THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

In the vibrant, sun-kissed city of Pattaya, a battle of opinions is brewing. It’s not about its sparkling beaches or the nightlife that tingles with excitement, but rather the traffic enforcement efforts—or the lack thereof. As the city has recently witnessed a surge in traffic police activity, residents are left wondering: Is this crackdown a serious attempt to untangle congestion, or is it merely smoke and mirrors during the glittering spectacle of events like the Pattaya Music Festival? Walking through the bustling streets, opinions make their presence known as loudly as the traffic jams itself. Some locals appreciate the newfound police presence. After all, a little order in this whirlwind of cars couldn’t hurt, right? But others have a more cynical view, arguing that law enforcement is as fickle as a breeze off the Gulf of Thailand, appearing with the fanfare of a special event and vanishing just as quickly…

Jatuporn Prompan, a former leader of the red-shirt movement, is rallying the public to protest against the proposed Entertainment Complex Bill. This controversial bill is anticipated to come under review by the cabinet this coming Tuesday. With fervent passion, Jatuporn is urging protesters to assemble at Chamai Maruchet Bridge, which lies in close proximity to Government House, to make their voices heard against a bill that could potentially lead to the establishment of casinos and the legalization of online gambling. Jatuporn strongly believes that such governmental moves could spell trouble for Thailand’s future. In his fervent plea, Jatuporn stated, “If this is allowed to happen, Thailand will face huge problems.” His rallying cry is directed at all patriotic citizens, calling for a united front to oppose these legalizations that he believes could ruin the nation and weaken its people. The repercussions of normalizing gambling, in his view, are dire and…

In the complex world of Thai politics, emotions are running high as the contentious Entertainment Complex Bill is soon to be reviewed by the cabinet. Heading the opposition is none other than former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan, who has fervently called for mass protests against this proposed legislation. With a backdrop of passionate rhetoric, he has invited protesters to rally at the Chamai Maruchet Bridge, near the nation’s emblem of authority, the Government House. Jatuporn’s dramatic flair is evident as he warns of dire consequences should the bill permit the development of casinos, alongside the potentially pernicious legalization of online gambling in Thailand. His conviction is unambiguous, “If this is allowed to happen, Thailand will face huge problems,” he declares with fiery determination. “People who love the country must rise up and unite. We must combat the legalisation of casinos and online gambling for the sake of our nation’s integrity…

Pol Gen Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, once the charismatic face of Thailand’s law enforcement, found himself booted out of the police force on Friday. The firing, enforced by a resolute police disciplinary committee, has been attributed to his alleged entanglement with an online gambling syndicate. Yet, the unwavering former deputy police chief still clings to hope, having the option to appeal this rather stern judgment. As the curtain begins to descend on Surachate’s vibrant career, it’s a poignant moment in the narrative of a man who was as frequently celebrated as he was controversial. His fall from grace, which started back in August the previous year, was cemented when a royal decree, acting upon the advice of the Police Commission, unceremoniously edged him out of his esteemed position. Surachate, not one to take things lying down, challenged this decision, steering the conflict into the Supreme Administrative Court’s jurisdiction. Alas, December…

The Transport Ministry has set its sights on transforming Ranong Port into a bustling hub of activity, invigorated by the recent surge in import-export volumes. This exciting development, according to Manaporn Charoensri, the deputy minister, is largely thanks to the ongoing unrest in Myanmar, coupled with reports of fraudsters using Myawaddy and Tachileik as their illicit headquarters. As a result, merchandise that would ordinarily traverse the Mae Sot checkpoint in Tak and the Mae Sai checkpoint in Chiang Rai has been redirected. They now embark on a nautical journey to Ranong, becoming part of the lively maritime theater, strengthening import-export ties with Myanmar. “Ranong Port holds immense potential for logistics in the South, presenting a vibrant economic opportunity for maritime shipping along the Andaman coast. This business boom dovetails perfectly with the government’s Southern Economic Corridor initiative,” Manaporn elaborated with an optimistic glint. Boosting this further, the Port Authority of…

Discussions are heating up around the management of Thailand’s formidable 2.65 trillion baht Social Security Fund (SSF), sparking spirited calls for a clearer and more open approach. Concerns have been building due to alleged whopping expenditures by the Social Security Office (SSO). A growing chorus insists that the SSO could benefit from stepping out from under the Labour Ministry’s jurisdiction. This move, it’s argued, would free the organization from political meddling and hand over the reins to capable administrators who can handle the funds with dexterity. The SSF stands tall as Thailand’s financial guardian, offering both welfare and financial solidity to a staggering 24 million citizens. It’s the country’s largest public fund, undeniably a financial behemoth. Though the SSO highlights its thrifty disbursement, capped by the Social Security Act to a max of 10% of yearly contributions and boasting only a 3% allocation in 2024, skeptics point out that this…

Picture this: a serene day at the beautiful Hat Chao Mai beach in Trang, where the azure waters meet the horizon, and the tranquil atmosphere is punctuated by an unusual yet delightful sight. Yes, we’re talking about the remarkable encounter that occurred in September 2024, when marine conservationists and national park officials spotted a dugong, gently gliding through the coastal waves. (Photo: National Parks of Thailand). This gentle giant, a distant relative of the manatee, is a marine mammal cherished by many. However, recent findings from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) reveal a worrying trend that has left conservationists and animal lovers alike deeply concerned. Nearly 40% of the dugongs found stranded last year were alarmingly underweight. The reason? A shortfall of their primary food source, seagrass. In collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Thailand, the DMCR launched a comprehensive survey of the dugong crisis along…

On the vibrant occasion of International Women’s Day, the spotlight was cast on a hopeful vision for gender equality, as eloquently articulated by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. With fervent dedication, she addressed the nation, passionately advocating for an unwavering commitment to eradicate gender discrimination and foster a world brimming with equal rights and opportunities for all women. The event was graced by the significant presence of government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub, who echoed the government’s steadfast pledge to transform this vision into reality. The gusts of change are blowing through Thailand, a country standing tall among others in its pursuit of gender equality. Notably, Thailand proudly ranks as one of the 60 countries, and only 10 in Asia, to have had a woman leader. As the cherry on top, it stands third worldwide for the highest percentage of female CEOs, underscoring its vibrant commitment to shattering the glass ceiling. Ms. Paetongtarn,…

Amidst the intense political climate in Thailand, a wave of heated debates is making headlines in the corridors of power. The latest flashpoint revolves around the former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, and his unexpected cameo in a no-confidence motion that’s as thrilling as a political thriller. Thaksin recently received a warm welcome with flowers from his loyal supporters during a visit to Sichon district in Nakhon Si Thammarat on March 1st. This gesture seems like the calm before the storm, considering the tempest brewing in the political landscape. Interestingly, the narrative taking the spotlight does not involve Thaksin directly, but rather his imprint on the current administration, led by his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha is in a bit of a pickle with the opposition. Imagine receiving a no-confidence motion with Thaksin’s name emblazoned across it, like an unexpected plot twist in a novel…

In a perplexing turn of events, Pol Col Thitisan “Joe Ferrari” Utthanaphon, an infamous police officer embroiled in a notorious case of police brutality, has been found hanging in his cell at Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok. However, his family resolutely refuses to believe the official narrative of suicide, igniting a fervent quest for the truth behind his mysterious demise. Official statements from the Department of Corrections confirmed that prison officials found Thitisan lifeless at 8:50 pm on Friday, slumped against the cell door with a towel tightly wound around his neck. Yet, intriguingly, CCTV footage suggested no one had entered Thitisan’s cell, fueling suspicions and prompting an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death. Thitisan, who was serving a life sentence for his role in the brutal torture and murder of a drug suspect, received a visit from his wife just hours before his untimely end. Observers…