THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

Last week, a charm of timeless wisdom and urgency enveloped the air as Etienne Krug, the World Health Organization’s Director of the Department of Social Determinants of Health, sat down for an exclusive chat with the Bangkok Post. Against the backdrop of concern, hopeful undertones thread through his words regarding the United States’ recent budgetary tightening and shifting policies—a looming specter threatening to ripple through the WHO’s vital health care, nutrition, and financial stability programs, touching millions globally. “Yes, we’re concerned,” Krug intoned with a sincerity palpable even in text, spotlighting the profound impact of U.S. disengagement. Yet, optimism peeped through as he voiced aspirations for a U.S. return to collaboration. “We hope the US will rejoin or will stay with us in the future.” As the compass of global health initiatives guides 194 WHO member states, the relentless pursuit of improved health and the strategic battle against non-communicable diseases…

In an unexpected yet much-welcome twist, motorists navigating the bustling roads of Thailand during this Songkran season are being treated to a delightful surprise. Thanks to the proactive steps of the Oil Fuel Fund Management Committee spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, fuel prices are taking a dip. In perfect harmony with the festive spirit of Songkran, petrol and diesel prices have been sliced down by 1 baht per liter, easing the financial strain on travelers as they hit the roads for the holiday. This wallet-friendly decision rolls out in two strategic phases—starting with a 50-satang reduction on March 28, followed by another 50-satang off on April 4. This move by the Thai government comes as a direct result of declining global oil prices and a robust financial upswing within the Oil Fund. Pirapan elaborates, “With the Oil Fund in finer financial fettle, we’re delighted to…

In a dramatic development, China has thrown down the gauntlet by halting the import of nineteen Thai products, including the much-loved sweetened condensed milk. Labeling issues and safety concerns were cited as reasons in a bold move that mirrors a determined crackdown from China, which recently turned away 357 shipments from 38 nations in January alone. The ripple effect of this decision has reverberated through Thailand’s vibrant export sector, prompting a wave of anxiety and introspection. The General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) rang the alarm bells on February 19, unveiling the list of rejected imports. At the helm of this rejection parade was the United States, with a hefty 83 shipments (a glaring 23.2%) being sent back, predominantly involving alcoholic beverages and dietary supplements. Malaysia, the land known for its bird’s nest delicacies, followed closely with 36 shipments (10.1%) getting cold-shouldered. The Philippines faced the music with 22…

During a tumultuous censure debate at the bustling halls of parliament in Bangkok, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed a whirlwind of accusations with a resolute calm. It was a Monday like no other, with the political theatre at its most riveting as opposition members took center stage, swinging their rhetorical blades with precision. In the eye of this political storm, Prime Minister Paetongtarn stood unflinching. She confidently countered allegations that her acquisition of shares, valued at an eye-popping 4.43 billion baht, was part of a grand scheme to sidestep a hefty inheritance tax bill of 218.7 million baht. “The shares?” she seemed to chuckle, “Simply a family affair and absolutely above board!” The narrative spun by her detractors was as intricate as a web – suggesting that Ms. Paetongtarn stealthily dodged taxes by ‘purchasing’ these shares from kin using promissory notes, suspiciously devoid of repayment dates and interest. Oh, the…

In a lively and bustling city like Bangkok, change is always in the air, and the latest buzzworthy transformation is taking place in the vibrant Khlong Toei District. Fasten your seatbelts, folks, because the district office has hit the pause button on commercial activities in a quest to create a pedestrian paradise. From March 17, 2025, the district has embarked on a mission to breathe new life into the pathways meandering through the bustling Ratchadapisek Road area, stretching all the way to the illustrious Rama IV and Suthon Kosa Roads. Now, before you start imagining a scene of chaotic construction and relentless roadblocks, hold on tight! The makeover magic commenced on a rather peculiar Wednesday and Thursday (March 20-21, 2025), when the ever-determined folks over at the Public Works Department donned their hard hats. They embarked on a demolition spree, waving goodbye to the tired, old pedestrian pathways that had…

As the hustle and bustle of Bangkok life continues at the Kluai Nam Thai intersection, a hidden battle is underway beneath the streets. It’s not your usual action-packed adventure, but for those invested in smoother traffic and less soggy shoes, it’s just as vital. The unsung heroes here are the dedicated dredging team, who quietly embark on a mission to combat the city’s pesky flooding issues. Interestingly, these are the same maestros that tamed the aquatic chaos on Sukhumvit 22 and 26, proving their mettle once again. Their work, dare I say, speaks volumes not in words but in water flow—or rather, the lack of it! Governor Chadchart, a man who clearly revels in a challenge, observed this operation and brought to light an eyebrow-raising twist in the tale. The Kluai Nam Thai area, it seems, is notorious for transforming into a temporary wading pool post-heavy rain, with sluggish waters…

In a jaw-dropping twist of events on the sun-soaked streets of Phuket, the notorious gameplay of cat-and-mouse between drug traffickers and the law reached an exhilarating climax. On a vibrant Friday, March 21, a courageous brigade led by Thalang Police Chief, Police Colonel Nikorn Chuathong, executed a meticulously planned operation that sent shockwaves through the underbelly of illicit trades. The scene unfolded with Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Luecha at its helm, as his team of astute investigators deployed from Thalang Police Station honed in on their quarry—Prasan “Him” Nopparat, an alleged grandmaster in the perilous game of drugs. Positioned near a shadowy, unregistered property in the obscure corners of Soi Ban Kamnan Ao 2, Moo 2, Srisoonthorn, Prasan was set for the shock of a lifetime. The outcome? A massive confiscation of 1,868 Yaba pills, commonly revered as the fuel for illicit escapades, alongside 62.4 grams of ya ice, the dazzling…

The city of Bangkok buzzes with a vibrant life that rarely pauses, yet even amidst the bustling streets, incidents occur that can take one by surprise. Such was the case during a high-stakes gun crackdown that unfolded in the Kannayao district, jolting this urban landscape with a sudden burst of violence. It all began on a typical Saturday evening, March 22, when the sounds of gunfire shattered the usual hum of the city. Two dedicated Thai police officers found themselves in the line of fire while bravely tackling an illegal gun-smuggling syndicate. Injured in the line of duty, one was hit in the shoulder and the other in the stomach, underscoring the perilous nature of their mission. Here’s how it went down: the police had devised a clever plan to apprehend firearm traffickers by posing as buyers. However, the clandestine operation unraveled quickly when the sellers realized they weren’t dealing…

In the beautiful yet mysterious land of Phuket, a storm is brewing—not the type that drizzles from the skies, but rather, a swirling tempest of counterfeit currency chaos. The local police are on high alert, their attention captivated by a case as intriguing as a spy thriller. Two foreign women found themselves under intense scrutiny on a seemingly regular Saturday at a currency exchange near a prominent Cape Panwa hotel. They handed over some US dollar bills—in this instance, six crisp $50 notes—in exchange for 9,750 Thai baht. Alas, something about these greenbacks raised suspicion among the ever-watchful staff, who promptly called in the authorities. The plot thickened as officers embarked on a mission to sweep through the women’s hotel rooms, uncovering a small hoard of more banknotes. These very bills were whisked off to a Central Phuket shopping mall bank for a date with destiny—or at least, authentication. The…

As dawn threaded its warm hue across the bustling city of Bangkok on Monday morning, a quieter, albeit intense, drama unfolded beneath the humdrum of the cityscape. The founder and CEO of The iCon Group, Warathaphon “Boss Paul” Waratyaworrakul, found himself in the spotlight for reasons he surely did not desire. Accompanied by a retinue of police officers from the Central Investigation Bureau, this was no celebrity parade but rather a solemn march towards the heart of the judicial system – the Criminal Court in Bangkok. Captured in a poignant photograph by Nutthawat Wichieanbut, this scene set a somber prelude to a saga of allegations and legal machinations soon to be unraveled. The Ratchada Criminal Court, with all its gravitas, announced a timeline for what promises to be a gripping legal narrative—an intricate tangle of power, finance, and alleged deceit that has captivated not just the courtroom audience, but also…