The governor of Pattani, Pateemoh Sadeeyamu, has recently laid down some specific procedures that “Tadika” Islamic schools need to follow when organizing their events. This move comes in the wake of several schools conducting activities in support of Palestinians. In a bid to streamline the coordination, Governor Sadeeyamu has communicated these guidelines to every district chief, emphasizing the importance of sticking to protocol during the “Tadika Samphan” sports and academic competitions. According to the new directives, every school is now required to submit a detailed plan of their intended activities well in advance. This plan must gain initial approval from a district cultural committee before it moves up the chain of command to the district’s cultural council. The role of the cultural council is pivotal—they hold the authority to give the final thumbs-up or even postpone or cancel events that deviate from the approved plan. The announcement was met with…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In a dramatic twist of events in Pathum Thani, Charn Phuangphet, the freshly minted chairman of the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), finds his victory bittersweet. Though Charn, a Pheu Thai Party candidate, clinched the prestigious position on June 30, his tenure might be fleeting. Inside sources from the Interior Ministry reveal that the moment he takes office, a suspension notice will await him. The Pathum Thani provincial authorities have already tipped off the Department of Local Administration about the actions they intend to take. This revelation comes as no surprise to those familiar with Charn’s checkered past. Over a decade ago, during his previous stint as PAO chairman, Charn was embroiled in a scandal concerning the procurement of relief supplies following the 2011 floods. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) found substantial evidence in 2012 suggesting Charn may have engaged in misconduct. The stakes grew higher when the NACC transferred the…
Former Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara has made a compelling case for the Thai government to shake off economic lethargy and adopt transformative measures. In a detailed and passionate address at the 27th commemorative event of the National Press Council, Mr. Parnpree urged the powers that be to restructure the economy and take cues from global competitors to keep Thailand on a progressive trajectory amidst today’s slowdown. Parnpree, who has also held the role of Foreign Minister, vividly described the urgency of this restructuring. Why? Because the Thai economy is “hypersensitive,” reeling from both internal political tremors and international tensions. Over the past 15 years, geopolitical upheavals and digital disruptions have laid the groundwork for economic woes, even before the relentless Covid-19 pandemic knocked the wind out of global markets. “All these dynamics have morphed our domestic economic landscape, and any governmental misstep can trigger severe economic crises, much like…
Car enthusiasts flocked to this year’s Bangkok International Motor Show on March 26, as the city buzzed with excitement. (Pattarapong Chatpattarasil) Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently called upon BYD, China’s electric vehicle titan, to safeguard local consumer interests and implement a fair pricing strategy. This move came after a number of BYD dealers offered dramatic discounts, causing a stir among customers who had previously purchased vehicles at higher prices. During a meeting with BYD Chief Executive Wang Chuanfu on Friday, PM Srettha emphasized the importance of managing customer expectations and ensuring buyers are protected. Mr. Wang was in Thailand to celebrate the grand opening of BYD’s first Southeast Asian factory in Rayong on Thursday. The Prime Minister also urged the company to leverage local supply chains and maximize production output as per their agreement with the Thai government. In response, Mr. Wang assured that future pricing strategies would be fair,…
(Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) In a scene right out of a modern-day drama, Bangkok’s famous Khao San Road witnessed an official meticulously checking the licence of a shop selling cannabis. This April 2023 snapshot captured a pivotal moment in the tug-of-war over cannabis in Thailand. Fast forward to now, a critical decision has been made, tilting the scales back toward tighter regulation. The winds of change blew through the Ministry of Public Health as a special committee, charged with overseeing the control of illegal drugs, cast their votes. Dr. Surachoke Tangwiwat, the committee chair and deputy permanent secretary at the ministry, declared that the majority had spoken – cannabis and hemp would be reclassified as narcotics come January 1 of next year. Dr. Surachoke, in his earnest demeanor, explained that the committee’s votes mirrored a shared belief: cannabis should strictly be a tool for medical treatment. They drew a hard line…
The Ban Tha Sen crossing in Muang district of Trat is currently a bustling hub of activity, albeit only three days a week, as it serves as a pivotal point for border trade with Cambodia. Behind its promise lies a hope shimmering among provincial officials—a dream for this crossing to become a permanent checkpoint, a bridge connecting aspirations and economies. (Photo: Ministry of Commerce) TRAT: The National Security Council (NSC) is embarking on a diligent journey to unravel the myriad trade benefits and security concerns tied to this ambitious plan of inaugurating a new permanent border checkpoint with Cambodia. This revelation came from a senior official on a bright Friday, setting the stage for potential transformation. Authorities in Trat province are fervently advocating for Ban Tha Sen in Muang district to be granted the stature of a permanent checkpoint following cabinet approval, with the crucial backing of the NSC hanging…
Army vehicles rolled down a rugged road along the vibrant Thai-Myanmar border, stretching from Phob Phra to Tha Song Yang district in Tak on a serene March morning in 2024. The scene was picturesque, adorned with the sight of military patrols maintaining a watchful eye over the borderlands. (Photo: Wassana Nanuam) In a dramatic turn of events, twelve Moroccan nationals, who had been lured by a nefarious call center syndicate and trapped in the heart of Myanmar, were finally liberated and welcomed into Thailand on a fateful Friday. The Moroccan embassy in Bangkok had raised the alarm, urgently appealing to the Thai government and relevant authorities to rescue 21 Moroccans held hostage in Myawaddy district. These unfortunate souls had been ensnared by ruthless scammers who had spun a global web of deceit. Rangsiman Rome, a member of the Move Forward Party and the chairman of a House committee on state…
The remnants of the pickup truck used in the devastating bombing lie forlorn and twisted outside the Bannang Sata police station flats in Yala, a somber testament to the tragic events of Sunday. (Photo: Abdullah Benjakat) In a swift response to the car bomb attack that rocked the Bannang Sata police station in Yala province, there have been significant personnel changes announced. The attack, which tragically claimed one life and injured 34 individuals on June 30, has prompted the reassignment of Pol Col Ranon Surawit. He will be transferred to the Southern Border Provinces Investigation Division to serve as its acting superintendent. Stepping into his shoes at the Bannang Sata station will be Pol Col Phrompat Sanitsri as the new acting superintendent. This reshuffling was part of a broader initiative revealed on Friday by Pol Lt Gen Piyawat Chaloemsi, the diligent commissioner of Provincial Police Region 9, an area encompassing…
The government-developed Tang Rat app has been designated as the sole platform for registering for the much-anticipated digital wallet programme, and authorities are raising the alarm over cunning scam gangs seeking to capitalize on the hype. These fraudsters have been dispatching SMS messages featuring a photo of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to draw in unsuspecting individuals, warned government spokesman Chai Watcharonke. This devious trick has unfortunately claimed numerous victims, particularly in Roi Et province, as stated by Mr Chai on Friday. The fraudulent message contains a link that appears to direct the recipient to a site where they can supposedly check their registration status for the 10,000-baht digital wallet handout. However, the moment they click the link, their mobile phones are compromised, turning them into unusable bricks. To add insult to injury, many victims watch helplessly as their savings are whisked away. The government is emphatically cautioning the public to…
A cheerful scene greeted visitors at the Bangkok Youth Centre (Thai-Japan) last year on Oct 1, as a woman had her blood pressure checked during an event to mark the International Day for Older Persons. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) But beneath the surface of Thailand’s vibrant community activities lies a ticking “invisible time bomb” — the nation’s population crisis. According to Varawut Silpa-archa, the minister of social development and human security, this critical issue needs immediate government intervention. He stressed the importance of addressing the root causes to stave off future problems. Speaking at a forum organized by the National Press Council of Thailand, he said, “Environmental issues are visible, but this [population crisis] is an invisible time bomb. If it is not addressed, it will certainly cause problems within the next ten years.” Societies worldwide are grappling with a myriad of challenges, including environmental concerns, diseases, digital transformation, and demographic…