The authorities targeted 11 locations across seven provinces, namely Ayutthaya, Chaiyaphum, Phetchabun, Nakhon Pathom, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok. The operation led to the apprehension of notable figures: Noppadon Saen-ngai, who headed the Ubon Ratchathani weighing station; Anek Khamchom, 59, leader of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Dan Khun Thot weighing station; and Thongchai Temfom, 38, a civilian suspected of acting as a middleman. The arrest warrants, issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption…

On an otherwise serene Monday morning, lifeguards at Bang Tao beach in Phuket were met with a tragic and heart-wrenching sight. What once thrived freely in the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, a pregnant dwarf sperm whale, was now lifeless on the shore. The unfortunate discovery was made in the delicate precincts of tambon Choeng Thale, nestled in the Thalang district. This graceful creature, identified as a 2.24-meter-long female dwarf sperm whale by the Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre, was found with a sad secret. Not only was this magnificent mammal pregnant with a 50-centimeter-long male calf, but her demise also revealed a grim tale of humanity’s negligence toward oceanic life. Vivid abrasions on her head and sides suggested the anguish she might have suffered, likely caused during the stranding process. A macabre symphony of air bubbles and fluid clogging her respiratory system reiterated the painful…

Siam Piwat Simon, a collaboration between the global retail kingpin Simon® and the Thai retail titan Siam Piwat, is gearing up to elevate Thailand’s shopping scene once again! After the smashing success of “Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok,” the dynamic duo is ecstatic to announce the upcoming “Siam Premium Outlets Phuket” in the heart of one of the world’s premier tourist hotspots. This new jewel in Thailand’s retail crown is set to open its doors in 2026, aiming to create a bustling nexus for shopping and tourism and promising a substantial boost to the Thai economy and tourism sector. The triumphant debut of “Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok” back in 2020 set a new benchmark for premium outlet experiences in Thailand. Situated strategically along the bustling Bangkok-Chonburi Motorway, not far from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, this outlet has injected a dose of retail luxury into Thailand’s shopping culture. Boasting over 300 brands,…

Medical Services officials observed a distraught victim of moonshine methanol poisoning admitted to Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital in Bangkok on August 24. (Photo: Dept of Medical Services) In a tragic turn of events, another individual succumbed to the lethal grasp of methanol moonshine, raising the death toll to eight. This dire incident emerged from stalls located in northern Bangkok. The latest victim was pronounced dead at approximately 6:30 PM on Monday in a hospital within Saphan Sung district. The hazardous moonshine drink has wreaked havoc on 44 unsuspecting revelers, resulting in a cascade of sickness allegedly traced back to two brothers, aged 44 and 46, believed to be the suppliers. In a startling twist, a 49-year-old woman reportedly purchased what she thought was legitimate alcohol from these men. She utilized the dubious liquid to concoct liquor using an old family recipe handed down from her late father, which subsequently found its…

The picturesque old quarter of Phuket found itself submerged after an unrelenting deluge on October 16, 2023. Photos shared on the Phuket PR office’s Facebook page gave a glimpse into the severity of the flooding, turning the bustling streets into canals reminiscent of Venice. It was an image that spoke a thousand words, highlighting the vulnerability of this historic area during extreme weather events. Phuket’s old town, renowned for its Sino-Portuguese architecture and vibrant streets, is among 49 locations identified as high-risk zones for flash floods and landslides. This information was released by the Mineral Resources Department, presenting a sobering reality for residents and tourists alike as they braced for yet another round of inclement weather. The department’s extensive research employed sophisticated mathematical models and geographic data to ascertain which villages and communities were most susceptible to these natural disasters. Among the many areas flagged for potential disaster were the…

DJI, the world’s leading brand in drones, aerial photography, and camera technology, has just made waves in Thailand by opening its latest DJI Experience Store at Central Pattaya, right along the stunning Pattaya Beach. Whether you’re a Thai local or an international DJI aficionado, this new store has you covered. From the newest gadgets to a comprehensive range of services, it’s all here under one roof with the exclusive DJI One Stop Service. Mr. Johnny Liao, CEO of DJI Thailand, couldn’t contain his excitement: “The Central Pattaya store is our 10th branch in Thailand, which is a significant milestone since our first store opened in December 2021. The reception across all our locations has been phenomenal. This new branch is crafted to meet the needs of both Thai and international customers in Pattaya and its neighboring areas. From the highly coveted DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Avata 2 to…

It was a typical sunny Monday in Phuket, where tourists and locals mingled, enjoying their meals and scenic views. However, the ambiance drastically shifted when uniformed police officers descended upon a quaint restaurant in the bustling Muang district, bringing an unexpected climax to the lunch hour. They were not here for the pad thai; they had come for Ben Ransom. Ben Ransom, a 28-year-old British national, had been living what appeared to be a double life. Known by his ring name, “Billy,” he had made a name for himself as a noble prizefighter in the Muay Thai rings of Phuket over the past two years. Little did most know, Ransom had a shadow trailing him all the way from Britain—charges of drug trafficking. According to Pol Maj Gen Montree Theskhan, commander of the Crime Suppression Division, Mr. Ransom will soon find himself extradited back to face British authorities. Despite his…

Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited has every reason to celebrate as it marks its 40th anniversary in the first half of 2024, stepping confidently into its fifth decade. This milestone year echoes the company’s journey marked by synergy, transformation, and growth. With a strategic vision clear as crystal, Bangchak focuses on excelling within its group, improving efficiency, driving continuous business expansion, and maintaining strict financial discipline. The target is set: an EBITDA of THB 100 billion by 2030, reaffirming Bangchak’s leadership in Thailand’s energy sector and creating a robust foundation for sustainable growth. Chaiwat Kovavisarach, Group Chief Executive Officer and President of Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, along with his team of executives, revealed that the first half of 2024 showcased the group’s resilience and adaptability amidst a challenging market landscape. With a clear vision and efficient management, Bangchak achieved stable and sustainable growth, proving its mettle once again. The…

Photo: Chaiyot Pupattanapong PATTAYA – A city famed for its vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches faced an unexpected visitor on Monday night: torrential rain. For over three relentless hours, heavy downpours turned the streets of Pattaya into rivers, leaving motorists stranded and cars stalled in the middle of flooded roadways. From central Pattaya to the neighboring Bang Lamung district in Chon Buri, no corner was spared; even parts of the crucial Sukhumvit Road, which connects Pattaya to other provinces, felt the fury of the deluge. As dawn broke on Tuesday, the city began to breathe a sigh of relief. The floodwaters, as quickly as they came, began to recede. By morning, a semblance of normalcy returned, although subtle hints of the night’s havoc lingered in scattered pockets of water across the city. People slogged through the mess, while businesses reopened their doors, determined to shrug off the previous night’s chaos.…

The upcoming fiscal landscape is set to witness the smooth sailing of the 2025 budget bill, according to chief government whip Wisut Chainarun. The House of Representatives has lined up a three-day debate starting Tuesday to sift through the nuances of the 3.75-trillion-baht budget plan. This budget bill, already given the nod during its first reading on June 21, is on the trajectory to secure broad approval. Wisut Chainarun appeared notably confident on Monday, stating, “The bill should pass the House comfortably. It is expected to receive the support of at least 320 MPs from the coalition parties.” He emphasized that the caretaker government is well-prepared to address any challenges posed by the opposition, especially concerning the much-discussed digital wallet handout scheme. Backing this sentiment, Sorawong Thienthong, secretary-general of the Pheu Thai Party, articulated his expectation that MPs from the Democrat Party, now allies in the Pheu Thai-led coalition, will…