Bangkok residents, under the universal health-care coverage scheme—affectionately known as the 30-baht scheme—are in for a treat! Imagine strolling into any of the contracted clinics or pharmacies to seek basic health services with just a flash of your national ID card. Now, that dream is a reality for Bangkok, making it the latest and greatest addition to the 46 provinces already part of this groundbreaking program. Treechada Srithada, the ever-enthusiastic spokeswoman for the Ministry of Public Health, shared with gusto that this initiative aims to ramp up convenience for the 76% of the population—or roughly 47 million people—currently under the healthcare scheme. And let’s talk details! Other provinces like Roi Et, Phetchaburi, Narathiwat, and Nakhon Ratchasima are already riding this wave of change. So what does this mean for the everyday person? Glad you asked! Folks in these provinces can now waltz into any healthcare unit that’s joined the scheme.…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took center stage on Wednesday as he presented the highly anticipated 2025 Budget Bill to parliament. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, but not all of it was positive. Opposition leaders, notably Chaithawat Tulathon of the Move Forward Party, raised eyebrows and concerns about the government’s hefty borrowing plan. With a proposed budget of 3.75 trillion baht and an eye-popping 865 billion baht in loans, Chaithawat minced no words. “The government’s borrowing is inching dangerously close to the ceiling. We’re talking about just a 5 billion baht cushion if things go south,” he warned. Chaithawat pointed out that this planned borrowing marked a 7.8% increase from the previous year—a surge not seen in a decade. “The repayment burden will weigh heavily on future finances, squeezing the government’s flexibility for any urgent payments or large-scale investments,” he elaborated. A specific point of contention was the digital wallet handout—a…
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin presented the much-anticipated 2025 Budget Bill to parliament on Wednesday, sparking a lively debate graced by both fervent support and cautioned dissent. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) The day was charged with fervor as lawmakers dissected the implications of the proposed budget. The opposition did not hold back, vocally warning the government about the perilous financial straits tied to excessive borrowing. Their concerns stemmed largely from the highly contentious 500 billion baht digital cash handout, a cornerstone of the fiscal 2025 plan. Leading the charge, Move Forward Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon criticized the 3.75-trillion-baht budget presented by the Prime Minister, highlighting that it encompasses 865-billion-baht in borrowing. According to Mr. Chaithawat, this figure perilously nudges the government close to its borrowing ceiling. The wiggle room left for additional borrowing stands at a precarious 5 billion baht, making any further fiscal maneuvering nearly impossible. Moreover, Mr. Chaithawat drew attention…
A flying drone carrying 5kg of water sprayed the bustling streets of downtown Bangkok on January 31, 2019, aiming to ease the dust pollution that had been choking the air. However, imagine how unsettling it could be if such an innocent device was repurposed for more nefarious activities. It’s a stark reality that authorities in Thailand are now grappling with. In a decisive and urgent move, security agencies have imposed a blanket ban on the flying of drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), across the three southernmost border provinces and parts of Songkhla province. This clampdown comes in the wake of disturbing reports suggesting that insurgents are being trained to use these flying gadgets for bombing military outposts. The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) Region 4 has officially declared a total ban on the use of “aircraft using external flight control,” better known to the public as drones.…
Banyan Tree Residences Sichon presents an exquisite collection of opulent pool villas, majestically situated right on the pristine beach. While investment floods into Phuket, astute developers are seizing the “first mover” advantage in blossoming locales as Thailand’s esteemed reputation as one of the most desirable places to live globally continues to escalate. The rising tide of Thailand’s branded residences sector is now spilling over beyond the usual hotspots, unveiling enticing new investment vistas in alternative paradises adorned with the kingdom’s iconic natural grandeur – where land prices remain a mere sliver of what they command in legacy markets like Phuket. Thailand’s tourism triumph – which welcomed over 40 million international visitors in 2019 and is poised to soar to 80 million by 2028 – serves as a pivotal force for the branded residences sector. This shift sees affluent travelers not just yearning to visit their dream destination but opting to…
The cabinet has enthusiastically approved a mutual visa-free agreement with Timor-Leste, an arrangement that will allow visitors to enjoy a 30-day stay in each other’s country upon entry. According to sources from Government House, this thrilling development came to light on Tuesday as a direct response to a proposal from the government of Timor-Leste, which is making great strides to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Both countries are gearing up to formally ink the visa exemption scheme this Friday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the cabinet that the visa exemption is a crucial step Timor-Leste needs to take in its quest for full ASEAN membership. After initially receiving observer status in 2022, Timor-Leste is on a clear pathway to becoming the 11th full member of the regional bloc. The roadmap towards full membership isn’t a light task, requiring Timor-Leste to sign a whopping 66 key agreements.…
BDMS Wellness Clinic, Thailand’s premier provider of preventive healthcare, has taken a major step forward by unveiling a high-profile collaboration with Bangkok Hospital Phuket and Laguna Phuket. Together, they have launched BDMS Wellness Clinic Laguna Phuket, the latest addition under the BDMS Wellness Clinic brand. This initiative not only aims to elevate wellness tourism but also to solidify the company’s leadership in creating a wellness economic corridor in the Andaman region. Spearheaded by Tanupol Virunhagarun, M.D., CEO of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited, alongside Narintara Boonjongcharoen, M.D., Deputy CEO of BDMS Group 6, and Mr. Ho Kwon Ping, Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings & Laguna Resorts & Hotels, the initiative embodies a unified vision for the future of wellness tourism in Phuket. The trifecta envisions a thriving wellness destination that attracts global tourists and fuels local economic growth. The event saw…
Banyan Tree Residences Sichon offers an unparalleled collection of luxury pool villas nestled directly on the picturesque beach. While investment floods into Phuket, savvy developers are snapping up “first mover” advantages in up-and-coming locations, buoyed by Thailand’s growing reputation as one of the world’s most desirable places to live. The branded residences sector in Thailand is booming, spreading its wings across the country and creating prime opportunities for investment in alternative, yet equally stunning, locations. These new hotspots boast iconic natural scenery without the hefty price tags found in traditional destinations like Phuket. Riding on the coattails of Thailand’s thriving tourism industry, which saw over 40 million international visitors in 2019 with projections aiming as high as 80 million by 2028, the branded residences sector is witnessing a significant upsurge. Discerning travelers are no longer just visiting their dream destinations; they are making the leap to establish long-term residences in…
In the early hours of Wednesday, a tragic incident unfolded at the Khrua Thapthim seafood restaurant in Bang Khunthian district, Bangkok. The scene was a grim one, highlighted by a blurred figure lying on the restaurant floor, an image shared by PPTV HD36 on Facebook. A Vietnamese employee, identified as Hong Van Duc, aged 28, met a tragic end after being shot while drinking with the owner’s son. The chilling event took place at the well-known seafood establishment located on Soi Thian Thalae 23 on Thian Thalae Road in the Tha Kham area. According to Pol Capt Thatsanai Khudsap, the deputy investigation chief of Thian Thalae, the incident was reported to the police around 3:30 am. When law enforcement, forensic experts, medics, and rescue workers arrived, they were met with a distressing sight. The lifeless body of a man lay face-up in a pool of blood, with a single gunshot…
The year 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the Macao Special Administrative Region, and what a celebration it promises to be! With its progressive “Tourism+” theme, Macao continues to shine brightly, showcasing the monumental strides made by the city. The revival of Macao is nothing short of spectacular, enriched by UNESCO heritage sites and the blossoming of integrated multi-complex resorts. In 2023, Macao saw a rapid tourism recovery, welcoming over 28 million inbound tourists. Particularly noteworthy were the throngs of visitors from Thailand, who accounted for 102,163 tourists, making up a remarkable 70% of pre-pandemic figures. This resurgence can be attributed to the easing of border restrictions between Hong Kong and Macao, allowing tourists to extend their stays and discover new and enchanting itinerary options. The rise of multi-complex resorts has been a game-changer for Macao. These sprawling establishments offer everything from 5-star accommodations and gaming concessions to theme parks,…