In a bid to rejuvenate the economic lifeblood of Thailand’s southern border provinces, the government is poised to present a substantial 15-billion-baht soft loan proposal to the cabinet. Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong elaborates that this financial initiative is part of grander plans aimed at rebuilding economic equilibrium and facilitating fair access to credit in regions grappling with conflict. Speaking at an insightful seminar named “Enhancing Transparency in Financial Systems and Effective Law Enforcement for Equitable Credit Access,” held in the enthralling locale of Yala just yesterday, Pol Col Tawee underscored the vital importance of such efforts. This gathering was orchestrated by the House Commission on Consumer Protection, championing apt financial services for the spirited folks living in the Deep South. A myriad of attendees, from local entrepreneurs and curious government officials to erudite scholars and the eager media, graced the event with their presence. The seminar was more…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
As the sun began to dip below the horizon in the vibrant province of Phuket, a crowd of eager tourists boarded a ferry, their chatter blending with the gentle lapping of the waves. The picturesque landscape was a testament to Thailand’s enduring allure, even in a year shadowed by challenges. Yet, hope was on the horizon—12 compelling ‘green season’ campaigns were set to reignite the spark of domestic tourism in the Land of Smiles. (Photo: Achadtaya Chuenniran) In an ambitious bid to breathe new life into domestic travel, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled a dozen innovative campaigns. The rainy season, typically quieter, was now destined to become a canvas for exploration and excitement, all with the notable aim of amassing a whopping 1.17 trillion baht in tourism revenues by the end of 2025. Sasikarn Watthanachan, a deputy government spokeswoman, announced on Sunday the collaborative effort between TAT and…

Ex-Abbot Yaem Inkrungkao’s 300 Million Baht Scandal Unfolds at Wat Rai Khing Temple in Nakhon Pathom
In a captivating twist of events, the serene grounds of Wat Rai Khing temple in Nakhon Pathom have been thrust into the limelight amidst an embroiling financial scandal. The tranquil life of meditation and mindfulness at the temple has taken a sharp detour as former abbot, Yaem Inkrungkao, finds himself at the epicenter of an alleged 300-million-baht embezzlement case. Surrendering at the Central Investigation Bureau in Bangkok just last Thursday, the abbot’s arrest has cast a revealing spotlight on the temple’s financial dealings. Amidst the lush greenery and tranquil serenity of Samphran, the buzzing murmur around Wat Rai Khing has been anything but peaceful. Pol Maj Gen Prasong Chalermpan, leading the anti-corruption division police, has immersed himself and his team in the meticulous examination of the temple’s numerous bank accounts. The accounts, over 20 in total, reportedly serve a variety of purposes – from receiving heartfelt donations to transactions from…
Picture this: it was an ordinary day in Yala, or so everyone thought. Suddenly, the air was pierced by the sharp clatter of M-16 rifles and the resounding booms of shotguns, turning the tranquil base of Nang Kaew Mountain into a scene straight out of a dramatic action movie. At the center of this chaos were the brave officers of a security protection unit, caught unawares by unidentified insurgents while changing shifts. The insidious assault left two officers nursing injuries and sent shockwaves through the Lam Mai subdistrict. As the sun set on May 17th, the radio center in Lam Mai district crackled with reports of the shocking attack. The insurgents, veiled in secrecy, unleashed their fury just as Suden Mayingo and Afandi Saba, invariably dedicated to their duty, were transitioning shifts at Thung Sadao checkpoint. Tragically, their routine patrol was violently interrupted. Suden, a seasoned 47-year-old, suffered wounds to…
In the lush and picturesque province of Chumphon, a troubling saga is unfolding amidst the verdant landscape. A well-organized syndicate of investors, powerful individuals, and certain state officials finds itself embroiled in a clandestine operation, capitalizing on palm oil harvesting in what ought to be a pristine, protected forest stretching over a vast 20,000 rai. Meanwhile, the local residents are not taking this sitting down; they’re planning to rally their resolve by petitioning the Prime Minister to uphold the government’s policy of community land allocation. For over a month now, the determined locals, comprised of former veterans and community members, have gathered at the Mueang Chumphon district’s community pavilion, demanding decisive action from the government. The roots of this dilemma trace back to two massive palm plantations nestled within the national reserved forests of Rab Ro and Salui, sprawling across more than 23,000 rai. The concession that once permitted such…
In a thrilling mix of mystery and intrigue, the tranquil town of Chon Buri was shaken awake, not by a loud bang or a bustling riot, but by a whisper of crime that lined the pockets of the dishonest. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), those hawk-eyed guardians of the law, swooped down on an unsuspecting 54-year-old maid this picturesque Sunday morning, their target: a labyrinth of tax evasion estimated to tower at a staggering 430 million baht. The serene car park of an apartment building in Sri Racha’s Surasak district was abruptly stirred by the procedural hum of police activity. There, in what seemed like an odd juxtaposition of crime and simplicity, stood Ms. Somboon, the unsuspecting protagonist of this fiscal drama. The CIB officers, with the agility of panthers and paperwork in hand, moved swiftly. Ms. Somboon, identified only by her first name — an enigmatic figure caught in…
The peaceful calm of a quaint Chon Buri housing estate was shattered when a scene right out of a thriller unfolded, stirring local residents into an uproar. Picture this: a bewildered foreign resident stands in the midst of chaos, clutching one of his robust pit bulls, while the other inquisitively inspects the tragic casualty—a local dog, its life snuffed out in a vicious attack. The haunting image has ignited a firestorm of outrage and trepidation among the otherwise serene community in Bang Lamung district. The setting of this tense tale is Areeya housing estate, nestled in Moo 7 of the Nong Prue subdistrict. In an unfortunate turn of events, the tranquility of this charming enclave has been replaced with dismay as residents grapple with fear following the shocking mauling of a beloved local canine by the foreign neighbor’s unchecked pit bulls. A cloud of anxiety now looms large, especially for…
Picture bright blue skies, the sound of distant cheers, and the whoosh of a homemade rocket launching into the air. This is the annual Bun Bang Fai festival in the picturesque province of Phetchabun, a vibrant celebration that hosts thrilling rocket competitions. Since May 2018, enthusiasts and onlookers alike have flocked to this event, making it a highlight in the festival season. However, with such fiery excitement comes a certain need for caution. The government has been stepping up its enforcement of regulations surrounding these rocket launches, especially in proximity to airports. Violators might find themselves facing the cold harshness of legal repercussions—up to five years behind bars, a 200,000 baht fine, or perhaps both. Sounds like a party spoiler, doesn’t it? Deputy government spokesman Karom Polpornklang emphasized the necessity for public awareness. The Ministry of Transport, through the Department of Airports, is amplifying its voice about the perils of…
In the lush province of Chanthaburi, nestled in the heart of Thailand, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra found herself amidst a lively orchard, attempting the artful task of cutting a durian fruit. The aromatic scene was set as she simultaneously engaged with local fruit farmers and entrepreneurs, who had gathered to discuss their plight and propose initiatives that could transform the nation’s fruit industry. Among the vibrant discussions was a bold and dynamic proposal: recruit Thailand’s own global superstar, Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal from the world-famed K-pop group, to spearhead an international campaign promoting Thai fruits. With Lisa’s magnetic charm and massive following, farmers are optimistic about broadening Thailand’s fruit market reach well beyond the familiar territories of China. This could potentially elevate annual fruit exports from their current valuation of 200–300 billion baht to an impressive 500 billion baht. Imagine the world savoring succulent Thai mangoes or indulging in the unique…
In an exciting development for Thailand’s beer lovers and small brewers, a recent cabinet decision has set the stage for seismic shifts within the country’s alcoholic beverage market. The green light was given for amendments to the 2022 ministerial regulation on alcohol production, signaling new opportunities for small-scale brewers and merchants to bolster their offerings. It’s a decision that has been hailed by many as a breakthrough, granting significant freedoms for the distribution of craft beer across the nation. On May 13, the cabinet approved in principle a draft ministerial regulation, setting a new trajectory for small brewers. Proposed by the Finance Ministry’s Excise Department, these changes aim to slash the red tape for new producers, bringing an invigorating wave of ease for small-scale and community-oriented brewers. Such efforts are harmonized with the government’s intents to uplift local competitiveness, nurture community incomes, and encourage the use of home-grown agricultural products.…