THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

In the heart of Thailand, a beacon of hope emerged with the rhythmic clatter of sewing machines and a rainbow of fabric scraps. The industrious hands at UOB Thailand were engaged in more than just banking; they were fashioning a better future for the tiniest citizens of their country. Amidst the hustle and bustle, a movement coined ‘Waste to Wonder’ sprang to life, proving that where some saw refuse, these visionaries saw resourcefulness. Imagine this: not thousands, but nearly 5,000 pieces of old, worn branch apparel, each carrying the stories and experiences of their wearers, now ready to embark on a new journey. Under the guidance of Ms. Piyaporn Ratanaprasartporn, the dynamic Executive Director and Country Head of Channels and Digitalization at UOB Thailand, these garments began an extraordinary transformation. They were to become 500 unique lifestyle products, each stitched with purpose and dedication. There’s something inherently captivating about alchemy,…

The enthralling world of Thai politics takes us on yet another rollercoaster, this time honing in on the notorious former prime minister, Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra. Hold onto your seats, folks, because the drama unfolding is nothing short of a political soap opera. We have Mr. Thaksin, once a towering political figure, now a guest—albeit a reluctant one—in the opulent confines of the Police General Hospital, grappling with what some might call a ‘luxury imprisonment’. Just when you thought the plot couldn’t thicken any further, in swoops the House committee on police affairs, wielding promises of a visit to the embattled ex-premier in early January—news dropped by none other than the committee chairman Chaichana Detdacho with an air of mystery and intrigue. Questions swarm like bees around a hive: Is Thaksin genuinely ill, or is this a ruse of political chess orchestrated by the Department of Corrections? Our protagonist has been…

It was an electrifying day in Bangkok as the city buzzed with the news of a major sting operation. The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), in an impressive display of investigative prowess, cracked down on an extensive e-cigarette emporium that had been masquerading as a puff of virtual smoke on social media. The mastermind behind the veiled vapor empire? A nimble network presiding over the clandestine ‘Iqos Thailand FanClub’ on Facebook, hawking their high-tech wares in the ever-evolving marketplace of the mighty internet. With the precision of a hawk swooping down on its prey, the CPPD raided not one, but two lairs of this nicotine knight. The first—a high-rise condominium skirting the skyline in Bang Kho Laem district, and the second—a seemingly innocuous domicile nestled in the tranquil suburban sprawl of Nawamin Soi 42 in Bueng Kum district. These were no ordinary residences; they were the pulsing heart of a…

Welcome to a world where healthcare isn’t just a right, but a realm of respect for the LGBTQ+ community’s journeys to self-fulfillment. We’re diving into the vibrant heart of inclusivity where gender-affirming surgery (GAS) transcends the typical medical coverage debate. Thanks to the cosmic stewardship of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), Dr. Jadet Thammathataree unravels the tapestry of Thailand’s healthcare system to grace us with knowledge. Let’s bust a myth right away: under the golden shimmer of the universal healthcare scheme – affectionately tagged as the ‘gold card’ – lies not just your run-of-the-mill health provisions. Amidst a sea of insurance clauses that swat away cosmetic quests, GAS stands tall. It’s akin to a beacon of hope for those diagnosed with the tempestuous waves of gender dysphoria by the vigilant eyes of a psychiatrist. Why this beacon, you ask? Because the NHSO has drawn a clear line in the…

In the tranquil town of Khon Kaen, Somluck Kamsing – an Olympic hero whose fists once danced to the tune of victory – found himself in a tangled bout with the law. Under the gilded night sky, he made his way to the police station, his footsteps echoing with a mix of dread and resolve. It was Wednesday night, a time usually associated with midweek rest, but for Somluck, it marked the start of a harrowing ordeal. Clad in the weight of the four serious charges upon his shoulders, the 50-year-old former pugilist faced accusations that shook the very core of his honor. From the depths of 12:30 am, a scene unfolded that would ripple through the once-still waters of public consciousness. Accompanied by a reassuring presence of family and loyal companion, Somluck would trade his gloves for a moment in the glaring spotlight of controversy. It was attempted rape,…

It’s a bustling December, with the hum of anticipation in the air as the Social Security Board elections loom just around the festive corner. Candidates are not just lining up; they’re promising grand visions for a happier retirement for Thailand’s seniors. As over 800,000 registered workers gear up to cast their votes on December 24th, there’s a unified refrain echoing from hopeful board members – “Uplift pensions and crystal-clear transparency!” Cutting through the sea of 240 hopefuls vying for 14 coveted spots on the board—which is neatly split with seven seats for employers’ representatives and seven for the workers—it’s a veritable smorgasbord of ideas and strategies. These and more were on display at a seminar that screamed of synergy, organized by none other than the prestigious Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies and the Thai Labour Museum Foundation. The chatter is clear: the current pension cap of 3,000 baht per…

The City of Angels finds itself shrouded in an invisible cloak of fine particulate matter, as minute as 2.5 microns—aka PM2.5—casting a shadow over the vivacity of Bangkok and thirty other provinces. This microscopic marauder turned many a sky a worrying shade of gray, with Samut Songkhram being the most engulfed, hitting a high note of 84.1 microgrammes per cubic meter at the break of dawn. That’s a whopping leap over the 50µg/m³ safety net! Alarmingly, it’s not just a concern for the far flung; even the bustling boulevards of Bangkok are bathed in hues of orange, indicating an unhealthy air quality for its denizens. Specific districts, like Phra Khanong and Don Muang, top the charts with the dubious distinction of possessing the highest concentrations of these fine, ferocious flecks of dust. It’s not just the present that’s painted in tawny tones, but also the forecast. Gistda’s Check Foon app,…

Did you hear about the scandalous turn of events that rocked the courtroom? Prinn Panitchpakdi, ex-deputy leader of Thailand’s Democrat Party, found himself entangled in legal battles that would put a telenovela to shame. Once a name associated with political promise, Prinn has since been making headlines for reasons politicians usually hope to avoid. But in a twist fit for a Hollywood drama, he was acquitted in a perplexing case riddled with legal technicalities. Let’s set the stage: it was April 25, 2018, a day just like any other, except for a young girl whose life intersected with that of Mr. Prinn in the most controversial way. According to allegations, while meandering through the bustling streets of Bangkok’s Din Daeng district, within the confines of a van, decorum was purportedly tossed out the window. The claim was as follows: Mr. Prinn, who might have been debating socio-economic policies just moments…

Hold onto your hats, travel enthusiasts and infrastructure aficionados! The much-anticipated Nong Khai-Vientiane stretch of the Thai-China high-speed railway is on track to revolutionize the way we zip between Thailand and Laos. This isn’t just any rail project; we’re talking about a state-of-the-art experience set to be ready for boarding in 2028, as announced by Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote, the man with his hand on the throttle of progress. Here’s the inside scoop: This speed-demon of a project is powering through plans, with the committee laser-focused on fast-tracking the 7.3-kilometre section that’s set to become the ultimate blend of speed and comfort. They’re not skimping on the budget either – three billion baht is headed straight into making this vision a reality. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is currently slicing through the red tape, commissioning a feasibility study faster than a locomotive. But it’s not all full steam…

Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, and witness a tale of intrigue and denial as grand as any Shakespearean drama, flourishing from the halls of Thailand’s legal theatres straight into the public eye. It’s the story of Senator Upakit Pachariyangkun, his rendezvous with the gavel, and how he stands resolute in the teeth of a legal typhoon. Like a well-scripted thriller, the narrative unfolds with an accuser’s finger pointed squarely at our protagonist—the State’s prosecutors. They strode into the scene with a lawsuit in tow, lodging it firmly at the doorstep of the Criminal Court. The rap sheet? A buffet of allegations savory enough for any crime connoisseur: collusion in money laundering, aiding a global network of ne’er-do-wells, and a savory side dish of drug-trade facilitation. But who, pray tell, dragged Senator Upakit into this mire? Enter the villain of our saga (or victim, depending on where your sentiments lie),…