THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

The Siam Piwat Group, renowned for pioneering luxury destinations and retail ventures, is poised to enhance Thailand’s global allure with an extraordinary lineup of year-end festivities. As the visionary force behind iconic locations such as Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery—and a collaborative partner of ICONSIAM and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok—Siam Piwat firmly cements its status as a trendsetter in crafting world-renowned locales. This year’s festive offerings promise to deliver an unmatched experience in Bangkok and the storied Chao Phraya River region, solidifying Thailand’s stature as a coveted destination for globetrotters, especially during the holiday season. With an impressive daily foot traffic expected of between 400,000 and 450,000 at Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, and ICONSIAM, these celebrations are anticipated to significantly contribute to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s ambitious target of attracting 39 million visitors in 2024. The influx of both local and international tourists is forecasted…

In a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, Rugby School Thailand (RST) has unveiled an exciting initiative to empower young minds with the potential to shine bright on a global stage. Nestled within its expansive 80-acre canvas of learning, RST, an epitome of British international schooling, has announced the inception of the ‘Veraphan Foundation’. This outstanding initiative is crafted to honor the legacy of Veraphan Teepsuwan, the esteemed father of the school’s visionary founders. Veraphan was a man whose entrepreneurial prowess played a pivotal role in creating the foundation that is today known as RST. The vision behind the Veraphan Foundation is as clear as it is noble. It aims to welcome extraordinary students into RST’s vibrant Sixth Form, where academic brilliance meets nourishing growth. The Foundation fiercely embodies Rugby School Thailand’s pledge to sculpt the leaders and trailblazers of tomorrow. With an eye for excellence, it offers substantial fee…

In the vibrant heart of Nakhon Ratchasima, a unique and heartwarming event is set to unfold that promises to bring wagging tails and new friendships to eager dog lovers. The Royal Thai Army’s Veterinary & Remount Department is preparing to host an extraordinary auction for 64 charming canines who, despite their extensive training, didn’t quite fit the stringent criteria to serve as elite service dogs. This exciting opportunity will take place on November 16 at the renowned Military Dog Centre nestled in the picturesque Pak Chong district. This delightful auction showcases two renowned and beloved breeds: the steadfast German Shepherds, boasting a group of nine charismatic males alongside 16 graceful females, and their spirited counterparts, the Belgian Malinois, proudly represented by 23 enthusiastic males and 16 beautiful females. These dogs, whose ages range from 2.9 to 3.3 years, have all been given impressive training. Yet, in the end, some of…

In the ever-dynamic and sometimes tumultuous world of Thai politics, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra finds herself embroiled in another round of controversy, courtesy of serial petitioner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana. This time, the accusation on the table is as audacious as it is serious – trampling over the sacred grounds of media freedom. Mr. Ruangkrai is no stranger to political petitions and has once again expressed his tenacity by turning to the Election Commission, accusing the Prime Minister of behaving in a manner unbecoming of a public official during a recent media interview. According to Mr. Ruangkrai, the devil quite literally lurked in the details of the Prime Minister’s interaction with a journalist. He claims that her response during the interview, which took place at the esteemed halls of Government House, flagrantly disregarded the decorum expected from those holding public office. So much so, he believes it could be deemed a violation…

In the vibrant yet serene town of Narathiwat, a colorful tapestry of resilience is being woven as construction crews dance to the lively rhythm of hammers and drills. A symphony of rebuilding echoes through the corridors of this tight-knit community. It’s a tune of hope following the tragic fireworks warehouse disaster that rocked the Muno market in Sungai Kolok district just over a year ago. The echoes of that fateful explosion on July 29, 2023, still resonate, having claimed 11 lives, wounded 389 individuals, and scarred 649 homes—a disaster that turned three schools into distant memories. The catastrophe amounted to a staggering 240 million baht in damages. But there’s a new chapter unfolding, one of rebirth as more than a year of bureaucratic waiting gives way to the bustling activity of reconstruction. Peeranan Hattakijnikorn, a steadfast Disaster Prevention and Protection Officer at the Muno Tambon Administration Office (TAO), is at…

Excitement bubbles in the air as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) gears up to ink a crucial memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) this week. This exciting agreement is all about the handover of roads during the much-anticipated construction of the Orange Line’s western section, a vital slice of Bangkok’s ambitious mass transit project. Last Monday, the BMA’s Public Works Department’s head honcho, Tawatchai Napasaksri, alongside a committee comprised of key agencies and representatives from seven district offices, had a significant powwow. Their burning agenda? The strategic transition of areas and roads to facilitate the Orange Line’s development from the vibrant Thailand Cultural Centre to the iconic Bang Khun Non. Once the official nod is given, the contractor swings into action with a meticulous survey of all structural elements, both terrestrial and subterranean, along the proposed pathway of the Orange Line. Night owls…

The political landscape in Thailand is no stranger to controversy, but the unfolding saga of Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri and the Tak Bai massacre is proving to be one for the history books. Come Tuesday, the Pheu Thai Party’s board will be convening to decide whether or not Gen Pisal, a party-list MP and once the man at the helm of the Fourth Army Region during the tragic 2004 Tak Bai incident, should be shown the door. On the cusp of this pivotal decision, Somkid Chueakong, the deputy secretary-general for political affairs to the Prime Minister, candidly shared that the party has made earnest efforts to navigate Gen Pisal towards the proper legal channels, especially after an arrest warrant was decreed by the Narathiwat Provincial Court. It appears the sands of time might be running out for Gen Pisal within the Pheu Thai, as the board gathers to weigh his political…

In a bizarre twist reminiscent of a crime drama, an arrest warrant has been issued for Pol Capt Aisoon Dathong, the Deputy Chief of Investigation at Na Chom Thian Police Station in Chon Buri. The officer faces allegations of orchestrating a daring theft of manufacturing assets, with the damage estimated to be a staggering 10 million baht. Pol Col Narongrit Wapansu, Deputy Commander of the Chon Buri Provincial Police, suspects that Pol Capt Aisoon masterminded a recent heist at the Papermint Factory located in the Bang Lamung District. The prized catch? A colossal electrical transformer that vanished mysteriously under the cover of darkness. After scrutinizing CCTV footage that looked straight out of a spy movie, four suspects were swiftly apprehended on October 10. The culprits were identified as Watcharakorn Saenwong, 35, Krailas Sima, 33, Somsak Koetpho, 54, and the rather young Chaichana Phummarak, 22. The police also seized a treasure…

At the heart of the verdant and sprawling Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park Zoo, nestled in the picturesque province of Si Sa Ket, a delightful newcomer has recently caught the attention of all who visit. This newcomer is no standard resident; it is a charming hippopotamus calf that graced the world with its presence at the early hour of 6 AM last Sunday. This tiny bundle of joy has yet to reveal whether it’s a ‘he’ or a ‘she’ since the protective mother has been steadfast in guarding her little one from curious onlookers and eager veterinarians. The announcement of this adorable calf’s arrival has sparked waves of excitement, drawing a significant swell in visitor numbers, each hopeful for a chance to spot this cute river horse in action. The zoo’s administrators are optimistic that the infant hippo will captivate hearts much like the famous Moo Deng – a pygmy hippo…

Last year, as December unfolded in its usual festive charm, tourists arrived at Phuket Airport to a warm welcome, setting the stage for a dazzling tourism revival. But hold on to your sunhats, because Phuket is dialing up its tourism game this year. It’s not just about sandy beaches and turquoise waters anymore; we’re talking a whopping 500 billion baht in tourism revenue, a significant stretch from the already ambitious 420 billion baht goal set earlier. Why the leap, you ask? Well, Rewat Areerob, the dynamic president of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), is aiming high, banking on Phuket’s robust potential as a powerhouse in tourism, transportation, and aviation. The strategy is laser-focused on attracting high-spending tourists, not just for the dough but to ensure that every visit is richer, glitzier, and more unforgettable than ever. So, what’s in the bag of tricks to lure these well-heeled tourists to…