The ongoing public hearings organized by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) over a contentious plan to reclassify 265,286 rai of land in Thap Lan National Park have ignited spirited debate across the community. These proposed changes would allow sections of the park, previously protected, to be used for agricultural purposes. While many villagers, who had occupied parts of the park before its boundary was officially drawn, are in favor of the delineation, a robust opposition comes from conservationists and other members of the public. This controversial plan was initially greenlighted by the cabinet on March 14 of the previous year. Proposed by the Office of the National Land Policy Board (ONLPB), the plan stems from a revamp of the boundary lines of state land plots. This overhaul followed the government’s decision to consolidate various land-mapping systems used by different state agencies into a singular framework…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
On a lively Tuesday afternoon, amidst the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, a dramatic scene unfolded right in front of the Royal Thai Police headquarters. Passersby couldn’t help but pause as law enforcement officers apprehended Nava Hongsakul, a 36-year-old driver entangled in a scandalous theft that has intrigued the city. Hongsakul, the trusted chauffeur of Krisana Thanomsab, CEO of the renowned Belink Media, found himself cuffed and caught in an elaborate investigation led by Pol Maj Gen Theeradet Thumsuthee, investigative commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau. It turns out that loyalty can be a slippery slope when temptation dangles century-old photographs before one’s eyes. The story traces back to 2022, when Hongsakul, hailing from Samut Prakan, secured a position as Thanomsab’s driver. What started as a humble job quickly blossomed into an opportunity to explore the opulent confines of his employer’s mansion on Udomsuk Road. The trust he earned seemed…
Police arrested the driver of an advertising tycoon amid a dramatic scenario right in front of the Royal Thai Police Office on a bustling Tuesday afternoon. (Police photo) In a case that feels like it’s pulled right out of a heist thriller, detectives nabbed Nava Hongsakul, 36, who was steering a luxurious van along Pathumwan district at the time. Nava is alleged to have stolen four irreplaceable, century-old photographs from the palatial residence of his employer during a fiery spectacle in May. Pol Maj Gen Theeradet Thumsuthee, the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s seasoned investigative commander, detailed how Nava had been in the trusted employ of Krisana Thanomsab, CEO of Belink Media, ever since 2022. Throughout his tenure, Nava earned the keys to all corners of Thanomsab’s grand mansion on Udomsuk Road. The narrative takes a scorching turn on May 4 when a fire ignited from the electrical power control room, plunging…
The swanky luxury condominium in Bangkok has found itself embroiled in controversy after subpar chlorination of its tap water led to a situation that’s nothing short of a spectacle—quite literally. Up to 200 residents are now grappling with eye infections, putting the condo managers under intense scrutiny and pressure for resolution. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has blown the whistle, promising legal repercussions if the water quality isn’t promptly elevated. The unraveling of this water tale began nearly four weeks ago, with June 14 marking the day when health officials from Chatuchak district stumbled upon a disturbing discovery. News filtered in that 90 inhabitants of the condominium were battling eye inflammation, a plight that has only worsened since, as confirmed by BMA’s spokesperson, Ekwaranyu Amrapan. Interestingly, while the condominium’s name remains under wraps, it is known to be nestled in Lat Phrao—where buying a unit would set you back a…
United Airlines Holdings Inc experienced another unsettling incident when yet another one of its Boeing aircraft lost a main landing gear wheel during takeoff on Monday. This mishap mirrors an incident in March that had already spurred a federal safety review of the airline, raising eyebrows and questions about the carrier’s safety protocols. According to a United spokesperson’s email, no injuries were reported on United Flight 1001. The Boeing 757-200 aircraft departed Los Angeles at 7:16 a.m. local time and landed safely at Denver International Airport at 10:10 a.m. However, what could have been a routine flight turned heads when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced its investigation into the incident. United Airlines revealed that the stray wheel was located in Los Angeles, opting not to divulge further specifics. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 174 passengers and seven crew members on board, or any individuals on the ground.…
Anurak Tangpanitanon, then chairman of a House sub-committee. (Photo: Parliament) The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions took a decisive stand on Tuesday, rejecting an appeal from Anurak Tangpanitanon, a former Pheu Thai MP hailing from Mukdahan province. Anurak’s stint in political office came to a dramatic and ignominious end, with the court upholding a six-year jail sentence tied to a notorious 5-million-baht bribe scandal. Anurak’s downfall began during his tenure on the House committee scrutinizing the 2021 budget bill. In a shocking turn of events, he was found guilty of demanding a hefty bribe from Sakda Wichiansilp, the director-general of the Department of Groundwater Resources. The unsavory deal was simple: in exchange for the bribe, Anurak would turn a blind eye and ensure the department’s budget allocation remained untouched. However, Sakda’s decision to come clean exposed the corruption that had quietly lingered behind closed doors. Back…
Adm Choengchai Chomchoengpaet, the esteemed navy chief, graced a significant occasion by presiding over an awards ceremony for high-ranking navy officers within the historic grounds of Phra Ratchawang Doem, or Thon Buri Palace, on October 3, 2022. The event, a snapshot in time, radiated with a sense of reverence and tradition. (File photo) The winds of change are sweeping through the Thai military as the cabinet has greenlit a groundbreaking early retirement program targeting senior military officers, from the rank of colonel upwards. This bold initiative comes with an enticing package: officers will receive a whopping 7-10 times their final monthly salary as an incentive to retire early. Deputy government spokeswoman Kenika Ounjit announced on Tuesday that the Ministry of Defence is set to implement this ambitious program over the next three years. The plan, designed to streamline and augment the efficiency of the armed forces, will kick off in…
Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul made quite the statement when he stepped out to cast his vote in the general election on May 14, 2023. Donning a shirt adorned with a cannabis pattern, he showcased his unwavering support for his party’s controversial cannabis policy. This striking appearance took place in Muang district of Buri Ram, further emphasizing his commitment. (Photo: Surachai Piraksa) On Tuesday, Anutin, who is also the Interior Minister, reiterated his strong stance on the cannabis issue, particularly concerning its potential return to the narcotics list. He firmly declared his intention to oppose any such move when it comes up before the Narcotics Control Board (NCB). Notably, he emphasized that while he would vote “No,” he would not compel the interior permanent secretary to follow suit, allowing for a free vote instead. Both Anutin and the permanent secretary for interior sit on the NCB board as ex-officio representatives…
In the serene and lush landscapes of Thailand lies the majestic Thap Lan National Park, an oasis for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Recently, however, this picturesque haven has become the unlikely battlefield for a concerning online scam targeting well-meaning participants of an opinion survey. An official map of Thap Lan National Park and the proposed areas to be excised has sparked widespread interest and debate among the public. Ever since the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) announced plans to reallocate a significant parcel of park land to support local farmers, the spirited discourse has spilled over into the realms of social media and online platforms. The growing buzz attracted an unfortunate twist, as DNP director Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn revealed disheartening news on Tuesday. Heartless fraudsters have seized the opportunity to exploit innocent individuals who are keen to voice their opinions on the land excision. These cyber…
On the morning of May 5, 2019, the dignified Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall at the Grand Palace buzzed with excitement as His Majesty the King of Thailand prepared to bestow new titles upon the senior members of the royal family. It was the second day of his grand coronation ceremonies, and the air was tinged with a sense of majesty and historic reverence. The hall was resplendent as the King conferred titles upon various members of the royal lineage under his new reign. The beloved Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, although absent from the ceremony, was honored with the revered title of Queen Mother. The luminaries attending this prestigious event included Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn, Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali, Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, His Royal Highness Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, Her Royal Highness Princess Siribha Chudhabhorn,…