In the vibrant city of Chon Buri, the peaceful hum of daily life was disrupted by a new phenomenon that set the residents on edge: foreign motorcycle riders performing audacious stunts on the heart of Pattaya’s bustling streets. These daredevils, with their engines roaring and horns blaring, have become an unwelcome spectacle, causing increasing friction with the local community. To address this escalating nuisance, Pattaya City police recently held a crucial meeting with Abdulmohsen Alfares, the deputy head of mission from the Kuwaiti embassy. This summit aimed to explore effective solutions to curb the reckless behavior of these motorcycle riders, many of whom, it turned out, were Kuwaiti citizens. The tales of these riders are nothing short of extraordinary—and not in a good way. Equipped with helmets as rare as unicorns and vehicle registration documents that existed only in dreams, they zipped through the streets of Pattaya, leaving a trail…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Brace yourselves, folks! A groundbreaking regulation on cigarette and tobacco sales is coming into play this Wednesday, as heralded by the Department of Disease Control (DDC). And if you’re curious about the repercussions of non-compliance, brace yourself for a steep fine of up to 5,000 baht. Stated in no uncertain terms by DDC director-general Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, this mandate necessitates that all retail outlets and establishments peddling cigarettes and tobacco products must prominently display a 7x21cm poster that vividly illustrates the dangers of smoking during all operating hours. Designed by the sharp minds at the Public Health Ministry, this poster isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s a weapon in the fight against smoking, aimed squarely at reducing the initiation of new smokers, especially among the youth. “But where can you snag this lifesaving piece of decor?” you ask. Well, the good folks at the Excise Department offices across the…
The digital landscape of Thailand has become a double-edged sword. While it continues to enhance our daily lives and fuel commerce, it has also opened the floodgates to a staggering 65-billion-baht annual loss due to online scammers over the past three years. With the urgency to address this growing menace, the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) has taken a formidable step. TCC’s secretary-general, Saree Aongsomwang, revealed that a groundbreaking seminar titled “Consumer Protection in the Digital Economy and AI” is on the horizon, set to combat this alarming trend. The star-studded event is scheduled for August 29 and 30 at the Amari Don Muang Airport Bangkok Hotel. The seminar promises to be a melting pot of ideas and solutions, drawing consumer protection stalwarts from across Asean and the “Plus Three” countries, which include heavyweights like South Korea, China (including Hong Kong), and Japan. This illustrious line-up also boasts the participation of…
The Labour Ministry and employer representatives are eagerly awaiting the new government’s stance on increasing the daily minimum wage to 400 baht nationwide before making any definitive moves. Yesterday, Permanent Secretary for Labour Pairoj Chotikasathien mentioned that the policy, greenlighted by the Srettha Thavisin administration back in May, could be set into motion. However, he remains tight-lipped on further details until the new government’s complete policy on raising the minimum wage is unveiled. Mr. Pairoj added that if the government confirms the wage increase, the policy will roll out according to schedule. This is because the subcommittee responsible for reviewing provincial minimum wage rates has already submitted the proposed figures for each province. Interestingly, the minimum wage committee’s meeting, originally planned for August, has now been rescheduled for September, injecting a bit of suspense into the whole situation. Back on May 14, the cabinet acknowledged the Labour Ministry’s proposal to…
The Thai Journalists Association (TJA) has forged a strong alliance with the Club of Cambodian Journalists (CCJ) to battle the rampant spread of fake news that often leads to misunderstandings between the two nations. This significant decision stemmed from an insightful meeting held in Thailand from August 16-20. The primary objective of the meeting was to review and enhance a memorandum of understanding (MoU), initially signed in Phnom Penh back in 2018 and later revised in Bangkok in 2019. Under this MoU, both parties are committed to fostering stronger media relations through various regional and international activities. This includes the creation of a hotline for emergency communications, annual Thai-Cambodian media exchange programs, and mutual support in enhancing media skills and professionalism among journalists. All of these efforts are framed within the broader context of the Confederation of ASEAN Journalists (CAJ). According to Anucha Charoenpo, vice president of the TJA’s international…
In a surprising and rather peculiar turn of events, Ananchai Chaidet, the name at the forefront of fighting frauds and protecting the public’s interest, stood at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) on June 25. Flaunting a determined expression, he announced that his group had officially lodged a complaint against an unusual cult dubbed “Mind-Connection,” astonishingly headed by none other than an eight-year-old child prodigy, Nong Nice. The announcement, captured by WASSAYOS NGAMKHAM, sent ripples across media circuits. The Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), showing commendable alacrity, has summoned members affiliated with this so-called “mind-connection” cult. This is not your everyday cult – it’s led by an eight-year-old who astonishingly asserts he can connect with people’s minds and impart teachings of dhamma and meditation through telepathy. Nong Nice, who claims to be a reincarnation of Lord Buddha’s son, has scheduled an uncertain rendezvous with accountability on September 11, as stated by…
A storm of controversy has erupted within the Thai legal community following the Constitutional Court’s recent decisions to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP) and remove Srettha Thavisin from his position as prime minister. Comprised of 134 distinguished law experts, a vocal group of lawyers and university law lecturers have united to criticize the court, claiming its recent rulings dangerously overstep and potentially undermine the delicate balance of the country’s democratic system. The catalyst for this legal outcry hinges on two landmark rulings. The first, dated Aug 7, saw the Constitutional Court disband the MFP, citing attempts to subvert the constitutional monarchy, and slapping a ten-year political ban on 11 of its executives. A week later, on Aug 14, the court dismissed Mr. Srettha for appointing ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a cabinet minister, a decision that sparked additional debate. The assembly of legal luminaries argue that the court’s interpretation of…
The political climate in Thailand has recently seen significant turbulence, with the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) plunged into turmoil due to an escalating conflict between its head, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, and secretary-general Thamanat Prompow. The latter has even suggested he’s considering parting ways with the party, citing exclusion from cabinet nominations as a primary grievance. From insider whispers, it appears the bone of contention between Prawit and Thamanat lies in the nominations for key ministerial positions, which are currently under negotiation by recently appointed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Reports suggest that the PPRP has been allocated four coveted cabinet slots. Gen Prawit has put forward his younger brother, Pol Gen Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, for the role of Natural Resources and Environment Minister. Other nominations include the current Deputy Public Health Minister Santi Promphat for the Agriculture and Cooperatives portfolio, previously held by Capt Thamanat; former Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut…
Ah, Rawai Beach—the shimmering pearl of Phuket, where azure waters meet golden sands. Recently, this serene locale made headlines, not for its picturesque vistas or vibrant nightlife, but for an unexpected aquatic guest that graced its shores: a dugong! Yes, you heard it right. For the first time in recorded history, this rare and gentle marine mammal has been spotted here, much to the excitement of locals and marine biologists alike. But before you dash off to witness this underwater unicorn, there’s more to the story—a fascinating mix of ecological intrigue, local folklore, and pressing environmental concerns. It all started when vigilant eyes near the bustling Rawai Landing Pier glimpsed the distinctive silhouette of a dugong, lazily navigating the coastal waters. Officials from the Rawai municipal office, alongside experts from the Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center (Upper Andaman Sea), mobilized faster than you can say “seagrass” to conduct a…
When it comes to premier luxury destinations in Asia, the Siam Piwat Group reigns supreme, standing as the developer of some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the illustrious Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM. Recognized globally as outstanding hubs for high-end brands, these destinations offer incomparable luxury shopping experiences that cater to even the most discerning shoppers. Consistently ranked among top luxury locations, Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM are the chosen venues for world-class brands to launch their debut flagship stores, concept stores, and new collections in Southeast Asia and beyond. In the first six months of 2024, several prestigious brands made their grand debut in Thailand at these illustrious locations, with some offering exclusivity at Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM alone. Siam Piwat’s standouts include: Rolls-Royce: The epitome of luxury automotive excellence has unveiled its new signature boutique under the ‘Galleria’ concept—the first of its kind in a shopping mall across…