In a move that has set tongues wagging from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Thailand has decided to tighten the reins around its burgeoning cannabis industry. On June 24, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin inked a game-changing regulation that aims to put brakes on the country’s liberal approach to cannabis. Flashing a stern visage like a no-nonsense headmaster, Somsak declared that from now on, scoring some herb won’t be as simple as popping into your neighborhood cannabis shop for a quick transaction. Oh no, aspiring puffers will now need a special slip—straight from a doctor’s desk—to partake in this leafy delight. Indeed, the days of casually strolling into a green-swathed shop and buying cannabis will soon be a wistful memory. The prescription-only rule signifies a seismic shift in legislation—as colossal as a Godzilla-esque sea monster of bureaucracy plodding into town. In this plot twist, any budding enthusiast must first cozy up…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In a dramatic turn of events that could rival a crime thriller, a Swedish national found himself handcuffed in the idyllic yet pulsating paradise of Pattaya. The man in question, known as Ludde, a 39-year-old who perhaps thought he could blend into the vibrant tapestry of Thai life, now faces serious allegations of orchestrating a major fraud. The story reads like a cautionary tale, highlighting the prowess and determination of law enforcement in tracking down those who attempt to exploit international lines of jurisdiction to elude justice. The dramatic arrest unfolded in a condominium nestled within Pattaya’s tourist district—a place that, under normal circumstances, might be filled with the buzz of holidaymakers rather than the flash of police badges. Yet, for Ludde, this was a curtain call he was unlikely expecting. The cause? A red notice from European authorities who were hot on his trail. Apparently, Ludde was the mastermind…
In a heartwarming tale from the Isaan province of Udon Thani, a plucky black stray kitten has captured the hearts of locals and the internet alike after an incredible feat of survival. This tenacious feline held on for dear life, clinging to the drive shaft of a car for a jaw-dropping journey of 240 kilometers, unwittingly embarking on an adventure that would soon see her finding a forever home. The story unfolds with Wipachet Soikliao, a 58-year-old railway officer, who, alongside his colleagues, undertook a journey from Udon Thani to Khon Kaen and back again—a round trip that meant more than just a drive. Throughout their travels, an unexpected feline passenger made her presence known not by sight, but by sound; a persistent meowing that echoed from underneath their vehicle. Despite their efforts, the origin of the cries remained a mystery. Upon returning to their headquarters in Udon Thani, it…
Just imagine the delightful setting of Chiang Rai, a fabulous little corner of Thailand where tradition meets a sprinkle of tranquility. Yet, beneath the surface of this peaceful façade lies an unexpected and rather scandalous tale involving, of all things, kratom tea and teenagers. Yes, indeed, a colorful scenario unfolded recently as local authorities descended upon a quaint café nestled comfortably on the meandering Jed Yod Road in the bustling Mueang district. Imagine this: the air punctuated with click-clack sounds as students, ranging from just-three-years-shy-of-adulthood teens to those blossoming into young adulthood, gather to play mobile games and sip their kratom-infused teas. The piquant aroma of Mitragyna speciosa wafts through the air, adding a sense of rebellion to their caffeine-free rendezvous. The scene could be mistaken for a youthful tea party, if not for the fact that the drink of choice here was kratom tea—a stimulant that raised more than…
The early hours of June 25 brought with them an adrenaline-fueled rescue mission, as the hushed serenity of Tri Trang Beach’s surroundings was shattered by drama and urgency. In the pre-dawn darkness, two riders found themselves trapped in an unforgiving ravine after their motorbike veered off the path along the road leading south from Patong. At precisely 3:05 a.m., a distress call echoed through the communication lines of the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation, setting in motion a sequence of events that underscored the vital role of quick-thinking heroes. The emergency alert spoke of a motorbike calamity; a grim narrative that saw its riders stranded amidst steep danger, crying out for timely intervention. The Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation, never tardy in their civic duty, launched a swift response from their branches in Khuan Yang and Kathu. As they reached the scene, their flashlights pierced the night, revealing a scene worthy of any gripping…
Sunthorn announced that, on behalf of the BMA, he was delighted to welcome the distinguished GGGI delegation to Benjakitti Park, a jewel among Bangkok’s green sanctuaries. This lush urban oasis is a cornerstone in the city’s ambitious environmental strategic plan. This important visit aligns with the broader cooperation under the Resilient Urban Centres and Surrounds (RUCaS) initiative. This program is laser-focused on fortifying cities’ abilities to withstand and bounce back from the inevitable challenges posed by climate change—a gargantuan global predicament that spares no nation. Benjakitti Park stands as a shining beacon of urban transformation achieved through nature-based ingenuity. It illustrates city planning wizardry with an eye towards reviving urban ecosystems, counteracting the harsh realities of flooding, sweltering heat, and pollution, all while upping the ante on city life quality in eco-friendly fashion. Sunthorn highlighted the park’s astonishing metamorphosis. Once a gritty state-owned industrial complex, it now thrills visitors with…
In a meeting that perfectly blended formality with cross-continental camaraderie, Pimuk Simaroj, acting as Secretary to the Governor of Bangkok, graced the opulent Amornphiman Room at the iconic Bangkok City Hall with distinguished presence. Alongside him was the Saudi Ambassador, his eyes gleaming with prospects of future partnerships. The essence of this meeting? A robust agenda centered around mutual interests that promised to fortify the bond between these two vibrant cities. As cordial discussions unfolded, the Governor of Bangkok and the Saudi Ambassador spiritedly exchanged views on potential avenues for collaboration. Among the exciting prospects was the notion of forging a sister-city relationship, a bridge of friendship that could see Bangkok and Riyadh pooling their uniqueness and strengths to benefit their respective communities. Encouragingly, the Ambassador extended a warm invitation to the Governor of Bangkok to experience the wonders of Riyadh firsthand, while reciprocally, the Governor extended an equally warm…
For many intrepid travelers, the allure of Thailand’s most famous cities—Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai—has faded like the last rays of a sunset at Patong Beach. Once shining beacons of authentic cultural discovery, these bustling metropolises now grapple with the not-so-glamorous trifecta of overcrowding, inflated prices, and the relentless march of mass tourism. Where exotic adventures once lay, many visitors now find a homogenized rush, leaving them yearning for the genuine experiences that once danced tantalizingly beneath Thailand’s golden sun. Take Phuket, for instance—the siren song for beach enthusiasts and nightlife aficionados alike. Its beaches have been lauded as paradisiacal havens and its nightlife legendary. And yet, this dream has devolved into bumper-to-bumper nightmares, with hordes jostling for a sliver of sandy real estate. Commercialism pulsates to a beat that drowns out the island’s erstwhile charm, transforming it from a picturesque paradise to a clamoring tourist trap. Enter Koh…
In the tranquil setting of Sai Noi district, Nonthaburi, a stunning revelation recently unfolded, captivating the attention of law enforcement and the community alike. A 42-year-old Thai English teacher named Suchon, who had spent over a decade nurturing young minds at a local college, found himself ensnared in a legal drama of serious nature. Suchon was apprehended yesterday, June 24, following allegations of indecent conduct involving five male students aged 16 to 17. An arrest warrant, meticulously issued by the Nonthaburi Provincial Court under no. J.836/2568, marked the commencement of this intriguing tale. The investigation’s origin was surprisingly mundane yet crucial—a suspicious surge in electricity consumption at the director’s ostensibly unoccupied residence. College staff, perplexed by the power spike from a typical 1 to 2 units to an unsettling 23 units, rang alarm bells with local authorities. Their vigilance soon unveiled a group of male students clandestinely lodging at the…
In a bold stride toward preserving marine life, Pattaya has orchestrated a remarkable marine animal release extravaganza right off the sun-kissed shores of Jomtien Beach. Helmed by the indefatigable Deputy Mayor Krissana Boonsawat, the initiative witnessed the release of a staggering 100,000 juvenile whiteleg shrimp, alongside 1,000 of the elusive spotted Babylon sea snails, ushering a fresh lease on life into the azure waters. Collaborating hand-in-hand with the Department of Fisheries, the Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Centre in Rayong, and the enterprising locals from the Jomtien Beach fishing ensemble, the event is meticulously designed to rejuvenate marine biodiversity, enhance ecological health, and fuel the engines of sustainable tourism. The scene was nothing short of spectacular, with the invigorating smell of the sea and excitement hymning through the salt-laden air, as marine creatures took the plunge into their new oceanic abode. The epicenter of this benevolent operation was nestled within…