In the bustling heart of Bangkok, where busy streets pulse with the rhythm of urban life, a new chapter of transformation is being penned. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), in collaboration with the Thailand Walking and Cycling Institute Foundation (TWCIF), has embarked on a visionary journey to carve pedestrian and cycling-friendly paths through four of the city’s most traffic-laden areas. As the gears of this feasibility study spin to a close next month, the city braces itself for a leap towards a sustainable, connected future. At the helm of this ambitious endeavor stands TWCIF board member Silpa Wairatpanij, a champion of turning Bangkok into a pedestrian and cyclist haven by 2032. This project goes beyond aimless pursuits, striving to craft a city that infuses ease and practicality into walking and cycling commutes, overhauling previous half-hearted attempts. The pilot lanes are poised to take off in four widely recognized locales: Lat…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is stepping back into the political fray with flair and vigour. With legal approval backing his involvement, Thaksin is poised to lend his charisma and political acumen to the Pheu Thai Party during the upcoming Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chair elections in Udon Thani and Surin provinces. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confidently affirmed Thaksin’s right to participate in the campaign efforts, despite not having directly discussed it with him. Nonetheless, the stage seems set for Thaksin to grace the rallies as a campaign assistant from November 13-14 in Udon Thani and later, from November 19-20 in Surin. The elections for the PAO chair are scheduled for November 23 and 24 in Surin and Udon Thani, respectively. Phumtham, who also serves as the defence minister and is deeply embedded in Pheu Thai’s leadership, reassured that Thaksin’s involvement is legally sound and devoid of any controversy.…
The news world was abuzz on the 9th of November when Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai made a noteworthy visit to the pristine island of Koh Kut. His presence there sparked a flurry of hypotheses and hushed whispers concerning a purported secret pact between Thailand’s former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, and Cambodia’s past leader, Hun Sen, over contentious maritime areas in the shimmering expanse of the Gulf of Thailand. But hold your horses, because this mystery comes with a plot twist. Addressing the eager media on the following Monday, Mr. Phumtham shattered any illusions of clandestine agreements with an unequivocal declaration: “There is no such deal whatsoever. How can anyone who has no official role reach any deal?” His words echoed a collective sigh of relief. The lack of any formalized Joint Technical Committee (JTC) to even discuss these overlapping claims under the 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) further cemented his…
In the bustling city of Bangkok, where the pace of life never seems to slow, a legal drama is unfolding that has all the elements of a gripping thriller. The spotlight is on celebrity lawyer Sittra “Tam” Biabungkerd, a man whose life of luxury has come under the intense scrutiny of the law. As authorities dig deeper, more startling revelations come to light, casting a shadow over his once-celebrated persona. The drama kicked into high gear when the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), led by the determined commissioner Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, made a staggering announcement. They had seized assets totaling over 70 million baht from Mr. Sittra. This eye-popping haul included 28 million baht in cash, a breathtaking luxury home valued at 43 million baht, and a fleet of high-end vehicles. However, the plot thickens ominously as investigators report that several items, particularly coveted luxury watches and valuables supposedly…
Once upon a twinkling evening, the Chao Phraya River morphs into a vibrant symphony of lights, colors, and sounds, drawing festival-goers from all over to witness the Vijit Chao Phraya. This dazzling spectacle, orchestrated by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is set to grace the banks of this iconic river from November 15 to December 16, 2024. What better way to immerse yourself in Thailand’s cultural kaleidoscope that effortlessly combines the elegance of traditional art with the enchantment of modern technology? The festival unveils a riveting tapestry that stretches along key riverside locations, each spot vying to captivate with its own breathtaking display. It’s as if the heart of Bangkok thuds in luminous hues and echoes of music, painting a delightful picture that embodies the richness of Thai heritage. Picture yourself sipping on a chilled drink while vibrant lights dance around you, and the mingling sounds create a harmony…
From left: Charlie Phairojmahakij, Co-Founder and CTO; Thanasak Hoontrakul, Co-Founder and CEO; and Naruchol Tanatavee, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, CloudNurse. In a world rapidly hurtling toward the challenges of an aging population, CloudNurse is stepping up to the plate with Thailand’s first digital platform expressly designed for senior care facilities. As Thailand’s elderly demographic swells to comprise a hefty 20% of the population—over 13.2 million seniors to be exact—the necessity for enhanced elder care solutions has never been more critical. Boasting features that integrate electronic health records (EHR) and management tools, CloudNurse is on a mission to streamline operations, alleviate tedious paperwork, and ultimately up the ante on quality care. Tailored with ease of use and accessibility at its core, CloudNurse aims to raise the bar for elder care management not just within Thailand, but in regions far and wide. Addressing an Urgent Demand in Aged Care The numbers…
In the tranquil waters off Hat Chao Mai beach in Thailand’s Trang province, the graceful figure of a dugong glides silently, a rare sight amid pressing concerns about their survival. Captured during a joint survey by marine conservationists and national park officials, this sighting is a poignant reminder of the plight facing this gentle marine mammal. With their numbers dwindling, the urgency to address the dugong crisis peaks, prompting a crucial meeting on marine and coastal resource management. On a strategic Monday, stakeholders from the National Policy and Planning Committee on Marine and Coastal Resources Management convened under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong. High on their agenda was the troubling spike in dugong fatalities observed over the past month. Alongside voices from the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources provided insights into the pressing issue that demanded immediate action. The most…
In an unexpected twist surrounding the widely watched Thai period drama “The Empress of Ayodhaya,” a black cat named Samli has become the center of a heated debate over potential animal cruelty. This all started when a controversial scene in the drama’s fifth episode showed Samli appearing to drink from a tray, only to subsequently go into seizures and ultimately, well, “die.” The scene quickly sparked outrage among animal lovers and viewers alike, who questioned the ethical standards of such a portrayal. What really went on behind the scenes? As the buzz built around Samli’s on-screen demise, the Department of Livestock Development was prompted to step in, launching an investigation to ensure there was no misconduct. They requested Channel One31, the broadcaster of the show, to present Samli for a comprehensive examination. The purpose? To confirm that Samli wasn’t harmed in real life and to investigate the claims of sedation…
The charismatic and controversial Warathaphon “Boss Paul” Waratyaworrakul, the founding brainchild behind The iCon Group, found himself in handcuffs as he was escorted from the illustrious halls of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) to the echoing corridors of the Criminal Court in Bangkok on that fateful day of October 18th. The scene, perfectly captured by the lens of Nutthawat Wichieanbut, is a telltale snapshot of high-stakes drama unfurling in the heart of Thailand. In a twist worthy of a Hollywood thriller, The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) lobbed additional charges against a cohort of 18 suspects linked to The iCon Group, all marinated in allegations of pyramid scheming and direct sales law deviations. Wisanu Chimtrakool, the DSI’s deputy secretary-general, took the stage to announce this legal development, revealing that the charges were delivered at the Bangkok Remand Prison and the Central Women’s Correctional Institution. The new legal battles added layers…
As the sun casts its golden glow over the serene Kolok River, a fleet of alert Thai customs boats patrols vigilantly along the vibrant border nestled between Tak Bai district in Narathiwat province, Thailand, and the buzzing warmth of Tumpat in Malaysia’s Kelantan state. The scene is picturesque, yet beneath the calm waters lies a wave of whispers that ripple across political arenas. Emerging from the folds of this bustling border discussion is the strategic contemplation of a grand wall. Yes, you heard it right—a mighty barrier along the riverbank of Malaysia’s Kelantan state matching wits with the serene Thai terrain across the river. This idea, proposed by Kelantan, is currently navigating the choppy waters of high-level Malaysian governance. The ultimate nod of approval—or perhaps disapproval—rests with Malaysia’s paramount National Security Council, led by none other than Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as Bernama news agency kept us in the loop…