THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

Passengers in Greater Bangkok found themselves thrust into morning chaos this Thursday when their usual commute took an unexpected turn. The dramatic changes to public bus routes left many bewildered and agitated, casting a shadow over what would have been an ordinary day of travel. The cause of this uproar? Significant route adjustments that passengers were not adequately forewarned about. The Facebook pages of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), the Transport Ministry, and Bangkokbusclub.com were swamped with complaints from frustrated commuters. Many found themselves waiting endlessly for their regular buses, only to realize these had either changed routes or been entirely replaced. The BMTA’s “reform of the bus lines” initiative, launched that Thursday, was intended to streamline services, but instead, it threw the morning commute into a state of disarray. Thursday’s reform included handing over a dozen routes to new private operators and changing several route numbers. Bus No.…

Imagine gliding along the Chao Phraya River, where three iconic bridges transform into beacons of light and splendor. The Bhumibol 1 and 2 Bridges, forming the majestic link between Bangkok and Samut Prakan, along with the stately Maha Chetsadabodinthranuson Bridge in Nonthaburi, will dazzle onlookers starting Friday. This luminous spectacle isn’t just for show; it’s a radiant homage to His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, which graces the calendar on July 28. The Rural Roads Department, playing a pivotal role in this national commemoration, announced the grand illumination endeavor this past Thursday. From Friday and stretching through to Tuesday, these bridges will serve as gleaming canvases from 7 PM to 10 PM. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, an extra dose of brilliance will keep the lights blazing until midnight on Monday, the King’s birthday itself. This celebration isn’t confined to bridges alone. It’s a part of…

Agriculture is much closer to us than we might think. It’s the backbone of our food sources and an integral part of our daily lives. Ensuring food security has thus become a prime focus for leading companies in the agricultural sector. Among these trailblazers is Chia Tai Company Limited, a name that has resonated with Thai people for over a century. Renowned for their innovative approach, Chia Tai is committed to sustainable agricultural practices that enhance the quality of life for everyone. Under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Taweesuk Mekthawatchaikul, Chief Commercial Officer, Chia Tai has taken on a groundbreaking role as a Solutions Provider. Mr. Taweesuk is collaborating with various business units within the company to tackle a myriad of agricultural challenges. By focusing on sustainable and smart agriculture, Chia Tai aims to uplift farmers’ lives and revamp the Thai agricultural landscape for a new century. Mr. Taweesuk has…

In a fervent demonstration marking the third anniversary of the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, a protester passionately waves a flag outside the United Nations office in Bangkok, roaring out slogans of defiance. The air is thick with determination as people rally against the grim anniversary, underlining the continuous struggle faced by Myanmar’s civilian population. In response to the increasingly dire situation, Thailand has announced the formation of a dedicated task force aimed at bolstering the vigilance and monitoring capacities of its financial institutions. This move is designed to prevent banks from facilitating transactions that could lead to the purchase of arms and perpetuate human rights abuses in Myanmar, as confirmed by the Foreign Ministry. Amidst heightened concerns over financial transactions, the Thai government recently convened with commercial banks and state entities to scrutinize money flows following an alarming UN report. The report indicated a significant rise in funds channeled…

Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang has solidified Beijing’s position in supporting Thailand’s efforts to eliminate dubious Chinese businesses, while also emphasizing a commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and relations. Mr. Han’s remarks came during a seminar on Tuesday commemorating the 49th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand. This affirmation from Mr. Han came at a crucial time, coinciding with a controversy sparked by a Chinese-language billboard in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang area. The billboard boldly advertised a 30-day service for obtaining foreign passports or citizenship, drawing widespread attention over the weekend. Mr. Han shed light on the robust presence of Chinese enterprises in Thailand. “Over 2,400 Chinese companies are currently operating in Thailand, with about 1,400 of these having passed inspections by the Board of Investment (BoI). Most of these companies are thriving in the manufacturing and construction sectors,” he explained. These businesses are known to bring various benefits to…

Dr. Norathep Sriprasit (left) of Thonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital, and Richard Kua, brand general manager of Kiehl’s Thailand, spoke passionately on the panel titled “What do Allies Think?” at the Bangkok Post Pride Every Day forum, hosted on Wednesday at Lido Connect Hall in the iconic Siam Square. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) “Amplifying the voices of our LGBTQ+ colleagues creates a vibrant and inclusive working atmosphere that benefits employees not just financially, but also enriches their quality of life,” stated Richard Kua, brand general manager of Kiehl’s Thailand. He elaborated these points during his engaging presentation at the forum. Kiehl’s, a global skincare and beauty enterprise, operates in numerous countries worldwide, many of which have already legalized same-sex marriage. Mr. Kua passionately emphasized that Kiehl’s offers comprehensive benefits to all employees, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. This commitment extends to their partners, children, including adopted children, and encompasses insurance coverage. “We…

Speaking at a lively panel discussion on the next steps after the landmark marriage equality legislation, notable figures gathered at the Bangkok Post Pride Every Day forum in Lido Connect Hall to discuss the path forward. The panel included Natthineethiti Phinyapincha, founder of TransTalents Consulting Group, Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, Bangkok Pride Youth and Global Outreach Representative, and Nachale Boonyapisomparn, vice-president of the Foundation of Transgender Alliance for Human Rights. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard) As Thailand celebrates the passing of the marriage equality bill, Nachale Boonyapisomparn emphasized the necessity of updating various laws to align with this progressive legislation. “While the bill replaces ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ with ‘spouse’, it still uses ‘mother’ and ‘father’ in the family section,” Nachale pointed out. Drawing from her own experience as a transgender woman, she shared, “Under Thai law, if I want to have my own kid, I will still be labeled as a ‘father’. But…

Mark Gooding, the British Ambassador to Thailand, and Remco van Wijingaarden, the Netherlands Ambassador, share their experiences at the Bangkok Post Pride Every Day forum on Wednesday at Lido Connect. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard) Despite Thailand’s tremendous success in passing the same-sex marriage bill, the nation still needs to focus on other LGBTQ+ issues to ensure continuous equality and pride. This powerful message came from two ambassadors to Thailand — Mark Gooding of the United Kingdom and Remco van Wijingaarden of the Netherlands — during the Bangkok Post Pride Every Day forum. Both the UK and the Netherlands had enacted similar laws long before Thailand stepped up as a leader in Southeast Asia. At the forum held on Wednesday at Lido Connect Hall in Siam Square, the diplomats shared their insights and experiences. Both gentlemen agreed that while passing such bills is a great achievement, it is only a starting point.…

Natthineethiti Phinyapincha, founder of TransTalents Consulting Group, along with Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, Bangkok Pride Youth and Global Outreach Representative, and Nachale Boonyapisomparn, Vice President of The Foundation of Transgender Alliance for Human Rights, engaged in a vibrant panel discussion on the topic of “What after Thailand’s Marriage Equality,” during the Bangkok Post’s inaugural Pride event forum on Wednesday. The event was graced by the eloquence of captivating personalities, shedding light on the next steps post-marriage equality in Thailand. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard) Nachale Boonyapisomparn, a beacon of advocacy within the transgender community and vice president of the Foundation of Transgender Alliance for Human Rights, emphasized that some laws still warrant updates following the passing of the equal marriage bill. Reflecting on the panel discussion’s theme, Boonyapisomparn remarked how the landmark legislation is but the tip of the iceberg, necessitating a concerted effort to realign the legal mosaic and cultural tapestries with…

Amplifying the voice of LGBTQ+ individuals not only fosters a delightful working ambiance but also substantially benefits employees both financially and in terms of life quality, according to Richard Kua, Brand General Manager at Kiehl’s Thailand. Speaking on the panel titled “What do allies think?”, Mr. Kua highlighted that the company operates in numerous countries where same-sex marriage is legal, making inclusivity a cornerstone of its corporate philosophy. Emphasizing their comprehensive benefits package, Mr. Kua noted that the company extends support to all employees, irrespective of sexual orientation. These benefits cover partners, children or adopted children, and even include insurance provisions. “We’re very open about this because we spend eight to ten hours of our daily lives at work. You shouldn’t suffer in silence. Allowing everyone to express themselves openly is crucial. We strive for an environment where everyone can freely express their sexual orientation,” he explained, adding that such…