On a picturesque Thursday, Thai and foreign mourners congregated on Patong beach for a commemoration as deeply nostalgic as it was somber. This heartfelt gathering was peppered with poignant scenes, such as mourners gently placing flowers to honor the victims of the devastating 2004 tsunami. This natural calamity had a profound impact, claiming approximately 230,000 lives across a broad swath of countries including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and seven others. The serene Thursday event was just one of many ceremonies held along Thailand’s Andaman coast to mark the 20th anniversary of that fateful day. Locations such as Mai Khao Cemetery and Tsunami Memorial Park in Ban Nam Khem were alive with activities. At the solemn Mai Khao Cemetery, both local and foreign attendees collectively shared a quiet minute of reflective silence. The day unfolded with religious and merit-making ceremonies blessing the occasion, followed by floral tributes adorning the memorial…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
A man stands in quiet reflection as he gazes at the seemingly endless list of names etched on the wave-shaped monument dedicated to the victims of the infamous 2004 tsunami. This poignant tribute stands tall in Ban Nam Khem, a once-thriving fishing village in Phang Nga that was obliterated by the cataclysmic wave. Today, on December 26th, a somber ceremony is held here, a reminder of nature’s immense power and the devastation it can unleash. (Photo: UN Development Programme) In the spirit of remembrance and readiness, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) urges Thailand to embrace disaster preparedness as an integral part of daily life, in hopes of averting future tragedies as grave as those caused by the 2004 tsunami. Niamh Collier-Smith, the UNDP’s resident representative in Thailand, highlights the strides made in tsunami preparedness, calling for these practices to become second nature, safeguarding communities against potential future threats. It…
Politics in Thailand often plays out like a drama where the characters, both celebrated and notorious, take center stage to the applause or boos of the audience. Such was the scene on September 6, 2024, when Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, a veteran political figure, found himself under the spotlight once more during a Palang Pracharath Party meeting. This rare appearance was noteworthy since Gen Prawit, known for his frequent absences, had previously returned a staggering six-figure monthly salary amid public outcry over his performance. It was one of those moments that would be forever captured in time, much like a photograph by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill. In the intricate ballet of Thai politics, no parliamentarian managed to capture the title of a ‘rising star’ for the third consecutive year. This accolade, typically bestowed by the media on those who shine with promise, found no suitable candidate. However, two names have made quite an…
In a case that reads like a plot twist in a high-stakes drama, the Criminal Court delivered a shocking verdict that left jaws on the floor on Thursday. Three men found themselves awash in legal turmoil as they were slapped with a gargantuan collective sentence of 49,125 years each for their roles in the infamous multi-billion-baht Forex-3D Ponzi extravaganza. Meanwhile, amidst the storm, four others, including the colorful personalities of Thai celebrities Pattanapon “DJ Man” Kunjara and the melodious Suteewan “Baitoey” Thaweesin, emerged acquitted, unscathed by the legal cyclone that threatened to topple them. The dramatic court proceedings revolved around seven individuals enmeshed in a tangled web of deceit, promising a treasure trove of investments in the Forex-3D foreign exchange group. This ensemble cast featured Singaporean Daryl Cai Yonghui, Pattanapon, Suteewan, Chatchai “Sue” Khotchathin, Theeraphassakorn “Mark” Kimwangtako, Suranart Nakmusik, and Ayuwat Chaimethanarakul. The charges against them were as intricate as…
Exactly a year ago, the sky above the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok was painted with a riot of colors. The fireworks display, viewed from Asiatique the Riverfront, was nothing short of spectacular—a fitting farewell to 2023 and a dazzling hello to 2024. This stunning visual feast was captured beautifully by Pornprom Satrabhaya and remains etched in the memories of those who experienced it. Yet, as the 2024 New Year approaches, the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) has released some critical and rather tight guidelines on how the city will ring in another year. The decision by the BMA to impose a ban on fireworks, floating lanterns, and similar celebratory devices without permission is geared towards preventing the dangers of fire mishaps during the bustling holiday buzz. This cautionary move is especially significant considering many Bangkokians choose this time to vacate the city, leaving their homes unattended. Significantly, Bangkok governor Chadchart…
In a sun-drenched corner of southern Thailand, IRPC Public Co., Ltd. (IRPC) is embarking on a groundbreaking journey into the realm of renewable energy. Nestled within the expansive embrace of a 716-rai estate in Chana District, Songkhla, IRPC is charting a sustainable path forward with the construction of a colossal 74.88-megawatt solar power plant. This project, propelled by the innovative spirit of IRPC Clean Power Company Limited (IRPCCP), in collaboration with the formidable Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited (GPSC), is not merely an endeavor—it’s a bold stride towards reinforcing energy security and fostering enduring growth in Thailand’s radiant southern regions. Terdkiat Prommool, the dynamic President and CEO of IRPC, recently heralded a significant triumph: the much-coveted concession from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), granting the green light for IRPCCP to operate as an intrepid producer and trader of renewable electricity under the prestigious Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme for the…
The night was filled with gleaming lights, festive spirit, and a touch of magic as Mr. Sutthee Opassamutchai, the visionary Chief Executive Officer of Jastel Network Company Limited, joined forces with Ms. Benjawan Rakwong, the esteemed President of Premium Asset Company Limited, to set the stage for a memorable evening. Together, with a dynamic team of executives and dedicated employees, they orchestrated an unforgettable spectacle—the grand Christmas tree lighting ceremony known as the “JAS Group Christmas Tree Light Up Celebration 2025.” The Jasmine International Building on Chaengwattana Road was transformed into a winter wonderland that could rival the North Pole itself. As guests arrived, they were greeted by a breathtaking 12-meter giant Christmas tree that stood proudly as the centerpiece, adorned with shimmering ornaments and twinkling lights that danced in the night sky. As evening fell, the enchanting glow of the tree created an awe-inspiring backdrop for the joyous festivities.…
Deng Huanyou, a young man of 29 from China, found himself at the center of a peculiar and rather unfortunate saga in the bustling paradise of Pattaya. This picturesque beach town in Chon Buri province, usually known for its vibrant nightlife and scenic allure, became the backdrop of a rather unusual tale of deception involving fake gold items and unsuspecting pawn shop owners. Imagine the scene: Deng, a seemingly ordinary tourist, sits bewildered and wide-eyed at Pattaya police station, flanked by stern-faced officers, as his little charade unravels. The adventure began when several eagle-eyed pawn shop operators in Pattaya raised the alarm about an elusive foreigner slipping fake gold ornaments past their normally astute observations. The shops, buzzing with the frenzy of deals and negotiations, never expected to be part of such a crafty hoax. But here they were, caught in Deng’s intricate web of deceit. The complaints quickly reached…
The governmental landscape in Thailand is captivating, filled with intrigue and nuance, and on December 26, 2024, this intrigue reached a new peak. Imagine a suspenseful courtroom drama with an enigmatic figure at its helm – Kittiratt Na-Ranong, a former commerce minister and a leading contender for the prestigious position of Bank of Thailand (BoT) board chairman. Yet, in a cinematic twist, the plot thickens as whispers of ineligibility arose. Wednesday marked a whirlwind in the corridors of power as the Council of State, the government’s legal beacon, waved off media rumors claiming it had ruled Kittiratt ineligible for the chairmanship. Pakorn Nilprapunt, the ever-diplomatic secretary-general of the Council, stepped into the spotlight to clarify: no decision had been etched in stone regarding Kittiratt’s qualifications. The suspense was palpable as the matter was expected to surface later in the day. The intrigue revolves around the Finance Ministry’s Fiscal Policy Office,…
Ah, Kanchanaburi! A place as rich in history as it is in beautiful landscapes, yet recently, it’s been under the spotlight for a less glamorous reason. Photographs from this picturesque Thai province — known for its verdant national parks and World War II history — are now telling tales of another kind. Last year, during the seven notorious ‘dangerous days’ of the New Year festivities in 2023-2024, Kanchanaburi led the nation in road accident injuries. An unfortunate distinction, indeed. But fear not! A proactive countermeasure has been put in place. This year’s New Year revelry won’t just be a celebration of fresh starts but also a commitment to safer journeys. The road safety and accident reduction centre is back, and it means business. Launched with renewed zeal, the centre is extending its surveillance span from the familiar seven days to a full-blown ten-day safety crusade. This extension is a generous…