In a heartening move, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is poised to broaden its horizons by enhancing the early childhood development scheme, and details are already en route to the cabinet. The brainchild behind this initiative, Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, envisions an upgraded version of the currently operating scheme, designed to cater to the needs of our littlest citizens—from bouncing newborns to precocious six-year-olds—hailing from underprivileged families. In its present form, the scheme delivers a lifeline of 600 baht monthly per child, aiming to secure adequate funds for their growth and development. In a bold move, the proposed expansion outlines that the 600-baht monthly support will now embrace all children under six, casting a wider safety net. With around 3.2 million young hopefuls potentially benefiting, Mr. Varawut’s plan appears ambitious yet vital. Already forwarded by the Department of Children and Youth (DCY) to the ministry, the proposal eagerly…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
As the sun set in Chon Buri over the weekend, a bustling seminar unfolded—a veritable think-tank hosted by the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade. At the heart of the discourse was a white paper, a strategic manifesto if you will, presented to none other than Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The mission? To revitalize Thailand’s languishing economy and catapult it to a robust 3% growth rate by the end of next year—a feat that sparks both hope and intrigue like the mysterious elixir of an ancient tale. This document isn’t just any paper conjuring dusty economic theories. No, it’s more akin to a magic carpet, woven from the wishes of various economic stakeholders, ready to whisk the kingdom toward prosperity. It is a comprehensive tapestry of dreams—ranging from debt relief for small enterprises, provisions for flood management, to price controls on essential commodities—all delicately spun to…
The unfortunate saga in Vang Vieng, Laos, continues to unravel with yet another tragic turn. In a somber development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has extended its deepest condolences following the death of a second Australian teenager who succumbed to methanol poisoning. The young tourist, who had been transferred urgently from Laos for treatment, passed away on Sunday, leaving a trail of grief in his wake. MFA spokesman Nikorndej Balankura expressed his sorrow at the loss and offered heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family in a poignant post on X. The list of victims affected by this grim incident has grown steadily, with six individuals – including two Danes, an American, a Briton, and two Australians – tragically losing their lives to suspected methanol poisoning. All of them had been part of a group enjoying what was supposed to be a carefree evening out on November 12. Australia’s Foreign Affairs…
In a vibrant whirl of political fervor and charismatic campaigning, all eyes were fixed on the bustling province of Udon Thani where an electrifying election unfolded. The scene was set with the anticipation of change as Sarawut Petchapanomporn, a candidate from the influential Pheu Thai Party, charged into the fray, fortified by none other than former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s formidable support. Thaksin, a well-versed veteran in the political arena, lent his star power to Sarawut’s campaign, turning up the heat in this gripping chairmanship race. As the clock ticked towards the decisive moment on Sunday, the air was thick with tension and expectancy. By 8 pm, anticipation had ripened into a partial revelation—54% of the votes had been tallied, revealing Sarawut perched ahead with a substantial 203,078 votes. Hot on his heels was Kanisorn Khurirang, the passionate contender from the opposition-core People’s Party (PP), who had rallied 165,024 supporters…
In the vibrant backdrop of Udon Thani, a political nail-biter unfolded as smiles and hopes collided on November 14, galvanizing supporters and inciting rivals. There stood Thaksin Shinawatra, the stalwart figure of Thai politics, flanked by enthusiasm and anticipation. Engaging with the crowd was none other than Sarawut Petchapanomporn, the charismatic Pheu Thai candidate, who seemed a favorite to seize the chairmanship of the provincial administrative organization. As the sun dipped low, casting a golden hue over the bustling province, the pulse of the election beat faster. By 8 p.m., with more than half of the votes counted — precisely 54% — the numbers revealed the story of the night. Sarawut had garnered 203,078 votes, a decisive lead over his opponent, Kanisorn Khurirang of the People’s Party (PP), who trailed with 165,024 nods of confidence. The strategic maneuvering saw former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra — a name synonymous with influence…
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…
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…