Conscripts were seen withdrawing cash from ATMs in droves, fueling a whirlwind of rumors and speculation. Over recent weeks, a series of explosive documents made their rounds on social media, drawing the public’s eye to the deductions from soldiers’ already meager pay for WiFi and other unexpected charges. This unexpected revelation led Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang to take swift action, ordering an investigation into salary deductions across all military units. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) The public was already on edge when yet another incriminating document surfaced. This time, it detailed a 1,200-baht WiFi service fee being deducted from conscripts’ salaries. This revelation followed closely on the heels of a report about another 500-baht deduction for septic tank pumping—just one in a baffling series of deductions that ended up swallowing a staggering 60% of a conscript’s salary. According to Jirayu Houngsub, the ministry’s spokesperson for political affairs, Defence Minister Sutin acted promptly,…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Amid rising tensions and political drama, the arrest of Vietnamese activist Y Quynh Bdap in Bangkok this week has caused a wave of concern among human rights organizations and activists worldwide. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Thailand has now stepped in, imploring the government to shield Bdap from deportation due to mounting fears for his safety. Y Quynh Bdap, a 32-year-old Christian from the Montagnard ethnic group in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, co-founded Montagnards Stand for Justice. This organization relentlessly advocates for religious freedom, a contentious issue that has placed him at odds with the Vietnamese government. The Montagnards, particularly those affiliated with independent house churches, have faced relentless persecution, making Bdap’s mission perilous. Since 2018, Bdap has resided in Thailand and earned refugee status from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). However, after the deadly riots in Vietnam’s Dak Lak province last June, the Vietnamese government…
Conscripts were seen withdrawing cash from ATMs, a scene stirring a buzz on social media. The Ministry of Defence has launched a comprehensive investigation across all army units after documents surfaced, showing deductions from soldiers’ already sparse pay for WiFi charges and various personal items. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang has demanded a thorough probe into the salary deductions of conscripts nationwide. This directive came hot on the heels of another intriguing revelation—a 1,200-baht WiFi service fee being shaved off some salaries. This followed closely behind a report revealing a 500-baht septic tank pumping fee. What raised eyebrows even higher was the fact that these deductions collectively siphoned off nearly 60% of a conscript’s salary. According to Jirayu Houngsub, the ministry’s spokesman for political affairs, Mr. Sutin had all military units scrutinized for documents indicating various deductions from recruits’ pay. The reported items included insurance at 330 baht,…
Thailand, in a dazzling display of its growing influence in the wellness industry, successfully played host to the third annual Thailand Wellness Asia Summit (TWAS) in 2024. With the lush backdrop of the Intercontinental Hotel in Bangkok, the event ran from June 11 to June 14, drawing wellness enthusiasts and professionals from over 30 countries—totaling an impressive 1,000 attendees. This year’s summit was particularly noteworthy due to the powerful collaboration between China and Thailand, headlined by key figures like Dr. Jia Xiao Fang, President of UNSDG World Federation, and influential CEOs from renowned institutions including Minor International Group, Bumrungrad International Hospital, BDMS Wellness Clinic & Wellness Resort, Bicaro Holding (M) Sdn Bhd, and the Thailand National Charter of Health. A SPECTACULAR OPENING The opening ceremony was a grand affair with distinguished speeches and honored guests that set the tone for an enriching event. Present were notable personalities such as: Mr.…
Thailand, with its unrivaled success in hosting the third annual Thailand Wellness Asia Summit (TWAS) in 2024, is steering Asia to become the global wellness hub. The event, hosted grandly at the Intercontinental Hotel in Bangkok from June 11 to June 14, stands as Southeast Asia’s preeminent wellness gathering, drawing over 1,000 attendees from more than 30 countries. This year’s summit underscored a special collaboration between China and Thailand, highlighting key figures such as Dr. Jia Xiao Fang, President of UNSDG World Federation. The event also saw participation from prominent CEOs from Minor International Group, Bumrungrad International Hospital, BDMS Wellness Clinic & Wellness Resort, Bicaro Holding (M) Sdn Bhd, Thailand National Charter of Health, JSMDH Group, and many others. A SPECTACULAR OPENING The grand opening ceremony was a star-studded affair featuring distinguished speakers and honoured guests: Mr. Jacky Ong, Chairperson of the 3rd TWAS 2024, Founder and Chairman of CISW…
Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, the industrious deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), has rolled up his sleeves and tasked the marine police with solving a maritime mystery that has everyone in Thailand scratching their heads. The drama began when three oil-laden smuggling boats vanished into the night, escaping from a marine police pier in Sattahip on Tuesday. The hunt for these elusive vessels has now become a top priority. The police, working tirelessly around the clock, are preparing to seek an arrest warrant for the 16 crew members who are believed to be on board the runaway boats. The authorities suspect that these vessels, still loaded with contraband oil, have made a daring escape to the waters of Cambodia. Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat, with a steely determination in his voice, revealed on Friday that the marine police have been mobilized to track down the boats. The saga…
Move Forward leader Chaithawat Tulathon (centre right) and his predecessor Pita Limjaroenrat hold a press conference after learning of the Constitutional Court ruling on Jan 31 on the party’s attempts to amend the lese-majeste law. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) The Move Forward Party (MFP) is not backing down. On Friday, they declared the Election Commission’s (EC) attempt to dissolve the party was fundamentally flawed. They argued the EC skipped essential steps mandated by the organic law on political parties, sparking criticism and controversy. The main opposition party’s response came after the EC’s clarification on Thursday, which many felt bypassed a crucial step: fact-finding and thorough investigation. EC member Pakorn Mahannop cited Section 92 of the organic law as their basis for the decision, which allows the commission to request the party’s dissolution by the Constitutional Court without conducting an inquiry. However, MFP leader Chaithawat Tulathon didn’t agree with this rationale. Drawing…
Conscripts making a beeline to ATMs to withdraw their hard-earned cash has recently triggered an eye-opening inquiry. The Defence Ministry is delving deeply into military units following the emergence of documents suggesting that Wi-Fi charges and other personal item costs have been sliced off their salaries. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) Determined to bring clarity, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang swiftly ordered a nationwide investigation into these bewildering salary deductions. The intrigue ignited on social media, fueled by tales of a perplexing 1,200 baht Wi-Fi fee, soon followed by another shocker: a 500-baht hit for septic tank pumping. Jirayu Houngsub, the Defence Ministry’s spokesperson for political affairs, emphasized that Mr. Sutin is leaving no stone unturned, scrutinizing all military units for documents suggesting deductions for items like Wi-Fi. The list extends beyond essentials to insurance (330 baht), daily use items (1,100 baht), a bag (590 baht), a camouflage suit (1,900 baht), a training…
Move Forward leader Chaithawat Tulathon (centre right) and his predecessor Pita Limjaroenrat are seen addressing the media, following the landmark ruling by the Constitutional Court on January 31st regarding the party’s controversial attempts to amend the lese-majeste law. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) On a lively Friday morning, the Move Forward Party (MFP) staunchly rejected the Election Commission’s (EC) controversial bid to dissolve the party, claiming the process itself is fundamentally flawed. According to the MFP, the EC did not adhere to the steps outlined in the organic law regulating political parties. The main opposition party reacted vehemently to the EC’s defense on Thursday amidst public concerns that the case had bypassed a crucial step – a thorough investigation and meticulous fact-finding mission. EC member Pakorn Mahannop disclosed that the commission took their decision based on Section 92, rather than Section 93, of the organic law, which uniquely empowers the EC to…
Starfish School Shines Internationally: Top 10 Nominee for World’s Best School Prize for Innovation In the heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand, a beacon of inspiration radiates from Starfish School, a school that has just been named in the Top 10 shortlist for the prestigious World’s Best School Prize for Innovation. These esteemed prizes, founded by T4 Education in collaboration with stalwart supporters like Accenture, American Express, and the Lemann Foundation, celebrate educational excellence and innovation globally. This year, the distinguished winners will share a generous $50,000 prize fund. Starfish School, a charity-funded institution serving students from kindergarten through primary school, stands out as a symbol of transformative education. By employing its “3R Innovation Curriculum” and Makerspace Programme, Starfish School has been making waves in educating marginalized communities, positioning itself as a frontrunner for the World’s Best School Prize for Innovation. The five categories of the World’s Best School Prizes—Community Collaboration,…