The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) has recently come under scrutiny for its actions against a group of youths in the southern province of Narathiwat. These youths allegedly attempted to stage a pro-Palestine rally during an annual traditional parade on September 7. The Prachachat Party has accused the security forces of curbing their freedom of expression, but Isoc’s Region 4 Forward Command maintains that the paramilitary officers deployed at the parade site were merely trying to protect Thailand’s geopolitical neutrality. Isoc denies any attempt to violate the youths’ freedom of expression or any accusations of being heavy-handed in their response. The controversy was fueled by a video clip showing paramilitary officers confiscating Palestinian national flags and protest placards from some participants before they were allowed to join the parade. The clip, which quickly went viral, sparked public criticism and ignited a heated debate online. Speaking on behalf of Isoc’s Region…
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The government must foster tighter collaborations with its neighboring countries to enhance the management of the Mekong River, aiming to minimize economic damage and loss of life due to future floods. This call to action comes from the International Rivers Network, which highlights the urgent necessity for cohesive international efforts. Pianporn Deetes, the campaign director for the Southeast Asia Programme at the International Rivers Network, underscored the substantial impact of water influx from Myanmar that has exacerbated flooding in Chiang Rai province. “At present, there’s a glaring absence of an effective mechanism to handle transboundary flooding,” Deetes commented. She emphasized the need for the government to actively seek collaborative measures with neighboring nations to mitigate flood impacts on downstream populations. Furthermore, she urged for cooperation with countries situated along the lower stretches of the Mekong River, pointing out that Thailand’s Northeastern region is particularly susceptible to flooding. Deetes voiced concerns…
In the swirling vortex of Thailand’s political scene, the appointment of this year’s new police chief promises to be nothing short of electrifying. Speculation around Bangkok suggests this could be the most politically charged reshuffle in a decade. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a name that sends ripples across the nation’s political landscape, has tapped Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to helm the Police Commission through this tumultuous period. Among Phumtham’s initial tasks: choosing the heir to Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol’s throne, who’s set to retire at the end of this month. But hold your horses; the actual selection can’t kick-off until October 3rd when the Police Commission’s new rules take effect. In the lull, Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, the current deputy police chief, looks poised to step in as the interim chief. This year’s appointment is more than just a personnel change; it’s a high-stakes poker game…
Imagine a scene where torrential rains have turned serene landscapes into sprawling lakes, and anxious eyes are glued to the sky, awaiting solace. This isn’t the plot of a dramatic film but the reality gripping Thailand today. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has responded to this waterborne havoc by initiating a trifecta of national agencies aimed at combating and recovering from the flood crisis inundating the nation. On her X account, the PM left no room for ambiguity. She announced the formation of a national flood victim rescue centre, an official flood response directive committee, and another body dedicated to tracking the incessant flood and landslide threats. It’s not just an initiative; it’s a lifeline for the thousands affected. The urgency of the situation was palpable at Government House, where state agencies were summoned to devise rapid and effective strategies. In a meeting that buzzed with the tension of a ticking…
Prepare for a hefty dose of cuteness overload at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, where “Moo Deng,” the baby pygmy hippo, has become the star attraction! According to Attaporn Sriheran, the director of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand (ZPOT), this tiny bundle of joy is set to captivate hearts for the next few months. But don’t worry, the zoo has already got exciting plans to keep the buzz alive, although Mr. Attaporn prefers to keep the next baby star a mystery for now. This adorable two-month-old dynamo has single-handedly turned the usually tranquil zoo into a hub of excitement, especially in Chon Buri’s Si Racha district. Last weekend alone saw an unprecedented influx of curious visitors, pushing the count to a whopping 15,000 from the usual 2,000-3,000. The spectacle of Moo Deng prancing around is something no one wants to miss. “The surge in visitors is phenomenal, and I expect…
Imagine a world where the hassle of carrying your physical driver’s license becomes a thing of the past—welcome to Thailand’s newest innovation! The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has unleashed a game-changing mobile app named the QR License, designed to revolutionize the way motorists interact with their driving credentials. Forget rummaging through your wallet or purse; now, all you need is your trusty smartphone or tablet! According to Seksom Akraphand, the visionary director-general of the DLT, this app is set to make life infinitely easier for drivers across the country. With just a few taps, you can display your digital driver’s license on your electronic devices, be it an Android or iOS system. Imagine flashing your sleek smartphone to verify your identity—say goodbye to fumbling around for a battered, old plastic card. But this app is no ordinary digital document holder; it’s packed with features that put it leagues ahead…
Two Chinese suspects use phones at a motorway rest area before being arrested in Thailand’s Chachoengsao province on Sunday. (Photos: Central Investigation Bureau) CHACHOENGSAO: In a scene reminiscent of a high-stakes thriller, police nabbed two Chinese men accused of masterminding a cunning car theft operation involving a remote jammer. Zhangjin, 38, and Zhenghong, 31, were apprehended in the bustling rest area of the Bangkok-Chon Buri Motorway in tambon Khao Din, Bang Pakong district, on a seemingly ordinary Saturday. The dramatic arrest unfolded as the pair attempted to breach the sanctity of two parked vehicles. Seized from their possession were a remote jammer that acted as their devious tool, a shoulder bag filled with who-knows-what, three mobile phones, a car key, and a vehicle. Yes, the evidence was as incriminating as it sounds. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) had been on the trail of these high-tech bandits following a slew of…
Welcome to a new age of driving convenience! The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has rolled out a revolutionary QR Licence mobile app, putting an end to the outdated hassle of carrying physical driver’s licenses. No more anxiety about forgetting that crucial piece of plastic at home. According to Seksom Akraphand, the forward-thinking director-general of DLT, this app allows drivers to flaunt their digital driving licenses on their favorite electronic gadgets—be it smartphones or tablets. Talk about a tech-savvy life upgrade! But wait, there’s more! This isn’t just any run-of-the-mill app. It’s packed with helpful features that go beyond merely displaying your license. Picture this: all your personal information, including your blood type and drug allergy history, at your fingertips. No more fumbling through papers in an emergency. Plus, the app sends you timely notifications when your license is creeping up on its expiration date. You’ll never miss a renewal…
Police are currently interrogating a 32-year-old man, alleged to have committed egregious acts of rape and produced pornographic videos involving his own teenage daughter. This follows his arrest at a rented home in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan province on a fateful Saturday. The suspect, recognized only by the name Mr. Arnon, was brought into custody after evading law enforcement for nearly six weeks. His rap sheet wasn’t limited to just these heinous crimes; he’s been implicated in seven additional criminal cases spanning theft, fraud, and the rape of a girl under 15—his own daughter, a grievous detail disclosed by Pol Maj Gen Theeradet Thumsuthee, the investigative commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Mr. Arnon’s nefarious activities first drew attention due to a string of mobile phone thefts in Bangkok’s Pathumwan, Thong Lor, and Hua Mak areas between July 31 and August 7, 2024. While in the throes of tracking…
On a rain-soaked Sunday in Chiang Rai province, the dedicated rescue workers of the Huk31 team from Nakhon Ratchasima province played a crucial role in delivering essential supplies to flood-stricken families. Against a backdrop of continuous rising waters, their efforts provided a glimmer of hope to those in dire need. (Photo: Rescue Hook31) The relentless flooding, impacting 30,073 families across 12 provinces mainly in the North, has shown no signs of abating. Meteorologists predict even more heavy rains this week, especially in the already inundated northeastern provinces. Chaiwat Chuntirapong, the director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, offered a comprehensive update on the dire situation unfolding across several regions: Ang Thong: In Wiset Chai Chan district, water levels have stabilized but the situation remains precarious. Ayutthaya: Districts including Bang Ban, Bang Pahan, Bang Pa-in, Bang Sai, Phai Hai, and Sena are holding steady with existing floodwaters. Chiang Rai:…