In the heart of Southeast Asia, where the vibrant cultures and historical landmarks boast stories as colorful as its sunsets, a man by the name of Mahathir Mohamad stands as a testament to endurance and resilience. With a tenure exceeding two decades as the leader of Malaysia, Mahathir’s journey through public life is akin to a winding river—full of unexpected turns and a narrative rich in complexity. While his name is synonymous with transformative changes and ambitious visions, Mahathir’s resilience is further highlighted by the formidable battles he has faced offstage, particularly against his health. Renowned for his towering presence in the political landscape, Mahathir’s saga with heart conditions dates back many years, accompanied by a series of heart bypass surgeries that have punctuated his longstanding career. As recently as October, he found himself once again weaving through corridors of the hospital for a respiratory infection—as reported by Reuters—shedding light…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
In a maneuver that’s set to redefine the travel experience for Chinese students and their families, Thailand’s Immigration Police Division 2 has unveiled an initiative designed to accelerate their passage through some of the country’s busiest airports. This initiative, dubbed the “Happy Chinese Summer Channel,” aims to paint a stress-free picture of family travel during the much-anticipated school holiday period in China. Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimphadee, the commanding force behind Immigration Police Division 2, proudly announced that the fast-track lanes are now wending their way through Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, and Chiang Mai international airports. It’s a timely welcome mat approximately laid out to greet the swarm of tourists expected as the summer sun smiles upon the holidays. Zooming Through the Clearance Maze Traditionally, the rigmarole of immigration clearance at Thai airports has been synonymous with long waits, often stretching close to 40 minutes. But for those privileged enough…
In a dramatic turn of events that has left many travelers in a logistical bind, Nan province’s picturesque but now precarious roads faced an unexpected fate before noon on Sunday. A landslide and a bridge collapse have rendered two crucial arteries utterly impassable, thanks to that delightful duo of nature’s finest—gravity and eroding soil. The Department of Highways sounded the alarm bright and early at 11:30am, urging the road-weary to swerve away from Highways 1083 and 1243. It’s as if Mother Nature herself decided that these roads needed a break, throwing in a landslide and some soil erosion just for good measure. Blocking the Huay Phai–Had Rai Road with a Landslide First on the disaster hit parade is Highway 1243, affectionately dubbed the Huay Phai–Had Rai Road, located in Na Noi district. Somewhere between kilometre markers 49+575 and 49+625, a landslide has staged an unexpected show, blocking any and all…
The vibrant universe of hot pot buffets saw an unexpected spark in 2019 when Suki Teenoi burst onto the scene, challenging the traditional titan, MK Restaurant Group, a culinary force since 1989. With each brand wielding unique strengths and addressing distinct audiences, their rivalry is akin to a simmering broth full of competition. Suki Teenoi, aiming to tantalize taste buds and wallets alike, is stirring the pot with an audacious 50% buffet discount at 10 select locations. For a mere 117 baht per diner—down from the usual 276 baht—this appetizing offer covers 109 baht for the buffet itself, complimentary refills, and a 7% value-added tax. This sizzling promotion is set to unfold during the nocturnal hours of July 17 and 18, from just past midnight to the early morning light. The bustling branches peppering this promotion include: Phahol – Watcharapol The Street Ratchada Rainforest King Kaew Lamlukka Klong 2 Petkasem…
The stage is set, and the Indo-Pacific waters are abuzz with activity as nations converge for a grand display of military prowess and cooperation. This isn’t just a drill; it’s a symphonic dance of diplomacy and defense, where countries unite with a dual focus on collaboration and monitoring the ever-watchful eye of China. As the Indo-Pacific region becomes a hotbed for military maneuvers, the Talisman Sabre exercise, held biennially, takes center stage, showcasing the art of quick response and deterrence. In a recent press conference held against the bustling backdrop of Sydney, Lt Gen Joel Vowell, the deputy commanding general of the US Army Pacific, emphasized the essence of unity among the participating nations. The aim? To orchestrate a formidable symphony of rapid response capabilities that drapes an effective defensive curtain over the region. But as with any grand performance, spectators are sure to gather. Vice Adm Justin Jones, chief…
Their Imperial Majesties recently returned from an enchanting journey to the Heart of Asia, where the vibrant culture and historical ties of Mongolia beckoned them. The Emperor and the Empress embarked on their visit to commemorate an essential chapter in the intertwining stories of Japan and Mongolia. Upon their arrival on July 6th at Ulaanbaatar, they were greeted with grace and tradition. A regal Mongolian lady, draped in her traditional garb, graciously offered them aaruul—a savory morsel revered in the local culinary tapestry. The Emperor, in a gesture of appreciation, eagerly partook of the offering, showcasing his genuine respect and affection for Mongolian tradition. This visit was not merely an exchange of pleasantries. It was a convergence of worlds, as demonstrated by their participation in the opening ceremony of Naadam—a festival where the spirit of Mongolia dances in jubilant celebration. Here, the Emperor crossed paths with President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and…
In a bold step toward preserving the sacred learning sanctuaries and bridging connections among students beyond the screen glow, Ho Chi Minh City is gearing up to implement a groundbreaking policy come the academic year of 2025–2026. The city’s education czars have decided that mobile phones, those little digital temptresses, will no longer be welcome in schools, even during recess, unless teachers explicitly grant permission for their presence. Navigating this digital landscape is no small feat, and Nguyen Van Hieu, the director of the municipal Department of Education and Training, is the captain steering this ship. His mission is to tackle the pervasive digital distractions that have wormed their way into classrooms, aiming to hone students’ focus while simultaneously injecting some good old-fashioned physical activity and in-person social mingling into the school day. The city’s diverse schools will take on the mantle of choreographing a symphony of structured recess shenanigans.…
As the calendar flipped to July, a tense air hung over the verdant landscapes of Kayah State, with strategic movements setting the stage for the days ahead. On July 7th, military columns—an assemblage of focused precision—moved methodically into Moebye, bent on securing a vital vestige of a connective lifeline: the stretch of road between Moebye and Loikaw. The mission at hand was not just any ordeal; it unfolded through the intricacies of terrain that were as challenging as they were beautiful. The villages of Wari Kaw Khu and Song Kaeng rose like sentinels over the land, pivotal in establishing control over the remaining crucial 4.5 kilometers of road. As the Tatmadaw—a formidable force—engaged in their operations, the echoes of skirmishes reverberated through these hills. The days from July 7 to 11 thrummed with the clamor of battle. Four significant confrontations erupted, each as pivotal as the last. As the dust…
In the bustling corridors of Korea’s political scene, a whirlwind of controversy is brewing, and it’s threatening to overshadow the ambitions of Lee Jin-sook and Kang Sun-woo—two nominees for pivotal positions in the government. What initially seemed like routine nominations for the roles of education minister, which also include the duties of deputy prime minister, and minister of gender equality, have morphed into hot topics stirring national debate. Grab your popcorn, folks; this is going to be one heck of a show. First up on this rollercoaster is Lee Jin-sook, a well-regarded professor of architecture and a former president of Chungnam National University. Let me set the scene for you: everything seemed peachy until she found herself paddling in murky waters; accused of plagiarising a paper by none other than her own student. This accusation didn’t come from just anywhere—it was a page-turning revelation presented by the People Power Party’s…
In a dramatic turn of events, a young security guard found himself on the wrong side of the law following a startling discovery by the Wichit Police. Known only as Nattawat, or by his nickname “Big,” this 28-year-old was apprehended on July 10th at his workplace—a guard post nestled within a luxury condominium site along Thailand’s bustling Mueang Naka Road. What seemed like a routine day quickly escalated into a scene out of a crime drama when officers uncovered a stash of methamphetamine and paraphernalia discreetly hidden amidst the construction chaos. The discovery was as tense as it was revealing. Authorities found 17 vivid orange meth pills accompanied by a single green pill, all carefully concealed within a resealable plastic bag tucked into the wooden frame of the booth where Nattawat was stationed. It seemed Big’s nickname belied his small-time distribution operation, as a complete set of drug-taking paraphernalia was…