In an intriguing turn of events, the serene landscapes of Thailand and its neighboring countries experienced the subtle rumblings of Mother Nature today. Picture this: As the world slumbered, a series of gentle tremors rippled through the region, the most potent of which registered at a 4.9 magnitude. This seismic spectacle took place near the Myanmar-India border, where the ground decided to have a little dance party of its own at 3:24 am Thai time on May 28, 2025. According to the Earthquake Observation Division, the Earth seemed to be gently stretching her legs, sending vibrations that tickled the soil of Northern Thailand’s cherished Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son provinces. But the Earth didn’t stop her rhythmic movement there; she also nudged Myanmar, China, and Vietnam just to let them know she was alive and kicking. Remarkably, despite the early hour, the tremors only stirred curiosity rather than chaos,…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In a promising twist of events, the Thai government and the Royal Thai Police (RTP) have given a thumbs up to a bold strategy proposed by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. This plan aims to tackle the ever-persistent drug problems plaguing the country. Key elements of Thaksin’s strategy include ramping up regional diplomacy and reallocating a hefty chunk of the government’s 157-billion-baht economic stimulus to power up anti-narcotic efforts. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul couldn’t be more enthusiastic about these suggestions, branding them as “constructive” and snugly aligned with the government’s current policies. A plethora of initiatives Thaksin tabled, like village-level surveillance and the creation of drug-free “white zones,” are already simmering on the stove. Now it’s just about turning up the heat. The Interior Ministry is rolling up its sleeves, ready to cooperate even more robustly with police, military, and civil authorities to crank up these efforts. Thaksin passionately voiced…
The dust settled gently over Ratchaburi as a significant chapter unfolded in the annals of humanitarian de-mining operations. The Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC), basking in the synergy of a vibrant partnership with the United States Department of Defense, celebrated a new dawn with the official inauguration of its Center of Excellence on Humanitarian Demining Missions. This venture, echoing with optimism and purpose, marked a pivotal stride in reinforcing regional safety and exemplified the resilient camaraderie between the US and Thailand, as echoed by the newly opened US Embassy in Bangkok. The air hummed with anticipation as senior military leaders, draped in the gravitas of their ranks, converged to witness a symbolic occasion—the delivery of the formidable GCS-200 de-mining machine. This state-of-the-art marvel of engineering was a testament to the collective resolve to eradicate the dormant threats lurking beneath the earth. Its arrival was strategically timed to coincide with the…
In a bold move to bolster security at Thailand’s borders, National Police Chief General Kittharath Punpetch has announced a groundbreaking initiative led by the immigration police. Aiming to clamp down on foreign-run prostitution rings, the general unveiled a series of stringent new entry procedures for visitors arriving in the Land of Smiles. At the heart of this endeavor lies the digital arrival card, a tool developed through a collaborative effort between the Immigration Bureau and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Imagine landing in the tropical paradise of Thailand, ready to soak in its vibrant culture and world-renowned beaches. Yet before you can set off on your grand adventure, you’re gently channeled through an enhanced screening process. It’s all for a noble cause, as this system meticulously cross-references your details with databases maintained by foreign embassies. At stake is the robust effort to root out individuals lurking on watchlists and blacklists,…
The vibrant and diverse heart of Southeast Asia, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is on the brink of an exciting new chapter as leaders from the esteemed group have agreed to admit Timor-Leste as its 11th member. This monumental decision is slated to take place at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October, as disclosed by an influential Thai diplomat yesterday. Bolbongse Vangphaen, the dynamic director-general of the ASEAN Affairs Department, shared the exhilarating news that come October, during the 47th ASEAN Summit in the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Timor-Leste will finally find its place among the ASEAN nations as a full-fledged member. The summit promises to be a grand affair, with Timor-Leste’s inclusion marking a pivotal moment in ASEAN’s history. “Embracing Timor-Leste is akin to adding a formidable tool to ASEAN’s already robust arsenal,” Bolbongse proclaimed with palpable enthusiasm at a press briefing, recounting the achievements…
In the fascinating labyrinth of Thai politics, seemingly akin to the suspense of a crime thriller, Deputy Commerce Minister Napinthorn Srisanpang finds himself at the story’s center as he navigates the intricate web of accusations and politics. Recently, Napinthorn made his way to the headquarters of the Election Commission (EC), preparing to face allegations tied to allegations of conspiracy during the last Senate election. As the atmosphere thickened with anticipation, Napinthorn, a prominent member of the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), seemed poised and ready to tackle the accusations head-on. With a demeanor as calm as a seasoned diplomat, Napinthorn asserted his innocence, firmly denying any involvement in vote manipulation plots. He equated these claims to an unfounded fiction thriller that lacked any substantive evidence. A crucial ally in his narrative is none other than Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the BJT, Anutin Charnvirakul, who had a reassuring conversation with Napinthorn.…
In a somber development that underscores the gravity of discipline within the ranks, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) has extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of Vorapach Padmasakul, a young conscript whose life was tragically cut short during disciplinary exercises last year. The echo of this unfortunate incident still reverberates within the military community, shining a harsh spotlight on the critical need for rigorous adherence to humane practices. Vorapach, merely 18 years old, had scarcely begun his journey with the military, having joined less than three months before tragedy struck on that fateful day, August 2, 2024. This fresh conscript was placed at the 3rd Infantry Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, King’s Guard—a prestigious post now overshadowed by the shadowy specter of his untimely demise. The events leading up to his death were grim. Medical evaluations revealed a litany of horrifying injuries: swelling of the brain, ribs shattered on both…
In a bid to keep the wheels of education turning despite the unpredictable temperament of seasonal surges in Covid-19, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) has taken a bold stance against shutting down schools. According to the DDC, judicious screening processes and targeted isolation methods are more than adequate to keep the virus at bay in the realm of learning hubs. Dr. Jurai Wongsawat, the eloquent voice of the department, divulged that the most recent cluster outbreaks emerged from a variety of environments: a troubling six clusters in prisons with 198 cases, five discreet outbreaks in schools amassing 258 cases, two in military camps boasting 178 cases, and a lone hospital cluster totalling 35 cases. With a steady resolve, Dr. Jurai emphasized, “Schools should amplify their screening efforts, covering students and staff alike. Where infections pop up, home isolation suffices. Schools need not close their gates, except in calamitous scenarios…
In a city that seems to grow faster than a bamboo shoot during monsoon season, maintaining seamless connectivity between the bustling urban centers of Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Pathum Thani is mission critical. Enter the Department of Rural Roads (DRR) with their ambitious makeover of Chaiyaphruk Road. Once a beleaguered six-lane stretch struggling with the weight of over 40,000 vehicles daily, it now gleams magnificently as a 10-lane thoroughfare, ready to zip commuters through their day with unmatched ease. Poor old Chaiyaphruk was groaning under the pressure of buzzing motorbikes and roaring cars alike, every one of them hustling to chase the sunrise over Ratchaphruek and Kanchanaphisek roads, which had become the new expressway to the lively Pathum Thani. Enter the 10-lane miracle, a testament to the mettle of those plotting urban nirvana, and boy, is it a sight for traffic-weary eyes! With the signature flourish of a maestro finalizing his…
As Thailand braces for an unusually heavy monsoon season, the country is taking proactive measures to tackle the looming threat of flooding. With rainfall showing no signs of abating, the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) has sprung into action, establishing a temporary front-line water management centre to keep a vigilant eye on the deluge predicted to hit the northern regions. The directive for this initiative came straight from the top, courtesy of Digital Economy and Society Minister, Prasert Jantararuangtong. As the chair of the National Water Resources Committee (NWRC), Mr. Prasert has voiced genuine concerns over the potential for catastrophic flooding, a sentiment echoed by the people who have witnessed the devastation similar events have caused in the past. Recently, ONWR deputy secretary-general Paitoon Kengkarnchang convened the inaugural meeting of this newly minted committee in the province of Chiang Rai. It was a veritable who’s who of disaster…