THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

Last year, amidst the hallowed halls of parliament, MPs and senators gathered, perhaps unaware that their future travels would stir up a storm of controversy. Just as their terms are drawing to a sunset on May 10, plans for globe-trotting adventures, with price tags soaring into millions of baht, have sparked outrage among the public and elicited cautionary advice from prominent figures. Enter Plodprasop Suraswadi, a former deputy prime minister with a voice loud and clear, and Senator Seree Suwanpanont, known for his frankness. Both have raised the alarm, urging senators to reconsider their international escapades. Suraswadi, peering through the looking glass of scrutiny, revealed that these exploratory voyages would drain 81 million baht from the state’s coffers. With the hands of the clock ticking down to the end of their Senate tenure, embarking on these trips seems to defy logic. From the whispers within the corridors of power, it…

In a world where diplomacy often teeters on a razor’s edge and international tensions can escalate quicker than a wildfire, governments across the globe keep a vigilant eye on their citizens’ safety. Enter the scenario between Israel and Iran, two countries currently in the throes of a tense situation. Thailand, miles away but deeply connected by its citizens abroad, isn’t taking any chances. The spotlight shines on Nikorndej Balankura, a spokesman for Thailand’s Foreign Ministry, who recently revealed the government’s intense scrutiny of the escalating tensions. It’s almost like a scene from a high-stakes international drama, but for Nikorndej and his team, it’s just another day at the office. But not a regular one. The conflict, it seems, has kicked up a notch over the past week, pushing the Thai government into overdrive. Imagine the scene: Eksiri Pintaruchi, the Foreign Ministry’s permanent secretary, orchestrating a digital pow-wow with Thai ambassadors…

In the simmering cauldron of Thai politics and policing, a story fit for a blockbuster thriller unfolds. At the heart of it all stands Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, known by the moniker “Big Joke”, a title that hints at his once towering reputation within the Royal Thai Police (RTP). The twist in his tale? A high-profile money-laundering accusation that has stirred the pot of his career, leading to a dramatic suspension from duty. The order, penned by none other than Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has set the stage for a spectacle that has the nation riveted. As “Big Joke” stands in the limelight of scrutiny, the RTP echoes the call for justice, demanding his return to face the music of disciplinary action. This comes after a strategic reassignment to an inactive role at the Prime Minister’s Office back on March 20 – a move that whispers tales of intrigue and…

In the heart of Southeast Asia, amidst the lush landscapes and vibrant cultures, Thailand finds itself poised on the cusp of a humanitarian mission, stretching a hand of aid towards its neighbor, Myanmar. Amidst an expanding tapestry of conflict that has captured the watchful eyes of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), the Land of Smiles is contemplating a surge in support for those caught in the crossfires of turmoil. The corridors of the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry were abuzz this pass week, echoing the concerns of a nation that bears witness to the strife encroaching upon its doorstep. Nikorndej Balankura, a voice of compassion amid the diplomatic corps, illuminated Thailand’s unwavering commitment to cushion the blow for those rocked by the unrest in Myanmar. With a blend of solemnity and hope, Balankura revealed plans to amplify the stream of humanitarian aid, driven by a profound awareness of the…

Welcome to the glittering nexus of academia and prestige where Thai universities are making waves on the global stage like never before! In an exhilarating leap that’s bound to turn heads and ruffle a few academic feathers, over 130 subjects across these hallowed institutions have secured their spot in the illustrious 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject. That’s right – from a commendable 110 subjects last year, Thai universities have skyrocketed to a whopping 134 subjects this year, painting a picture of academic excellence and unstoppable progress. Imagine the thrill, the honor, and the sheer academic adrenaline as these numbers were unveiled by none other than the esteemed Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi. It’s as if the stars aligned just to highlight the brilliant trajectory of Thailand’s educational prowess. London-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), famous for ranking universities with what one imagines must be a magical…

In the grand theatrical stage of Thai politics, a fascinating new act seems to be unfolding, one that involves the intricate dance of democracy, law, and the spirit of the Thai people. At the heart of this drama stands House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, a distinguished figure who has recently voiced his support for a remarkable approach to steering the nation’s charter on a new course. In a move that has all the makings of a political thriller, the recommendation for not one, not two, but three referenda to amend the entire Thai charter has been backed. This suggestion comes from a study panel chaired by the astute Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, whose collective wisdom sees this trio of referenda as the golden key to unlocking the door to constitutional amendment without the looming shadow of legal voidance by the Constitutional Court. Why the insistence…

Last year, the hallowed halls of Thailand’s parliament were aflutter with the bustling energy of MPs and senators gathered for a meeting. Fast forward to today, and the air is thick with controversy. The reason? A series of expensive overseas jaunts planned by senators, all set to unfold as their term ticks down to its May 10 conclusion. The whispers and murmurs have grown into a chorus of outcry, spearheaded by none other than Plodprasop Suraswadi, a figure whose past life as a deputy prime minister imbues his words with a certain gravitas, alongside the famously candid Senator Seree Suwanpanont. At the heart of the uproar is a staggering 81 million baht earmarked for what some see as farewell tours. Suraswadi, peering through the lens of wisdom only years can bestow, questions the prudence of such travels with less than a month on the Senate’s clock. “Makes little sense,” he…

Imagine a scene where the central figure, Pita Limjaroenrat, clads himself in an armor of resilience, as his party – the Move Forward Party (MFP) – navigates through stormy seas, facing the threat of dissolution. The drama unfolds dramatically, akin to a blockbuster, with the MFP trapped in a narrative that could rival the twists and turns of a Shakespearean tragedy. At the heart of this saga lies a contentious battle over Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lese majeste law. The MFP, bold and unyielding, sought to amend this, sparking a furious debate. Their efforts, however, were met with a stern rebuke from the Constitutional Court on Jan 31, branding their proposition as a perilous chisel threatening to sculpt away at the foundation of the constitutional monarchy. This ruling spiraled into a domino effect, leading the EC (Election Commission) to urge the charter court to contemplate…

In the bustling corridors of power, where whispers of political maneuvering often find fertile ground, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang recently addressed the press with a demeanor that was as calm as a summer sea, despite the swirling rumors of his impending exit from the cabinet. It was on a bright Friday, after a Defence Council meeting, that Mr. Sutin tackled the speculation head-on, embodying the grace one might find in a seasoned diplomat rather than a minister under siege. “Life, much like politics, is replete with changes, and I am prepared to embrace whatever comes my way,” he declared, with a twinkle of resilience in his eye. For Mr. Sutin, the hint of his departure from the cabinet sparked not anger but introspection. He mused on the opportunity to demonstrate that civilians can navigate the defence helm as adeptly as their military counterparts, lamenting only the ticking clock that might…

In a bold move that seemed straight out of a high-octane crime series, Bangkok’s law enforcement descended upon the bustling streets near academic havens and serene communities, targeting the clandestine world of e-cigarette commerce. On an otherwise uneventful Friday, five shops, strategically nestled near the city’s universities and residential areas, found themselves at the heart of a police operation that was about to make headlines. The operation was spearheaded by none other than the esteemed Minister from the Prime Minister’s Office, Puangpet Chunlaiad, who, in a display of unwavering commitment to public health, joined forces with the vigilant team from the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) and the dedicated officers of the Lat Phrao police station. Their target: the burgeoning but shadowy trade of e-cigarettes that had taken root in the neighborhoods of Lat Phrao and Ramkhamhaeng. The raid revealed a staggering stash of 10,000 e-cigarettes of every…