On a bustling Friday afternoon, a tidal wave of eager homeowners flocked to the newly unveiled “Home for Thais” housing program, driving an unprecedented web traffic surge. Over 12 million hopefuls logged on to register for this innovative scheme, designed with a spotlight on affordable housing solutions for low-income individuals and fresh university graduates. Spearheaded by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the registration portal flashed open at 2 PM, only to crash shortly after under the monumental weight of nationwide interest. The launch scene was a vivid tapestry woven together at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in the heart of Bangkok. The venue was buzzing with palpable excitement as eager applicants, some having staked out their spots since the break of dawn at 5 AM, descended upon the exhibition, eagerly peeking into the future with model homes on display. This display offered a glimpse into what thousands are hoping could…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, an issue has emerged that’s shedding a harsh light on the city’s glittering surface. Bhuntin Noumjerm, a diligent and empathetic People’s Party MP, has drawn attention to a grave concern—that of foreign beggars proliferating around the busy Asok-Nana area, an area renowned for its vibrant urban life and perpetual hustle. If you’ve ever meandered through the Asok or Nana intersections, you might have caught a glimpse of a heart-wrenching spectacle. Mothers with infants wrapped tightly in their arms, seated at the base of towering BTS stations, their forlorn eyes seeking help from passersby. Noumjerm has decidedly taken a stand, pleading with the government to untangle this knotty problem that seems to thicken with each passing day. Reports and surveys from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) confirm an unsettling trend—the numbers of these foreign panhandlers…
In a small, often overlooked province in the heart of northeastern Thailand, a story unfurled that shook both the community and the monastic world alike. Picture this: a serene monastery nestled in the tranquil Muang district of Buri Ram, where peace-seekers flock in hopes of achieving enlightenment, found itself at the eye of a brewing scandal. This tale, though grim, is true, featuring a 59-year-old monk who allegedly chose to diverge from the principles he vowed to uphold by taking advantage of one of his retreat’s participants. The weekend brought a twist straight out of a mystery novel when the Be One Foundation’s determined chairwoman, Chalida Palamat, accompanied a brave 38-year-old foreign woman known only as “A” to the Nong Song Hong police precinct. Their mission was clear: to bring charges against a towering icon of supposed spiritual sanctity—the monastery itself and the monk it harbored. What prompted this unusual…
In the vibrant yet quiet town of Nakhon Phanom, a thriller akin to a blockbuster unfolded last Friday. Picture this: a resort nestled in Sri Songkhram district, where the gentle ripples of the Mekong River almost whisper secrets to anyone willing to lend an ear. It was here that border patrol police put an end to a cross-border caper worthy of the silver screen. The protagonists of our tale? An enigmatic transgender man named Orasa, aged 35, and his partner Pimchanok, a spirited 31-year-old woman. The couple, however, weren’t on an innocent weekend getaway. Instead, they were the unsuspecting stars in a real-life drama of smuggling intrigue. Arrested by vigilant authorities, the duo found their escapade curtailed when police discovered their not-so-discreet cargo — a rather hefty 320 kilograms of ketamine hidden within their seemingly ordinary Toyota Camry; its Bangkok license plates proudly shining under the tropical sun. The contraband,…
In the vibrant world of Thai music, where melodies often transcend borders, a simmering controversy has recently taken center stage. Min Kuntaphat, a celebrated singer and lauded independent artist hailing from the serene province of Maha Sarakham, has found himself tangled in a digital drama worthy of its own soundtrack. The story begins with “Soi Dao,” a song that speaks to the heart, legally owned by Min himself. Yet, in an unexpected twist, a social media influencer with an impressive following—nearly 3 million, to be precise—has allegedly claimed the tune as his own. This influencer, unknown to Min, has been cashing in on the song through various online channels for a staggering amount of time—almost a year. Min’s intention for “Soi Dao” was noble; he dreamed that anyone could use or perform the song to earn an income of their own, without the heavy hand of copyright looming over them.…
In a heart-stirring saga that gripped the nation, the tragic tale of Tangmo Nida’s untimely demise took another theatrical turn recently. The stage was set at Pibulsongkram Pier, a place now enshrined in sorrow, as a dramatic reenactment unfolded to retrace the mysterious events of February 24, 2022. This was no ordinary performance; it was an attempt at revisiting the moment when the beloved Thai actress met her unexpected fate in the Chao Phraya River. As the spotlight shone on this reenactment, it was none other than Daisak Dechjob—Tangmo’s devoted brother—who found himself embroiled in a storm of emotions. Sporting somber black attire, he walked the pier’s wooden planks with his wife and daughter, the air thick with a mix of grief and anger. In a heartfelt post on social media, Dechjob encapsulated his internal tempest: “Every time I come here, I feel sad, depressed, and full of hatred towards…
Ah, it’s quite the jubilant affair as the British Ambassador to the Land of Smiles, Mr. Mark Gooding, recently rolled out the red carpet on a series of extravagant events designed to add a little extra sparkle to the long-standing camaraderie between the UK and Thailand. These celebratory activities act as a toast to the 170th anniversary of their diplomatic tango, a testimony to the old adage: good relations age like fine wine. This diplomatic odyssey was kick-started with a rather grand soirée on the evening of January 16th. The setting was nothing short of theatrical—a swanky bash at the Postal Theatre nestled within the historic Grand Postal Building on the lively Charoen Krung Road in Bangkok’s eclectic Bang Rak district. Think vintage charm meets modern-day elegance. The embassy isn’t stopping at a single soirée. They’ve plotted an entire smorgasbord of events for what promises to be a vibrant roadshow…
In the picturesque province of Nakhon Phanom, nestled by the serene Mekong River, an unlikely duo has struck gold in the most astonishing way. A former police officer and a compassionate restaurant owner have become overnight millionaires, thanks to a stroke of lottery luck. This delightful tale begins at the lively Larb Goi Yai Lae restaurant, a popular spot among locals and visitors in Ban That Phanom, Mueang That Phanom district. The focal point of this heartwarming story is 68-year-old Bunlom, the restaurant owner known for her generous spirit and familial warmth. Only two days before the fateful draw, Khem, a familiar face to the restaurant’s regulars, found his way in for another meal. Khem, a former police officer who had fallen on hard times, had become homeless after facing serious financial troubles. Despite his struggles, he maintained a positive demeanor and a fondness for Bunlom’s establishment. Generosity led Khem…
In a scene straight out of an adventure thriller, a video has taken the internet by storm, capturing tourists attempting to board boats amid tumultuous waves on the stunning island of Koh Larn, Pattaya. As the monsoon season embraces the island with its full force, the footage, shot on a blustery Thursday, January 16, documents the gallant efforts of local staff fighting the formidable waves to guide tourists safely onto the boats. Powerful winds teamed up with roguish waves to create a spectacle, especially around hotspots like Ta Yai, Ta Waen, Thong Lang, Tien, and Sang Wan beaches. Meanwhile, elsewhere on the isle, particularly at Nual and Samae beaches, an unexpected tranquility prevailed, offering solace to those seeking a safer haven. Despite the morning of January 15 offering a serene prelude with regular tourism activities carrying on blissfully, the boisterous afternoon seas served as a humbling reminder of nature’s unpredictable…
In the shimmering heart of Southeast Asia, where history dances with the present, Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan stands as a testament to cultural fusion and spiritual heritage. Over in the vibrant town of Nakhon Si Thammarat, this ancient temple, a relic from the 13th century, is on the cusp of gaining worldwide recognition. Once a bustling center of spiritual engagement, this site is now seeking the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage status, a nod to its timeless contribution to religious and cultural dialogues in the region. Chalermchai Sri-on, the diligent Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, is the beacon steering this noble cause. As the dawn of January 21 approaches, the stage is set for the proposal to grace the Cabinet’s agenda. Apichat Sakdiset, an adviser whose keen insights have been instrumental, revealed that the wheels have been turning with the approval of the National Committee on the Convention Concerning the…