As the world eagerly cheers in the New Year with fireworks and festivities, a different kind of nocturnal watch party is taking place in tambon Lampiek of Khon Buri district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. Here, a brave band of about 40 farmers gears up, not with party hats and champagne, but with determination and solidarity, as they face off against a different kind of ‘party crasher’ – wild elephants from Thap Lan National Park. The elephantine intruders have been toying with the villagers’ nerves for some time. Just this past Sunday, before the New Year countdown could even cross their minds, these uninvited trunk-wielders turned a jackfruit orchard into their banquet, leaving behind a trail of devastation. Boonkong Mile’s 40 jackfruit trees and a swath of cassava crops in Ban Nong Khae Sai bore the brunt of their pachyderm palooza. Chaiyan Uansa-art, the dedicated kamnan (sub-district head) of tambon Lampiek, has…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
As dusk slipped into darkness in the Krathum Baen district of Samut Sakhon, a rather unexpected event turned the calm of a Monday evening into a blazing spectacle. A teenage prank, innocent at first glance, swiftly escalated into a full-blown catastrophe. The scene unfolded at the Yi Jab general store, an expansive building sprawling over a one-rai piece of land on Setthakit Road in the peaceful tambon of Tha Mai. Eyewitnesses recount a youthful daredevil lighting a firecracker with what seemed like no more than the thrill of watching it soar into the endless night sky. However, fate had a different script in mind that evening. The firework, defying its intended celestial flight, opted instead to retaliate prematurely, exploding with fervor inside its cylindrical shell. Flames leapt wild as burning fragments catapulted themselves into the store, igniting a disastrous chain of events. The incendiary shower triggered a veritable Pandora’s box…
Once upon a time, in the vibrant land of Thailand, a little superstar emerged, capturing hearts and headlines like no other. Meet Moo Deng, the bubbly baby pygmy hippo whose undeniable charm took the nation by storm, becoming Thailand’s best-loved story of 2024. Against all odds, Moo Deng gallantly swept past major contenders, including a scandal that rocked celebrity circles and earth-shattering political disputes, to win a nationwide Suan Dusit poll. Picture this: nestled in the verdant expanse of Khao Kheow Open Zoo in the province of Chon Buri, Moo Deng waddled and frolicked, casting a spell over visitors and the public alike. It was this bundle of joy that received a hefty 26.43% of the public’s favor, leaving the alleged Icon Group fraud scandal trailing slightly behind with 24.54% of the vote. Not to mention, Moo Deng’s misadventures even overshadowed other significant news stories such as the disbanding of…
Picture a blackchin tilapia, looking slightly sheepish, ensnared in a mess of fishing net, during a spirited campaign in Tambon Plai Bang, Nonthaburi. This scene, captured back in September, is a snapshot of one of 2024’s muddled environmental tales. A photo courtesy of a concerned citizen, Pattarapong Chatpattarasill, no doubt serves as a catalyst for this aquatic adventure. Who knew fish could cause such a kerfuffle? As the calendar pages curl towards the year’s finale, Thai officials find themselves in a frenzied scramble, trying to pin the blame on someone, anyone, for the explosive spread of these finned invaders. For months, these piscine prowlers wreaked havoc on Thailand’s economy and ecosystems, playing the unruly villain in a drama that began to unfold in July. The scene kicks off in Samut Songkhram province, as shrimp farmers notice something fishy — and not in the good, sushi-grade way. Shrimp numbers plummet faster…
In the hushed whispers of Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife, calamity struck as flames roared like an unexpected dragon at The Ember Hotel, an establishment nestled near the bustling streets of Khao San Road. Late into Sunday night, firefighters grappled with a blaze that tragically claimed three lives and left a smattering of guests with harrowing tales etched into their memories. It was more than just a fire; it was a call to action. In the aftermath, the Interior Ministry, spearheaded by the proactive Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, has swung into action. The blaze that erupted near one of Bangkok’s iconic tourist magnets spurred a directive to provincial governors nationwide. Their mission? To tighten the screws on safety inspections across hotels, tourist hotspots, and entertainment venues, ensuring no stone is left unturned in the march towards watertight safety standards. Minister Anutin has tasked Bangkok’s governor, the diligent Chadchart Sittipunt, along with pertinent…
Ever since the infamous 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami wreaked havoc upon Rajaprajanugroh 35 School in the picturesque region of Phangnga’s Takua Pa district, students and teachers have been ardently preparing themselves for any future calamities. Prach Sawangpong, an esteemed teacher at the school, has taken on the mantle of the boarding school’s emergency response coordinator, striving tirelessly to ensure that the institution doesn’t fall prey to nature’s wrath again. The 2004 catastrophe struck on December 26, fortuitously a Sunday, which left the school’s grounds almost deserted. Nestled by the tranquil Bang Sak Beach, the school was merely separated from the sea by Highway 4. When the colossal waves lashed out, only the flagpole remained defiantly upright amidst the chaos and debris. Prach explained, “In the wake of the tsunami, we had not just to relocate all 800 students to various schools spanning Krabi, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat, but…
In the dazzling realm of global soft power, few figures shine as brightly as Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal, the phenomenal Thai K-pop sensation who recently clinched the top spot in the 2024 Thailand’s most influential soft power poll. Hot on her heels is an unexpected contender—a baby pygmy hippo named “Moo Deng,” capturing hearts and votes with a substantial percentage, followed by the charismatic Butter Bear mascot, affectionately known as “Nong Mee Noei.” The North Bangkok Poll Centre’s chief, Sanit Siriwisitkul, unveiled these results following a poll conducted from December 24 to 28, drawing insights from a diverse panel of 1,500 participants. Earning 25.4% of the votes, Lisa’s influence is undeniable, as her talent transcends borders and embodies the spirit of modern Thailand. Moo Deng, the adorable celebrity of Khao Kieow Zoo, romped into the second place with a commendable 15.2% of the votes, while Butter Bear, the charming face of…
In the tranquil town of Takua Pa, nestled within Phangnga’s picturesque vistas, a story of resilience and preparedness has been unfolding ever since the catastrophic Indian Ocean tsunami devastated the region on December 26, 2004. This tale revolves around the Rajaprajanugroh 35 School, whose structure was obliterated by the merciless waves of that fateful day, leaving only a solitary flagpole standing as a grim testament to nature’s fury. But through unwavering determination and strategic planning, the school has transformed its tragic past into a beacon of disaster readiness. The silver lining amidst the tragedy was the fact that the tsunami struck on a quiet Sunday, sparing the 800 students and their teachers who would have filled the school grounds. As Prach Sawangpong, the devoted emergency response coordinator of this boarding school, recounts, it was a stroke of luck that saved many lives that day. Yet, luck alone couldn’t secure their…
As the calendar gears up to flip another year, the drama unfolding in Thailand’s waterways has yet to resolve, echoing a saga straight out of a fishy sci-fi thriller. Picture this: a formidable fish invasion that’s put the spotlight squarely on the notorious blackchin tilapia, a highly unwelcome guest in the aquatic realms of Thailand. For months, this slippery intruder has wreaked havoc across the country’s economic and ecological landscapes, leaving authorities in hot pursuit of those responsible while mastering the art of evasion. Rewind to the sultry days of July when the plight of shrimp farmers in Samut Songkhram hit the front pages. Baffled by sudden declines in their prized aquaculture, they soon unmasked the offender – the elusive blackchin tilapia, weaving its way through their farms. Accusations flew thick and fast, with farmers pointing an accusing fin at negligent releases into public waterways. As these finned fiends embarked…
As the eve of a new year beckons, Thailand’s Commerce Ministry is orchestrating plans with a grand ambition: signing more Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to rev up the country’s economic engine, projecting a growth rate nudging towards the 3% mark. Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan, following a strategic dialogue with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) luminaries, including their astute chairman, Kriengkrai Thiennukul, disclosed this economic endeavor. The initiative is aligned with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s vision, wherein she deems the private sector as the linchpin for sustainable economic ascension, urging a symbiotic relationship between the government and business mavens. Minister Pichai, radiating optimism, unveiled that the Commerce Ministry will remain steadfast in forging alliances with the private sector, envisioning a rapid economic ascent. The spotlight is currently on closing negotiations for a European Free Trade Agreement, a pursuit poised to unlock Thailand’s market access to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.…