THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

What’s happening at Surat Thani airport might just be a game-changer that would make even seasoned globe-trotters sit up and take notice. With the remarkable leadership of Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri, a sweeping makeover is well underway that’s set to transform the very fabric of air travel in this lively corner of Thailand. The Department of Airports (DoA) is pulling out all the stops with a grand investment of 799 million baht, promising a future where improved services, ultimate convenience, and top-notch security reign supreme. This ambitious project is no small feat. It’s like watching an engrossing puzzle gradually coming together to form a brilliant picture. The airport is about to spread its wings, embracing more robust infrastructure that will accommodate larger aircraft with grace. Imagine doubling the flight capacity from nine to a whopping 18 aircraft per hour. That’s like the airport hitting the fast-forward button, poised to…

In the idyllic landscape of Surin province, the air was thick with a mixture of history and tension, much like a scene from an epic novel. The serene calmness of Prasat Ta Muean Thom was temporarily disturbed when whispers of discord echoed across the ruins of this ancient Khmer temple. A group of Cambodian women serenaded the environment with their home country’s national anthem, a bold, yet prohibited gesture that sparked a brief encounter. The aftermath, however, was a gathering of minds rather than muskets. Fast forward to a crucial Friday summit where eloquent rhetoric took center stage, as Thailand and Cambodia’s military officials engaged in a delicate diplomatic dance. The Prasat Ta Muen Thom, lying silently in ruins yet stone-strong in its history, became the unlikely spotlight of a government agreement to pull back troops, a testament to the power of negotiation over confrontation. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence…

In a delightful twist of fiscal intrigue, the ongoing debate over cigarette tax rates in Thailand has taken center stage. Embroiled in this tax odyssey is the well-regarded Dr. Roengrudee Patanavanich from Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine, who has sounded the clarion call for tax reform as per the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations. The current multi-tiered tax system, she claims, is about as effective at boosting revenue and reducing smoking as a sieve is at holding water. Currently, the intricate tax system administers a lighter 25% tax on cheaper packs priced up to 72 baht, ostensibly designed to spare the pocketbooks of low-income smokers. However, for the more luxurious packs, the tax rate swells to a hefty 42%. Throw in an extra 1.25 baht per cigarette, and you have an intricate dance of numbers that, surprisingly, makes one a mathematician but doesn’t quite fill the state’s coffers. In fact,…

The realm of Thailand’s public healthcare system navigated rough waters recently when a peculiar photograph went viral. This snapshot, captured within Tanao Sri Hospital, a remote institution nestled in Ratchaburi province close to the Thai-Myanmar border, laid bare the struggles stitched into the fabric of public healthcare. The hospital, burdened with the relentless lack of equipment, ingeniously substituted a traditional dental lamp with a frog-hunting headlamp. This revelation sparked a blaze of criticism on social media, forcing the Ministry of Public Health to swiftly approve funds for new equipment. Tanao Sri Hospital managed to snatch a bittersweet victory, but across the nation, many state-run facilities remain ensnared in crises without such relief. The Ministry of Public Health sounded the alarm, revealing a drastic dip in healthcare revenue, descending from a hearty 60 billion baht to a paltry 40.6 billion baht this fiscal year, representing a staggering 9.5% plunge. Already, at…

In a dramatic courtroom saga echoing through the lush provinces of Thailand, a well-known octogenarian and business magnate finds himself caught in a thorny legal predicament. The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, Region 3, in Surin province, has thrown the book at nine individuals, including state officials, for their roles in a corrupt scheme involving the illicit issuance of land title deeds. The land in question? None other than the verdant patches of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Sikhiu district, a region vibrant with forest reserves and a land reform area. At the heart of the intrigue lies Prayudh Mahagitsiri, a towering figure in Thailand’s industrial landscape, now stepping into the shadows with a hefty 24-year prison term. As the silver-haired titan enters the annals of fallen tycoons, his daughter, Ausana, watches from an equally precarious perch, facing 12 years of her own. This enduring saga leaped into public consciousness when…

Big changes are afoot at Raimon Land Public Company Limited (RML) as they step boldly into their next chapter. In a decisive move that promises to reshape the company’s leadership and strategic direction, Mr. Patee Sarasin has been appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, an announcement made hot off the press during RML’s Board of Directors’ Meeting No. 5/2025, which took place on May 2, 2025. Mr. Patee Sarasin is no stranger to Raimon Land. As a seasoned member of RML’s Board, his diverse experience in service-driven industries makes him a formidable choice for the role. His background positions him perfectly to guide RML’s expansion into new heights, with a strong focus on urban and resort living designs. He is particularly equipped to spearhead the company’s foray into hospitality-led endeavors by focusing on developing branded residences and bespoke luxury hotels in enticing destinations like Pattaya and the…

In a noteworthy celebration of joyfulness, the Land of Smiles, Thailand, has once again lived up to its name, shining brightly as the seventh happiest country on the globe. This delightful tidbit of news comes from an authoritative source, Ipsos, a global market research and public opinion specialist. During a press event on May 1, Anukool Pruksanusak, the Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, was keen to spread this enchanting news, which places Thailand in a remarkable position in the 2025 Global Happiness Index by Ipsos. The Ipsos survey, which led to this joyous proclamation, was conducted at a time when festive spirits were likely high, spanning from December 20 of the previous year to January 3 of the current year. It garnered insights from a diverse pool of 23,765 participants, all of whom were under the age of 75, representing an awe-inspiring 30 nations worldwide. In this uplifting ranking,…

In an effort to dial up the allure of Thailand’s enchanting eastern corridor, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has teamed up with Bangkok Airways and local tourism entities to launch the electrifying Trat Discovery: Island and Beyond campaign. Unfurling its adventurous banner from May 1st through August 20th, this initiative promises to unfurl a veritable tapestry of deals, rewards, and top-tier travel escapades aimed squarely at lighting up Thailand’s eastern jewels like never before. Here’s the ticket to paradise: Exclusive treats await all those who board a Bangkok Airways flight winging its way to the idyllic havens of Trat province. Members of the FlyerBonus program, you’re in for a real treat too! But fear not, traveler extraordinaire, for even if you’re just sauntering through, you won’t miss the fun — a mere QR code scan at participating venues promises you a glimpse of the magic. Picture this: Over 50…

In a heart-wrenching saga of deception, a Thai engineer named Siwat found himself ensnared in a sinister web spun by call centre scammers, resulting in the loss of more than 8 million baht. This mind-boggling incident took place over the course of seven relentless days, leaving Siwat bankrupt and forcing him to shutter his restaurant in the bustling Khlong Sam neighborhood of Bangkok. The nightmare unfolded on April 5, when Siwat received a phone call from a woman masquerading as an official from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). She spun an elaborate tale, accusing Siwat of being involved in suspicious mule account activities. To further elaborate on her fictitious claims, she insisted on communicating via video call through LINE, a popular messaging app. The real-life drama didn’t end there. With a chilling authority, the scammer sent Siwat a counterfeit legal document that demanded immediate action. She ordered Siwat to…

Brighton College Bangkok is basking in the glow of its recent achievements, adding another feather to its cap with its recognition on Spears’ esteemed list of top private schools in the Asia Pacific region. This honor comes hot on the heels of being named the British International School of the Year, positioning Brighton College Bangkok as a beacon of educational excellence across the globe. This accolade reaffirms the institution’s dedication to delivering a top-tier education that aligns with the highest international standards. Now let’s delve into what makes Brighton College Bangkok such a formidable force in education. Academic success is a staple here, with students routinely securing coveted spots at renowned institutions, including Oxbridge, Ivy League stalwarts, Russell Group strongholds, and prestigious Thai universities. Such accomplishments stem from the school’s relentless pursuit of academic excellence, a seasoned faculty, and a curriculum that hones critical thinking and problem-solving prowess. But academics…