As we speak, a system of high pressure is currently wafting over the northern and eastern regions of Thailand, leading to a significant increase in the rainfall throughout the country. An important alert regarding the weather has been sounded in 38 provinces, with the capital city of Bangkok recording a drop of 30% in its usual precipitation. Effected by this unpredictable weather activity, winds and sea waves also soared higher, measuring up to two meters this day. The meteorologists in Thailand suggest an impending monsoon trough nudging towards eastern and upper southern provinces. This movement is expected to whip up low-pressure zones over the huger swathes of the South China Sea. Despite this, the high-pressure system remains over the northern and northeast marcs, which is inducing thunderstorms and substantial rainfall, especially across the southern areas. Consequently, the residents in these areas need to be vigilant of these intense rainfalls which…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
The arduous pursuit of democracy in Thailand remains a persistent struggle, mirrored by the public forums conducted in memory of the valiant youths and advocates of liberty who succumbed during the brutal military rule five decades back. These forums stand as grim reminders of the little advancement accomplished since the momentous uprising on the 14th of October, 1973. The October 14 Institute Foundation, in commemoration of this event, organized these forums, hosting them at the illustrious Royal Rattanakosin Hotel. The attendees of these sessions were as varied as the topics discussed, ranging from the old generation who were a direct witness to the uprising to young individuals intrigued by the nation’s evolutionary saga. At the heart of the discussion, Peerapol Triyakasem, the esteemed chairman of the foundation, emphasized the 1973 students uprising’s importance. He reflected upon how this uprising catalyzed the birth of democratic movements in Thailand, with an aim…
The precarious Israel-Hamas conflict has unfortunately claimed the lives of four more Thai citizens, pushing the gruesome toll to 28 deceased Thais. In addition, 16 have sustained injuries, while 17 are supposedly trapped in what can only be described as a hostage situation, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s statement. These announcements were made by the Prime Minister after an emergency meeting with the Rapid Response Centre (RRC) at the heart of the Foreign Ministry. As the situation continues to escalate at a daunting pace, the Thai government has emphasized the speedy return of all Thai workers to their homeland this month. However, ramping up the number of flights to facilitate such a large scale movement proves to be a Herculean task. Presently, 32 flights, capable of carrying an estimated 5,700 passengers have been lined up by the airlines. Still, the demand overshadows the available capacity with over 7,000 expected…
Residents of Ubon Ratchathani, nestled in the heart of Thailand’s northeast, face an ongoing battle against the rising deluge brought about by the straining Ubonrat and Lampao dams. The unrelenting waters stand motionless, slowly starting to putrefy, escalating the need for medications to combat water-borne diseases and fever. This paints an increasingly grim picture for the flood-besieged Ubon Ratchathani. Banjong Wongvien, a steadfast inhabitant of Tha Bong Mung in Warin Chamrap Municipality, has been diligent in her efforts to safeguard her home, even as the flood waters relent slightly. However, she is wary of a possible resurgence of the flood tide due to the continuous discharge from the Ubonrat and Lampao dams. She lives in the shadow of the mounting fear that the condition might deteriorate within the next few days. In anticipation of the looming danger, she has preemptively relocated her grandchildren to a makeshift shelter constructed at a…
The Chao Phraya Dam continues to release water at an unrelenting pace, leading to extensive floods in the historical city of Ayutthaya. As the dam releases water at a formidable flow rate of 1,800 cubic metres every second, day after day, the repercussion is a rising water level in the river that meanders through this once capital city of Siam. With tributaries equally filling up, there seems to be no break in the high tide of this calamity. Imagine the serene old town of Ayutthaya, teeming with architectural splendours and brick ruins, now submerged in water. The locales surrounding Wat Ko Phai in the Bang Luang Dod sub-district of the Bang Ban district along with the neighbouring communities are among the hardest hit. The expansive canal of Bang Luang, known to be a lifeline for the locals is now overflowing causing the water level in the vicinity to rise drastically,…
A majority of Thai citizens came out in support of the proposed 10,000-baht digital wallet initiative led by the Pheu Thai administration, even as some harbored concerns about the scheme’s potential long-term effects on the Thai economy. This revelation comes from a survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), offering an insight into public sentiments. The study, largely referred to as the Nida Poll, was administered over the phone to a diverse group of 1,310 respondents, aged 18 and above, crossing various socioeconomic lines, between the days of October 9 and 11. Delving into the specific results, approximately 31% of respondents expressed moderate concerns about the scheme potentially doing more harm than good to the national economy, whereas about 25% voiced high levels of worry. Conversely, approximately 28.5% of the participants noted that they were not anxious about the initiative, with about 15% revealing some level of…
The authorities are contemplating a fresh expansion of the fuel cost subsidy scheme for motorbike-taxi operators, an initiative aiming to alleviate operating costs within the realm of public transportation. This project for the subsidization of energy costs, orchestrated by the Department of Energy Business, has been put forward to the Ministry of Energy for assessment. Mr. Prasert Sinsukprasert, the Permanent Secretary for Energy, made this statement recently. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin alongside the Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga holds the autonomy to approve the necessary budget projected around 600 million baht, bypassing the cabinet’s validation. Mr. Prasert brought this to light. The particulars relating to the projected scheme will be unveiled post its complete finalization by the ministry, he added. The inaugural stage of the project in the past saw over 106,655 motorcycle-taxi drivers, rightly licensed by the Department of Land Transport as of 22nd March the previous year, garnering a…
In the aftermath of the latest Israel-Hamas conflict, four additional Thai nationals have tragically lost their lives. This brings the total number of Thai casualties to 28, with another 16 injured and 17 others listed as hostages according to reports from the Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin. Addressing the issue in a Rapid Response Centre meeting at the Foreign Ministry, the Prime Minister conveyed that the current situation remains unpredictable. He expressed that the government’s priority is to repatriate all Thai workers by the end of the month. Navigating the complexities of increasing the number of repatriations flights, Thavisin mentioned arrangements for 32 flights by commercial airlines that can accommodate approximately 5,700 individuals returning to their homeland. Although this measure is in place, it’s considered inadequate due to over 7,000 registered evacuees and the number is expected to surge as the chaos continues. With sea and road routes blocked, the only…
A heart-wrenching tale unfolds from Chiang Rai, where a desperate woman is making a plea for the safe return of her husband, allegedly kidnapped amid a hostile strike by Palestinian militia Hamas on 7th of October in Israel. Suntree Saelee, a 28-year-old Hmong woman hails from the modest village of Ban Kio Kan nestled in tambon Rim Khong of the picturesque Chiang Khong district. In a grave turn of events, she lost communication with her husband, Kong Saelao, aged just 26, during the said attack. Suntree narrated that a comrade of her husband had informed her about how, on that fateful day, Hamas insurgents brazenly attacked a labourers’ camp nestled within an avocado plantation in Khirbet Mador, a mere 3 kilometres from the troubled Gaza Strip that is a Palestinian-run area. Her husband along with three other Thai labourers were at the ill-fated campsite. The co-worker managed to elude capture…
In the midst of the bustling city of Bangkok, a thick murmur of despair resides, particularly in the Klong Toey slum, where 73-year-old Chusri Kaewkhio shares a life of struggle with her 75-year-old husband, Suchart. Their plea to the government is simple – they need more support as the cost of living continues to skyrocket. It’s a seemingly straightforward appeal, but their story is a stark representation of a nationwide issue that is more complex than meets the eye. Chusri’s dreary days get started under the blazing sun, queuing for a free meal – a far cry from the food she once enjoyed at home. The meager government pension that mirrors about 82 US cents a day gives rise to bleak repasts, often just bread and ketchup from 7-Eleven. She shared with AFP reporters at a meal delivery tent run by the Bangkok Community Help Foundation, admitting, “If it’s too…