Amidst the scenic landscapes of the greater Mekong subregion (GMS), a struggle unfolds, one that necessitates cross-border and multisectoral cooperation to combat the shadowy world of illicit drugs. Enter the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), helmed by the dynamic Ghada Fathi Waly, who, in a recent discussion with the Bangkok Post, elucidated a compelling strategy. The fight against illicit drug farming, she asserted, is about much more than uprooting illegal crops—it’s about reshaping livelihoods and futures. “Imagine farmers who, amidst verdant fields, cultivate crops like opium poppies not out of malice, but out of sheer necessity to feed their families,” Ms. Waly empathized. “What they need is a sustainable way forward—a chance at legitimate incomes.” With fervor, she laid out a blueprint that involves creating scalable, sustainable livelihoods for these farmers. This means business training, market access, empowering women in rural settings, and a green-minded approach to…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Maj Gen Dr. Riengthong Nanna, the dynamic leader and owner of Mongkutwattana Hospital, recently announced a bold move that has sent ripples through the healthcare community. The hospital, known for its robust healthcare services, decided to cease treating outpatient referrals under the universal coverage healthcare card, popularly recognized as the gold card scheme. This decision is part of a strategic effort to mitigate financial losses. The gold card scheme, managed by the National Health Security Office (NHSO), has been a cornerstone in providing accessible healthcare to millions. However, according to Dr. Nanna, the NHSO has faltered on its commitment to settle outstanding debts for outpatient referrals since March, leading to a staggering 44 million baht shortfall for Mongkutwattana Hospital. “Continuing to serve referred outpatients without payment jeopardizes the hospital’s survival,” Dr. Nanna emphasized, reminiscing about a similar financial predicament in 2020 that had culminated in a 13.2 million baht debt.…
In a vibrant fusion of culture and healthcare, cancer patients can be seen twirling with their caregivers, their faces aglow with the joy of traditional dance. This scene unfolds during a lively music therapy session at a hospital in Pathum Thani, resonating with hope and resilience. Despite such inspirational moments, a storm is brewing in the backdrop. Experts are sounding alarm bells about the future of the Cancer Anywhere (CA) programme, urging the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to reconsider its continuation. Launched in 2021, the Cancer Anywhere initiative marked a significant shift in Thailand’s healthcare landscape. It brought newfound flexibility to cancer treatment by allowing patients under the universal healthcare scheme—known locally as the 30-baht gold card programme—to choose any participating hospital for treatment. This was a game-changer for many who were previously tethered to smaller, less-equipped regional hospitals. It seemed like a dream come true, as patients no…
Bangkok witnessed a remarkable moment as the city’s vibrant streets bore witness to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s announcement of her government’s accomplishments on December 12. The event marked a celebration not just of governmental milestones, but also the recognition of Ms. Paetongtarn’s formidable influence on the global stage, as noted by Forbes Magazine. Listed as one of the “100 World’s Most Powerful Women 2024,” she clinched the 29th spot globally, and impressively, third in Asia. This illustrious list sees her closely following Sandy Ran Xu, the maestro steering JD.com at the 27th spot, and Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s stalwart Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs at number 28. The Southeast Asian contingent on the list further includes illustrious names such as Ho Ching, the strategic chairwoman of Temasek Trust, sitting at 32nd; Indonesia’s financial powerhouse, Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati at 49th; Singapore’s banking leader, Group CEO of OCBC, Helen Wong, at…
In quite the dramatic turn of events at the Ministry of Culture’s office in Bangkok, Saturday saw the emergence of an unexpected spectacle. Imagine this: a bustling food court, a haven of delicious aromas and vibrant chatter, suddenly transformed into the scene of a law enforcement operation. This unanticipated Saturday showdown had all the makings of a blockbuster movie, minus the Hollywood scripts. Deep in the heart of Bangkok’s lively Huai Khwang district, a duo was apprehended for their alleged involvement in loansharking activities. These two individuals found themselves in a culinary hotspot, not for a gourmet experience, but on the radar of the Crime Suppression Division. The suspense unfolded over grilled delights and noodle bowls at the Ministry’s food court, where they were quietly collecting payments under not-so-savory circumstances. The audacious tale began to unravel when vigilant informants tipped off the authorities about a shadowy alliance dubbed the “Toh…
Imagine a land where vibrant landscapes and serene beaches suddenly find themselves caught up in nature’s unrelenting dance. Welcome to Southern Thailand, where the captivating charm of places like Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, and Surat Thani was momentarily hushed by a dramatic twist of weather. The rains! Oh, how they poured, transforming bustling towns into watery labyrinths, leaving bus and rail routes in a state of suspense. In the picturesque province of Chumphon, the flooding fairy tale spanned across Muang, Pathiu, Sawi, and Thung Tako districts. Meanwhile, over in Nakhon Si Thammarat, the relentless deluge made its presence felt in a whopping eleven districts, including Cha-uat, Chalerm Prakiat, and the quaint seaside town of Khanom. Similarly, the rains danced over Ranong, affecting areas like Kraburi and La-un, leaving the locals and visitors agog at the power of nature. The story in Surat Thani was no different. Places known for…
In the early hours of a seemingly tranquil Sunday, the serene tourist paradise of Koh Samui turned into a heart-pounding race against time. On this fateful morning, rescue workers and soldiers were locked in a courageous battle against both nature and time, striving to locate two missing Myanmar construction workers who had vanished beneath a torrent of mud after a landslide. The picturesque island, known for its sandy beaches and lush landscapes, was now the scene of a frantic rescue operation as tragedy struck at the break of dawn. The disaster unfolded at a resort development site perched precariously on a mountain slope in the quaint nook of Soi Hima Thong, nestled within the Maret sub-district. As the clock ticked towards the early hours, a sudden, thunderous roar ripped through the air, jolting eight workers from their slumber. Awestruck and terrified, they beheld the grim reality: one of their shelters…
In a dramatic turn of events reminiscent of a thrilling crime movie, the serene atmosphere of the Ministry of Culture’s office in Huai Khwang district was shattered by a police operation this past Saturday. The usually bustling food court, known for its variety of delectable snacks and hearty lunches, became the scene of a significant law enforcement breakthrough as two individuals were apprehended under charges of loansharking. This unfolding drama was brought to light by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), who made the monumental announcement on Sunday, under the stewardship of their vigilant chief, Pol Maj Gen Montree Theskhan. The plot thickened when it was revealed that a notorious gang, ominously dubbed “Toh Flash & Fluke”, was behind this audacious operation. It turned out that many of the unsuspecting vendors at this food court, who the community knew for their cherished meals and sincere smiles, were ensnared in a web…
In the bustling city of Bangkok, a sense of pride filled the air as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stepped up to the podium on December 12th to spotlight her government’s remarkable achievements. The stylish and dynamic leader had yet another feather to add to her cap, as she was recently hailed by Forbes Magazine as one of the “100 World’s Most Powerful Women 2024.” With her exuberant charisma, it wasn’t surprising that Paetongtarn was ranked 29th worldwide, and an impressive third in Asia. The region’s list also included other powerhouse women, notable as much for their influence as their trailblazing journeys. Leading up the ranks just ahead of her were Sandy Ran Xu, the savvy CEO of the Chinese e-commerce titan JD.com, at 27th place, and India’s Finance and Corporate Affairs savvy Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, who held the 28th spot. Further down the list, Southeast Asia made a strong showing…
In a twist worthy of a gripping crime novel, an arrest in Thailand’s northeastern province of Chaiyaphum has led to the unraveling of a complex scam operation that might leave even the craftiest of screenwriters in awe. Picture this: a seemingly ordinary house nestled in the serene landscapes of Chaiyaphum, where the air resonates with tranquility. Yet, behind these tranquil walls, a plot thicker than a bowl of tom yum soup was brewing. The center of this intrigue? A 40-year-old woman, known to the world only as Parichat. Her role in this drama? Allegedly nothing less than a linchpin in a scam syndicate that reached across borders, ensnaring none other than Charlotte Austin, a Thai-British beauty queen, in their deceitful web, relieving her of 4 million baht, a sum enough to make any wallet weep. As the tale unfolds, it seems that Parichat, along with her partner in crime —…