Imagine a city where the iconic buzz and hustle are no longer gridlocked by mammoth containers and freight traffic. That’s exactly what Bangkok’s energetic policymakers envisage as they embark on an ambitious plan to relocate the capital’s port, currently lodged in the heart of the city. And guess what? The citizens, policymakers, and the Transport Ministry are all on board. Recently, five hardworking city councillors, led by the enthusiastic Kittipong Ruayfupan, Bangkok councillor for the Thung Khru district, took a proactive step. They submitted a compelling letter to the Transport Ministry, urging a swift action plan for moving Bangkok’s bustling port out of the city. Deputy Transport Minister, Manaporn Charoensri, acknowledged receiving the support and underscored the necessity to fast-track this gigantic logistical move. Kittipong summarized the crux of the issue succinctly: moving the port could substantially tackle the notorious Bangkok traffic congestion, especially during the chaotic peak hours. Imagine…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has recently addressed circulating media reports alleging an overpowering surge of Chinese companies buying out struggling Thai transport businesses. They steadfastly reassured the public that licenses granted to one business are non-transferable, even in the case of a takeover. Additionally, they emphasized, “More importantly, only Thai legal entities registered and headquartered in Thailand are eligible to hold the licenses.” To ensure that Thai businesses remain protected, the DLT highlighted that at least 51% of a business’s shareholders must be Thai nationals to legally operate within the country. This rule is a cornerstone of maintaining local control over the transport business, and there’s mounting concern that some Thai citizens may be financially incentivized to hold shares as a workaround to this regulation. In light of these developments, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Finance plan to convene next week to strategize on tightening…
In March, a dramatic raid on a casino in Nonthaburi led to the seizure of a large cache of gambling chips – a snapshot of the larger battle over gambling regulation in Thailand. (Photo: Department of Provincial Administration) The government’s proposed entertainment complex bill is under fire from both coalition and opposition members, with strong arguments that the potential benefits do not outweigh the negative consequences. Leading the charge from the Bhumjaithai Party is Chaichanok Chidchob, the party’s secretary-general. Following a crucial meeting with other coalition members on Tuesday, Chaichanok voiced the party’s firm disapproval of the bill, highlighting four major concerns. First on the list is the unresolved issue of illegal gambling. Chaichanok emphasized that legalizing gambling would only exacerbate existing problems, spilling over into both the sanctioned and underground markets. Simply put, it could create new avenues for gambling without curtailing the underbelly of illicit activities. Chaichanok’s second…
A rapid surge of floodwater coursed through a storm-battered village in Mae Hong Son on Sunday, wreaking havoc with a string of landslides that severed road access. By Tuesday, the situation had become desperate for over 400 hillside residents in Khun Yuam district, who were anxiously awaiting evacuation after landslides rendered the main road impassable. Among those asking for urgent aid was Phachat Chomchopdi, a local resident, who reached out to authorities on Tuesday. He reported that while villagers had miraculously escaped injury during the deluge following two days of heavy rainfall, they now faced a critical shortage of food and potable water. To make matters worse, the landslides had obliterated mobile phone signals in Mae Ko Pi, cutting off most of the village’s communication channels. Numerous houses lay in ruins, and the local school bore significant damage. To send distress calls, some villagers had to scale nearby hills in…
Allowing a child to vape or be exposed to the hazardous vapour of an e-cigarette at home could potentially be deemed a violation of child protection laws, some child health and child rights experts have warned. More public campaigns are therefore needed to raise awareness about this matter as well as the danger of vaping and second-hand vapour to the health of children and adults alike, they said. “Vaping or cigarette smoking at home causes children to be exposed to and inhale second-hand vapour. This act could be deemed a form of domestic violence,” said Sapphasit Khumpraphan, a member of the National Child Protection Committee. Vaping at home is a violation of the Child Protection Act 2003 and could also be interpreted as a form of domestic violence under the Domestic Violence Victims Protection Act 2007, confirmed Waraphon Phongphanitanon, an expert with the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development.…
Srettha Thavisin faces a critical moment this Wednesday as the Constitutional Court gears up to make a decisive ruling that could potentially remove him from office over his contentious decision to appoint ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a cabinet minister. Wissanu Krea-ngam, the Prime Minister’s advisor, has confirmed that should the court oust Mr. Srettha, the entire cabinet will automatically vacate office as well. Wissanu, once a deputy prime minister and a legal luminary, outlined that in such a scenario, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai would step in as the caretaker prime minister. However, Wissanu’s recent comments seemed at odds with an earlier statement. Previously, there had been talks that Mr. Srettha could potentially take on the caretaker role even if removed from his prime position. When questioned about whether Mr. Srettha, one of the top three prime ministerial candidates from Pheu Thai, could be re-nominated if the…
Prime Minister Srettha finds himself at the heart of a high-stakes political drama as the Constitutional Court’s ruling looms on the horizon, set to decide his fate on whether he retains his prime ministerial role. The catalyst for this uncertainty? His controversial appointment of ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a cabinet minister. Olarn Thinbangtieo, a political science lecturer at Burapha University, expressed confidence that the court would rule in Mr. Srettha’s favor. Speaking with the Bangkok Post, he explained, “The prime minister indicated that Pichit’s appointment adhered to legal guidelines, having sought prior legal consultation. The government is eager to solidify its power while advancing its key policies, and coalition parties appear collaborative.” Should the court side with Mr. Srettha, he will need to swiftly implement critical government initiatives, such as the digital wallet handout scheme, to regain public confidence amid slipping popularity, Mr. Olarn continued. A cabinet reshuffle is also…
A Thai air force F-16 fighter at Wing One in Nakhon Ratchasima province. (Photo: Royal Thai Air Force) The Defense Ministry has decided to push back the deadline for the United States and Sweden to present their final proposals as they vie to supply the air force with a new squadron of jet fighters. The extended deadline is set for next Tuesday, offering each country a bit more time to refine their bids. The announcement came from Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang, who provided an update on the progress in selecting new combat aircraft to replace the ageing fleet, as well as updating the status of new submarines for the navy. The US is offering an updated block model of its renowned F-16 fighter, whereas Sweden is pitching the latest version of its versatile Gripen aircraft. Both of these planes already have predecessor versions that have been serving in the Royal…
“` Amid the bustling chaos of Suvarnabhumi Airport, a tragic accident unfolded on Tuesday that left onlookers in a state of shock and sorrow. In what can only be described as a nightmare scenario, a lift mechanic lost his life after the very elevator he was repairing came crashing down upon him. The incident took place around 1pm in the domestic terminal, a usually busy area now eerily silent after the mishap. The skilled mechanic had been diligently working on the machinery located at the bottom of the elevator shaft, likely focused on ensuring future passengers would be transported safely and efficiently. However, fate had other plans when, without any warning, the elevator cabin above him abruptly descended, crushing him underneath its immense weight. Rescue personnel and airport security quickly arrived at the scene, their faces set in grim determination as they cordoned off the area and worked to manage…
The increasing prevalence of “pig butchering” scams in Southeast Asia, particularly in regions surrounding Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, is rapidly becoming a serious concern. These scams, a sinister form of investment fraud, involve cybercriminals masquerading as genuine investment advisors to dupe victims out of their hard-earned savings. AMLBot: Blockchain Investigation Tool Aids Law Enforcement in Tackling Scams In a ground-breaking effort to combat the surge of pig butchering scams, Thai law enforcement has teamed up with an advanced blockchain analytics tools provider. AMLBot, an anti-money laundering (AML) solution for crypto businesses, has recently collaborated with the Thai Police at Pathum Thani Police Station in Bangkok. This strategic alliance aims to bolster the fight against these nefarious scams. Thai Police Intensify Efforts to Combat Cross-Border Scam Syndicates Captain Pakkanit Tanomjit of Pathum Thani Police Station expressed his determination to secure justice for the victims of these fraudulent schemes. He highlighted significant…