Under the relentless sun, the Kok River shimmers as it snakes its way through the scenic northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, before finally merging with the mighty Mekong River. Once a life-giving force for local farmers, fiendishly fueling fisheries and drawing tourists, the river is now casting shadows of fear and unease across the lives of those who once revered it. Beneath its glistening surface, a nefarious secret lurks: arsenic, a treacherous heavy metal, has been discovered in chilling concentrations, painting a grim picture of the river’s health. The villagers who depend on this vital waterway for sustenance and daily living are trapped in a web of anxiety—questioning the very water that once quenched their thirst. In the unassuming hamlet of Ban Huai Kum, nestled in Chiang Rai’s serene Muang district, 63-year-old Supin Kamjai forlornly surveys her parched vegetable patch. “We’ve stopped using river water,” she murmurs,…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
The bustling halls of Thailand’s parliament were recently filled with echoes of discontent and skepticism as lawmakers found themselves wrapped up in a debate that smacked more of controversy than camaraderie. The source of this discontent? An eyebrow-raising request for an additional billion baht in funding for yet more renovations, despite the hallowed chambers having only been graced with a new lick of paint last year. Critics, including an assertive contingency of MPs from the People’s Party, didn’t mince words as they voiced their disapproval—just ahead of the weighty deliberation on the 3.78-trillion-baht 2026 budget. This contentious bill, sprinkled with eye-popping expenses, managed to squeeze into approval by the cabinet during its roving meeting in the picturesque Nakhon Phanom on April 29. Among the quirkiest of proposals was a staggering 113 million baht earmarked for polishing and perfecting parliament’s Sala Kaeo, better known as the Crystal Pavilion. Not to be…
In the enchanting realm of Phu Kradueng National Park, a place where nature’s whispers serenade every wandering soul, a new chapter is about to unfold. The long-awaited and often-debated cable car project has finally received the green light with a design budget of 25.7 million baht. This exciting development paves the way for a breathtaking journey above the park’s lush landscapes. The mastermind behind this ambitious endeavor is none other than Atthapol Charoenchansa, the esteemed director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). With a twinkle of enthusiasm in his eyes, he explains that the proposed route might launch its voyage from the mesmerizing Pha Mak Dook. This initial phase, set to span 3 kilometers, comes with a substantial price tag nearing one billion baht. Of course, this is only the beginning—a sequel of enhancements to the park’s facilities and a comprehensive environmental impact study awaits…
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has uncovered a shocking case of forgery, with 30 engineer signatures found to be fake on documents related to the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building. This discovery emerged during a deep dive into alleged nominee practices by China Railway No.10 (Thailand), one of the contractors embroiled in the scandal. In a crucial meeting yesterday, the DSI took stock of the ongoing investigation into the nominee case, which centers around China Railway No.10 (Thailand) and its involvement in the disastrous collapse of the SAO building. The findings are staggering: 30 individuals initially claimed that their signatures were forged as construction supervisors, but upon closer inspection, only eight signatures were authenticated. With this wave of revelations, DSI director-general Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam is swiftly moving to outline a strategy for transferring the case over to prosecutors. This plan is being meticulously timed to coincide with…
Bangkok, a city of vibrant street food and bustling tuk-tuks, is about to undertake a major makeover in an unusual domain—pet ownership. Come January 10th, 2025, the Thai capital will enforce the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Ordinance on Animal Keeping and Release Control 2024. Don’t let the vanilla-sounding name fool you. These changes may ripple through the lives of Bangkok’s dog and cat lovers like never before. The new legislation enshrines Bangkok as a controlled zone for six animal categories—mammals, poultry, aquatic creatures, amphibians, reptiles, and the rather ominous-sounding venomous or aggressive species. However, in the city’s cramped condos and bustling neighborhoods, it’s the beloved dogs and cats that take center stage. The primary goal? Curb the burgeoning stray animal population while promoting responsible pet ownership. Puchatr Guna-Tilaka, a project manager and Thong Lor resident, found himself slightly blindsided by the ordinance. An owner of two conscientious cats and a…
In the whirlwind of political debate set against the vibrant backdrop of Thailand, a pressing issue has captured the attention of many. The spark igniting this fiery discourse comes from parliament’s recent request for an additional billion baht for renovations—a staggering amount considering the new chambers only opened their doors last year. The scrutiny from critics, spearheaded by several MPs from the People’s Party, comes at a crucial time as the deliberation of the monumental 3.78-trillion-baht budget for the 2026 fiscal year looms ominously on the horizon. This contentious proposal saw its initial nod from the cabinet during a traveling session in Nakhon Phanom on April 29. Despite its approval, it has been met with a chorus of skepticism and raised eyebrows, particularly concerning a few high-ticket items on the list. Among them stands the request for a hefty 113 million baht dedicated to refurbishing parliament’s Sala Kaeo, also known…
In an ambitious move to cement its status as a trailblazer in the wholesale and retail fashion sphere, The Platinum Group is spreading its wings further across the vibrant heart of Pratunam. With the forthcoming unveiling of “The Platinum Square,” the company embarks on a transformative journey alongside the legendary Platinum Fashion Mall, propelling itself into an elite commercial epicenter. This bold initiative not only underscores The Platinum Group’s dominance in ASEAN’s bustling fashion arena but also amplifies Thailand’s allure as a magnet for global fashionistas and avid shoppers. During a revelatory statement, Mr. Surachai Chotjurangkool, visionary Chairman of The Platinum Group’s Executive Committee, unveiled a momentous investment plan of 7.8 billion baht for 2024 aimed at this gleaming new venture. The Platinum Square project promises to be an enduring pillar of growth, merging seamlessly with the Platinum Fashion Mall to rejuvenate the dynamic wholesale and retail sectors of the…
Moss-covered rocks, turquoise waves, and the melodic whisper of the ocean define the stunning landscape of Mu Koh Surin National Park, nestled off the west coast of Thailand. This idyllic paradise, home to the Moken sea nomads, found itself under the social media spotlight when conservationist Siranudh “Psi” Scott initiated a heated discussion. The claims? Exploitation of Moken children for tourism – a story that quickly ventured far beyond the islands. The park, caught in a furious digital storm, wasted no time defending its practices, shattering accusations, and setting the record straight. The pivotal claims made in the viral Facebook post by Siranudh suggested a grim reality of child labor and oppressive living conditions, which painted a rather desolate picture. Chief of the park, Kriangkrai Phaocharoen, responded swiftly, shedding light on the real-world operations within this tropical Eden. He assured that the work involving Moken workers strictly abides by employment…
In the tranquil waters off the coast of Cha-am district in Phetchaburi province, an unexpected scene unfolded on April 25 as rescue personnel delicately navigated the shallows. Nestled among the gentle waves lay the remains of a police aircraft, now the focal point of an intriguing and somber investigation. The ill-fated Twin Otter DHC-6-400, a stalwart of the Royal Thai Police Aviation Division since 2020, had met its tragic end, claiming the lives of six brave officers. The once vibrant hues of the aircraft were now muted by the sea’s embrace, as experts from around the globe descended upon Prachuap Khiri Khan with a single mission: to unravel the mystery sealed within the aircraft’s black box. A task force like no other, featuring the keen minds from Canadian aircraft giant De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC) and the precision-driven engineers of a renowned Singaporean engine producer, joined hands with forensic…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is in the hot seat as she navigates a storm of controversy surrounding Thailand’s proposed casino entertainment complex. During her appearance on the NBT programme “Empowering Thais with PM Paetongtarn,” the prime minister pulled no punches in defending the ambitious initiative, which she argues has the potential to transform Thailand’s economy without draining the nation’s coffers. The prime minister was quick to highlight that the funding for this project is expected to flow from private and foreign investors, leaving taxpayers off the hook. In her vision, the complex isn’t just about spinning slot machines; it’s a multifaceted development featuring hotels, concert venues, and convention centers. Following a model similar to that of Singapore, it promises a regulated gaming facility as part of a wider entertainment offering. Addressing concerns about the possible downsides of gambling, Paetongtarn assured the public that rigorous regulations, including background checks and security…