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THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s Apology: Revisiting the Tak Bai Tragedy 20 Years Later

In a world where echoes of the past reverberate into today, an incident that shook Thailand two decades ago continues to haunt the nation’s conscience. Imagine, if you will, a demonstrator clutching a banner with fervor during a rally organized by the Muslim Student Associations of Thailand. This gathering took place in front of the United Nations building on the historic Ratchadamnoen Road in bustling Bangkok, on an otherwise unassuming October 18. What was the purpose? To cast a glaring spotlight on the infamous Tak Bai case. Fast forward to the present—I can almost hear the clock ticking as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra steps into the glaring limelight on a Thursday, issuing an apology that many would argue is two decades overdue. It was a sincere expression of remorse for the ghastly fate suffered by 78 protesters, lives lost as they were cruelly crammed into army trucks like spoils of…

Koh Samui’s Luxury Villa Showdown: Illegal Constructions Spark Legal Battle in Paradise

Ah, Koh Samui! Famed for its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant nightlife, this island paradise in Surat Thani has recently become the backdrop for a saga more dramatic than its picturesque sunsets. It unfolds like an enthralling soap opera – involving lavish villas, daring defiance, and the relentless wheels of justice. Picture this: nestled in tambon Maret, within the promising Ariya Residence project, stand 11 luxury villas, each radiating a sense of elegance, wealth, and yes, a touch of rebellion. You see, these exquisite structures were crafted not as per the law’s stringent, albeit necessary, record but rather under the umbrella of illegality. And now, they’re finding themselves at the wrong end of a demolition order. Earlier this week, authorities set foot on the charming island, armed with statutes and directives, poised to dismantle the opulence etched in bricks and mortar. Yet, just when the machinery was set to roll, it…

Charn Phuangphet’s Political Downfall: Corruption Charges and 7.5-Year Sentence

In an intriguing twist of political drama and legal entanglements, the charismatic veteran politician, Charn Phuangphet, who once held the helm of the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO), finds himself facing a decidedly different fate. Once celebrated for his political acumen, Charn is now dealing with the consequences of severe legal missteps, alongside six others, with all sentenced to 7.5 years in prison for their corruptive acts concerning relief fund misappropriations. The saga reached a critical juncture just recently at the Region 1 Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, where Charn was officially handed his sentence. This unfolded against the backdrop of his tenure as the PAO chief, a role he gloriously held for four consecutive terms. The charges harken back to 2011, a notorious year besieged by catastrophic floods affecting Pathum Thani and its neighbors. Allegations were made regarding the illicit procurement of approximately a million baht…

Bangkok’s Traffic Fee Debate: Will It Solve Congestion or Favor Private Interests?

On a bustling afternoon in the vibrant heart of Bangkok, specifically in the Sathon district, an unending stream of vehicles painted a familiar picture of congestion on the city’s streets. While the image might prompt many to clench their steering wheels in exasperation, behind the scenes, an intriguing duel of wills unfolds over a potential remedy—one that is stirring both debate and interest across the city’s political landscape. Enter the Ministry of Transport, currently embroiled in defending a proposed traffic congestion fee from the ardent critiques hurled by the opposition. The central concern, you ask? A fear that this fee might inadvertently cater to the whims of private enterprises. Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote has been quick to address these fears, maintaining that the policy is designed with transparency and accountability at its core. The helmsman of this proposal, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, has charted a path that involves modest…

Inside the Controversy: Sirinadda Hakparn Faces Allegations of Trespass and Theft in Bangkok

Picture this: a bustling police station in Bangkok, with the air electrified by the presence of an unexpected guest. The day is Thursday, the sun is still shining, and Sirinadda Hakparn, recognizable as the wife of the once-celebrated police general Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, steps through the door with the kind of quiet dignity that accompanies controversy. She has come, accompanied by her loyal attorney, to answer to allegations that have gripped the public’s imagination—accusations of trespass and theft to the tune of 5.7 million baht. Timing is everything, and at precisely 2:40 pm, her arrival at the Phra Khanong police station becomes the focal point for an eager pack of journalists. Cameras flash like summer lightning, capturing every glance and gesture, while questions rain down—a cacophony demanding to know the truth behind rumors of a keycard escapade into a stranger’s condo. “It’s not true,” Sirinadda asserts with a poised…

UOB Thailand and DHL Express Forge Green Partnership to Slash Carbon Emissions

In a bold move towards greener horizons, UOB Thailand has taken a significant stride by embracing DHL’s pioneering GoGreen Plus service. This step fortifies the bond between UOB and DHL, exemplifying UOB’s unwavering dedication to augmenting the sustainability of its supply chain while mitigating Scope 3 non-financed carbon emissions. It’s a testament to their forward-thinking strategy to advance on the path of sustainability. Going Green with a Strategic Alliance As part of the GoGreen Plus service, UOB Thailand has formed a strategic alliance with DHL Express to embark on a shared investment in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for international air shipments. This groundbreaking initiative is tailored to assist UOB Thailand in curtailing its Scope 3 emissions, encompassing those tied to supply chain logistics and operational activities. Mrs. Vira-anong Chiranakhorn Phutrakul, UOB Thailand’s Deputy CEO and Head of Wholesale Banking, passionately articulated, “Our collaboration with DHL Express illustrates UOB’s pledge to…

iCon Group Saga: Unraveling a 2.26 Billion Baht Scam in Bangkok

In the bustling heart of Bangkok, a scene straight out of a tense thriller unfolded on the morning of October 17. A sea of anxious faces gathered at the Central Investigation Bureau, each one holding the weight of a common plight. These were the 7,600 strong complainants in the notorious iCon Group saga, each with a story of loss that collectively formed a tale stranger than fiction. As the plot thickens, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has stepped onto this financial stage with a mission to untangle what seems to be a massive web of deceit and betrayal. The iCon Group, once a beacon for many seeking fortunes in the direct marketing sphere, now finds itself embroiled in allegations that could rival Hollywood scripts. This is not just any local business debacle; the stakes are substantial, with claims of over 2.26 billion baht lost. These figures raise eyebrows and…

Leopard’s Roadside Retreat: Kaeng Krachan National Park’s Wild Wonders Unveiled

In the heart of Phetchaburi province lies Kaeng Krachan National Park, a sprawling wilderness where the drama of nature unfolds daily. Recently, a leopard was seen lounging unhurriedly in the middle of a road within the park, as though it had chosen the tarmac for an afternoon siesta. This unexpected sight drew the attention of park staff and marked an intriguing chapter in the park’s dynamic wildlife encounters. It was a Wednesday evening when vigilant eyes caught sight of the leopard, a majestic creature, basking between kilometre markers 13 and 14. The park’s chief, Mongkol Chaipakdee, shared the story: as they watched from their patrol vehicle, the air was thick with tension as the distress calls of deer echoed around them. Was it a silent conversation of survival? The staff, curious yet cautious, observed keenly, suspecting that the leopard might be eyeing a deer for dinner. In a tale reminiscent…

EVA Air and Airbus Propel Sustainable Aviation with New Aircraft Orders and SAF Integration

EVA Air and Airbus, two aviation giants, have joined forces in a groundbreaking effort to spearhead the development and adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) within EVA Air’s operations. The announcement, a significant milestone for the airline industry, took place during a celebratory event in Taipei. The ceremony marked EVA Air’s impressive order of 18 A350-1000s and 15 A321neo aircraft, amid a gathering of notable figures, including EVA Air’s President Clay Sun, Airbus Commercial Aircraft’s CEO Christian Scherer, Ho Shu-Ping of the Taiwan Civil Aviation Administration, and a host of representatives from the European trade office and Taiwanese travel and cargo sectors. With growing concerns about environmental sustainability, SAF has emerged as a vital component in the aviation industry’s journey towards decarbonization. This innovative partnership sets the stage for EVA Air and Airbus to explore decarbonization strategies over the next 24 months, aiming to pave the way for SAF adoption,…

Ministry of Digital Economy Launches ‘Zap the Scammers’ SMS Registration Initiative

In a groundbreaking move aimed at curbing the incessant wave of scammy SMS messages, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has thrown down the gauntlet against fraudsters. Imagine waking up one morning, only to find your inbox clear of those sneaky, link-laden text messages designed to pilfer your personal data or, even worse, your hard-earned cash. Sounds like a dream? Well, that dream might soon become reality thanks to a new rule that mandates annual registration for all SMS senders attaching links to their messages. At the helm of this initiative is the indefatigable minister Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, who is fervently rallying his troops to combat this digital plague. The plan? An ingenious system dubbed the “Cleansing Sender Name,” crafted with the brainpower of collaboration between the ministry, the police, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, and the almighty telecom titans. It almost sounds like a superhero team, doesn’t…