The heart-wrenching mystery surrounding the disappearance of Kornnaphat “Nat” Promsung has cast a somber shadow over what seemed to be a promising chapter in the young Thai student’s life. Nat, a 25-year-old intern in Japan, was on the cusp of concluding a three-year program at the Hiroshima Sokeisai Cooperative Society Centre and was eagerly anticipating his return to his homeland Thailand. Tragedy struck when his lifeless body was discovered inside a Thai restaurant in Japan, sparking outrage and suspicion among his loved ones. Nat’s aunt, Nannaphat Tanming, has been rallying for justice, urging Thai news outlets to broadcast her nephew’s plight in hopes of prompting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other pertinent departments to dig deeper into the perplexing circumstances of Nat’s untimely demise. Before fate cruelly altered his course, Nat had completed his higher vocational education at Loei Technical College. His journey to Japan was a blend of…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In the bustling city of Bangkok, where the vibrant energy never ceases, there was a different kind of hustle and bustle on this particular Monday morning. A graceful dance of efficiency was taking place at BTS stations like Asoke, with employees passionately distributing free train tickets. Imagine the shuffling of hurried feet and the exchange of smiles as these tickets were handed out. It was all part of the government’s bold initiative to offer free public transport as a means to curtail the notorious air pollution looming over Bangkok’s skyline. This initiative saw an astounding increase in train ridership, surging by a whopping 60% on a Sunday, typically a day of leisure. The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) reported this surge on Tuesday, with the DRT’s director-general, Pichet Kunathammarak, delighting in the statistics. On this day, Sunday saw an impressive 1,549,622 trips on the electric train network, a unrivaled figure…
In the intricate dance of diplomacy, every step must be choreographed with precision, and Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa has found himself right in the middle of such a delicate performance. On a rather typical Monday, during a Senate session led by the astute deputy Senate speaker, Gen Kriangkrai Srirak, Maris eloquently addressed the prickly subject of a 26,000-square-kilometer maritime puzzle that lies embroiled in a web of overlapping claims between Thailand and its neighbor, Cambodia. As the topic of tides and territorial waters took the spotlight, Senator Yukol Chanawatpanya eagerly probed the progress of a newly anticipated Joint Technical Committee (JTC) tasked with navigating the choppy waters of what could be a cross-border conundrum. To the Senate’s curiosity, Maris calmly revealed that the anticipated JTC was still adrift, floating in a sea of legislative procedures that required parliamentary approvals before setting sail. This maritime mystery, set against the picturesque backdrop…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, especially within the vibrant locales like Din Daeng district, you’ll often spot swarms of food delivery riders zipping past high-rise condominiums, delivering a delightful array of cuisines to hungry city dwellers. This scene, which was captured brilliantly back in 2021 by photographer Nutthawat Wichieanbut, embodies the pulse of the city’s gig economy. Fast forward to 2025, and these gig workers—alongside their digital compatriots, including YouTubers and social media influencers—are under a crucial advisory from the government regarding their financial responsibilities. The government, not missing a beat, has issued a gentle yet firm reminder to these freelancers that their 2024 personal income tax forms must be filed by March 31. The stakes are high, with the consequences of negligence ranging from substantial fines that can soar to a staggering 200,000 baht, to the grave prospect of a seven-year stint behind bars. Deputy Government Spokesman, Karom…
On a bustling Monday, amidst the swirling winds of political discourse, a close aide to the education minister stood firmly, defending the ministry against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s pointed critique. The backbone of Thaksin’s argument was that the ministry had become an unwieldy behemoth in need of a drastic overhaul to revamp the education system for a brighter future. Unfazed, Siripong Angkasakulkiat, the deft aide to Education Minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob, countered with vigor, asserting that Thaksin’s concerns were not the bombshell revelations some might think. Siripong was quick to highlight the progressive measures initiated under Pol Gen Permpoon’s stewardship, aimed at breathing new life into the education system. These initiatives not only aimed to ease the burdens shouldered by overworked teachers but also sought to ensure fair and transparent promotions, along with evaluations of professional prowess. These steps were crafted with meticulous care to address the educational…
In the vibrant heart of Bangkok, amidst the fast-paced life of the city, a band of food delivery riders zoom past the towering condominiums of the Din Daeng district, their motorbikes as nimble as they are essential. This scene, captured vividly back in 2021 by the talented Nutthawat Wichieanbut, reminds us of the ever-evolving gig economy that has become a vital part of modern-day living. But as the calendar turns to 2025, the Thai government is casting a spotlight on a significant responsibility that comes with this freedom: taxation. Yes, the lifeblood of any government’s fiscal plans, taxes are now knocking on the doors of online gig workers. From the swift food delivery rider to the captivating YouTube content creator and the ever-influential social media gurus, everyone in the online business realm is called upon to fulfill their civic duty by filing the 2024 personal income tax form by March…
The skies over Thailand are set to get a splash of Swedish flair with the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) recent decision to swoop up a fleet of Swedish Gripen jets, leaving the American F-16s in the hangar. Announced by the eloquent Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, this high-flying decision comes amidst a whirlwind of chatter about its merits versus the might of American counterparts. But for Thailand, it’s more than just a swap of jets; it’s a leap toward strategic benefits that go beyond the runway. As part of a meticulously calculated venture, these nimble Gripen jets will replace the well-worn F-16s stationed in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Wing 1. Why Gripen? You ask. The RTAF’s strategic shift considers jets’ performance, and the potential of swapping ideas just as much as it does metal. In this high-stakes aeronautical chess game, Sweden flashed their ace—a promise of tech transfers and comfy trade…
In a twist of digital drama that would make even the most seasoned Facebook aficionado raise an eyebrow, a Thai Bolt driver named Chokchai Wailew found himself in a cascade of controversy. The saga began when what seemed to be a simple tale of kindness spun into a viral web of deceit, capturing the imaginations of netizens far and wide. Once upon a Facebook post, a user under the moniker Mook Kanokwan shared an emotional story on the group “Bolt Driver Thailand Motorcycle (Only).” The narrative painted a picture of a noble Bolt driver, Chokchai Wailew, who went out of his way to help an inebriated passenger. According to this captivating tale, Mook had booked a ride after a night of revelry and was cared for by Chokchai, who not only purchased a refreshing towel for her at a convenience store but also imparted wisdom on safe traveling practices. His…
Prepare to raise a toast and applaud as we honor the pioneers revolutionizing how our aging population thrives! On January 31, 2025, all roads lead to the dazzling city of Bangkok, Thailand, where the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE) together with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) will host an illustrious award ceremony at the opulent Chadra Ballroom, Siam Kempinski Hotel. Here, visionaries and brilliant minds will converge to celebrate the Healthy Aging Prize for Asian Innovation (HAPI) winners. Committed to transforming aging societies, the HAPI award shines a spotlight on trailblazers with groundbreaking policies, services, and products addressing the challenges of aging in ASEAN and East Asia. As the program steps into its formidable fourth edition, the intensity of this year’s competition stood as a testament to its growing significance, with a deluge of awe-inspiring entries from 12 countries across East and Southeast Asia.…
The luxury real estate market is on a soaring trajectory, fueled by favorable conditions, increasing interest from High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs), and proactive government initiatives. NPP Realty & Consultants (NPP) offers exclusive insights honed from their extensive local expertise. In recent years, global uncertainties have driven a remarkable surge in relocations of HNWIs, with a noticeable rise in millionaires seeking new abodes. According to Henley & Partners’ 2023 report, the trend shows no signs of waning, with projections suggesting the number of millionaires moving abroad will hit a staggering 135,000 by 2025. Thailand’s luxury property market, valued at a handsome $3.4 billion in 2024, is set to grow annually by 3.4% through 2029, buoyed by vibrant domestic and international demand from affluent global citizens. Thailand Privilege Card and Growing HNWI Population The charming allure of the Thailand Privilege Card, a long-term visa program, witnessed a phenomenal uptick in 2023, with membership…