THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

Amidst the lush, green expanse of Phu Soi Dao National Park in Uttaradit, soldiers and rescuers forged ahead on a winding trail. On that crucial Sunday, hope and determination fueled their steps as they scoured the landscape in search of the missing tourist, Thanwarich Mateema. (Photo: Pha Muang Force Facebook account) Dedicated park rangers, soldiers, police, and volunteers banded together with relentless resolve, sweeping the park’s vast terrains. Their mission: to locate Thanwarich, who mysteriously vanished from the Nam Pad district last week. Despite torrential rains drenching the region on Monday, the brave souls pressed on, their eyes peeled for any sign of the 27-year-old adventurer. Their relentless effort yielded a few chilling clues. A lonely backpack and a pair of shoes were discovered, carelessly discarded on a steep trail. These abandoned items seemed to whisper the tale of Thanwarich’s solo trek into the park’s enigmatic depths. A spine-chilling reminder…

On a vibrant 4th of July, amidst enthusiastic applause, Southeast Asia’s dynamic petrochemical giant IRPC and the globally acclaimed material science virtuoso, Milliken & Company, took the stage to unveil groundbreaking new grades of polypropylene (PP) resin. These innovative resins proudly bear the prestigious UL Environmental Claim Validation label, symbolizing a significant leap towards sustainable production. This unveiling was the culmination of IRPC’s collaboration with Milliken, utilizing their cutting-edge additives to birth the Polimaxx clarified PP resin grades. Remarkably, these new grades consume 10% less energy on average during the moulding process—a noteworthy saving rippling through the entire plastics value chain. Vincent Wang, Commercial Director of Plastics Additives at Milliken, shared the excitement, “Millad NX 8000, our avant-garde clarifying additive, is the game-changer here. It significantly reduces conversion temperatures during the PP injection-moulding process. This not only slashes the energy used but also minimizes CO₂ emissions during production.” By integrating…

The lively online meeting on Monday saw Chiang Mai’s governor, Nirat Phongsittithaworn, excitedly engaging with Governor Kim Young-hwan of South Korea’s Chungcheongbuk province. It was more than just a diplomatic exchange; it was the beginning of a promising partnership set to be formalized in September. The big announcement? An MoU to support Thais eager to study or work in South Korea, aiming to boost economic cooperation and strengthen the bond between the two nations. In the virtual discussion, Governor Kim was visibly enthusiastic about the upcoming agreement. He confirmed that Chungcheongbuk province was all set to sign the MoU with Chiang Mai. The preparation phase includes a working group assembling representatives from South Korean universities to participate in the discussions and ultimately seal the deal on September 26. The benefits of this MoU are manifold. Firstly, it promises to enhance educational opportunities and stimulate travel between the two countries. Governor…

The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) played host to an evocative and thought-provoking event titled “Refugee Voices from Southeast Asia: Commemorating Refugee Day” on June 26, 2024. This significant gathering was the result of a collaborative effort involving key players such as the Centre on Gender and Forced Displacement (CGFD)/Gender and Development Studies at AIT, Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS), and Asylum Access, Thailand (AAT). The workshop threw light on the escalating number of individuals experiencing forced displacement worldwide. Several contributing factors were examined, such as natural disasters, climate change, environmental degradation, and development-induced displacement. Adding to this turmoil are resource crises, persecution, and conflicts. Delving into the intricacies of the international refugee system, the event scrutinized its efficacy in handling large-scale displacements, emerging migration trends, prolonged conflicts, and the pervading issue of chronic homelessness. Central to the discussions was a deep dive into contemporary refugee policies, scrutinized through the vivid…

The year 2025 promises more than just a turn of the calendar for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF); it marks a pivotal moment with serious upgrades in their aviation arsenal. A significant portion of the 2025 budget bill is earmarked for the acquisition of a new VIP aircraft, set to cost a hefty 12 billion baht, along with two mid-sized helicopters tallying up to 3.3 billion baht. The budget allocation is poised to enhance the RTAF’s operational capabilities, especially in scenarios involving VIP transport and emergency services. Currently, the Airbus A340-500, a venerable workhorse of the fleet, serves as the key transport aircraft under the RTAF’s operations. However, Air Force Commander-in-Chief ACM Punpakdee Pattanakul confirmed that the Airbus A340 is due for retirement in 2029. The new VIP aircraft, thus, represents not just an upgrade but a necessary replacement to ensure the continuity of critical aviation services. Thailand’s strategic…

In the verdant, rugged landscape of Mae Chan district in Chiang Rai, a soldier from the Pha Muang Force stands vigilant, gazing at a stash of methamphetamine pills packed meticulously in plastic bags. These contraband items, hastily abandoned by fleeing smugglers, tell a tale of shadows and subterfuge. It’s reminiscent of a modern-day thriller scene, teeming with suspense and high stakes, but for the Pha Muang Force, it’s all too real. (Photo: Pha Muang Force Facebook account) The heart-pounding drama unfolding on the northern border of Thailand is more than mere fiction; it’s a critical mission in a turbulent region. According to Col Meechai Nillasart, the dynamic deputy commander of the Pha Muang Force, armed ethnic groups dominating the area are ramping up their production of illicit drugs. Their aim? To funnel funds into their fight against Myanmar’s oppressive regime. Picture this: rebels striving to overpower the forces of a…

Imagine waking up to the symphony of the waves, with the limestone cliffs of Ao Nang, Krabi serving as your majestic morning curtain. Picture yourself in a sanctuary that seamlessly blends luxury with nature, where every detail is meticulously curated to complement your sophisticated taste. Botanica Luxury Villas, a stalwart in high-end living, has teamed up with Siam Real Estate to create this dream in Thailand’s coastal paradise, and the excitement is palpable. The upcoming project is set to redefine opulence in Ao Nang, a locale revered for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and impressive limestone formations. With a portfolio that speaks volumes about excellence and innovation, Botanica Luxury Villas aims to offer more than just a residence—it’s crafting an experience. Leveraging Siam Real Estate’s extensive market expertise, this collaboration promises a synergetic marvel. But what makes this venture truly special? It’s the shared vision of Botanica Luxury Villas and…

In a surprising twist worthy of a detective novel, Marine Police chief Pol Maj Gen Pritthipong Nuchanat has been reassigned to an inactive post amid unfolding mysteries and high-seas drama. This move clears the stage for a deep-dive investigation into the enigmatic vanishing act of three boats and their illicit cargo of smuggled oil just last month. Insider whispers revealed on Monday that Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, the astute commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, inked the transfer papers on Friday. This strategic maneuver not only shuffled Pol Maj Gen Pritthipong to the calmer waters of the CIB operation center but also positioned Pol Col Pornsak Laorujiralai, a sharp-minded deputy commander from the Crime Suppression Division, at the helm of the Marine Police. The backdrop of this maritime mystery dates back to mid-June when three boats carrying smuggled oil made a Houdini-like escape from a Marine Police pier in…

Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) is throwing a bash like no other to mark the 20th anniversary of the MRT Blue Line. Join BEM, along with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), CH. Karnchang Public Company Limited, and Bangkok Metro Networks Limited (BMN) at the grand event, “BEM CARE 2024…Say Goodbye to Office Syndrome,” from July 11-13, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, at the MRT Chatuchak Park Station. The goal? To transform the dreaded office syndrome into something fun and healthy! Overflowing with quirky activities, eye-opening workshops, and a trove of expert advice, this health fair promises to make wellness an everyday joy for working professionals. Featuring everything from enlightening talks to exhilarating exercise sessions and mouth-watering healthy food, it’s your one-stop solution for all things health-related. Feeling the strain? Unwind…

In the heart of Sob Moei, indigenous communities gather, united by a single purpose: protecting the venerable Salween River from the ravages of destructive dam projects. Their resolve is palpable as they engage in a solemn ceremony to ward off the drastic changes that such constructions threaten to bring. This touching moment is captured perfectly in the photograph by Pianporn Deetes, showcasing the deep connection these communities have with their natural surroundings. The concerns are not merely emotional but backed by scientific evidence and expert opinion. Apinan Suwannarak, a fisheries biologist at Maejo University, voiced his alarm this past Sunday. He discussed the looming threat posed by the Nam Yuam Dam project. This project, which seeks to divert a staggering 1.8 billion cubic metres of water from the Salween River basin along the Thai-Myanmar border to the Ping River deeper within Thailand, could be a calamity for the local ecosystem.…