In a surprising twist, the Defence Ministry is contemplating an intriguing proposal by the chief of the Territorial Defence Command (TDC) that could transform the conscription landscape by allowing men to pay for an exemption. These funds would be dedicated to supporting soldiers. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai revealed that the proposition put forth by TDC chief Lt Gen Taweepool Rimsakorn was more of a personal musing than an official decree. The ministry was seeking out-of-the-box ideas to shift from the traditional conscription model to a more appealing voluntary enlistment system. However, Mr. Phumtham expressed concerns that such a measure might disproportionately favor the affluent, stirring the pot of social disparity. While the ultimate goal is to transition to a voluntary enlistment system, Mr. Phumtham emphasized that the military’s readiness hinges on maintaining adequate personnel levels. The idea was spotlighted by Lt Gen Taweepool who painted a picture of uncertainty as…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
The digital age has opened doors to remarkable opportunities for cross-border collaborations, and right at the epicenter of this new era stands Umesh Pandey, an ambitious Thai trade representative. With a vision as broad as a rainbow over the Chao Phraya, Pandey is engineering a revolutionary plan to knit closer ties between Thailand and India’s jewel in the crown, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay). His social media announcement is already causing ripples the size of a wedding brawl on a Thai beach. In a Facebook post that resonated like Bangkok’s vibrant night markets, Pandey expressed his glee about kickstarting a collaboration that promises to be as intricate and rewarding as a traditional Thai silk garment. “It gives me immense pleasure to announce the initiation of collaboration between Thailand and one of India’s leading higher education institutions – Indian Institute of Technology Bombay,” he shared, likely with an…
In today’s digital world, a growing shadow looms large over our society’s most vulnerable—our children. Recent alarming reports have sounded the alarm, urging parents to vigilantly monitor their children’s online activities as cybercrimes and cases of online sexual exploitation soar at a staggering rate. As highlighted by Pol Maj Gen Siriwat Deephor, deputy spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police (RTP), no less than 346 cases of online sexual abuse involving children were reported last year. Tragically, these victims are predominantly girls aged 8 to 14, though teenagers aged 15 to 17 and even young boys are not immune from such deviant violations. Lured with enticing offers of money, gaming treasures, or promises of fabulous careers like modeling gigs, these predators weave a web of deception that is difficult for young minds to unravel. Pol Maj Gen Siriwat stresses the urgent need for parents to have open dialogues with their children…
Buckle up, folks! The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has painted a chilly picture for Thailand’s weather canvas today. It’s time to dig out those woolly sweaters and snug scarves as an icy breeze sweeps across the land, causing a notable dip in temperatures alongside gusty winds. As if that wasn’t enough excitement, Mother Nature isn’t pulling any punches, with eight provinces forecast to endure a thorough soaking from heavy rains and boisterous monsoons. So, if sea waves crashing up to 4 meters high at your feet isn’t your cup of tea, it might be wise to heed the safety advisories. What’s the big chill about? Well, over the next 24 hours, a significant temperature plunge is set to make its mark across the upper parts of Thailand, all the way to the upper south. The northeastern terrain, already prepping its coats, is bracing for a thermometer freefall of 3 to…
In a dramatic crackdown, Thailand’s Cyber Crime Suppression Division launched a successful raid on Thursday, January 9, in the bustling Bueng Kum district of Bangkok, dismantling an intricate SMS scam operation. This police operation, akin to a high-stakes thriller, unveiled a sophisticated scheme that revolved around a sinister piece of technology known as a False Base Station. The efforts of law enforcement led to the arrest of two Chinese nationals, 49-year-old Li Chuyuan and 47-year-old Zhu Xiangwu, marking a significant bust in the war against cybercrime. The discovery was more dramatic than any crime series finale. Among the seized items were the notorious False Base Station, 11 mobile phones, over 30 SIM cards, a collection of bank account books, and various ATM cards. This audacious duo was allegedly masterminding an SMS scam, sending out misleading messages filled with dangerous links designed to empty people’s pockets. Their preferred targets were bustling…
In the picturesque town of Suphan Buri, where tales of community camaraderie often make headlines, two admirable officers from the local police department have garnered commendations for their kind-hearted gesture that shone a light on the human side of law enforcement. This heartwarming story involves two patrol officers who went beyond the call of duty to assist a resident found in a less-than-ideal state due to overindulgence, a scenario that millions can chuckle at and relate to. The events transpired on a cool evening, buzzing with the typical vibrancy of central Thailand. Our protagonists, Police Lance Corporals Phat Auncharoen and Isarawut Wanglaklang, were out and about, patrolling the serene lanes of Suphan Buri, ensuring the safety and order that such routines demand. As they navigated through their beat, the officers encountered a particularly insistent and somewhat soused individual who beseeched them with an unusual plea: “Could you procure some spicy…
Prepare to be amazed as Pattaya transforms into a prehistoric wonderland! The Pattaya Dinosaur Kingdom is joining forces with Pattaya City to celebrate National Children’s Day in a truly epic fashion. King Taksin Monument Plaza, located right in front of the dazzling Pattaya City Hall, is set to become a realm where colossal dinosaurs roam once again. Imagine being greeted by life-sized, animatronic giants that not only walk and roar but do so with jaw-dropping realism. The spotlight shines on the magnificent 9-meter Shunosaurus, a marvel of technology and imagination. Equipped with cutting-edge interactive features, it is not just a display; it’s an adventure waiting to happen. Kids have the chance to delve into this dino dimension up close, forging memories they’ll cherish forever. Oh, and did we mention the icing on the cake? Free passes to the Pattaya Dinosaur Kingdom will be handed out to the lucky little attendees.…
In the early dawn hours of Saturday, a devastating fire tore through a bustling commercial building in the Muang district of Suphan Buri province, leaving behind a trail of tragedy. The blaze claimed the lives of a family of four, their dreams and hopes consumed by the merciless flames. As the sun struggled to rise, casting a somber light over Nang Pim Road, the magnitude of the loss began to dawn on the local community. It was approximately 5 a.m. when the first call pierced the silence of the night, alerting the authorities to the inferno rapidly engulfing the four-storey structure. The fire engines, with their sirens wailing, raced through the streets, heroes in red trying to beat the clock. Crews from the Muang Suphan Buri Municipality battled the fiery beast for two grueling hours, their every effort challenged by the building’s interior filled with highly flammable stocks. Hardware, construction…
The conclusion of 2024 left many scratching their heads, contemplating the effectiveness of the government after more than 100 days in office. The Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration, composed of 35 members, was inaugurated on September 4, 2023, following the King’s endorsement. This government marks the second administration led by the Pheu Thai Party since the 2023 general election. This government followed the dismissal of Srettha Thavisin’s cabinet after the Constitutional Court found him guilty of a serious ethical breach for appointing ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a cabinet minister. Paetongtarn emerged as one of two potential prime ministerial candidates from the Pheu Thai Party. Initially, Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former attorney general, seemed like a more promising candidate to be presented to parliament. However, within a day, Chaikasem’s candidacy was dismissed after an internal Pheu Thai meeting, with Paetongtarn, the young daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, chosen to step into the…
In a case that feels plucked straight from a thrilling crime novel, the pristine sands of Phuket were disturbed by the arrest of a cunning ex-inmate who took deception to new heights. This 36-year-old swindler, Pratya, weaves his way right into the social fabric to commit a grandiose stunt of fraud, impersonating none other than a prominent politician. And the price of this audacious act? A mind-boggling loss of 22 million baht for a savvy Pathum Thani businesswoman. Picture this: A shrewd businesswoman who navigates the bustling world of office supplies and equipment, finds herself ensnared in an elaborate cryptocurrency ruse. She’s drawn in by the lure of a lucrative investment opportunity, dangled enticingly by a gang member slipping into the guise of influence and power. But the dream investment soon crumbles into ashes, draining her of millions and leaving her to face the bitter taste of betrayal. Meanwhile, the…