In the heart of Thailand’s bustling capital, there’s more than just the spicy aroma of street food and the chattering charm of tuk-tuks that fill the air—there’s a political breeze whirling through the hallowed corridors of power. Picture this: Thailand’s Defence Minister, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, is on a mission. A mission to untangle the intricate web of military-operated businesses that have stretched their roots across the country’s economic terrain for decades. Still reeling from Wednesday’s strategic tête-à-tête, Minister Phumtham had a front-row seat at a special House committee meeting focused on the reallocation of military-held enterprises. The committee’s study seeks not only to shine a spotlight on these intriguing operations but also to strategize their pivot into civilian hands. With a confident nod, Mr. Phumtham assured eager ears that the government is revving up to draft the necessary legal amendments with the fastidiousness of a Formula 1 pit crew. Joining…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
As the clock struck midnight on Christmas, Suvarnabhumi Airport took on a whole new level of festive cheer, with a delightful surprise that left passengers grinning from ear to ear. Imagine touching down after a long flight, only to find the baggage claim carousels adorned with the cutest of companions: teddy bears! (Photo courtesy of Suvarnabhumi Airport) In a delightful twist of holiday magic, the airport’s grand halls resonated with laughter and camera clicks as travelers discovered teddy bears waiting alongside their luggage. This heartwarming gesture, organized by the ever-innovative airport team, was a special Christmas gift for everyone, ensuring that the essence of the holiday season filled the air and left travelers with more than just baggage to claim. On the eve of Christmas, in an orchestrated event worthy of a Santa’s elves’ logistics plan, airport general manager Kittipong Kittikachorn and Kittipol Ruayfuphan, the charismatic deputy spokesperson for the…
As the first rays of dawn stretched across the Bangkok sky, casting a golden hue over the majestic Democracy Monument, political winds were also set to shift in the corridors of power. This serene image, captured beautifully in a file photo by the Bangkok Post, stands in stark contrast to the bustling energy and frenetic activity preparing to unfold inside Thailand’s parliament. In a significant announcement, parliament president Wan Muhamad Noor Matha revealed that a series of charter amendment bills are poised to take center stage for scrutiny come mid-January. These proposals, numbering seventeen in total, aim to dissect and revise the 2017 constitution in a painstaking section-by-section manner. At the heart of these legislative efforts is an ambitious bill backed by the opposing People’s Party, aimed squarely at amending Section 256. The objective? To clear the path for establishing a charter-drafting assembly (CDA), a move seen by many as…
In a lively display of organizational prowess, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took to Instagram to share a snapshot of her desk at Government House. Her post flaunted neatly piled stacks of files, illustrating the diligent groundwork laid for the year 2024 and tantalizing hints of preparations for 2025. The picture radiated the fresh energy poised to carry into the new year. In concert with this visual momentum, the eagerly awaited fourth and final phase of the “treatment anywhere” 30-baht universal healthcare scheme prepares to sweep across the last 31 provinces of Thailand, beginning on January 1. As the stroke of midnight heralds the new year, digitalised medical services are set to blossom, trimming down the lengthy waits that have long beleaguered patients at hospitals. At the helm of this momentous launch, Prime Minister Paetongtarn was flanked by Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong and Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin on a…
The corridors of power are often abuzz with speculation, and the case of Mr. Kittiratt Na-Ranong is no exception. On a Wednesday not too long ago, the Council of State—the esteemed legal consultant to the government—stepped into the limelight, denying swirling rumors that it had deemed Mr. Kittiratt unqualified to take on the prestigious role of Bank of Thailand (BoT) board chairman. Pakorn Nilprapunt, the Council’s diligent secretary-general, made it clear that a decision about Mr. Kittiratt’s credentials had not yet been reached, promising that the topic would soon grace the Council’s agenda. The issue at hand was handed over to the Council by the Finance Ministry’s Fiscal Policy Office, as they navigated a maze of legal technicalities concerning the prerequisites for a BoT board chairman. Mr. Kittiratt, who formerly donned the hat of commerce minister, was seen by many as a front-runner to step into the shoes of the…
Get ready to set those alarms and highlight your planners because Mahidol University International College (MUIC) is shaking things up with the announcement of their upcoming student intake periods. If you’re a student from a Thai school, your big day is set for April 2025. Meanwhile, international school students can gear up for September 2025. So, when can you dive into this ocean of opportunities? Pencil in the dates: January 7 to January 20, 2025. That’s when the application period swings open for both groups, giving you the chance to become part of the MUIC community. MUIC offers a buffet of 17 sensational major programs that span across various fields—be it the realms of science, the beauty of art, the dynamism of business, the excitement of tourism and hospitality, or the intriguing studies of language, culture, and international relations. English is your trusty guide through this academic adventure, as it’s…
In the ever-intriguing world of Thai politics, where power meets procedure and bureaucracy inches along at its own pace, the Defence Ministry is stepping into the spotlight with a saga that could captivate the attention of those who appreciate the drama of institutional affairs. Like the unsung hero in a legal thriller, Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai strides confidently onto the stage, ready to address the complexities involved in the proposed transfer of businesses once under the stewardship of the Thai armed forces. During a high-stakes meeting with a special House committee, tasked with examining this very transfer, Mr. Phumtham took center stage on Wednesday. Armed with his resolve and a commitment to transparency, he acknowledged that the journey ahead involves navigating the labyrinth of legal amendments. Much like a chess grandmaster anticipating every possible move, he assured the committee that the government would not only expedite the necessary processes but…
Exciting news for pet lovers in Bangkok! Beginning January 4, your furry friends can tag along on a train journey, thanks to the State Railway of Thailand’s (SRT) Red Line train service going pet-friendly on weekends. Yes, you heard that right! In a delightful New Year’s gift to the city’s animal aficionados, the rail service is collaborating with Nida Poll to make this a reality. This innovative approach is setting a new precedent in commuter services as each train will have one carriage designated exclusively for pet owners and their beloved pets. Now imagine yourself with your adorable pooch or purring feline by your side as the train whisks you away—making traveling around the weekend not just convenient but also a lot more fun! However, before you start packing treats and toys, let’s delve into some of the important guidelines laid out for this pet-friendly service. Firstly, it’s open strictly…
When Mother Nature decides to throw a rain party, it’s up to heroes like Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to make sure everyone sticks to the dress code—umbrellas and raincoats, of course! Anticipating a dramatic downpour to hit southern Thailand over the coming days, Mr. Phumtham, who presides over the Centre for Flood, Storm, and Landslide Relief, has gathered his weather warriors to brace for the tempestuous theatrics of a cold front determined to make headlines at the year’s end. The show is expected to be less of a deluge compared to previous spectacles, but key players like Nakhon Si Thammarat, Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Phangnga are still waiting for their curtain call. The Hua Sai district of Nakhon Si Thammarat anticipates applause-worthy rainfall exceeding 90 millimeters starting tomorrow. As the calendar pages flip to the end of the year, the rainfall ensemble is predicted to migrate southwards toward Songkhla, Phatthalung,…
In a call for vigilance, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin implored the public yesterday to report any unscrupulous medical outlets that issue medical certificates to migrant workers without conducting proper health checks. This plea comes amidst swirling media reports highlighting the malpractice, especially given the surge in demand for such certificates due to the increased influx of migrant workers seeking work permits. “Let us know about these violations, and we’ll ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” Minister Somsak asserted when questioned about these illicit activities. He warned that such negligence could incite a disease outbreak, potentially overwhelming the nation’s healthcare system. Enumerating the potential dangers, he stressed that while it’s impractical for health authorities to inspect every medial outlet—which are scattered across various locales—the ministry believes empowering citizens to report observed misconduct could be more effective. Concerns over the health checks conducted on migrant workers have intensified following two…