In a bustling session with reporters outside the illustrious Government House on a lively Wednesday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed the swirling rumors concerning a potential cabinet reshuffle. Despite the speculation, she assured everyone that discussions, if any, would involve a collaborative approach with coalition partners, especially given the murmurs that the Bhumjaithai Party, a notable coalition player, was seeking a major overhaul in ministerial assignments. “At this moment, it’s just an idea on the drawing board,” she confided with a knowing smile. “We haven’t dived into any formal talks yet. I’m contemplating potential tweaks to the cabinet to bolster its effectiveness, but nothing is set in stone. It’s certainly not a done deal, not by a long shot!” she declared, her tone both measured and reassuring. Quelling unnecessary panic, the Prime Minister noted that she hadn’t been approached by coalition allies with reshuffle suggestions, nor had she initiated such…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In a recent development that has raised significant alarm across northern Thailand, the Pollution Control Department (PCD) has determined that arsenic and other heavy metals in the Kok, Sai, and Mekong rivers have reached hazardous levels. The contamination can be traced to upstream mining activities in Myanmar’s Shan State. The PCD’s findings, released after three rounds of comprehensive water and sediment sampling from March 19 to May 16, paint a dire picture of pollution impacting the region’s waterways. The Kok River has emerged as the epicenter of this environmental crisis, bearing the highest contamination levels. From Tha Ton in Chiang Mai’s Mae Ai district to Chalerm Phrakiat Bridge in Chiang Rai’s Mueang district, arsenic concentrations have soared to an alarming 0.44 milligrams per liter (mg/l), exceeding the safety threshold of 0.01 mg/l by over 40 times. Lead levels near the Thai–Myanmar border in Chiang Rai also surpassed safe standards, peaking…
In the bustling hub of Bangkok, a unique spectacle unfolded as droves of protesters converged upon the parliament steps this past April. Their clamorous opposition centered around the controversial proposal to erect a glittering casino-entertainment complex, a project championed by the very cogs of the government’s economic machinery. Yet, amidst the fervent disapprovals, the government stridently maintains that this venture, aptly dubbed the “Thailand Entertainment Complex,” remains a formidable catalyst poised to invigorate the nation’s economy. Brace yourselves, for this is more than just a game of chance; it’s an economic strategy with the potential to elevate the GDP by 0.8%, or so claims the Finance Ministry’s crystal ball. Presiding over its much-anticipated launch on a regular Wednesday, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat can be likened to an optimistic maestro conducting an orchestra of economic revival. “The whispers of a new economic driver have been swirling about,” he intoned, emphasizing…
Outside the stately Government House in Bangkok on March 27th, a vivid scene unfolded as spirited protesters gathered to voice their dissent against the government’s controversial casino and entertainment complex bill. Holding placards and chanting slogans, the protestors made it clear they weren’t bluffing in their opposition. But far from folding, the Thai government is playing its cards carefully, announcing plans to meticulously track the financial transactions of those who visit the proposed casinos, a move aimed at discarding any concerns of money laundering. In a bustling press briefing, Suksit Srichomkhwan, the sharp-minded Deputy Secretary-General to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, articulated the government’s strategic vision. It’s a vision where Thailand doesn’t just chase dreams of flashy resorts but establishes itself as a bastion of “responsible gaming”. No boisterous casino ads flashing on every corner, just a promise to bar those carrying “financial risks” from entry. The blueprint for this regulation…
The sun barely broke through the morning haze of Bangkok’s bustling Chatuchak district when chaos erupted amid the solemn silence. The recent catastrophe had left an indelible mark on the city’s skyline. The new State Audit Office building, once considered a testament to modern architecture, lay in ruins. This tragedy unfolded with ferocity as a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that originated from the distant lands of Myanmar shook the very foundations of the city on March 28, 2025. In the wake of this disaster, grim statistics shadowed the devastation: eighty-nine workers met their untimely demise beneath the rubble, while seven others still remained unaccounted for. The colossal edifice, a 2.1-billion-baht investment stretching thirty stories high, defied its purpose when it became the solitary skyscraper to bow down during the seismic assault. In the echoes of mourning, whispers of corruption began to surface. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) dropped a metaphorical bomb:…
Amidst the tranquil blues and teeming marine life of Mu Koh Surin National Park, an unexpected and unfortunate event unfurled as the MV Ayar Linn found itself ensnared on a delicate coral reef. This stunning locale, nestled in southern Thailand’s Phangnga province, became the setting for an environmental upset, as a Myanmar cargo ship inadvertently laid waste to the underwater beauty on June 1. The ship’s unwelcome stopover in Ao Jak Bay, captured in a stark yet poignant image, revealed its battered hull resting woefully upon a once-vibrant coral community. The reverberations of this grounding are substantial, with Thailand signifying its intention to seek a commendable compensation of no less than 12 million baht for the environmental havoc wreaked by this seabound ordeal, articulated by the vigilant Athapol Charoenshunsa, helming the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). The coral casualties span a spectrum of vibrant marine life,…
Sawadee, savvy traveler! If you’re gearing up for an adventure in the enchanting Land of Smiles, brace yourself for an experience that dances between the glittering spires of golden temples, tantalizes your taste buds with scrumptious street food, and gifts you with picturesque island sunsets and exhilarating tuk-tuk escapades. But if you aim to live out this escapade not just as an ordinary tourist, but as someone who intimately knows the som tam from the satay, you’ll need some high-tech aides in your digital arsenal. Thailand thrives on convenience, yet unlocking its treasures often requires the practiced touch of a local. As the wise Thai adage goes, “khao nai naa, klai taa mai hen” — meaning the obvious things can sometimes be hardest to see. Let me introduce you to three must-have apps that will elevate your Thai experience, making you dine like a local gourmet, luxuriate like a monarch,…
In a saga that captures the intoxicating blend of youth, audacity, and unscrupulous ambition, a 20-year-old woman from the serene Saraburi province has stirred up quite the legal storm. Known locally for her tempestuous disposition, she stands accused of orchestrating an illicit money lending operation that charged astronomical interest rates up to a staggering 300%. This case, with its intertwining tales of intimidation and exploitation, has brought forth troubling revelations about a network that preyed upon vulnerable targets—young girls between the tender ages of 13 and 16. The young entrepreneur-turned-alleged-perpetrator found herself at the epicenter of a community scandal when victims’ voices, initially silenced by fear, began to echo through the corridors of justice. It was the determined efforts of Ronnarong Kaewphet, the valiant chairman of the Justice Seeker Foundation, that amplified these cries. He not only inspired courage in the victims but also shepherded them to the Nong Khae…
In the seemingly sun-kissed land of Thailand, where tropical breezes and vibrant wildlife create a picturesque backdrop, a political storm is brewing over solar energy. A new initiative to enhance solar panel adoption has sparked more than just interest; it’s igniting a fiery debate surrounding potential political ramifications. The proposed legislation, designed to streamline the installation and energy trade associated with solar panels, has become a flashpoint for discussion, drawing both accolades and accusations. While some see it as a radiant step towards innovation, others fear it could cast shadows over fairness and autonomy. Leading the charge against the bill is Treerat Sirichantaropas, CEO of New Energy Plus Solutions and a seasoned political player as the former Deputy Secretary General of the Thai Sang Thai Party. In a bold move, Treerat took to the social media stage on X (formerly Twitter) to voice his discontent. He cautioned that the bill…
In the picturesque district of Hat Yai, within Songkhla province, the air reverberated with the mighty roar of the Gripen jet as it elegantly took off from Road 4287. On that thrilling day of February 27, 2025, a quiet road metamorphosed into an impromptu runway, serving up a spectacle that would entice any aviation aficionado. The occasion wasn’t just a showcase of sleek Scandinavian engineering by Sweden’s Saab; it was a foretaste of what is to come as the Royal Thai Air Force embarks on an ambitious journey. Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, the distinguished leader of Thailand’s aerial guardians, divulged plans to bolster national defense by acquiring a fleet of 12 Gripen JAS 39 fighter jets across the coming decade. This strategic decision, both innovative and astute, reflects a vision looking far beyond the horizon. Although there’s much excitement on the runway, the real buzz came when ACM Punpakdee…