In a scene that seemed straight out of a high-stakes environmental thriller, the quiet district of Ban Bung in Chon Buri became the epicenter of a dramatic police raid last Thursday. Picture this: a sprawling factory compound, hidden away from prying eyes, harboring a secret that would soon rattle the community to its core. The protagonist of this tale? A 51-year-old Chinese businessman, known to the locals only as Ya Peng, who found himself in the grips of the law as his world of electronic waste came tumbling down. The day was like any other in the peaceful tambon Khlong Kiew until the sound of sirens pierced the air, heralding the arrival of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NED). With a precision that could only be described as cinematic, police officers swarmed the unsuspecting factory, their mission clear and their resolve unwavering. As the dust settled, the…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In the bustling city of Bangkok, amid the hum of daily life and the scenic beauty that Thailand offers, there is a strong call for change—a call resonating from the hearts of mothers, fathers, and advocates alike. It’s a push towards a brighter, more nurturing future for families, championed by the passionate voices at the Women and Men Progressive Foundation (WMP). Their message is clear and backed by hard data: the current maternity leave policy in Thailand doesn’t just fall short—it’s a hurdle for individual well-being and societal progress. The spotlight shone brightly on this pressing issue during a seminar aptly titled “Expand maternity leave, improve quality of life,” where advocates laid bare the stark realities faced by parents in today’s Thailand. The crux of the matter? The existing 98-day maternity leave barely scratches the surface of the needs of a new mother and her child. It’s a period where…
In a scene that could easily belong in a high-stakes drama, the nation’s corridors of power buzzed with tension and anticipation this Tuesday. At the heart of the action was the committee’s firm stance against the Navy’s fervent plea for revisiting a budget cut decision—a decision that put the procurement of a much-debated frigate in jeopardy for the upcoming fiscal year. Yet, not all was grim for the Navy, as the panel showed a glimmer of favor by reversing a separate, albeit hefty, 87.1-million-baht budget slash intended for the construction of a new runway and taxiway at the Navy-run U-Tapao International Airport, a source privy to the developments revealed. The Navy, not one to retreat quietly, had previously dispatched a letter to the House panel’s chairman, essentially a missive of desperation, arguing the indispensable need for a new frigate. With the looming retirement of two of its seafaring stalwarts in…
In the sun-kissed paradise of Phuket, where the azure waters meet the white sandy beaches, a story unfolds that’s more gripping than your average island drama. On March 1, 2024, amidst the swaying palms and the gentle ocean breeze, Urs Fehr, the protagonist of our tale, along with his wife Khanuengnit, stepped into the spotlight of Phuket provincial hall. Their mission? To share their side of an unfolding saga that has caught the eye of the nation. The scene, captured in vivid detail by Achadthaya Chuenniran’s lens, marked the beginning of an episode that would sweep across the island like a monsoon. Enter the stage, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a figure whose resolve is as unyielding as the Thai monoliths. During an intervention in Si Sa Ket, a poignant expression of justice and order was voiced. Anutin Charnvirakul declared, in no uncertain terms, the unwavering stance of the ministry against…
Welcome to a tale rife with drama, diplomacy, and a dash of beachfront controversy—straight from the sun-soaked shores of Phuket. Let’s dive into the captivating saga of Urs Fehr, a Swiss expat entangled in a web of legal and political intricacies, and how public outcry over beach access has stirred the pot in this island paradise. It all began in the sparkling island of Phuket, where Urs Fehr—known affectionately to some as David, and not so affectionately to others as the ‘beach bully’—found himself at the heart of a whirlwind. Fehr, alongside his wife Khanuengnit, made headlines on March 1, 2024, when they appeared at the Phuket provincial hall to share their side of a story that had the island buzzing with gossip and outrage. Caught in the crossfire was Thailand’s Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a man known for his unwavering stances and sharp rhetoric. Anutin firmly rejected any notion…
On a sun-dappled Thursday that seemed perfect for postcards, Gen Songwit Noonpackdee, the esteemed Chief of Defence Forces, led an eager troupe of Thai navy cadets on an educational odyssey to the USS Somerset. Nestled in the vibrant locale of Chon Buri province, this visit wasn’t just a walk on the deck. It was a dive into the heart of naval prowess, marked by an exchange of salutes and smiles with the United States Navy. The air buzzed with anticipation as Gen Songwit and his delegation were warmly welcomed by a lineup of distinguished figures. Among them were Rear Adm Thumrong Supunpong of Frigate Squadron One, Rear Adm Amornthep Boonyong, the director who keeps the pulse of Sattahip Naval Base, along with Col Kurtis A Leffler, the defence attache shimmering with the spirit of US-Thai camaraderie, and Capt Michel C Brandt, the commanding officer of the USS Somerset, whose presence…
Just outside the regal edifice of Government House, nestled in the vibrant heart of Bangkok’s Dusit district, an animated sea of figures rallied under the sweltering sun. The air buzzed with chants, banners waved with fervor, and an unyielding spirit of camaraderie bound the assembly. This was no ordinary gathering; this was a congregation ignited by the spark of International Women’s Day, a collective force of labor unions and women’s networks voicing their demands for a transformative shift in societal norms and policies. The core of their demands was not just an appeal; it was a clarion call for the government to herald a new era of gender equality and workers’ rights. Leading this charge, they enumerated their demands with conviction: A landmark proposal for a 180-day maternity leave with full pay, echoing the deeper need for societal recognition of both parents’ roles in nurturing the next generation. They envisaged…
Every four months, the Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC) takes a magnifying glass to the Fuel Tariff (FT), tweaking it in January, May, and September. This isn’t just bean counting; it’s a finely tuned process to keep the electricity rates in Thailand on par with the economic heartbeat of the country. In a move that has the energy sector buzzing, Komkrit Tantravanich, the ever-dynamic secretary-general and spokesman of the ERC, unveiled on a bright Friday that the commission is gearing up to tweak the FT once again. But this time, it’s not just any adjustment. We’re talking about a trilemma of options that could reshape the way Thais power up their lives. Picture this: the first option on the table is to crank up the FT to a staggering 165.24 satang per unit, a leap from the cozy 39.72 satang we’re nestled in. Why such a meteoric rise, you ask? It’s…
In the captivating landscape of Thai politics, a saga unfolds with characters as colorful as the nation’s vibrant street markets. Among them stands Pichit Chaimongkol, a beacon of activism leading the charge for Thailand’s reform through the Network of Students and People. As the plot thickens, the anticipated return of Thaksin Shinawatra, a figure shrouded in both controversy and charisma, to the northern gem of Chiang Mai from March 14-16, sends ripples through the political waters. But hold your tuk-tuks, dear readers, for Pichit proposes a theory that Thaksin’s journey is not a mere homecoming but a strategic play in the grand chessboard of Thai politics. Picture this: Thaksin, with his suitcase barely unpacked, is expected to rendezvous with his loyal red-shirt supporters. These are not just any supporters, but a group whose fervor for Thaksin’s cause burns as brightly as the lanterns at Yi Peng festival. Their leaders, already…
“` In the sun-drenched beach city of Pattaya, known for its vibrant nightlife and picturesque coastal vibes, a story unfolded that veered off the usual tourist-filled tales of adventure and relaxation. Nestled within the bustling streets of Pattaya, in the serene district of Bang Lamung, a five-story apartment became the center of a mysterious and somber narrative. The day was just like any other in the bustling city of Chon Buri, where the sun kissed the waves, and the laughter of tourists filled the air. However, the peace was broken when local authorities received a distressing call one Thursday evening, leading them to a scene that contrasted sharply with Pattaya’s lively ambiance. A team of police officers, alongside seasoned rescue workers, swiftly made their way to the apartment in tambon Nong Phreu, following a report that would soon reveal a grim discovery. Upon their arrival, they were met with a…