In a race against the ticking clock, Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), the operator behind the iconic BTS Skytrain, is fervently working to get Bangkok’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system electrified and operational by September 1. This ambitious deadline follows a contract they inked with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) on April 30, committing to procure 23 electric buses (EV) and operate them over five years for a comprehensive cost of 478 million baht. The journey from contract to operation is laden with trials, particularly a mandatory one-month testing period for these buses. This stipulation has cast a shadow of uncertainty on whether the vehicles will be road-ready by the looming deadline. Surapong Laoha-Unya, the CEO of BTSC, addressed these concerns, revealing that while they are sourcing bus chassis from China, the final assembly will take place in Thailand. It’s a logistical ballet with multiple steps and any misstep…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In a riveting turn of events that could easily be mistaken for the plot of a maritime thriller, the Marine Police yesterday dispatched boats and officers to recover three elusive vessels that had vanished with a staggering 330,000 liters of contraband diesel. These renegade oil boats were last seen skirting dangerously close to Malaysian waters. According to police sources, they’re expected to dock at the Port of Songkhla today. The curious disappearance occurred from a police pier in Chon Buri on a seemingly ordinary Wednesday. Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, the no-nonsense commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, assured the public that an update on the enthralling chase would be provided today at the Songkhla Marine Police Division headquarters. Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew, the deputy commissioner of the CIB, unraveling the mystery bit by bit, shared that these diesel-loaded vessels had embarked on a thrilling journey through Cambodian and…
The Department of Airports (DoA) is turbocharging its efforts on a 941-million-baht project to construct a parallel taxiway at Krabi airport, ensuring it wraps up right on schedule. The project has impressively hit the 76% completion mark! Wittawas Pakdesontiskul, the dynamic DoA deputy director-general, recently rolled up his sleeves for an inspection visit and attended a crucial progress-tracking meeting. This pivotal gathering included representatives from Nawarat Patanakarn Public Co Ltd, the lead contractor; the sophisticated minds at We Engineering Consultants Co Ltd, Integrated Engineering Consultant Co Ltd, and Teamwork Consultant Co Ltd; plus key officials from Krabi airport. This ambitious venture kicked off on October 29, 2020, fueled by a 941-million baht investment. By May 28, the project had impressively reached 76.7% completion. Once the construction phase blitzes to a close, Krabi airport will soar in capacity, accommodating a dazzling 24 flights per hour, a significant leap from its current…
Imagine the enthusiastic buzz at the Swedish Aeroplane Corporation’s headquarters in Stockholm, as they recently hosted reporters from Thailand. Nestled among the innovation and cutting-edge technology, SAAB unveiled their plans to replace Thailand’s ageing F-16 fighter jets with their formidable Gripen E models. This could be a game-changer for Thailand’s air force. During the gripping tour at the House of Gripen, Thai journalists were treated to an exclusive sneak peek into the manufacturing line of the Gripen E/F fighter jet. It’s not every day you get to see such a marvel of modern aviation technology brought to life. The highlight was undoubtedly the Gripen E flight simulator, showcasing the fighter’s state-of-the-art nautical control systems with stunning accuracy. It turns out, the Gripen E/F is Thailand’s preferred choice in their 19-billion-baht quest for new fighter jets, seemingly overshadowing the enduring legacy of the US-made F-16. This revelation came as a source…
Thaksin Shinawatra, the charismatic former prime minister, was surrounded by his ardent supporters as he made his entrance at the Pheu Thai headquarters last March. The scene was electric with enthusiasm, as captured vividly by Varuth Hirunyatheb. As the calendar flips to another critical date, supporters of the red-shirt movement are once again rallying in full force. They are expected to converge at the Criminal Court on Tuesday morning to throw their unwavering support behind Thaksin. The reason? The former prime minister is slated to hear the Office of the Attorney-General’s decision regarding a lese majeste case against him. Yet, despite all the fervor, it appears Thaksin will be notably absent—reports suggest he has been admitted to the hospital once again. The rally was organized despite these swirling rumors, with Worachai Hema, a former Pheu Thai MP for Samut Prakan and a leader of the red-shirt movement, declaring the case…
Critics have accused the Move Forward Party (MFP) of trying to paint itself as a victim of political persecution as it grapples with a case that could lead to its disbandment. Last Sunday, the MFP held a press conference at its headquarters, where it articulated arguments countering the allegations leveled against it in the dissolution case. This move came despite the Constitutional Court’s stern warning that involved parties—namely, the MFP and the Election Commission (EC)—should refrain from sharing opinions on the matter during an ongoing trial. According to the court, such actions could skew public perception and influence the trial’s outcome. During the press conference, the MFP asserted that the court lacks the authority to dissolve the party, and argued that its previous stance on the lese majeste law was irrelevant to the disbandment case. Pita Limjaroenrat, MFP’s chief adviser and former leader, stated that after meticulous study of the…
In the wake of the Senate election, the buzz has swirled around the slew of complaints arising from the seemingly tumultuous process. However, Election Commission chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong has assured the public that the investigations will not put a damper on the scheduled announcement of the final results. With his eye firmly on the finish line, Mr. Ittiporn addressed the media post-Sunday’s provincial-level elections, where the EC tallied 80 complaints ranging from irregularities to outright collusion. “These complaints arrived thick and fast, but we are committed to addressing them expediently,” Mr. Ittiporn remarked, emphasizing the EC’s resolve to uphold justice and fairness in the election process. While 78 of these complaints were district-level grievances, the remaining two were flagged during provincial-level elections. Allegations have surfaced accusing some candidates of being hired to participate, thus flouting election laws. In spite of this, Mr. Ittiporn remains staunch: “Announcing the final results by…
Stretching far and wide during low tide, Koh Mak’s long beaches in Trat province are a captivating sight. (File photo: Karnjana Karnjanatawe) In an ambitious plan to boost trade, investment, and tourism, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are looking to establish a maritime route linking the islands near Trat province with Cambodia’s Sihanoukville province and Vietnam’s Kiên Giang. This initiative is also set to enhance the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry. Trat governor Natthapong Sanguanjit recently led discussions on this initiative at the CVTEC-Trat Business Roadshow 2024. The meeting saw participation from the deputy governors of six provinces across the three nations, Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) president Chamnan Srisawat, and Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) senior vice president Puripan Bunnag. Mr. Chamnan highlighted the TCT’s efforts in advocating for the Cambodia-Vietnam-Thailand Economic Corridor (CVTEC) conference, with TCEB acting as a co-organizer and the primary sponsor. According to…
Calypso Cabaret performers are turning heads at Bangkok’s Mahanakhon Skywalk as part of the vibrant “Proud Pride Month” event. Co-organized by King Power, these dazzling performances are gracing the skywalk every Friday throughout the month, offering a spectacular treat to visitors. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) In an exciting bid for international LGBTQ+ recognition, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Khon Kaen are all vying to host the prestigious 2025 InterPride World Conference, according to Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). The Thai government will announce the winning city on July 11, and subsequently introduce it at this year’s event in Colombia in October. The InterPride World Conference is an annual, five-day event that gathers approximately 600 Pride organizations from 40 countries to discuss LGBTQ+ movements and share experiences in promoting gender equality. Having been organized 41 times since 1982, primarily in Europe and North America, this…
Confiscated vessels are seen anchored at the marine police pier in Sattahip district of Chon Buri before three of them went missing. (Photo supplied) In an unexpected twist of fate, three vessels, reportedly carrying a whopping 330,000 liters of contraband diesel, vanished from a police pier in Chon Buri last week. According to authorities, the boats had embarked on a high-seas adventure, even making pit stops in Cambodian and Vietnamese waters before being tracked down off the southern coast of Thailand. Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew, the deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, stated on Sunday that a coordinated effort with neighboring countries’ police forces pressured those aboard to surrender. “We’re receiving excellent cooperation, and the possible outcome looks positive,” he commented, oozing confidence amidst the maritime mystery. The deputy commissioner assured everyone that the police were hot on the trail of these elusive vessels, stressing that the theft,…