In the vibrant coastal paradise of Phuket, where the clear waters and sandy beaches invite tourists from around the globe, a storm of a different nature is making waves. A corruption scandal has emerged, casting shadows over the sunny disposition of this tropical island. The protagonist in this drama is Deputy Mayor Thaworn Chirapattanasophon, who now finds himself staring at the walls of a prison cell for the next four years. What was his crime? The downfall began with a mismanaged construction project involving the Bang Yai Canal—an endeavor that sounds grandiose but remains incomplete. The controversy blossomed from an extension granted for this project without apparent rhyme or reason, causing what authorities describe as “significant state damage.” Not exactly an accolade for a tropical wonderland known for its hospitality and breathtaking vistas. In an unfolding narrative that has captured both local and national authorities’ attention, the National Anti-Corruption Commission…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In the lively realm of Thai politics, there’s no shortage of drama and surprises. As the sun beats down on this vibrant Southeast Asian nation this summer of 2025, the political arena is heating up in more ways than one. At the heart of the action is the Bhumjaithai Party, which has plans on the horizon to shake things up by initiating a no-confidence motion against none other than Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. However, like a well-crafted suspense novel, this plot twist might take a little longer to unfold. According to Wisut Chai-aroon, the chief government whip extraordinaire, the much-anticipated showdown could be slated for the latter part of July. Consider this a lesson in politics 101: while the newly minted opposition party is eager to dive into the fray, patience is a virtue not to be underestimated. Bhumjaithai’s declaration that they would slap down a no-confidence motion on July…
In a pursuit that could rival a Hollywood thriller, investigators from Immigration Division 3 went undercover as fitness trainers to arrest an elusive international criminal right in the heart of Thailand. This dramatic tale unfolded on June 24, when authorities captured Finnish national Daniel Reijo Karvonen, who was stealthily hiding while being pursued for heinous crimes, including murder and a slew of drug-related activities. The clock struck 1:30 PM when Police Major General Chairit Anurit, the head honcho of Immigration Division 3, gave the go-ahead. The mission: apprehend Karvonen, who was the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice from Norway. For a while, officers meticulously tailed the movements of Karvonen, finally confirming his covert residence. With evidence in hand, they devised a clever plan to nab him. Disguised as fitness trainers, they infiltrated a condominium gym in Hua Hin district, blending seamlessly into the milieu like extras in a blockbuster…
In a move that has set tongues wagging from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Thailand has decided to tighten the reins around its burgeoning cannabis industry. On June 24, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin inked a game-changing regulation that aims to put brakes on the country’s liberal approach to cannabis. Flashing a stern visage like a no-nonsense headmaster, Somsak declared that from now on, scoring some herb won’t be as simple as popping into your neighborhood cannabis shop for a quick transaction. Oh no, aspiring puffers will now need a special slip—straight from a doctor’s desk—to partake in this leafy delight. Indeed, the days of casually strolling into a green-swathed shop and buying cannabis will soon be a wistful memory. The prescription-only rule signifies a seismic shift in legislation—as colossal as a Godzilla-esque sea monster of bureaucracy plodding into town. In this plot twist, any budding enthusiast must first cozy up…
In a dramatic turn of events that could rival a crime thriller, a Swedish national found himself handcuffed in the idyllic yet pulsating paradise of Pattaya. The man in question, known as Ludde, a 39-year-old who perhaps thought he could blend into the vibrant tapestry of Thai life, now faces serious allegations of orchestrating a major fraud. The story reads like a cautionary tale, highlighting the prowess and determination of law enforcement in tracking down those who attempt to exploit international lines of jurisdiction to elude justice. The dramatic arrest unfolded in a condominium nestled within Pattaya’s tourist district—a place that, under normal circumstances, might be filled with the buzz of holidaymakers rather than the flash of police badges. Yet, for Ludde, this was a curtain call he was unlikely expecting. The cause? A red notice from European authorities who were hot on his trail. Apparently, Ludde was the mastermind…
In a heartwarming tale from the Isaan province of Udon Thani, a plucky black stray kitten has captured the hearts of locals and the internet alike after an incredible feat of survival. This tenacious feline held on for dear life, clinging to the drive shaft of a car for a jaw-dropping journey of 240 kilometers, unwittingly embarking on an adventure that would soon see her finding a forever home. The story unfolds with Wipachet Soikliao, a 58-year-old railway officer, who, alongside his colleagues, undertook a journey from Udon Thani to Khon Kaen and back again—a round trip that meant more than just a drive. Throughout their travels, an unexpected feline passenger made her presence known not by sight, but by sound; a persistent meowing that echoed from underneath their vehicle. Despite their efforts, the origin of the cries remained a mystery. Upon returning to their headquarters in Udon Thani, it…
Just imagine the delightful setting of Chiang Rai, a fabulous little corner of Thailand where tradition meets a sprinkle of tranquility. Yet, beneath the surface of this peaceful façade lies an unexpected and rather scandalous tale involving, of all things, kratom tea and teenagers. Yes, indeed, a colorful scenario unfolded recently as local authorities descended upon a quaint café nestled comfortably on the meandering Jed Yod Road in the bustling Mueang district. Imagine this: the air punctuated with click-clack sounds as students, ranging from just-three-years-shy-of-adulthood teens to those blossoming into young adulthood, gather to play mobile games and sip their kratom-infused teas. The piquant aroma of Mitragyna speciosa wafts through the air, adding a sense of rebellion to their caffeine-free rendezvous. The scene could be mistaken for a youthful tea party, if not for the fact that the drink of choice here was kratom tea—a stimulant that raised more than…
The early hours of June 25 brought with them an adrenaline-fueled rescue mission, as the hushed serenity of Tri Trang Beach’s surroundings was shattered by drama and urgency. In the pre-dawn darkness, two riders found themselves trapped in an unforgiving ravine after their motorbike veered off the path along the road leading south from Patong. At precisely 3:05 a.m., a distress call echoed through the communication lines of the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation, setting in motion a sequence of events that underscored the vital role of quick-thinking heroes. The emergency alert spoke of a motorbike calamity; a grim narrative that saw its riders stranded amidst steep danger, crying out for timely intervention. The Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation, never tardy in their civic duty, launched a swift response from their branches in Khuan Yang and Kathu. As they reached the scene, their flashlights pierced the night, revealing a scene worthy of any gripping…
Sunthorn announced that, on behalf of the BMA, he was delighted to welcome the distinguished GGGI delegation to Benjakitti Park, a jewel among Bangkok’s green sanctuaries. This lush urban oasis is a cornerstone in the city’s ambitious environmental strategic plan. This important visit aligns with the broader cooperation under the Resilient Urban Centres and Surrounds (RUCaS) initiative. This program is laser-focused on fortifying cities’ abilities to withstand and bounce back from the inevitable challenges posed by climate change—a gargantuan global predicament that spares no nation. Benjakitti Park stands as a shining beacon of urban transformation achieved through nature-based ingenuity. It illustrates city planning wizardry with an eye towards reviving urban ecosystems, counteracting the harsh realities of flooding, sweltering heat, and pollution, all while upping the ante on city life quality in eco-friendly fashion. Sunthorn highlighted the park’s astonishing metamorphosis. Once a gritty state-owned industrial complex, it now thrills visitors with…
In a meeting that perfectly blended formality with cross-continental camaraderie, Pimuk Simaroj, acting as Secretary to the Governor of Bangkok, graced the opulent Amornphiman Room at the iconic Bangkok City Hall with distinguished presence. Alongside him was the Saudi Ambassador, his eyes gleaming with prospects of future partnerships. The essence of this meeting? A robust agenda centered around mutual interests that promised to fortify the bond between these two vibrant cities. As cordial discussions unfolded, the Governor of Bangkok and the Saudi Ambassador spiritedly exchanged views on potential avenues for collaboration. Among the exciting prospects was the notion of forging a sister-city relationship, a bridge of friendship that could see Bangkok and Riyadh pooling their uniqueness and strengths to benefit their respective communities. Encouragingly, the Ambassador extended a warm invitation to the Governor of Bangkok to experience the wonders of Riyadh firsthand, while reciprocally, the Governor extended an equally warm…