THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

Yesterday marked a life-changing day for some lucky individuals, and it all unfolded in a whirlwind of excitement and disbelief. As the Government Lottery Office (GLO) drew the winning numbers on January 17 at precisely 4 p.m., cheers erupted—and for a specific reason. Those magical numbers, 807779, brought an impressive 24 million baht jackpot to the spotlight, heavily laced with an intriguing backstory that had gamblers everywhere talking. The day wasn’t just about that single number, though. Lurking among the prize details were two sets of three-digit numbers—961 and 699 as well as 448 and 477—and a two-digit prize number, 23, all sparking joy (and a fair share of conundrum) among hopeful ticket holders. Yet, in this sea of riveting lottery fever, one outlet seemed to reign supreme: none other than Lottery Plus, deftly helmed by none other than Panthawat Nakvisut, or Nott as he is fondly known. In a…

It was a vibrant Saturday in the northeastern heart of Thailand where former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra found his stride while rallying support for his Pheu Thai Party’s candidate, Anuchit Hongsadee. The event, set amidst the cultural tapestry of Nakhon Phanom, saw Thaksin back on the campaign trail, mixing politics with the ambience of local life in Muang District. This Saturday spectacle wasn’t just about shaking hands and smiling for the cameras; Thaksin came ready with big plans that stirred excitement and a chorus of intrigue. Central to his message was the introduction of new entertainment complexes where casinos would be the star attractions. Yet, Thaksin made it clear, with the finesse of a seasoned diplomat, that any licenses for these casino operations would be awarded through open bidding—a veritable stage for both local and international contenders to showcase their tourism and fiscal proposals. His assurance that the accompanying government…

In the vibrant heart of Nanning city lies Laonanning Sanjie Liangxiang, a picturesque attraction that seamlessly entwines the profound history of the Guangxi region with the pulse of modernity. Set against a backdrop of lush, verdant landscapes, this gem in southern China captures the essence of a locale where tradition gracefully dances with the forward march of progress. A flick of the kimono reveals Beijing’s broader agenda: positioning Nanning as the new southern gateway between China and the dynamic powerhouse that is the ASEAN community. Jiang Xuelin, who heads the editorial ship at the Guangxi Branch of the China News Service, recently took on the challenge of explaining this vision to an eclectic ensemble of 17 local and international media maestros and online influencers. They were whisked away on a tour brimming with insight and intrigue, to peek behind the curtains into the blossoming potential at the Pingxiang border—a locale…

Last week, a passionate assembly from the Soo Phua Chang Network, also known as Fighting for Elephants, gathered in protest outside the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The reason? A contentious plan to use birth control injections on wild elephants—a proposal that has sparked lively debate across the nation. Fast forward to Friday, when the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) convened a high-stakes forum to confront this very issue. The focus was on the use of contraceptive vaccines as a method to control the burgeoning population of wild elephants, keeping the gentle giants from straying beyond protected lands. The event drew a crowd of about 300, featuring a diverse mix of affected locals, sharp-witted academics, impassioned elephant conservationists, and even some Members of Parliament. Opinions were as varied as a box of mixed chocolates. Some heralded the contraceptive approach as a breakthrough, while others dismissed…

In what can only be described as a whirlwind journey, the young and dynamic Paetongtarn Shinawatra stepped onto the political stage with an unexpected flourish, capturing the hearts of many and the astonishment of others. At her relatively tender age, her ascension to the highest office may have surprised some political veterans, but her nomination amongst the three prime ministerial candidates of the Pheu Thai Party proved she was more than ready to wield the sceptre of power. The tides of change were ushered in largely due to the People’s Party’s burgeoning clout, which ultimately nudged Pheu Thai to throw its support behind Paetongtarn after Srettha Thavisin’s ousting by court decree in August the previous year. Indeed, it was a momentous occasion for Pheu Thai to seize this leadership mantle as opportunities of such magnitude could become a rare commodity in the political arena. Paetongtarn’s alignment with her father and…

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is back in the spotlight, energetically engaging with Pheu Thai supporters on a vibrant campaign trail in Nakhon Phanom’s Muang district. Despite the January chill, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Thaksin passionately championed the cause of Anuchit Hongsadee, aiming for the prestigious position as the Nakhon Phanom Provincial Administration Organisation chief. Not just known for his warmth and charisma, Thaksin took this opportunity to address a topic that’s sparking both fervor and controversy throughout Thailand—entertainment complexes. In his characteristic style, he laid all rumors to rest, asserting unequivocally that licenses for operating casinos within these complexes would only be awarded through transparent bidding processes. His words cut through the air with clarity: “The truth is, the license will be given out by means of open bidding where any and all interested parties can participate.” Thaksin, always one to have his finger on the…

In the realm of bravery and courage, the names of Pol Lt Col Suwit Chuaythewarit, 56, and his son, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Dome Chuaythewarit, 35, are etched with honor. These two valiant border patrol officers tragically lost their lives in a bomb explosion in Narathiwat province on January 14, a day that marks both sorrow and reflection. Shrouded in the embrace of the Thai national flag, their sacrifice encapsulates a profound sense of duty that continues to resonate. (Photo: Abdullah Benjakat) This catastrophic event has sent ripples throughout the region, compelling the police to seek arrest warrants against two men alleged to have masterminded this heinous act. SATURDAY brought this revelation to light, indicating that DNA samples procured from the crime lab have provided a match, linking the suspects to previous disturbances and acts of violence noted in the troubled South. The first suspect, Abdulloh Bula, 40, is far…

In a spirited demonstration of ASEAN camaraderie, the Asean Digital Ministers’ Meeting in Bangkok recently set the stage for a renewed commitment between Thailand and Myanmar to join forces against the pesky invasion of transnational call center gangs. This diplomatic dance saw Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong and Myanmar Deputy Prime Minister Gen Mya Tun Oo, also serving as the transport and communications minister, shaking hands with a promise to combat these nefarious groups head-on. Minister Prasert highlighted the gathering’s consensus on the need for urgent action against the pervasive threat of online fraud and call center gangs. According to him, these wily scammers, operating along the Thai-Myanmar border, have become public enemy number one in a region already fraught with digital crime challenges. He lamented that despite existing agreements with other nations, these international pacts serve as mere templates that still require robust, actionable strategies for effective…

In the bustling corridors of Istanbul’s international airport, a peculiar discovery was made that has captivated the world. This is the tale of Zeytin, a five-month-old gorilla whose short life has already been filled with incredible adventure and unwitting intrigue. Found in a rather unusual hideout—a wooden crate nestled within the cargo hold of a Turkish Airlines flight—Zeytin has since become both a symbol of hope and a grim reminder of the complexities in wildlife smuggling. Originally uncovered in December, Zeytin’s clandestine journey was halted at Istanbul airport. The destination scribbled on the crate wasn’t what one would expect for a creature of her kind. Instead of a lush sanctuary, Zeytin was marked as a contingent for a farm in Thailand, specifically the TK Farm, legally recorded as an entity for importing and breeding animals. In Turkey, Zeytin has become quite the sensation. The zoo where she now resides has…

In an extraordinary and dramatic turn of events, the curious case of 25-year-old Chinese model Yang Zeqi unfolds like the plot of an international thriller. After a jaw-dropping month-long disappearance along the shadowy Thai-Myanmar border, Yang has finally returned to China, much to the relief and jubilation of his family—and audiences, if this saga were on the silver screen. Thai authorities reported on Saturday, with the Chinese embassy validating their claims, that Yang had indeed touched down safely in his home country. Pol Gen Chatchai Pitaneelaboot, with the Royal Thai Police Office, confirmed this during a briefing in the Mae Sot district of Tak. As the story gathered steam like an over-hyped blockbuster, Yang’s father sought the assistance of Thailand’s top cop, national police chief Kittharath Punpetch, urging a swift conclusion to this gripping tale. The saga began as many misguided adventures do—with the lure of Hollywood-esque fame. Yang was…