THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

The anticipation is brewing, and we’re all on the edge of our seats as we await the next chapter in the panda saga at Chiang Mai Zoo. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) is gearing up to take a significant step forward. Slated for next year, they’re planning to ink a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bring not one, but two adorable pandas from China straight to Thailand. Who spilled the beans, you ask? That would be Jatuporn Buruspat, the ever-busy permanent secretary, sharing updates on the ongoing panda talks with the Chinese authorities. The steady progress made by the MNRE, with a little help from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is nothing short of remarkable. In a world where diplomacy often moves at a glacial pace, this is indeed exciting news for panda enthusiasts everywhere. And oh, what plans they have! To welcome these furry treasures, the…

The sun was peeking through the dense canopy of Thailand’s national parks, casting playful shadows on the forest floor, just as the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) prepared to unveil a pair of groundbreaking proposals. Set to be submitted to the cabinet next week, these draft laws have stirred quite the controversy, igniting resistance from the People’s Movement for a Just Society (P-Move), who fear these changes could uproot the very communities entwined with their ancestral lands. Masterminded by DNP chief Attapon Charoenchansa, the new bills aim to cultivate a harmonious balance between safeguarding precious natural resources and preserving the rights of those dwelling in these verdant paradises. Crafted under the watchful eyes of the National Park Act and Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act, these legislative efforts are like a tightrope walk across a canyon of competing interests. “We’re sowing the seeds of protection,” Mr. Attapon…

The bustling energy at the recent press conference was palpable as Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stepped forward to address the curious media. The serene backdrop of Koh Kut was a stark contrast to the turbulent waves of politics that he was about to dive into. With the sun casting a warm glow, Phumtham took the mic, ready to tackle the elephant in the room—the enduring shadow of the controversial 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia. This MoU has been a hotbed of debates, drawing lines not just across maps but fracturing political landscapes as well. At its core, it proposed a joint venture between Thailand and Cambodia to develop parts of an overlapping claim area (OCA) in the Gulf of Thailand, a region speculated to be a treasure trove of fossil energy. However, there’s no denying that what glitters in the sea might also glimmer…

A recent visit to the beautiful island of Koh Kut by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai turned what should have been a serene survey into a diplomatic drama involving an old, seemingly never-ending, maritime dispute. On that sunny Saturday, Phumtham and his entourage boarded a ship to inspect the historically contentious waters in Trat province. While there, he sought to reassure all Thais, both on the island and off, that the sovereignty of Koh Kut remains firmly under Thailand’s jurisdiction, despite old treaties and rival claims that seem to resurface like a tenacious seaweed. The drama unfolds around a 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed under the Thaksin Shinawatra administration. Designed to be a simple mechanism to address overlapping maritime claims between Thailand and Cambodia, this MoU has become a hot potato in political circles. Many believe it consigned part of Thailand’s sovereignty to oblivion, a claim Phumtham vehemently dismisses.…

Imagine the scene: a luxury house nestled in Bangkok’s chic Taling Chan district, its exterior whispering tales of opulence and charm. Yet, on an otherwise ordinary Thursday, this spectacle of luxury becomes the hub of heightened activity. Officers swarm the premises, their attention zeroed in on the lavish confines. The reason? The renowned attorney, Sittra Biabungkerd, and his wife find themselves embroiled in a web of fraud charges. The Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo), like a hawk keeping a close eye, has been in rigorous discussions with the police investigators. Their mission is as clear as day: unravel the intricate money trail and unfurl the assets linked to the Biabungkerds. Amlo, working hand-in-glove with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) of the police, has its sights set on dissecting the couple’s financial transactions. As of Saturday, Amlo spokesperson Witthaya Neetitham had confirmed that no assets had been seized, yet. Last week’s search…

Every year in the enchanting region of San Sai, Chiang Mai, the night sky is set aglow with the brilliant light of hundreds of floating lanterns. This spectacular event, celebrated during the Loy Krathong festival, is a breathtaking spectacle beloved by locals and visitors alike. However, while these lanterns ascend gracefully to the heavens, the festivities on the ground occasionally have unforeseen effects. One such impact is the ripple it creates in the aviation world, notably impacting flights to and from Chiang Mai. File photo sources indicate that this year’s Loy Krathong festival, set to take place this coming Friday, requires extra caution. Suvarnabhumi Airport management has officially urged festival-goers to resist the urge to fly lanterns, dispatch balloons, unleash fireworks, or wield lasers within the vicinity of the airport. While these festivities might seem harmless and joyful from the ground, they pose significant challenges to flight operations and grave…

When it comes to creating special moments, the late Panda Lin Hui certainly had hers. Who could forget the charming sight of her tucking into a special birthday cake at Chiang Mai Zoo back on September 28, 2022? Remarkably cultured, Lin Hui waved goodbye to the world the following year, leaving behind fond memories and a legacy at the age of 21. As the world turns, new developments are on the horizon. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, poised with ambition, is set to pen an agreement next year that will see two endearing pandas making a transcontinental journey from China to Thailand. Permanent secretary Jatuporn Buruspat, the harbinger of this heartwarming update, shared, “The ministry’s eagerness has garnered robust support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, driving forward an increasingly promising negotiation process with Chinese authorities.” But beyond paperwork and borders, what truly matters is the love and…

The tranquility of a typical day at the Hand-in-Hand garment factory in Rueso district of Narathiwat was shattered last Thursday when an unidentified gunman brazenly entered the premises. Captured on security camera video, the perpetrator, armed with a rifle, embarked on a deadly mission, and the ramifications of this violent act have left the entire region in shock. At the heart of this tragic incident is Wichet Thaithongnum, affectionately known as “Mayor Arm” by his community. Wichet, who was the esteemed two-time mayor of tambon Rueso municipality, was targeted within a meeting room at his factory. He wasn’t just a local political figure; he was also the chair of the Narathiwat Sports Association and a staunch supporter of local community enterprises through his business endeavors. Sadly, his commitment to his community wasn’t enough to protect him from the violent undercurrent that swept through that fateful day. The attack was meticulously…

Umesh Pandey, previously an economic adviser to the Pheu Thai Party, is setting foot in a bigger arena as he takes on his new role as a Thai Trade Representative. This exciting announcement was shared via his Facebook account, underlining the significant leap in his career journey. Indeed, it’s a moment of substantial transition not only for Pandey but also for those involved in the realm of Thai political dynamics. The recent government appointment, formalized by an order from the Prime Minister’s Office and signed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, immediately placed Mr. Pandey and Werapong Prapha in their new roles. Dated November 5, the decision aims to strengthen Thailand’s trade endeavors with Mr. Pandey at the helm. For those following Pandey’s career trajectory, this move marks yet another fascinating chapter. Before stepping into the political sphere, Pandey wielded significant influence as the editor of the esteemed Bangkok Post. His…

Ah, the moonlit beaches and palm-fringed roads of Phuket—a paradise for most, but apparently, a high-octane racetrack for a daring group of British nationals! Just a few days ago, in the twilight hours that most of us reserve for counting sheep, this band of adrenaline-fueled individuals decided to paint the town red, or more precisely, fill it with the thunderous roar of their rented motorcycles. Amidst the serene backdrop of this idyllic island, their escapades caused quite the stir, as they joyously blasted down Khok San Road towards Muang district, weaving their own reckless symphony of speed and sound. Needless to say, the tranquility of Phuket’s early morning hours was shattered, leaving exasperated residents and tourists questioning if they had unknowingly booked a vacation to a MotoGP circuit. As dawn broke and the night’s repercussions settled, complaints poured into the Chalong police station, led by none other than the vigilant…