THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has stirred quite a buzz, accusing a former chief of the Marine Police Division and two other high-ranking officers of obtaining wealth that raised more than a few eyebrows. Let’s dive into the intriguing sagas unraveling under the NACC’s watchful eye. First, we find ourselves in the muddy waters with Boonsueb Praithuen, once the chief of the Marine Police Division under the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). According to NACC’s secretary-general, Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, Boonsueb was caught in a net of his own making, allegedly demanding monthly kickbacks from a group of oil smugglers and legitimate fuel dealers. These illicit funds, amounting to a whopping 36.77 million baht, were funneled into five bank accounts held by him and his wife. With the convenient extra income, Boonsueb indulged in lavish life insurance policies, among other things. But his extravagant lifestyle did not go unnoticed. The NACC has now…

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is pushing forward with an ambitious project to develop a state-of-the-art light rail system in four key provinces: Phuket, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Phitsanulok. In total, this groundbreaking initiative will require an estimated budget of 77 billion baht, marking a significant investment in Thailand’s transportation infrastructure. According to Deputy MRTA Governor Wittaya Phanmongkol, the proposed costs are as follows: 35 billion baht for Phuket, 30 billion baht for Chiang Mai, 7 billion baht for Nakhon Ratchasima, and approximately 5 billion baht for Phitsanulok. These projections are part of a comprehensive study comparing various project models and investment options, which are slated to be submitted to the Office of the Commission for the Management of Road Traffic. Bidding for these transformative projects is anticipated to commence in 2026 and should wrap up by 2027, paving the way for construction to begin around…

In a whirlwind of political maneuvering, activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has taken center stage yet again, this time setting his sights on the People’s Party (PP). Ruangkrai has filed a petition with the Election Commission (EC) to investigate whether the PP, which rose from the ashes of the disbanded Move Forward Party (MFP), has veered away from adhering to crucial party regulations. Should these allegations hold water, the PP’s August 9th appointment of party executives might be declared unlawful. Ruangkrai stated that he has already dispatched his petition to the EC through the mail. Detailing the disputed appointments, the PP’s extraordinary meeting on August 9 saw Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut assume the role of party leader, Chutima Kotchapan take on responsibilities as party treasurer, Natthawut Buapratum become the party registrar, and Phicharn Chaowapatanawong join the party’s board, among others. However, a shadow of doubt looms over these new roles. According to Regulation No…

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially opened registration for mpox diagnostic test kits, amid an escalating concern over the spread of this viral infection. Lertchai Lertwut, the FDA’s deputy secretary-general, announced yesterday that the agency is streamlining the registration process for both manufacturers and importers. Mr. Lertchai emphasized that these efforts are aimed at speeding up registration approvals, ensuring the timely availability of the kits, and upholding public health security. For more details on the FDA-approved kits, he directed interested parties to visit this website. Manufacturers and importers of mpox kits can reach out to the FDA for product registration guidelines before submitting their products for review. This announcement from the FDA followed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent declaration of a new strain of mpox, identified as Clade 1b-type, as a “public health emergency of international concern” after cases were reported in more than 10 African countries.…

Residents in Khon Kaen proudly display their state welfare cards, each face telling a story of resilience and hope. (Photo: Chakkrapan Natanri) As chatter fills the bustling Municipal Fresh Market 1 in Khon Kaen, vendors from all walks of life share a unified plea to the government: keep the financial faucets flowing. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration is contemplating a significant policy shift. The much-anticipated 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme might transform into a good old-fashioned 10,000-baht cash handout. The proposed change has ignited optimism among local vendors, who believe cold, hard cash can revitalize the local economy more effectively than its digital counterpart. Tukta Sriaphai, a spirited 57-year-old fish vendor, shares her thoughts amid the market’s symphony of haggling and laughter. Confiding in the Bangkok Post, Tukta explains how a cash handout would be a lifeline, enabling her to tackle her utility bills and school fees for her children. Her…

On a radiant Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra sought divine blessings at Bangkok’s revered City Pillar shrine, marking her 38th birthday in a serenely spiritual manner. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) Meanwhile, in the political arena, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has promptly addressed apprehensions regarding a potential power vacuum during the interim period of forming a new government. “There is no power vacuum. All coalition parties are working together to address the problems facing the country,” he assured on Thursday. Mr. Phumtham’s remarks were in response to mounting pressure from the private sector for a swift establishment of a new government, ensuring the continuity of economic stimulus measures. He confidently stated that, as the acting prime minister, he holds comprehensive powers to transfer officials, dissolve the House, and even declare martial law. “But I will not exercise such powers. I only focus on tackling people’s problems,” he emphasized. When asked…

Imagine an aerial view of Tha Wang Pha district in Nan, where rivers of murky floodwater intertwine among the rooftops and streets, painting almost an apocalyptic scene across this residential zone in the northern province of Thailand. This breathtaking view, captured vividly by the Disaster Response Association of Thailand, offers a stark reminder of nature’s ruthless force. Yet, amid this watery chaos, hope flows steadily from the government’s assurances. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confidently announced that Bangkok and other downstream provinces would remain untouched by this northern turmoil. His words were a beacon of relief as he described the administration’s control over the situation. On Thursday, Mr. Phumtham detailed the government’s tireless efforts. Resources have been rallied to battle the floodwaters inundating Chiang Rai, Phrae, Nan, Phayao, and Sukhothai. Drawing from the wisdom of the Meteorological and Royal Irrigation Departments, he clarified that the devastation wasn’t spawned by extreme…

Hua Hin Soi 80 is renowned for its vibrant and energetic nightlife. The Royal Thai Army has taken a significant step by appointing a military lawyer to oversee the police investigation into the tragic shooting of one of its intelligence officers at a Hua Hin bar. The bar in question remained open past the legal closing hours. Jakkrit Worakul, aged 34, is accused of fatally shooting SM1 Rojchanaphon Rojchanapanich inside a pub in the bustling nightlife area of Soi 80, just off Phetkasem Road in Hua Hin. The tragic incident left three others injured. SM1 Rojchanaphon, an intelligence officer at the Infantry Regiment Centre in Pran Buri district of Prachuap Kiri Khan, was deeply respected, according to Lt Gen Arnuphab Sirimonthon, an army spokesperson. Witnesses recounted a chilling narrative to police—one saw the military officer reach for a drink offered by a friend and, in the process, accidentally bump into…

Excitement is soaring at Suvarnabhumi Airport as the much-anticipated third runway is set to kick off operations by the end of the year. Airports of Thailand (AoT) is gearing up for a significant boost in aircraft handling capacity, jumping from a current 68 planes per hour to an impressive 94. This leap is not just a number but a monumental stride towards positioning Suvarnabhumi as a leader among global airports. Last Thursday marked a pivotal moment with a comprehensive trial of the new runway. Heavyweights in the aviation industry, including Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai), Thai Airways International, and Bangkok Flight Services, were in attendance. Kittipong Kittikachorn, the ever-vigilant general manager of the airport, beamed with pride as a civilian aircraft majestically took off and then gracefully landed on the polished new stretch of asphalt. “The trial was meticulous,” Mr. Kittipong remarked. “We left no stone unturned, examining every physical…

Police were busy collecting evidence on Wednesday night at a rental office building along Ekamai Soi 3 Road in Bangkok, where a rather intriguing scene was unfolding. (Police photo) In a dramatic turn of events, eight South Korean nationals, all aged between 26 and 31, found themselves in hot water. They were arrested for allegedly operating what appears to be a dubious call centre scam right in the heart of Bangkok. The arrests followed a tip-off received by the Immigration Bureau about a group of Korean men renting a room in an office building on Ekamai Soi 3. According to Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nutchanart, the bureau’s deputy chief, things took a rather suspicious turn from there. Inside the fourth-floor room, which bore the innocuous sign “Content Factory. Korea & Thai,” authorities discovered a veritable treasure trove of technology: 20 desktop computers, 40 monitors, 17 mobile phones, and four tablet…