Kittiratt Na-Ranong, chief adviser to the prime minister, took a brisk walk towards a pivotal meeting at Government House on April 2, 2024. His stride was confident, a subtle testament to the significant news that had just emerged. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) The former deputy prime minister and commerce minister, Kittiratt Na-Ranong, found himself in the spotlight again, albeit for a more favorable reason this time. On Thursday, he was acquitted by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions in a malfeasance case that had dogged him for years. The case was intricately tied to the Yingluck Shinawatra government’s sale of milled rice to Indonesia’s food procurement agency, Perum Bulog, back in 2011. Mr. Kittiratt, who now serves as the chief adviser to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, was initially indicted in 2021 following allegations by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). They believed there were sufficient grounds for malfeasance…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Phuket is determined to avoid a disastrous repeat of the severe flooding that occurred on June 30, as the island’s residents prepare for potentially heavy downpours from Saturday to Wednesday. (Photo: Achadthaya Chuenniran) All agencies on Phuket island are on high alert after weather forecasters issued a warning of possible torrential rain along the Andaman Coast, which could lead to strong winds, floods, and rough seas. Phuket’s Deputy Governor, Srattha Thongkham, circulated an urgent notice on Thursday, directing all districts and local administrative organizations to be vigilant for incoming storms that could bring significant damage to the resort island. The instruction, marked “very urgent,” emphasized the need to closely monitor conditions and keep residents informed. There are concerns that the downpours could trigger flash floods, mudslides, and landslides, with the risk of reservoirs overflowing. This proactive measure follows a warning issued by the Meteorological Department office on the Andaman coast…
Mukdawan Luengsinil, a vibrant figure in the Bhumjaithai party and MP for Nakhon Si Thammarat, finds herself at the heart of a scandal that has sent ripples through Thai politics. Accusations of vote-buying and incentivizing rally attendance have landed her in hot water, casting a shadow over her impressive campaign from last year. The turning point came recently when House Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, with a stern expression that bespoke the gravity of the situation, announced her suspension right before the weekly House meeting. The room buzzed with hushed conversations and raised eyebrows—political drama at its peak. The intrigue deepened last December when the Nakhon Si Thammarat office of the Election Commission dropped a bombshell. They disqualified Ms. Mukdawan, asserting that she had crossed ethical boundaries by offering monetary incentives for votes and to boost rally numbers—not exactly the grassroots activism one might hope for. The allegations swiftly evolved…
In a high-stakes drama fit for an action movie, authorities in Chiang Rai made a jaw-dropping discovery early Thursday morning. Tucked away in sixteen sacks inside one of three hastily abandoned pickup trucks were a staggering 3.2 million speed pills. These vehicles were deserted by smugglers who bolted after a gunfire skirmish with security officers. The incident occurred in the early hours—around 6 AM—when the border patrol police and soldiers from the Thap Chao Tak special unit of the Pha Muang task force noticed three suspicious pickup trucks navigating the Den Ha-Dong Mada road in tambon Mae Korn, Muang district. Trusting their instincts, the officers signaled for the vehicles to stop. However, rather than complying, the occupants of the trucks unleashed a barrage of gunfire, escalating the situation into an intense shootout. For a brief yet profoundly intense 10 minutes, bullets ricocheted through the air as the two sides exchanged…
In today’s fast-paced market, businesses don’t only compete against each other—they’re racing against the clock. Swift, secure, and efficient transportation has become a lifeline for all kinds of enterprises. This is especially crucial for the industrial sector, which relies on a variety of transportation methods to move general merchandise, chilled and frozen products, construction materials, petroleum, liquids, gases, and hazardous substances. However, Thailand’s transportation scene isn’t without its challenges. Common issues like road accidents caused by speeding, delayed deliveries, lost goods, fuel theft, and fraud plague the industry. Compounding these problems is the proper management and containment of contaminated materials, ensuring compliance with the Ministry of Industry’s stringent regulations. All these concerns not only hamper business operations but also impact communities negatively. LIV-24 Company Limited, a pioneer in integrated intelligent security technology, offers a ground-breaking solution with their “Vehicle Fleet Management” system. This real-time transportation tracking marvel addresses all aspects…
Immigration police officers apprehended Russian national Artem Tyshkevich in a dramatic sting operation in Bangkok on Tuesday, capturing a significant cache of assets along with the suspect. (Photo: supplied/Wassayos Ngamkham) Authorities have cracked down on what they describe as an elaborate con orchestrated by a Russian man in Thailand. This individual is accused of leading a sophisticated gang that profited immensely by supplying counterfeit passports. Earnings from this illicit operation are estimated to be at least 30 million baht, all amassed through deceiving a multitude of customers. The gang’s cunning operation included advertisements plastered across various digital platforms such as VK, Telegram, WhatsApp, and a specialized website named Passport.pro. Their pitch was tantalizingly simple: pay digitally, and in return, receive a ‘legally’ granted passport from one of 15 different nationalities. To lend an air of legitimacy to their scam, they even registered an official company within Thailand, a move that…
In Chai Badan district of Lop Buri, tension fills the air as parents and children alike flock to file grave sexual molestation complaints against a school director. This unsettling news has quickly escalated into a full-blown investigation, spearheaded by local police and education officials, all keen to uncover the truth. Alarmed by accusations that the school director sexually molested several students, authorities moved swiftly, relocating the man from his post while investigations are underway. The urgency of this action was driven home when parents of 27 students marched to the Chai Badan district police station on a Wednesday evening, their expressions a blend of anger and fear. One parent, identified only as Sanor, broke down as she recounted how her daughter’s reluctance to attend school spiraled into revelations of alleged abuse. Driven by concern, she and other parents pressed their children for answers, only to hear disturbing accounts of molestation.…
Perak Immigration Department director Meor Hexbullah Meor Abd Malik said the detainees comprised 78 women and 10 men, aged between 21 and 46. Of the detained, 64 were Thai nationals, while the others were 13 Vietnamese, four Nepalis, three Indians, three Bangladeshis and one Sri Lankan, Bernama reported on Wednesday. The scene at the bustling checkpoint in Sadao district, Songkhla province, was nothing short of electrifying. The Thai border stands approximately 300 kilometers from Ipoh, the heart of Perak state in Malaysia. In an unexpected turn of events, Malaysian immigration authorities clamped down hard, rounding up 88 foreigners – with a striking 64 of them being Thais – amidst a major crackdown on illicit activities in the heart of Ipoh city. This audacious crackdown occurred at a hotel and two entertainment hotspots on a crisp Tuesday and Wednesday. The authorities suspected these locations were purveyors of unauthorized services, adding an…
As the night fell over Phuket, the Division of Public Works staff rolled up their sleeves and got to work on a task tinged with a splash of regret and responsibility. The iconic rainbow crosswalks at the Chartered Bank Intersection, beloved during Pride Month, were being transformed back to the standard zebra crossings we all know well. (Photo: Phuket City Municipality) The jubilant colors that once radiated inclusivity and celebration were becoming a memory, thanks to an unfortunate increase in motorcycle accidents. The rainbow crosswalks, introduced for Pride Month in June, had a fatal flaw—extra width and slippery paint that turned a wet spell into a skid hazard. Deputy Mayor Prasit Sinsaowapak confirmed that these vibrant paths at the Chartered Bank Intersection would soon be replaced with conventional red-and-white zebra crossings.” Transformation of the crosswalks is no small feat. Starting from Phangnga Road, a backhoe will be used to tear…
Baker McKenzie recently hosted a captivating seminar titled “Playing by the Green Rules,” featuring a stellar lineup of speakers from Thailand’s government and a multi-disciplinary team of senior attorneys from the Firm. This dynamic event delved into the latest sustainability regulatory landscape, Thailand’s ambitious energy transition, and strategic responses for Thai businesses. It marked a milestone in the Firm’s year-long celebration of its 75th anniversary, demonstrating Baker McKenzie’s unwavering commitment to advancing sustainability in Thailand. With an impressive attendance of over 170 clients, the seminar boasted three riveting panel discussions led by a cross-functional, cross-office team of Firm partners and sustainability specialists, alongside honorary guest speakers from the government: Mr. Jatuporn Buruspat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; Dr. Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment; Mr. Petros Sourmelis, Head of Trade and Economic Section, European Union Delegation to Thailand; and Mr.…