Imagine a scene directly out of a movie where the prodigal son returns home after years away, amidst the scenic backdrop of Chiang Mai, the air filled with anticipation and excitement. This is no mere fiction, but the tale of Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand, making his grand re-entry into his cherished homeland of Chiang Mai. On a voyage driven by tradition and family allegiance, Thaksin’s journey back to Chiang Mai, after a self-imposed exile stretching 17 long years, radiates a profound narrative of nostalgia and reunion. Accompanied by the clicking of cameras and the fervor of supporters eager for selfies, his arrival felt like the script of a blockbuster, with Thaksin playing the leading role. Upon his parole — a concession granted owing to his advanced age of 74 and a litany of health woes — Thaksin openly vowed to make this pilgrimage to Chiang Mai…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Imagine a scene gleaming with political camaraderie, high spirits, and a spread of local and international culinary delights, all nestled within the lush confines of the Green Valley project at Somchai’s residence. The event, which commenced at the stroke of 5.30 pm, unfolded into a splendid evening that saw the crème de la crème of Thai politics gathering to welcome not one, but three prime ministerial personalities, amid the convivial chuckles and warm handshakes of friends and allies. As the sun began its descent, the atmosphere buzzed with the arrival of esteemed members from the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Notable figures graced the venue, including Puangpetch Chunla-ead from the PM’s Office, the ever-insightful Kriang Kantinan, Deputy Interior Minister, alongside Jakkapong Sangmanee, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Deputy Agriculture Minister Chaiya Phromma, and the eloquent party-list MP, Sompong Amornvivat. The evening’s roster was further embellished by the presence of Agriculture Minister Thammanat…
Imagine, for a moment, the vibrant colors, the explosive sounds, and the overwhelming joy that marks the Songkran Festival, also known as the Thai New Year. Now, picture this: waves of migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, who’ve been toiling away in Thailand, get the chance to dive back into the heart of their homelands to celebrate this monumental event sans the usual financial headache of a re-entry fee. Yes, you heard it right! From April 1 to May 15, a magical window opens up for these hardworking souls, allowing them to return home to revel in Songkran’s festivities without the burden of extra charges upon their return to Thailand. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, a name that now resonates with the spirit of generosity, has orchestrated this beautiful symphony of compassion and understanding. In a meeting that could only be described as momentous, the National Committee on the Management…
In an operation that sounds more like the plot of a high-octane thriller than a police report, the law enforcement agencies in Thailand have orchestrated a staggering takedown of an immense online gambling empire. Commandeered by Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong and the formidable chief of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), along with Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej and a cadre of elite police officers, the operation culminated in the dramatic arrest of 44 suspects linked to no fewer than 525 online gambling websites. The haul? An extraordinary seizure of nearly 2,000 assets, valued collectively at a breathtaking 69 million baht. At the heart of this blockbuster bust were seven masterminds who orchestrated the gambling websites and five beneficiaries who reaped the ill-gotten gains of the network. The intrigue deepens with the revelation of eight individuals engaged to perform ATM transactions for the group, alongside 24 individuals entangled…
In the bustling heart of legislative reform and political dialogue, a special House committee has taken on the monumental task of dissecting an amnesty bill with a fine-tooth comb. The aim? To explore the inclusion of lese majeste-related cases, a topic that stirs as much intrigue as it does controversy. Suriyasai Katasila, known for his fervent activism, laid the groundwork for the discussion, highlighting the polarizing views on the notorious Section 112. According to Katasila, navigating this labyrinth of legal and moral considerations demands a meticulous approach, owing to the delicate fabric of the issue at hand. The committee, eager to untangle this Gordian knot, contemplates the formation of a sub-committee dedicated solely to the lese majeste quagmire. Katasila, pressing on the urgency of the matter, suggested an in-depth study to gauge the intentions behind each alleged offense, a task riddled with complexities and shaded nuances. A mechanism is proposed…
Imagine a serene morning in the picturesque, bustling community near U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport, disrupted only by the distant hum of development and progress. It’s here, amidst the echoes of modernity clashing with the tranquil life of the local residents, that a tale of expansion and environmental consideration unfolds like a saga. In the heart of Thailand’s ambitious Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) scheme, plans to construct a second runway at the U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport have caused a stir among the locals, sparking a narrative that’s as compelling as it’s contentious. Despite facing opposition from the community, officials have declared that the runway will indeed take shape, adhering strictly to the roadmap laid down by an intricate Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (EHIA). The plot thickens as the EEC conveys its intention to engage with the community, holding meetings from the 13th to the 20th of March at the Ban Chang District…
In the lush, tropical haven of Surat Thani, known for its serene beaches and the legendary Full Moon Parties, a tale more befitting a cloak-and-dagger thriller unfolded in the calm dawn. The tranquility of Koh Phangan, a paradise island nestled in the southern part of Thailand, was briefly interrupted by the sound of authority as officials descended on an unsuspected location. But this was no ordinary raid; this was an operation to dismantle an illicit nursery hidden away under the guise of care and laughter. The mastermind behind this clandestine operation, a 56-year-old Israeli woman named Suli Shulamite Avraham, found herself in the grip of the law, accused of orchestrating this underground haven for foreign toddlers. Alongside her, four accomplices hailing from corners of the globe were caught in the net cast by the determined officials. The ensemble cast of this drama included Noppadol Khaomali, the intrepid chief of Koh…
Amid the swirling currents of Thai politics, a tale of restraint, intrigue, and survival unfolds, featuring the Move Forward Party (MFP) and the ruling Pheu Thai Party at its core. At the heart of this drama is Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, a figure who has navigated the choppy waters of political opposition with a tactician’s grace, leaving many to wonder – where does the opposition’s fire lie in the face of governance and controversy? Whispers of a clandestine accord between the leading opposition party, the MFP, and the monopolistic Pheu Thai Party have been floating around, igniting imaginations and conjuring images of shadowy backroom dealings. Could there be a hidden handshake agreement guiding the political dance between these two entities? The notion reeks of political drama worthy of a prime-time slot, yet the MFP has notably opted for a more subdued approach, preferring the route of a general debate over the explosive…
In the land of smiles and the realm of rich traditions, the former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra recently made headlines with a heartwarming venture back to his roots in the picturesque province of Chiang Mai. The occasion? A deeply personal pilgrimage to honor his ancestors, a tradition held dear during the vibrant festival of Songkran. This was not just any visit; it marked Thaksin’s emotional return after a 17-year hiatus, since he embarked on a self-exile journey only to return to his homeland last August. Now, at the grand age of 74, Thaksin received a nod of approval from the Probation Department, allowing this poignant trip to unfold. Chiang Mai greeted its once-leader with open arms and the warmth characteristic of this northern jewel of Thailand. Thaksin, navigating his journey under parole, given on accounts of age and health ailments, found himself stepping into the serene precincts of the Khru…
Amidst the bustling streets and vibrant culture of Thailand, a crucial conversation is happening, spearheaded by the country’s very own Consumer Council (TCC). In a bold move that resonates with the digital age, the TCC called upon the government to revamp a law that harkens back to the era of disco and bell-bottoms – the Consumer Protection Act, BE 2522 (1979). Why, you ask? The answer is as futuristic as it gets: Artificial Intelligence (AI). On an occasion that celebrated consumer rights globally, World Consumer Rights Day, the TCC didn’t just throw a party. Instead, they launched an ambitious campaign – “Responsible and Fair AI for Consumers.” This wasn’t about celebrating; it was about changing the game. The focus? Tackling the murky waters of consumer violations by AI-driven platforms. Picture being misled by a too-good-to-be-true online deal, having your private life leaked like an open book, or facing discrimination by…