As the morning sun cast a golden hue over Government House, reporters gathered around Capt Thammanat Prompow, a figure central to a brewing political storm. The air was thick with anticipation. Capt Thammanat, the defiant secretary-general and acting agriculture minister of Palang Pratcharath, broke his silence with a firm stance. “I will not engage with Gen Prawit Wongsuwon any longer,” he declared, his voice unwavering. The rift within the third largest coalition partner had widened into an unmistakable chasm. Currently at the helm of 29 out of the party’s 40 MPs, and garnering support from various smaller parties, Capt Thammanat’s influence is undeniable. This political drama unfolds just as newly-sworn Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra undertakes the delicate task of forming her coalition cabinet. “The party leader has rendered me obsolete,” Capt Thammanat stated, a mix of frustration and resolve evident in his tone. “I’ve contributed to this party for six…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Thaicom Public Company Limited is making headlines with its groundbreaking initiative to bring cutting-edge satellite internet to remote areas, beginning with the Doi Wiang Pha community in Chai Prakan District, Chiang Mai. The introduction of advanced satellite technology and space services aims to revolutionize the quality of life in these regions by enabling telemedicine, digital education, online transactions, and robust satellite mobile networks. This wave of innovation is bolstered by IoT solutions and a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite platform, which also supports Earth observation projects, such as a carbon credit platform, all in line with Thailand’s ESG mission. Ekachai Phakdurong, Chief Strategy Officer at Thaicom Public Company Limited, enthuses, “For over three decades, Thaicom has been at the forefront of combining stable business operations with the mission to improve quality of life for both the community and the country. We are committed to ensuring comprehensive communication coverage and equality…
In the picturesque region of Chiang Rai province, nestled in the heart of northern Thailand, the Mae Lao district hospital has recently found itself at the center of a controversial and unsettling incident. A doctor from the hospital faces serious allegations of assault after a video emerged showing him slapping a nurse twice, thus sparking outrage and leading staff members to don black attire in protest. The drama unfolded on a typical Saturday night at around 10 PM. The moments captured by the hospital’s security cameras exposed a scene that looked more like a discordant climax in a soap opera than a workplace environment. The footage revealed a doctor standing behind a nurse engrossed in her computer work, followed by the sudden and shocking act of twice slapping her back. The incident did not go unnoticed as other employees were present in the room. The social media storm ignited when…
In a historic first, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has opened its doors to 30 women scholars from Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, marking a transformative moment in the region’s educational landscape. These exceptional women have been awarded fully funded master’s scholarships under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cities Improvement Project (KPCIP), an ambitious initiative supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to reshape the future of urban infrastructure and service delivery. The scholarships, formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed on May 3, 2024, between AIT and KPCIP, are a powerful testament to the commitment to gender equality and empowerment. This initiative is not just about academic achievement; it’s about unlocking the potential of women to drive social and economic progress in a region where such opportunities have historically been scarce. The scholars arrived at AIT’s vibrant campus on August 10. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Thailand, Her Excellency Rukhsana Afzaal, met…
Pita Limjaroenrat waves to supporters as he walks into the Constitutional Court to hear its ruling, which led to the Move Forward Party being dissolved, on Aug 7. (Photo: Reuters) Politicians in Thailand must reform the judiciary to prevent interventions that have the country “going around in circles,” says former Move Forward Party chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat, after two major rulings that dissolved his party and dismissed a prime minister. Mr. Pita, whose now-defunct party was blocked from forming a government last year, said a 10-year political ban would not weaken his resolve to lead Thailand and start major reforms, including stopping independent institutions from being politicized. Thailand has been trapped in a tumultuous two-decade cycle of coups and court rulings that have toppled multiple governments, as part of a power struggle between popularly elected parties and an influential establishment with powerful connections in the military and key institutions. “It’s…
In a whirlwind of political maneuvering, a rift of substantial proportions has emerged within the ranks of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), the third largest coalition partner. At the epicenter of this discord is none other than Capt Thammanat Prompow, the party’s secretary-general and interim agriculture minister. In an audacious move, he has openly refused to communicate with Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, the party leader, and hinted at an impending exit. This political tempest coincides with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s mission to finalize her coalition cabinet following her recent inauguration. Standing tall at Government House on a typical Tuesday morning, Capt Thammanat unveiled his stance with a direct declaration. “As he does not use me anymore, I do not need to talk,” he remarked, referring to Gen Prawit. The statement was as blunt as it was revealing, illuminating Thammanat’s view of his diminished role within the party. Reflecting on his contributions,…
In December 2023, former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra captured hearts as she posed for a spirited mini-heart gesture, her warm smile radiating through the screen. The moment, shared on her Instagram (@pouyingluck_shin), encapsulated a blend of hope and familial pride, a sentiment she didn’t hesitate to extend publicly soon after. Yingluck has always been a figure of both resilience and elegance in Thailand’s political landscape. This time around, she has turned her attention to her niece, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who recently ascended to the prime ministership. Taking to the X platform on a sunny Tuesday, Yingluck expressed her heartfelt congratulations to Paetongtarn, glowing with pride over her niece’s acceptance of this monumental role. But amid the celebrations and joyful declarations, Yingluck did not shy away from the stark reality awaiting the new prime minister. The country’s economic turbulence looms large, bringing with it the twin burdens of intense pressure and towering…
It was a typical bustling morning at Government House, but tensions were simmering beneath the surface. Capt Thammanat Prompow, the steadfast secretary-general and acting agriculture minister, addressed a cluster of reporters with an air of solemn defiance. The third largest coalition partner, Palang Pracharath, a political juggernaut on the Thai scene, was now embroiled in controversy, its unity threatened by deep-seated fissures. Capt Thammanat, in his candid manner, made it abundantly clear: communication lines between him and the party leader, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, were severed. “As he does not use me anymore, I do not need to talk,” he declared with palpable frustration. For six long years, he had poured his heart and soul into the party, pledging unwavering loyalty. “One person and one party long enough,” he mused, hinting at a future unanchored by past allegiances. With the ascension of new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is currently threading…
The energy was palpable last Thursday as coalition party leaders and core figures stood united at a press conference, all in unison to rally behind the Pheu Thai Party leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This charged atmosphere was documented by Nutthawat Wichieanbut, and it’s clear why. Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, had just achieved a groundbreaking milestone. At 37, she was freshly minted as Thailand’s 31st and youngest Prime Minister, emerging victorious without any competition—a feat that sent political waves through the country. Fast forward to Monday, Paetongtarn was found delving into her studies at the National Defence College, an intensive program tailored for new executives. Despite her busy schedule, she took the time to shed light on a crucial process: thorough background checks for cabinet candidates. This move is aimed at ensuring compliance with legal standards and steering clear of controversies that might endanger the new…
Imagine the waters of the Chao Phraya River under the starless, midnight sky. A peaceful scene, disrupted by tragedy—a story that begins with a jet ski crash and ends with a legal whirlwind in Samut Prakan’s Phra Pradaeng district. A young actor by the name of Shindanai Sae Lim, aged just 21, found himself at the heart of this unfortunate event. On a seemingly regular Saturday night, Shindanai’s jet ski collided with a small boat, leading to the tragic deaths of two innocent people. Shindanai’s jet ski, though legally registered, was now grounded indefinitely as per the order issued by the Provincial Marine Office’s Samut Prakan Branch. This wasn’t just any order—it was a direct response to the egregious oversight that Shindanai wasn’t qualified to be behind the helm. Summoned to present relevant documents such as the jet ski’s registration papers and a helmsman certificate, Shindanai had one glaring omission:…