THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

The House of Representatives will be convening this Friday to cast their votes for a new prime minister, following the court-ordered dismissal of Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday. In a prompt move, House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha sent an urgent notice to all MPs on Wednesday evening. The message directed them to assemble at 10 am on Friday, according to the House’s secretary-general, Arpath Sukhanunth. Wisuth Chainarun, the government chief whip from the Pheu Thai Party, mentioned that both government and opposition party representatives, along with the caretaker cabinet, concurred on the necessity of holding the vote promptly. Government whips are scheduled to meet on Thursday to discuss potential prime ministerial candidates. “Leaders of coalition parties will have internal discussions on the candidates within their parties,” said Mr. Wisuth. Only those candidates who were listed before the May 2023 general election are eligible. With Mr. Srettha no longer in the…

Immigration police conducted a high-profile raid on an illegal casino operating within a Nonthaburi hotel last November, spotlighting a simmering debate on the legalisation of gambling in Thailand. The governing Pheu Thai Party remains steadfast, believing it can sway its coalition partner, Bhumjaithai, to drop its resistance to legalizing casinos. Pheu Thai has ambitiously sponsored a bill to usher casinos into legality, envisioning sprawling regional entertainment complexes designed to ignite investment. However, Bhumjaithai, the second-largest coalition partner, publicly declared its opposition to the bill this past Tuesday. Just hours before being ousted as prime minister by the Constitutional Court on Wednesday, Srettha Thavisin expressed optimism that Pheu Thai would eventually win over their coalition counterparts. Mr. Srettha candidly acknowledged the contentious nature of casino legalisation but insisted that more dialogue was needed among coalition parties to alter their stance. He stressed that a unified consensus was crucial before presenting the…

Strolling through the vibrant aisles of Mae Kim Heng New Market in the Muang district of Nakhon Ratchasima is an experience alive with colors and scents. Among the myriad of stalls, a diverse array of fruits and vegetables beckons shoppers, proudly displaying their rich hues and inviting freshness. But upon closer scrutiny, a significant portion of this bounty isn’t local; it’s a fresh yield from the bustling markets of China, arriving with impressive regularity via the high-speed trains connecting Laos and Thailand. Indeed, the seamless rail link has turned into an express lane for affordable Chinese produce, filling Thai markets with an assortment of tempting goods. The journey for these products takes just a day, starting from the orchards and farms in China, through the high-speed velocities of the train, straight to the market stalls of northeastern Thailand. These imports include a smorgasbord of delicious choices – crisp apples, juicy…

The SPE/IADC Asia Pacific Drilling Technology Conference and Exhibition (APDT), hosted by PTTEP at the illustrious Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, officially commenced with pomp and grandeur. This prestigious event saw the esteemed Dr. Prasert Sinsukprasert, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, joining forces with key luminaries from PTTEP, the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), and the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC). Notably, Mr. Montri Rawanchaikul (second from right), Chief Executive Officer of PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), stood center-stage alongside Mrs. Natruedee Khositaphai (second from left), Executive Vice President of the Operations Support Group, PTTEP. Joining them were Mr. Henricus Herwin (far right), Asia Pacific Regional Director of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), and Mr. Jason McFarland (far left), President of the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC). They welcomed the distinguished Dr. Prasert Sinsukprasert (center) with much enthusiasm as…

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made a poignant visit to the bustling market beneath the Ploenchit expressway on Ploenchit Road in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district around noon on Wednesday. This all transpired just hours before the Constitutional Court was set to decide his political fate. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) As the clock struck, the Constitutional Court found Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin guilty of a severe ethical breach. His crime? Appointing ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a cabinet minister. The court’s judgment led to Mr. Srettha being dismissed after an office tenure lasting less than a year! Wednesday’s ruling didn’t just target Mr. Srettha; it disbanded the entire cabinet. However, the ministers will hang onto their roles in a caretaker capacity. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will step up as acting prime minister until a new premier is chosen by the House of Representatives. At Government House, Mr. Srettha confronted the press, expressing a respectful,…

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s visit to the bustling market beneath the Ploenchit expressway on Ploenchit Road in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district took a dramatic twist at noon on Wednesday. It all happened just hours before the Constitutional Court’s pivotal decision that would determine his political future. Spectators and market vendors were oblivious to the ticking clock of political fate as the Prime Minister made his rounds, engaging with locals and immersing himself in the vibrant atmosphere. Little did anyone know, the stage was being set for a historic ruling. As the afternoon sun climbed higher, the Constitutional Court made a momentous declaration: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had committed a grave ethical violation by appointing ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a cabinet minister. This decision, delivered by a narrow 5-4 vote among the nine judges, marked the abrupt end of Srettha’s tenure, which had lasted less than a year. The entire cabinet was…

One Bangkok stands tall as the epitome of futuristic real estate, setting a benchmark that others can only aspire to reach. Nestled in the bustling heart of Thailand’s capital, this colossal district is a brainchild of TCC Assets (Thailand) and Frasers Property Holdings (Thailand) Company Limited. It proudly holds the distinguished honor of being the first real estate project in Thailand to snag double Platinum certifications from WiredScore and SmartScore for its commercial office spaces—a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence. But what do these badges of honor really symbolize? WiredScore certification is essentially the gold standard for digitally connected buildings. It’s a global rating system that acknowledges buildings with top-notch digital infrastructure. On the flip side, SmartScore certification celebrates buildings that push the boundaries of technological advancement. Combining both these accolades puts One Bangkok in the elite top 1% of certified buildings worldwide, underscoring its superiority in digital…

In a lively membership sign-up event in Bangkok’s bustling Pathumwan district last Saturday, the People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut stood proudly, flanked by his charismatic deputy leader Sirikanya Thansakun and the ebullient spokesman Parit Watcharasindhu. The event buzzed with energy as new faces flocked to join, snapping up the opportunity to be a part of Thailand’s evolving political landscape. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) The People’s Party, the freshly emerged phoenix from the ashes of the dissolved Move Forward Party, has plenty of time to set up the requisite number of branches, as stipulated by law. However, there’s a cautionary note from the keen eye of the Election Commission Secretary-General. The real challenge lies in ensuring that donor scrutiny is adhered to meticulously, to avoid the peril of another dissolution. In a dramatic turn of events, the Constitutional Court extinguished the Move Forward Party last week, deeming its intent to amend the…

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Thailand’s Ministry of Industry (MoI), the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) have teamed up with the private sector, notably “LIV-24,” to host the most significant event of the year. This partnership aims to transcend current limitations and propel the nation towards a sustainable industrial era through the innovative use of “Artificial Intelligence (AI)” and cutting-edge “Industrial Tech.” Businesses are swiftly adapting to global trends, recognizing that “Industrial Technology” and intelligent solutions are pivotal in boosting production efficiency and positioning Thailand as a hub for world-class industries. The production chain, technology, and logistics are acknowledged as crucial elements that can significantly impact industries, posing potential risks and often causing disruptions in business operations. This pressing issue underscores the importance of the “LIV-24 Industrial Tech Revolution Seminar: Surmounting the Limitations to Advance Towards the Sustainable Industrial Era.” Presided over by…

During a lively campaign rally in Bangkok’s bustling Pathumwan district last Saturday, People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, flanked by key party members, enthusiastically addressed the crowd. This political gathering was just one of many vibrant moments captured by Nutthawat Wichieanbut, as the People’s Party, the fresh face of lawmakers from the dissolved Move Forward party, continues its journey to establish a robust presence nationwide. The Election Commission’s secretary-general, Sawang Boonmee, assured on Wednesday that there’s plenty of time for the party to hit the ground running with the required number of branches across the country. Boasting a dynamic energy, the People’s Party is on a mission to gain momentum, but Sawang Boonmee imparted a sage piece of advice: tread carefully when accepting donations, to avoid any legal pitfalls that previously ensnared its predecessor. According to Mr. Sawang, the law mandates that a fledgling political party must rally at least 5,000…