Imagine waking up to a world submerged in water, where once familiar streets have transformed into winding rivers, and the sanctity of home is breached by the relentless surge of floodwaters. This has been the grim reality for nearly 100,000 families across the picturesque provinces of Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala. These resilient souls are currently engaged in an uphill battle to reclaim their lives as the tumultuous floods start to recede, revealing the full extent of their devastation. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has become a beacon of hope amidst the chaos, announcing that the deluge which has gripped the three southernmost sisters of Thailand is slowly but surely abating. The collective sigh of relief, however, is faint, as 93,220 households continue to stagger under the weight of the aftermath in 25 beleaguered districts. At the helm of the recovery operations, Chaiyawat Junthirapong, the stalwart director-general of…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
As the second Saturday of January approaches, with the chill of winter thawing into the promise of new beginnings, National Children’s Day stands on the horizon, this year accompanied by a profound message resonating with the voices of two of Thailand’s esteemed leaders—Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha. These visionaries, in a tapestry of unity and foresight, have woven a theme that pledges to illuminate the path for the nation’s youth, guiding them towards the ideals of democracy. The air of anticipation builds as Prime Minister Srettha reveals a motto that encapsulates the essence of a progressive future: “Explore the world, think creatively, embrace diversity, and jointly build democracy.” Prime Minister Srettha’s message is not just a set of words but an invitation to an enchanting journey—a clarion call for the children to don the hats of explorers, navigating the vast and boundless terrains of…
In the unseen corners of Laukkaing, north Myanmar, a compelling yet disquieting narrative unfolded over November and December—a tale of innocence ensnared and freedoms betrayed. Over 500 Thai citizens, their hopes hijacked and their dreams deferred, were plucked from the grip of nefarious scam gangs by vigilant authorities. This drama of rescue and repatriation was a stark illustration of modern peril, as 174 of these individuals were revealed to be the unfortunate victims of a dark and pervasive human trafficking scheme. During an evening steeped in urgency, the somber findings darted across the lines of a teleconference, reaching the intent ears of Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief. Senior police officers from Chiang Rai, assembled like watchful guardians of justice, hung on every word as the chilling details came to light. The steady voice of Chiang Rai’s leading lawman, Pol Maj Gen Manop Senakul, recounted the odyssey…
Imagine strolling down the bustling streets of Bangkok, where sensory delights await at every corner, only to be met with the brooding gaze of a towering, gargoyle-like figure that looks as if it’s leapt from the page of a fantasy novel. We’re talking about the formidable Khru Kai Kaew a figure shrouded in mystery, straddling the realms of gods and demons, a sentinel that caused such a stir it could put Hollywood blockbusters to shame! Bazaar Hotel Bangkok, known for its eclectic flair, found itself in the eye of a supernatural storm as this half-god, half-demon statue guarded its entrance. Standing at an imposing four meters tall and stretching an arm span of 3.5 meters, the sculpture brought life to stone and, simultaneously, fright night to its neighborhood. Its presence sent ripples of controversy across the community, much as a pebble tossed into a still pond, except this pebble was…
Welcome, dear readers, to the heart-stopping, globe-trotting narrative that unfolded amidst the shimmering allure of Bangkok’s Siam Paragon mall, where on the fateful day of October 3rd, a shocking act punctured the everyday hustle. It was not just another bustling day of shopping and selfies; it turned into a tableau that gripped the nation and sent tremors across international borders. The scene, shrouded now in the dusty aftermath of detectives and flashbulb bursts of press cameras, was one of heartache. The tight-lipped hustle of forensic officers escorted by police painted a grim picture of the day when a mere teenager, a 14-year-old enigma, apparently pulled the trigger in cold blood. The ripple effect of this tragedy was felt far and wide; lives from Thailand to China, to the golden land of Myanmar, were snuffed out in a narrative that nobody could have scripted. The Siam Paragon, a monolith of retail…
As the page of the calendar turns to the cusp of 2024, the political landscape of Thailand has been a whirlwind of change, drama, and unexpected turns. Join me on a rollicking recap of the year’s five most jaw-dropping political tales that have both enthralled and ruffled feathers across the nation! 1. The Ascend and Stumble of Move Forward In a dramatic turn of events, the Move Forward Party (MFP) soared to electoral success, seizing a handsome 151 seats in the May elections and igniting roaring expectations among its supporters. Yet, the party’s dreams of forming the government fizzled out in a spectacle of political theater. Senators waved away the MFP’s coalition overtures, citing the media-shareholding saga enveloping then-leader Pita Limjaroenrat, and thwarting his bid for the premiership. With the aura of disillusionment in the air, the second-place finisher Pheu Thai tore up their MoU and cozied up with the…
Amid the gentle hum of engines and the occasional flash of headlights, law enforcement officers were a vigilant presence on Highway 304 in Kabin Buri district of Prachin Buri on a recent bustling Thursday. Their mission? To oversee a thoroughfare pulsating with pre-New Year activity. The atmosphere was one of caution, underscored by a pressing appeal from the People’s Safety Foundation, a clarion call urging the government to reinforce safety protocols to curb the spike in road mishaps synonymous with the festive season. (Credit to Manit Sanabboon for capturing this moment.) As families and friends shake off the cobwebs of lockdowns and revel in the rejuvenating spirit of a post-pandemic world, the Foundation’s astute chairman, Nikorn Chamnong—who juggles his advocacy with parliamentary duties for the Chartthaipattana Party—is clear-eyed about the forecasts. An exuberant surge of visitors could swell highroads and byways during the New Year jubilee. “This poses a great…
Feast your eyes, dear reader, and prepare your mind for an exhilarating journey through the intricacies of Thailand’s financial future! The esteemed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a figure seemingly sculpted from the very essence of leadership, has rallied the government coalition with a clarion call to arms, or rather, to pens and papers in anticipation of the 2024 fiscal fireworks – the much anticipated House debate on the Budget Bill. As the clock strikes the dawn of January, the air in the chambers will bristle with the electricity of parliamentary discourse. From the 3rd to the 5th, the hallowed halls will echo with debate over a bountiful sum of 3.48 trillion baht, the lifeblood of the nation’s ambitions for an entire year, a year that has, incidentally, already crept a toe over the starting line in October. Yet, the grand tableaux of budget deliberation found itself momentarily paused, gripped by…
Imagine a path where the discipline of the military converges with the advanced tutelage of the police force. That’s precisely the vision unfolding, as whispers within the corridors of power indicate a transformative step for Thailand’s soldiers – a chance to don the blues and brass of the police service. This isn’t just a mere transition; it’s an opportunity-filled bridge. The Police Training Centre for Non-Commissioned Officers, a revered institution shaping the guardians of law and order, is opening its revered doors to the nation’s brave soldiers. A well-placed confidant privy to the ongoing dialogues reveals that the talks humming with the Royal Thai Police (RTP) carry the tune of possibility – the kind that widens career horizons for the brave men and women in uniforms. Is the number 1,000 flashing in your mind? It should, as that’s the initial quota peeking from over the horizon, ready to shift shape…
Oh, the game of musical chairs in the grand amphitheater of Thai politics never ceases to entertain! Hold onto your seats, folks, because it seems we have yet another fascinating reshuffle that’s sure to raise not just a few eyebrows but perhaps even a cheer or two. Stepping into the spotlight is none other than the illustrious Pirapan Salirathavibhaga of the United Thai Nation Party, who is about to don the metaphorical cape of justice, previously fluttering behind Deputy PM Somsak Thepsutin. According to an official decree that dropped mid-week – and believe me, it was hotter than a Bangkok afternoon – Pirapan is set to become the new supervillain… Argh! I mean, the supervisor of the Justice Ministry. But fret not, for Srettha Thavisin, that luminary of legal acumen, isn’t completely out of the picture; he’ll continue to be the mastermind orchestrating the Department of Special Investigation’s every move.…