Hidden away in the bustling district of Pathum Thani lies a beacon of innovation and hope—the Government Pharmaceutical Organization’s (GPO) state-of-the-art facility. This site has recently been put on the map, thanks to receiving a prestigious certification from the World Health Organization (WHO) for its production of the antiretroviral drug Efavirenz. As these tablets keep their spot on the WHO Prequalified List, the GPO stands proud as the first facility in both Thailand and the wider ASEAN region to achieve such recognition. The journey toward this landmark began in 2016 when the GPO rigorously pursued registration with the WHO, culminating in a successful nod from the organization in 2018. Efavirenz has become a lifeline in the fight against HIV, prescribed universally to those diagnosed with the virus. Often found working in tandem with tenofovir/emtricitabine, this magical pill finds its place in prescriptions for adults, adolescents, and even children. It’s also…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
As the calendar flipped to the new year, a certain strip of asphalt known as the M81 motorway became the toast of the town—or rather—the toast of many a tire and engine. Stretching like a silver ribbon across the Thai landscape, this freshly minted roadway ushered in a wave of motorist delight, fashioning smoother, quicker journeys from Nonthaburi’s Bang Yai district to the scenic stretches of Kanchanaburi’s Tha Muang district. During the festive weeklong free trial from December 26 to January 2, the pulse of the road was alive, welcoming a staggering number of vehicles that nibbled away at the usual bottlenecks that plagued their routes down south and westward. A majestic 96 kilometers long, the M81 was more than just a mere strip of concrete. It became an unsung hero, with the Bang Yai-Nakhon Pathom section entertaining a whopping 276,316 cars, while the segment extending from Nakhon Pathom to…
In the charming town of Surin, where bustling marketplaces mix with serene temples, an unexpected and tragic event unfolded at Surin Hospital, leaving the community in utter shock and disbelief. The serene ambiance of a quiet hospital ward was shattered on Friday as Apichai, a 27-year-old patient, found himself at the center of a dramatic and heart-wrenching episode. Apichai, who was recuperating after an appendectomy, inexplicably seized a firefighter’s axe, setting off a chaotic scene like something out of a medical drama gone awry. With adrenaline possibly clouding his judgment or perhaps something more sinister, he dashed down the hallways, causing panic amongst the doctors, nurses, and fellow patients who were simply hoping for a peaceful day of healing. It was as if the corridors of the hospital became a stage for a surreal, unscripted play. As the frenzied echoes of alarm reached the ears of local law enforcement, two…
In an electrifying twist of crime and luxury, police officers from the esteemed Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) swooped in on Saturday, capturing the attention of car enthusiasts and crime aficionados alike. The operation was nothing short of a blockbuster as they confiscated a jaw-dropping 121 vehicles. These beauties were suspected to be the dazzling spoils of a not-so-legal online gambling empire that met its downfall two years prior. Armed with warrants that bore the seal of approval from none other than the Nonthaburi provincial court, the officers descended on hidden treasure troves located in the heart of Nonthaburi’s Pak Kret district. Among the glittering horde of over 120 cars lay a Lamborghini, a spectacle of meticulous engineering and opulence, previously helmed by a suspect who had already faced the sting of justice in a prior crackdown against online gambling activities. Meanwhile, in a parallel scene befitting a high-stakes drama,…
Once upon a time, a spirited bunch of high school students embarked on a mission. In 2020, they bravely knocked on the door of the Administrative Court with a petition nestled in their grasp. Their quest? To abolish a pesky regulation that granted schools carte blanche to dictate students’ hairstyles. For these young rebels, the rule seemed like a sneaky assault on their personal freedoms. Adding a layer of intrigue, a snapshot captured by Pornprom Satrabhaya encapsulated their fiery determination, immortalizing their effort in pixels. Fast forward to the present, the Ministry of Education seems to have heeded their battle cry. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, the ministry’s eloquent spokesperson, delivered what might be called a victory speech. The rule that had once turned schools into amateur salons was no more! Each school now held the power to pen their own hairstyle policies, as they saw fit, like hairstylists on a creative spree.…
The brand-new M81 motorway is rapidly gaining traction among drivers, especially during the New Year free trial period. This shiny stretch of asphalt promises to cut travel times and ease traffic congestion on the major highways heading south and west, according to an enthusiastic update from the Department of Highways (DoH). During its exciting maiden trial, which unfolded from December 26 to January 2, the impressive 96-kilometer motorway connected Bang Yai district in Nonthaburi with Tha Muang district in Kanchanaburi. This grand highway adventure saw a remarkable 276,316 vehicles cruising along the Bang Yai-Nakhon Pathom corridor and another 219,181 making their way on the Nakhon Pathom-Kanchanaburi section, as revealed by Apirat Chaiwongnoi, the industrious director-general of the DoH. The feedback couldn’t have been better! The splendid M81 motorway managed to trim traffic by a noticeable 23% on the bustling Phetkasem Road in Nakhon Chaisi district of Nakhon Pathom, while the…
Picture this: A man places a bag of empty plastic water bottles on an imposing pile somewhere in Nonthaburi, an unsettling reminder of how much plastic truly invades our lives. But just as with every epic quest, there’s hope for change, because as the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2025, Thailand took a bold step forward by officially banning the import of plastic scraps. And yet, the curtain hasn’t fallen on this saga—it’s merely the intermission. As any vigilant guardian would tell you, legislation is only as effective as its enforcement, and the battle against illegal plastic dumping is far from over. The civil society, led by the indefatigable Penchom Sae-Tang, director of Ecological Alert and Recovery-Thailand (Earth), played a crucial role in rallying support against these plastic invaders. She expressed her heartfelt thanks to the valiant members of the Anti-Plastic Scrap Citizen Network, who passionately worked to transform…
In a vibrant display of hope and freedom, relatives gathered in celebration outside the Insein prison in Yangon on Myanmar’s Independence Day. The joyous occasion marked the release of several prisoners, a sight that would warm the heart of anyone who witnessed it. However, as the sun set on Saturday, the focus shifted to the unfolding narrative of international diplomacy and intrigue twisting between the shores of Thailand and Myanmar. In a swirl of excitement and expectation, 151 Thai prisoners set foot on their homeland, but conspicuously absent were four Thai fishermen. These men, caught in a whirlpool of maritime law, were detained by Myanmar soldiers late November for their alleged infringement into Myanmar waters—an adventurous yet unintended detour on an otherwise routine fishing trip. Meanwhile, the 151 lucky ones crossed back into Thai territory across the scenic stretch of the second Thai-Myanmar friendship bridge nestled in Chiang Rai’s Mae…
Renowned political activist and former red-shirt stalwart, Jakrapob Penkair, made headlines when he triumphantly returned to Thailand in March after a 15-year self-imposed exile. Accused of lese-majeste back in 2009—a charge that has since been rescinded—Penkair’s homecoming was both a marked relief and a grand return to the country’s reformative stage. This year, Jakrapob’s stage is all set for yet another significant event: his marriage registration. Inviting none other than the former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to bear witness, Jakrapob couldn’t have picked a more fitting occasion to honor the enactment of the Marriage Equality Bill. A seasoned public figure, Jakrapob shared a touching tale of meeting Thaksin, recounting how the former Prime Minister graciously accepted the invitation during an intimate visit at his Bangkok residence last Friday. Thaksin provided sage advice on orchestrating the event, underscoring the importance of an auspicious date, resonating with traditional customs. Jakrapob and his…
In an unexpected whirlwind of events, Siam University finds itself in the eye of a storm as confusion and controversy swirl around a peculiar “volunteer police” training program. Designed specifically for Chinese nationals, this program reportedly collected a hefty fee of 38,000 baht per participant. What makes this event truly grabbing headlines is the alleged participation of two senior Thai police officers who are now under the microscope. The officers in question, Pol Col Niwet Ngamlap and his deputy, Pol Lt Col Kriangsak Chuaiwong, have been temporarily shuffled off to inactive assignments at the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s (MPB) operations center. This strategic move comes as authorities dig deeper into their involvement in this eyebrow-raising training escapade. It appears they were tapping into their expertise not merely as contributors, but as potential keynote speakers for the venture. While their lectures might have been enlightening for attendees, questions remain about whether these…