In the bustling city of Bangkok, a sense of resilience and determination sits heavy in the air as demonstrators make their presence felt at the iconic Democracy Monument. Among the throngs of people, Jatupat Boonpattararaksa stands unwavering, raising his hand in a three-finger salute—a symbol of defiance and unity that echoes throughout the nation’s history. His journey to this moment, a grueling 250-kilometer march from Nakhon Ratchasima, is but one chapter in his ongoing saga of activism, which has taken a dramatic turn in recent years. Jatupat, also known affectionately by many as “Pai Dao Din,” found himself ensnared in a technological web spun by the infamous Pegasus spyware, crafted by the Israeli-based NSO Group Technologies. This cyber intrusion marked a bleak chapter for Jatupat and about 30 other activists and lawyers in Thailand, whose voices had echoed too loudly for the status quo. Delving into their private communication, Pegasus…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In a tale that feels plucked straight from the pages of a thriller, the medical mogul Dr. Boon Vanasin, renowned as the architect behind the Thonburi Healthcare Group, finds himself at the center of a swirling legal controversy. The visionary behind some of Thailand’s most ambitious medical ventures is now a fugitive, wanted on charges of public fraud, money laundering, and a litany of related offenses. With an arrest warrant looming over his head, Dr. Boon has chosen the less-than-noble path of flight, reportedly escaping the reach of local authorities. The drama unfolded dramatically this past Friday, when the Metropolitan Police Bureau successfully secured arrest warrants not only for Dr. Boon but also for eight others implicated in this high-profile case. Among those ensnared by the law are his wife, Jaruwan, aged 79, and their daughter, Nalin, who is 51 years old. The authorities have painted a vivid picture of…
The political drums are beating once again as the People’s Party (PP) marches determinedly on the campaign trail in Udon Thani. This political battleground, known as a stronghold of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, is now the epicenter for tomorrow’s hotly contested provincial election. The stakes are sky-high as the titans of Thai politics prepare for a showdown over the coveted Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chairmanship. For Pheu Thai, defending their turf is nothing short of a matter of pride. They have dominated the region in multiple general elections, and a loss here would be a significant blow to their long-held supremacy. On the flip side, the PP is pulling out all the stops, eyeing victory in this electoral arena after a series of setbacks, following the dissolution of its predecessor, the Move Forward Party (MFP), by the Constitutional Court. The PAO elections are seen as a fresh start for…
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Udon Thani, a city steeped in vibrant political colors, the People’s Party (PP) readies itself for a showdown in Sunday’s riveting local election. For those unacquainted with the landscape, this region is a bastion of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, fervently defended over several election cycles. Not all is as it seems in this electoral playground. In one corner, Pheu Thai clings tightly to its historical grip on Udon Thani, where its influence has been as constant as the tropical sun. This time, they face a spirited challenger: the People’s Party, which emerged from the ashes of the defunct Move Forward Party (MFP). Both parties prepare to clash in what promises to be a fierce contest for the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chairmanship—a position that demands not just power but prestige. The MFP’s tactical withdrawal from the arena last year was a calculated gambit.…
In the vibrant political tapestry of Thailand, a new chapter is unfolding in the province of Udon Thani. This northern Thai province is gearing up for a thrilling local election that promises to be a head-to-head showdown between some of the country’s most influential political parties. At the heart of this electoral drama is the battle for the chairmanship of the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), a seat of considerable local power and prestige. The ruling party, Pheu Thai, with its deep-rooted history of electoral success in the region, finds itself in an intense face-off with the People’s Party (PP), a rejuvenated political entity born from the ashes of the now-defunct Move Forward Party (MFP). Tomorrow’s election could very well be a pivotal moment for both parties. For Pheu Thai, it represents an opportunity to reaffirm its dominance, while for the PP, it’s a chance to break its long-standing losing streak…
In a thrilling takedown worthy of a crime thriller, Thai police have successfully dismantled not one, but two sprawling Chinese scam networks. These tech-savvy syndicates were behind a staggering onslaught of more than 700 million fraudulent phone calls and a million deceitful SMS messages—all executed within an eyebrow-raising span of just three days. This gripping story unfolds as part of a larger, determined effort spearheaded by Thailand’s government to stamp out cybercrime and transnational criminal activities. Leading the charge, Pol Lt Gen Thatchai Pitaneelabut, an esteemed Assistant National Police Chief and Deputy Director of Thailand’s Action Taskforce for Information Technology Crime Suppression (Tactics), proudly shared details of this law enforcement triumph. This high-stakes operation was aligned with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s urgent directive to crack down on the ever-elusive cybercriminals weaving their webs across borders. The first operation unfolded like a scene from a blockbuster movie. Investigators unearthed a crime…
In a world where cultural diversity weaves its vibrant tapestry and endless possibilities beckon, the journey of growing up has transformed into more than just a quest for academic accolades. It’s an exploration of becoming a citizen of the world. Since its inception in 1994, the International Schools Association of Thailand (Isat) has championed this cause, working tirelessly to elevate educational standards, uphold ethical practices, and enhance student learning across its member schools. This year, as Isat marks its 30th anniversary, it celebrates not only its own legacy but the progressive education of over 193 member schools. These institutions are committed to nurturing both Thai and international students into conscientious, knowledgeable individuals poised to take on the world with responsibility and compassion. Usa Somboon, Isat’s president, confidently states that the educational caliber of Isat-affiliated schools meets and exceeds global standards, gaining recognition from accreditation bodies while aligning with Thailand’s national…
On a bustling Friday at Government House in Bangkok, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stood before an audience, addressing a topic that has lately stirred quite a pot – the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Thailand and Cambodia regarding maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand. With confidence and a sprinkle of wit, she assured the assembly that the government is fully prepared to shed light on its decision to back this contentious MoU, reaffirming the upcoming formation of a joint technical committee (JTC) within the month. The situation unfolded following a petition led by Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, the chief adviser of the Thai Pakdee Party, alongside a band of fervent nationalists. They were not here to mince words; they were calling for nothing short of scrapping the agreement altogether. Their petition, a document of staunch resistance, found itself in the hands of Sompas Nilphan, a management adviser to the PM’s…
The buzz of anticipation hummed softly in the lavish ballroom of the Ritz Carlton in Bangkok. All eyes were on an intriguing figure at the podium—former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Here he was, at the prestigious 22nd Forbes Global CEO Conference, the gathering place for illustrious CEOs, business magnates, innovative entrepreneurs, savvy investors, and world-changing thought leaders. The rich aroma of a fine Gala Dinner filled the room, but it was Thaksin’s words that truly captured the audience’s attention. As part of a compelling one-on-one dialogue with Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media, Thaksin laid out his vision for Thailand’s economic future, with a mix of reform and preparation for seismic shifts in global geopolitics. The former prime minister didn’t hold back, critiquing the nation’s stagnant economic growth, stifled by what he saw as undue caution from the central bank. He argued that such wariness had shackled small…
In a dramatic twist that shook the tranquil community of Thepha district in Songkhla, a construction site destined to host a gigantic Guanyin statue became a target for violence on November 20, 2024. The explosion of grenades at this site has sparked widespread concern and discussions, particularly as the senator, Chaiyong Maneerungsakul, has pointed fingers at the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN) insurgency group, accusing them of trying to destabilize the region by sowing seeds of discord. The statue, when completed, promises to be a towering testament to peace and unity, standing at a staggering height of 136 meters. It aims to attract an influx of tourists both local and international, thereby breathing economic vigor into the southern border region. Yet, according to Sen. Chaiyong, the BRN’s actions threaten to unravel these efforts by stoking fears and mistrust among communities who have coexisted harmoniously. The implications of these attacks transcend…