Pita Limjaroenrat, the charismatic chief advisor of the Move Forward Party and its former front-runner, greeted his supporters with unwavering enthusiasm after holding a press conference at the parliament. The atmosphere was electric as the Constitutional Court had recently ruled against the party’s controversial stance to reform the lese majeste law, challenging the protection of the monarchy from criticism. This decision, delivered on January 31st, might have marked a significant setback, but it hasn’t dimmed the spirits of the ardent followers. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) Thailand’s political landscape is as dynamic as ever, with the Move Forward Party embodying a beacon of resilience and hope. Despite the looming threat of the party’s potential dissolution, fueled by the court’s pending decision on August 7th, the party’s core ideology and indomitable spirit remain steadfast. In a recent video shared on the party’s Facebook account, Sirikanya Tansakul, the passionate deputy leader, assured supporters that…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
The Army has rolled out its latest strategic vision with the release of a white paper for 2024, showcasing an ambitious plan to procure various cutting-edge weaponry. With a keen eye on the upcoming three years, this document undeniably sends a message: the nation’s defense capabilities must meet an evolving array of security challenges. Released to the public on Sunday, the white paper is more than just a wish list; it’s a clarion call for modernization. It keenly argues, in no uncertain terms, that the army requires advanced weaponry to shield the nation from diverse threats. The document provides a broad-brush overview of the desired weaponry and associated equipment. However, if you were hoping for intricate details, you might be left wanting. It steers clear of the granular specifics, opting instead for a wide-angle view. So, what exactly is on the army’s wishlist? Well, it’s quite the shopping cart! Picture…
Buddhists in Nakhon Si Thammarat gathered in joyous reverence at the Hae Pha Khuen That celebration held on Makha Bucha Day at the illustrious Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan. This significant event took place in February 2019 and stands as a testament to the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Photo: Nujaree Raekrun In an exhilarating development, five cultural sites across Thailand have been added to a tentative Unesco list of potential new world heritage sites, a government spokesperson announced on Sunday. The latest addition, the fifth in line, is a historic cluster of towns and adjacent areas all connected to the serene and picturesque Songkhla Lake, situated in the southern province of Songkhla. The approval for Songkhla town clusters arrived during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi on Saturday. This is the very same day Unesco inscribed Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, located in…
On a splendid Sunday morning, the majestic Amarindra Winitchai Hall in the Grand Palace of Bangkok bore witness to a momentous event. His Majesty the King, celebrating his illustrious sixth-cycle birthday, addressed a session brimming with leaders of national institutions, emanating a majestic aura befitting the occasion. The atmosphere was imbued with a sense of reverence and stately importance as the King imparted his profound vision for the nation. His Majesty the King, in a speech that echoed like a clarion call, emphasized the necessity for all prominent position-holders in Thailand to align with the loftiest goals. His words, like a guiding light, stressed the imperative of sustainable prosperity and holistic development of the country. The grandeur of the setting was only matched by the grandeur of his vision – a vision where Thailand bloomed into a beacon of true happiness, advanced development, and unwavering security. Responding gracefully to the…
Mongkol Surasajja triumphant in parliament, waving with a beaming smile after securing a landslide victory to become the new Senate Speaker on July 23. The former governor of Buri Ram clinched an impressive 159 out of 200 votes. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) On a ceremonious Saturday, newly minted Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja, alongside his two deputies, took their oaths, but the speaker kept mum on the hot-button issue of constitutional amendments buzzing in parliament. Mr. Mongkol, decked out in his sharpest attire, accompanied by deputies Gen Kriangkrai Srirak and Boonsong Noisophon, received a royal command that officially installed them into their prestigious roles during a grand ceremony held in the hallowed halls of parliament. The ceremony, dripping with pageantry, saw the attendance of senators and high-ranking officials, all present to witness the delivering of the royal command by Natjaree Anantasilp, the cabinet secretary-general. Ms. Natjaree solemnly read out the proclamation, introducing…
The buzz is real, folks! With HM the King’s 72nd birthday on the horizon, the government is pulling out all the stops, urging everyone to deck themselves in yellow and dive headfirst into a month-long celebration. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin couldn’t contain his excitement as he took to X on Saturday, giving a shoutout to the public, inviting them to don their best yellow shirts. It’s all in the name of showing some serious love and loyalty to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua on this extra-special sixth cycle birthday. “Mark your calendars!” Mr. Srettha practically hollered through his post, planting a big thumbtack on Sunday and Monday. Why, you ask? Because Sanam Luang in Phra Nakhon district is going to be the epicenter of all things festive from 6am to 7:19pm. Oh, and this isn’t just some one-town-show; provincial shindigs will be popping up thanks to local administrative…
Tourists eagerly gather at the bustling Tha Tien pier, snapping photos with the majestic Chao Phraya River glistening behind them and the iconic Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) standing tall across the waters in Bangkok. It’s June, and Bangkok is alive with an influx of tourists. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul) In a remarkable rebound from the pandemic lull, Thailand has welcomed an astonishing 20 million foreign tourists in the first seven months of this year, marking a significant resurgence but still just around half of the pre-COVID numbers. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced in a recent X post that between January 1 and July 25, the country saw a 34% uptick in international visitors compared to last year. Prime Minister Srettha expressed gratitude to all parties and sectors involved for implementing effective measures such as visa-free travel, increased flight availability, the establishment of an aviation hub, and enhancements to tourist attractions.…
Critics have raised concerns over the Move Forward Party (MFP)’s initiative to legalize the adult entertainment industry, including pornographic materials and sex toys. Critics argue that without proper safeguards, children could inadvertently access explicit content. MFP MP for Bangkok, Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, who introduced the bill to parliament earlier this month, clarified that the proposal will be debated in the Lower House next month. Currently, under Section 287 of the Criminal Code, all forms of adult materials, including pornographic images and sex toys, are banned. However, if the amendment passes, only certain types of explicit content, such as those depicting sexual violence, rape, and pedophilia, will remain prohibited. Additionally, the amendment will ensure that individuals under 20 years old cannot participate in the production of adult content. Mr. Taopiphop emphasized that the amendment would also aim to ease restrictions on the sale of sex toys. He suggested that adult products certified…
(File photo: Sontanaporn Inchan) The Eastern Forest Complex, a sprawling expanse of verdant wilderness, stands as the Central region’s most vital low-lying forest landscape. Encompassing over 1.363 million rai across the five provinces of Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Rayong, Chon Buri, and Sa Kaeo, this complex is a sanctuary for an impressive variety of wildlife. Within its dense foliage, you’ll find two wildlife sanctuaries and three national parks, making it a hotspot of biodiversity. Among the forest’s most majestic inhabitants are more than 600 wildlife species, inclusive of approximately 450 wild elephants whose population experiences an annual growth rate of 8.2%—the highest in the nation. This burgeoning elephant populace, however, has led to occasional raids into local communities, resulting in crop destruction and regrettably, sporadic human fatalities. From 2012 to 2023, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) documented 115 human deaths in the complex caused by encounters with…
The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment recently revealed thrilling plans to establish three cutting-edge elephant training centers in the eastern provinces. These unique centers aim to tame the fierce wild elephants that have been stirring up trouble across the region. Pol Gen Phatcharavat Wongsuwan is spearheading this initiative and has tasked the Department of National Parks Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) with creating what’s been dubbed “Wild Elephant Behaviour Modification Centres.” It seems these majestic creatures have developed a taste for adventure, leaving their forest homes in search of food, much to the dismay of local communities. Pol Gen Phatcharavat noted that their forays often disturb residents and cause quite a ruckus. To address this, DNP Chief Athapol Charoenshunsa announced that these new centers will be set up at strategic locations: the Second Wildlife Rescue Centre (Krabok Khu) in Chachoengsao, the Kao Soi Dao Wildlife Breeding Station in Chanthaburi,…