The Maeklong railway market, nestled in the bustling province of Samut Songkhram, is fondly known as Talad Rom Hub, or the Flicked Umbrellas Market. This unique marketplace is renowned for the way vendors swiftly retract their awnings and umbrellas as trains rattle through, creating a mesmerizing blend of commerce and rail traffic. (File photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) However, recent events have cast a temporary shadow over this vibrant locale. In the picturesque Mae Klong district, a coffee shop owner from Talad Rom Hub has been slapped with a 30-day closure following an unfortunate incident involving a Spanish tourist. The incident, which unfolded on a bustling Thursday, was quickly captured on video and shared widely across social media platforms, igniting a wave of public outcry. The hubbub began when the vendor, known locally as Jame, was seen pushing and yelling at the tourist in the clip. The backlash was swift and uncompromising,…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In the early hours of Sunday, a harrowing sight emerged beneath an unfinished flyover in Bangkok. A heavily-damaged Isuzu pickup truck lay mangled on Lat Krabang Road, a testament to a tragic accident that befell a family of three. The accident unfolded around 2 a.m., on the Lat Krabang-Onnut flyover under construction near the Suk Saman intersection in Lat Krabang district. The flyover, still skeletal in its build, lacked the safety barriers that might have prevented the incident. Authorities arrived swiftly on the scene, where the pickup truck had found its unintended resting place near a stationary 22-wheeled truck. Registered in Ayutthaya province, the pickup had apparently nosedived from the lofty, 10-meter height of the half-finished bridge, striking the massive truck before settling on the asphalt below. Rescue workers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation were quick to extract the beleaguered family: a 33-year-old man, his 31-year-old wife, and their one-year-old daughter.…
Amid the bustling corridors of Thai politics, there lies a serene moment of reverence—Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her senior advisory team solemnly walked to pay homage at the revered shrine at Baan Phitsanulok, right before their first momentous meeting on Thursday. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the dynamic leader of the Pheu Thai Party, is riding a crest of popularity, positioning her as the prime contender for the coveted role of prime minister. Meanwhile, the People’s Party is steadily capturing the public’s affection, holding the mantle as the preeminent political party according to a survey conducted in the 3rd quarter of 2024 by the National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll. The comprehensive poll, meticulously carried out between September 16 and 23, reached 2,000 respondents across diverse demographics through telephone interviews. The respondents, aged 18 and over, represented various levels of education, occupations, and incomes from across the…
As dawn breaks, a bird glides effortlessly over Democracy Monument, casting its silhouette against the soft hues of a new day. Little did it know, the political landscape below is just as dynamic and unpredictable. The ruling Pheu Thai Party’s recent reversal on its plan to amend the ethical standards for political officeholders has left observers scratching their heads. Initially, Pheu Thai had proposed changes to the 2017 charter, particularly tweaking Section 160, which lays out the moral prerequisites for becoming a minister. The proposal asserted that ministers must be evidently honest and not embroiled in severe ethical violations. However, this proposition ran into a brick wall of opposition from the coalition bloc, especially from the Bhumjaithai and United Thai Nation (UTN) parties. Consequently, Pheu Thai’s secretary-general, Sorawong Thienthong, suggested that the party is contemplating retracting the bill for further scrutiny. The Bangkok Post engaged analysts and representatives from various…
A dramatic and tragic scene unfolded in the bustling city of Pattaya late Saturday night, leading to a heart-wrenching conclusion. The unfortunate protagonist of this somber tale was Niroot Yamphuang, a 39-year-old waiter at a popular entertainment venue on Pattaya Sai 3 Road. Residing in a world distanced from calm, Niroot found himself in perilous waters that culminated in a shocking display, as a group of motorcyclist taxi drivers converged on him in the wake of his threatening actions earlier in the day. Near the very place he worked, Niroot’s life came to an abrupt and tragic end at around 11 PM. With a .32 modified blank gun in hand, he took a dire step and shot himself in the right temple. This bitter finale was not without its ominous precursor. Only hours before, Niroot had provoked an evacuation of local residents and tourists when he stubbornly pointed the same…
The heart of the Court is beating anew with the royally endorsed ascension of Prasitsak Meelarp, beginning his tenure as the president of the Supreme Administrative Court on October 1. This monumental change follows the conclusion of Vorapot Visrutpich’s distinguished career, as he bids farewell upon reaching the venerable age of 70, the mandatory retirement threshold. In a diligent and judicious selection process, Prasitsak Meelarp emerged as the top candidate, a choice marked by the unanimous approval from the Judicial Commission of the Administrative Courts. The Senate echoed this confidence, officially endorsing his nomination on September 3, preceding the royal assent that solidified this transition. Mr. Prasitsak’s journey to prominence is a tale of dedication and scholarly excellence. He holds a bachelor’s degree in law from the revered Ramkhamhaeng University and enriched his academic arsenal with a master’s degree in political science from the prestigious Thammasat University. Notably, he also…
The deafening crash echoed through the pre-dawn silence of Lat Krabang district in Bangkok, sending a shiver down the spines of nearby residents. It was early Sunday morning, around 2am to be precise, when a usually uneventful drive took a catastrophic turn for a family of three. Their pickup truck violently plunged off a 10-metre-high flyover still under construction on Lat Krabang Road, near Suk Saman intersection. The flyover, known as the Lat Krabang-Onnut flyover, remained draped in shadows, concealing the danger that lurked below. With no clear barricade in sight, the unsuspecting driver continued forward. In a heart-stopping instant, the truck pitched off the edge, hurtling towards the ground. When police and rescue workers arrived at the chaotic scene, they were met with a heart-wrenching sight: a heavily damaged Isuzu pickup resting perilously close to a behemoth 22-wheeled truck parked up against the flyover’s skeletal structure. The force of…
A network of anti-drunk driving groups is passionately urging recipients of the government’s 10,000-baht cash handout to steer clear of spending the funds on alcohol, aiming to mitigate accidents. Phattarabhandhu Krissana, the chairman of the Network of Victims Against Drunk Driving, emphatically highlighted that the grant is better utilized for essentials or investments. He cautioned that indulging in alcoholic beverages could lead to regrettable accidents and potentially serious disabilities, impacting not just the individuals but others around them. He elaborated that the network, alongside the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation, has advised its members who benefitted from the handout to allocate part of the funds for paying vehicle taxes. This strategy could enhance protection against accidents, fostering a safer community. Mr. Phattarabhandhu noted that many members of their 15,000-strong network are recipients of the handout, providing them a crucial financial breather during these economically challenging times. This collective plea arises as…
The recent appointment of Deputy Attorney General Phairach Pornsomboonsiri as the new Attorney General, succeeding the outgoing Attorney General Amnat Jedcharoenruk, has garnered royal endorsement, marking a significant transition for the Office of the Attorney General. According to a formal announcement published in the Royal Gazette on Friday, Mr. Phairach’s new role is set to take effect on October 1. Earlier this month, the Senate gave its overwhelming approval to Mr. Phairach’s appointment, with an impressive 184 votes in favor, only two against, and nine abstentions. This broad support reflects the confidence the legislative body has in his capabilities to uphold justice and lead the Attorney General’s office with integrity. Mr. Phairach, born on January 27, 1960, has had a distinguished career that speaks volumes about his dedication and expertise. He earned his bachelor’s degree in law with First Class Honours from Chulalongkorn University in 1980. Not one to rest…
Deputy police chief, Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, is stepping into the spotlight as he has been appointed the acting national police chief following the retirement of Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol at the end of this month. This significant move was made official in an order signed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, marking a new chapter for the Thai police force starting on October 1. The appointment of a new police chief is a process that can potentially commence after October 3, coinciding with the implementation of the Police Commission’s new regulations. As the anticipation builds, three remarkable candidates have emerged as frontrunners for the prestigious position: Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet: The most senior in line, boasting an illustrious career marked by dedication and expertise. Pol Gen Kraiboon Suadsong: The seasoned police inspector-general, known for his sharp insights and strategic mind. Pol Gen Thana Choowong: The dynamic deputy police chief, celebrated…