THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

The air of uncertainty surrounding the Thanyaburi municipal election results lingers as the Election Commission (EC) remains vigilant in its efforts to ensure electoral integrity. While the Pathum Thani EC office director, Sanga Thathong, has reassured the public that there were no discrepancies involving missing or surplus ballots in Thanyaburi, the certification of the election has hit a snag due to several lodged complaints, triggering ongoing investigations into alleged breaches of electoral law. At the heart of this electoral drama is Yupayao Leenawarat, the poised and determined wife of former mayor Krissada Leenawarat. She has emerged as the frontrunner in the mayoral race, capturing the attention and support of many. Her rise in local politics is complemented by the electoral success of her son, Smitthiphat, who has secured a position as a municipal councillor. In stark contrast, their competitor, Somchart Khatancharoen, who is backed by the formidable Pol Gen Kamronwit…

Amidst the tropical humdrum of Thailand’s vibrant streets, an extraordinary buzz has overshadowed the usual hustle. On March 27, anti-gambling protesters stood staunchly at Government House, their voices rising like a crescendo against the backdrop of a major legislative proposal. As the government paves a potentially glittering path toward establishing casino-entertainment complexes, the country’s policy plate simmers with anticipation. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, a stalwart figure amid stormy debates, revealed a priority-setting maneuver poised to shake Thai parliament come July. The pièce de résistance of this legislative symphony? A bill to legalize and regulate entertainment complexes akin to glamorous wonderlands, complete with casinos, across the Land of Smiles. What sparked this legislative inferno? An influx of interest from industry titans, that’s what! In pulsating meetings that might as well be the stuff of cinema, representatives from Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts—the colossuses of integrated resort ingenuity and casino grandeur—leaned…

The sunny province of Songkhla has found itself engulfed in a gripping saga that’s riveted the attention of both local residents and thrill-seekers from across the nation. The story centers on a clandestine online gambling operation, a tale where the stakes are high, the money is colossal, and the intrigue is nothing short of cinematic. In a spectacle that could rival any blockbuster thriller, the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), along with the adept Region 4 Border Patrol Police unit, embarked on a mission of stealth and precision. Their objective? To unravel an insidious online gambling network rooted in the heart of Songkhla province. However, what made this operation more compelling was its mysterious connection to a local political figure, promising a narrative of power, deception, and ultimate justice. The operation was spearheaded by Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwphan, whose resolve and determination carried the weight of the investigation. At…

Picture this: Nonthaburi Green Market in 2023, awash with the vivid greens of cannabis plants, their potential for unlocking natural healing hanging tantalizingly in the air. However, beneath this verdant display lies an undercurrent of discontent, bubbling up from Thailand’s ardent cannabis advocates. They find themselves at odds with the latest Public Health Ministry mandate, a move that demands all cannabis users procure medical certificates before indulging in what many view as nature’s gift for easing life’s ailments. Among the voices echoing their disappointment is that of Daycha Siripatra, a revered traditional medicine practitioner, who highlighted the plight to the Bangkok Post. “It’s as if the policy writers have forgotten that people have something to say,” Daycha admitted with a sigh. To him, and many others, the ministry’s actions resemble a ship steering unilaterally, its course potentially causing an uproar reminiscent of a democracy missed. Daycha wasn’t alone in sounding…

Imagine the bustling streets of London set as the backdrop for an event brimming with the tantalizing flavors and aromas of Thai cuisine. This colorful spectacle unfolded as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra orchestrated the grand initiation of the revamped Thai SELECT certification. As a highlight, she introduced the ‘miang kham,’ a symphony of tastes packaged into a traditional Thai snack, to captivate and entice UK influencers and media. (Photo: Government House) Amidst the flavorful festivities, Prime Minister Shinawatra wasn’t only on a culinary mission; her visit marks a poignant bridge-building effort between the Thai and UK economies. With aspirations to invigorate trade, kickstart a comprehensive free trade agreement, and create more job opportunities for Thai nationals, she set an ambitious agenda. The meeting, which synchronized with UK time on Thursday, delved into strategies to escalate the trade value of Thailand’s agricultural and food sector, and to widen the import avenues…

On a lively Friday afternoon under the sun’s bright gaze, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit found himself amidst the hustle and bustle of a construction site, standing against the dynamic backdrop of Motorway Route 82, which appeared to be sprouting like a mighty steel phoenix amidst the chaotic traffic nest of Rama II Road. Known colloquially as M82, this ambitious infrastructure marvel is not just another stretch of tarmac; it’s a 25km artery of innovation winding its way through the cityscape, promising new life to weary commuters and beleaguered travelers alike. The scene was abuzz with anticipation as Mr. Suriya, an emblem of determination clad in a crisp business suit, surveyed the ongoing work. With remarkable verve, he declared that the project is now remarkably 82% complete—not just a numerical coincidence but a symbol of progress coursing through the veins of this burgeoning thoroughfare. It was a day of affirmation, and…

On March 27, anti-gambling protesters congregated at Government House with fervor, just as the cabinet gave its nod to a bill permitting entertainment complexes to include casinos. Captured vividly by Apichart Jinakul, this protest was a significant public response to the cabinet’s decision—an event that’s sure to be at the top of the agenda when parliament reconvenes in July, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. Mr. Julapun underscored this anticipated legislation, designed to legalize and regulate entertainment complexes across Thailand, depicting it as a legislative priority. Over the last fortnight, the country’s potential as a burgeoning casino hub has not gone unnoticed. Big players like Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts, both titans in the realm of global casino and entertainment business, have already had powwows with the Deputy Finance Minister, signaling strong interest to stake claims in Thailand’s terrain. “Thailand is rapidly becoming the apple of the world’s eye…

In an extraordinary demonstration of advancing international collaboration in health and wellness, the Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh recently hosted a spectacular seminar entitled “Wellness Hub Thailand: The Future of Global Wellness.” This prestigious event, graced under the aegis of H.E. Mr. Darm Boontham, Ambassador of Thailand to Saudi Arabia, underscored Thailand’s burgeoning stature as a global pioneer in wellness, perfectly resonating with the Vision 2030 blueprint of Saudi Arabia. Leading this event was the charismatic Tanupol Virunhagarun, M.D., affectionately dubbed “Dr. Amp,” who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort—a jewel in the crown of Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS). With his intellectual prowess, Dr. Tanupol captivated attendees by unveiling Thailand’s profound expertise in holistic healthcare, a strategy deeply rooted in the philosophy of Scientific Wellness. This approach marks a significant shift from traditional reactive healthcare to a more…

In the bustling realm of Thailand’s digital landscape, a sudden cloud loomed large over the typically seamless world of mobile connectivity. Last Thursday, millions across the nation experienced an interruption in service that rippled through the lives of countless individuals and businesses. True Corp, a key player in the Thai telecommunications industry, stumbled upon an acute outage, and in its wake, a flurry of discussions and debates regarding the health of the industry itself ensued. Caused by an unexpected power system failure at one of True’s core network centers, the blackout laid bare the infrastructure vulnerabilities impacting Thailand’s telecom ecosystem. The mechanics of modern-day communication are intricate, and as True’s engineering team scrambled to rectify the problem by migrating users to an alternate network, the incident highlighted significant structural concerns. The outage not only left users disgruntled but prompted more profound questions about competition and resilience in Thailand’s telecom sector.…

In a world where voices often get hushed and truths remain unsaid, one man’s fight against silent oppression echoes louder than many. Arnon Nampa, a Thai lawyer with an indomitable spirit, has been rightly honored with the highly esteemed 2024 Front Line Defenders Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk. This accolade, revered globally, has been bestowed upon Arnon for his dauntless battle for free expression and democracy — a battle that has come at a grave personal cost. At 40, Arnon Nampa stands as the first Thai trailblazer to clinch this commendable recognition. Behind bars, he serves a hefty 22-year sentence under Thailand’s draconian lèse-majesté law, which brutally curtails freedom of speech by criminalizing critiques of the monarchy. Thanks to additional related charges, Arnon’s plight is a poignant testament to the oppressive legal snares awaiting those who dare dissent. His representation, the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), hailed…