THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

As the Songkran holiday comes to a close, many motorists have begun their journey back to the bustling city of Bangkok in hopes of avoiding the anticipated congestion on Monday, the last day of the festivities. This time-honored tradition, which began on Thursday, has witnessed an influx of provincial residents returning to their families, while those native to Bangkok utilize the break to embark on much-needed vacations. A distinct increase in traffic was observed on the Asia Highway, situated in Ayutthaya province, just north of Bangkok, as the sun rose on Saturday. Much to the relief of travelers, there was no significant congestion and vehicles were seen cruising at speeds between 100 and 120 kilometers per hour across the majority of the highway, as reported by motorists who shared their experiences on the road. Meanwhile, on Phaholyothin Highway en route to Bangkok, traffic steadily picked up in Wang Noi district…

Pheu Thai’s plan to transfer payments legally into every Thai citizen’s digital wallet has faced criticism from rival political parties. However, the party has explained its strategy to the Election Commission, affirming that it’s not just a political tactic. The plan aims at stimulating the local economy and uses block-chain technology to ensure that the money must be spent within six months and within 4 kilometers of each recipient’s registered address. The controversial plan has drawn criticisms from economists, legal experts, and politicians, with many warning that its estimated cost of over 500 billion baht could lead to a financial burden for the country. Some even argue that the proposed digital wallet scheme may violate the Currency Act. Former Bank of Thailand governor Tarisa Watanagase has labeled the plan “irresponsible,” suggesting that the government would have to take out massive loans to finance it. In response, Pheu Thai remains confident…

In recent weeks, political parties have been campaigning on a variety of topics, yet one crucial aspect has been noticeably absent: innovation. Pun-Arj, an expert in the field, expressed his disappointment at the lack of emphasis placed on innovation by Thai political parties, despite the significant advantages it brings. He explained, “In today’s leading countries, politicians understand the importance of innovation policies for encouraging growth, fostering entrepreneurial competitiveness, increasing gross domestic income, creating new high-paying jobs, and enhancing their global positioning.” Innovation, he described, is “a novel idea, approach, or device meticulously crafted to offer fresh solutions to existing challenges.” It plays a crucial role in maintaining Thailand’s economic growth, improving the quality of life, and addressing social disparities. Pun-Arj cited several examples from other countries that are leveraging innovation to spur development and resolve social issues: – China: An innovation-driven development strategy is central to the nation’s aspirations for…

The historic Mahakan Fort in Phra Nakhon district was constructed during the reign of King Rama I as a protective measure for the capital. Out of the original 14 forts, only two still stand today. As the city of Bangkok undergoes modern development and urban expansion, considerable attention is being paid to preserving its rich history and heritage, particularly in the Rattanakosin Island old town area. The Fine Arts Department, dedicated to conserving historic sites, has expressed concerns over the new extension of the Purple Line that will pass through this remarkable old town. However, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has given their word to collaborate closely with the department, aiming to keep potential harm to historical sites at a minimum when proposing plans for the new line’s construction. With a budget of 101 billion baht, the Southern Purple Line (Tao Pun-Rat Burana) is already 8% complete…

Political parties in Bangkok have transformed Phahon Yothin Road into a vibrant display of campaign posters, as Thailand gears up for the forthcoming elections. Amidst this atmosphere, the Election Commission (EC) has announced an innovative initiative to tackle electoral corruption, by inviting citizens to report instances of vote buying or fraud through its “Ta Sapparot” (pineapple eyes) mobile app. This user-friendly platform, which is available on Android and iOS devices, enables users to anonymously submit information on elections-related malpractice. In addition to the app, the EC has provided alternative channels for the public to submit any complaints about potential wrongdoing. People have the option to make a phone call to the dedicated hotline numbers, 02-141-8860, 02-141-8579, or 02-141-8858. For an even faster response, they can call the EC’s own 1444 hotline number. The EC is offering enticing cash rewards to whistleblowers, starting at 100,000 baht and reaching up to a…

In an effort to improve healthcare services for migrant workers, refugees, and ethnic communities, a pilot project utilizing eye and facial recognition technology has been developed by the Department of Disease Control in Thailand, along with its partners, the Thai Red Cross Society and the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (Nectec). The project is aimed at collecting patient data for individuals who have lost their identification documents, facilitating better access to essential health services. The pilot project will be launched in five provinces, including Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Tak, and Chon Buri. During its first iteration last year, the initiative successfully collected personal identification data of 60,000 people, demonstrating promises of increased efficiency in healthcare processes for public health officials. In preparation for this expansion, the department is currently coordinating documents, equipment, and training courses for staff and local public health volunteers in the five target provinces.…

Riding the wave of TikTok fame, Jury Numkaew, a southern Thai influencer, is making a splash in the Songkhla political scene as he runs for MP under the Chartpattanakla Party banner. As the May 14 election approaches, all eyes are on Songkhla’s nine constituencies, with numerous parties vying for seats. Among them, one standout candidate is Jury Numkaew, popularly known as Auntie Jury on TikTok, who is running in the Hat Yai district, Constituency 2. With a staggering million-strong follower count, Jury is no stranger to the limelight. He is known for his unique take on news broadcasts, where he anchors in a distinct southern Thai dialect while dressed as an aunt. His dedication to his community is evident through his e-commerce initiatives that aim to improve the living standards of the people in his hometown. Jury’s online popularity has led some parties to offer him as much as 50…

Surat Thani law enforcement has been intensely searching for Pol Snr Sgt Maj Atthaporn Wichian, 46, from the Khirirat Nikhom police station, after a brutal attack on his father-in-law’s house. More than 100 police investigators and Surat Thani special task force officers gathered at the Ratchaprapa dam, or Cheow Lan dam, after receiving information suggesting the suspect was in the area. In addition to the original warrant, two more warrants have been approved for the arrest of the defendant on charges of murder. The incident occurred on April 8 when Atthaporn, accompanied by heavily armed men, stormed the residence of his father-in-law in the Khirirat Nikhom district. Four people were killed in the attack, including the homeowner Thammarong Nilniyom, his wife Nilthip Palakachen, Pornsak Phetchu, and the defendant’s older brother, Thammarat Wichian. The latter, also a gunman, is thought to have been shot by one of the victims. Two additional…

Collaborating with 43 different embassies, the Thai Ministry has successfully conveyed their warm wishes and promoted their cultural heritage to countries around the world. This has not only fostered stronger diplomatic relations, but also highlighted the beauty of Thai customs and traditions. Participating Embassies and Wishes Several countries from Australia to the United States participated in this project, sharing their best wishes through videos posted on their mission’s social media accounts. The Minister thanked the participating nations for their support, and welcomed the global community to immerse themselves in Thai culture. Notably, this year’s Songkran celebration holds special significance as UNESCO evaluates Thailand’s submission for the Thai New Year festival to be recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The decision is expected in December, prompting increased appreciation and understanding of the festival’s true value among international tourists. Embassy Video Highlights A range of creative and heartfelt wishes were shared through the…

Throngs of Tourists Arriving for Songkran Festivities in Chiang Mai Chiang Mai is set to welcome a large number of tourists this coming Thursday to Sunday, as they gather to participate in the much-awaited Songkran celebrations. The province is buzzing with a variety of festivities, guaranteeing a memorable experience for all attendees. A Diverse Selection of Activities The event boasts an array of activities for visitors, including a traditional merit-making ritual, a coveted Songkran beauty pageant, and a ceremonial water showering of venerated Buddha statues. Unique Tunnel Sprinklers Attracting Tourists With Chiang Mai experiencing quite hot weather, the 50-meter long tunnel sprinklers are proving to be a major hit among tourists seeking relief from the heat. Clean Waterways and Alleviated Congestion Measures Concerned about the influx of visitors, provincial authorities have unveiled plans to release 1 million cubic meters of water per day from the Mae Ngat Somboon Chon dam…