THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

In an atmosphere thick with anticipation, coalition party leaders and core figures recently congregated at Shinawatra Tower 3 in Bangkok on August 15. The congregation, a spectacle of political unity, was to throw their unwavering support behind the ruling Pheu Thai Party’s leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is slated to take the helm as the country’s prime minister. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) The plot thickens as the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) has thrown a proverbial spanner in the works, submitting a formal request to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The crux of the letter? A humble petition asking her to delegate her list of appointments to the seasoned Pol Gen Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, who’s in line to be named the natural resources and environment minister. These political maneuvers are nothing if not captivating, evoking a chess game of epic proportions. The coalition partner underscored its steadfast support for Ms. Paetongpat as the prime minister.…

Chiang Mai, the jewel of northern Thailand, is quickly transforming into a bustling hub for domestic travelers, especially during the high season. The city’s charm and cultural allure have always been magnetic, but now, its airport is overflowing with tourists, making seamless travel a top priority. The Airports of Thailand (AoT) is taking monumental steps to cater to this surge in visitors. On a balmy Monday, AoT initiated its inaugural public hearing for a comprehensive 24-billion-baht, five-year strategy aimed at amplifying Chiang Mai International Airport’s passenger capacity to an impressive 20 million annually. This landmark event took place at the Centara Riverside Hotel in Chiang Mai, drawing about 300 local residents eager to participate in shaping the city’s future. Piyapong Prapanwattana, the director of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry’s provincial office, led the hearing, setting a tone of collaboration and forward-thinking. The spotlight was on AoT’s environmental director, Suwicha…

The tranquil neighborhood of Bang Yai in Nonthaburi could hardly have anticipated the buzz it would generate this past weekend. On Saturday, as the sun dipped below the horizon at 5pm, the quiet was shattered by a dramatic arrest that seemed right out of a high-stakes thriller. The star of this real-life drama? A 40-year-old man named Pisan. For nearly a year, Pisan led a double life. By day, he was a seemingly trustworthy employee at a local gold shop under the jurisdiction of Phra Ratchawang Police. By night, according to authorities, he masterminded a grand heist, slowly siphoning off an astounding 24 million baht worth of gold necklaces and bracelets over twelve months. It was only a matter of time before his two worlds collided. The intricate web of deceit began unraveling when police received a tip-off, leading them to a house in the serene Bang Yai City village.…

At the bustling auditorium of the College of Management, Mahidol University (CMMU), an air of anticipation hung like festive decorations. The audience, a blend of corporate leaders, academic minds, and curious onlookers, sat in rapt attention as Dr. Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, the dynamic Manager of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), strode to the podium. With a confident smile, he began what would be a compelling seminar on the strides made and the tools developed for sustainable organisational well-being. “We’ve drafted a 10-year strategy,” Dr. Pongthep announced, his voice echoing through the high-ceilinged hall. “It’s not just a plan; it’s a vision encapsulated in five focal points: Impact, Scaling up, Alignment with the 7+1 organisational well-being goals, Sustainability, and the magic touch of Innovation and Technology.” Heads nodded in agreement; this was the roadmap to a healthier workplace. Dr. Pongthep elaborated on ThaiHealth’s blossoming network of healthy organisations. “We’ve been pressing…

UOB Thailand has unveiled UOB FinLab’s 2024 GreenTech Accelerator (GTA) programme, marking a significant step towards addressing pressing sustainability challenges. This initiative aims to empower GreenTech companies to pilot innovative solutions that create a positive environmental impact. Twelve Thai GreenTechs are among the final thirty-three companies selected for the programme from a competitive pool of 350 applicants across ASEAN. The selected enterprises will participate in a rigorous six-month regional programme designed to foster growth, transformation, and networking opportunities. Participants will benefit from an unparalleled learning experience, gaining access to masterclasses led by thirty world-class mentors from Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. They can tap into UOB FinLab’s extensive network for sustainability know-how and tools, comprising 25,000 industry leaders from businesses, governments, SMEs, and tech suppliers. In a bold move to accelerate sustainable innovation, UOB is offering selected GreenTech companies up to 2.7 million baht to pilot innovative, relevant, and deployable solutions…

Following the triumphant launch of its inaugural branch in Thailand at Emsphere late last year, NAIXUE, a renowned and beloved premium Chinese tea brand with over 1,900 locations worldwide, has stirred up much excitement among both locals and international visitors. The grand opening drew long queues of eager enthusiasts, all yearning to taste the authentic beverages sourced directly from China. This year, NAIXUE is poised to elevate the experience for Thai customers by unveiling a lively and vibrant new location on the first floor of Central World shopping mall, sprawling over more than 200 square metres. The shop’s interior is a feast for the eyes, featuring classic wooden tones that evoke the essence of traditional Chinese aesthetics, while seamlessly blending in contemporary elements. The extensive menu is a wonder to behold, boasting over 48 exquisite beverages and desserts. From fresh fruit tea to milk tea, Da Hong Pao tea, coffee,…

Lufthansa Technik AG is thrilled to announce that EVA Air has become the first Asian airline to embrace its groundbreaking AeroSHARK surface technology, a joint innovation with BASF that promises to cut down fuel consumption by reducing drag. The Taipei-based carrier has committed to outfitting its entire cargo fleet of nine Boeing 777F long-range freighters with these state-of-the-art riblet films, which will envelop the fuselage and engine nacelles. The first EVA Air freighter, B-16786, has already undergone this revolutionary modification at its home base, Taipei Taoyuan International Airport. Under the expert guidance of Lufthansa Technik, the transformation was masterfully executed by Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corp. (EGAT), an affiliate of EVA Air. The newly modified aircraft is set to return to commercial service in early September. AeroSHARK is inspired by the natural drag-reducing properties of sharkskin. The technology features riblets—tiny ribs about 50 micrometres in size—that, when applied to several hundred…

Forensic police are seen inspecting a motorcycle belonging to Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wichian Klanprasert from Bangkok’s Thong Lor police station. Nearby, a Ferrari driven by Vorayuth Yoovidhya, the youngest son of Red Bull executive Chalerm Yoovidhya, lies still. This solemn scene follows a harrowing hit-and-run accident that took place on September 4, 2012. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard) The Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) in Bangkok announced plans to arraign eight suspects, including a former national police chief, on Thursday in connection with the notorious hit-and-run case involving the Red Bull heir. According to Wacharin Phanurat, deputy spokesman for the OAG, public prosecutors summoned the suspects to the office on Thursday to proceed with their arraignment at the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. The OAG’s decision followed a request by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), which suspected that the case had been mishandled. Among the indicted are former…

Forensic police closely inspect a motorcycle and a sleek, black Ferrari, each telling a different story from that fateful night on September 4, 2012. The motorcycle belonged to Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wichian Klanprasert of Bangkok’s Thong Lor police station, and the Ferrari was driven by none other than Vorayuth Yoovidhya, the youngest son of Red Bull executive Chalerm Yoovidhya. Following a tragic hit-and-run accident, this peculiar scene became a permanent fixture in the annals of notorious criminal cases. Fast forward to today, August 26, 2024, and public prosecutors in Bangkok are gearing up to arraign eight suspects, including a former national police chief, in connection with this infamous hit-and-run case. According to Wacharin Phanurat, deputy spokesman for the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG), the wheels of justice are finally set in motion. On Thursday, these individuals will be summoned to the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases.…

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was seen leaving the Criminal Court on August 19th, after attending a hearing related to a lese majeste case. Now, as the calendar flips to Tuesday, Thaksin has his sights set on Chiang Rai for a crucial visit. (Photo: Reuters) Thaksin Shinawatra plans to assess the flooding situation in Chiang Rai, making this his first journey into the countryside since his daughter, Paetongtarn, was approved as the new Prime Minister. Thaksin confirmed his northern trip on Monday after stopping by the Pheu Thai Party headquarters, where he reportedly had lunch with Prime Minister Paetongtarn. When asked about the upcoming trip, Thaksin reassured, “I will be visiting villagers.” The itinerary for his one-day visit is packed and purposeful. According to Matichon Online, Thaksin’s schedule includes a stop in Theung district, where he aims to distribute relief bags and engage with local community leaders. Chiang Rai, a…