Imagine diving into the depths of the ocean, stealthily gliding through the waters in a vessel so advanced, it whispers tales of intrigue and international camaraderie. This is the unfolding narrative of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and its adventurous leap into acquiring a state-of-the-art Yuan-class S26T submarine from the distant shores of China. The story behind this ambitious procurement, worth a whopping 13.5 billion baht, is one of diplomacy, technological innovation, and a sprinkle of global geopolitics. The saga begins earlier this week, in a meeting that felt more like a scene from a spy novel than a bureaucratic rendezvous. Gen Somsak Rungsita – a figure with a title so long it commands respect – adviser to Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and the chairman of a Defence Ministry panel, engaged in high-stakes discussions with a Chinese delegation. This wasn’t just any delegation, mind you, but one led by the…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In the lush, tropical heartlands of Thailand, nestled within the prestigious Mahidol University, a beacon of hope in the fight against one of humanity’s oldest adversaries—malaria—is flickering into life. Under the diligent stewardship of Prof Jetsumon Prachumsri, a crusader in the realm of tropical medicine, a decade of relentless research is on the cusp of a breakthrough that could change the course of medical history. Imagine a world where malaria, a scourge that claims hundreds of thousands of lives each year, could be effectively combated not with conventional weapons, but with a cutting-edge mRNA vaccine, akin to the knights in shining armor that stood valiantly against Covid-19. This isn’t a tale of fiction but a reality being meticulously crafted in the labs of Mahidol University’s Faculty of Tropical Medicine, and Prof Jetsumon, the valiant chief of the Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, is at the helm of this epic saga. The…
Imagine waking up to the sound of marching bands and the fluttering of countless Norwegian flags against the piercing blue sky. Today isn’t just any day in the picturesque lands of Norway; it’s a day that bursts with national pride, vibrant traditions, and a collective memory that binds every soul in the country. Yes, we’re talking about Norway’s Constitution Day, or as the locals fondly call it, the 17th of May. This day turns every nook and corner of Norway into a kaleidoscope of colors, joyous chants, and a grand testament to its rich heritage and democratic values that were firmly etched into history back in 1814. Thanks to the collaborative endeavors of the Royal Norwegian Embassy and the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce, we’re ushered into the heart of Norway’s most cherished celebration. This isn’t just any remembrance; it’s the celebration of the signing of Norway’s constitution 210 years ago—a…
In Bangkok’s bustling heart and the quieter corners of Bung Kan, a unique buzz is in the air, marking the prelude to a political marathon that could rival the twists and turns of a blockbuster. The setting? Thailand’s Senate elections, a riveting blend of anticipation, strategy, and a dash of bureaucratic ballet. The Election Commission (EC) and the Interior Ministry took center stage yesterday, orchestrating a workshop to ready the troops — over 1,400 election aficionados and interior buffs — for the legislative showdown. The stakes? Seats in the 200-member chamber, eyed by nearly 18,000 aspirants dreaming of parliamentary prestige. Sawang Boonmee, the articulate maestro of the EC, took the podium to demystify the Senate election process. His audience, a prestigious ensemble of provincial election maestros, governors, and district chiefs, leaned in, absorbing the wisdom that would steer them through the electoral labyrinth. Sawang didn’t mince words; he forecast a…
Imagine a world where the rolling green hills and vibrant academic life of New Zealand have become a beacon for eager minds across the globe. It’s a place where the spirit of adventure meets the quest for knowledge, and it’s no surprise that this island nation in the Oceanic canvas has become a hotspot for Thai students looking for an exceptional education. With Thailand clinching the title of New Zealand’s fifth-largest source of international scholars, the trend of heading down under for education has caught wind since the borders swung open post the Covid-19 hiatus in 2021. Last year alone, the land of the long white cloud was home to 2,241 Thai students, spreading their academic wings in secondary and tertiary education, as per the New Zealand embassy. Take it from Ong-Art Namwong, a proud alumnus of Massey University in Palmerston North, who spent five years diving deep into hands-on…
In the digital age, the art of scamming has evolved from sleight of hand to sleight of click, making cybercrime a formidable foe that’s both innovative and incessantly intrusive. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) alongside the Cyber Crimes Investigation Division (CCID) have sounded the alarm on the sophisticated cyber threats that loom online, cautioning users that a single misguided click could spell financial disaster. Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, a figure at the forefront of combating these cyber threats, outlines the arsenal used by scammers to part individuals from their hard-earned cash. According to him, these digital tricksters deploy a variety of scamming links and malicious applications. From masquerading as government agencies to phish out account details, to setting up counterfeit investment opportunities laden with promises of implausible returns, these scams are as varied as they are diabolical. He highlights the five most prevalent types of cyber swindles. One such…
In the jewel of the Andaman, Phuket, an engineering marvel is taking shape that promises to elevate the travel experience for both residents and tourists alike. With the picturesque backdrop of the island, the Transport Ministry has unveiled its visionary plan to enhance the Kathu-Patong expressway project, a move destined to transform local transit dynamics. At the heart of this innovative endeavor sits a groundbreaking proposition: the introduction of a dedicated motorcycle lane within the project’s sprawling traffic tunnel, an initiative that aligns with the bustling lifestyle and unique needs of Phuket’s vibrant community. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit is at the forefront of this ambitious project, overseeing the development of a 3.98-kilometer expressway that promises not only to streamline connectivity across Phuket but also to introduce an architectural spectacle—a 1.85km traffic tunnel that carves its way through the majestic Nak Kerd Hill. This expressway is not…
Imagine waking up to a world where a radiant smile doesn’t have to cost you a fortune, where the dread of dental care expenses dissipates like morning fog. This isn’t a fantasy, but a reality for the subscribers of the 30-baht plus healthcare scheme, affectionately dubbed the ‘gold card,’ in 45 pilot provinces across the kingdom. The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has rolled out a beacon of hope, offering free primary dental care up to three times a year, heralding a new era of oral health accessibility. Dr. Atthaporn Limpanyalert, the NHSO’s deputy secretary-general, is the architect behind this transformative initiative. With a vision sharper than the most skilled dentist’s scalpel, Dr. Atthaporn aims to carve out a reality where severe dental cases are as rare as hen’s teeth, ensuring gold cardholders bask in the glow of quality dental care. “Our mission,” Dr. Atthaporn declares, “is to ensure that…
Gather round, food enthusiasts and tech-savvy gastronomes! The calendar’s pages are swiftly flipping towards an event that’s not just a feast for your tastebuds but a banquet for your brain – THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2024. Branded as the colossal titan of food-tech fairs across the Asia-Pacific, this spectacle is returning to sprinkle its culinary magic in Thailand’s vibrant heart, Bangkok. From May 28th to June 1st, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani turns into a gourmet’s paradise, thrumming with the energy and innovation of over 3,000 suppliers from corners far and wide. Celebrating its twentieth orbit around the sun, THAIFEX-Anuga Asia isn’t just about revisiting the delicacies we’ve come to adore; it’s a deep dive into the future of food and beverages (F&B). Mathias Kuepper, the luminary at the helm of Koelnmesse Asia Pacific and a seasoned connoisseur of global food trends, shared insights like a seasoned chef sprinkling spices into a simmering…
Imagine stepping into a world where the war against malaria, a foe as old as time itself, could be nearing its final chapters. This isn’t the beginning of a science fiction novel, but the reality of a groundbreaking journey spearheaded by Mahidol University under the watchful eye of Prof Jetsumon Prachumsri. With a decade of unwavering commitment to research, the university is on the brink of initiating a global first – a clinical trial for an mRNA vaccine aimed squarely at malaria, a scourge on humanity. In an era where science fiction often blurs with reality, the story of this revolutionary vaccine starts with a tiny mouse in a lab. From these humble beginnings, the vaccine candidate is poised to take the monumental leap to trials in monkeys, and then, with bated breath, to humans. Prof Prachumsri, an esteemed pillar of the Faculty of Tropical Medicine at Mahidol and the…