In a late-night operation that felt more like a scene out of a gripping crime drama, police descended upon a quiet residential area in Pathum Thani to arrest the now-infamous activist Srisuwan Janya, plunging us into the intricate web of the high-stakes Srisuwan attempted extortion saga. The case, which has unfurled with all the twists of a prime-time thriller, is set to see the police seeking to tighten the noose further by targeting a fifth suspect. According to Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, the deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), who spoke with the assurance of a man knee-deep in criminal intrigue, this new suspect is admittedly a lesser player in this grand chess game. Yet, the intrigue deepens as we’ve learned that so far, the narrative has been dominated by four principal characters. There’s the mastermind, Srisuwan Janya himself, known for his serial petitions, and his trio…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In an electrifying broadcast that seized the airwaves and etched itself into the annals of Thailand’s political history, General Prayut Chan-o-cha, then the formidable army chief, orchestrated a moment that would pivot the country’s trajectory. Surrounded by the stoic faces of the armed forces leaders and the national police chief, he declared, in a scene straight out of a movie, the coup that would dislodge the Pheu Thai Party-led government on the unforgettable day of May 22, 2014. The room, heavy with the weight of destiny, was awash with the solemnity of the occasion—a nation paused, a new chapter commenced. Fast forward to the present, the political stage buzzes with a new act as the Bhumjaithai Party stirs the pot with a proposal laden with potential seismic shifts. In a daring move, they’ve unfurled a bill targeted at undoing the lingering remnants of the epoch marked by the National Council…
Under the balmy skies of Malaysia, an intriguing tale of diplomacy and determination unfolds as Thailand’s elite team, spearheaded by the National Security Council’s (NSC) very own Chatchai Bangchuad, prepares to engage in pivotal negotiations with the enigmatic Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN). This encounter, set to unravel over the span of two enthralling days, marks a new chapter in a quest for peace that has captured the imaginations of those near and far. Chatchai Bangchuad, appointed as the NSC deputy secretary-general, is no ordinary negotiator. His leadership in the upcoming discussions is anticipated with bated breath as he leads the Thai delegation into what promises to be landmark talks. On the other side of the negotiating table, the BRN finds representation in the formidable Anas Abdulrahman, a figure of considerable stature within the insurgent group. Whispers of intrigue surround the negotiation teams as both sides infuse fresh blood into…
Imagine wandering the vibrant streets outside the Grand Palace, your eyes catching the unmistakable swirl of colors and patterns adorned by numerous tourists. Yes, we’re talking about the iconic elephant-patterned pants that have become almost a rite of passage for visitors. However, a shadow looms over these beloved garments – a potential copyright tussle that’s stirring quite the buzz in the market! Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai dropped a bombshell on Monday, hinting at a dramatic turn in the tale of these elephantine ensembles. The Customs Department has been roped in to halt the inflow of these patterned wonders from China, following the pattern’s registration under copyright law. The very fabric (pun intended) of the marketplace is under scrutiny by the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) to ensure the uniqueness of Thai craftsmanship is preserved. The controversy caught fire on a Facebook page with the intriguing name “Lui Chine” or “shoot2china”,…
In the heart of Thailand, amidst the lush landscapes and vibrant culture, lies an industry that’s not often sung as the hero of tales, yet it’s the bedrock of the nation’s flourishing economy—the livestock sector. At the helm of championing this sector’s growth while steering it towards sustainable shores, CP Foods emerges as a beacon of hope and innovation. Their latest venture? A groundbreaking decision set to redefine the landscape of Thai farming as we know it. Imagine the sun rising over the verdant fields of Thailand, a new day dawning for farmers with the news that CP Foods is rolling out a grand plan. A plan not just etched in good intentions but backed with tangible actions aimed at nurturing the heart of Thailand’s agricultural realm. CP Foods has unfurled a robust discount initiative on several animal feed products, casting a ray of financial respite by slashing 30 baht…
Welcome to the intriguing world of Thailand’s distressed debt management, an area steeped in history and ripe for revolution. Picture this: it’s the late 90s, the Asian Financial Crisis is in full swing, and Thailand’s economic fortress is besieged by waves of non-performing loans (NPLs). Fast forward three decades, and here we are again, standing at the precipice of rising NPLs with a playbook that, quite frankly, could use a sprinkle of modern magic. Enter Metinee Jongsaliswang, Thailand’s very own distress-debt guru and the Country Consulting Leader at Deloitte Consulting, Southeast Asia. Metinee paints a vivid picture of a realm where diversity reigns supreme. Imagine a bustling marketplace where private equity moguls, private debt wizards, hedge fund warlocks, and other financial sorcerers congregate, fueled by enticing regulatory spells, tax potions, and enchanting business incentives. These maestros of capital bring with them the art of restructuring and the power of rehabilitation,…
Imagine a world where the slightest flicker in gold demand sends ripples through markets globally, a realm where ancient riches and modern finance collide. That’s the stage set by the World Gold Council’s riveting 2023 report. Last year, the dance of numbers tells a tale of resilience, intrigue, and unexpected shifts in the golden realm. The annual gold demand, minus the whispers and deals of Over The Counter (OTC) trading, subtly dipped to 4,448 tonnes—a modest 5% shy of the previous year’s vigorous performance. Yet, when the cryptic OTC market casts its shadow, total demand soared to an unprecedented peak of 4,899 tonnes, painting 2023 with the highest average gold price ever recorded. It seems that when it comes to gold, there’s always a hidden treasure trove that defies expectations. In a dramatic twist, global central banks unleashed their appetite for gold, purchasing a staggering 1,037 tonnes. This shopping spree,…
Imagine embarking on a quest to forge a brighter future, not just for ourselves but for the countless denizens of the deep blue. WildAid is championing this noble cause, casting a spotlight on a pressing issue that demands our immediate attention. As the new year unfurls its wings, there’s an impassioned plea to each and every one of us: Let’s make a seismic shift in our dining habits by turning our backs on shark products. In a revealing study conducted by Rapid Asia, involving 1,007 urbanites from the heart of Thailand, an eye-opening picture was painted. The tradition of consuming shark fin—a symbol of luxury and prestige—is deeply ingrained in various social ceremonies. With a staggering 60% indulgence at family reunions and 57% at weddings, this custom pervades the Thai culinary scene. Furthermore, the auspicious Lunar New Year gatherings account for 42% of this consumption. Here lies a golden opportunity:…
In the latest turn of events that seems straight out of a modern-day odyssey, Srettha, who effortlessly juggles the roles of a premier and finance minister, has taken the nation by storm with his recent announcement. Setting the stage for an unprecedented transformation, he declared a nationwide airport upgrade plan set to be unveiled next month, promising to elevate the travel experience to stratospheric heights. But here’s where it gets interesting – Srettha, with a flair for the dramatic, made an unannounced visit to the airport. This wasn’t a mere ceremonial walkthrough; oh no, he was on a mission. Srettha wanted to dive deep into the intricate ballet of airport and immigration processes, witness it firsthand, beyond the dry ink of reports. As he navigated through the choreographed chaos, he saw not problems but gleaming opportunities ripe for the picking, especially in the realm of system integration. Picture this: a…
On a vibrant Monday morning that felt as electric as the Bangkok air itself, a symphony of pro-amnesty activists descended upon the parliament, their presence marked by a collective fervor and a shared vision for change. This wasn’t just a gathering; it was the pulsating heart of democracy in action, a scene captured in the picturesque frame of Apichart Jinakul’s photograph that now echoes the spirit of that day across the digital expanse. Amidst this colorful tapestry of activists and onlookers, Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Karunpol Thiansuwan stood firm, his voice slicing through the humid air with the precision of a seasoned orator. Karunpol wasn’t merely speaking; he was igniting a conversation that stretched beyond the verdant lawns of parliament. “It’s time,” he declared, “to address the elephant in the room: lese majeste offences.” With a gentle but unwavering resolve, Karunpol outlined the Move Forward Party’s stance, advocating for…