The political landscape in Thailand is ablaze with controversy, as an intriguing scheme to distribute 10,000-baht handouts to the country’s elderly hangs in the balance. Former election commissioner, Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, stoked the flames of debate when he took to Facebook to issue a stern warning. He pointed out that the timing and nature of the initiative might teeter on the brink of legality, given its close proximity to the forthcoming elections for chiefs of provincial administrative organisations (PAOs). This grand financial gesture, scheduled to be rolled out just before the festivities of Chinese New Year, targets an impressive 4 million elderly citizens. Now, while on the surface this seems to be a benevolent move aimed at supporting those over 60 perceived as particularly vulnerable, the underlying motives have come into question. Somchai did not mince words, suggesting that the government might be using this broad-brush classification as a convenient excuse…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In Samut Sakhon, a scene unfolded that was both disheartening and all too familiar. Picture this: about a hundred hopeful Myanmar workers gathered in front of a factory in Muang district, full of anticipation and dreams of stable employment. However, their aspirations were dashed when they realized they had become the victims of a cruel scam. The workers had all paid between 3,000 to 7,000 baht each to Thai brokers who promised them secure jobs at the Index Interfurn Company, known for its sprawling Index Living Mall warehouse, situated along Ekachai Road in tambon Khok Kham. This rendezvous was supposed to mark the commencement of a new chapter in their lives. Yet, it unfolded into a bitter assembly of bewilderment and disappointment. Pol Col Somchai Khokha, the superintendent of Khok Kham police station, shed light on the backdrop of this unfortunate tale. When the workers, brimming with hope, approached the…
The Senate has emerged victorious in the intricate dance of negotiations concerning the referendum prerequisites needed to amend the Thai constitution. A climactic vote held by a harmonious yet occasionally contentious joint House-Senate committee leaned favorably towards the illustrious Senate’s stance, supporting the so-called “double majority” rule. This decisive outcome, sealed with a precise vote tally, secures the Senate’s preferred stipulation. However, as the dust settles, the political choreography is far from over. The prospect of seeing constitutional amendments through before the government’s term ceases in 2027 is now rather bleak, as if the idea itself were drifting into the realm of impossibility. The “double majority” requirement, a formidable agent enshrined within the revered pages of the Referendum Act, sets forth a dual mandate. For a referendum result to be binding, it mandates not only that more than half of the eligible voting populace must partake in the electoral festivity…
In a twist reminiscent of a spicy drama, the leisurely six-month vacation — ahem, I mean “stay” — of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra at Thailand’s Police General Hospital has by now stirred up quite a brouhaha. Imagine the scene: The hallowed halls of the hospital bustling not with regular hospital clamor but with whispers of political intrigue. Two fervent House committees are now hot on the heels of this perplexing affair. (Photo credit: Somchai Poomlard, capturing moments more elusive than Bigfoot atop a unicycle!) At the heart of these investigations is a hearty debate over whether the erstwhile prime minister was receiving an all-inclusive luxury healthcare package incognito under the guise of detention. State security, border affairs, national strategy, and reform—just another day in the office for the committee spearheaded by the valiant Rangsiman Rome, MP of the opposition People’s Party. This committee has extended invitations more widely than a…
As the sun sets majestically over Bang Bao Bay on the enchanting island of Koh Kut, the tranquil ambiance belies the simmering tension over an international disagreement rooted in an agreement sealed back in 2001. This picturesque scene, captured beautifully by Vyacheslav Argenberg, has inadvertently become a backdrop to a complex diplomatic dance between Thailand and Cambodia. While vacationers bask in the glory of the island’s natural beauty, a tug-of-war over sovereignty and undersea resources unfolds in the corridors of power far from the sandy beaches. The crux of this geopolitical tango lies in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) crafted at the turn of this century when the dynamic Thaksin Shinawatra steered the helm of Thailand. This well-intentioned document was crafted to lay down the pathway for resolving overlapping territorial claims over the coveted continental shelf shared by Thailand and its neighbor Cambodia. As the narrative unfolds, Russ Jalichandra, a…
In a bid to bolster connectivity and economic dynamism, a 11.8-kilometer stretch of Highway 3481 connecting Bangkok to the charming eastern provinces of Chachoengsao and Prachin Buri has undergone a significant makeover. Once a modest two-lane road, this highway section has been transformed into an impressive four-lane expressway, promising commuters a swifter and smoother journey between the bustling capital and the sunlit East. The Department of Highways, the mastermind behind this transformation, is jubilantly leading the charge to enhance transportation within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), according to the ever-enthusiastic deputy government spokesperson, Sasikarn Watthanachan. The upgrade is not merely about adding more lanes; it’s a strategic step towards accommodating burgeoning traffic volumes and ensuring safety and efficiency across this vital artery. Picture this: raised medians boldly dividing the lanes, robust concrete barriers standing as resolute sentinels, and the gentle glow of new lighting guiding travelers on their way. New…
In an unexpected twist of events in the heart of Nakhon Sawan, a curious case unfolded that seemed almost like a scene from an exotic wildlife documentary. Law enforcement, in a coordinated and high-stakes operation, uncovered a treasure trove of forbidden wildlife artifacts right in an unassuming neighborhood. It was here that Chit Pasut-angkun, the mastermind behind an underground exotic goods operation, saw his thriving online business come to an abrupt halt, thanks to the vigilant efforts of the Thai police, forest conservation officers, and their allies from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The operation was not your usual suburban takedown. A fusion of meticulous surveillance, tech-savvy investigation, and a timely follow-through on leads from previous cases culminated in this dramatic bust. The scene at Chit’s home was a macabre testament to the market’s dark underbelly. The officers unearthed an astonishing stash: three flawless tiger skins, 44 pieces of…
The sun barely broke through the clouds over Nakhon Si Thammarat as relentless rain continued to pour from the heavens since Tuesday. (Photo: Nujaree Rakrun) But, it wasn’t just the residents of this historic municipality who were scrambling for cover. Southern provinces hugging the Gulf of Thailand, along with their neighboring regions, found themselves battening down the hatches in the face of another ferocious bout of torrential rain expected to batter the coastline until at least Saturday. In Songkhla’s Muang district, workers from the Royal Irrigation Department have been arduously extracting pile-ups of trash and debris from waterways, preparing for the looming threat of flooding. The skies have been weeping continuously, each droplet marking the arrival of yet another storm cell. Not too far in Phatthalung, 11 districts have been sounded with urgent alerts from the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, cautioning locals about flash floods and runoff that could…
In the vibrant, sun-kissed paradise of Phuket, where turquoise waves lapping the shores often soothe the soul, an unexpected tragedy struck, shaking the holiday spirits of visitors and locals alike. On a morning that should have been filled with the promise of exploration and relaxation, rescue workers were instead faced with a heart-wrenching mission. A British holidaymaker, Fraser Wright, aged 36, was found lifeless in an open storm drain in the bustling Kathu district, punctuating the festive air with an unexpected sorrow. As the sun peeked over the horizon, casting its golden glow across the island’s landscape, the grim discovery was made on the pristine Phra Metta Road, directly opposite the familiar structure of Patong Hospital, a location now marked by an air of somberness. Swiftly and with heavy hearts, the tireless rescue team managed to retrieve his body at approximately 9:15 AM, their actions echoing the silent grief felt…
In a digital age where personal information holds more value than ever, safeguarding data becomes critical. This was evident recently when The 1 Co, an integral part of the Central Group, found itself in the spotlight—albeit for reasons no company ever desires—as they issued a heartfelt apology to their valued members for a data breach impacting their loyalty program. Picture this: Millions of loyal customers suddenly wondering just how secure their cherished brand really is. In the wake of this unsettling event, The 1 Co expressed sincere remorse, empathizing with the anxiousness of their clientele. Understandably, a data breach is no trivial matter, and while their initial investigation didn’t flag any blemishes in their systems, it’s precisely the kind of assurance they needed to communicate to maintain trust. Their data protection officer didn’t uncover any vulnerabilities in the initial probe, leading many to question the origins and mechanics of the…