THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

In the vibrant political landscape of Thailand, whispers of anticipation fill the air as the people’s verdict unfolds, painting a picture of what lies ahead for the nation’s leadership. A recent survey by the esteemed National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) captures the pulse of the people, shedding light on the possible trajectory of Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s tenure. Conducted over three eventful days in December, this comprehensive poll drew insights from 1,310 participants, casting a wide net to understand the nation’s sentiment. The results are in, and they reveal a country poised at the brink of continuity and change. Over half of those surveyed—51.22% to be precise—express confidence that Paetongtarn will steer the ship of state through the entire calendar year. This sense of stability resonates among many, yet it’s not without its counternotes. A significant portion, 21.60%, brace themselves for a reshuffle within the cabinet, a political shuffle that might…

In an admirable display of corporate social responsibility, Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd. recently made a significant contribution to aid communities suffering from the overwhelming floods in southern Thailand. Under the leadership of Pornsuree Konanta, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, the company donated a commendable sum of 666,806 baht to the Thai Red Cross Society. This generous donation was graciously accepted by Janprapa Vichitcholchai, Deputy Director of the Fund-Raising Bureau, as part of an initiative to bolster the ongoing flood relief efforts. The relentless downpours since November 2024 have wreaked havoc across the region, particularly in the provinces of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Satun, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, leaving vast areas inundated and communities in distress. This gesture is a reflection of Chevron’s longstanding “Chevron Humankind” project, which has been actively engaging its employees in philanthropy for over a decade. The project is designed to motivate Chevron’s workforce to…

In the ever-persistent world of Thai politics, where the drama doesn’t take a back seat, the Pheu Thai Party MPs are gearing up for an intriguing decision. Scheduled for this Tuesday, they will deliberate over whether to table their own version of a charter amendment bill. This move aims to set in motion the establishment of a Charter Drafting Assembly (CDA), a fundamental step towards penning an entirely new constitution. It’s Pheu Thai list-MP and chief government whip, Wisut Chainarun, leading this initiative, claiming that this iteration varies significantly from the opposition People’s Party’s proposal. The focal point of Pheu Thai’s approach lies in its strategic avoidance of amending the sensitive Chapters 1 and 2 of the current charter. These chapters presently entrench the royal powers and touch upon issues that could ignite potential discord. By steering clear of these, the party endeavors to sidestep controversy and concentrate on modifications…

The House Committee on Police Affairs is diving headfirst into the murky waters of the “volunteer police” training program for Chinese nationals. Allegations have surfaced, sparking a whirlwind of interest, and prompting a full-scale investigation into this controversial initiative. This Thursday, the chiefs from Metropolitan Bureau Police (MBP), Metropolitan Police Division (MPD) 3, Phasi Charoen Police, along with the president of Siam University, are set to be hauled into the limelight to present evidence and clarify their roles in this unfolding drama. So, what’s got everyone’s knickers in a twist? It appears that a privately-run university is at the heart of a storm over a peculiar program where Chinese nationals allegedly handed over 38,000 baht each, ostensibly to be trained as volunteer police officers. What’s more, participants reportedly waltzed away with certificates and badges flaunting the Royal Thai Police insignia. It’s a tantalizing tale of mystery that could very well…

As we gear up for an exhilarating electoral face-off on February 1, get ready to witness some fierce political sparring in the Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) presidential elections across 47 provinces. The stage is set between three heavyweight contenders: Pheu Thai, Bhumjaithai, and the People’s Party (PP). It’s the classic storyline many love—a race to fill the shoes left by early-departing PAO presidents, and the stakes are higher than a June afternoon. The clock started ticking back on December 19, 2024, when several PAO chiefs decided to call it quits before their terms officially ended. The resulting domino effect means these elections had to be scheduled within a brisk 60-day window. And here we are, headed for a riveting match of political strategy and grassroots charm in local Thai elections—comparable to a game of chess where every move counts. Now, let’s hit rewind to December 20, 2020. That was a…

The corridors of power in Thailand are no stranger to rumors and speculation, and the latest gossip reveals a supposed shakeup in the nation’s cabinet that has piqued public interest. At the heart of these swirling narratives is the alleged ousting of Thailand’s Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, a topic that has everyone from political pundits to the everyday citizen buzzing with curiosity. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, often whispered to be the shadowy maestro behind the Pheu Thai Party’s orchestra, stepped into the limelight on a sunny Sunday afternoon to quash these rumors. Standing amidst the hustle and bustle of Chiang Rai, where political rally cries blend with everyday banter, Thaksin dismissed the notion of Pirapan’s imminent departure with the ease of swatting away a pesky mosquito. “No. We’ve talked and understood. There’s nothing [wrong] between us. I’ve known Mr. Pirapan for a long time. He has great determination and…

In the land of the enticing smile, where political whispers often become more tantalizing than a well-spiced pad thai, recent buzz in Thailand revolves around the charismatic figures of Thaksin Shinawatra and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga. With the political tapestry as colorful as the markets of Chiang Rai, the ever-engaging saga continues to unfold with speculation and intrigue at its core. The grapevine had been abuzz with speculations that Pirapan, the magician of energy prices, would be shown the door in the next cabinet reshuffle. However, Thaksin, the sage of Thailand’s political scene, dispelled these rumors with the same flair he might reserve for sealing a business deal on a sun-drenched Chiang Mai afternoon. “No,” he said, with the gravitas of a pharaoh denying an overthrow. Thaksin assured his supporters, explaining that he and Pirapan enjoyed the cordiality akin to childhood friends sharing mango sticky rice under a starry Bangkok…

As the chilly winds of January sweep across Thailand’s Samut Prakan province, schools buzz with the sound of children wrapped from head to toe in winter layers. An unusual scene unfolds against the backdrop of Thailand’s normally tropical climate. The seasonal tableau, captured strikingly in a photograph by Somchai Poomlard, depicts the region savoring an unexpectedly crisp embrace. Bangkok, the vibrant heart of Thailand, is bracing itself for a notable dip in temperatures. As dawn breaks on a new week, the mercury is expected to plummet to a brisk 15°C, according to the insightful predictions of Seree Supharathit from Rangsit University’s Centre for Climate Change and Disaster. With a knowledgeable gaze towards the heavens, he notes that these cooler days are here to linger until the blush of January 20. As the cold front makes its presence known, it nudges the temperatures in Bangkok and its surrounding locales down by…

In a captivating tale of deception and intrigue, two men from Liberia found themselves at the center of an audacious scam that left a Thai businessman ruing the loss of a hefty $90,000. This clever ruse involved swapping counterfeit banknotes for the real deal in a gold-selling scheme that could rival any crime novel. But like all good stories, it came crashing down under the ever-watchful eyes of the law. At the helm of this tale is Pol Col Pansa Amarapitak, chief of the Thong Lor police station, who orchestrated the unraveling of this intricate caper. The suspects at the heart of the story are Solomon Varney Gaddeh, 32, and Yousouf Cherif, 50. Their plot reached its zenith one fateful evening on the bustling pavements of Udomsuk Road in Bangkok’s vibrant Bang Na district. On a late Saturday night, the curtain fell on their escapades as the astute police officers…

On a bustling July morning, the streets of Bangkok were abuzz with fervor. Migrant workers, hopeful yet apprehensive, waited patiently to apply for their work permits. These hardworking individuals were caught at the center of a swirling controversy after opposition MPs recently suggested that the cost of renewing work permits for foreign migrant workers might climb to a staggering 20,000 baht. These claims were dismissed by the Labour Ministry, adding another chapter to the ongoing debate over the challenges faced by migrant laborers in Thailand. Phumphat Muanchan, a spokesperson from the Labour Ministry, clarified the numbers, asserting that renewing such permits should cost no more than 7,600 baht per person. This fee, he explained, covers a host of necessities including visa and work permit processing, a comprehensive health check-up, medical insurance, and a 1,000-baht deposit refundable at the end of a two-year contract. Despite the clarification, murmurs persisted. Many grappled…