Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong has ardently championed a new regulation that permits convicts to be detained outside conventional prison walls, seeking to curb ballooning prison populations—a move that has ignited public debate, particularly over its potential advantages for ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra. The Department of Corrections crafted this regulation to address overcrowding, as the current prison infrastructure has a maximum capacity of 160,000, although it currently houses about 220,000 inmates. On Tuesday, Pol Col Tawee elucidated that the prison population crisis called for creative solutions. Under the new rule, facilities like hospitals can now serve as detention centers for ill inmates, aligning with Sections 33 and 34 of the 2017 Corrections Act. These sections stipulate that alternative detention arrangements should not feel like a luxurious escape but instead should provide rehabilitation and career training opportunities. Strongly dismissing any connections to Yingluck, who received a five-year prison sentence in absentia from the…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
There’s nothing quite like the sight of two sleek Gripen jets from Royal Thai Air Force Wing 7 slicing through the warm, azure skies over the Andaman Sea. Taken back in June 2011, this particular scene was beautifully captured by the talented Surapol Promsaka Na Sakolnakorn, freezing a moment that’s steeped in both elegance and power. Fast forward to the present day, and it seems the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is gearing up for some exciting new additions to their fleet. On a recent Tuesday, they made a significant announcement that’s bound to stir interest within military aviation circles and beyond. The RTAF has decided to acquire Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, favoring them over the well-known US-made F-16s. This announcement came straight from the air force commander, Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Phanphakdee Phattanakul, and it was met with a flurry of curiosity and enthusiasm. What led to this…
Former Democrat leader Chuan Leekpai on Tuesday emphatically reiterated his stance against his party joining the Pheu Thai-led government, a position he has held unwaveringly since the 2023 election campaign. Chuan pointed out that Pheu Thai had openly proclaimed that they would prioritize the development of provinces that supported them in elections, casting a shadow over regions that did not. Chuan’s campaign messages must have struck a chord with voters, as Pheu Thai did not secure a single seat in the southern region—a bastion of Democrat support. Chuan, the seasoned MP from Trang and former prime minister, stressed that his stance wasn’t driven by personal gain but by genuine concern for those regions potentially sidelined by Pheu Thai’s approach. He further clarified his non-endorsement of Pheu Thai’s former prime ministerial candidate, Srettha Thavisin, due to similar reservations. Quelling rumors about his possible expulsion from the party, Chuan stated that while…
At the heart of a bustling parliamentary session on July 23, Senator Nantana Nantavaropas captivated the room as she outlined her grand vision while vying for the Senate speaker’s position. Although her bid was ultimately unsuccessful, one thing became crystal clear: Nantana is a force to be reckoned with. Fast forward to a heated Senate discussion, and Nantana was once again in the spotlight. She ardently sought to debate the controversial comments made by Constitutional Court judge Udom Sittiwirattham. Deputy Senate Speaker Kriangkrai Srirak, however, had other plans. With a firm hand, he curtailed Nantana’s attempt to bring an urgent motion to the floor. “You’ll need to submit this to the Senate Speaker for consideration,” Kriangkrai asserted, halting her in mid-flight. Undeterred, Nantana began to argue her case, stressing the urgency of the matter, but Gen Kriangkrai remained unyielding and cut her off. It was a political chess match, and…
Charn Puangpetch couldn’t have predicted the whirlwind turn of events that followed his celebration on the night of June 30. That evening at his home in the quaint Sam Khok district of Pathum Thani, the atmosphere was electric with triumph. Charn, basking in the glory of his recent electoral victory, had every reason to believe he was on the cusp of leading the Pathum Thani Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) as its new chairman. Yet, as fate would have it, his elation was merely the calm before a storm. Fast forward a few days, and the Election Commission (EC) dropped a bombshell: Charn had been disqualified! Yes, you read that right. Charn Puangpetch, the man who secured the top spot, was now sidelined, all thanks to accusations of underhanded tactics. Whispers of vote-buying had gained traction, leading to a decision that sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Imagine a festive pre-polls…
Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit captivated an engaged audience as he addressed a forum celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Thammasat University Student Union on March 9, 2024. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul) Mr. Thanathorn, ever the unflappable optimist, brushed off former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s bold claim that his Pheu Thai Party will sweep the upcoming election by a landslide. Confidently, Thanathorn countered with his own prediction that the People’s Party (PP)—a rejuvenated version of the Future Forward Party he co-founded just five years ago—would secure a majority in the 2027 elections. In the 2023 election, the Pheu Thai Party rallied voters to grant them a landslide victory, envisioning a clear path to pushing their policies through. Yet, despite their ambition, they ultimately took second place to the Move Forward Party, the predecessor to the current PP. Although Pheu Thai managed to string together a coalition following Move Forward’s inability to…
CKPower Public Company Limited, one of the Southeast Asia’s foremost electricity producers focusing on renewables with an impressively low carbon footprint, has once again proven its unwavering dedication to societal and community betterment. For the third consecutive year, CKPower’s exemplary Hinghoi Project has been honored with the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA Awards) 2024 for Social Empowerment, an accolade awarded by Enterprise Asia, a distinguished non-governmental organization promoting responsible business practices across the region. This prestigious recognition highlights CKPower’s all-encompassing approach to community upliftment and aligns seamlessly with the company’s CSR Strategy Framework 2022–2026. This framework is meticulously designed to align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, encapsulating key success indicators for the Hinghoi Project. The strategy primarily focuses on widening access to renewable energy for local communities encircling its power plants, underlining the immense societal impact of CKPower’s clean energy initiatives. Mr. Thanawat Trivisvavet, the Managing Director of…
A sign promoting the 20-baht maximum fare is seen in front of the Red Line commuter train at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) Former deputy governor of Bangkok, Samart Ratchapolsitte, has thrown his full support behind former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s intriguing proposition. This plan involves the government swooping in to buy back electric railway concessions in a bid to cap fares at a friendly 20 baht per trip. Samart shared his enthusiastic endorsement on Facebook, right after caretaker Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit expressed alignment with Thaksin’s insightful vision, correlating closely with the ministry’s own policies on affordable train services. Under this visionary plan, the transport and finance ministries would team up to snag those rail concessions from private entities and then get them to run the operations until the original terms wrap up. Minister Suriya has ambitious goals, aiming to expand this 20-baht…
Mr. Poramet Ngampichet, the esteemed Mayor of Pattaya City, elegantly presided over the grand closing ceremony and the highly-anticipated Best Film Award presentation at the Pattaya Film Festival 2024. This electrifying event unfolded at the SF Cinema, Central Marina Pattaya, from the 21st to the 25th of August. Attendees were treated to an exquisite smorgasbord of cinematic offerings from around the globe. With screenings taking place in plush theaters and captivating open-air venues, the festival was a veritable feast for cinephiles. Adding to the charm, there were insightful film seminars featuring renowned international directors, promising a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for filmmakers and enthusiasts alike. One of the festival’s core missions was to cultivate a rich film culture accessible to audiences of all ages. Among its many highlights was the selection of the Best Film and the Documentary Pitch activity, both dedicated to supporting budding Thai documentary filmmakers…
In the vibrant heart of Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, a remarkable initiative is unfurling, rooted in both compassion and environmental stewardship. A group of four enterprising high school students has embarked on an inspiring journey, transforming the outlook for the city’s homeless while taking bold strides to reduce plastic waste. Meet Ponpalat Vipattipumiprates, Thanathorn Onraksa, Itthipat Saipornchai, and Panyata Seelapatana, all 17-year-olds from Ruamrudee International School in Min Buri district, Bangkok. They are the innovative minds behind the EcoWeave Home group, a project that is rewriting the narrative both for homeless support and recycling efforts. “Our aim is twofold: to extend a helping hand to those without homes, and to lessen the environmental blight caused by discarded plastic bags,” shared Ponpalat, the dynamic leader of this ground-breaking group. “We convert old plastic bags into portable, comfortable sleeping mats for those in need. It’s a solution with dual benefits—improving lives and…