THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

Under the watchful eyes of both police and soldiers, two handcuffed suspects helplessly observed as authorities unloaded sack after sack of fertilizer bags filled with an astonishing 14 million speed pills from their pickup truck in Chiang Dao district of Chiang Mai this past Friday night. The scarcely-believable cache of illegal drugs was discovered through the collective efforts of a sharp-eyed team of law enforcers. The turn of events unfolded when a combined police and military squad identified not one, but two suspicious vehicles traveling south at the Muang Ngai intersection in Chiang Dao. The convoy consisted of a seemingly unassuming pickup truck accompanied by a car, each bearing the camouflage of mere civilian presence. But behind the façade lurked a high-stakes criminal endeavor that was about to be unraveled. Acting on their gut instincts, the officers intercepted the vehicles behind the Kadmuang Piangdao market in tambon Mae Na. It…

Tedy Teow is the first suspect in an economic crime that Thailand has turned over to China since an extradition treaty between the two countries took effect 25 years ago. (Photo: CCTV) A Malaysian businessman accused of masterminding a sprawling fraud syndicate has been extradited from Thailand to China in a landmark case involving a mind-boggling 100 billion yuan (US$14 billion). Teow, better known as Tedy Teow Wooi Huat, founder of the business conglomerate MBI Group, becomes the first suspect in an economic crime that Bangkok has handed over to Beijing since the extradition treaty between the two nations came into effect in 1999, according to the Chinese public security ministry. “The successful extradition … is of landmark significance to the consolidation and deepening of law enforcement and judicial cooperation between China and Thailand,” the ministry declared, hailing the move as a “major achievement.” The ministry revealed that the suspect…

This week, authorities made a significant breakthrough when they intercepted a shipment of crystal methamphetamine cleverly concealed within decorative cement ware destined for Taiwan. According to Panthong Loykulnan, the spokesman for the Customs Department, officers from the Seaport Interdiction Task Force (SITF) were carrying out a routine inspection at Bangkok Port in the Klong Toey district on Wednesday. It was during this thorough check that they stumbled upon two boxes containing some rather unusual cargo. These boxes, Mr. Panthong explained, were filled with cement-crafted animal stucco dolls in the shapes of cats, giraffes, deer, and goats, alongside some intricately designed decorative fountains. At first glance, these whimsical items seemed innocuous enough, ready to bring a touch of charm to any garden or living space. But upon closer examination, the officers discovered they were hiding a far darker secret. Buried within the hollow confines of these decorative items was a staggering…

Political tensions in Thailand reached a fever pitch on Thursday night when former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra delivered his first public address since returning from 17 years of self-imposed exile. The event did not go unnoticed, and his sharpest critics did not hold back. One of the most vocal detractors was Jatuporn Prompan, a former leader of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) and now a key political ally of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Jatuporn took Thaksin to task, claiming the ex-premier acted as if the entire country had been handed over to him on a silver platter. Thaksin’s return last August was a dramatic moment, colored by his admission of corruption and subsequent petition for a royal pardon. According to Jatuporn, Thaksin has done little to prove his claims of wanting to come back solely to care for his grandchildren. “The first day he returned,…

Looking over their shoulder, an air of uncertainty has surrounded the People’s Party (PP) barely two days since it became the rescue vessel for MPs from the dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP). Analysts are speculating on how many parties they will have to move to before they reach the next general election three years from now. Dissolution is no stranger to these MPs, and the PP could be standing on shaky ground despite having formally accepted former MFP MPs into its fold on Aug 9. More than 140 migrated to their new home and declared outright that despite the MFP’s demise, its MPs have shrugged their shoulders and will soldier on. This statement adopted as an informal PP slogan embodies these MPs’ defiant spirit in the face of adversity. Before the MFP, its predecessor, the Future Forward Party (FFP), was disbanded by the Constitutional Court in February 2020 over an…

In a recent announcement, the government has decided to push back the upcoming Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit until further notice. This comes as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed yesterday that the event, originally scheduled to be held in Bangkok on September 3-4, required postponement due to the ongoing formation of a new government in the country. According to the ministry, the extended time needed to establish the new government and complete the related parliamentary and legal procedures necessitates this delay. “In order to ensure Thailand is fully prepared to advance this initiative for the utmost benefit of both the Thai people and the member countries of BIMSTEC,” they said, “we have made the difficult decision to reschedule the summit and its related visits.” New dates for the 6th BIMSTEC summit will be announced at the earliest possible opportunity, the ministry assured.…

The State Railway Workers’ Union of Thailand is now pushing for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to settle a hefty debt of 672 million baht. This debt stems from overdue lease fees at Chatuchak Market dating back from 2018 to 2022. Sarawut Saranwong, who chairs the union, shared these details with the media yesterday. He mentioned that the union filed a petition with Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, last Thursday regarding the unpaid dues for using the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) land for the bustling Chatuchak Market. Mr. Sarawut elaborated that the union is acting on this issue following a 2018 cabinet resolution. According to this resolution, the BMA could continue to manage Chatuchak Market until 2028. However, it required the BMA to pay the SRT around 169 million baht annually in leasing fees. Moreover, it stipulated that the lease terms be reviewed every three years. A crucial part of…

The political atmosphere in Thailand is abuzz as the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), a significant coalition partner, has thrown its hat into the ring by nominating four seasoned MPs to serve as ministers in the new Pheu Thai-led cabinet. Curiously, these nominees are all familiar faces from the previous government. If any of the four nominees are deemed ineligible by the ruling Pheu Thai party, the PPRP has assured that they will promptly find suitable replacements. The decision came after a majority vote during PPRP’s executive meeting, which took place yesterday. The spotlight is now on the four nominated lawmakers: caretaker Natural Resources and Environment Minister Pol Gen Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, caretaker Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Capt Thamanat Prompow, caretaker Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, and caretaker Deputy Public Health Minister Santi Promphat. The executive meeting on Friday was chaired by none other than Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, the leader…

Rescue workers meticulously combed through the remnants of a small aircraft, which tragically crashed a day earlier, carrying five Chinese tourists and four Thai nationals, including two pilots. All nine onboard were presumed dead in the incident that occurred in Bang Pakong, Chachoengsao province on Friday. (Photo: Reuters) The government has pledged to collaborate closely with aviation experts to unearth the cause of this devastating accident that took place in the mangrove forests of Chachoengsao on Thursday. The grim confirmation that all nine people perished, including five Chinese nationals, has shaken the community. Acting Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the media after visiting the crash site, revealing that approximately 40% of the aircraft’s wreckage had been recovered. Anutin explained that all recovered pieces would be meticulously reassembled for a thorough examination by both local experts and specialists from the aircraft’s manufacturer. Witness testimonies will play a crucial role in…

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra brushed aside criticism that her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is wielding control over her and the new government. On Friday, she spoke following her father’s appearance at the “Vision for Thailand 2024” event the previous day, which drew a mixed audience of politicians, diplomats, and investors. During the event, Thaksin floated several suggestions aimed at rejuvenating the country’s sluggish economy. When queried whether Thaksin’s proposals mirror the new government’s policy direction, Ms. Paetongtarn clarified that they do not represent official government policies. She emphasized, “He was not declaring the government’s policy. He only expressed his vision. What he said was partly drawn from Pheu Thai’s policy.” Addressing criticism that Thaksin might be pulling the strings behind her administration, the Prime Minister was forthright. “I insist he is not trying to dominate. I can think for myself,” she stated confidently. Despite his lack of formal…