When you stroll along the now-uncluttered pavement adjacent to Klong Toey Market on Rama IV Road, it’s hard to imagine that it was once bustling with the hustle and bustle of street vendors. This newfound spaciousness comes after the recent dismantling of the Lao Market—known locally as Rim Khlong Hua Lamphong Market. This vibrant yet chaotic market had been a staple in the area for nearly two decades. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has stepped up its game, launching an ambitious plan to breathe new life into one of the city’s oldest and most beloved fresh markets. By April, the sidewalk transformation promises to give Klong Toey Market a cleaner, more orderly appearance, making it not just a market, but an experience worth indulging in. Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, recently reflected on the market’s long-standing presence in Klong Toey District. Since 2005, over 100 meters of pedestrian space had been…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Over the past two decades, the world has witnessed a stark contrast between the casualties of smoking and vaping—a surprising tale of numbers that raises eyebrows and questions. Fewer than 100 souls have succumbed to vaping, while a staggering 100 million people have perished from smoking traditional cigarettes. In Thailand alone, tobacco greedily claims 71,000 lives annually, whereas vaping maintains a clean slate with no reported deaths. So, one can’t help but wonder, why are cigarettes readily available in every corner store while e-cigarettes face the cold shoulder of a governmental ban? In the alluring lands of Thailand, Dave Kendall, alongside Asa Saligupta, the president of Ends Cigarette Smoking Thailand, takes us on an eye-opening exploration to unravel these perplexing questions. Prepare to be engaged and enlightened as we dive into the intriguing world of vaping versus traditional tobacco—a saga of health risks, policy conundrums, and the curious case of…
The air was thick with anticipation at the beginning of 2025, as property developers eagerly looked towards the horizon, hoping the government would act swiftly to extend stimulus measures from yesteryears to the present day. They believed in the magic these measures held to revive a flagging housing market. Nay, they implored. The urgency was palpable, as echoed by Nuttaphong Kunakornwong, the astute chief executive of SC Asset Corporation, a major player in the property development game. He painted a stark picture of the market, shadowed by economic clouds that have been looming since last year. “Potential homebuyers, blessed with purchasing power, have donned their ‘cautious consumer’ caps,” Nuttaphong mused, “while financial institutions are holding the purse strings a little too tightly, making mortgages a tough nut to crack.” Cast your mind back to the good old days of 2024, when transfer and mortgage fee discounts sprinkled some much-needed fairy…
In the realm of political intrigue and public unrest, few stories have captivated the nation as much as the one involving Chaiyamparwaan Manpianjit, a Bangkok MP under the banner of the Thai Progressive Party. As the sands of February trickle through the hourglass of 2025, the political atmosphere is charged with tension and uncertainty, much like the first act of a gripping thriller. Accusations as serious as a thunderclap in a summer storm hang over Mr. Chaiyamparwaan, with allegations of rape following a regrettable encounter in the serene city of Chiang Mai. The alleged incident, reportedly occurring in the shadowy aftermath of a January night spent reveling in the local nightlife, has stirred the pot of public opinion, leaving a bitter taste for many. The Thai Progressive Party, ensnared in the web of this scandal, has yet to expel the embattled MP. Instead, they find themselves penned in a peculiar…
There’s a palpable buzz in the lively streets of Old Town Phuket, as this vibrant island province sets its sights high on reaching the extraordinary goal of 500 billion baht in tourism revenue this year. The province’s governor, Sophon Suwannarat, shares a hint of excitement in his voice when talking about the island’s prospects. Last year’s wave of visitors was nothing short of impressive, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reporting a staggering influx of 13.14 million tourists. These sun-chasing adventurers left a hefty economic footprint, generating at least 497 billion baht in revenue. For 2025, the stage is set for another dazzling performance, with Phuket determined to hit the 500 billion baht milestone. As Mr. Sophon proudly points out, this tropical haven is a magnet for international globetrotters, second only to the bustling hub of Bangkok in terms of allure and economic impact. “Phuket doesn’t need an endless…
The air was thick with anticipation as the final Senate election round took place at Impact Forum Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi, last June. It wasn’t just any ordinary day for the senators, especially for those who had climbed the ranks to become finalists. Now, they found themselves not only voting for candidates within their professional groups but also under the spotlight, as controversies began stirring within the political cauldron. Amidst this scene, an intriguing dissent has emerged from a faction known as the “New Breed” senators. Their resistance is directed towards a controversial movement backed by another group of senators who aim to oust Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong. The catalyst for this turmoil? A looming probe by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) into rumblings of misconduct during last year’s Senate election. Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit, a prominent voice from the New Breed, has taken to Facebook in a…
Ah, the thrill of politics—filled with suspense, drama, and, of course, a touch of controversy. As the political stage in Nonthaburi heats up, the players in this gripping drama are none other than the illustrious members of Thailand’s Senate. In a tale that uncovers intrigue behind the scenes, the focus turns on a brewing tussle involving the Justice Minister, Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, and a group of senators known as the “New Breed.” In the heart of the action, these senators stand firm against an attempt by a rival group to oust Minister Tawee—just another plot twist in the intricate saga of the Senate election debacle of last year. In a twist that could’ve been scripted by a screenwriter, the ever-vigilant Sen Angkhana Neelapaijit took to Facebook, the modern-day soapbox, to air her opposition. “A reprisal? Over our Senate votes?” she virtually exclaimed, her words reverberating across the digital realm.…
As the warm breeze of June blows through Impact Forum Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi, a crowd of Senate election finalists eagerly await their turn. A sense of anticipation fills the air, not unlike the seasoned scent of popcorn at a summer fair. They’re here to cast their votes, each hoping their choice will yield the future they envision. But behind the poised smiles and controlled postures, there’s a plot thicker than any electioneering pamphlet ever printed. Within this complex web of politics exists a group known as the “New Breed” senators. These modern-day statespeople carry a fresh perspective, and they’re renowned for shaking up the political snow globe. Their latest stance is a stance indeed—refusing to support the removal of Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong. The request came from a dissident faction, uneasy about the Department of Special Investigation’s (DSI) plans to dig into last year’s Senate election…
In what can only be described as a gripping saga of resilience, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra landed in Narathiwat province with a gleaming smile, unshaken by the roar of explosions that had taken place merely an hour before his arrival. As his airplane descended upon Narathiwat airport that fateful Sunday, the echoes of bombings rippled across Yala province the night before. Yet, the former prime minister remained unflappable. Thaksin brushed aside any concerns about his safety during this visit to the troubled deep South, acknowledging with a touch of nonchalance how previous attempts on his life had spectacularly fallen short. “Fear isn’t part of my vocabulary,” he declared, exuding an almost heroic warmth in Narathiwat. “Four assassination attempts and counting, and here I stand, heart as strong as ever.” For Thaksin, the bombing at Narathiwat airport registered merely as a symbolic act—a feeble attempt to intimidate him. Despite the…
In a heart-wrenching tale that has gripped Chon Buri, a Facebook post detailing the disappearance of a local woman has captured the attention of the community and beyond. The post, which went viral, announced a reward of 20,000 baht for information leading to the safe return of the woman, a beloved wife and mother who has been missing since February 19 from her home in the serene Ban Bueng district. Khomsan, a 36-year-old contractor, has found his life turned upside down with the mysterious disappearance of his wife. For over ten years, they have built a life together, raising three young children—a 10-year-old daughter and two sons, aged six and four. It was an ordinary morning when she vanished around 7:30 AM, leaving her family in a growing state of concern and confusion. With worry clouding his every step, Khomsan recalls the moment he realized she was missing, just half…