THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

As the anticipation of the lottery draw thickens the air in Uthai Thani’s Mueang district, a peculiar sort of pilgrimage is underway. The buzz isn’t about a temple or a shrine this time, oh no! It’s a journey to a majestic old Takian tree, believed to be the dwelling of 12 ethereal spirits known as Mae Takian. This venerable tree, comfortably perched beside a bustling road in Ban Huai Rang, Village 2, Rabam subdistrict, has more than just its impressive circumference—so grand it takes a small crowd to encircle it—in its favor. The allure for the locals lies in the whispers of mystical stories that suggest sightings of women clad in traditional Thai attire nestled amidst its branches or gracefully standing nearby, both in the glow of the sun and the veil of the moonlit night. These bewitching tales have woven a tale of intrigue and magic, luring curiosity seekers…

In what seems to be an unfortunate turn of events, a 52-year-old rubber plantation worker met his untimely demise while en route to his workplace in the Nakhon Si Thammarat province of Thailand. The incident unfolded on March 14, leaving the small, peace-loving village of Ao Si Muang in a state of shock and sorrow. The town’s tranquil rhythm was jolted when Police Lieutenant Hassan Wongmathong received a distressing report about a shooting. The incident took place at the entrance of a rubber plantation in the Na Mo Bon subdistrict of Chulabhorn district. Summoning reinforcements, Wongmathong, accompanied by Police Colonel Thanapol Yaowapak, the chief of Chulabhorn Police Station, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Sutthiphong Rodsong, made their way to the site, teamed with the on-duty doctor from Chulabhorn Hospital and emergency services from the Tai Tek Tung Foundation. At the scene, they encountered the lifeless body of Viroj, slumped over his…

As the global shadow of Covid-19 gradually recedes, a fresh wave of wanderlust has gripped travelers, with sunny Thailand reemerging as a sought-after destination. Fueling this resurgence is the Thai government’s enticing visa-free policy, opening the doors to a world of adventure and culture for eager explorers. In just the first quarter of the year, an astonishing 7,021,344 tourists have already soaked up Thailand’s charm, reflecting a robust 5.91% increase compared to the previous year. While the bustling streets of Bangkok remain ever-popular, Phuket has emerged as a tropical frontrunner, captivating the hearts of over 1,121,808 tourists in January alone. This figure represents a staggering 21.07% leap from the previous year, heralding Phuket’s thriving allure. With sandy shores and vibrant nightlife, it’s no wonder Phuket Airport has soared to prominence, boasting the highest regional flight volume in Thailand. Yet, the bustling single runway stands as both a marvel and a…

In an impressive move to address Taiwan’s housing concerns, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has rolled out a heartening initiative, handing over land lease contracts to six eager communities. These contracts span across 275 households as a testament to the government’s commitment to broadening housing access for low-income earners. The lucky regions tying the knot with land lease agreements include the charming communities of Songkhla’s Hat Yai and Muang districts, Udon Thani’s Muang district, Si Sa Ket’s Muang district, and the bustling Bangkok Noi district in the capital. Last Friday, Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote gracefully presided over the occasion, warmly stating that this initiative is woven into broader efforts to refine land management and provide greater accessibility to homes. With a heart full of gratitude, he extended sincere thanks to key players, including the Community Organisation Development Institute and SRT Asset Co Ltd, the keen business arm of…

As the sun blazes in the sky, and the warmth of March envelops the land with its tender embrace, a stern yet necessary call to arms emanates from Thailand’s bustling capital. Anutin Charnvirakul, the ever-diligent Interior Minister, is rallying the province’s guardians, asking them to be ever watchful and prepared for the capricious summer storms. With a voice that carries both authority and care, he urges the provincial governors to stay vigilant and provide solace and support to residents who find themselves wrapped in Mother Nature’s tumultuous grasp. The esteemed Traisuree Traisaranakul, the minister’s trusted spokeswoman, sheds light on the reasons behind this vigilant measure. Her words ring with the resounding truth of past calamities as she highlights a sobering report from the national disaster prevention and mitigation command. It is a report that echoes with the memories of fierce winds and sudden torrents that sweep across the land from…

In a groundbreaking move set to transform Thailand’s rail industry, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Rail Technology Research and Development Agency (RTRDA) have teamed up to push the frontiers of rail transport innovations. This partnership promises not just to elevate the nation’s railway system but also to diminish its dependency on foreign technology imports. It was sealed with a handshake over a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on a bright Friday morning, symbolizing a new dawn for Thai railways. Chayatan Phromson, the transport permanent secretary, shared his exhilaration over this partnership, projecting that it will not only bolster human resource capabilities but also spearhead rail technology advancements. The ultimate goal? To slay the logistics cost dragon while enhancing Thailand’s competitive stance on the global rail trade battlefield. According to Mr. Chayatan, a jaw-dropping investment of hundreds of billions of baht is funneling into a futuristic double-track train network.…

In the latest chapter of Thailand’s ongoing efforts to ensure fair trade and lawful business conduct, authorities have launched an even more aggressive crackdown on illicit goods and businesses masquerading as local enterprises but owned by foreign entities. This sweeping movement, spearheaded by two diligent sub-committees, aims to preserve the sanctity of competition by curtailing activities that skew the market. The numbers are staggering: we’re looking at potential damages to the tune of 16 billion baht, according to deputy government spokesman, Sasikarn Watthanachan. In a fervent bid to rein in illegal goods, officials have initiated legal proceedings against a whopping 24,626 cases, with damages exceeding a hefty 1.25 billion baht. It’s akin to a blockbuster movie plot, where good triumphs over the bad, except in this tale, the hero is wielding legal documents instead of a sword. The crackdown extends its reach beyond physical goods, casting a watchful eye on…

The bustling lanes of innovation have led Thailand and Japan onto a shared path of progress, with the unveiling of a novel, top-tier biodiesel aimed at revolutionizing low-carbon transport. This latest advancement, lovingly christened as H-Fame, emerges from a collaborative endeavor between Thailand’s National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC) and Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), poised to redefine the green credentials of road transport with aplomb. Conceptualized way back in 2017, H-Fame was brought to life through the combined intellectual might of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). Its raison d’être? To deliver a premium-grade biodiesel that ambitiously cuts down engine wear while serving as the ideal potion for trucks of every ilk. Sumittra Charojrochkul, the astute executive director at ENTEC, remarks with a palpable sense of pride that extensive testing has forged this wonder fuel into a state…

The intricate dance of land policies in Thailand faces a daunting challenge as the National Land Policy Committee (NLPC) finds itself ensnared in a labyrinthine loophole that threatens the integrity of land assignments meant for the impoverished. The NLPC’s director, Ms. Rawiwan Phuridej, voices a clarion call for enhanced cooperation as illegal land transfers run rampant, particularly in the enchanting eastern realms, where land whispers its allure to eager investors. A recent probe unearthed disconcerting revelations: 143 rai in the idyllic Chachoengsao province and 46 rai amidst the verdant landscapes of Chanthaburi had clandestinely passed into outsider hands. These lands, once a beacon of hope for countless voiceless poor, now fall into the shadowy clutches of private buyers, violating the sacred rules barring such unsanctioned exchanges. Ms. Rawiwan, poised with a resolve as steadfast as the majestic mountains, declares, “Swift justice awaits those who dared to tread this illicit path,…

With the sun blazing down on March 11, a vibrant crowd gathered in front of the Government House, rallying against the government’s draft law for casino entertainment complexes. Protesters were a tapestry of emotions—a blend of urgency, frustration, and determination to push back against what they saw as a dubious venture by the Pheu Thai-led administration. Amidst chants and placards, the atmosphere pulsed with a united cause: to halt the government’s casino-complex dream in its tracks. The fervor was unmistakable, and the message was clear—these weren’t just casual grievances; they were echoes of discontent reverberating throughout the nation. The backdrop to these protests was a contentious history of governmental decisions. The approval of casino complexes seemed to be a powder keg issue, stirring up memories of long-standing controversies that had previously forced activism from the shadows into daylight. Notably, there were simmering tensions from past controversies, like the privileged treatment…