Under the leadership of Mr. Srettha Thavisin, the new cabinet members gathered for a memorable photo session in front of the iconic Santi Maitree Building at Government House. This significant event took place just before their inaugural meeting on May 7, 2024, and was captured beautifully by Chanat Katanyu. However, despite the picturesque start, the road ahead for Srettha’s administration appears to be bumpy, if public sentiment is any guide. An opinion poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) revealed a rather grim outlook regarding the government’s performance and its ability to address national problems. Surveyed on June 4-5, 1,310 Thais—spanning a spectrum of ages, educational backgrounds, and occupations—voiced their thoughts about the administration since it officially took the reins in September last year. When asked about their satisfaction with the government’s performance over the past nine months, the responses were a mixed bag: 34.35% were mildly…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Imagine the grandeur of a fresh political dawn! The Santi Maitree Building buzzed with anticipation as Mr. Srettha Thavisin led his new cabinet for an inaugural photo op before their very first meeting. It’s a moment worthy of history books and definitely one to catch the eye of public scrutiny, but how do the people of Thailand really feel about this new administration? Ah, the art of governing in today’s digital age, where the court of public opinion rules supreme! A recent opinion poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration revealed some rather telling insights. Conducted on June 4-5, the poll captured the voices of 1,310 people from diverse backgrounds, ranging from fresh-faced high school graduates to seasoned professionals, all to measure the pulse of the nation regarding Mr. Srettha’s leadership since taking office last September. So, how does Mr. Srettha fare in this grand popularity contest? To…
In an unexpected twist that gripped not just a family but an international audience, Lu Xinlei, a 27-year-old woman from China, was found at a shopping mall in Bang Na district, dispelling fears of a grim disappearance. This extraordinary episode unfolded on a Saturday evening, taking center stage amidst the bustling corridors of HomePro Bangna. The initial stages of the investigation were akin to a suspenseful thriller. Xinlei was ushered to Phra Khanong police station, where an emotional reunion with her mother and elder sister ensued. They had flown in from China, hearts heavy with concern after receiving alarming news of her alleged abduction. The plot thickens as Xinlei’s story unravels. Working for a Japanese property company, she found herself ensnared in a sophisticated call scam. Masquerading as Japanese authorities, the perpetrators accused her of violating anti-money-laundering laws. The remedy? A hefty transfer of 17 million yen for a supposed…
The Senate race kicked off on Sunday across 928 districts nationwide, and there’s a buzz in the air. But not the kind of buzz you might expect—folks are concerned that the new election system may not quite hit the mark that the charter drafters aimed for. HOW IT WORKS According to the 2017 constitution, the soon-to-be-formed Senate replacing the junta-appointed chamber is slated to have 200 members. These members will be cherry-picked from 20 professional groups, with each group snagging 10 seats. Sounds simple, right? Wrong. The Election Commission (EC) is orchestrating this election through a three-phase process that’s intricately designed to ensure fairness—or so they hope. Here’s how it will go down: District Level: Candidates within their own professional groups vote among themselves. The top five from each group then get to compete on an inter-group level. Provincial Level: The top three candidates from each of these inter-group elections…
Lu Xinlei, a 27-year-old Chinese woman, found herself at the epicenter of a harrowing and bewildering saga. Believed to be abducted with a ransom demand of an eye-watering 25 million baht, her astonishing journey came to an unexpected end at a seemingly ordinary shopping mall in Bang Na district, last Saturday evening. According to initial media reports, it was the diligent work of law enforcement that finally led to her discovery at the HomePro Bangna. The police promptly escorted her to the Phra Khanong police station, where an emotionally charged reunion took place with her mother and elder sister, who had hastily flown in from China amidst the chaos of the alleged abduction. Lu Xinlei’s twisting tale begins with her employment at a property company in Japan. It was here that she unwittingly crossed paths with a devious call scam gang masquerading as Japanese authorities. The gang fabricated a convincing…
Supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra waited with bated breath outside the Pheu Thai Party’s headquarters in bustling Bangkok on a sunny day in March. They stood there, hopeful and determined, amid a sea of red shirts and waving flags, driven by the unwavering loyalty they hold for the man who once led the nation. Thaksin, the ever-controversial figure in Thai politics, declared this past Saturday that he was ready to confront the storm of charges against him. These weren’t just any charges but the grave accusations of insulting the monarchy, a charge under Section 112 of the Criminal Code that can shatter lives with a maximum 15-year prison sentence for every alleged defamation against the royal family. Nevertheless, Thaksin remained steadfast. “It’s nothing. The case is baseless,” he asserted with an unflappable air of confidence, ready to meet the prosecutors on June 18. The wheels of justice spun…
The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as Election Commission Chairman Itthiporn Boonpracong steps into the room, making an inspection visit to oversee the preparation for Sunday’s much-anticipated Senate polls. His presence is a beacon of the dedication and meticulous planning behind this pivotal event. The Election Commission’s Facebook page buzzes with updates and snapshots, offering a glimpse of the orderly chaos behind the curtain. In the calm before the electoral storm, around 20,000 police officers stand at the ready, their mission clear. Pol Lt Gen Kornchai Klayklueng, an Assistant National Police Chief, sets the scene with his authoritative briefing. Officers are tasked with ensuring the smooth transport of ballots to and from election venues and, more critically, to uphold the integrity of the entire voting process. An added layer of responsibility comes with the directive to maintain political neutrality, a cornerstone of a fair election. These officers are also working…
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently captivated an audience at a tourism event’s grand opening during his visit to the enchanting city of Chiang Mai. With fervor and enthusiasm, PM Srettha extolled Chiang Mai’s potential to transform into a premier digital startup hub in Southeast Asia. His vision was clear: the government is poised to back the province in realizing this high-tech ambition. Chiang Mai, often hailed as a digital nomad’s paradise and one of the globe’s most creative cities, caught the discerning eye of PM Srettha. No stranger to high accolades, he recalled a conversation with Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc., who shared that Thailand boasts over 300,000 application developers, making it the second-largest pool in Southeast Asia. Such talent, Srettha noted, perfectly positions Chiang Mai to lead in the digital realm. Highlighting Chiang Mai’s allure, PM Srettha mentioned its recognition as one of the top 10 global hotspots…
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is proposing a thrilling new concept to draw international travelers— “ghost tourism.” Aiming to capitalize on the global fascination with horror-themed sites, this initiative hopes to enhance Thailand’s soft power on the world stage. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, the deputy TAT governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the United States, believes that Thailand’s unique ghost myths and associated films are cultural treasures that have already gained international recognition. In a recent discussion with the Spanish ambassador to Thailand, Cheawsamoot revealed that Spanish tourists have expressed a distinct interest in visiting haunted locations with captivating backstories. Despite the apparent demand, the TAT has yet to officially promote this niche market, even though the country abounds with potential sites brimming with spectral lore. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the TAT governor, shared some exciting news over the weekend. She announced that the promotion of Thailand’s soft power has been…
In the enchanting land of Ayutthaya, something utterly extraordinary has taken place. A magnificent 36-year-old elephant named Chamchuree has astounded everyone by giving birth to a delightful pair of twins, a male and a female, a joyous rarity in the world of pachyderms. This magnificent event was officially announced by the Phra Kochaban Foundation. The dramatic entrance of these precious twin elephants into the world took place in the Royal Elephant Kraal Village, nestled in the historic district of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, on a serene Friday night. Laithongrian Meephan, the proud president of the foundation, couldn’t contain his excitement as he shared the news on the following Saturday. Chamchuree, with her maternal grace, first introduced the male calf who tipped the scales at a robust 80 kilograms. Just a mere 18 minutes later, the village was blessed with his sister, a charming female calf weighing in at a dainty…