House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has signaled the start of an intriguing investigation, granting the go-ahead for the House Ethics Committee to delve into the frequent absences of Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Prawit Wongsuwon. This move comes on the heels of a petition filed earlier this week by Prompong Nopparit, a former spokesman for Pheu Thai, who has raised robust concerns over Gen Prawit’s habitual no-shows at parliamentary sessions. The petition outlines a rather shocking attendance record: since July 3 of last year, Gen Prawit has graced only 11 out of 95 parliamentary sessions with his presence. He has submitted personal leave requests 83 times and has taken one sick day—bringing his tally to a whopping 84 absences. In the wake of these revelations, the House Speaker has committed to an ethical review, though he acknowledges the complexities involved. “It’s a tangled web we must unweave,” Wan Noor…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In a recent development that has sent ripples through the community, the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) have launched a thorough investigation into the food quality at Rajaprajanugroh 47 School in Phetchaburi. This probe follows the widespread circulation of photos online, depicting meals that many have deemed substandard and potentially unsafe. Acting Sub Lt Thanu Wongjinda, the secretary-general of Obec, announced on Friday that a fact-finding mission had been promptly initiated. The trigger for this investigation was a series of shocking images shared by the Facebook page “Watch Dog.” These images showcased the boarding school’s breakfast and lunch meals, which quickly garnered the attention and concern of the community. One particular photo that drew significant criticism showed a rather disheartening breakfast consisting of plain rice and deep-fried cocktail-sized sausages. What was even more alarming was the revelation that some of these sausages…
The Public Health Ministry is gearing up for an aggressive campaign to combat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) by offering enticing tax incentives to individuals. Minister Somsak Thepsutin emphasized that prevention is far more impactful than treatment. “Our mission is clear: drive the prevention of NCDs. Education is key, and an informed public is less likely to develop these chronic illnesses,” said Mr. Somsak. According to the ministry’s alarming statistics, around 400,000 people succumb to NCDs in Thailand each year. For those new to the term, NCDs are chronic diseases that include devastating conditions like cancer, cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. The World Health Organization (WHO) attributes the increasing NCD mortality rates to several lifestyle factors, including tobacco use, physical inactivity, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and even rampant air pollution. To tackle this pressing issue, Minister…
Help is on the way! Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently chaired a crucial meeting to roll out a relief plan for flood victims in Chiang Rai. This key assembly took place at the bustling Mae Fa Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport on Friday, showcasing the government’s commitment to tackle the disaster head-on (Photo: Government House). Good news followed suit as the government initiated the first round of compensation for more than 3,600 households, who found themselves severely affected by the relentless flooding in Chiang Rai. Speaking on behalf of the Interior Ministry, spokeswoman Traisulee Taisaranakul revealed that the cabinet had given the green light on September 17 to allocate a substantial budget of 3.04 billion baht for nationwide flood victim compensation. The responsibility of distributing these funds has fallen to the Interior Ministry. Chaiwat Junthiraphong, the director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, announced that compensation payments were successfully…
The grand ballroom erupted in applause as Thanphuying Putrie Viravaidya, chairperson of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, gracefully accepted the prestigious SX Shaper Award from Sumet Tantivejkul, secretary-general of the Chaipattana Foundation. It was the opening ceremony of the Sustainable Expo 2024, a momentous occasion punctuated with pride and joy. Photos captured by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill and Somchai Poomlard immortalized the event, every frame brimming with celebration and achievement. This year, the Mae Fah Luang Foundation clinched the SX Shaper Award, a testament to its unrivaled efforts in driving large-scale changes that both nurture the environment and empower communities. This accolade celebrates individuals or organizations that have made significant strides toward sustainability, and the Mae Fah Luang Foundation fits this bill impeccably. Thanphuying Putrie couldn’t contain her gratitude as she acknowledged the award. “This recognition is a reflection of the diligence and dedication of our staff,” she noted with a radiant…
Immediate action must be taken to achieve sustainability, or the world may suffer the consequences in the long term, according to Sumet Tantivejkul, Secretary-General of the Chaipattana Foundation, who delivered his speech at the opening ceremony of Sustainable Expo 2024 (SX2024) last Friday. During his compelling keynote speech, Mr. Sumet expounded on the sufficiency economy theory of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, King Rama IX, highlighting the vital keyword of “change.” At the time of its inception, many believed the sufficiency economy theory was solely tied to economic change because an economic crisis had recently ravaged the nation. However, as the country grappled with the Covid-19 pandemic and the escalating climate crisis, the concept of “change” took on a broader, more profound meaning. According to this principle, not only should people be prepared for economic shifts, but they should also engage in self-evaluation, logical planning, and risk management…
The Mae Fah Luang Foundation has clinched the prestigious SX Shaper Award this year, lauded for its exceptional impact in championing large-scale environmental improvements and bolstering community sustainability. This accolade is bestowed upon individuals or organizations that have demonstrated remarkable achievements in driving positive changes within these crucial areas. Thanphuying Putrie Viravaidya, the foundation’s dedicated chairperson, humbly accepted the award, expressing heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the entire organization. “This award is a testament to the relentless effort and dedication of our staff,” she remarked. “Our excellent teamwork is a legacy, an ambition passed down from generation to generation, continuing to extend our mission for the ultimate benefit of the people.” The journey of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation began in 1972, under the visionary guidance of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the late Princess Mother of King Rama IX. Her ambition was to uplift the quality of life for…
A municipal official elaborated on the comprehensive plan to address the flood damage in Chiang Mai city during an assembly for workers set to commence their duties on Friday. (Photo: Chiang Mai Municipality Facebook account) Workers have embarked on a dedicated campaign to cleanse the streets and gather debris across downtown Chiang Mai following the receding floodwaters in several commercial zones. The Chiang Mai Municipality launched the initiative at 5pm on Friday with the aim of rejuvenating economic activities in this typically bustling northern tourism hub. The effort is strategically divided into five zones, encompassing areas adjacent to the Naowarat Bridge and the illustrious Night Bazaar. A chief priority involves collecting the plethora of debris and garbage transported into the city by floods that surged over the banks of the Ping River. Although conditions have improved in certain parts of the city earmarked for cleaning, the municipality urged residents to…
Atthapon “Benz” Nundee beams with pride as he accepts his Employee of the Month award from the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, a much-deserved accolade for his remarkable contribution. (Photo: Khamoo and the Gang Facebook page) Meet Atthapon “Benz” Nundee, the charismatic zookeeper whose tech-savvy ways turned a baby hippo named Moo Deng into a global icon. Benz’s relentless dedication and creative social media prowess have earned him the illustrious title of Employee of the Month for September, awarded by the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand. The burgeoning fame of Moo Deng, a three-month-old pygmy hippo from Khao Kheow Open Zoo, is a testament to Benz’s extraordinary efforts. This adorable little hippo has captured hearts worldwide, her name buzzing across internet forums, social media platforms, and even gracing posts from international brands and sports teams. Talk about going global! In a delightful twist of events, she even topped an unofficial…
Phuket, Thailand’s beloved resort island, is a magnet for tourists around the globe. Last year alone, it hosted an astonishing 11 million visitors, both local and international. Compare that to the 5.7 million who came in 2002, and you get a sense of just how popular this tropical paradise has become. But with great popularity comes great responsibility—and a mountain of trash. (Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand) With the post-pandemic boom in tourism, Phuket is grappling with an ever-growing pile of garbage. “Every day, 1,100 tonnes of waste are carted off to our disposal plant,” says Deputy Governor Norasak Suksomboon. This reflects a dramatic rise from the 742 tonnes in 2022 and 961 tonnes just last year, according to data from the provincial statistics office and Pollution Control Department. Mr. Norasak highlighted these challenges at the 25th Inter-Islands Tourism Policy Forum, which saw 150 global tourism leaders and policymakers convene…