In the dynamic world of international relations and complex geopolitics, the name “Lt Gen Kittipong Jamsuwan” might not ring a bell for everyone, yet his role in the ongoing negotiations between Thailand and Myanmar’s United Wa State Army (UWSA) is nothing short of pivotal. Here in the heart of Southeast Asia, where the borders are drawn with an ink of diplomacy and power often makes its presence known, Lt Gen Kittipong stands at the forefront of a potential turning point. Let’s set the scene: It was a typical day in Phitsanulok, a historically rich region serving as the backdrop for this particular affair. Our protagonist, the 3rd Army Region commander himself, Lt Gen Kittipong Jamsuwan, stepped forward with a strategic message. With resolve, he declared ongoing discussions concerning the withdrawal of the UWSA’s troops, often dubbed the Red Wa Army, from Thai territory. His words echoed through the corridors of…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
The political landscape in Thailand is never short of drama, and recent rumors swirling around the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party have certainly added some spice to the mix. But before you get carried away with the chatter, let’s set the record straight on this melodrama. The UTN is firmly denying whispers that 25 of its 36 MPs are planning a grand exodus to another political outfit. As you might expect, UTN’s secretary-general, Akanat Promphan, was quick to dismiss the gossip. Amidst the cacophony of speculation on TikTok, he has confidently rebuffed the claims as utterly baseless. To hear him tell it, the UTN, as the third-largest coalition party in the Thai parliament, is as solid as a rock. “We’re like family here,” Akanat assures us, implying that you couldn’t pry these MPs away even if you tried. The buzz hinting at potential desertion suggests that these MPs were eyeing…
Babies born to parents of Myanmar descent at border hospitals in Thailand face a unique conundrum: despite being awarded a 13-digit identification number at birth, these infants are not eligible for the same free healthcare coverage as their Thai contemporaries. This was clarified by the National Health Security Office (NHSO) in a statement on Wednesday. These ID numbers, whilst being an essential part of the bureaucratic framework, distinctly classify them as migrants born in Thai territory, as emphasized by Dr. Jadej Thammatacharee, NHSO’s secretary-general. Dr. Thammatacharee was responding to chatter in the media about the increasing trend of expectant mothers from Myanmar deliberately crossing the Thai border to give birth, aiming to tap into the lucrative benefits of Thailand’s healthcare system. The chatter surfaced when a healthcare worker anonymously shared insights on the Drama-addict Facebook page, highlighting that these women leverage a healthcare package geared specifically towards migrants without existing…
The year 2024 has unveiled an intriguing conundrum in Thailand’s quest for sustainable energy. As the clouds drift lazily across the Thai sky, there’s a whirlwind of activity in the offices of the Energy Ministry—one that might just reshape how the nation meets its power needs. The central character in this story? The Power Development Plan, or PDP, which is becoming the topic of hot debate and possibly hot air too. Amidst the bustling cityscape of Bangkok, within the hallowed halls of the Energy Policy and Planning Office, the PDP is undergoing scrutiny. This document could hold the key to not only securing Thailand’s energy future but also how it tackles the looming global warming crisis. The momentum is led by the astute Prasert Sinsukprasert, the permanent secretary, who stands at the helm of this energy ship. He knows the friends and foes of this plan could steer them toward…
The stage was set for a drama of political suspense as the Constitutional Court took center stage on a crisp Wednesday morning, its chambers echoing with the echoes of history. Cast in the spotlight was none other than Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s former prime minister, whose story seemed to unfold like a gripping thriller, pulling the nation into its intricate web. The petition — a thick wad of papers both heavy in hand and implication — was brought forth by an assertive figure named Kongdecha Chairat. He accused Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong and other prominent officials of performing a vanishing act on the law itself. Allegedly, they’d paved a velvet path for Thaksin, allowing him to swap prison bars for hospital walls at the Police General Hospital (PGH), almost a sanctuary amidst chaos. In a twist that could rival the murkiest of plot devices, Thaksin, once perched atop a…
When it comes to modern business magnates who have not only captured markets but hearts, Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla stands out, and not just on the corporate stage. The celebrated Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group has recently etched his name in history by clinching the coveted Economic Times (ET) Business Leader of the Year 2024 award. The event, held at the illustrious ET Awards for Corporate Excellence, is no mere congratulatory affair but a testament to those who navigate the tumultuous seas of global business with guile and grace. Mr. Birla, with this third recognition, practically swipes the podium clean with his hat-trick of wins. In a world where consistency is king, Mr. Birla rules with an iron-clad promise of success and innovation. The Aditya Birla Group, with an astonishing market capitalization of $100 billion, isn’t just a mere participant in the global economy — it’s a powerhouse, a…
Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions Asia Pacific has announced an exciting new development, turning heads in the logistics world with a strategic partnership that promises to revolutionize operations in the region. The company has joined forces with Kuehne+Nagel to launch a cutting-edge Central Logistics Center nestled in the bustling heart of Thailand. This marks a gigantic leap forward in optimizing logistics and delivering top-notch customer service across the Asia Pacific realm. A Strategic Hub for the Region Perched in the vibrant Si Racha free zone district, the Central Logistics Center is conveniently located near Schaeffler’s manufacturing facility in Chonburi. This state-of-the-art, 3,000 square meter assembly and packaging haven is destined to become the fulcrum of supply operations. Designed with precision engineering, the facility will focus on streamlining logistics processes, managing pivotal activities like kitting, receiving, and shipping goods. The overarching ambition is to turbocharge delivery capabilities while steadfastly maintaining exceptional service…
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) recently pulled off a remarkable feat by hosting the first-ever Industry-Academia International Business Incubation Conclave (IAIBIC 2024), under the invigorating mantra “Inspire ~ Ideate ~ Incubate.” This landmark event took place from December 15th to 18th, 2024, at the posh Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park Hotel, drawing a lively crowd of over 1,700 participants from 46 diverse countries. The eclectic mix included policymakers, academicians, researchers, and industry leaders, all congregated with a common vision: to bridge the often vast gaps between academia, industry, and policy-making and ignite the flames of innovation and sustainable growth. At the heart of this mission was AIT President, Prof. Pai-Chi Li, also the Patron of IAIBIC 2024. With profound insight, Prof. Li underscored the imperative need for collaboration: “By combining the intellectual curiosity inherent to academia with the practical, market-savvy knowledge of industry, we create a fertile ground for…
All aboard! Picture this: the former Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, casually greeting Pheu Thai Party members while boarding a train en route to a lively party seminar in the picturesque town of Hua Hin. It’s a scene right out of a political drama, with an added dash of Thai charm. But this trip isn’t just a leisurely getaway; it’s swirling with significance, controversy, and a sprinkle of scandal that has captivated the nation’s attention. While the seminar is all about strategizing and uniting, a storm brews as an Election Commission (EC) panel is entangled with Thaksin in a case that could rattle the political landscape. The heart of the matter? Accusations that Thaksin has exerted undue influence over the ruling party, Pheu Thai. EC chairman, Ittiporn Boonpracong, acknowledged on a brisk Wednesday morning that although complaints have been filed, the panel lacks the authority to compel the formerly…
Mitr Phol Group, a beacon of innovation in sustainable food production, has rolled out the “Let’s Green the Sugarcane” campaign with much fanfare, aiming to redefine sugarcane harvesting as we enter the 2024/2025 milling season. This initiative is not just a nod toward eco-friendliness but an emphatic leap toward embracing it entirely. Cane growers are at the heart of this movement, encouraged to employ fresh and environmentally friendly harvesting practices that promise both fiscal rewards and a lighter ecological footprint. Picture this: lush fields of sugarcane, harvested with care that befits a nurturer of nature, not a conqueror. The real magic lies in Mitr Phol’s commitment to purchasing sugarcane leaves—offering a generous 900 baht per ton for a staggering 700,000 tons this season. These humble leaves are anything but rubbish; they are treasures—capable of being transformed into biomass fuel or used as organic mulch. This not only enriches the soil…