Amidst the bustling backdrop of the Informal Labour Fair 2019 in Bangkok, where visitors delight in complimentary haircuts (courtesy of the talented scissors-wielding artisans like Somchai Poomlard), a far more pivotal initiative is gaining momentum. The ingenious move is spearheaded by Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, who is ardently championing a legislative effort aimed at bolstering the protection and welfare of Thailand’s informal workforce, a staggering 20 million strong, according to the Labor Ministry’s savvy spokesperson, Phumiphat Mueanchan. In an assembly of dotted i’s and crossed t’s, the Labour Ministry is reportedly angling for a heart-to-heart with the cabinet’s secretary-general about just when, oh when, this groundbreaking bill can parade its proposals before the cabinet. As it stands, informal workers form a formidable segment of the labor force yet find themselves outside the gleaming walls of recognition under current labor laws. Alas, this lack of formal acknowledgment leaves them teetering precariously…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Amid the vibrant hustle and bustle of Bangkok’s 2019 Informal Labour Fair, where visitors enjoyed complimentary haircuts courtesy of the joyous atmosphere, a significant stride was being planned behind the scenes. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn was diligently advocating for a revolutionary bill that promises to enhance the protection and welfare of an estimated 20 million informal workers. This ambitious endeavor, as explained by ministry spokesperson Phumiphat Mueanchan, seeks strategic dialogues with the cabinet’s secretary-general to expedite its submission for cabinet evaluation. Informal workers form a colossal segment of the workforce, yet they have long remained ghostly shadows on the edges of labour laws, thereby facing precarious vulnerabilities. Work hazards, sporadic earnings, and a frustrating lack of access to necessary financial support underscore their daily realities. The proposed legislation aims to mend these gaps, ensuring robust mechanisms are in place to shield these essential yet overlooked contributors to society. One key…
In the midst of a tempestuous weekend, the natural beauty of Surat Thani in southern Thailand became the backdrop for a series of dramatic and unexpected events. It all began with the picturesque yet perilous waters surrounding Koh Samui, where high waves and relentless downpours compelled officials to make some challenging, yet necessary, safety decisions. On the normally serene island of Koh Samui, Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran Co took preemptive measures to ensure the safety of both locals and tourists by relocating its services from the usual pier at Wat Na Phra Lan to more sheltered locations at the Saphan Klang pier in tambon Ang Thong and the Bangrak pier in tambon Bo Phut. This shift, though a minor inconvenience for travelers, was a vital step to sidestep the strong waves crashing mercilessly against the coast. Interestingly, ferry services between Don Sak and the beloved islands of Koh Samui and…
This week, the bustling city of Chiang Mai is set to host an exciting occasion. On Friday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will lead her team of cabinet ministers to this vibrant northern province for a significant meeting and a whirlwind tour of the region, including a visit to its neighboring province, Chiang Rai. This four-day visit, kicking off on Thursday, promises to be much more than mere politics — it’s a showcase of Thailand’s rich northern culture and a call to revive tourism post-flood challenges, according to government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub. The northern mobile cabinet meeting is just one of many dynamic events planned during this tour. Why, you ask? Well, the government is on a mission to energize northern tourism, which took quite a hit due to the devastating floods. By putting Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai on the map again, they’re hoping to jazz up the local economy…
In the heart of Thailand’s Phetchabun province, an exhilarating motorcyclist event unfolded last weekend, grabbing the attention of local highway police and thousands of enthralled young riders. The “Trip Nam Mai Arb,” a whimsical “No Shower Trip,” swept through the picturesque landscapes of this lower northern province, promising a winter adventure unlike any other. As hordes of motors roared towards the celebrated Phu Thap Boek and Khao Kho National Park in Lom Kao district, an estimated 6,000 youthful thrill-seekers revved up their engines, eager to take in the chill of a November breeze. However, merriment was tempered by firm oversight from Phetchabun’s alert highway police force. Eager to ensure adherence to traffic laws, the highway police, instructed by Pol Maj Gen Kongkrit Lertsitthikun, swung into action. Pol Lt Col Warabordin Lertsupasinsathit, a vigilant officer from Highway Police Station 5 of Sub-Division 1, led a formidable operation. It saw three strategic…
In a headline-grabbing twist worthy of a gripping drama, the serene corridors of Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police Division 1 were abuzz with intrigue as the ex-wife and daughter of Dr. Boon Vanasin, the illustrious founder of Thonburi Healthcare Group, found themselves in the center of a multi-billion-baht storm. The iconic leader, known for shaping the healthcare landscape of Thailand, now cast an overshadowing spotlight with allegations of mind-boggling fraud, leaving both kin and kingdom reeling in its magnitude. Amidst swirling allegations, Jaruwan Vanasin, the 79-year-old former spouse, and her daughter Nalin, a sprightly 51, were ensnared in a web they vehemently claimed not to have spun. Brought before the investigative lens on a perilous Saturday night, they stood accused of public fraud, fraudulent borrowing, and a slew of money-laundering machinations. Stalwartly, they denied all charges, painting a picture of innocence amid the cascade of accusations. Pol Maj Gen Atthaporn Wongsiripreeda, the…
In the intriguing, sleepless nights of Nakhon Ratchasima, where the moon casts a silvery glow over the undulating landscapes, tales of humans versus nature unfolded in a dramatic standoff. Imagine the scene: it’s Saturday night, and a group of intrepid farmland protection volunteers finds themselves squared off against a formidable adversary—an assembly of wild elephants. The tranquil setting of Khon Buri district in northeastern Thailand was disrupted when these gentle giants decided to venture too close for comfort to the boundaries of Thap Lan National Park. At around 9 PM, under the cloak of the night, the alarm was raised. Volunteers, as sharp as eagles, spotted the silhouettes of approximately 20 elephants inching closer to the lush greens of Taling Chan village. With sugarcane, cassava, and cornfields at stake, time was of the essence. Rallying around a shared goal of safeguarding their rich farmlands, a courageous battalion of about 50…
In the bustling district of Bang Bua Thong, nestled in Nonthaburi, a rather astounding discovery was made that reverberated across both local and international wildlife protection communities. Authorities confiscated three fully intact Sumatran tiger carcasses, unearthed from within the confines of a seemingly unremarkable house. The tale of this peculiar case, involving a 60-year-old man and his clandestine dealings, is nothing short of intriguing. The careful and coordinated raid on this fateful Saturday was orchestrated by Thailand’s diligent Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NED). At the center of this operation was a certain Mr. Charlie Meepra. As the moonlit night enveloped the town, Charlie, oblivious to the impending swoop, found himself ensnared by a sting operation that could easily match the plot of a crime thriller. Pol Col Arun Wachirasrisukanya, the astute deputy commander of NED, was the mastermind behind this strategic bust. Acting on an anonymous tip,…
In the vibrant heart of Bangkok, a determined battalion of change-makers gathered at the TK Palace Convention Centre, rallying under the bold banner of “Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers.” This spirited congregation, featuring representatives from an impressive coalition of 80 civil society groups, wasn’t just a regular meet-up. It was an emphatic clarion call for justice as they urged the Thai government to embrace a series of transformative recommendations, each designed to dismantle discrimination against the country’s most vulnerable populations. The event, orchestrated by the Foundation for Action on Inclusion Rights (FAIR), People’s Movement to Eliminate Discrimination (MovED), and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), sought to weave a fabric of solidarity and strength within the society. Their mission was clear: Advocate for legislative changes that would foster a more equitable and inclusive society. At the heart of their campaign lie five pivotal proposals. The first focuses on enhancing the understanding…
The ongoing saga of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra reads like a political thriller that just won’t fade into obscurity. The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand retains its sharp focus on Thaksin, probing his alleged orchestration of the Pheu Thai Party and the claimed meddling in the coalition government. Despite the Constitutional Court’s recent decision to dismiss a petition accusing Thaksin and the Pheu Thai Party of attempting to dismantle the constitutional monarchy, the EC remains relentless in its investigation. According to Sawang Boonmee, the EC secretary-general, the reason for this persistence lies in the difference between the laws governing the two bodies. Although the court rejected the petition based on its legal perspective, the EC continues its inquiry under distinct legal provisions. The court’s assessment hinged on Section 49 of the Thai constitution, which addresses acts of misconduct and potential threats to the monarchy. However, the EC is…