Amidst the bustling backdrop of Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, the ceaseless hum of excavators can be heard as they tirelessly delve through the debris of the toppled State Audit Office building. The scene is somber, yet determination is palpable as the teams work to clear the chaos. This Saturday, eyes were once again cast towards this site, now a skeleton of its former grandeur, echoing stories untold. Monday marks a noteworthy turn in this saga. The Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand is all set to dive deep into the tangled web of mystery surrounding the collapse. With a diligent resolve fitting of modern detectives, they are poised to test the mettle of 40 fresh steel samples, meticulously gathered from the rubble. The Industry Ministry’s ever-eloquent spokesperson, Pongpol Yodmuangcharoen, stated in no uncertain terms: “Public safety remains the crown jewel of our endeavors. Should manufacturers be found at fault, justice will…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In the wake of the catastrophic landslide that struck the scenic locale of Kata, Phuket, in August last year, the wheels of justice seem to be turning at a glacial pace. Thirteen lives were tragically cut short, and countless others suffered injuries. However, the investigation into this natural disaster, with a hint of human negligence, remains frustratingly stalled. The reason? Documentation—or the lack thereof—as the Karon Police comb through evidence to determine if construction activities might have played a sinister role in the landslide. Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekkasak Kwanwan, a Senior Inspector at the Karon Police Station, has confided that while victim questioning has wrapped up, they now await further documents that could shed light on how construction negligence may have been a contributing culprit. He insists on the need for proof—evidence that connects the dots between unauthorized construction and the ensuing tragedy. With a keen eye on the proceedings,…
Amidst the bustling corridors of international diplomacy, an upcoming event is set to capture the headlines. Our story takes us to the scenic lands of Cambodia, where the charismatic Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s newest Prime Minister, is gearing up for her very first official sojourn to the neighboring country. Mark your calendars, for on Wednesday and Thursday, April 23 and 24, 2025, history will unfurl in the making. Now, if you’re wondering how this all came about, it was none other than an invitation from Cambodia’s esteemed Prime Minister, Hun Manet, that rolled out the red carpet for this highly anticipated visit. The excitement is palpable as Thailand and Cambodia prepare to not only strengthen their diplomatic ties but also add some memorable chapters to their storied relationship. Let’s delve a little deeper. Imagine, amidst the pomp and circumstance, as the two spirited leaders come together, an emblematic moment awaits: a…
The serene cityscape of Bangkok recently echoed with tragedy as a high-profile construction venture took a harrowing turn. On March 28, the ambitious State Audit Office tower project came crashing down during an earthquake, offering a grim count of dead and sparking a whirlwind of investigations that have gripped the public’s attention. Amidst the turmoil and shock, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) sprang into action, apprehending one of the key figures in the tangled corporate web behind the collapsed 30-storey building. Zhang Chuanling, a Chinese executive associated with the flawed construction endeavour, was nabbed from a plush hotel nestled in the Ratchadaphisek area. His capture on April 19 is a major plot twist in this sobering saga. Zhang is not alone in facing the music; he’s part of a quartet potentially complicit in shady business dealings linked to China Railway No.10 (Thailand) Co (CREC). The others, all Thais—Manas Sri-anan,…
In the heart of Chiang Mai province, an unusual team of heroes is making waves. Cue the entrance of Plai Valentine and Plai Saenchamp, two rescue elephants with skills as seasoned as their name suggests. Trained for the toughest terrains—mountainous, aquatic, and those dizzying heights—these gentle giants had a special assignment. On April 19, they turned their trunks to the ravaged sites of Mae Rim district, where a fierce summer storm had left behind a trail of toppled century-old trees, crushed shops and homes, and a choked network of roadways. This was a scene where chaos had cast its shadow over vibrant communities, blocking routes and posing palpable threats. But the duo didn’t ride in alone. They formed an integral part of a dedicated rescue team, complemented by officials and mahouts, the highly skilled elephant trainers who know their elephants like the back of their hand. If you missed the…
In the quiet town of Mueang Lam Ta Sao, nestled within the Wang Noi district of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, tragedy struck on the night of April 19. Beneath the moonlit sky, what was once a serene single-storey home became the scene of a harrowing blaze that left behind a trail of destruction and heartbreak. The fire, which erupted around 10:31 PM, quickly engulfed the dwelling, its flames hungrily consuming the structure while strong winds and nearby piles of rubbish fueled its ferocious appetite. Responding to the urgent call, Police Lieutenant Phuriwat Pansrikaeng, alongside dedicated local firefighters and members of the Phutthaisawan Foundation, sprang into action. Yet, despite their best efforts, it took a punishing 30 minutes to bring the raging inferno under control. The aftermath was a sorrowful sight; the house stood in ruins, and the air was thick with the pall of loss. Within the charred remains lay…
In a landmark move towards a greener and more sustainable future, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) has announced its ambitious plan to transition from natural gas-powered (NGV) buses to a new fleet of electric-powered (EV) air-conditioned buses. This year, the agency is set to receive its first delivery of 500 shiny EV buses, marking a pivotal step in their eco-friendly journey. BMTA’s esteemed Director, Kittikan Chomdoung Charuworapolkul, recently updated the public on the agency’s earnest efforts in leasing these electric buses as a cleaner alternative to the NGV models. The plan—an ode to clean energy—has been submitted with hope to the Ministry of Transport. Meanwhile, the diligent Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) is busy compiling its intricate details. The grand scheme then awaits its turn to waltz into the Secretariat of the Cabinet (SoC). Kittikan, with his usual foresight, emphasized that this revision was a…
The sun had barely reached its zenith on a past Wednesday when the Bangkok eastern outer ring road in Pathum Thani turned into a theater of chaos, a vivid illustration of road rage immortalized by a snapshot from a dash cam video. At the heart of this turbulence was Smitthiphat Leenawarat, an intense young man at the tender age of 28, guiding his BMW into a saga he would probably rather forget. As he now faces the consequences of this fateful day, the charges against him have started to unravel a complex web of legal woes. The Pathum Thani roads, it seems, have seen better days. The atmosphere within the Lam Luk Ka police station was tense on Friday evening, as Mr. Smitthiphat and his loyal legal counsel took deliberate steps into the lion’s den to formally acknowledge the numerous charges. A litany of offenses awaited him: assault causing bodily…
An unexpected spectacle of nature is brewing across Thailand today. The Meteorological Department has issued a cautionary alert as Mother Nature gears up to unleash her fury in the form of fierce thunderstorms and torrents of rain across 42 provinces — and yes, that includes the bustling metropolis of Bangkok. So, grab your umbrellas and prepare for a wild, wet rollercoaster of weather. The forecast reads like a meteorological thriller. Picture this: dark clouds huddled together ominously over the horizon, waiting for just the right moment to release their wrath. Gusty winds put on a show, swirling through the air with a vigor that bends trees as easily as a child’s toy. Meanwhile, up above, lightning flashes bring an electrifying (quite literally!) light show to the heavens. But it’s not just the sky that’s heated — the sweltering hot temperatures in the north and other regions add an extra layer…
White-clad demonstrators took to the streets of Bangkok on March 9, their unified opposition to the controversial casino-entertainment complex bill as stark as their attire. These protestors are just one of many hurdles the Pheu Thai-led government must leap if it hopes to push this contentious legislation through parliament. But recent developments suggest that hurdle-jumping may be on hold, at least for now. In a political shuffle worthy of a casino card trick, the government decided to delay discussions of the bill until the next parliamentary session, kicking off on July 2. The decision comes after formidable resistance from various sectors, with opposition members and even some within the coalition government expressing concerns. Chaichanok Chidchob, Bhumjaithai Party’s secretary-general, took a stand against the bill, sparking whispers of internal strife that Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul—also a deputy prime minister—downplayed with the finesse of a seasoned politician dealing a new hand. Though…