In a region as tumultuous and complex as the deep South of Thailand, the passage of time often brings with it a sense of unease rather than relief. This rings particularly true as today marks the expiration of the statute of limitations in the Tak Bai massacre case, prompting a flurry of concern among authorities about the potential for fresh unrest. Lt Gen Phaisarn Nusang, the robust commander of the 4th Army Region, has been at the forefront of this simmering issue. Just yesterday, he revealed that a House committee, dedicated to studying peace efforts in the troubled southernmost provinces, had queried him about strategies to quell potential disturbances. As the clock ticks away on the statute of limitations, there lurks the shadowy threat of “third-party” groups, whose ill intentions could stir the pot of unrest. Heeding this possibility, Lt Gen Phaisarn has rallied local authorities, urging them to maintain…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Thailand is basking in the limelight, as never before, thanks to a wave of accolades in the realm of sustainable tourism. The nation has made remarkable strides, with not one, not two, but a staggering four of its enchanting locales being celebrated as “Green Destinations Top 100 Story” awardees this year. This triumph marks Thailand’s most prominent showcase since it began competing, as proudly announced by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta). Our award-winning quartet of tourist jewels includes the idyllic Nan Living Old City nestled in Nan province, the vibrant Songkhla City in Songkhla, the historical treasure of U Thong Ancient City in Suphan Buri, and the charming Chiang Khan in Loei. These destinations have soared above competitors, capturing the essence of sustainable travel in Thailand. These acknowledgments are part of an initiative by Green Destinations, a worldwide organization deeply committed to supporting destinations in their sustainability…
Imagine a land bustling with innovation, where digital dreams take flight, and this magical place is none other than Thailand. But hold your horses – we’re not talking about enchanting beaches or bustling street markets. No, we’re delving into the world of hyperscale data centers, led by the extraordinary ST Telemedia Global Data Centres Thailand (STT GDC Thailand) and its charismatic CEO, Supparat Sivapetchranat Singhara na Ayutthaya. In this tale of tech prowess, STT GDC Thailand stands tall, not just within the borders of the Land of Smiles but stretching its tech-tentacles across the dynamic Southeast Asian landscape. As digital demands explode like a virtual supernova, Supparat and his team are on a mission to spearhead Thailand’s digital infrastructure revolution. Talk about ambition! Once upon a time, data centers were just a whisper in the wind, but now STT GDC Thailand is rewriting the story with numbers that would make…
In the bustling corridors of the House of Representatives, a pivotal decision was made that echoed through the political landscape of the nation. On a Thursday steeped in anticipation, the House fervently debated the potential inclusion of the contentious lese majeste charges in the ambit of a newly proposed political amnesty bill. However, after spirited discourse, the proposal met a resolute rejection, with a substantial count of 270 MPs standing firm against its inclusion, while 152 MPs rallied in favor of it. This proposal was nestled within a comprehensive report from a House special committee, tasked with exploring myriad pathways to fashion an amnesty bill aimed at political offenses. Yet, despite the rejection of the lese majeste component, the assembly embraced the wider findings of the report, which meticulously charted alternative routes for potential political reconciliation. The opposition People’s Party (PP), known for its advocacy of social engagement, has been…
In a world where echoes of the past reverberate into today, an incident that shook Thailand two decades ago continues to haunt the nation’s conscience. Imagine, if you will, a demonstrator clutching a banner with fervor during a rally organized by the Muslim Student Associations of Thailand. This gathering took place in front of the United Nations building on the historic Ratchadamnoen Road in bustling Bangkok, on an otherwise unassuming October 18. What was the purpose? To cast a glaring spotlight on the infamous Tak Bai case. Fast forward to the present—I can almost hear the clock ticking as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra steps into the glaring limelight on a Thursday, issuing an apology that many would argue is two decades overdue. It was a sincere expression of remorse for the ghastly fate suffered by 78 protesters, lives lost as they were cruelly crammed into army trucks like spoils of…
Ah, Koh Samui! Famed for its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant nightlife, this island paradise in Surat Thani has recently become the backdrop for a saga more dramatic than its picturesque sunsets. It unfolds like an enthralling soap opera – involving lavish villas, daring defiance, and the relentless wheels of justice. Picture this: nestled in tambon Maret, within the promising Ariya Residence project, stand 11 luxury villas, each radiating a sense of elegance, wealth, and yes, a touch of rebellion. You see, these exquisite structures were crafted not as per the law’s stringent, albeit necessary, record but rather under the umbrella of illegality. And now, they’re finding themselves at the wrong end of a demolition order. Earlier this week, authorities set foot on the charming island, armed with statutes and directives, poised to dismantle the opulence etched in bricks and mortar. Yet, just when the machinery was set to roll, it…
In an intriguing twist of political drama and legal entanglements, the charismatic veteran politician, Charn Phuangphet, who once held the helm of the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO), finds himself facing a decidedly different fate. Once celebrated for his political acumen, Charn is now dealing with the consequences of severe legal missteps, alongside six others, with all sentenced to 7.5 years in prison for their corruptive acts concerning relief fund misappropriations. The saga reached a critical juncture just recently at the Region 1 Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, where Charn was officially handed his sentence. This unfolded against the backdrop of his tenure as the PAO chief, a role he gloriously held for four consecutive terms. The charges harken back to 2011, a notorious year besieged by catastrophic floods affecting Pathum Thani and its neighbors. Allegations were made regarding the illicit procurement of approximately a million baht…
On a bustling afternoon in the vibrant heart of Bangkok, specifically in the Sathon district, an unending stream of vehicles painted a familiar picture of congestion on the city’s streets. While the image might prompt many to clench their steering wheels in exasperation, behind the scenes, an intriguing duel of wills unfolds over a potential remedy—one that is stirring both debate and interest across the city’s political landscape. Enter the Ministry of Transport, currently embroiled in defending a proposed traffic congestion fee from the ardent critiques hurled by the opposition. The central concern, you ask? A fear that this fee might inadvertently cater to the whims of private enterprises. Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote has been quick to address these fears, maintaining that the policy is designed with transparency and accountability at its core. The helmsman of this proposal, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, has charted a path that involves modest…
Picture this: a bustling police station in Bangkok, with the air electrified by the presence of an unexpected guest. The day is Thursday, the sun is still shining, and Sirinadda Hakparn, recognizable as the wife of the once-celebrated police general Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, steps through the door with the kind of quiet dignity that accompanies controversy. She has come, accompanied by her loyal attorney, to answer to allegations that have gripped the public’s imagination—accusations of trespass and theft to the tune of 5.7 million baht. Timing is everything, and at precisely 2:40 pm, her arrival at the Phra Khanong police station becomes the focal point for an eager pack of journalists. Cameras flash like summer lightning, capturing every glance and gesture, while questions rain down—a cacophony demanding to know the truth behind rumors of a keycard escapade into a stranger’s condo. “It’s not true,” Sirinadda asserts with a poised…
In a bold move towards greener horizons, UOB Thailand has taken a significant stride by embracing DHL’s pioneering GoGreen Plus service. This step fortifies the bond between UOB and DHL, exemplifying UOB’s unwavering dedication to augmenting the sustainability of its supply chain while mitigating Scope 3 non-financed carbon emissions. It’s a testament to their forward-thinking strategy to advance on the path of sustainability. Going Green with a Strategic Alliance As part of the GoGreen Plus service, UOB Thailand has formed a strategic alliance with DHL Express to embark on a shared investment in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for international air shipments. This groundbreaking initiative is tailored to assist UOB Thailand in curtailing its Scope 3 emissions, encompassing those tied to supply chain logistics and operational activities. Mrs. Vira-anong Chiranakhorn Phutrakul, UOB Thailand’s Deputy CEO and Head of Wholesale Banking, passionately articulated, “Our collaboration with DHL Express illustrates UOB’s pledge to…