THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

Amid swirling debates and chuckling rumors reminiscent of a council of old birds arguing over the best nest, the Royal Thai Air Force has opted to embrace Swedish efficiency over tried-and-true American flair. Yes, you guessed it—Thailand is ready to seal a deal with Sweden for their commendable Gripen jets, graciously tipping the hat to the Americans’ venerable F-16 aircraft. Air Force chief ACM Punpakdee Pattanakul, a man who probably has to spell his name three times for new acquaintances, assures that this decision is draped in more benefits than your grandma’s pudding recipe. In a fetching plot twist worthy of a spy novel, these high-flying Swedish contraptions aim to overthrow the aging F-16 jets currently stationed in the scenic Wing 1 of Nakhon Ratchasima. The folks in this story aren’t on a whimsical jet-shopping spree either—this procurement project is a serious operation, crawling with scrutiny and analysis more rigorous…

In the lively district of Chana, nestled in the charming region of Songkhla, a dramatic tale of cross-border intrigue unfolded when local law enforcement, ever-vigilant, intercepted a scheme that was part desperation, part daring, and entirely captivating. On a relatively ordinary January evening, the 25th to be exact, this story saw a bracing collision between the aspirations of ten eager migrants from Myanmar and the seasoned efforts of a combined immigration and highway police unit, setting the stage for an encounter that was anything but routine. Having received an anonymous tip breathing rumors of a clandestine convoy aimed at transporting individuals from distant Burmese origins towards the promise-laden vistas of Malaysia, the police snapped into action. Their quarry? Two unsuspecting vehicles—a Honda sedan and a Mitsubishi Pajero—both stealthily navigating the undulating terrains of tambon Taling Chan. Commanding this operation was the astute Police Colonel Chanokruadee Pongsiri, whose strategic oversight uncovered…

In the heart of bustling Pathum Thani province, a tragic tale unfolded that left a community engulfed in shock and bewilderment. On an ordinary day, perhaps not so ordinary after all, the world spun on its axis in a profoundly grim manner for Wanadee as she grappled with the sobering news of her boyfriend’s ill-fated plunge. The day was marked by a surreal, almost eerie turn of events that began with an unsettling sound. Imagine, if you will, Wanadee—like many of us—immersed in her digital universe, a symphony of notifications and scrolling feeds. The cacophony of the world seemed distant until an ominous thud pulled her back to reality. At first, the noise was just that—a noise, a mere rattle of the roof on the much-abused psyche of urban living. But as the news crystalized, reality struck a tragic note. Police Lieutenant Colonel Waranchai Sukying was at the front lines…

In the latest chapter of an intriguing urban saga that has spanned the better part of a decade, former Senator Rosana Tositrakul has reignited calls for an overdue justice in the high-rise heart of Bangkok. With a sharp ultimatum on her Facebook post this Sunday, Rosana turned up the heat on Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, demanding a swift demolition of the Aetas condo—a towering 21-storey structure whose fate was sealed by the court’s decision a full ten years ago. The crux of the matter? A long-standing legal battle anchored on a breach of the Building Control Act, whose resolution seems to have been lost amidst the administrative shuffle. The Supreme Administrative Court’s order for immediate demolition of the behemoth on Soi Ruamrudee has been caught in limbo, mirroring an unusual persistence as it continues to overshadow the local landscape, almost as if challenging the very winds of change. For Governor…

In a dramatic turn of events that could be straight out of a high-stakes thriller, two Chinese nationals found themselves in hot water in the serene province of Chachoengsao. The peaceful landscape was disrupted by a daring operation led by the Natural Resource and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NED), which announced yesterday that they had arrested two unsuspecting factory managers, known only as Guo, 55, and Li, 42, in the otherwise tranquil district of Phanom Sarakham. Their crime? The surreptitious housing of hazardous materials that could have rivaled any Bond villain’s stockpile. The operation unfolded like a scene in a crime drama, with NED officers and staff from the Department of Industrial Works storming the factory gates. What lay behind them was a staggering find—10 tonnes of waste, not just your garden-variety rubbish, but a toxic mix steeped in heavy metals. This treasure trove of pollution included not one but…

In a bid to revolutionize Bangkok’s approach to waste management, the city’s latest marvel, the On Nut waste-to-energy power plant, is set to be completed by late 2026. Overseeing the ambitious endeavor is Jakkapan Phiewngam, Bangkok’s deputy governor, who recently took a tour of the site nestled in Prawet district. Spanning an impressive 30 rai, the On Nut Waste Disposal Centre is getting its wings thanks to a colossal investment of 4.89 billion baht from New Sky Energy (Thailand). It’s a green initiative with an electrifying twist, aimed at transforming Bangkok’s burgeoning waste output into much-needed power for the city. Construction of this monumental project kicked off on February 19 of last year. The countdown is on, with roughly 1,000 days allocated for its completion and a due date locked in for November 14, 2026. Once operational, the plant promises to tackle a hefty chunk of Bangkok’s refuse, with the…

As fiery tongues licked the lush greenery of Khao Chom Hae in Rayong, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, with the urgency of a guardian of the natural realm, commanded the army to stand vigilant. The heart of Khao Chom Hae, spanning a sweeping 20,000 rai of verdant land across the districts of Nikhom Phatthana, Ban Chang, and Muang, now bore the scars of devastation, with flames having ravaged nearly 30% of the forest within a relentless four-day span. Phumtham, doubling as the Defence Minister with a resolve as iron as the military helm he commands, shared that there was a fragile sense of control over the situation, based on yesterday’s reports. He directed the armed forces to deploy both military personnel and state-of-the-art equipment to bolster local authorities and volunteers in their grassroots battle against the fire’s menacing advance. “The navy has been rallied, equipped, and its forces dispatched to…

The vibrant strides towards gender inclusivity in Thailand just got bolder and brighter as the Public Health Ministry unveiled their commitment to ensuring healthcare equity. With a significant allocation of 145.63 million baht designated to the National Health Security Office, approximately 200,000 transgender individuals are set to receive hormone therapy support, a much-anticipated step forward in bridging health disparities. Deputy government spokesman, Mr. Anukool Pruksanusak, eloquently underscored the government’s unwavering resolve to support marriage equality. “We’re not just talking physical health here; we’re diving deep into the realms of mental well-being for our sexually diverse community,” he conveyed, with a nod to the growing acknowledgment and acceptance of diverse gender identities across the nation. In a watershed move, the National Health Security Board, amid its rigorous 2025 budgeting, gave the nod to fund comprehensive health services, inclusive of hormone therapy for the transgender populace. This decision, anticipated to transform the…

The Royal Thai Air Force has made a game-changing decision, opting for the sleek Swedish Gripen jets over the traditional US-made F-16 aircraft. This move, championed by RTAF Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Punpakdee Pattanakul, is raising eyebrows and stirring conversations, as it promises to bring a myriad of benefits to the Thai government. The Gripen jets are set to swoop in as the new guardians of the skies, replacing the aging F-16 fleet stationed in Wing 1, Nakhon Ratchasima. Currently, the procurement project – a meticulous affair – is undergoing a detailed review. The evaluation is as multi-faceted as a diamond, focusing on key aspects like aircraft performance and the alluring promise of direct offsets, which include technology transfer. Indirect benefits are also on the table, such as potential trade privileges graciously offered by the Swedish government. It’s a package deal that’s hard to pass up. ACM Punpakdee emphasized…

In a bold move to boost welfare for the elderly, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra marks a significant milestone, kicking off the second phase of a comprehensive cash handout initiative. With much anticipation, the Prime Minister launched this ambitious campaign on a Monday, a day of new beginnings, especially for approximately three million senior citizens eagerly awaiting their slice of the 10,000-baht relief fund pie. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat explained on Sunday that this initiative is aimed specifically at individuals aged 60 and over, an indication of the government’s commitment to supporting its elderly citizens. These recipients will receive their payments through the reliable PromptPay service, integrated via the Tang Rath app. Julapun emphasized the importance of linking national ID cards with PromptPay to prevent any hiccups in the fund disbursement process. “Only those who have registered and meet the eligibility criteria of earning less than 840,000 baht annually and…