THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News

In a dynamic move towards enriching cross-border synergy, Thailand and Laos have laid the foundation for a robust alliance focussed on amplifying bilateral connectivity. Announced against the backdrop of Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane’s red carpet visit to Thailand from May 21-23, the partnership speaks volumes of the camaraderie shared by the two nations. This grand announcement unfurled at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on a breezy Friday, with Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, steering the helm of strategic dialogues. The discussions cast a spotlight on the linchpin—land connectivity. The two neighboring nations are all geared up to sculpt a master plan under the watchful eye of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA). This elaborate blueprint aims to spotlight the infrastructural crevices and turbocharge cross-border projects. Fair winds and calm seas await the duo of nations with the unveiling of the 5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. Stretching between…

In a bid to craft a harmonious blend of security, economic stability, and peace in the country’s deep South, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is embarking on what can only be described as a whirlwind tour. This marks the tail end of the initial phase of the government’s peace initiative which seeks to untangle the complex web of issues besieging the region. Like a seasoned diplomat juggling multiple rings of fire, Mr. Phumtham has already ticked several items off his list in this challenging quest. He has rubbed shoulders with local administrators, police station chiefs, and even the bustling hustle of the business operators. His mission? To extract actionable solutions that can mollify the long-standing unrest hampering the daily lives of people in the southern province. In tow, his elite entourage reads like a who’s-who in the defence and security sector, featuring the likes of Deputy Defence…

The political arena in Thailand is heating up as the opposition People’s Party (PP) gears up for the much-anticipated first reading of the budget bill for the 2026 fiscal year. The PP is putting its best foot forward, determined to dissect fund allocations spanned across all ministries with a fine-toothed comb. The aim? To lay bare the alleged political gains lurking beneath the budget’s surface. Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, a dynamic Bangkok MP representing the PP, announced that the party’s strategy for the upcoming debate, scheduled for May 29 to 31, is locked and loaded. With a formidable team of about 50 MPs at the ready, they are poised to examine every nuance of funding—whether it’s a staggering sum or a seemingly insignificant allocation. According to Mr. Nattacha, the current budget framework falls dismally short of what the Thai economy demands, especially amidst the pressures mounting from the US tariff hike. “It’s…

Embarking on a significant diplomatic mission, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will be heading to Kuala Lumpur this Sunday to attend the much-anticipated 46th Asean Summit. With the central theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” the summit promises to be an engaging forum, setting the course for the region’s future. According to Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub, the Prime Minister’s schedule is tight: her flight departs at 6:30 PM, ensuring her arrival in the Malaysian capital by 9:50 PM. On Monday and Tuesday, Kuala Lumpur will be abuzz with activity, as it plays host to this pivotal event organized by the Malaysian government. Prime Minister Shinawatra has her agenda packed, with plans to immerse herself in seven crucial Asean sessions. Additionally, she will be an active participant at the 16th Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Leaders’ Summit, which marks the year’s first major congregation of Asean leaders. With leaders from the nine Asean countries…

In the vibrant port city of Chon Buri, the formidable ‘Xue Long 2’ icebreaker cast a towering presence as it docked at Chuk Samet port on May 19. The scene was a testament to the remarkable thawing of alliance layers between Thailand and China, as they embarked on bold joint ventures in the enigmatic realms of polar research. Scientists, researchers, and diplomats recently converged at a symposium in the prestigious halls of Chulalongkorn University, witnessing this budding partnership in scientific glory. Amidst the backdrop of this scholarly exchange, China flaunted its jewel in the crown of polar exploration—the Xue Long 2. This vessel, a mammoth of 13,990 tonnes in displacement, joined the ranks of China’s elite polar fleet, its predecessors being the acclaimed Xiang Yang Hong 10, Jidi, and Xue Long vessels. Armed with scientific fortitude, it has taken on the valorous task of climate monitoring and oceanic studies in…

In the vibrant tapestry of Thailand’s bustling tourist landscape, where the charm of heritage mingles effortlessly with the pulse of modernity, Bangkok’s renowned Khao San Road serves as a microcosm of the most exhilarating experiences. Recently, during the colorful Songkran festival, the world’s eyes found a captivating point of interest on a row of TV screens displaying footage from the omnipresent surveillance cameras dotting these lively streets. What initially seemed to be a high-tech nod to the future was, in fact, a glimpse into a sophisticated strategy designed to ensure safety, spearheaded by the nation’s Tourism Police. Pol Lt Gen Saksira Phueakum of the Tourist Police Bureau has been instrumental in this cutting-edge initiative, which aligns with the National Police Chief, Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch’s visionary directive to usher in a new era of crime prevention and safety assurance. With robust enforcement measures supplemented by Artificial Intelligence, these surveillance systems…

Picture this: a room buzzing with energy as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra shares a light-hearted moment with Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, stealing a rare breath of camaraderie before diving back into the political fray. Welcome to the ever-unpredictable world of Thai politics, where alliances are as delicate as a soufflé and as unpredictable as the weather. The political tango between the ruling Pheu Thai Party and their coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, has been serving plenty of drama. It’s a tale of intrigue, rife with whispers of dissolution and plots thicker than a bowl of Tom Yum Goong. The scandalous whispers began when the blue faction came under fire with accusations of vote-fixing during the Senate elections of 2024. Rumor has it that storm clouds may be gathering around the budget bill for 2026, with speculation that Bhumjaithai might just slam the breaks on their support. Such a move…

On May 17, Aranyawan Wangthapan found herself navigating the confines of police custody, a turn of events that no psychic could have foreseen in the tarot cards. It would seem that her crystal ball had a crack in it when it came to outrunning the law. The unfolding saga at Wat Rai Khing has taken on the allure of a crime-thriller you just can’t put down—with every page turn revealing more about an astonishing embezzlement case cloaked in opulence and secrecy. Leading the charge in this gripping investigation is Pol Maj Gen Prasong Chalermpan, commander of the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD), whose resolve could make Sherlock Holmes look like a rank amateur. Under his scrupulous eye, an intricate tapestry of financial discrepancies is steadily coming to light. The investigation delves into every corner of the temple’s operations—bank accounts, income statements, and even the shadowy files of related foundations—all emerging into the…