THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul exuded confidence yesterday, asserting that a bill aimed at regulating cannabis will be enacted into law during the current coalition government’s tenure. Meanwhile, a health advocacy group has loudly voiced its call for a blanket ban on the recreational use of cannabis. Although the Bhumjaithai Party had already submitted a version of the bill to the House last September, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has crafted another draft. This new draft, prepared for former health minister Cholnan Srikaew, will also be presented to the House for deliberation alongside the Bhumjaithai proposal, according to Anutin. Interestingly, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made a significant shift on Tuesday by retracting the government’s earlier intention to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic. This comes two years after the plant’s decriminalization, causing quite the stir among policymakers and the general public alike. When questioned about his confidence…

In a strategic move to combat the pervasive issue of call center scams, the national police chiefs of Thailand and Cambodia have joined forces, promising swift and concrete results within the next 60 days. This collaboration follows a significant video conference between Thailand’s national police chief, Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, and his Cambodian counterpart, Sar Thet, where both sides emphasized the urgency of tackling these criminal operations. The rampant spread of call center gangs has plagued both nations, wreaking havoc on countless innocent lives. Pol Gen Torsak, brimming with optimism, foresees a notable crackdown soon. To spearhead these efforts, a specialized task force is set to be established, and key figures will be gathering in Cambodia for their next critical meeting. The video conference wasn’t a mere formality; it was a comprehensive directional meeting attended by senior police officers and representatives from several critical bodies – the National Broadcasting and…

Qin Ling, 33, a Chinese national and the husband of the woman behind the controversial Chinese-language billboard in Huai Khwang, was apprehended at Don Mueang airport on Wednesday. This unfolded as Qin Ling was a person of interest per a warrant issued in China. (Photo supplied/Wassayos Ngamkham) The uproar circles around a provocative billboard in Bangkok publicizing foreign passports for sale. This advertisement raised eyebrows and sparked debates, which eventually caught up with Qin Ling at Don Mueang airport. Remarkably, Qin Ling, 33, had already been in the Immigration Bureau’s surveillance system after Chinese authorities issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of ID card fraud, as per Pol Lt Gen Itthipol Itthisaranachai, the bureau chief. Further compounding his troubles, Qin Ling’s permit to remain within the kingdom was rescinded, and the Immigration Bureau has indicated plans to extradite him back to China, according to Pol Lt Gen Itthipol.…

The buzz in Phuket was palpable last Wednesday as the majestic Genting Dream glided into the island’s deep seaport for the very first time. Previously confined to anchoring offshore and relying on shuttle crafts, the 3,600 passenger-capacity behemoth now proudly moored directly at the port, leaving onlookers in awe. This significant event, punctuated by a picture-perfect backdrop, marked a momentous leap forward for Phuket’s ambitions in marine tourism. Brimming with excitement, local authorities swiftly conducted inspections upon the ship’s arrival at the port in Muang district. The vessel and its eager passengers cleared all checks with flying colors, with no dangerous items or diseases detected, reported Adul Chuthong, the ever-vigilant Phuket deputy governor. The Genting Dream, a titanic beauty with an internal volume of 150,695 gross tonnage, embarks on its journey from the bustling city of Singapore. This sleek and luxurious ship graces Phuket’s shores twice a month, treating passengers…

In the tranquil heart of Khon Kaen, amidst serene surroundings, the atmosphere was shattered by a tragic incident involving three American Bully dogs. These powerful canines, aged between one and three years, have thrown a peaceful village into turmoil after they viciously attacked an elderly man. Lek Seepak, a 70-year-old resident of Khor village Moo 1 in tambon Kud Khon Kaen, met a tragic end on that fateful night. Owning a knack for taking delightful evening strolls around the village, he was out and about on Wednesday night, possibly to collect money from neighbors who had bought frogs from him. Instead of his usual serene walk, Lek encountered the terrifying jaws of the American Bully dogs, owned by a nearby couple. His son, Prasert Seepak, recounts the gut-wrenching moment he received the call while away working in Chon Buri. “I was informed that my father was seriously injured and being…

Chalerm Ubumrung campaigns for the Pheu Thai Party in Ban Dung district in Udon Thani on April 27, 2023. (Photo: Chalerm Ubumrung Facebook account) Veteran politician Chalerm Ubumrung has vowed to act independently in keeping the Pheu Thai Party in check after it repeatedly refused to expel him. The Pheu Thai list-MP made the pledge after a falling-out with the party that heads the government coalition. Mr. Chalerm says he’s also had enough of the Shinawatra family, especially patriarch Thaksin. Thaksin’s daughter Paetongtarn, the Pheu Thai leader, on Wednesday deleted Mr. Chalerm from the Line group used by party MPs for sending messages that made them feel “uncomfortable”. The trouble began when Mr. Chalerm and his son, former MP Wan Ubumrung, attended a gathering hosted by a rival candidate to Pheu Thai in a Pathum Thani local election on June 30. Some Pheu Thai members accused Mr. Wan of “fraternising”…

Qin Ling, a 33-year-old Chinese national who became the center of a media storm, was arrested at Don Mueang Airport on Wednesday. The unexpected detainment unfolded against a backdrop of intrigue and controversy, as Qin Ling is the husband of Xu Na, the woman who commissioned the contentious Chinese-language billboard that had the entire Huai Khwang district buzzing. The picture-perfect arrest began to take shape when Pol Lt Gen Itthipol Itthisaranachai, the chief of the Immigration Bureau (IB), revealed that Qin Ling had been on their radar. It turned out that the Chinese authorities were after him for ID card fraud, and an arrest warrant had been issued in his name. The stakes only got higher when it was disclosed that Mr. Qin’s permit to stay in the kingdom had been revoked. “We are making arrangements for his extradition,” declared Pol Lt Gen Itthipol, hinting at a swift conveyance back…

Phuket received an enormous splash of excitement on Wednesday as the majestic Genting Dream cruise ship gracefully docked at the island’s deep seaport. This grand event marks a significant stride in the development of marine tourism on the picturesque island, generating waves of enthusiasm amongst locals and visitors alike. Adul Chuthong, the diligent deputy governor of Phuket, along with local authorities, conducted a thorough inspection of the ship upon its arrival at the deep seaport in the Muang district. Their inspection was smooth sailing, with no diseases detected among passengers and no endangered items discovered. This seamless process was a testament to the efficient and well-organized team on both ends. The Genting Dream, a colossal maritime beauty, boasts an internal volume of 150,695 gross tonnages (GT) and has the capacity to warmly welcome approximately 3,600 eager passengers. Hailing from Singapore, this vessel graces Phuket with its presence twice a month,…

Chalerm Ubumrung received a warm welcome from his supporters as he arrived in Ban Dung district, Udon Thani, on April 27, 2023, to campaign for the Pheu Thai Party. This scene, captured on his Facebook account, contrasts with the turbulence brewing within the party. Known for his fiery rhetoric, Pol Capt Chalerm Ubumrung has pledged to act independently, ensuring that the Pheu Thai Party stays in check. This determination comes after the party repeatedly refused to expel him, leading to heightened tensions. The discord originated when Pol Capt Chalerm and his son, former MP Wan Ubumrung, attended a post-local election gathering organized by a rival candidate in Pathum Thani on June 30. Since then, the situation has escalated, with Mr. Wan defecting to the coalition Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). Pol Capt Chalerm has persistently urged Pheu Thai to expel him so he can retain his MP seat upon transitioning to…

Participants in a protest organized by Amnesty Thailand took to Ratchadamnoen Avenue on February 5, calling on the government to halt the prosecution of human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) It’s been a tumultuous journey for activist and human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa, who received another four years added to his prison sentence this Thursday for lese-majeste and violations of the Computer Crime Act. According to the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), this recent ruling follows three earlier convictions, culminating in a total of 14 years behind bars, with still 10 more cases pending. Unfortunately for Arnon, the sentences for royal defamation under Section 112 of the Criminal Code run consecutively, compounding his punishment. Arnon, now 39, has been confined to Bangkok Remand Prison since his initial sentencing on September 26 last year. Despite numerous bail applications, he has remained behind bars. This Thursday’s ruling saw the…