In the tranquil province of Prachin Buri, a dramatic series of events unfolded reminiscent of a gripping crime novel. Law enforcement swung into action, casting a wide net in a high-stakes “mafia cleanup” operation that involved over a hundred officers from the Crime Suppression Division, Provincial Police Region 2, and local law enforcement. Their objective? To uncover the veiled secrets linked to Soonthorn Vilawan, the venerable yet controversial 85-year-old president of the Prachin Buri Provincial Administrative Organisation. The operation was triggered by a political scandal laced with intrigue and tragedy—the alleged orchestrated killing of Mr. Soonthorn’s adopted son, a maneuver in a broader power struggle that rocked the political corridors of Prachin Buri. Armed with unwavering determination and search warrants from the Prachin Buri Provincial Court, officers delved into five locales across the province. The most significant raid took place on a sprawling plantation in Sri Maha Phot district. This…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In a classic case of “hurry up and wait,” the tripartite wage committee is gearing up for another showdown next Monday. The hot topic? A proposal to jack up the daily minimum wage to 400 baht, a move that’s been touted as a “New Year’s gift” for the hard-working citizens of the nation. But as it turns out, last Thursday’s meeting fizzled like a flat soda, all because a couple of government representatives decided to play hooky. Without them, the meeting couldn’t reach quorum, leading to its abrupt cancelation and rescheduling for December 23. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is pushing for rapid progress, hoping to wrap this up with a pretty bow before the end of the year. With the absentees hopefully back in the fold, the next gathering of this 15-member committee promises a lively debate. One of the thorny issues on the table will be whether to leave…
In the lush, picturesque regions of southern Thailand, nature recently delivered a less-than-welcome surprise—a brutal bout of fresh flooding across four of its luminous provinces. This natural fury has left at least three sorrowful fatalities and has tangibly impacted over 43,500 households. Wrapping their heads around the extent of this watery siege, Phatsakorn Bunyalak, the directorial maestro of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), reports a rather unsettling scene: 43,595 homes bathed in unwanted water across 27 districts spanning Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Imagine that for a bath! Even though skies seem kinder with some receding waters, the folks in Surat Thani are keeping a keen eye on the Tapee River, which seems to enjoy pushing its boundaries a bit too much. This aquatic grandstanding could spell more trouble, warns a recent DDPM briefing adorned with cautious anticipations. Nakhon Si Thammarat, the ‘champion’ in…
In the bustling urban landscape of Bangkok, a remarkable transformation is underway. The Purple Line southern extension is progressing with steadfast determination, shaping the future of commuting in the city. This ambitious project, connecting Tao Poon in the lively Bang Sue district to the vibrant southern region of Rat Burana, has reached almost halfway completion, according to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). On a bright Saturday morning, Chairman Montri Dechasakulsom, accompanied by his diligent board members and executives, took to the construction site to witness firsthand the evolution of this grand undertaking. The Chairman emphasized the significance of their visit, underscoring their commitment to monitoring the readiness and unwavering safety of the operation, strictly in line with the Ministry of Transport’s stringent policies. With a current completion rate of 46.3%, the project is making significant headway. The Chairman sternly emphasized that the progress must adhere to the…
It was an ordinary Saturday afternoon on Rama IV Road, until a sudden, heart-stopping moment turned it into a scene of chaos. Picture this: a bustling street in the Bang Rak district of Bangkok, where the rhythm of daily life was abruptly disrupted by an unexpected, unwelcome visitor—a concrete beam, plummeting from a crane above. Just to set the stage, this accident occurred amid the bustling demolition activity at the Srifuengfung Building. It’s a towering figure with 12 main stories serenaded by an additional mezzanine, making it a 14-floor behemoth that had been greenlit for tear-down as recently as June 2024. On this particular day, the task was the descent of some hefty materials, when at precisely 4 PM, the routine operation veered off course. The mighty crane, which normally held command over its heavy burdens, faltered due to what appeared to be an electrical hiccup within the operator’s cab.…
As the holiday festivities draw near, the Ministry of Public Health is preparing to submit the much-anticipated Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill to parliament next month. In a press briefing, Nipon Chinanonwait, the head of the Office of Alcohol Control Committee, shone a light on the progress of the revised Alcohol Beverage Control Act, promising that the new legislation will debut for its second and third readings in January. This drive for regulation is set to proceed in tandem with several other alcohol-related bills that await parliamentary scrutiny. A key feature of the proposed law is its stern stance against round-the-clock alcohol sales. While strict limitations on buying hours are maintained, there’s talk of revising the infamous ban on sales from 2 to 5 p.m., possibly realigning them with international norms. Such a move is expected to balance consumer convenience with public health considerations. The envisioned reforms promise rigorous enforcement measures,…
In a saga that reads like a gritty crime novel, the tranquil province of Prachin Buri has become the backdrop of a dramatic law enforcement operation, capturing the nation’s attention. The local hero, or rather, the anti-hero in this tale is the venerable 85-year-old Soonthorn Vilawan, president of the Prachin Buri Provincial Administrative Organisation. Allegations swirl around him like the mist over the lush Thai countryside, accusing him of orchestrating a vicious power play that resulted in his adopted son’s untimely demise. The morning of the operation, over a hundred officers, drawn from the elite ranks of the Crime Suppression Division, Provincial Police Region 2, and Prachin Buri Provincial Police, swarmed over five locations in a strategic “mafia cleanup” effort, turning the sleepy province into a hive of police activity. This simultaneous swoop, armed with righteous search warrants from the Prachin Buri Provincial Court, homed in on terrain closely associated…
In the bustling heart of Samut Sakhon, a sense of unease lingered over the community on Rama II Road. The date was November 29, a morning meant for just another day in the books, yet it bore witness to an unimaginable tragedy. A mighty crane carrying a substantial concrete beam surrendered to gravity, collapsing on the fateful lanes of the elevated Ekkachai-Ban Phaeo Intercity Motorway 82 (M82). It was 4:13 AM when six industrious workers met their untimely fates and nine others were left wrestling with injuries. This cataclysmic event cast a two-week shadow over one of Thailand’s vital thoroughfares. By mid-December, a herculean effort saw normalcy restored on Rama II Road. The collective resolve of various agencies and departments resulted in the meticulous clearing of the wreckage, dismantling of the fallen structure, and a complete surface overhaul — all accomplished in an impressive span of just 14 days. Apirat…
Amidst the scenic landscapes of the greater Mekong subregion (GMS), a struggle unfolds, one that necessitates cross-border and multisectoral cooperation to combat the shadowy world of illicit drugs. Enter the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), helmed by the dynamic Ghada Fathi Waly, who, in a recent discussion with the Bangkok Post, elucidated a compelling strategy. The fight against illicit drug farming, she asserted, is about much more than uprooting illegal crops—it’s about reshaping livelihoods and futures. “Imagine farmers who, amidst verdant fields, cultivate crops like opium poppies not out of malice, but out of sheer necessity to feed their families,” Ms. Waly empathized. “What they need is a sustainable way forward—a chance at legitimate incomes.” With fervor, she laid out a blueprint that involves creating scalable, sustainable livelihoods for these farmers. This means business training, market access, empowering women in rural settings, and a green-minded approach to…
Maj Gen Dr. Riengthong Nanna, the dynamic leader and owner of Mongkutwattana Hospital, recently announced a bold move that has sent ripples through the healthcare community. The hospital, known for its robust healthcare services, decided to cease treating outpatient referrals under the universal coverage healthcare card, popularly recognized as the gold card scheme. This decision is part of a strategic effort to mitigate financial losses. The gold card scheme, managed by the National Health Security Office (NHSO), has been a cornerstone in providing accessible healthcare to millions. However, according to Dr. Nanna, the NHSO has faltered on its commitment to settle outstanding debts for outpatient referrals since March, leading to a staggering 44 million baht shortfall for Mongkutwattana Hospital. “Continuing to serve referred outpatients without payment jeopardizes the hospital’s survival,” Dr. Nanna emphasized, reminiscing about a similar financial predicament in 2020 that had culminated in a 13.2 million baht debt.…