THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

In a world where diplomatic relations often navigate turbulent waters, stories of international diplomacy can be as gripping as a spy novel. This tale unfolds as Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong journeyed to the Xinjiang region of China, aiming to visit the renowned Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar. Their mission was of significant concern: monitoring the status of Uyghur returnees, reportedly compelled to leave Thailand and return to China on a rather tense day marked as February 27. However, the plot thickens as Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai finds himself at the heart of swirling speculation. It was rumored that the United States has been playing hard to get—refusing him a visa. This alleged slight followed Thailand’s contentious decision to send 40 Uyghurs back to China, causing global heads to turn and wag fingers with disapproval. Amid mounting pressure, Minister Phumtham faced the media on a…

Amidst the relentless hubbub of busy Bangkok, backhoes tirelessly chip away at the mountainous debris of what was once the proud State Audit Office building, casting solemn shadows over Chatuchak district. This scene of determination and despair unfolds against the backdrop of a bustling city, where the dull rumble of machines harmonizes with the city’s restless heartbeat. The task at hand, both grim and hopeful, carries on under the vigilant eyes of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The tower’s proud silhouette has now dissolved into chaos—a testament to nature’s unpredictable fury, manifested in the March 28 earthquake that caught an entire city unawares. As these giant mechanical beasts clear away the remnants, the BMA’s disaster prevention and mitigation czar, Suriyachai Rawiwan, stands at the helm, orchestrating the complex dance with precision and somber resolve. His recent briefing captured not just the progress, but the poignant reality of hope intertwined with…

In a world where passports are the golden keys to adventure, Thailand’s visa-free entry scheme has been an exhilarating ticket for explorers worldwide. Imagine jet-setting into the Land of Smiles with just a backpack and a dream, all while dodging the hassle of a visa application. This scheme, a hallmark of Thailand’s tourism triumph, grants eligible foreigners a blissful 90-day stay without the bureaucratic clutter. Yet, like all good things, there’s a twist in the tale. Recent rumblings suggest that this idyllic program is not without flaws, compelling Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to hit the pause button and reassess its inner workings. During a Cabinet meeting that hummed with gravitas, Paetongtarn, at a fresh 38 years young, highlighted the scheme’s potential pitfalls. These include an upswing in troublesome visa overstays and the somewhat sneaky engagements by foreigners in job markets without proper permits. This has sparked a flurry of activity…

In the bustling Thai province of Saraburi, an intriguing investigation was set in motion. The spotlight was on a construction company teetering under the scrutiny of the Thai authorities. This drama unfolded amidst swirling rumors that the company employed an entirely Chinese workforce, which would have been an eyebrow-raising deviation from normal labor practices. The stage was set on April 22. The plot saw Police Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonyaluck teaming up with a formidable lineup including Police Major Generals Phanthana Nuchanarot and Chairit On-orat. Together, they dispatched a search team spearheaded by the indefatigable Acting Police Lieutenant Colonel Thiwaporn Rungroj, the Saraburi Immigration Inspector. Side-by-side with Saraburi Immigration Police, the team coordinated with local law enforcement actors including the Saraburi Provincial Employment Office, Saraburi Provincial Police, Region 1 Police, and local administrative bodies in Saraburi’s Kaeng Khoi district. Their mission? To unravel the mysteries surrounding this enigmatic company that allegedly…

In a warm and sunny nook of Thailand, where crystal-clear waters embrace the lush coastline, a drama as juicy as the fruit in question rippled across the internet. The protagonist? A well-meaning Thai tour guide who unwittingly stirred up online tidal waves by sharing a seemingly innocuous video on TikTok. Her video depicted an act of hospitality by her team, which offered fresh fruit to tourists, a-la floating style, as they reveled in the salty embrace of the sea. However, what was meant to be seen as a tender gesture of care akin to serving family members soon turned into a tempest of criticism. The video, once live, ignited controversy faster than you can slice a watermelon. Despite the original post being removed, screenshots resurfaced like stubborn barnacles on the internet, capturing the moment forever. As the footage spread, online communities splashed critiques and comments all over the place, expressing…

As the alluring island of Phuket approaches the conclusion of its dry season, the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) is turning up the volume on their appeals for water conservation. Coinciding with Earth Day yesterday, April 22, the PWA sent out a heartfelt public message, urging the island’s residents to embrace mindful water-use habits and to report any burst pipes immediately. The goal? To emphasize that every drop is precious in the battle against dwindling water supplies. “Clean water is not only vital for sustaining life,” said a spokesperson from PWA, “but it serves as the foundation upon which our economic, social, and environmental systems are built.” In line with this message, residents are encouraged to make small but impactful changes in their water usage habits. Some suggested water-saving strategies include turning off taps while brushing teeth, installing low-flow showerheads, rinsing produce in containers rather than under running water, reusing laundry…

In the vibrant heart of Nonthaburi, a curious caper unfolded, captivating the attention of both local residents and netizens alike. Kanokwan Sri, a savvy Thai woman, found herself in the throes of an unusual predicament—a persistent thief targeting her freshly washed underwear with commendable consistency. But instead of merely wringing her hands in frustration, Kanokwan and her intrepid mother, Pranee, brewed a cunning plan that would make any sleuth proud. It all began on an unsuspecting night of April 17, when the panty-possessor first struck under the cloak of darkness. Like a thief in a tale spun from tales of mischief and midnight misdeeds, he wheeled up on his trusty motorbike, a mere shadow slipping into the alley leading to Kanokwan’s abode on Sai Noi–Lat Bua Luang Road. His prize? Four pairs of undeterred undergarments, leaving our protagonist with naught but exasperation to cover her surprise. With the clock striking…

Dust off your water guns and get ready to splash around, because the Songkran festival in Thailand has once again proven itself to be a time of joy and significant hustle and bustle at the nation’s airports. The Airports of Thailand (AOT) have delightedly announced a commendable surge in passenger numbers during this year’s festival run from April 11 to April 17, logging a delightful 4.3% increase to reach over 2.6 million passengers. Yes, that’s a lot of people making their way through the corridors of six bustling airports under AOT’s banner! These include the famed Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai airports. For the curious numbers folks, here’s the scoop: international passenger traffic bubbled up by a solid 3.1% to tally 1.6 million, while domestic passengers marked an impressive 6.2% leap, reaching a million mark. A flurry of 16,064 flights took…

In a world where retirement savings seem like a distant dream for many, Thailand has introduced a remarkable innovation that’s turning heads and winning international praise: the retirement lottery. This inventive scheme has cleverly married two disparate concepts—gambling and retirement savings—into a harmonious union that promises financial security while satisfying the thrilling chase for a win. The initiative drew considerable attention at the World Bank-International Monetary Fund (WB-IMF) Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. Even the World Bank, a juggernaut in global development, has stood up and taken notice, hailing Thailand’s approach as a “remarkable innovation.” It’s a notion so refreshing and bold that countries grappling with leaner retirement portfolios might just find their holy grail. Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister, Paopoom Rojanasakul, couldn’t be more thrilled with the ruckus this scheme is causing. “It’s an innovative solution to the pressing issue of retirement planning,” he says, suggesting that this could be…

In the vibrant district of Bang Na, Bangkok, as the unforgiving sun looms large and bright in the sky, pedestrians wield their umbrellas like shields, valiantly protecting themselves from the blazing heat. The sweltering temperatures have been making headlines, with the situation turning critical as Phuket faced “very dangerous” heat levels on Wednesday, while Bangkok and 34 other provinces encountered “dangerous” conditions—a trend expected to carry over into Thursday, according to senior health authorities. Dr. Amporn Benjaponpitak, director-general of the Department of Health, underscored the potential dangers posed by the alarming “heat index” on these relentless days. At “very dangerous” red-level heat, individuals are at heightened risk of suffering from a wide array of heat-related ailments, including rashes, cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, fainting, and in the worst cases, even death. The advisory particularly resonated with vulnerable groups such as senior citizens and those with preexisting health conditions, urging them to…