February nights in Surin province don’t typically promise excitement, but this particular evening delivered more than its fair share of drama and intrigue. At the stroke of 10pm on February 21, local reporters cast their gaze upon an unexpected spectacle—a large python curled up beneath a pickup truck, sparking the kind of superstitions that dance around fate and fortune. The night’s initial tranquility was shattered by the urgent dispatch of the rescue unit from Nong Sanit subdistrict, Chom Phra district. Their mission: to safely capture the newfound guest residing at a two-storey house in Village 1, Nong Sanit subdistrict. Navigating a pile of sand that stubbornly blocked the entrance, the rescue team made their approach, the house standing stoic with its traditional wooden upper floor and modern concrete base. Two pickup trucks flanked the home’s exterior, silent witnesses to the unfolding drama. Among the neighborhood watch crowd was Pakphum Kraipetch,…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Get ready to be mesmerized, fellow stargazers! Thailand’s night sky is setting the stage for an astronomical event so spectacular that it’s bound to leave you star-struck. Thanks to the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), we are all invited to witness a rare cosmic performance—a splendid planetary alignment that requires no equipment, just your eyes and a bit of luck with the weather. For a fleeting moment, all the visible planets from our neighborhood in the Solar System are assembling for a grand celestial parade. Until February 28, Saturn, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars are playing the lead roles, dazzling the evening sky without the need for a telescope. But for those who wish to go the extra mile (or light-year, if you will!) Uranus and Neptune are also on the invite list, albeit with a telescope in hand. NARIT has a fun fact to share with budding…
In the serene skies over Thailand, a mesmerizing celestial event is putting on a performance that’s sure to dazzle any starry-eyed dreamer. The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) has rolled out the red carpet for a rare planetary alignment that’s set to illuminate the heavens. Picture this: all the visible planets of our Solar System assembling in a stunning formation, painting the twilight canvas in celestial glory. It’s a spectacular cosmic ballet visible to the naked eye, enchanting skygazers with Saturn, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Mars all playing their part. But don’t despair if you’re yearning for a sneak peak at Uranus and Neptune; a trusty telescope will have you covered! NARIT unfolds the mystery behind this seemingly magical alignment, explaining it’s all about perspective. While these celestial bodies hang out together in our night sky, they are far from lining up in the vast expanse of space.…
The bustling city of Bangkok, a vibrant tapestry of culture, food, and lively streets, is now facing an unexpected challenge—a burgeoning population of water monitors making themselves quite at home in Lumpini Park and along the scenic canal of Rama IV Road. It’s an intriguing situation that has caught the attention of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), propelling them into action to address this reptilian conundrum. Picture this: a serene stroll through Lumpini Park, the sun casting dappled shadows through the lush canopy above, and there, sunbathing on the banks, lies a rather sizeable water monitor. These creatures, while awe-inspiring in their prehistoric majesty, come with a unique set of challenges for city dwellers. As Prapas Lueangsirinapha, the astute director of the BMA’s Environment Department, has noted, their numbers are on the rise, and with such a surge, certain challenges are bound to follow. These aquatic giants, protected under the…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, an unlikely creature is stirring up quite the conversation. No, not the city’s ever-fabulous street food or its magnetic nightlife, but something more… scaly. We’re talking about the city’s water monitors, residing in none other than the urban oasis of Lumpini Park and alongside the canal that runs parallel to Rama IV Road. Like residents trying to balance the scales – quite literally – the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is diving deep into discussions about managing the burgeoning population of these remarkable reptiles. The Environment Department of the BMA, spearheaded by the ever-dedicated Prapas Lueangsirinapha, has been on the lookout. Observing the water monitors like a compassionate zoologist armed with nothing more dangerous than a clipboard, Prapas made it clear that these creatures, while perhaps misunderstood, are bagged under a vital protective umbrella. They are safeguarded by the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act…
Recently, Thailand’s Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin took to the stage to calm some brewing storms over the alleged skyrocketing healthcare expenditures for foreign workers. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) raised eyebrows when it declared that last year’s foreign healthcare costs hit a staggering 92 billion baht. However, Minister Somsak eased the public’s concerns, revealing a more modest figure of around two billion baht spent on this endeavor. While acknowledging that healthcare expenses surged in 2021 and 2022 due to the relentless COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Somsak clarified that the government had allocated just 2.05 billion baht to cover healthcare for foreign workers, including those residing near Thailand’s bustling borders. He speculated that this baffling discrepancy might have stemmed from data entry goofs and clumsy report filing. “A 92-billion-baht tag? It’s implausible,” Somsak proclaimed, “considering our national health insurance budget only grazes the 150 billion baht mark!” His…
In the bustling world of international healthcare exchanges, where figures and policies can sometimes resemble a chaotic dance, Thailand’s Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin, recently took center stage to address public anxiety over a staggering claim. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) had alarmingly reported that healthcare costs for foreign workers soared to an astronomical 92 billion baht last year. In contrast, Mr. Somsak earnestly insisted that the actual figure hovers around a more modest two billion baht. With the wisdom of a seasoned politician, Mr. Somsak acknowledged that the pandemic’s chaotic ballet had indeed caused healthcare costs to pirouette in 2021 and 2022. Yet, he confidently stated that a grand total of merely 2.05 billion baht was spent on providing healthcare to foreign workers, including those living near the country’s border. This discrepancy between numbers as wide as a river delta prompted a curious eyebrow-raising from the…
In a bid to set the economic wheels in motion and achieve the lofty growth target of 3.5% this year, the ever-enthusiastic Finance Minister, Pichai Chunhavajira, has announced the government’s grand master plan. His declaration followed a crucial rendezvous with economic heavyweights from the Bank of Thailand, the Fiscal Policy Office, and the National Economics and Social Development Council (NESDC). These teams, armed with spreadsheets and projections, gathered to weave a tapestry of economic hope for the nation. Minister Pichai didn’t mince words as he revealed the NESDC’s chilling report on last year’s economic performance, with GDP growth staggering below 2% during the first and second quarters. This was primarily due to the government’s sluggish investment budget disbursement, delayed by the prolonged enactment of the 2024 fiscal budget bill. It was like waiting for the rain in a drought, but finally, when the financial floodgates opened, it was as if…
The air in the room was thick with determination as Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira addressed a gathering of economic masterminds, eager to unveil a formidable strategy designed to catapult the nation towards an impressive 3.5% growth target. This economic brain trust included representatives from the Bank of Thailand, the Fiscal Policy Office, and the National Economics and Social Development Council (NESDC), each ready to play their part in a grand economic symphony. Minister Pichai, with a confident glint in his eye, elaborated on the prior year’s economic journey—a bumpy ride marred by delays that reeled GDP growth back to a sluggish pace of under 2% during the first two quarters. The delay in enacting the 2024 fiscal year’s budget bill was like a stubborn rock in the road, but once it was blasted away and the financial sluice gates were opened, the economy found a fresh stride. Climbing to 3%…
In a strategic move to bolster security and maintain order along its extensive borders, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has demanded a ramping up of security measures at key crossings between Thailand and its neighboring nations. This directive is part of the robust “Seal Stop Safe” initiative launched recently to combat illicit cross-border activities and fortify Thailand’s perimeter against threats. Interior Ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul announced that Mr. Anutin has mandated provincial governors across the country to implement stricter controls at border checkpoints. The focus is squarely on thwarting criminal networks indulging in activities such as drug and human trafficking, as well as dismantling illicit call center operations that exploit these unsecured points. The “Seal Stop Safe” operation kicked off on January 30, following Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s impassioned appeal for zero tolerance toward drug crimes. With proactive tactics, the initiative involves synchronizing the efforts of authorities…