THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

All aboard the journey to cleaner air! As the city of Bangkok bustles forward, residents find themselves donning face masks while commuting, embracing the first day of complimentary public bus and electric train rides. This short-lived seven-day policy isn’t just a freebie bonanza; it’s an earnest endeavor by the government to tackle the notorious PM2.5 pollution clouding the urban skies. Snapshots capture this transformation in commuting norms, with commuters exuding an air of cautious optimism. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard) Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is taking bold steps to escalate the battle against PM2.5—from a concern within national borders to a call for regional solidarity with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Speaking with reporters, fresh from the frosty corridors of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, she declared, “This crisis has unfolded beyond our boundaries. It’s become imperative to unite with our neighbors who are also grappling with…

Amidst the sprawling digital networks of social media, a heartwarming tide of support has swelled for a brave young soul named Akin. Diagnosed with the exceedingly rare genetic disorder, Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADC Deficiency), Akin finds himself at the heart of a global wave of kindness that’s welding together minds and hearts from far and wide. With only about 130 individuals globally known to bear this condition, Akin’s story resonates deeply, echoing in the chambers of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in vibrant Bangkok, where he undergoes his vital treatment. Akin’s journey, steeped in both hope and adversity, has roused an online brigade eager to alleviate the daunting financial burden that his family faces. The specialized gene therapy, imperative for Akin’s health, carries a staggering cost of €3 million (a jaw-dropping 105 million baht). But this is no ordinary endeavor; it is a lifeline that holds the promise of…

Imagine stepping outside into the vibrant, bustling streets of Bangkok, city of limitless energy and adventure, only to find the air tinged with a barely visible menace—tiny, invisible dust particles. This isn’t a plot from a dystopian future; it’s the reality today, and it’s called PM2.5. These minuscule but mighty particles have recently caused quite the stir, prompting swift action from local authorities. BMA deputy permanent secretary, Sunthorn Sunthornchart, has noted a troubling rise in the levels of PM2.5 in Thailand’s capital, with these delicate dust specks tiptoeing over safety limits not once, but for several days in a row. Such persistence in the air has led to a notable surge in the number of people seeking medical help due to air pollution-related ailments. As one might imagine, when the very air becomes your adversary, sitting idle isn’t an option. With this in mind, City Hall is on the front…

As dawn breaks in Bangkok, the iconic backdrop of Lumphini Park and its surrounding skyscrapers fades into a haze of smog. Another day begins under a cloud of growing environmental concern. Some 150 kilometers away, a relentless wildfire rages through Khao Chom Hae in Rayong, persisting over five days and leaving residents and officials grappling with its aftermath. This fiery beast has devoured over 20,000 rai—an expansive 7,900 acres—across Nikhom Phatthana, Ban Chang, and Muang districts. Nearly 30% of the forest has already succumbed to the flames, and the battle to contain it is nothing short of Herculean. Local firefighting teams face arduous treks up steep, uneven terrain, crafting makeshift firebreaks with sweat and determination as their only companions. Kittipong Bamrungphong, a 57-year-old volunteer driver, notes that while their trusty off-road vehicles can traverse some of the rugged landscape, they often leave the crew miles from their fiery quarry. “Once…

In the gritty heart of Samut Sakhon, a serene district now stirring with tales that could adorn the pages of a thriller novel, Pol Maj Gen Noppasil Poolsawat, a formidable presence within the Metropolitan Police Bureau, stands in the eye of a storm of intrigue. This Friday evening, under the dim glow of street lamps, he scrutinizes a staggering cache of weaponry and ammunition that tells a chilling story of clandestine trade and high stakes. The unfolding drama centers around the arrest of a man whose life swirled into the sphere of illicit weapons trade. Known only as Phatthakorn, this 28-year-old resident of tambon Don Deekai found himself at the sharp end of law enforcement’s ire. A cadre of officers from both the local police and the robust Metropolitan Police Bureau invaded the quiet of his abode and emerged with an arsenal fit for warfare: a lethal M79 rifle, half…

The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of Thailand has rolled up its sleeves, ready to embark on a high-stakes mission. The mission? To halt electricity supply to the border towns of Myanmar in a bold move intended to dismantle scam operations thriving next door. But before we dive into understanding the electrifying details of this daring initiative, let’s set the stage. PEA Deputy Governor, Prasit Junprasit, recently ushered his words across, confirming that any halt in electricity wouldn’t be a lone act. Instead, it requires a meticulously coordinated tango between Thai and Myanmar security agencies. Prasit was quick to reassure that the electrifying dance aimed at Myanmar’s ploys wouldn’t leave Thai border residents in a blackout, ensuring their supply remains untouched. His statements hit the airwaves following some pressing inquiries by Thailand’s House Committee on State Security, Border Affairs, and National Strategy. January 23rd saw the committee raising eyebrows at the…

In the bustling hub of Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok, a hiccup in the automatic check-in system transformed the early Saturday morning ambiance into one of organized chaos. Imagine this: anxious travelers, caffeine in hand, standing in serpentine queues reminiscent of a blockbuster movie premiere. Yes, it was quite the sight! The dawn of disruption came when the reliable Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) conveyed that the glitch kicked in just after midnight, leaving passengers momentarily stranded. The clock ticked away, and by 9:45 a.m., a flicker of normalcy began its grand re-entrance as the system showed signs of life. Meanwhile, the airport staff morphed into guiding angels, efficiently shepherding people through the process with a smile, albeit amidst a backdrop of slightly frayed nerves. Seasoned travelers were in for another lesson in patience, with advice plentiful: allow three hours for check-in or opt for the virtual hassle-free experience. The…

Pattaya, a city renowned for its vibrant nightlife and sun-kissed beaches, recently became the backdrop for a rather audacious series of thefts. The local police force, led by the astute Police Colonel Navin Theerawit, put a swift end to a crime spree involving two transgender individuals who had cleverly executed thefts targeting unsuspecting tourists from India and Turkey. The announcement came during a press conference on a balmy Thursday evening, January 23. The Colonel’s reveal was tinged with a mixture of triumph and caution as he detailed the two recent theft incidents that had sent ripples of concern through the tourist community. The first suspect, a streetwise 42-year-old known as Kachaphaphak, or Sara as she preferred to be called, was picked up in line with an arrest warrant. Her run-in with the law occurred under the cloak of night on January 19, a tale as old as time for those…

In a splendid celebration marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Singapore and Thailand have embraced their long-standing relationship with open arms and jubilant festivities. This momentous occasion, which venerably acknowledges a bond that has flourished since September 20, 1965, was graced with the unveiling of a unique logo, the culmination of a creative competition orchestrated by the Singaporean Embassy in collaboration with the Royal Thai Embassy and respective foreign ministries. Held at the illustrious Siam Paragon, the logo launch was a vibrant affair with Singapore’s Ambassador to Thailand, Catherine Wong Siow Ping, laying out the illustrious journey of these cooperative allies. Born out of diplomacy and strengthened through mutual respect, their relationship transcends the simple handshake, navigating diverse domains including politics, economics, military defense, and educational advancements. One of the landmark achievements celebrated in recent years is the pioneering of a revolutionary, real-time payment system linkage between Singapore’s PayNow…

In the early hours of January 24, tragedy unfolded in the picturesque paradise of Phuket, known for its sun-drenched beaches and bustling nightlife. Amidst the serenity of Srisoonthorn, a Russian tourist’s journey came to a devastating halt when his motorcycle collided with a roadside barrier. The incident transpired on the quiet stretch of Srisoonthorn Road, tucked away behind the vibrant Thai Watsadu store, at approximately 12:10 AM. Thalang Police identified the motorcyclist as a 35-year-old riding a bike registered in the bustling city of Bangkok. As he navigated a tricky curve, control slipped from his grasp, resulting in a ferocious impact with an unforgiving road barrier. The collision rendered severe head injuries, and in a desperate bid to save his life, emergency responders rapidly whisked him away to Thalang Hospital. Alas, the life-saving measures fell short as he was tragically pronounced dead upon arrival. In the aftermath, officers and medical…