In a groundbreaking move aimed at synergy between eco-tourism and sustainability, Pattaya has embarked on an innovative project designed to breathe new life into its marine ecosystem while also making waves in environmental education. Kicking off on Thursday, July 31, this initiative marks a pivotal chapter in the Nature Restoration for Eco-Tourism Promotion programme slated for 2025. Spearheaded by Pattaya’s spirited Mayor, Poramet Ngampichet, the operation is firmly anchored in the quest to restore the ecological balance of the city’s cherished marine environments. Hosting the event was none other than the Natural Resources Division, a robust part of Pattaya City’s Environmental Quality Promotion Department. The ceremony garnered an enthusiastic audience, including the energetic Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai, a cadre of government officials, and eager local students. The atmosphere was as refreshing as a seaside breeze as participants eagerly joined in the ceremonial release of juvenile marine species into the Na…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In the tranquil northern reaches of Thailand, the serenity of Nan province was painfully shattered by the fiercest floodwaters seen in decades. What began as an ordinary day for Diane Francheska Ruiz, a Filipina English teacher with seven years of Thai experience under her belt, quickly unraveled into a night of urgency and unknown heroes. July 23 started innocuously enough, with forecasters predicting milder rains than last year, giving Ruiz little reason for alarm. But as the evening deepened, she sensed something amiss. The unfamiliar Thai shouts that echoed around her confirmed her fears—all was not well. Despite her fluency in the language of flood preparations, this calamity spoke in torrents she had yet to comprehend. By 7 PM, the dormitory she shared with fellow Filipino educators was under siege. Water, thick and malodorous, gurgled up through the sewer system, transforming refuge into threat. With scarcely a moment to deliberate,…
In a whirlwind of political drama, Thailand’s political scene has been rocked to its core as Pichet Chuamuangphan, an influential MP for Chiang Rai and erstwhile first deputy House speaker, finds himself at the center of a maelstrom. The Constitutional Court handed down a seismic ruling on August 1 that effectively ousted Pichet from his coveted positions, slamming shut the doors of political opportunity on him for a decade. This dramatic decision follows allegations, which the court found to be credible, that Pichet had dipped into the public coffers to bend budgetary decisions to favor his personal and political ambitions. The scandal erupted from a bold accusation leveled by Bhuntin Noumjerm, an MP from the People’s Party, whose fiery allegations were fanned by a supportive chorus of 120 fellow MPs. Picture Bhuntin, armed with the conviction of a modern-day crusader for justice, as he presented evidence detailing how Pichet allegedly…
Under the sultry skies of Pattaya, Thailand, a shadowy episode unfolded that has left both locals and visitors on edge, sparking intrigue and unraveling tales of mystery by the moonlit coast. The early hours of August 1st were disrupted by the chilling cries for help as tragedy struck a South Korean tourist, Koh, outside a buzzing nightclub, deepening the enigma of what transpired that fateful night. At precisely 4:06am, the calm was punctuated by an urgent call demanding immediate police intervention at a gritty parking lot near an entertainment hotspot on Soi Siam Sam Tat Phettrakul. Responding with alacrity, Police Lieutenant Colonel Alis Phuangwai and his team, along with the watchful eyes of Police Colonel Anek Sarathongyoo, descended upon the scene, driven by the duty to unravel the events that plunged the quiet night into chaos. Koh, a 29-year-old traveler from South Korea, was found in a state of disbelief,…
Dramatic changes in the skies over Thailand are hitting the headlines as the Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) cautions residents with forecasts of thunderstorms sweeping across 28 provinces. With the chance of rain standing at 30% in these regions, it’s an electrifying weather pattern sure to keep umbrellas and raincoats in high demand. For those nestled in the southern reaches of this beautiful land, extra vigilance is advised. Sea waves are projected to soar beyond 2 metres, a natural phenomenon that demands respect and caution. Meanwhile, the upper regions of Thailand are experiencing a bit of a dry spell, courtesy of a less-than-enthusiastic southwesterly monsoon softly meandering over the Andaman Sea, the Grand Land of Smiles, and the Gulf of Thailand. Here, the low-pressure system hangs quietly over northern Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin, marking its presence but not causing much commotion. The Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand…
In the bustling city of Bangkok, where traffic congestion has long been a daily ordeal for commuters, a glimmer of hope has emerged. As of August 1st, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has rolled out a promising initiative aimed at alleviating the rush hour gridlock. By extending the suburban train routes, they intend to provide some much-needed relief and enhance the public transportation experience for weary travelers. The newly introduced pilot program extends suburban train numbers 355 and 356 from Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong Station all the way to Ban Pong in Ratchaburi province. This service is available exclusively on weekdays, marking a significant shift in the daily commute landscape. With the notorious rush hour chaos, these new routes aim to cater to the growing demand from commuters who have often found themselves sandwiched between packed trains and ever-increasing travel times. “This extension is part of our plan to…
In a landscape where economic forecasting has become akin to gazing into a crystal ball, the Bank of Thailand (BoT) is already mapping out contingency plans if tough U.S. tariffs start biting into Thai exports. The scenario is one posed by an astute analyst at Kasikorn Research Centre, Kanjana Chockpisansin, who suggests that the bank’s research arm anticipates multiple rate cuts may be needed to keep the economy afloat this year. While the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of Thailand is yet to decide, Chockpisansin’s research underscores the potential need for at least one additional rate reduction. Those small numbers can have a big impact, particularly if heightened U.S. tariffs isolate Thai goods in a less competitive corner compared to other regional players. This could be doubly concerning if export-driven business sectors wither, leading to a tightening on consumer wallets as the appetite for spending sags. Let’s face it, a government-led…
The diplomatic landscape along the Thailand-Cambodia border has seen a significant buzz recently. In a strategic move, the Royal Thai Army (RTA), spearheaded by military attachés from a whopping 23 countries, united foreign ambassadors and representatives in an enlightening expedition. Their mission? To present compelling evidence pinpointing Cambodian military actions targeting Thai civilians and residential zones. To grasp the entirety of the situation, let’s rewind slightly to July 29, when the Cambodian military hosted ambassadors from 13 nations at the contentious borderline. In a scene akin to a dramatic theater act, Cambodia’s top brass drew attention to the aftermath of recent skirmishes, boldly accusing Thailand of breaking ceasefire accords. This tête-à-tête added fuel to an already flickering diplomatic fire, turning the spotlight on Thailand to clarify their perspective on the global stage. Rising to the occasion, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not merely shrug it off. They promptly…
As the sun rises over the bustling streets of Pattaya, the city awakens once more to a cacophony of honking horns and sighing brakes. The residents of this vibrant coastal city find themselves trapped in a daily dance of frustration, their patience tested by the unyielding congestion that clogs their roads—residents claim that the roads are nothing short of suffocating. Visitors, hoping for a serene getaway, are met with gridlocks that could rival the infamous Los Angeles traffic during rush hour. It’s no wonder that calls for a substantial upgrade to Pattaya’s aging transport infrastructure are growing increasingly desperate. At the heart of the tempest lies Pattaya’s elusive Monorail Green Line project. This ambitious tram-style light rail network is heralded as the city’s white knight, poised to save it from its concrete quagmire. Just yesterday, on July 31, Mayor Poramet Ngampichet was in the hot seat, steering a high-stakes meeting…
In a scene peppered with diplomatic aplomb and tropical elegance, Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat rolled out the red carpet yesterday for esteemed Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand, Pham Viet Hung. The setting? None other than the majestic Phuket Provincial Hall, a venue befitting such an auspicious occasion. As the afternoon sun cast its golden glow upon the Governor’s Reception Room, at precisely 2:30 PM, a meeting of minds unfolded, poised to boost tourism, foster economic partnerships, and explore exciting sister-city affiliations. Echoes of amicable collaboration filled the room as the session unfolded, revealing a shared vision for the future of these Southeast Asian neighbors. Ambassador Pham, leading an illustrious delegation from the Vietnamese Embassy, found himself in the esteemed company of Phuket’s crème de la crème of officials. Among them, the effervescent Siriwan Siharat, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office, stood alongside Phuket Tourist Association President Thaneth…