THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

Strolling along the picturesque shores of Patong Beach, with its golden sands and azure waters, is usually a time for sun-soaked relaxation. However, last weekend, this serene beach in Phuket became the backdrop for an unsettling incident that left the local tourism community in shock. The balmy evening was well underway when the tranquility of Patong’s famed beach was interrupted by a curious buzz at a local massage shop. Reports from the authorities hint at a surreal turn of events. At approximately 11:03 PM, a distress call from the beach’s massage services sent ripples through the coastal town. The plight involved Lee Mun Tuck, a 52-year-old holidaymaker from Singapore, whose vacation ended in an unforeseeable tragedy. Patong police chief, Pol Col Chalermchai Hernsawad, recounted the bizarre incident to the public. According to his report, Mr. Lee seemed to be luxuriating in the leisurely allure of a 45-minute oil body massage,…

With a rich tapestry of history that has indelibly shaped Thailand’s vibrant art scene, River City Bangkok marked an extraordinary milestone on December 3, 2024. Celebrating its 40th anniversary with the lavish event “40 Years of Magnificent Art and Antiques,” this iconic centre saluted its enduring contributions to art and culture. A confluence of art enthusiasts, distinguished guests, and esteemed partners gathered to pay homage to the spirit of artistic greatness that has long been championed by River City Bangkok. Amidst the glittering celebration, attendees were dazzled by a curated exhibition of stunning artworks and timeless antiques, echoing the deep-rooted legacy of this cultural haven. The melodious strains of the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, paired with the enchanting voices from Heavenly Voice Nancy’s Studio, wove a magical ambiance that stitched the evening into an indelible memory. Central to the 40th-anniversary festivities was Ms. Linda Cheng, Managing Director of River City Bangkok,…

In a week filled with anticipation and heightened curiosity, Thailand’s political landscape is poised for an electrifying moment as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares to take center stage. On Thursday, her eagerly awaited public address will cast a spotlight on her administration’s trailblazing achievements over the past three months while unveiling the cornerstone policies set to shape the nation’s future. As the buzz around this event crescendos, Thais are gearing up for what promises to be a pivotal moment in the country’s political narrative. In a rather innovative twist, the Prime Minister’s address, aptly titled “2025 Empowering Thais: A Real Possibility,” will be simultaneously broadcasted live on NBT2HD and streamed on the state-run TV channel’s Facebook page. The excitement is palpable, with around 500 distinguished guests gathering at the esteemed headquarters of the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) on the bustling Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. A who’s who of political…

Picture this: Wat Pha Sukaram, a serene temple nestled in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai, finds itself engulfed in floodwaters as early as September. Its abbot, in a plea for help, turns to the temple’s Facebook page, reaching out to the good Samaritans for aid, as people stranded in their homes nearby hope for a lifeline. This surreal scene, captured in a photo from the Wat Pha Sukaram Facebook page, tells only part of the story of Thailand’s recent battle with the elements. This year, flooding has wreaked havoc across Thailand. In the devastating wake left behind, more than 50 souls in the north and at least 25 in the south have tragically lost their lives. Climate change plays a role, but it’s not the sole culprit. According to Pianporn “Pai” Deetes, the Southeast Asia programme director for the NGO International Rivers, several man-made issues are aggravating this crisis, which she…

The tranquil waves of the sea between Pattaya and Koh Lan held an unexpected tale on Sunday morning, when Pracharat Satsuk, a seasoned speedboat driver, stumbled upon a scene straight out of a maritime thriller. As he skillfully navigated his boat to ferry around 20 eager tourists to the picturesque island of Koh Lan, he spotted something unusual bobbing atop the gentle sea swell. Amid the expanse of blue, a figure emerged—the unusual sight of a naked man floating in the water, calling desperately for help. This wasn’t a typical day at sea for Pracharat, whose primary focus was ensuring his passengers enjoyed the sun-drenched beauty of Thailand’s coastal treasures. Yet here was a mission of a different nature, tugging at the very seams of humanity. With quick reflexes honed from years of experience, Pracharat flung a life buoy overboard, providing the much-needed lifeline that potentially saved the man’s life.…

In an unexpected turn of events that has stirred the waters of the Andaman Sea, a group of spirited local fishermen has resolved to gather at Ranong Provincial Hall. Their mission is clear: to advocate for the swift repatriation of four Thai fishermen who are currently held in Myanmar, caught up in a maritime incident that’s the talk of the Grand Thai Seaside. The drama unfolded last week, right in the contentious waters off Ranong’s stunning coastline. Picture this: the mighty trawler Sor Charoenchai 8, carrying a robust crew of 31, including our Thai heroes and 27 of their Myanmar comrades, was making headway about 12 nautical miles—translate that to a brisk 22 kilometers—from the sandy shores of Koh Phayam. Just when they thought it was business as usual, enter the Myanmar navy vessel, executing an ambush that would make any plot twist look tame. The trawler was taken, and…

In a gesture anticipated to bolster the economic landscape, Thailand and the United Kingdom are currently engaged in promising discussions to escalate trade and investment between their nations through a looming Free Trade Agreement (FTA). On December 4, the cordial deliberations took place between Thailand’s Commerce Minister, Pichai Naripthaphan, and Mark Gooding, the adept British Ambassador to Thailand, where the primary focus revolved around advancing economic cooperation and enriching trade relations. “The Thai-UK FTA holds immense potential for enhancing bilateral trade and investments, aligning brilliantly with our overarching policy to solidify economic ties,” divulged Mr. Pichai, radiating optimism about the potential collaboration. The talks not only echoed mutual commitment but also outlined plans to nurture trade and investment ties via the prestigious Joint Economic and Trade Committee (Jetco) at a ministerial echelon. Diving deeper into the objectives, Mr. Pichai elucidated that the Thai-UK Jetco mechanism is primarily designed to promote…

The Ministry of Public Health is bustling with anticipation as it ramps up efforts to fast-track the long-awaited construction of Pluak Daeng 2 Hospital. Dormant for two whole years, this crucial facility promises to be a haven for the burgeoning population within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Leading this ambitious charge is Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, who heralds the project as a groundbreaking Public-Private Partnership (PPP) — a maiden voyage for the ministry in Rayong province. Fresh from a strategic assembly with ministry executives, Mr. Somsak couldn’t contain his excitement about the surge of interest from no less than four private firms keen on this collaborative endeavor. As the conversation bustles with optimism, insiders hint that the race for contractor bids might just kick off under the summer sun of next year. The narrative behind the delay is a classic tale of the ministry’s inexperience in navigating the labyrinthine…

In a dramatic turn of events, four men have found themselves in the spotlight following the tragic loss of a 19-year-old named Ratthaphum in the vibrant Bang Kae district. Late Saturday evening, a fatal incident turned this lively area into the setting of a heart-wrenching case, echoing through the corridors of the Phetkasem police station. The suspects, whose identities remain under wraps, were swiftly apprehended on Sunday. This quick arrest is credited to the tireless law enforcement team who meticulously combed through surveillance footage that led them right to the doorstep of a residence nestled in Bang Kae. Here, they discovered three individuals intimately linked to the night’s fateful events. Facing the intensity of the investigation room, the trio admitted their presence at Ratthaphum’s final moments. Yet, they each fervently denied plunging the metaphorical dagger into the situation, asserting their innocence in the young man’s untimely demise. Their tales hinted…

In a turn of events that stirred quite a buzz in the political corridors of Thailand, three former MPs from the Bhumjaithai Party, who had been carrying the weight of an ethical debacle upon their shoulders, were granted parole this past Sunday. The release marks the conclusion of a tumultuous chapter that began in the summer with a nine-month prison sentence hanging over their heads. The story unfolded like a political drama with public intrigue and courtroom suspense that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Among the trio, there was Natee Ratchakitprakarn, a name familiar not just as a political persona but also as the wife of Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Her journey out of the Central Women’s Correctional Institution was a sight to behold, a moment symbolizing freedom and perhaps, a new beginning. Meanwhile, Chalong Thoetwiraphong and Phumsit Khongmi, both deep-rooted politicians from the scenic province of…