Picture this: A vibrant rally outside the Public Health Ministry in Nonthaburi on a bright February day. Activists and those personally impacted by the harsh reality of drink-driving united, their voices loud and clear against the proposal to keep the party going longer into the night. This was no ordinary gathering; it was a vivid expression of concern spilling onto the streets on February 15, as captured in an evocative photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill. Entering the fray, the National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee, under the keen eye of Public Health Minister, Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, announced a strategic move. They’re pulling together a dream team, a panel of experts, tasked with diving deep into the controversial proposal to extend the Cinderella hour for alcohol sales. It’s time to dust off the law books and regulations, Dr. Cholnan declared, emphasizing that no stone should be left unturned in reviewing the existing rules…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In a scene right out of a prime-time political drama, the once commanding figure of Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was glimpsed in a state that left many taken aback. Positioned in a wheelchair, garbed in a neck brace, and bereft of his voice, he made a poignant appearance at the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG). This gripping episode unfolded just a day after Thaksin was graced with parole, turning heads and sparking whispers across the nation. Amid the hushed tones and clicking cameras, Thaksin, looking frail and markedly different from the vibrant leader he once was, was brought forth to respond to a lese majeste charge. This charge was not just any accusation but one that reached back to comments made during a trip to Seoul back in the balmy days of May 2015. According to Preecha Sudsa-nguan, a notable figure at the OAG, Thaksin’s physical state was…
Picture this: amid the bustling streets and vibrant markets of Thailand, a storm has been quietly brewing in the economy, a sort of tempest that’s been stirring beneath the lively veneer of street food stalls and radiant smiles. Danucha Pichayanan, the scholarly NESDC’s secretary-general, steps into the spotlight, not with a song, but with a message that’s equally captivating. He lays down the facts, painting a picture of an economy at a crossroads, juggling a cocktail of challenges that, if not addressed, could spell a daunting path ahead. Imagine the heartbeat of Thailand, from its pulsing city centers to the serene countryside, now throbbing with a sense of urgency as households and SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) grapple with their growing mountains of debt. It’s a scenario that’s less about numbers on a page and more about the stories behind closed doors – families doing their best to make ends…
On a bright day in Bangkok, under the watchful gaze of the United Nations office, a poignant scene unfolded. It was a day marked by passion and protest – a vivid tapestry of hope, fear, and unwavering determination. A group of demonstrators, their faces etched with resolve, stood together in solidarity. In their hands, they held up portraits of Aung San Suu Kyi, the embodiment of their struggle, while their arms rose in the symbolic three-finger salute. They were there to mark the third anniversary of Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, a day that would forever be etched in their hearts and minds. Amidst the growing tensions and hardships back home, many Myanmar nationals, seeking refuge and a glimmer of hope, have set their sights on Thailand, a neighbor known for its bustling markets, serene beaches, and, most importantly, a chance at a new beginning. Yet, the path to safety is…
Once upon a time, overshadowing the bustling streets of Bangkok with his billionaire flair and political sagacity, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, found himself scripting a return so dramatic, it could rival the twists of a prime-time soap opera. On a sultry Tuesday, August 22, 2023, Thaksin ended his powerful saga of self-imposed exile — a narrative dense with intrigue, ambition, and a steadfast resolve to reunite with his roots after 17 long years. Thaksin’s resolution was voiced in the quietude of social media corridors last May, where he professed his longing to dissolve the barriers between him and his homeland, evoking a poignant tableau of an aging man yearning for familial warmth. “I am old,” he said, throwing the digital realm abuzz with anticipation. Yet the golden question lingered in the air, thicker than the monsoon clouds above Bangkok: Who would flash the green light for Thailand’s most enigmatic…
Imagine this: you’ve just landed in the bustling Phuket airport, the gateway to an island paradise teeming with white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. You’re not alone; countless tourists from around the globe step off their planes, eager to soak up the sun and dive into the culture. But there’s a hitch in this picture-perfect scene — the price of getting here. Transport Minister Suriya Juangruangreangkit, sensing the travelers’ dismay over the steep airfares that have become a barrier between them and their dream vacation, has taken a bold step. He’s turned to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) with a mission: charm the airlines into making the skies more accessible to everyone. Come Tuesday, the CAAT’s meeting rooms will buzz with discussions as officials sit down with the big names in the industry. Their goal? To brainstorm fare reductions that could bring a sigh of relief to many.…
Imagine a world where numbers dance and predictions hold the pulse of economic vitality. Enter Poonthawee Chaiwijitmalakoon, a name as grand as his insights, serving as the assistant director at the illustrious UTCC’s Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting. On a sunny Monday that seemed as ordinary as any, Poonthawee stepped up to the microphone, his words ready to echo across continents. In the realm where commerce meets ambition, Thailand stands poised on the cusp of something great, with an export growth forecast shimmering between 2-3%. Picture this: goods worth a staggering $291.68 billion crisscrossing the globe, from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the farthest corners of the world. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about connecting cultures, bridging distances, and fueling growth in a world thirsty for progression. Poonthawee’s forecast isn’t plucked from thin air; it’s rooted in a deep understanding of the global economy’s heartbeat, expected to…
As the dawn of December 24, 2023, broke, an air of expectancy filled the markets in Thailand. The vibrant banners and fervent cries of the Social Security Progressive group painted a picture of change, their campaign blazing with energy ahead of an unprecedented event in the annals of Thai social security history – the first-ever election of members to the Social Security board. Amidst the hustle and clatter of market life, a revolution was quietly brewing, captured in the moment by a snapshot shared on @welfarestateTH’s X account. However, as Monday rolled around, the Social Security Office (SSO) found itself in a delicate dance of reassurance and revelation. On one hand, Marasri Jairangsri, the SSO’s deputy secretary-general, sought to calm the storm of public apprehension regarding the fate of the freshly elected board. On the other, whispers of a clandestine push by the Labour Ministry to revert to the old…
In the lush, emerald expanses of Thailand’s Kaeng Krachan National Park, a storm quietly brews. Murmurs of misconduct have rippled through the tranquil canopy, leading to an investigation that reads like a gripping tale of intrigue and defiance. At the heart of this saga is Chaiwat, whose tenure as the park chief has come under scrutiny for all the wrong reasons. Not long ago, whispers of malfeasance reached the ears of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), igniting an investigation that would unravel a web of alleged corruption nestled within the park’s serene vistas. The NACC, acting on these suspicions, recently sought the assistance of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and the Office of Attorney-General to bring both disciplinary and criminal charges against Chaiwat and a coterie of accomplices. According to an informed source within the NACC, the heart of the controversy lies in the questionable construction of an office…
In the world of Thai politics, a whirlwind of opinions, convictions, and subtle nods towards the past and future leadership dance together in an intricate ballet. On a rather ordinary Monday, Phumtham Wechayachai made headlines with his assertion that critics clinging to their reservations about Thailand’s political landscape were merely echoes of antiquity. Such statements are more than just words; they’re brushstrokes on the vast canvas of Thailand’s political saga. The figure at the heart of this unfolding narrative is none other than Thaksin Shinawatra, a name that reverberates with influence and controversy. Thaksin, the architect behind the Thai Rak Thai Party — which later evolved into the Pheu Thai Party — commands an undiminished respect among many core members of the ruling faction, Phumtham included. Serving as Thaksin’s lieutenant during his tenure, Phumtham’s allegiance is as steadfast as it is storied. Thaksin, after spending an epic 15 years in…