In the drama-filled streets of Bangkok, the tale of Potjanee Boonlong has captivated locals and officials alike. At 42 years old, this woman has found herself at the center of a whirlwind police investigation, all due to her connection with the elusive Santi Jae-arlee—a former boxer whose quick reflexes have kept him one step ahead of the law. On a fateful Saturday, Ms. Potjanee was ushered into a police vehicle, her hands bound by the weight of five serious charges, predominantly centered around illegal possession of a firearm. The escapades of this couple have all the makings of a Hollywood thriller. It was just another Thursday night in bustling Bangkok when Santi decided to play hide-and-seek with the police, choosing a residential house as his hiding spot. Not one to play by the rules, he decided that breaking and entering wasn’t enough, and escalated the situation by opening fire as…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
The intriguing tale of the Asian Highway, winding daringly from Mae Sot in Thailand’s Tak province to Myawaddy in Myanmar, boasts of diplomatic endeavors, cultural intersections, and, recently, more than a fair share of rebellious intrigue. Dominating the narrative is the fabled second Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, ambitiously spanning the Moei River — a structure epitomizing bold connectivity aspirations, and yet, caught in the crossfire of territorial throes. Against this picturesque backdrop, a gripping saga unfolds. At the heart of it is the formidable Karen National Union (KNU), steadfastly holding its ground in a year-long rejection to reopen the highway, a strategic corridor. Their concern? The unsavory prospect of the road becoming a conduit for the advancing Myanmar military, more notorious than welcoming. During a pivotal conclave in late September, dominant leaders from the KNU and a mélange of ethnic Karen factions — Jason Bourne meets Southeast Asia style — congregated…
In a turn of calamitous events, the city of Chiang Mai found itself battling against the rising fury of nature when the majestic Ping River swelled to an unprecedented 5.3 meters. Saturday morning painted a grim picture with motorcycles languishing in floodwater outside the local bus terminal. The Public Relations Office Region 3 in Chiang Mai captured the scenes reflecting the encroaching waters’ severity. This dramatic surge marked a shattering of previous records, in place for half a century. The river, a familiar feature of Chiang Mai’s landscape, had become an unforeseen adversary, cutting through the city and inundating large sections with relentless ferocity. Areas such as the bustling business district on Chang Khan Road, alongside the Night Bazaar, found themselves submerged beneath waters reaching up to a meter. Shops, many still recuperating from the previous flood of September 26, were forced to shutter once more—economic recovery stalled at the…
The thrill of elections never seems to take a backseat in Thailand, and the political drama we witnessed in the recent by-election in Phitsanulok is no exception. This incident has sparked speculation about the future of the People’s Party (PP) in the general elections that are set to happen in three years. The stakes were high for the main opposition party as it fought tooth and nail to maintain its footing in the turbulent political landscape. The political journey of PP has been akin to a rollercoaster ride. After a series of electoral setbacks, both locally and nationally, they were eager for a comeback. Their predecessor, the Move Forward Party (MFP), suffered a significant blow by failing to secure the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chairman’s seat in Ayutthaya. The defeat was at the hands of a long-established contender who had captured the hearts of the local populace. The ripple effects…
In the bustling streets of Narathiwat province, a dramatic showdown unfolded outside the Tak Bai police station on that fateful day of October 25, 2004. Protesters, eyes steely with determination, found themselves facing an unyielding wave of security forces. As tension filled the air, their hands were conspicuously tied behind their backs—a vivid snapshot of authority clashing with defiance. (Capturing the moment was a lens from the Bangkok Post, immortalizing the raw dynamics of power and resistance.) Fast forward to a more recent chapter of this narrative—a quandary that unravels within the political tapestry of Thailand. Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri, a figure draped in both military and political garb, has seemingly vanished from the stage. Formerly commanding the Fourth Army Region and now a Pheu Thai Party list-MP, he’s unwittingly in the spotlight again. And not for another parade of accolades, but as a key name sought in connection to the…
The bustling cityscape of Bangkok is currently echoing the ripples of change in its universal healthcare scheme, with the recent announcement from the National Health Security Office (NHSO). Imagine a health network intricately woven across the vibrant city’s community healthcare centers, now taking center stage as they gallantly step up to accommodate patients affected by the unanticipated retreat of 30 primary clinics from the universal healthcare roster. The scene unfolds with Dr. Lalitaya Kongkam, the NHSO’s deputy secretary-general, bringing to light a significant shift that emerged as fiscal calendars flipped to October 1, 2025. In a dramatic twist, these 30 vital clinics have withdrawn their participation from the universal healthcare system, spelling disruption for an astounding 108,000 patients who relied on their services. Picture yourself as one of the thousands turning up at your regular clinic, only to find locked doors on consultation opportunities and denied referrals—a scenario that many…
Get ready to unleash your inner fashion aficionado at the sensational SF Brandname Mega Sale 2024, which has come roaring back to life at none other than Siam Square One! Imagine immersing yourself in a cornucopia of over 3,000 exquisite brand-name items, all available at jaw-dropping discounts of up to 90%! This extraordinary year-end shopping bonanza is nothing short of a dream come true for fashion enthusiasts everywhere. The mastermind behind this fabulous fashion fiesta, Sood Watthanaphon Uthayanaka, the ingenious founder of SF Brandname, continues to revolutionize the realm of pre-owned luxury fashion in Thailand. He proclaimed with undeniable excitement, “We’ve set up shop at Siam Square and what better way to introduce ourselves than with ‘SF Brandname Mega Sale 2024’? We’re providing brand-name aficionados with the most exhilarating shopping experience of the year.” From Chanel to Louis Vuitton, every single piece within the vast selection has been meticulously verified…
As the political landscape in Thailand continues to evolve, the reverberations from elections like the Sept 15 by-election in Phitsanulok are shaping the strategies and futures of major parties. This particular by-election was a significant focal point for the People’s Party (PP), as it navigates its path under a new identity following the dissolution of its predecessor, the Move Forward Party (MFP). Hope was a vital ingredient for the PP, especially given recent electoral setbacks. The Ayutthaya loss, where they failed to secure the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chairman seat, was a stinging reminder of their vulnerabilities. Here, the PP faced a competitor with deep roots and unwavering support in the old capital, echoing a familiar story in Pathum Thani. However, this time, the ruling Pheu Thai Party and a local faction, historically allied with former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, presided over a competitive climate that wasn’t kind to newcomers. With…
In the tangled web of politics and legal intricacies, no one in the Pheu Thai Party can seem to locate Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri, a noteworthy Pheu Thai Party list-MP and once a commanding authority of the Fourth Army Region. This elusive figure is under investigation in connection with the infamous 2004 Tak Bai massacre case, and his shadowy disappearance has piqued both curiosity and controversy. This unexpected mystery unfolds as Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who dons another hat as the deputy prime minister, stands firm, emphasizing that this matter is strictly a personal issue, free from the chains of party affairs. As the clock ticks closer to the expiration of the statute of limitations on October 25, the stakes heighten. Just recently, the Narathiwat provincial court set the wheels in motion by issuing an arrest warrant after Gen Pisal eluded a summons. In a dance of duty and diplomacy, Phumtham…
The bustling metropolis of Bangkok has found itself at the crux of a healthcare revolution, or perhaps, a crisis, one might say. As the calendar gently flipped to October 1, 2024, the city’s universal healthcare scheme experienced a bit of a shakeup. Specifically, 30 primary clinics made a graceful, albeit sudden, exit from this grandiose system. This departure isn’t just a footnote in Thailand’s annals of healthcare reforms—it’s a potential plot twist for the 108,000 patients who rely on these clinics as their medical lifelines. Enter the National Health Security Office (NHSO), with deputy secretary-general Dr. Lalitaya Kongkam at the helm. These clinics were pillars in the community, serving everyone from the early risers catching the sun over Bangkok’s skyline to the night owls who wander its vibrant streets. As these clinics lowered their shutters, patients found themselves facing the unnerving prospect of seeking treatment elsewhere, referrals becoming as elusive…