THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

In the early hours of Monday morning, the usually tranquil city of Nakhon Ratchasima was buzzing with unexpected activity. The dramatic tale of Santi Jae-arlee, a one-time celebrated Muay Thai boxer, took a sudden turn when he was apprehended at a police checkpoint, bringing an end to his high-stakes four-day run from the law. The arrest unfolded in a predawn game of cat and mouse as the 39-year-old emerged from a halted taxi, feigned forgetfulness about his ID, and made a desperate dash for freedom before an ill-fated stumble sealed his fate. This twisty saga began with a startling home invasion in Bangkok’s Phaya Thai district, where Santi allegedly broke through a quiet abode, sending shockwaves through the neighborhood. The situation escalated rapidly as gunshots rang through the night air, with Santi reportedly opening fire on pursuing officers, setting off a frantic manhunt. His accomplice in this nocturnal escapade was…

MBK Center recently pulled off a heartwarming spectacle for the 15th time with its celebrated “One Person Gives, Many Receive” donation event, in partnership with the National Blood Centre of the Thai Red Cross Society. The bustling 4th floor, Zone D, became a hub of altruism as MBK employees, shop owners, and even shoppers converged with one mission in mind – giving. The overwhelming sense of community spirit thrived as a soaring total of 144 blood units were collected, alongside 58 gracious individuals committing to donate their eyes, organs, and bodies. This remarkable participation reflects how deeply ingrained the commitment to making a difference is within this community-focused initiative held every quarter. Miss Sattakamol Worakul, Senior Director of Corporate Communications at Intelligent Creative and Marketing Co., Ltd., was the embodiment of the community’s ethos. Representing MBK Center’s management team, she warmly welcomed the doctors, nurses, and staff from the National…

The world finds itself in a gripping storm of displacement, as a staggering 120 million individuals have been forcibly uprooted, marking the 12th year of consecutive increases. Behind this troubling rise lurks a web of conflicts, both fresh and simmering like an untamed flame. In a bold response, the UNHCR, the vigilant guardian of refugees under the UN banner, has blitzed into action, declaring 43 emergencies in a frantic dance across 29 nations—an extraordinary feat not witnessed in decades. From continent to continent, UNHCR’s hands are deep in the earth, offering aid and shelter as they weave a tapestry of solidarity and resilience. Each strand is crucial in stitching a future where fleeing for life is not the only option. Amidst the chorus of global efforts, UNHCR Thailand has launched a beacon of hope, the Empathy Emergency Fund, since 2022. This initiative is a heartfelt plea to the Thai community,…

On a recent Sunday, a poignant occasion unfolded at Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan campus as visitors gathered to honor a significant chapter of history. They solemnly laid a wreath at the memorial, commemorating the 48th anniversary of the tragic October 6, 1976, student uprising. This heart-wrenching moment brought reflections of a time when courage met calamity, and today, serves as a reminder of resilience and change. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul) Stepping into the present, a prominent voice from the now-extinct Move Forward Party, Chaithawat Tulathon, addressed a topic that some might consider sensitive territory—the idea of granting amnesty to those charged with lese majeste. As he spoke on this somber anniversary, he reminded us that such an amnesty was not unprecedented. Rewinding to 1978, a law had been inked that ultimately pardoned lese majeste offenders, shining a light on the possibility of history repeating itself. Mr. Chaithawat, now part of the…

The serene cityscape of Bangkok was temporarily disrupted when the picturesque Gesagomon Bridge in Dusit district faced an unexpected challenge. The once steadfast embankment suffered a sudden downfall late Sunday night, giving way to an urgent closure for repairs that began on Monday. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) declared this five-day repair mission an essential task to restore safety and functionality to this bustling area. Under the watchful eye of Bangkok’s ever-active governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, the bridge became a hive of activity. Arriving on site early Monday morning, the governor expressed concerns about the embankment’s collapse, emphasizing its timing during an ongoing construction project. The incident occurred amidst efforts to upgrade the embankments of the Prem Prachakorn Canal and a simultaneous deep clean of the canal beneath the bridge. He urged motorists to steer clear of bustling Amnuay Songkhram Road, the route that whisks commuters through this vibrant district, now…

In the captivating world of Thai politics, familiar faces and fervent speeches are once again stirring the pot. As the government faces mounting criticism and potential protests, Somkid Chueakong, the prime minister’s deputy secretary-general, appears unfazed. According to Somkid, the government is standing firm, emphasizing that there’s no need to gear up for anti-government demonstrations. Deftly sidestepping the drama, he suggests open channels for communication, encouraging critics to formally express their concerns through petitions rather than street protests. At the heart of this brewing political cauldron is none other than Sondhi Limthongkul, iconic for spearheading the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), those infamous yellow shirts, who were often seen waving flags and chanting against Thaksin Shinawatra’s administration. Sondhi, with his characteristic gusto, recently took to YouTube to contemplate rallying the masses anew. His target this time? Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn, who now helms the government. In his video diatribe, Sondhi shares…

In the vibrant heart of Bangkok, Thailand, the headquarters of the Pheu Thai Party was abuzz with activity. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stood poised behind a podium, her demeanor unwavering despite the recent social media uproar. It was August 18, 2024, and the Prime Minister had just returned from her maiden international summit in Qatar, an event that had been splashed across screens and sparked a flurry of opinions online. The excitement stemmed not from the summit’s outcomes but from an image – one that captured Ms. Paetongtarn reading from an iPad. To some corners of the internet, this portrayal seemed less than becoming of a world leader, quickly raising questions regarding her preparedness and casting contrasts with former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Yet, Ms. Paetongtarn responded with grace and clarity, electing a modern platform for her rebuttal. On Instagram, she expressed to her audience, “Thank you for the advice.…

The atmosphere was solemn yet hopeful as visitors gathered at Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan campus to honor those who fell in the infamous October 6 student uprising. They laid a wreath at the memorial to remember the students, transcending the barriers of time and history to mark the 48th anniversary of this significant event. Captured poignantly through the lens of Apichart Jinakul, the ceremony was a stark reminder of the courage and sacrifices of those young souls. In the midst of these contemplative reflections, Chaithawat Tulathon, a former leader of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party, seized the moment to ignite a conversation that burns in the hearts of many—amnesty for those charged under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, commonly known as the lese majeste law. With a composure that belied the controversy surrounding his words, Chaithawat stated that granting amnesty to offenders isn’t a novel concept. Indeed, in 1978,…

It was a week of bluster and brouhaha, all set against the backdrop of an international summit in Qatar where the young and influential Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra found herself thrust into the spotlight. Her apparent faux pas—caught reading from an iPad during the gathering—sparked a social media frenzy as fingers quickly pointed, questioning her leadership prowess. Yet, as the drama unfolded, it became a whirlwind story of misplaced expectations, global protocols, and a spirited defense from both supporters and pundits. Like an online saga pulled from the digital ether, the story gripped netizens everywhere after a rogue series of photographs showcased Ms. Paetongtarn engrossed in her script—a familiar sight at these monumental gatherings. With keyboards blazing, some criticized her reliance on technology, calling it an embarrassment compared to the perceived eloquence of a former prime minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha. But in true diplomatic fashion, the young PM took to Instagram,…

In the heart of Bangkok, at the grand Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the stage was set for an epic gathering that sought to reshape the world – starting right from our backyard. As the curtains fell on the 2024 Sustainability Expo, a celebration unlike any other, anticipation swirled with excitement as whispers of its continuity until 2030 circulated among eager attendees. This was far more than a mere event; it was a beacon to amplify global efforts towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and introduce revolutionary models for a sustainable future. For five glorious years, the Sustainability Expo has stood tall, a brainchild of Thai Beverage Plc and its like-minded collaborators, marking its territory at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The mission? To galvanize public consciousness about the vital importance of sustainable living. Leading the charge was none other than the dynamic CEO and President of Thai Beverage,…