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THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

Maurice Lacroix AIKON Skeleton Debut in Chiang Mai: Celebrating 50 Years of Timeless Elegance

Embrace the thrill and euphoria of a fresh year at the captivating launch of the AIKONNIC MOMENTS by Maurice Lacroix, among the crisp breezes of a late winter’s evening in the enchanting city of Chiang Mai. It was on the memorable night of January 16, 2025, that the esteemed Moment’s Notice Jazz Club became the epicenter of an illustrious gathering as the Swiss luxury timepiece brand, Maurice Lacroix, celebrated a landmark occasion by presenting their latest watch model for the very first time in Chiang Mai. Dedicated wholeheartedly to the aficionados and cherished customers in the north of Thailand, the event resonated with the company’s cherished philosophy—Maurice Lacroix Family—striving to treat each enthusiast as an integral part of the watchful family circle. The selection of Chiang Mai as the launch location for the newest Maurice Lacroix AIKON Skeleton, showcasing fresh and vibrant color selections along with sleek case sizes of…

Sanakham Hydropower Project Debate: Balancing Energy Needs with Ecosystem Preservation in the Mekong Delta

In the heart of Southeast Asia, along the sweeping curves of the Mekong River, a new controversy is brewing. Picture this: a bustling forum where concerned voices echo through the halls, spotlighting the proposed Sanakham hydropower project. It’s a plan to construct a run-of-river dam that has the potential to ripple through Thai communities downstream, casting a shadow over the otherwise serene Mekong. The crux of the concern lies in the 12 mighty turbines poised to disrupt the flow of this ancient river. A representative from the Mekong River Commission Secretariat (MRCS) shared startling insights: mathematical models project dramatic changes in water levels—rising by 1.2 meters and plummeting by 1.5 meters in a day’s time. That’s an astonishing 2.7 meters of fluctuation daily! Imagine the impact on local life. This ebb and flow aren’t just numbers; they threaten the natural dance of sediment that sustains the river’s ecosystem. It’s a…

Samut Prakan’s Smog Crisis: 44 Thai Provinces Suffocating Under Hazardous Air Pollution

As the first rays of dawn streaked across the bustling streets, commuters braved the early morning traffic on Srinagarindra Road in the vibrant province of Samut Prakan. Thursday morning began with a startling reality check – the air across a staggering 44 out of 77 provinces reached hazardous, asthma-inducing levels, red-flagged for health risks. The vigilant Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) had their eyes in the sky and their instruments on the ground, providing an intricate map of air quality. Their latest reports made it clear: particulate matter 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter (PM2.5), a stealthy pollutant, loomed large. In 44 provinces, the air turned a worrisome shade of red, while 27 others teetered on the brink with an orange hue, signifying an increasing health threat. Among these provinces, nineteen were shrouded in a dense cloud where PM2.5 soared into three-digit red levels. The officially sanctioned safe…

Bangkok’s Air Pollution Crisis: Political Battle Heats Up Amid Toxic Smog

Bangkok awoke this Wednesday morning to a cloak of thick smog, suffocating the city in an unwelcome embrace. As citizens coughed and cursed the invisible invader, a verbal tussle of epic proportions erupted on Thailand’s political stage. On one side, the government; on the other, opposition parties, each trading barbs over the increasingly dire microdust crisis expected to hang around until Friday. The drama began when Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, opposition leader and chief provocateur, took to Facebook with a post dripping with sarcasm. His target? Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The message was clear: “While our esteemed PM is taking deep breaths of pristine Swiss air at the World Economic Forum in Davos, millions of Thais are inhaling a toxic cocktail right here at home.” Natthaphong, who also guides the opposition People’s Party (PP), didn’t stop there. He probed whether Ms. Paetongtarn’s government had any realistic intentions—or a coherent plan—to tackle the…

Suvarnabhumi Airport Gears Up for Record 2025 Chinese New Year Traveler Surge

Picture this: a bustling Suvarnabhumi Airport, teeming with international travelers as the vibrant spirals of Chinese New Year celebrations unfurl across Thailand. As we look back on the previous year’s festivities, the excitement is palpable, with predictions of an even larger flurry of visitors to grace the tier-two cities this year. According to government announcements on a recent Wednesday, passenger numbers are set to skyrocket by a staggering 14.3% compared to last year’s figures, ramping up for a colorful spectacle throughout the nation. Leading the charge in keeping this influx smoothly orchestrated is the Department of Airport (DoA). Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri is at the helm, ensuring every airport under her watch meets the highest standards of service and safety. The quick-thinking ministry has mapped out efficient strategies to cope with the boundless energy and zest the Lunar New Year brings, ensuring everything rolls out seamlessly. Get ready to…

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Champions Thailand’s Global Economic Vision at Davos 2025

In a vibrant symphony of business acumen and global camaraderie, the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos saw Thailand strategically positioning itself on the international stage. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, with a vision as clear as the Swiss alpine air, met with high-caliber executives from global titans like Coca-Cola, Bayer, and Nestle, garnering interest in potentially lucrative ventures in Thailand. Jirayu Houngsub, the government spokesperson, painted a picture of bustling meetings where the Prime Minister engaged with some of the world’s foremost leaders at the prestigious 55th WEF held in the serene township of Davos, Switzerland. One stalwart of the corporate world who graced these meetings was none other than Stefan Oelrich, a key figure on Bayer AG’s board of management as the head of its pharmaceuticals division. Ms. Paetongtarn artfully laid out Thailand’s roadmap towards the modernization of agriculture and public healthcare. With a forward-thinking mindset, she highlighted avenues…

Sanakham Hydropower Project Controversy: Balancing Energy Needs and Ecosystem Impact on Thai Communities

In a spirited debate over the Sanakham hydropower project—a run-of-river dam—concerns bubbled up like a geyser at a recent forum. Its potential impact on Thai communities downstream is about as welcome as a flat tire in a marathon. Participants worried that this colossal undertaking could wreak havoc on local ecosystems and communities nestled along the Mekong River. At the heart of the controversy are the dam’s 12 turbines, which have been predicted to send the water levels on a rollercoaster ride of 1.2 meters up and 1.5 meters down. That’s right—a staggering 2.7 meters of daily fluctuation! This isn’t just a mathematical model’s way of flexing its computational muscles; these projections were presented by the Mekong River Commission Secretariat (MRCS) to highlight the volatility impact on the downstream areas. The ramifications of such fluctuations are serious. They threaten the natural sediment accumulation process crucial to the Mekong, putting at risk…

Thailand’s Thriving Port Future: Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri Unveils PAT’s Ambitious Expansion Plans

In an invigorating stride toward progress, the cabinet has waved the green flag for the new Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) bill, an exciting development that grants PAT the ability to establish subsidiaries as part of its ambitious port development agenda. This exhilarating announcement was made by none other than Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri yesterday, setting the stage for what promises to be a transformative era for Thailand’s ports. The newly minted bill marks a substantial amendment to the venerable PAT Act of 1951, thus empowering the PAT to engage in a variety of activities that align seamlessly with its overarching objectives. Minister Manaporn, with a hint of anticipation, described this legislative shift as a key enabler for PAT to dive into the creation of limited or public limited companies, whether on home soil or internationally. These efforts, she emphasized, mesh brilliantly with the Ministry of Transport’s mission to…

Thailand’s Aging Population 2030: Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin’s Call for Innovative Elder Care Solutions

In the midst of a rapidly evolving demographic landscape, the spotlight is firmly on the vibrant yet intricate tapestry of Thailand’s aging population. As the calendar flips to the year 2030, the echoes of an urgent call to action reverberate through the nation’s halls of policy and healthcare. Imagining a future where the elderly do not merely exist but thrive, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin unleashed a cascade of ideas at the prestigious 5th Thailand Elderly Health Service Forum in Nonthaburi, painting a vivid portrait of hope, challenge, and innovation. Buoyed by the energy of over a thousand attendees—an eclectic mix of health officials, academics, and visionaries—the forum became a melting pot of ideas tackling the conundrums poised by Thailand’s aging populace. In a nation where 21% of the individuals, equating to a significant 14 million people, proudly wear the crown of elderhood, the country is indeed undergoing a paradigm…

Bangkok Port Revamp: Suriya Jungrungreangkit’s Green Innovation Partnership with Yokohama

What happens when a forward-thinking transport minister and the bustling Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) join forces with the dynamic City of Yokohama in Japan? Well, the answer is a promising collaboration aimed at transforming port infrastructure into a beacon of green innovation and economic prowess. That’s precisely what unfolded recently as the Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, exchanged warm smiles and gifts over the signing of an agreement that marks a significant leap in the development of ports between these two regions. Celebrating a decade of camaraderie, the PAT and Yokohama have taken their relationship to new heights. Deputy Prime Minister Suriya proudly announced that this agreement is more than just ink on paper—it’s a commitment to revolutionize Bangkok Port into a haven for sustainability and a bustling community nexus. In an age where environmental responsibility is paramount, such initiatives aren’t merely lofty aspirations; they’re essential transformations the world eagerly…