THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

The provincial-level Senate election is set to sweep across the nation this Sunday, marking a critical juncture in the election process. The Election Commission (EC) has issued a stern reminder to all candidates: show up at the polling stations on time and absolutely no schmoozing with fellow contenders during the vote. Leading by example, EC Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee, alongside a cadre of election officials, conducted a meticulous inspection of the Vayupak Convention Centre at the Centara Life Government Complex Hotel nestled on Chaeng Watthana Road in Lak Si district. This venue serves as the designated polling station for the district-level elections in Bangkok. Mr. Sawaeng emphasized the streamlined nature of the process as the election advances from the district to the provincial stage, suggesting a smooth sailing. A striking figure of 23,645 candidates has made the cut for the provincial-level election. The directive is clear: arrive at the provincial polling…

Imagine the bustling streets of Bangkok, a city drenched in cultural richness and vibrancy. Last December 1st, a notable scene unfolded, where the executives and staff of the Police General Hospital made a determined march to the Royal Thai Police headquarters. Their mission? To raise awareness during the campaign against HIV/AIDS on World AIDS Day. This poignant march underscored a pressing issue: the need to accelerate efforts in combating the stigma faced by young people living with HIV (young PLHIV) in healthcare settings. Thailand has indeed made significant strides in providing healthcare services to young HIV-positive individuals, particularly those aged 18 to 24. Yet, a chilling statistic reveals that one in four young patients still encounters discrimination within healthcare facilities. It’s a troubling reality that deters many from seeking the essential care they need, thus thwarting the global aim of eradicating the AIDS epidemic. This was a focal discussion point…

It’s not every day that the seismic shifts in the media landscape make headlines, but when they do, the ripples are both fascinating and telling. Recently, a familiar face from the now-defunct Voice TV has taken to Facebook to announce a vibrant new news show. Former anchor, Weeranan Kanhar, excitedly shared that he will be hosting “Khui Khlai Kao”, a fresh news program gearing up to debut on state-run NBT, promising to carry the torch of engaging content every weekday from 8pm to 9.30pm. For those who’ve kept an eye on the journey of Voice TV, this transition might come as a surprise, albeit a welcome one. Voice TV, which had increasingly become synonymous with its open support for the Pheu Thai Party and the red-shirt movement, ceased its broadcasts on May 31 after a storied 15 years on air. The shuttering of this influential channel left a notable gap,…

Picture the scene: Nasa Club in Chon Buri’s Muang district, packed to the brim with partygoers dancing the night away. It was early Saturday, and the beats were electrifying until the unexpected happened. A powerful force of 150, comprising police officers and officials from the Department of Provincial Administration, stormed the club at about 1:30 AM, instantly transforming the vibrant energy into a chaotic scramble. Patrons, around 400 in number, found their wild night interrupted. In a frenzied attempt to evade capture, some tried to dispose of sachets of illicit substances while others dashed for the restrooms in a vain bid to flush their woes away. The officials weren’t having it, though. Every single customer was asked to undergo urine tests, which revealed a startling revelation. Initially, officials stated that out of the crowd, 105 people—61 men and 44 women—had tested positive for drug use. As the events unfurled further…

In the early hours of Saturday, a flydubai Airbus A319 navigating its way from Dubai to the Philippines faced a dramatic challenge, making an unplanned yet safe landing at U-Tapao Airport in Rayong. The hiccup? The landing gear failed to deploy, leaving the crew with no choice but to request an emergency landing. The captain, demonstrating exceptional poise, sought permission to touch down at the navy-operated airport in Ban Chang district just past midnight. The airport authorities, showcasing their prowess, sprang into action, enlisting over 30 ambulances, medics, and rescue squads from Rayong and the neighboring province of Chon Buri. At approximately 1:05 AM, the Airbus A319-115 (CJ) gracefully touched down, as confirmed by FM91 Trafficpro. This successful landing was not just a testament to the crew’s skill but also to the swift, coordinated response from all involved agencies. Once the plane’s systems were thoroughly vetted, the aircraft resumed its…

Is the animosity an act? It has been noted that the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) has taken an empathetic approach to the ruling Pheu Thai Party of late, leading to accusations the antagonism between them may have been staged. Two developments were observed in recent weeks, which suggest the two largest parties may have already kissed and made up after Pheu Thai was criticised by MFP for reneging on their post-election promise to form a government together. Pheu Thai instead hooked up with the conservative camp when it invited the Bhumjaithai, Palang Pracharath, and United Thai Nation parties to join the coalition, leaving MFP out in the cold. The MFP had the chance of nominating its then leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, to become premier with the support of Pheu Thai. Mr. Pita’s bid was rejected outright by the Senate. As the dust was settling over the coalition formation, an…

In a groundbreaking move, the government announced its intention to roll out a co-payment scheme designed to aid over 4 million rice-farming households, specifically targeting fertiliser costs. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, speaking after the national rice management policy committee meeting, shared some optimistic news: this year’s rice prices are taking a positive turn compared to last year. This encouraging trend has paved the way for new initiatives to support farmers. Traditionally, the government has extended generous subsidies to farmers, prompting them to seek better production techniques to slash costs. Recently, they’ve introduced an ambitious fertiliser project, with the government committing to cover half of the expenses. The implementation of this initiative will be facilitated by the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives through a specialized mobile app, ensuring that every farmer can access it. To address concerns over recent fertiliser price hikes, suppliers will be invited to join the program,…

In the quest for a more promising tomorrow, simply adhering to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles may not suffice, according to Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO of Stewardship Asia Centre. Speaking at a riveting conference in Bangkok this week, Peshawaria argued that the decades-old ESG framework is showing its limitations despite its widespread adoption. Peshawaria pointed out that many businesses hide behind the façade of greenwashing to sidestep scrutiny, while regulatory frameworks enforce just the bare minimum level of responsible behavior. “Regulations may minimize harm, but they do not maximize good,” he proclaimed, highlighting the fundamental flaw in the current system. A troubling trend has emerged where businesses are exploiting challenges for profit rather than devising profitable solutions to these very challenges, Peshawaria noted. He proposed a paradigm shift from ESG to ESL—where “L” stands for “steward leadership.” This concept embodies an earnest commitment to forging a better future for stakeholders,…

The buzzing anticipation filled the air as Senate candidates converged at Bang Kapi School in Bangkok, all set to cast their votes on June 9. Amidst the chaos, the Election Commission (EC) remained steadfast, ready to push forward with the provincial-level voting for the Senate election, despite murmurings about inefficiencies among poll officials failing to disqualify ineligible candidates. (Photo: Vruth Hirunyatheb) As Sunday looms, the EC calls upon the public to keep a watchful eye on both provincial and national-level voting. This call for vigilance aims to bolster public participation and transparency, even though there isn’t a public vote. For those intrigued by the electoral process, there’s an invitation to submit requests to the provincial election offices and the Office of the Election Commission. Across 77 provinces, a massive 23,645 candidates, having triumphed in the district-level selection on June 9, will be narrowing down to 3,080 hopefuls come Sunday. From…

Suvarnabhumi Airport bustled with an influx of tourists on February 6, creating a vibrant, energetic scene that marked the return of international travelers. Amid this surge, the Department of Disease Control assured the public: Thailand remains free of bird flu cases in humans. However, vigilance is still the order of the day for those returning from regions grappling with H5N2 outbreaks. Authorities recommend that these individuals self-monitor for irregular respiratory symptoms for 14 days post-arrival, and seek immediate medical attention if such symptoms appear. Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, the vigilant chief of Disease Control, emphasized that Thailand has maintained its bird flu-free status among humans since 2006. But this doesn’t mean the country is resting on its laurels. A joint effort involving agencies like the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and the Department of Livestock ensures close monitoring of potential outbreaks among animals. Quick-response measures are firmly in…