Imagine stepping into a world where the war against malaria, a foe as old as time itself, could be nearing its final chapters. This isn’t the beginning of a science fiction novel, but the reality of a groundbreaking journey spearheaded by Mahidol University under the watchful eye of Prof Jetsumon Prachumsri. With a decade of unwavering commitment to research, the university is on the brink of initiating a global first – a clinical trial for an mRNA vaccine aimed squarely at malaria, a scourge on humanity. In an era where science fiction often blurs with reality, the story of this revolutionary vaccine starts with a tiny mouse in a lab. From these humble beginnings, the vaccine candidate is poised to take the monumental leap to trials in monkeys, and then, with bated breath, to humans. Prof Prachumsri, an esteemed pillar of the Faculty of Tropical Medicine at Mahidol and the…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Welcome to Khao Khom Cave in Khuan Kalong district, Satun, where the whispers of ancient history intertwine with the intrigue of modern discovery. Here, a group of intrepid cave explorers, led by the legendary Kamponsak Sassadee, uncovered secrets buried for millennia. Imagine, if you will, stepping into a world 10,000 years removed from our own, where the early inhabitants of our planet left behind fragments of their very existence. It all began with a project painted in adventure and steeped in history, as these explorers sought to unveil the mysteries of Khao Khom Cave. Known for its length and wondrous diversity, this cave promised the allure of the unknown. What Kamponsak and his team initially found were not treasures of gold or jewels, but something far more precious. At the cave’s entrance, silent guardians awaited in the form of human remains and stone tools, whispering tales of yore. Delving deeper,…
Welcome to the intriguing world of Thailand’s betel nut saga, a tale that twists through the sun-drenched fields of Phatthalung to the bustling markets of India, and even tiptoes around the turbulent terrain of Myanmar. This narrative isn’t merely about a cash crop; it’s a riveting story of resilience, hope, and the unyielding spirit of Thai exporters in the face of adversity. Imagine walking through the lush, verdant landscapes of Thailand’s Tamot district in Phatthalung, where betel nuts, also known as areca nuts, are more than just a commodity—they’re a way of life. Here, farmers toil under the sun, meticulously tending to their crops, dreaming of a bountiful harvest. But this year, their aspirations are dimmed by shadows of challenges cast from far beyond their fields. The local villagers, who have chewed betel nuts for generations for their stimulating effects, are now purchasing them at prices that barely scratch the…
Ahoy, maritime aficionados and geopolitical enthusiasts! Strap in as we dive deep into a high-seas saga brimming with strategic maneuvers, international diplomacy, and a touch of mechanical wizardry. The epicenter of this captivating narrative? The Royal Thai Navy’s bold odyssey to acquire a formidable underwater vessel, the S26T Yuan-class submarine, from none other than the global power, China. With a hefty price tag of 13.5 billion baht, this tale weaves through the intricacies of governmental negotiations, the hurdles of international sanctions, and a surprising twist on submarine propulsion technology. Earlier this week, the plot thickened as the illustrious Gen Somsak Rungsita, a distinguished adviser to Thailand’s Defence Minister and the chairman of the Defence Ministry’s panel on submarine affairs, rendezvoused with the astute Col Shi Xionning, spearheading a delegation from China’s Bureau of Military Equipment and Technical Cooperation (BOMETEC). Their dialogue was not just a meeting of minds but a…
In the heart of Thailand’s bustling metropolis, under the shadow of towering skyscrapers and amidst the relentless clamor of city life, the tragic tale of Netiporn “Boong” Sanesangkhom, a passionate 28-year-old activist and core member of the Thalu Wang protest group, unfolded. Her sudden demise in a prison hospital due to a heart attack on a gloomy Tuesday has sent ripples of shock and mourning across the nation. The tale begins on a somber note as Netiporn’s lifeless body was rushed to Thammasat University Hospital, only for the doctors to pronounce her dead, leaving the community in disbelief. The enigmatic circumstances surrounding her demise, narrated by her legal champion Kritsadang Nutcharat, unfold a narrative of intrigue and sorrow. With preliminary autopsy findings sparking controversies over the treatment Netiporn received in the Central Correctional Hospital’s dreary confines, the plot thickens as her family and Mr. Kritsadang anxiously await the disclosure of…
Amid the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, two regal figures stood out at the United Nations Conference Centre on a sun-drenched Thursday in 2024. Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden, with her charismatic grace, and Her Majesty Queen Suthida of Thailand, with her poise, attended the much-anticipated Child Protection Summit. Their combined presence not only illuminated the event but also underscored the global dedication to a cause that silently screams for attention. It’s not every day that royalty speaks candidly about the shadows lurking in our societies. Yet, Queen Silvia of Sweden, a beacon of hope and advocacy, took to the stage with a message so potent it resonated beyond the marbled walls of the conference room. She addressed the unnerving subject of child sexual abuse—a topic that many find too disturbing to even whisper about. “Child sexual abuse is difficult and unpleasant to speak about. It is so for…
“` Welcome to Mahachai Market in Samut Sakhon, a bustling hub that’s not just known for its vibrant colors and intoxicating smells, but also for its shrimp – a staple that’s been marred by controversy, but is now on the brink of redemption. Imagine the scene: stalls teeming with fresh seafood, sellers calling out their fares, and in the midst of it all, shrimp that’s been making international headlines. Big news is breaking from the shores of Thailand to the offices in Washington D.C., as the United States is gearing up to strike off shrimp from Thailand from its notorious annual list. This isn’t just any list. It’s the one that features goods produced by child labor or forced labor, a catalog nobody wants to be part of. Kenika Ounjit, a name that resonates with hope and change, the deputy spokesperson for the Thai government, shared this groundbreaking development. It…
Picture this: in the heart of Bangkok, amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, the iconic Victory Monument stands proudly, albeit currently hugged by scaffolding. Why, you ask? Well, it’s getting a bit of a facelift since March 11. But that’s not the only transformation brewing in the district. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is embarking on a futuristic venture – a skywalk to seamlessly connect the dots between major hospitals along Ratchawithi Road. Imagine stepping off the BTS Skytrain and strolling through the air, above the chaos of street-level crossings and never-ending traffic, straight into the welcoming arms of healthcare. This isn’t just any walkway; it’s a visionary corridor linking life-saving destinations like Rajavithi Hospital, Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, the Institute of Dermatology, Phramongkutklao Hospital, and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases. Now, securing the green light for this ambitious project is no small feat. The…
In a daring series of operations that spanned from the bustling streets of Ayutthaya to the tranquil landscapes of Chiang Mai, Thailand’s drug suppression police launched a strategic crackdown on drug trafficking, illuminating the shadows of illicit trade. From April 29 to May 15, a whirlwind of raids and relentless pursuit resulted in the apprehension of 42 individuals entangled in the web of drug distribution, showcasing the unyielding resolve of law enforcement against the menace of narcotics. At the heart of this monumental effort, authorities unveiled a staggering haul that seemed almost cinematic in scale. Picture this: more than 37 million speed pills, almost a metric ton of crystal methamphetamine glittering with malevolent promise, 80 kilograms of heroin, and 70 kilograms of ketamine. The tableau of contraband, laid bare for the world to see, served as a stark reminder of the battle still waged on the frontlines of drug suppression.…
In the vibrant streets of Khao San Road, Bangkok, renowned for drawing backpackers from every corner of the globe, a staff member at a local dispensary unveils a sample of cannabis with a flourish. This scene epitomizes the burgeoning cannabis culture in Thailand, a country that has recently found itself at a crossroads regarding its stance on this controversial plant. Just last Thursday, amidst the bustling life that defines Thailand, a fervent plea was made by cannabis advocates. Their target? The government’s sudden shift in attitude towards marijuana. Only two years following its decriminalization, officials led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin are considering a backtrack that would once again categorize cannabis as an illegal narcotic, albeit with allowances for medical use. This pivot has drawn sharp criticism, especially from those who see it as a blow to the progress made in destigmatizing cannabis. During a poignant meeting with Public Health…