As the clock ticks down to the New Year festivities, there’s an electrifying buzz at Don Mueang airport, poised to witness a remarkable 13.3% surge in flights this festive season, according to Airports of Thailand (AoT). This vibrant holiday period is expected to see approximately 717,002 enthusiastic globetrotters bustling through its gates, marking an impressive 88.62% recovery of the pre-pandemic glory days, as highlighted by AoT president, Kerati Kijmanawat. The rise in air travel isn’t just a number; it’s a testament to the renewed wanderlust and a significant 19.96% increase compared to last year’s stats, capturing about 85.84% of the pre-pandemic flight volume. Mr. Kerati confidently predicts that the airport will be the nerve center for around 102,429 passengers daily during the celebratory week, ready to take off from Dec 27 to Jan 2. This bustling week is meticulously planned with 4,671 flights set to grace the sky, averaging around…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In a turn of events that has stirred quite a conversation among motorists, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) has announced that vehicle tax stickers are now within arm’s reach for those who come equipped with their annual tax payment receipts. This latest development arrives hot on the heels of a landmark decision by the Central Administrative Court, where justice shone brightly on a determined driver, Amnat Kaewprasong. Amnat Kaewprasong, surely not a man to turn the other cheek, took on the bureaucratic goliaths, namely the DLT, its well-heeled director-general, the Bangkok Land Transport office, and the Royal Thai Police. His grievance? A rather puzzling situation where, despite his diligent payment of the annual tax, the DLT’s registration division left him high and dry, refusing to detach a vehicle tax sticker even after he’d settled his dues. To add a twist in this tale, Mr. Amnat was handed a stamped…
It’s not every day you see an intriguing collaboration brewing between two countries loaded with naval prowess and a flair for international camaraderie. Hold tight as we dive into the riveting discussion between the Spanish chargé d’affaires and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) about whipping up some state-of-the-art frigates right in the Land of Smiles, Thailand! In a classic scene straight out of a James Bond movie, Navy Chief Admiral Jirapol Wongwit, who had only just rolled up his sleeves to take the helm, was not left alone on a Friday morning. Instead, he was joined by Vicente Cacho López de la Calzada, the Spanish chargé d’affaires, there to tip his hat and perhaps share a few sips of coffee as he congratulated Adm Jirapol on his new waves ahead. Ah, but the conversation was not just about pleasantries and handshakes! They delved deep into more enticing matters such as…
In the bustling province of Chaiyaphum, where life’s rhythm often dances to the tune of trucks and taxis, a scene unfolded that left the local police with their hands full—and not just with paperwork. Picture this: a sky as clear as the hopes of a young driver and a taxi whose intentions were anything but transparent. On a seemingly ordinary Saturday morning, a Bangkok-registered taxi, with its sun-faded decals and city stories ingrained in its tires, became the stuff of notoriety on the Chaiyaphum-Bua Yai Road in Muang district. Behind the wheel was Sanya Polkong, a man of 36 years, whose journey had just veered drastically off course. It all began opposite the Lat Yai police station. There, at a petrol station that punctuated the landscape, our protagonist, or rather, antagonist, made his pit stop. With the meter ticking and a heart likely matching the speed, he filled the tank.…
As February 1 approaches, the political landscape in Thailand is preparing for an electoral showdown that promises both excitement and intrigue. The nationwide elections aimed at filling seats for Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) presidents and provincial councillors are set to unfold, offering a glimpse into the political pulse of the nation. This week marks a critical juncture as candidacy registration kicks off from Monday to Friday, setting the stage for an electoral journey that will resonate throughout the provinces. However, in a dramatic twist, the Office of Election Commission has thrown a curveball into the electoral process. In a surprising announcement, it was revealed that 29 provinces will not be holding elections for PAO presidents on the eagerly anticipated February 1 date. These provinces were left leaderless as their presidents vacated their posts prior to the completion of their terms this month. What this means is that, on the day…
Imagine this: young Thai vapers puffing away a staggering 26,994 baht a year—or about 2,245 baht each month—on e-cigarettes. It seems these funds are often sourced from none other than the living allowances graciously bestowed upon them by their unsuspecting parents, according to a recent jaw-dropping survey. Now, before you rush to judgement, there’s a fascinating twist to this tale. A coalition of youth empowerment and health advocates has launched a spirited mission to transform these vapors of cash into clouds of wealth. By redirecting their vaping expenditure into savings and investments, each young saver could potentially pocket a cool 1.87 million baht in 30 years. Not too shabby, right? Phatcharaphan Prachuaplap, the earnest secretary-general of the Thailand Youth Institute (TYI), couldn’t help but express his amazement at the survey’s findings. In a reality where countless individuals are grappling with financial strains, the revelation that allowances given with love and…
Amid the vibrant political landscape of Southeast Asia, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has taken a cue from past political successes and is assembling a formidable informal advisory team to support Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship in the upcoming year. An intriguing addition to this council is former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The mere mention of Thaksin, an icon in regional politics, is enough to raise both eyebrows and expectations. Commentators see this assembling of seasoned statesmen as a strategic chess move by Mr. Anwar, aimed at galvanizing diplomacy and fostering harmony, especially in the geopolitically complex theater of Southeast Asia. Last week, Mr. Anwar made an announcement that created ripples across the political waters: he would appoint Thaksin as an unofficial adviser on ASEAN matters when Malaysia assumes the leadership role of the regional bloc. This revelation came during a candid press conference in the serene backdrop of Putrajaya, with…
Buckle up, travel enthusiasts! Don Mueang Airport is all set to witness an exhilarating buzz this New Year, with Airports of Thailand (AoT) forecasting a thrilling 13.32% leap in flights zipping in and out. The key takeaway? Approximately 717,002 passengers are expected to scurry through its gates, transforming the airport into a festive wonderland of jet-setting frenzy. Flashback to the days before the pesky pandemic, and you’ll find that this forecast represents an impressive 88.62% recovery in flight numbers, as announced with delightful zeal by AoT’s president, Kerati Kijmanawat, on a splendid Saturday. These figures illuminate a robust 19.96% increase from last year, echoing the sounds of suitcases being wheeled—and let’s not forget, that’s about 85.84% of the glorious footfall once enjoyed in the pre-Covid era. “Attention, passengers!” chimes Mr. Kerati with fervor. This year, the airport gears up to pamper and seamlessly facilitate around 102,429 eager travelers per day…
Once upon a time in the intricately woven landscape of Prachin Buri’s political scene, the name Soonthorn Vilawan was as much a staple as the morning sun. At 85 years old, Soonthorn was not just an elder statesman but the centerpiece of a family dynasty that held the political reins of the region firmly in their grasp. Admired by some and feared by others, he was at the helm of countless party negotiations and electoral strategies, his influence rippling through the communities like a brisk breeze on a still afternoon. Yet, even in the corridors of power, fortunes can shift as swiftly as a change in the weather. The once-mighty Soonthorn now finds himself one of seven suspects tangled in a web of intrigue and tragedy following the fatal shooting of his adopted son. The somber echoes of gunfire that resonated through his own home on December 11 have left…
In the enigmatic, mist-shrouded heart of Chiang Mai, a tale of daring, danger, and dashing derring-do unfolded under the cover of darkness. In the bewitching early hours of a Saturday morning, when most of the city slumbered, a small corner of this northern province buzzed with a clandestine commotion that would leave even the most stoic heart racing. The Chaiyanuparb special unit, a band of sharp-eyed soldiers with a propensity for foiling nefarious schemes, was weaving through the whispering shadows of orange groves in Fang district’s tambon Monpin. Armed with resolve and military precision, the patrol spotted the silhouettes of three or four shadowy figures—each hefting a conspicuously misshapen rucksack. Clocking in at a bleary-eyed hour around 3 am, the soldiers signaled the mysterious carriers to halt. But rather than pause for a chat, the figures opted for a less diplomatic response. Shots rang out, cutting through the stillness, echoing…