THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

The mystique of Bangkok’s opulence took a dark turn this week, as six lives were tragically cut short under the glimmering chandeliers of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. Authorities were left perplexed after discovering that a deadly blend of cyanide and tea was the grim culprit behind the untimely end of five Vietnamese nationals. Police soon turned their scrutiny toward a woman who straddled two worlds—Sherine Chong, a 56-year-old Vietnam-born U.S. citizen. Pol Maj Gen Nopasilp Poonsawat, the astute deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, provided insights that only deepened the enigma. Chong, whose presence in room 502 prefaced the fatal tea, had meticulously planned what now seems to be a premeditated murder. Witnesses from the hotel’s staff recalled her solitary wait in that room, on the fifth floor, as she dialed room service for food and, crucially, tea. Something as innocent as a cup of tea became a…

In a whirlwind of political drama, Pita Limjaroenrat, formerly at the helm of the Move Forward Party (MFP) and now serving as chief adviser, alongside MFP leader Chaithawat Tulanon, found themselves in the eye of a storm at a press conference that riveted the nation. This follows the Constitutional Court’s ruling against the party’s bold lese majesty reform policy announced on January 31. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) The stage is now set for a climactic ruling from the Constitutional Court on August 7 concerning the potential dissolution of the fiery and dynamic Move Forward Party, a beacon for the opposition in Thailand’s political theater. This comes on the heels of a petition lodged by the Election Commission’s political party registrar. The petitioner has not only sought the party’s dissolution but also pushed for a decade-long ban on the rights of party executives, precluding them from standing for election or being part…

In a significant development for Bangkok’s transit infrastructure, the cabinet on Tuesday sanctioned Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) to commence the long-anticipated western route project of the Orange Line, as announced by government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. The Orange Line, an essential part of the city’s rail network, promises to connect Bang Khun Non district with the bustling Min Buri district through a sprawling 35.9-kilometre expanse of both underground and elevated rail sections. The Orange Line is ingeniously segmented into two primary routes: a 13.4km western stretch spanning from Bang Khun Non to the Thailand Cultural Centre, and a more extensive 22.4km eastern route that stretches from the Cultural Centre all the way to the Suwinthawongse area in Min Buri district. As of now, the eastern route’s construction has reached the finish line, with a projected launch for train services by January 2028. The journey to this milestone, however, was…

The Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) has declared its determination to fulfill Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s bold mission: to wipe out narcotics and drug trafficking in 25 of Thailand’s most impacted provinces within a mere three months. Prime Minister Srettha outlined this ambitious target on May 7, outlining drug eradication as a national priority during a cabinet meeting. The Prime Minister’s challenge has spurred the NSB into high gear. Pol Lt Gen Khirisak Tantinvachai, the NSB commissioner, is confident they will meet this daunting deadline. “I’m optimistic we can achieve the Prime Minister’s goal within three months,” he asserts, adding, “We expect to see significant progress every 90 days.” This isn’t uncharted territory for NSB officers, who are seasoned in relentlessly pursuing drug dealers. Khirisak mentions a pivotal piece of legislation, the Narcotics Act of Dec 8, 2021, which categorizes narcotic substances and underscores both rehabilitation and legal procedures, aligning with…

Senior Bangkok police convened at the Lumpini police station Wednesday morning to discuss the mysterious deaths of six Vietnamese nationals at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel in central Bangkok. The incident, which unfolded on Tuesday evening, has left the community and investigators searching for answers. Pol Maj Gen Theeradet Thumsuthee, the investigation chief at the Metropolitan Police Bureau, revealed compelling insights that have emerged from the initial questioning of witnesses, including the daughter of one of the victims. According to Theeradet, “This tragic case is highly likely to stem from a severe debt problem. We’ve ruled out other possibilities. The culprit is undoubtedly among the six deceased, as no one else entered the room.” The investigation, however, faces a significant challenge: the specific poison used in this shocking event remains unidentified. The ill-fated individuals—four Vietnamese nationals and two holding dual Vietnamese-American citizenship—were discovered lifeless in room 502 on the fifth…

Imagine a world where ‘Me’ time becomes a sanctuary of indulgence, a perfect escape tailor-made for rejuvenation. Your extravagant spa journey kicks off with an invigorating 30-minute deep cleanse that features a Turmeric Body Exfoliation. This ancient remedy is renowned for its antioxidant properties and will leave your skin feeling smooth and revitalized. But that’s just the beginning. Following this, you have the choice of either a 30-minute Back Massage that will untangle every knot and abolish every ache, or a soothing Foot Massage that will make you feel like you’re walking on clouds. Whether you choose to pamper your back or your feet, you’re in for a treat! To seal the deal, indulge in the highly coveted Hydra Original 60-minute facial treatment. This isn’t just any facial; it’s a deep dive into skin hydration, designed to infuse your skin with life-giving moisture, leaving it plump, smooth, and glowing. It’s…

Amnuay Silpa School marked the 72nd birthday of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun with a spellbinding musical video (MV) released on July 16, 2024. This captivating production showcases the talents of more than 200 students from Year 1 all the way to Year 13, delivering performances that range from Thai traditional music and orchestral pieces to mesmerizing Thai dance, Khon, ballet, and even body percussion. The highlight of the video is undeniably the breathtaking moment where 1200 participants came together to form the number ’10,’ a symbolic tribute to King Rama X. This spectacle not only demonstrated immense unity and respect but also left viewers in awe of the sheer coordination and dedication involved. Beyond just a celebration, this initiative underscores Amnuay Silpa School’s unwavering commitment to fostering cultural appreciation and artistic excellence in its students. It serves as a poignant reminder of the school’s dedication to providing a…

The cabinet, in an enthusiastic nod to expansion, greenlighted Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) to launch the western route project of the Orange Line, as relayed by government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. This ambitious transit system promises to knit the Bang Khun Non district with the Min Buri district via a sprawling 35.9-kilometre network featuring both underground and elevated rail sections. Envisioned as a masterpiece of modern urban mobility, the Orange Line comprises two crucial segments. The western route, stretching 13.4 kilometers from Bang Khun Non to the Thailand Cultural Centre, and the eastern route, extending 22.4 kilometers from the Cultural Centre to Suwinthawongse area in Min Buri district. While the construction of the eastern project has already reached its zenith, with trains anticipated to chug along by January 2028, the western route’s journey has faced more turbulence. The saga of the western project has been marred by a drawn-out…

Khampun Srisai, a luminary in the world of visual arts and a national treasure in Thailand’s silk weaving heritage, has passed away at the age of 91, as confirmed by the Department of Cultural Promotion. She peacefully departed this world on Sunday, within the serene setting of her home, nestled in the same compound as the Khampun Museum on Si Sa Ket Road in the Warin Chamrap district of Ubon Ratchathani. The cremation ceremony, sponsored by the royal family, is set to be held at 4pm on July 24 at Wat Si Ubon Rattanarak in the Muang district. Khampun’s relatives have conveyed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and respect from all corners of the nation. Born on January 5, 1933, in Yasothon province—then a district of Ubon Ratchathani—Khampun’s journey into the exquisite world of silk weaving began at Samakhee Wattana Primary School. From a tender age, she immersed…

Yesterday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin addressed the ongoing deliberation regarding the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) new fighter jet procurement project, clarifying that no final decision has been made between the Swedish-made Gripen and the US-made F-16 jets. According to the Prime Minister, the government is still awaiting critical details of the required offset policy from both Saab AB (the manufacturer of the Gripen E/F) and Lockheed Martin (the manufacturer of the F-16 Block 70/72). The offset policy is a significant factor in determining the final decision, as it encompasses the reciprocal benefits that these companies can offer Thailand as part of the procurement program. “This policy is non-negotiable; it’s integral to how we will evaluate each offer,” Mr. Srettha explained. “We need to ensure that whatever deal we strike, it’s in the best interest of the Thai public.” This isn’t just a straightforward purchase; it involves large sums of…