- Thailand News
Would you eat 10 year old rice? Activist demands court intervention
Prominent solo activist Srisuwan Janya approached the Central Administrative Court, seeking an urgent suspension of the Commerce Ministry’s plan to auction off approximately 15,000 tonnes of rice from the scandal-tainted rice pledging scheme of the Yingluck Shinawatra government. In his court petition, Srisuwan highlighted the concerns of numerous rice experts who oppose the auction. They argue that rice stored for…
- Thailand News
Myanmar couple makes history at Thai Pride parade
Denied the chance to celebrate their union in their homeland, where LGBTQ individuals face persecution and imprisonment, a Burmese same-sex couple sought peace and happiness in the more tolerant kingdom next door. The couple, Nyan and Mae, tied the knot in front of thousands at the annual Pride parade in Chiang Mai. The late-night ceremony on Sunday was only symbolic…
- Thailand News
Red line review: SRT on track to prevent airport link hiccup
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board mandated a review of the Red Line electric train extension project due to concerns that design modifications might interfere with the high-speed rail link connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. Anan Phonimdang, SRT Deputy Governor, highlighted the board’s apprehensions regarding the relocation of a station on the 25.9-kilometre extension, which could potentially…
- Tourism News
Tourism in Koh Samui hampered by shortages and infrastructure
Efforts to boost tourism in the southern islands of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao are underway as the government tackles pressing issues such as water shortages and illegal businesses. Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich recently engaged with entrepreneurs from Surat Thani‘s Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan islands to address the province’s pressing tourism challenges. Koh…
- Thailand News
Vice mayor gunned down in ambush on Pattani highway
In a brazen attack on the Phet Kasem Road, the vice mayor of a Tambon Administrative Organisation (TAO) in Khok Pho district, Pattani province, was brutally murdered by suspected insurgents on Friday evening. Witnesses reported that 57 year old Nan Kongsomboon was ambushed by two men on a motorcycle as he was returning home after tending to his cattle. The…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s gingerbread house gains historical status
Windsor House in the Kudeejeen community and the First Presbyterian Church in the Samre area of Bangkok have been registered as historical sites by the Fine Arts Department. Windsor House, located in the Thon Buri district, stands out for its gingerbread style, intricate woodwork, and weathered appearance. This two-storey wooden house, built during the reign of King Mongkut, was originally…
- Health
Dental implants and dental crowns: Differences between them
Nowadays, having a beautiful smile is a factor that people look for around the world. This has become very important and influential to feel more confident in themselves and to function better in environments where appearance and good personal presentation play a very important role. These two treatments: Dental Implants and Dental Crowns are highly sought after today, as they…
- Thailand News
Urgent reforms needed to tackle Thailand’s education inequality
Urgent action is needed to tackle education inequality and restore hope among Thailand’s younger generation, according to former prime minister Anand Panyarachun. Speaking at The Scenario of Thai Society Future seminar, organised by the Population and Community Development Association (PDA) at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Anand addressed the pressing need for reforms. The seminar marked the 50th anniversary…
- Thailand News
Pattaya mayor warns residents of impersonation scam
Mayor Poramet Ngampichet issued a stern warning to Pattaya residents after uncovering a shocking scam: his social media accounts on Facebook, TikTok, and LINE have been maliciously impersonated. The fraudulent accounts, brazenly using his name and photos, have deceived the public into believing they were engaging with the real mayor. Pattaya City isn’t taking this lightly. Legal action is already…
- Thailand News
Thai police seize assets worth over 2 billion baht in massive raid
In a crackdown on a notorious transnational drug network, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau has seized assets worth over 2 billion baht. The network, involved in smuggling drugs from neighbouring countries into Thailand, has been dealt a significant blow. Assistant National Police Chief, Police Lieutenant General Samran Nuanma, revealed at a press conference on Friday that the bureau had intensified its…
- Thailand News
NACC criticised for redacted Prawit watch case report
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) handed over a report on the controversial watch case involving former deputy premier Prawit Wongsuwon to activist Veera Somkwamkid yesterday, following an order by the Administrative Court. Despite this, many sections of the report remain heavily redacted, as Veera, head of the Anti-Corruption People’s Network. The court had mandated the NACC to deliver the case…
- Thailand News
Muay Thai madness: Paris 2024 to host epic martial arts showcase
Muay Thai will feature as a thrilling side event at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, from July 26 to August 11. This landmark occasion will see over 1,000 Muay Thai boxers from 24 countries across five continents, according to Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan, President of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA). “This is a monumental step towards the dream…
- Thailand News
Panel to auction 15,000 tonnes of rice from Yingluck era
A dedicated panel has been established to manage the auction of 15,000 tonnes of rice remaining from the contentious rice-pledging scheme initiated during former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s tenure. This announcement came from Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The panel is set to draft the terms of reference (ToR) for the auction, with completion expected by the end of this month.…
- Thailand News
Power play: Thailand to spark up grey businesses in Myanmar
Thailand may soon provide electricity and Internet access to grey businesses across the border in Myanmar, according to Move Forward Party list-MP Rangsiman Rome. This decision comes after the previous revocation of electricity and water supplies due to an increase in transnational crimes, including call centres. Rangsiman, who chairs a House committee on state security, expressed concerns that power supplies…
- Thailand News
THAI set for shock stock market comeback: PM Srettha
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ordered from the Finance Ministry an expedited rehabilitation plan for Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) to see the national carrier relisted on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) by the end of this year, according to a ministry insider. Originally slated for a stock market return in April or May next year, THAI’s accelerated timeline is…
- Thailand News
Thai trade envoy spices up talks with Shanghai to stir-fry ties
In a significant move to bolster economic ties, Thai trade representative Narumon Pinyosinwat met with Zhao Zhuping, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai municipal government yesterday. The discussion centred on expanding trade and investment between Thailand and Shanghai. “Chinese investors sought the highest number of investment privileges from the Thai government last year.” Narumon noted that 430 projects valued at 160…
- Thailand News
Man falls to death from fifth floor in Bangkok mall
A foreign man tragically fell to his death from the fifth floor of a shopping mall in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area last night. The circumstances around his untimely death are currently unknown. Thong Lor Police Station received the report of the incident around 10.30pm. Responding quickly, police officers, forensic officials, and rescue workers rushed to Soi Sukhumvit 35 in Khlong Tan…
- Thailand News
Royal splendour: King and Queen lead Visakha Bucha ceremony
Their Majesties, King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida graced the Temple of the Emerald Buddha within Bangkok’s Grand Palace complex yesterday, presiding over a solemn religious ceremony to mark Visakha Bucha Day. A group of venerable senior monks orchestrated the spiritual proceedings, infusing the ancient halls with sacred reverence. As twilight descended, the king took the lead in the wian…
- Thailand News
Thai Constitutional Court accepts petition against PM Srettha
The Constitutional Court accepted a petition calling for the removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin over his decision to appoint a minister with a criminal record. Despite this, the court narrowly voted 5-4 not to suspend the Bangkok-born PM from his duties while awaiting its final ruling. A panel of nine judges convened today to consider the petition submitted by…
- Thailand News
MRT clarifies water leakage caused by clogged A/C system
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) today clarified that the water leakage on a Bangkok MRT train captured on camera was due to a clogged air-conditioning system. The incident occurred at 6.35pm on Tuesday, May 21, on a Blue Line train travelling from Bang Sue station to Tao Poon station, which saw water flowing from the A/C vents, causing concern…
- Thailand News
Pichit exit rocks premiership boat amid legal storm
Pichit Chuenban, the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, has resigned after a legal complaint from senators that threatens the premiership of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Pichit’s resignation follows a bombshell petition from 40 senators, urging the Constitutional Court to scrutinise the qualifications of both Prime Minister Srettha and Minister Pichit, alleging they fall short under Article 160 of…
- Thailand News
Thai lawyers seek bail for political prisoners under lese majeste law
Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) is working to secure bail for 19 political prisoners, predominantly those charged under Section 112, commonly known as the lese majeste law, to uphold their human rights. TLHR announced yesterday, May 22, that the number of political prisoners, especially those detained under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, has surged since last year. Many…
- Thailand News
Yingluck’s hope for a democratic revival with new charter
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra sparked fresh hope for Thailand’s democratic future, declaring that the country will soon see a return to full democracy under the Pheu Thai Party-led government with a new people’s charter. In a poignant Facebook post marking the 10th anniversary of the coup that ousted her caretaker government on May 22, 2014, Yingluck expressed renewed optimism.…
- Thailand News
Returned Golden Boy statue unveiled at National Museum Bangkok
Eager crowds gathered at the National Museum Bangkok yesterday to witness the unveiling of the recently repatriated Golden Boy statue, a 900 year old artefact smuggled out of Thailand in 1975 by the infamous art dealer Douglas Latchford. The Golden Boy, along with a bronze statue of a kneeling lady, was returned to Thailand from the Metropolitan Museum of Art…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s new drainage upgrade halves rainwater clearance time
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced that the newly implemented road drainage system in the Udomsuk area will significantly improve rainwater drainage efficiency. Heavy rainfall over Bangkok prompted Chadchart to visit Udomsuk Road, also known as Sukhumvit Soi 103, to assess the flood situation following The Meteorological Department of Thailand’s (TMD) declaration of the official start of the rainy season. The…
- Thailand News
Bangkok piano teacher arrested for child assault crimes
A piano teacher in Bangkok’s Watthana district has been arrested for allegedly indecently assaulting a 10 year old girl at his music school in the Phra Khanong Nua area. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) detained Veeranan Lerdpanyaroj, 43, known as Khru Ju, at his music school, 77 Musical, located on Soi Sukhumvit 77. An MPB chief investigator, Police…
- Thailand News
Thailand taskforce seizes 130 million illegal pills in six months
Thailand’s northern border has seen the most significant progress in combating narcotics trafficking, with the Narcotic Drug and Chemical Substance Control Command Unit (Taskforce 35) seizing nearly 130 million illegal pills over the past six months. In this period, a specialised task force named Taskforce 35 conducted 74 operations targeting narcotic activities, 30 of which escalated to gunfights, according to…
- Thailand News
Defence minister considers law review after southern violence
Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang intends to reassess the special laws currently enforced in Thailand’s Deep South, aiming to address the surge in violence in the region. Sutin revealed his plan to visit the southernmost provinces soon, following recent outbreaks of violence. This announcement came after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin shared on his social media channels that he would also be…
- Thailand News
Court shakes up Senate race: Judge advises removal of EC regs
A judge at the Administrative Court has advised the removal of certain Election Commission (EC) regulations that govern how Senate election candidates introduce themselves, following complaints from petitioners. Activists and candidates filed a petition against the EC regulations, arguing that they overly restrict candidates’ use of social media and mass media to introduce themselves to the public. The court held…
- Thailand News
NBTC rings changes: Task force to dial down online banking scams
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has established a working group to enforce a new policy aimed at preventing online scams targeting mobile banking users. This policy mandates that the name used to register a mobile phone SIM card must match the name of the bank account holder connected to the internet via that SIM card. This policy had…
