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THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

Khwansuda Phuangkitcha Wins Historic Bronze for Thailand at Paris 2024 Paralympics

Paralympic taekwondo star Khwansuda “Khwan” Phuangkitcha has etched her name into Thailand’s sporting history by clinching the country’s first medal—a bronze—at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. The nail-biting match took place on Thursday, with Khwansuda triumphing over Iran’s Maryam Abdollahpour Deroei in the women’s 47-kilogramme (K44) category. This category is specially designed for athletes who face challenges with one arm or leg, making every bout a testament to resilience and skill. The showdown was one for the ages. As the clock ticked away, both fighters found themselves in a heated 4-4 tie, leading them into the nerve-wracking golden round. Despite an evident deadlock, Khwansuda’s superior skills and point accumulation ultimately tipped the scales in her favor, earning her the coveted bronze. This victory not only highlighted her unparalleled fighting techniques but also secured Thailand’s first medal at the 17th Summer Paralympic Games. Brimming with emotion, the 23-year-old world number three from…

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit Extends Bangkok’s 20-Baht Railway Fare: A Boost for Commuters

The Transport Ministry has made a bold move to extend the 20-baht flat fare initiative on the Red and Purple electric railway lines beyond the original end date. Initially set to wrap up in November, the policy will now remain in place thanks to a notable 26% surge in passenger numbers. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit emphasized that his department has been tirelessly advocating for the continuation of this flat-rate system, primarily focusing on the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Red Lines and the Metropolitan Rapid Transit’s (MRT) Purple Line. The scheme began as a pilot project, sanctioned by the cabinet, from Oct 16, 2023, to Nov 30, 2024. Its primary goal? Easing the financial burden on daily commuters. “We’ve ensured that passengers on both lines will benefit from this policy uninterrupted,” Mr. Suriya confirmed, hinting that the extension might even stretch beyond the original Nov 30 cutoff. He noted that…

Upcoming MoU to Boost Hungary-Thailand Economic Cooperation: Key Details and Benefits

The Hungarian-Thai Chamber of Commerce is poised to ink a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Budapest Chamber of Commerce next month, an initiative aimed at invigorating bilateral economic cooperation between Hungary and Thailand. This exciting development was revealed during a luncheon hosted by the Hungarian embassy, where the Hungarian ambassador engaged with local Thai media at the British Club Bangkok. The discussions also encompassed Hungary’s presidency of the Council of the European Union and its foreign policy initiatives. Kamilla Balla, the deputy head of mission at the Hungarian embassy, shared with the Bangkok Post that the MoU will be officially signed during the “Thai-Hungarian Business Matching & Fintech Event” at the Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hungary on September 17. This agreement is designed to stimulate business interactions, trade development, and economic cooperation between the business sectors of both nations. Among its many benefits, the MoU will…

Thailand’s Political Shake-Up: New Cabinet and Democrat-Pheu Thai Coalition

The buzz is palpable across the political spectrum as the new Thai cabinet’s list is poised to receive royal endorsement this weekend. The aftermath of the Democrat Party’s unexpected coalition with the reigning Pheu Thai Party is a forceful alliance now boasting the backing of 322 MPs in parliament. Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai revealed yesterday that Pheu Thai is meticulously vetting the eligibility and backgrounds of each candidate before forwarding the finalised list for royal approval. “We want to ensure each cabinet minister is a perfect fit,” stated Mr. Phumtham, who stepped into the role of acting prime minister following Srettha Thavisin’s dismissal by the Constitutional Court. “The cabinet line-up is nearly complete. Once it receives royal endorsement, we’ll dive straight into work,” he added with palpable determination. The suspense is set to culminate by week’s end with the final cabinet list drawing near completion, as previously indicated…

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Assures Safety Amid Sukhothai and Bangkok Flooding Concerns

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, right, and her team from the Pheu Thai Party paid a crucial visit to the flood-stricken areas and victims in Sukhothai’s Sawankhalok district yesterday. The effort underscores the Pheu Thai Party’s commitment to supporting communities in times of crisis. Addressing concerns about potential flooding in Bangkok, Prime Minister Paetongtarn assured the public that the capital is not at risk. She pointed out that neither the current water levels in Bangkok nor the weather conditions suggest any immediate danger comparable to the catastrophic floods in 2011. “We are well-prepared, and the circumstances this year are far less severe,” she emphasized. During her visit to Sukhothai, the Prime Minister engaged directly with residents whose homes and farmlands have been overwhelmed by flooding. “I’ve listened to many stories and understand the hardships people are facing. It’s heartening to see the water levels beginning to recede. Each flood brings significant…

Tragic Nakhon Ratchasima Tunnel Collapse: Recovery of Chinese Workers Hu Xiangmin and Tong Xinlin Concludes 5-Day Rescue Effort

The atmosphere in Nakhon Ratchasima was laden with a mix of relief and sorrow as the five-day search and rescue mission culminated with the recovery of the final two workers trapped in the collapsed rail tunnel. Ekkarat Sriarayanpong, head of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) governor’s office, confirmed the discovery of the bodies yesterday morning. The two Chinese nationals, identified as Hu Xiangmin, a supervisor, and Tong Xinlin, a backhoe operator, were found about three meters from the location where the first victim’s body was discovered. The tragic incident unfolded when the tunnel, part of the ambitious Sino-Thai high-speed railway project connecting Bangkok to Nong Khai province, succumbed to a collapse. The collapse, situated approximately 1.5 kilometers from the tunnel entrance near Khlong Khanan Chit station in Pak Chong district, followed a prolonged spell of rain late Saturday night. It was a harrowing experience, especially as it came just…

Move Forward Party Members Under Investigation: NACC Probes Lese-Majeste Law Controversy

Amidst a sea of fervent banners and impassioned chants, a significant number of demonstrators congregated at the Rangsit campus of Thammasat University on August 10, 2022, voicing their dissent against the lese-majeste law and the government led by Prayut Chan-o-cha. The atmosphere crackled with the electrifying spirit of activism as the crowd demanded change. (Photo: Reuters) In a dramatic turn of events, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) confirmed on Friday that it has embarked on an investigation targeting 44 members of the now-disbanded Move Forward Party. Notably, 25 of these individuals currently hold parliamentary seats. This scrutiny follows closely on the heels of the Constitutional Court’s directive to dissolve the party, which came as a direct response to its controversial election campaign promise to amend the lese-majeste law. Despite this setback, the erstwhile Move Forward Party has rebranded itself as the People’s Party, retaining its status as the largest party…

Brothers Surasak and Surachai Insaam Arrested Again in Ayutthaya: Min Buri Moonshine Tragedy Update

Two brothers who supplied methyl alcohol to a moonshine maker in Min Buri have been apprehended in Ayutthaya, marking a significant development in a case tied to the tragic poisoning deaths of six people. This marks the brothers’ second arrest within a tumultuous week. Surasak and Surachai Insaam, aged 46 and 44 respectively, were taken into custody in tambon Bo Ta Lo, Wang Noi district, on Thursday night. According to Pol Maj Gen Kiatikul Sonthinen, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 3, it took a formidable team of 50 officers half a day to track down the elusive siblings within a dense forest. The initial capture occurred at a residence in the Saphan Sung district of Bangkok on Monday after an investigation revealed that a 49-year-old moonshine maker, infamously known as “Je Poo,” had sourced her supplies from them. She had been producing herbal liquor and selling it to operators of…

Kanokwan and Amornrat Nonwisit Arrested in Major Phitsanulok Document Forgery Bust

In the bustling city of Phitsanulok, a dramatic scene unfolded this week as police unraveled an intricate web of document forgery. At the center of this revelation were two sisters, Kanokwan Nonwisit, 25, and Amornrat, 27, whose arrest has sent shockwaves through the region. Their apprehension was a highlight in a coordinated nationwide crackdown targeting over 30 locations—a concerted effort led by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) aiming to dismantle this fraudulent network. According to Deputy Commander Pol Col Anek Taosuphap, the sisters were nabbed in Muang district, an operation that did more than just arrest the perpetrators. The police seized an arsenal of forgery tools from their residence, including a laptop, desktop PC, printer, a suspiciously extensive customer list, 35 forged educational certificates, two fake ID cards, and four counterfeit land title deeds. This enforcement operation wasn’t birthed in isolation. It stemmed from a mounting wave of public grievances…

Chainarong Saengthong-aram Faces Trial: Red Bull Heir Case Stirs Legal Drama

On a seemingly ordinary day on September 3, 2012, the streets of Thong Lor were rocked by a tragic accident involving a motorcycle and a Ferrari. Forensic police inspected the wreckage of the motorcycle, belonging to Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wichian Klanprasert, and the Ferrari driven by none other than Red Bull heir, Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya. The incident, captured by Somchai Poomlard’s lens, would spiral into one of Thailand’s most high-profile legal battles. Fast forward to today, and a former senior prosecutor, Chainarong Saengthong-aram, finds himself embroiled in accusations linked to mishandling this sensational hit-and-run case. What’s his defense? An intriguing tale of compassion and familiar connections. According to Chainarong, he stepped into the fray not for personal gain but because Vorayuth was a friend of his niece. Nonetheless, the waters have been muddied by allegations that he purposefully underreported the Ferrari’s speed—allegedly reducing it from 177 kph to below…