Amid the tropical allure of Surat Thani, something more than pristine beaches and tranquil resorts is stirring up attention. An undercover investigation led by the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) of the Central Investigation Bureau has unearthed a matter of questionable title deeds stretching across 400 rai on the enchanting island of Koh Rap. Once again, the age-old conflict of development versus conservation has taken center stage. This past Wednesday, a brigade of police officers, accompanied by professionals from multiple agencies, swarmed the island. Their mission? To scrutinize land ownership documents from local establishments—restaurants, hotels, and tourism operators alike—to validate these deeds. Among the bustle, there were business owners showcasing lease contracts tied to temple grounds. These arrangements allowed them to rent the land for a modest fee of 2,000 baht monthly, with room for renewal. Col. Somsak Niamlek, the temporary chief of Crime Suppression Division 5, revealed the impetus behind the…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Amidst the era of digital transformation, where the concept of smart cities shines as the beacon of future urban planning, a pivotal narrative unfolds in Thailand. While the typical narrative emphasizes technological marvels, a crucial perspective arises from the very heart of this transformative initiative: the needs of elderly citizens. Highlighting this focus, academics from Chulalongkorn University decisively advocate for prioritizing the elderly in the tapestry of smart city construction. On a Wednesday filled with promise, the faculty of architecture from Chulalongkorn University aligned with the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), marking a significant milestone with a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on “Lifelong Learning Ecosystem for Smart City Development.” This ceremonial inking was more than just a formality; it set the stage for a future where cities are not just intelligent but also inclusive. The ceremony evolved into a thought-provoking seminar, where discussions shed light on…
The House of Representatives has recently made headlines with a decisive vote that turned down a significant transport bill proposed by the People’s Party (PP). The bill aimed to empower local administrators with the independence to operate transport services and authorize other transport providers. Spearheaded by PP list-MP Surachet Pravinvongvuth, the legislation was brought to the table during the August 21 session, overseen by Deputy House Speaker Pichet Chuamuangpan. Initially scheduled for the vote on Wednesday, the outcome saw the House vetoing the proposal by a considerable margin—251 votes against, 151 in favor, and two abstentions—showcasing the bill’s polarizing nature. A crucial opposition voice was that of Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party list-MP Anucha Burapachaisri, who had already expressed his dissent during the August 21 House meeting. Anucha argued that local administrative organizations already possess the status of “operators” as they are licensed to independently manage transport services within their…
In a decisive move yesterday, the Thai parliament unanimously endorsed the framework agreement on the EU-Thailand Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), setting the stage for its implementation in just 30 days. Garnering an impressive 612 votes during a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate, this agreement is poised to reshape various aspects of cooperation between Thailand and the European Union. Back on December 14, 2022, this landmark agreement was signed in Brussels with much fanfare. The then-foreign minister of Thailand, Don Pramudwinai, inked the deal alongside Petr Fiala, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic in his role as the president of the EU Council, and Joseph Borrell, the vice president of the European Commission and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in EU-Thailand relations. The PCA isn’t just a piece of paper;…
The serene but fateful Nak Koet Hill in Phuket has turned into a focal point of controversy following a deadly landslide on August 23 that claimed the lives of 13 individuals and injured another 19. The calamity has escalated into a legal quandary involving the Royal Forest Department, the Foundation of Phra Ming Monkul Sattha, and a towering 45-meter Buddha statue. Bannaruk Sermthong, the Royal Forest Department’s deputy chief, personally led an investigative team to the Moang district scene to probe the fatal landslide. According to their preliminary findings, the root cause of the disaster was linked to the deforestation at the hill’s apex, part of an ambitious project to erect the colossal Buddha figure, which weighs an astonishing 135 tonnes. The towering statue is an integral part of Wat Kittisankaram. The temple had originally sought permission from the Royal Forest Department to utilize 15 rai of land within the…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has gracefully accepted an invitation to visit Vietnam, extended by the Vietnamese premier. This exchange marks a promising step toward enhancing bilateral trade and investment ventures. On her X account yesterday, Ms. Paetongtarn shared the exciting news, revealing a congratulatory call from Pham Minh Chinh on her recent appointment. In an admirable act of diplomacy, Ms. Paetongtarn expressed her heartfelt appreciation to Vietnam for the warm hospitality extended to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn during her recent visit. The gesture underscores the profound respect and camaraderie between the two nations. Ms. Paetongtarn articulated her eagerness to collaborate closely with Mr. Pham, particularly focusing on bolstering trade and investment relationships. Both leaders are keen to propel their strategic partnership to new heights, envisioning broader and more dynamic platforms for cooperation. “I expressed my sincere appreciation to the government of Vietnam for the close relations between our two…
The political landscape of Thailand took a surprising twist as the Seri Ruamthai Party, spearheaded by the lone but formidable MP, Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, decided to withdraw from the Pheu Thai Party-led coalition government. In an electrifying briefing at Seri Ruamthai headquarters, Pol Gen Sereepisuth revealed that the party’s executive board reached a narrow 7:4 decision on Tuesday to step away from the coalition. Pol Gen Sereepisuth, with characteristic candor, expressed his dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s dismissive attitude, lamenting that they had failed to heed crucial reformist calls. “It’s been frustrating to let oneself be walked all over,” he proclaimed. A significant bone of contention was Pheu Thai’s lack of commitment to overhauling the police force. The former national police chief pointed out that the ruling party was more interested in controlling who would ascend to the position of national police chief. Reflecting on his tenure, Pol Gen…
The Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection (DJOP) is currently in the midst of a decision-making process that could reshape its future operations and staffing. Thicha Nanakorn, a seasoned veteran in juvenile justice, finds herself at the center of this bureaucratic whirlwind. The looming question is whether her contract will be extended as the DJOP prepares to trim its budget for hiring experts and specialists. According to a document released on Thursday, the DJOP has adopted a stringent policy aimed at reducing its workforce, particularly focusing on specialists and experts, for the 2025-2028 fiscal years. This has triggered a ripple effect, leading to the resignation of Thicha, who has been a cornerstone of the Baan Kanchanapisek Vocational Juvenile Training Centre for Boys, serving as its director for an impressive two decades. DJOP director-general Pol Lt Gen Prawut Wongsrinil shed more light on the situation, explaining that the department is currently…
In an effort to stave off impending devastation, disaster mitigation teams are working tirelessly, piling sandbags to construct a floodwall along the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi. This scene, captured by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill, is just a glimpse of the proactive measures being taken as Bangkok braces for the Chao Phraya River’s overflow, a situation exacerbated by relentless upstream flooding in northern provinces. According to the Royal Irrigation Department (RID), the inundating waters from the upper northern provinces have finally reached Bangkok. Eight days after the initial floods wreaked havoc up north, the turbulent waters have made their way downstream, fast-tracked by the Chao Phraya dam barrage in Chai Nat. This critical structure adjusts the water discharge levels, directly influencing the water situation in the Central Plains and Bangkok. On Thursday, the barrage ramped up its discharge to 1,300 cubic meters of water per second, a significant increase…
Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) deputy leader Paiboon Nititawan, flanked by his colleagues and fueled by an air of resolve, faced the press on Thursday at the party’s headquarters in Bangkok. The atmosphere crackled with tension, almost like an electric storm was brewing. Paiboon minced no words as he pointed a finger at Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, accusing her of betraying a crucial promise. This was no ordinary gripe; it was a full-blown ethical conundrum. According to Paiboon, Paetongtarn had pledged to keep the PPRP close, snug within the coalition, holding onto their cabinet quota like a cherished treasure. But now, as Paiboon theatrically put it, that promise lay shattered like a broken mirror. The PPRP had cast their votes in her favor, swayed by her assurances, believing that she would lead as Thailand’s 31st Prime Minister while keeping her word. Yet, reality appeared to be a starkly different tale. Invoking…