THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

Early signs of coalition disunity are emerging, which could culminate in the demise of the much-touted digital wallet handout scheme. Some critics are beginning to suspect the populist programme may not see the light of day and that the ruling Pheu Thai Party, ironically, may not be all that upset if the axe falls on it. The critics feel the scheme hinges on the strength of ties between the coalition partners. But by the looks of it, the rising concerns about the government’s costly handout policy are not unwarranted. Pheu Thai has touched a raw nerve with the major rightist coalition partners, Bhumjaithai and the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, despite government figures repeatedly dismissing the notion of an internal rift between them and the ruling party. Although this government has entered its eighth month in office, some observers reckon it has managed to do surprisingly well to preserve coalition…

An ad hoc House committee delving into the Land Bridge megaproject has made a compelling recommendation: the government should establish a dedicated agency to oversee the venture and conduct additional public hearings before officially breaking ground. Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri, a deputy government spokeswoman, announced yesterday that the committee laid out these recommendations to the cabinet the previous day. The extensive study spanned various aspects of the Land Bridge project, touching on definitions, formats, investment models, development guidelines, and projected benefits. In their thorough analysis, the committee stressed the importance of clearly defined objectives and a structured format before advancing further. On the topic of environmental impact and land expropriation, the committee underscored the necessity of ensuring community involvement and providing transparent information to foster public comprehension and support. They also highlighted the urgency of establishing new agencies to supervise and seamlessly integrate the bridge with the existing infrastructure. Moreover, the…

The Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) Region 4 has taken a significant step forward by partnering with local authorities to investigate the controversial issue of land encroachment on Koh Samui in Surat Thani. The primary focus is on the 600 villas that have been constructed on the island’s scenic hilltops. Maj Gen Anusorn Ourai, the deputy commander of the Fourth Army Region, recently presided over a pivotal meeting to discuss what has been dubbed the “Samui Model” operation. This initiative is geared towards combating environmental destruction, illegal land ownership, steep hilltop property constructions, and illicit business enterprises by foreign investors who exploit Thai nominees in the Koh Samui district. Col Dusit Kaysornkaew, head of the Fourth Army Region’s land investigative unit, revealed that a task force comprising eight different agencies would be formed. Their mission? To meticulously inspect the 600 properties across six specific areas of Koh Samui suspected of…

The Asian Pride Alliance (APA) initiative has recently emerged in Phuket, setting its sights on championing gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights throughout the region. “Asian Pride Alliance will serve as a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community across Asia, promoting equality and fostering respect for everyone’s rights in every dimension,” proclaimed Michelle Meow, a producer and member of the APA advisory council, who identifies as male. This groundbreaking initiative and its supportive events mark a pioneering effort, being the first of its kind to operate on a regional level in Asia. Mr. Meow, also a founding member of InterPride, expressed that Phuket’s hosting and support have fostered collaboration within the LGBTQ+ community, both regionally and globally. Mr. Meow emphasized that the celebration of the LGBTQ+ community is deeply rooted in the fight against discrimination and human rights violations. The foundation of the alliance is a crucial mechanism for fortifying regional…

Two pilots skillfully soar through the crystal-clear skies over the Andaman Sea in their formidable Gripen 39 CD fighter jets. As the crisp wind whistles past their cockpits, a crucial decision looms on the horizon. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is on the brink of a monumental choice that could redefine its aerial combat capabilities for years to come. This month, a specially appointed selection committee will deliberate whether to invest in Sweden’s state-of-the-art Gripen fighter jets or opt for the renowned F-16 aircraft from the United States. The stakes could not be higher, as this decision is embedded in a 19-billion-baht plan to acquire four new formidable fighters for the nation. Air Force Commander ACM Phanphakdee Phatthanakul recently provided an eagerly awaited update, hinting that the details of this high-stakes acquisition are nearly complete. However, he emphasized the RTAF’s commitment to ensuring they secure the best possible deal,…

It’s heart-wrenching to realize that one in ten Thai children under the age of five are grappling with severe food poverty, while on a global scale, a staggering one in four kids face similar hunger-related challenges. This somber revelation comes from a comprehensive new report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), aptly titled “The Child Food Poverty: Nutrition Deprivation in Early Childhood”. The report meticulously analyzes the far-reaching impacts and underlying causes of dietary deprivation among young ones in nearly 100 countries. Kyungsun Kim, Unicef’s Representative for Thailand, poignantly stated, “Poor diets can have lasting effects on children’s physical and mental health. Eating healthy food and getting proper nutrition is essential for their well-being and is a basic right crucial for their survival and growth.” Of the 440 million children worldwide under five years of age, approximately 181 million are entangled in the dire straits of severe child food…

In the heart of Nakhon Ratchasima, on a warm May 25th, the former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, was met with a sea of red-shirt supporters, all beaming with enthusiasm. Meanwhile, political tides were shifting as the Pheu Thai Party took a surprising step back, revising their earlier bold claim to incorporate violations of Section 112—known as the lese majeste law—into the amnesty bill. The elegance of political maneuvers in Thailand never fails to capture attention, and this development was no exception. (Photo: Prasit Tangprasert) The week had been rife with anticipation following statements hinting at extending the amnesty bill’s reach. Initially, it looked like Section 112 violators might find a haven. However, by Friday, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stepped forward to underline the complexity of the issue, suggesting a necessary pause to pool public consensus. The delicate balance of avoiding future discord was paramount, he noted.…

Amid the swirling waters of the Chao Phraya River and the gleaming lights of Bangkok, an unexpected and rather alarming scene unfolded just near Tha Tien pier. On a seemingly ordinary late Thursday afternoon, a long-tailed tour boat found itself in a precarious situation, colliding with a Royal Thai Navy (RTN) ferry. The result? Four Chinese tourists plunged into the river’s depths, and a sequence of events that no one on board could have anticipated. The incident, which occurred around 4 PM, reverberated through the Transport Ministry, prompting swift action and a dire need for answers. The injured passengers, one male and three females, were swiftly rescued from the water, their plights met with immediate medical attention at Hua Chiew Hospital in the Pomprap Sattruphai district. Thankfully, their injuries were minor, but the chaos of the crash left a lasting impression. The tour boat, its hull overwhelmed by water, sank…

On a bustling Thursday night in Bangkok, a team of determined police officers infiltrated the vibrant Khao San Road—famed for its youthful energy and endless entertainment. Their mission: to eradicate the sale of laughing gas-filled balloons that had recently tainted the tourist hotspot. In a coordinated effort, the diligent officers confiscated an assortment of contraband, including balloons brimming with nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, from an unsuspecting shop. The operation was led by the ever-vigilant Wassayos Ngamkham, whose team has become synonymous with justice in the area. Among the night’s significant outcomes was the apprehension of nineteen migrant workers caught peddling these laughing gas balloons. The detainees consisted of sixteen Myanmar nationals, two Cambodians, and one individual from Laos. It became clear that these workers were but pawns in a larger scheme orchestrated by their employers, who cunningly used them as a smokescreen to deflect legal repercussions from…

The suppression of e-cigarettes is a chief policy of the government due to the growing concern over how vulnerable children are to them. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) In a bid to tackle the rising menace of e-cigarettes among the youth, the National Health Commission Office (NHCO) has come up with a robust five-point strategy aimed at keeping these devices out of young hands. Recent studies highlight an alarming trend: the younger one starts smoking, the higher the chance of chronic addiction. This was underlined by Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who also heads the NHCO. On Friday, he pointed out that e-cigarette companies specifically target younger demographics, luring them into a hazardous habit with both immediate and long-term health repercussions. Suriya was resolute in stating that the commission is pushing for the strictest measures to ban the import and trade of e-cigarettes. The agreed-upon action plan is multi-faceted and includes regulating…