Welcome to Chiang Mai, a city where the vibrant tapestry of culture and history often finds itself muffled under an unwelcome blanket of thick smog, particularly evident this past Thursday as captured in the vivid photography of Panumet Tanraksa. But not all is lost in this haze, as the city’s governor steps up with an astute initiative that’s catching the attention of locals and environmentalists alike. In a bold move to clear the air—quite literally—Governor Nirat Sitthithaworn has unveiled a plan that is as intriguing as it is promising. Imagine being a modern-day environmental detective, where your sharp eyes and keen sense of duty to the planet can earn you a cool 10,000 baht. Yes, you read that right! In an effort to combat the relentless smog that blankets the city every dry season, the governor has put a price on information—10,000 baht for tips leading to the arrest of…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In a riveting turn of events that feels more akin to a plot twist in a globe-trotting thriller than real life, Phuket has found itself enveloped in a tale that intertwines wildlife conservation, alleged misconduct, and the consequences of a road rage incident that refuses to fade quietly into the annals of history. The central character? Urs Fehr, a Swiss national whose recent visit to the Thalang police station on a fine-paying mission is only a precursor to a flurry of dramatic developments. The scenic island of Phuket, known for its emerald waters and sprawling beaches, is no stranger to tales of intrigue and controversy. But the latest saga involving Fehr, who has the rare distinction of managing an elephant foundation, takes the proverbial cake. In an announcement that has sent ripples across the conservation community, the Phuket authorities, led by Governor Sophon Suwannarat, have made a decisive move to…
Imagine winding down after a long day, seeking solace on the serene steps of Yamu Beach, only to find yourself suddenly propelled into an unwanted adventure. This was the unfortunate reality for a local doctor in Thalang district, after a peaceful moment turned into a tangible nightmare courtesy of Urs “David” Fehr, a Swiss businessman with a penchant for property claims and elephant sanctuaries. In an unforeseen twist, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul propelled into action, pulling the strings to bring back Sophon, the man of the hour, from his German endeavors of exploring the vast tourism promotion prospects. The call to arms, or rather to resolve, was clear – tackle the chaos that was unfolding. Sophon, upon his return and amidst the scent of intrigue and legal battles, shared with the press, “I’ve been shadowing this melodrama through whispers and calls, making sure justice isn’t just a bystander.” This came…
Imagine a historic canal, nestled between the vibrant streets of Bangkok’s Chinatown and the colorful alleys of Phahurat, the Indian Quarter. This isn’t just any canal; it’s Ong Ang, a waterway with tales that stretch back to the 1780s, when King Rama I, in his wisdom, decided Bangkok needed a new artery for trade and transport. This was shortly after Bangkok ascended to the prestigious role of Thailand’s capital. Ong Ang – or “Pottery Canal” as it translates, due to its bustling days as a hub for pottery trade – has seen the city evolve, from its role in the hustle and bustle of merchant life to its more recent iteration as a walking street. Fast forward to the present, under the auspices of Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) finds itself at a crossroads. Far from the ephemeral glamor of flash events, the focus has shifted toward…
Imagine a world where superheroes don’t wear capes or fly through the sky. Instead, they wield the mighty power of integrity and honesty, fighting a more insidious kind of villain: corruption. Now, when the citizens of this world were asked, “What fuels the dark forces behind this villainy?” an overwhelming 59% cried out, “Financial desperation!” Indeed, it seems that the allure of cold, hard cash is too tantalizing for some, turning these once-valiant civil servants into villains themselves. But there’s another twist in our tale. A significant 31.53% of the populace believe the corruption stems not from mere financial need but from an enchantment with the opulent lifestyle of the rich and powerful. These godfatherly figures, with their sprawling mansions and luxury cars, cast a long shadow over society, seducing others to follow in their morally ambiguous footsteps. Our story then weaves through other dastardly reasons believed to fuel the…
Imagine living a life so beautifully simple that the complexity of the world remains a mystery to you. Now, meet Loi Thapila, a soul from the quaint Bu Puay village nestled in the heart of Ubon Ratchathani’s Nam Yuen district. Loi embarked on a journey not just of distance, but of dreams, riding hundreds of kilometres to taste the salty embrace of the sea for the very first time. His odyssey began on the brisk morning of March 3, with his heart set on reaching Trat by evening on March 8. Loi’s narrative is one that tugs at the heartstrings—a man who has known solitude, living alone after years of separation from his wife, while his children built their nests elsewhere. His days were spent in the company of forgotten treasures, collecting and selling recyclable garbage to piece together a living. The tapestry of his adventure caught the public’s eye…
In the shimmering paradise of Phuket, where the turquoise waters gently lap against golden sand shores, a story unfolds that sounds more like a twist-filled drama than the peaceful escape one imagines. The latest episode in this island saga stars Urs Fehr, a Swiss national, who found himself entangled in controversy not just with the local authorities but also in the court of public opinion. It was on a sunny Thursday in Phuket, when Mr. Fehr strode into the Thalang police station to settle fines related to a road rage incident from December 2023. This event, however, would quickly be overshadowed by a much more serious accusation. Mr. Fehr, known among locals and expatriates alike, found himself at the heart of a tempest storming around the future of his cherished Green Elephant Sanctuary Park. Phuket’s governor, Sophon Suwannarat, cast a shadow over Mr. Fehr’s sunny paradise by announcing plans to…
Welcome to the sun-kissed shores and crystalline waters of Phi Phi Island—a gem in the crown of Thailand’s stunning Krabi province. But beneath its idyllic exterior, this tropical paradise faces challenges that could impact its future. Top among these? The pressing need for freshwater and the burgeoning debate over marijuana sales. Let’s dive into the heart of the issue with insights from local business leaders who are spearheading the call for change. Imagine waking up in the lush surroundings of P.P. Bayview Resort, ready to embrace another day in paradise. But according to Pisan Trangkasombat, the resort’s managing partner, there’s a cloud over Phi Phi Island that doesn’t just bring rain—it brings a concerning drought of freshwater. With tourism thriving, the demand for water skyrockets, especially during the dry season, leaving the island’s natural and artesian wells hard-pressed to meet the needs for both domestic use and consumption. Pisan throws…
In a plot twist that sounds like it’s straight out of a political drama, the bustling, historic streets of Chiang Mai are bracing themselves for the convergence of two of Thailand’s political heavyweights. Imagine the serene mountain backdrop of Chiang Mai, usually a haven for travelers seeking tranquility or adventure, now buzzing with the anticipation of a high-profile rendezvous. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a man with a calendar as packed as a city during rush hour, has let slip a titillating hint: he might just cross paths with the controversial former premier, Thaksin Shinawatra, who has freshly tasted the air of freedom thanks to parole. Picture this: it’s the ides of March (well, almost), and Srettha has packed his bags for a journey to Chiang Mai from March 15-17. His mission? To wage war against the twin dragons of haze pollution and illegal drugs, while also paying homage to royally-initiated…
Imagine strolling through the bustling streets of Puangpet, where the vibrant energy of the city converges with the pulsating heartbeat of urban exploration. It’s here, amidst the glittering lights and the cacophony of sounds, that the government has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative set to transform the tourist experience: the “Ratchaprasong Model”. Spearheaded by Prime Minister’s Office Minister Puangpet Chunlaiad along with his trusty sidekick, vice minister Warawut Yanjareon, this project is not your run-of-the-mill improvement plan. The grand unveiling, graced by the who’s who of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the fearless Tourist Police Bureau, the stalwarts of the Royal Thai Police, and the captains of commerce from the surrounding malls, marked a milestone in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday life. This state-of-the-art traffic management scheme is specifically designed for the Ratchaprasong area, a place that, until now, had been equally famed for its tantalizing attractions and…