THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

It was an eventful Wednesday in Chumphon’s Muang district when local police officers flagged down a pickup truck at a bustling checkpoint next to a petrol station. In what seemed like just another routine stop, the officers made a startling discovery that put them in the middle of an international wildlife smuggling saga. The vehicle, driven by 63-year-old Winai, with Kalaya, 45, comfortably seated in the passenger seat, was carrying some extraordinary—and highly illegal—cargo. Nestled inside large baskets were three orangutans, rare and majestic creatures that are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). While the police only got to know their first names, Winai and Kalaya are now part of an unfolding scandal that’s bigger than anything they could have possibly packed into a truck bed. As the officers inspected the truck, they discovered not only the orangutans but a veritable Noah’s Ark of wildlife.…

In a remarkable stride toward achieving marital equality, the cabinet has officially recognized significant modifications in the phrasing of the Civil and Commercial Code, paving the way for equal compensation claims arising from acts of adultery. Deputy government spokesman Anukul Prueksanusak revealed that the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday acknowledged these legislative changes, harmonizing with a monumental Constitutional Court ruling. This legislative amendment underscores an important transformation in paragraph two of Section 1523 of the Civil and Commercial Code, which governs claims for damages arising from adulterous conduct. Notably, a compelling research paper penned by Nattwat Baibua, the esteemed vice presiding judge of the Surat Thani Provincial Court, highlights a rather archaic stipulation within the section. It states that “the husband is entitled to claim compensation from the person who has wrongfully taken liberties with his wife in an adulterous manner and the wife is entitled to claim compensation from…

As the dawn breaks over the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, a thick layer of smog casts an ominous blanket over the city. This Wednesday morning, the usual vibrancy of the Thai capital is stifled under a shroud of microdust pollution. With every breath, the city’s millions of inhabitants experience the unwelcome sting of airborne particulates. The crisis, which is anticipated to persist until Friday, has ignited a fervent war of words between the government and opposition parties. The dispute took shape when Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the opposition leader, took to Facebook to unleash a torrent of sarcasm aimed at Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. In a cheeky missive, he implored the Prime Minister to offer Thai citizens a semblance of fresh air before jetting off to Switzerland in search of fresh opportunities for the nation. As he put it, “While the PM breathes deeply in the crisp ambiance of Davos, Switzerland, striving…

In an unfolding drama that has many in Thailand abuzz, the Bangkok South Criminal Court recently granted bail to a Thai sedan driver involved in a fatal collision on Bangkok’s bustling Sukhumvit Road. The incident, which resulted in the tragic death of a motorcyclist, took place under highly contentious circumstances. This courtroom release, setting the bail at a hefty 600,000 baht, has sparked both intrigue and outrage among the public. The individual at the center of this high-stakes saga is 30-year-old Seree Srettheenamwong. Captured on security footage, Seree was seen deliberately smashing his white Toyota Altis into a black electric motorcycle piloted by 49-year-old Rittisak Prakuptanon. The collision was brutal enough to fling Rittisak’s body against a sturdy security camera pole beside the road, instantly claiming his life. With the dust from the crash yet to settle, Seree fled down the road, only to be cornered and arrested later in…

In a groundbreaking move that has put Thailand at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights, the country has amended its laws to allow LGBTQ+ couples the right to claim compensation from adulterous spouses. As of today, this landmark amendment has marked a significant leap towards ensuring equality in the eyes of the law, guaranteeing fair treatment for all couples, regardless of gender. The recent changes made to the Civil and Commercial Code ensure that LGBTQ+ spouses enjoy the same legal protections in cases of adultery as their heterosexual counterparts. At the heart of this historic amendment is Article 1523, which the Constitutional Court mandated for revision on June 18 last year. The court highlighted the inequities in the prior legislation, which were not in alignment with Article 27 of the Constitution, a provision ensuring equality for all sexes. Under the old legislation, husbands were empowered to sue their wives’ lovers, irrespective…

For more than a decade, the Suan Phlu immigration detention center in the bustling heart of Bangkok has been the reluctant residence of 43 Uyghur detainees. This home-away-from-home situation, however, is far from a tropical getaway. With the weighty shadows of worry looming large, the United Nations (UN) experts have thrown down a proverbial gauntlet, urging the Thai government to take a hard look at its stance on the proposed deportation of 48 Uyghurs to China. In a resolute communication issued on a bright Wednesday from the serene shores of Geneva, these UN connoisseurs of human rights cried out against the thought of sending the 48 back to China. Their rationale? If sent back, these individuals might find themselves on a fast track to experiencing the grim realms of torture or other flavors of cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment. The story unfolds with a hint of dramatic flair.…

In a shocking tale of violence and unresolved justice, the heart of Pattaya was shaken last September when a harrowing assault unfolded outside the World House Club on Pattaya Sai Sam Road. It was here that Chen Jing, a Chinese national, bravely stood his ground against over a dozen assailants in the early hours of September 24, only to end up with his world plunged into darkness. The narrative begins with a staggering act of aggression, reportedly involving over ten attackers. The attack on Chen Jing occurred outside his own nightclub, which the attackers demanded he part with for a share. With courage that would later cost him dearly, Jing refused to yield to this pressure, a defiance that led to him being mercilessly beaten and ultimately losing his sight. The brazen assault didn’t just leave Jing physically damaged; it also resulted in the loss of his prized limited-edition Cartier…

In an unexpected twist on the usually serene sands of Pattaya Beach, a simple social media livestream by a Russian tourist escalated into a melodrama worthy of a soap opera. Our unwitting protagonist, Evgenii, a 45-year-old Russian explorer, found himself embroiled in a scene that unfolded like a plot straight out of a vacation movie gone wrong. And it all began under the humble shade of a coconut tree. Imagine this: Evgenii, casually enjoying the tropical vibe of Pattaya Beach, was in the midst of sharing the mesmerizing views with his online followers. The night was calm, or so it seemed, until a local woman took on the role of an unexpected antagonist. Believing she was the star of Evgenii’s broadcast, she erupted in rage, despite Evgenii’s confused assurances that his lens was pointed elsewhere. In a moment that seemed to defy logic and reason, the woman, seemingly possessed by…

Ah, Bangkok! The bustling metropolis known for its vibrant street life, ornate shrines, and mouthwatering street food. Yet on this particular Wednesday morning, as the city awoke from its slumber, its usual breathtaking skyline was shrouded in a thick, melancholic veil of smog, most easily witnessed from the majestic heights of Bhumibol 2 Bridge. In an atmospheric twist of doom and gloom, 46 out of Thailand’s 77 provinces—along with Greater Bangkok—experienced air quality levels that would make even the grittiest of city folks hesitate. Enter the villain of our tale: PM2.5 particulate matter, small enough to dance invisibly in the air yet mighty enough to wreak havoc on human health. According to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda), these ultrafine evildoers reached hazardous levels in almost half the country by 8am. The red zone, denoting severely unhealthy air quality, spread its unwelcome influence over central areas including Samut…

Yesterday, the peaceful vibes of Nai Yang, nestled within the stunning tropical paradise of Phuket, were shattered by a surreal and chaotic scene. A distraught Russian woman, seemingly caught in the throes of a personal storm, brought the serene streets to life with a ruckus that none could have foreseen. The day was January 21, a date that will linger in the memories of locals and tourists for its charged spectacle. The action kicked off just as the afternoon sun began its descent, casting long shadows across Soi Nai Yang 16. Around 4 PM, Sakhu Police were alerted to a 55-year-old Russian lady wreaking havoc in a fervent attempt to break into the home of an unwitting local – a move that sparked both curiosity and concern among bystanders. The word on the street, according to Police Colonel Salan Santisasanakul of Sakhu fame, was that this sudden burst of energy…