In the bustling heart of Buriram province, a tale unfolded that could easily rival any dramatic TV series. Meet Patchara, a spirited 32-year-old restaurant owner who found herself entangled in a financial web spun by a cunning bank employee. This seemingly ordinary story of a loan gone awry has elements of trust, betrayal, and the quest for justice, making it more riveting than one might expect. It all began innocuously enough when Patchara was approached by an acquaintance who worked at a local bank. This individual, who Patchara considered a trustworthy friend, pitched a seemingly harmless idea. The bank employee needed to meet commission targets, and in a gesture of camaraderie, Patchara was asked to help by taking out a loan. The pitch was simple and wrapped in the guise of teamwork – no harm, no foul. Convinced by the charm and apparent sincerity of the employee, Patchara agreed to…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In an ambitious move set to reshape Thailand’s aviation landscape, Vietjet and Boeing have recently signed a groundbreaking deal to transfer up to 50 sleek Boeing 737 aircraft to Vietjet Thailand. This decisive agreement was celebrated with all the diplomatic flourish you might expect, as it was witnessed by no less than Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was making her first official visit to Vietnam in over a decade. A Vietjet spokesperson aptly summed up the spirit of the accord saying, “This agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening aviation and tourism ties between Thailand, Vietnam, and ASEAN.” Truly, it’s a deal that soars well beyond the confines of mere commercial interests, signaling deepening cooperation and mutual aspirations in the region’s bustling aviation and tourism sectors. The aircraft, they are part of Vietjet’s massive 200-plane armada order from Boeing, are set to…
In a riveting turn of events, the Thai cabinet has officially given the green light to a monumental fiscal plan, clocking in at an astonishing 3.78 trillion baht for the fiscal year of 2026. This significant development was proudly announced by none other than Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during an eagerly anticipated press briefing on Tuesday. The budget bill, crafted with precision by the diligent Budget Bureau, has successfully navigated through the intricate webs of legal scrutiny by the Council of State, the government’s formidable legal armada. With all the necessary approvals in place, this extensive blueprint for the nation’s future is set to make its grand entrance to the House of Representatives, where an intense first reading is scheduled to ignite the chamber from May 28 to May 30. Proudly, Ms. Paetongtarn recounted that the wheels of consensus have already been oiled with meaningful discussions among coalition parties, leading…
In the bustling corridors of power where policy meets practicality, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stands at the helm, navigating the unpredictable seas of governance with a deft touch. It’s no easy feat, especially when faced with the task of postponing the eagerly awaited third phase of the 10,000-baht handout programme. Promised initially under the dynamic leadership of the Pheu-Thai administration, this initiative aimed to provide financial relief to millions and was the talk of the town. Yet, as every seasoned skipper knows, the winds of fate can be fickle. The announcement came as a surprise to many, who had been holding their breath in anticipation. The Prime Minister, however, was quick to explain the proverbial storm cloud that had gathered unexpectedly overhead. “Unforeseen circumstances,” she echoed, pointing a finger across the oceans to the lands of Uncle Sam. The United States’ reciprocal tariffs have played the role of party pooper,…
Some exciting times are brewing at the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) as they’re rolling full steam ahead with plans for a major investment in the Inland Container Depot located in Bangkok’s bustling Lat Krabang district. After years of delays, the project train seems to be right on track. If murmurs from SRT governor Veeris Ammarapala are anything to go by, a contract signing is expected to chug along before the year closes out. Just last Thursday, the board gave a green light to a fresh study unveiling a business road map that took the form of a public-private partnership—or PPP, if you’re on a first-name basis—a model where the private player collects the booty and splits some doubloons with the state. This framework aims to ensure the depot not only scratches financial viability but turns it into a runway success. The brains of Thammasat University conducted this study, tossing…
In the bustling city of Bangkok, along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, passengers aboard ferries can be spotted donning face masks. This precaution is not only against the looming threat of Covid-19 but also the ever-present specter of ultra-fine dust pollution. Even in the crisp air of a January morning, the city doesn’t let its guard down. Fast forward to today, the Public Health Ministry of Thailand is on high alert. Not letting its defenses slide for even a moment, it is vigilantly monitoring a new adversary: the rapidly spreading XEC variant of Covid-19. This latest mutation has raised eyebrows and quickened pulses, as current statistics reveal that it transmits at a dizzying pace—seven times faster than the conventional flu. Minister Somsak Thepsuthin has sounded a call to arms, rallying resources and human efforts to shield those most susceptible to this viral onslaught, particularly within schools. Minister Somsak…
In the spotlight of a complex crossroads stands Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, poised to make a pivotal decision that could chart the course of Thailand’s defense strategy. With the clock ticking, Wechayachai finds himself at the helm of the 13.5-billion-baht submarine procurement project, a contentious deal that has lingered in the nation’s discourse like an unsolved mystery waiting to unfold. Originally inked under a government-to-government treaty with the industrious China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co., the submarine saga is not just a tale of maritime engineering but one that’s tangled with international diplomacy, national pride, and meticulous planning. Construction of the sleek underwater behemoth was sailing smoothly until the waters muddied with the Covid-19 Pandemic’s sudden arrival, causing an unexpected halt. Just when it seemed the voyage might continue, an engine saga of epic proportions blew in strong gales of uncertainty. The original script called for the heartbeat of the…
Amid the hustle and bustle of Thailand’s capital, a new chapter of urban transport unfolds. A sleek, pink monorail effortlessly glides through the skyline, its motif blending perfectly with the vibrancy of the city. This is the Pink Line monorail, now extended to the sprawling venues of Muang Thong Thani, a place synonymous with events that draw throngs of people from everywhere. As of May 2025, this newly minted stretch of the Pink Line promises to do much more than merge points A and B—it’s set to revolutionize how people experience travel in this dynamic cityscape. The ribbon was officially snipped on a bustling Tuesday, marking the extension’s grand opening, an occasion eagerly anticipated by local commuters and event-goers alike. Until June 16, the curious and the daily commuters enjoy a golden opportunity: free trial rides. Such offerings often mean crowded cars filled with laughter and snapshots, as passengers savor…
The critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin in Songkhla Lake faces a precarious future, with their population dwindling to a mere 17. This alarming decline has spurred the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment into action, racing against time to rescue this beloved species and rejuvenate the lake’s delicate ecosystem. On a recent visit to the lake, Minister Chalermchai Sri-on was emphatic about the need to balance conservation efforts with development, to mesh the ecological and economic future of the area seamlessly. Irrawaddy dolphins are among the rarest marine mammals, and Songkhla Lake is one of the few freshwater sanctuaries they inhabit. However, these dolphins are teetering on the brink of extinction, raising the stakes for conservationists and local authorities committed to their survival. Singular in its resolve, the ministry has rolled out a comprehensive 10-year conservation initiative spanning from 2024 to 2033. This ambitious program is set on three robust pillars:…
Amidst the tranquil surroundings of Thailand’s famed Wat Rai Khing, a storm brewed that now captures national headlines. Since May 17, the serene façade has been overshadowed by a financial controversy of immense proportions. The former abbot, now a figure of intrigue, finds himself ensnared in the nets of justice, as police dig deeper into a sprawling embezzlement case that has left the public reeling. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), in collaboration with anti-corruption bodies, stormed into Wat Rai Khing following the whisper of extensive financial anomalies and undisclosed monetary trails. Their return on Tuesday marked a critical step in the probe, as they sifted through a labyrinth of financial documents, unearthing the temple’s multifarious bank accounts. In a sensational twist, investigators discovered an incredible tally of 49 accounts—far surpassing the meager four officially declared to the National Office of Buddhism. Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew of the CIB minced…