THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

In a twist worthy of a blockbuster crime drama, the corridors of Thailand’s law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies have been buzzed with whispers, legal documents, and the clanging sound of a gavel ready to mark justice. At the heart of this whirlwind is none other than Deputy National Police Chief, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, a name that has recently been entangled in an intricate web of allegations, online gambling conspiracies, and the ominous clouds of money laundering charges. The plot thickened this Monday when the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), with the gravitas befitting a guardian of justice, voted in favor to steal the investigative reins from the police into the alleged involvement of Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn and four mysterious cohorts in a major online gambling network recently dismantled. The decision, a tantalizing cliffhanger, was unveiled with a flourish on Tuesday, setting the stage for an investigation that promises to…

In the majestic Phuket, where the cerulean sea kisses golden sands, a tale unfolds, painting the canvas of the island with shades of controversy and human error. Here, Swiss national Urs “David” Fehr and his spouse Khanuengnit found themselves at the heart of a tempest, their plight echoing in the hallowed halls of Phuket’s provincial hall as they narrated their side of a story that gripped the local community. Upon the serene shores that have whispered tales of beauty and peace to those who traverse its sands, an incident sparked a wave of uproar. Urs Fehr, whose name found an unexpected spotlight, was embroiled in turmoil when a video surfaced. It depicted a moment he surely wished he could erase – a kick directed at a woman, borne out of the mistaken belief that she trespassed on his rented villa’s domain near breathtaking Yamu beach. The scene, a stark contrast…

Imagine a world where your morning starts with a groan at the snail-paced loading of your favorite coffee shop’s menu on your smartphone. Or picture yourself, ready to rant your heart out over a call, only to be met with the robotic voice stating, “call dropped”. Ring any bells? Well, according to a recent revelation by the NESDC, citing a survey by the Consumer Protection Board, this frustrating scenario is becoming all too familiar for consumers across the board. The NESDC pointed out that in the realm of mobile services, consumers are facing a classic case of “more for less”. Fancy paying more for your basic mobile package? How does a hike from 349 baht to 399 baht sound, especially when the trade-off is slower internet speeds? If that wasn’t irksome enough, imagine signing up for a package, enticed by the promise of 300 free call minutes, only to discover…

On a day that seemed just like any other, the bustling Don Mueang airport became the center stage for a homecoming that felt more like a scene out of a gripping novel. The spotlight fell on none other than Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s former prime minister, whose smile radiated warmth towards the crowd of supporters eagerly waiting for him. His return on August 22, 2023, was not just a step onto Thai soil, but a moment frozen in time, captured vividly by the lens of Pattarapong Chatpattarasill. Thaksin, now resuming life in the comfort of his Bangkok abode post-parole, finds himself at a crossroads of nostalgia and duty. Amid the whirlwind of political life and his recent homecoming, he harbors a simple wish – to tread the familiar paths of Chiang Mai, the cherished soil of his forefathers. His youngest daughter Paetongtarn, herself a beacon in the Pheu Thai Party, shares…

Imagine this: You’re enjoying your blissful moment in Thailand, perhaps savoring a mango sticky rice under the vibrant Bangkok sun or embarking on a cultural odyssey in Chiang Mai, when suddenly, your phone buzzes. But this time, it’s not a social media notification or a text from your friend asking where you’re exploring next. It’s a crucial alert, carefully crafted and broadcasted directly to your mobile device, warning you of an impending calamity in the area. Yes, this is no ordinary message; it’s part of a revolutionary broadcasting service aimed at disaster alerts, ensuring your safety in the Land of Smiles. This groundbreaking initiative is the brainchild of NBTC chairman Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck and Varunthep Watcharaphon, the chief of AIS business relations. At a press conference that felt more like the unveiling of a superhero’s latest gadget, they announced the successful test of this life-saving service. Picture the scene: two figures,…

Imagine, if you will, a scene filled with the electric buzz of anticipation, where the air is thick with the whispers of speculation and the murmur of political intrigue. Amidst this charged atmosphere, Senator Somchai Swangkarn steps forward, his voice cutting through the cacophony, a beacon of clarity in the midst of swirling rumors. He declares with unwavering conviction that Yingluck, the exiled former Prime Minister of Thailand, could very well set foot on Thai soil once again, to the open arms and forgiving hearts of her people. Ah, but there’s a catch – isn’t there always? The judiciary, he warns, stands on the precipice of a credibility chasm, should they dare to dance the same delicate dance they did with Yingluck’s brother, the infamous Thaksin Shinawatra. Ah, Thaksin, a man who barely had time to warm his cell before being whisked away to the more comfortable confines of the…

The planet teems with life, a breathtaking tapestry of biodiversity. Yet, nestled within this wonder, a somber tale unfolds—one meticulously chronicled by the indefatigable sleuths at World Animal Protection (WAP), an international vanguard for animal welfare. Their latest findings reveal a globe-spanning crisis: an estimated 5.5 billion wild creatures, spanning 487 unique species, shackled by the invisible chains of human demand, living lives far removed from the freedom their wild hearts yearn for. In the far-flung corners of Asia—China, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and South Korea—a peculiar and painful industry thrives. Here, bears of all shades—black, sun, and grizzly—are not just creatures of the wild; they’re unwitting contributors to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The bile extracted from their gallbladders, a substance deeply embedded in TCM practices, dictates their fate, confining them to a life far from the forests and mountains they should roam. Not to be outdone, the majestic lions of…

In the bustling heart of Bangkok, amidst the neon-lit alleys of Soi Sukhumvit 11, an event unfolded that seemed more akin to a scene from a high-energy movie than everyday life. At the center of this tale is Pol Maj Gen Withawat Chinkham, the esteemed commander of Metropolitan Police Division 5, who found himself addressing a rather unusual situation under the glaring lights of the Lumpini police station on a Tuesday that was anything but ordinary. The streets of Bangkok, known for their vibrant nightlife and the mosaic of cultures that walk them, became the stage for an unprecedented drama involving a group of Filipino and Thai transvestites. It all began on a seemingly typical Monday night when pulses ran high and tempers flared, leading to a brawl that would capture the city’s attention. According to Withawat, a contingent of transvestites from the Philippines, armed with 30-day tourist visas, had…

Imagine boarding a tiny train, the size of which might remind you of those enchanting rides at amusement parks, but instead of whirling past rollercoasters, you’re chugging along through a lush paddy field. This isn’t a scene from a fairy tale but a slice of life from the picturesque Pathum Thani province, where passengers shield themselves with every means possible from the relentless sun overhead. The sight, captured last Friday, paints a picture both quaint and quintessentially Thai, as people find joy in simplicity under the sweltering sky. But here’s where the plot thickens – the sun isn’t just a backdrop for a pleasant day out; it’s the harbinger of a far more formidable challenge. Picture the temperature gauge soaring so high it feels like you’re standing on the cusp of the sun itself. With “feels like” temperatures reportedly touching a sizzling 50 degrees Celsius, the scenario turns from charming…

Imagine the picture of serenity turned suspense – a beautiful, forested mountain hugging the pristine shores of Nai Thon beach in Phuket, Thailand. That very scene morphed into an unexpected adventure for Dzmitry Neudakh, a 23-year-old traveler from the distant lands of Belarus. His story is a riveting tale of disorientation and discovery amidst the natural beauty of Thai landscapes. Let’s dive into his extraordinary escapade that bridges the gap between panic and relief, highlighting not just the challenges but the heartfelt moments of human and nature’s collaboration. It was a typical balmy evening in Phuket, and Dzmitry, fueled by the wanderlust that brought him all the way from Belarus to the Kingdom of Thailand, decided to explore the vicinity of Nai Thon beach. With the sand under his feet giving way to the dense foliage of a nearby mountain, our intrepid explorer embarked on what was supposed to be…