As a traveler steps off a plane at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok, a diligent health worker checks their temperature, eyes scanning for any signs of illness. This scene isn’t just an ordinary measure; it’s part of a critical advisory recently emphasized due to alarming reports. People arriving from Central or South America should be on high alert and consult a doctor if they experience high fever, aches, and chills. This urgency comes in the wake of the world’s first fatalities from oropouche fever, a disease endemic to these regions. Opas Karnkawinpong, the health permanent secretary, issued this crucial advice on Wednesday. Brazil, on July 25, reported two tragic deaths attributed to oropouche fever. Both victims were women under 30, residing in Bahia state. Their symptoms were alarmingly severe, mirroring those of dengue hemorrhagic fever. The history of oropouche fever traces back to its first reported cases in Trinidad and…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In a twist straight out of a corporate drama, workers have been staging an intense protest along Sukhumvit Road, directly in front of Thai Oil’s Refinery in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province. The agitation, spanning from the 24th to the 26th of July 2024, arose from unpaid wages by the contractors. A deep dive by Thai Oil Public Company Limited (the “Company”) uncovered that these workers are enlisted under One Turn Ten Company Limited (“One Turn Ten”), EMCO LTD (Thailand) Company Limited (“EMCO”), and Thai Fong Engineering and Construction Company Limited (“Thai Fong”). Now, the plot thickens as these three firms are not the principal contractors but mere subcontractors for Sinopec Engineering Group (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (“Sinopec”). In turn, Sinopec is a cog in the subcontracting machine of the Unincorporated Joint Venture of Petrofac South East Asia Pte. Ltd. (“Petrofac”), Saipem Singapore Pte. Ltd. (“Saipem”), and Samsung E&A (Thailand) Co.,…
A captivating drama is unfolding in the serene northern province of Phrae, where a family has lodged a legal battle against a woman they accuse of defrauding them out of a staggering 9 million baht. The woman, known only by the delicate name of Nam Phueng, allegedly assured the family she could secure a shimmering future for their two pre-teen daughters in the dazzling world of TV commercials. Nam Phueng specifically promised a role for the girls alongside none other than K-pop sensation Lisa Manobal. According to the father—who remains unnamed—this colossal fraud was masked as a legitimate business dealing. The money allegedly served as securities for no less than 30 working contracts, including the highly-anticipated commercial with the starlet Lisa. The daughters, aged 11 and 12, ignited their brief journey to stardom by appearing in a yoghurt commercial, earning a modest 19,000 baht through Ms. Nam Phueng’s efforts. Seduced…
In the heart of Myanmar’s northern Shan State lies the town of Lashio, now a stark representation of deep-rooted conflict and unrest. Recently, about 50 residents from this besieged town have sought refuge, braving a tumultuous journey towards Mae Hong Son, nestled in Thailand. This exodus is a direct consequence of the relentless confrontation between Myanmar’s military and a coalition of ethnic armed factions. A poignant video clip that’s been making the rounds on social media captures the harrowing reality faced by these refugees. In the clip, a woman gives a heartfelt account of how her group of 46 people was forced to abandon their homes. She recounts their uncanny flight, having reached Ban Na Kong, which lies proximal to the erstwhile base of the Mong Tai Army (MTA). The group is now perilously close to Mae Hong Son, with hopes pinned on reaching safety soon. Lashio itself is home…
A vibrant family from the picturesque northern province of Phrae finds themselves entangled in a web of deceit as they pursue legal action against a woman accused of spinning dreams into nightmares. The woman, known only as Nam Phueng, had allegedly promised to secure star-studded contracts for their two pre-teen daughters, including a dream gig with none other than the K-pop sensation Lisa Manobal. Yet, this dazzling promise of fame and fortune swiftly crumbled, costing the family a staggering 9 million baht. The saga began when Nam Phueng, presenting herself with all the flair of a seasoned modeling agent, approached the family with an irresistible offer. The girls, aged 11 and 12, were promised golden opportunities to shine in the spotlight, starting with a heartwarming yoghurt commercial that indeed earned them 19,000 baht. The father, who remains anonymous in this unfolding drama, saw this as the beginning of a bright…
Great news for insured members! The Social Security Fund, under the Social Security Office (SSO), now covers customized prosthetic eyes. According to Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the SSO’s secretary-general, this new extension aims to support those who’ve faced eye loss under particular conditions. These specific conditions include being born without an eye, losing an eye due to a rupture, or undergoing eye removal surgery. What’s truly heartwarming is the comprehensive nature of this support. For pre-prosthetic examinations, insured members can claim up to 500 baht per visit — a crucial step to ensure they receive the best possible care. The process of making the mould for these customized prosthetic eyes can also be quite intensive, and for that service, an additional 500 baht is covered. On the actual day of receiving the prosthesis, members benefit from a further 600 baht! But wait, there’s more! The SSO will generously pay up to 5,000…
Pattaya City is gearing up for an electrifying addition to its bustling streets: the brand-new Red Line monorail. This cutting-edge transportation system, stretching a sleek 17.37 kilometers, promises to revolutionize public transit in this vibrant coastal hub. With ten strategically placed stations, the Red Line aims to seamlessly whisk passengers across the city, all while significantly bolstering the local economy. The excitement surrounding this development was palpable at the recent public hearing, the second of its kind, where a comprehensive feasibility study on the monorail was presented. The meeting, held on Tuesday, drew a diverse mix of keen participants. From top-notch consultant companies tasked with designing the electric rail project and conducting an environmental impact assessment, to enthusiastic local business owners eager to share their feedback, the room buzzed with anticipation and ideas. So, what exactly is the route of Pattaya’s soon-to-be-famous Red Line? According to the detailed report, the…
The picturesque sands of Pattaya beach in Chon Buri have once more become the center of attention as the government launched not one, but two ambitious coastal projects on Tuesday. In a grand gesture to honor His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday anniversary, the 72 Thai Beaches Conservation and the Phuket Maritime Conservation Sandbox initiatives were unveiled with a mission to preserve the maritime biodiversity and further boost Thailand’s image as a top-tier tourist hotspot. At the helm of this ceremonious launch were Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Pol Gen Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, joined by enthusiastic representatives from various sectors committed to the cause. Highlighting the nation’s splendiferous oceanic and coastal treasures—true gems that attract flocks of tourists and generate a staggering national income of at least two trillion baht annually—Mr. Srettha emphasized the importance of these ventures. The dual-pronged initiative aims to stir public consciousness…
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat elaborates on the much-anticipated digital wallet scheme at Government House on July 24, shedding light on an initiative that’s creating ripples throughout the economic and political arenas. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) In an unprecedented move, Budget Bureau director Chaloempol Pensut confirmed on Tuesday that the government can indeed allocate the budget for its flagship 10,000-baht digital wallet handout scheme from the fiscal year 2025. This revelation comes amidst growing concerns from the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), which has been vocal about the lack of clarity regarding the funding sources for this ambitious initiative. The MFP previously criticized the government for not adequately detailing how funds for the digital wallet scheme would be sourced from the 2025 fiscal year. Addressing these concerns, Mr. Chaloempol clarified that the government is prepared to re-allocate the 2025 budget, emphasizing that the funds would be sourced from canceled projects. He…
Two of Khao Yai National Park’s cherished waterfalls have been temporarily closed due to severe flash floods in the eastern region. Park chief Chaiya Huaihongthong officially announced on Tuesday that Takhro Falls and the Sai Yai River in Prachinburi were closed as of Monday. Following suit, the beloved Nang Rong Falls in Nakhon Nayok shut their grounds to visitors on Tuesday. Local sources revealed that Na Di district in Prachinburi experienced relentless downpours, resulting in a sudden flood starting from the Kaeng Hin Phoeng rapids in the Sai Yai River. As the torrents surged, the rapids were deemed unsafe for rafting. Nearby communities faced immediate impacts, including Ban Saphan, where inundation struck the heart of Saphan Hin Subdistrict. Amidst the rising waters, soldiers and rescue teams rapidly mobilized with boats to aid and evacuate residents and animals from the embattled village of about 200 households. Access routes to safer zones…