Surakiart now tipped as Pheu Thai’s top contender for PM
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Former foreign minister Surakiart Sathirathai will likely be named the first of a trio Pheu Thai candidates for premiership in the upcoming election, a partisan source said.
American tourists spend more money than Europeans in Thailand: survey
A survey by the Tourism Council of Thailand shows that American tourists spend more money than Europeans and also stay here longer.
Chadchart: Air pollution will improve in the long run
By Matichon and Thai Newsroom Reporters
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said worsening air pollution nationwide will improve if everyone cooperates but the forecast is for US AQI to rise again in Bangkok over the next three days.
Assistant bank manager nabbed for stealing client’s money
An assistant bank manager was arrested today (Feb. 4) on the charges of stealing 2 million baht from an elderly woman’s account.
Blinken postpones China trip over ‘spy balloon’ incident
By Reuters and published by CNA
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has postponed his trip to China in response to the flying of a suspected Chinese spy balloon over the US but will visit when conditions allow.
China: Balloon over US skies is for research, wind pushed it
By AP and published by Yahoo!News
China said a balloon flying over US and believed to be spying was for research that deviated from planned route with this incident further straining ties between the two countries.
Recurring lack of House quorum no excuse for dissolution: Wissanu
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will not be spurred to dissolve the House of Representatives over repeated lack of quorum, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said.
Artificial rainmaking for the North to alleviate PM2.5 pollution
Artificial rainmaking is starting in the North of Thailand today (Feb. 3) to help reduce PM2.5 air pollution that has been climbing steadily since mid-January.
‘I feel my eyes burn’: Thailand says stay indoors as air pollution spikes
By Reuters and published by US News & World Report
Thai authorities urged people to stay indoors as PM2.5 air pollutant soared reaching 14 times the level recommended by WHO today (Feb. 2).
Abused dad kills drug-addicted son
A 63-year-old Thai man who had been regularly beaten by his drug-addicted son today (Feb. 3) used a metal bedpost to kill him.
Prayut urged to clarify private use of F-16 fighter jets
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was asked to clarify the alleged private use of two F-16 fighter jets by former air force chief Napadej Dhupatemiya.
BMA investigating school director over alleged lunch money swindle
The director of a Bangkok school is being investigated over charges of demanding a large sum of money from the contractor who won the bid to supply lunch to the students.
Deputy House Speaker tells Prayut to quickly dissolve House
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
With repeated lack of quorum leading to the House of Representatives being adjourned again today (Feb. 2) Deputy House Speaker Supachai Bhosu told Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to quickly dissolve it.
Ping pong bomb thrown at Pheu Thai Party’s huge billboard in Don Mueang
A ping pong bomb was flung at Pheu Thai Party’s gigantic billboard this morning (Feb. 2) just a day after it was put up.
Somsak vows to help defuse crisis over hunger strikers
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin pledged to take steps for granting bail to political detainees, particularly the two hunger strikers.
Trat hit by toxic smoke from forest fires in Cambodia
People in eastern Trat province are suffering from toxic smoke drifting in from Cambodia where forest fires are raging close to the border.
Hunt for German man who jumped from Koh Phangan-Surat Thani ferry
Search resumed today (Feb. 1) for a German man who jumped into the sea from a ferry sailing from Koh Phangan to Surat Thani’s Don Sak pier last night.
Myanmar junta hints may extend state of emergency, delay polls
By AFP and published by CNA
Myanmar’s junta indicated that the plans to hold elections and ending the state of emergency could be further delayed as the country had “not returned to normalcy”.
US, allies mark anniversary of Myanmar coup with fresh sanctions
By Reuters and published by CNA
US and its allies are imposing more sanctions on Myanmar on the second anniversary of the coup with energy officials and members of the junta hit.
House dissolution expected no later than March 9
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
A House dissolution is likely to occur no later than March 9 with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha now gearing up for a censure debate in the middle of next month.
Privy Council head urged to defuse life-and-death crisis over 2 hunger strikers
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Lecturers petitioned Privy Council head to defuse a life-and-death crisis over two women who are on a severe hunger strike over prolonged imprisonment of 21 political activists.
Palang Pracharath earns 510 million baht at fundraising event
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Palang Pracharath Party raised 510 million baht at a fundraising dinner last night (Jan. 30) with party leader Prawit Wongsuwan saying he is ready to run for prime minister.
Capsized pirate-themed pleasure boat will soon be refloated
A pirate-themed pleasure boat that capsized in Pattaya Bay last evening (Jan. 30) with no casualties has not sunk with officials expecting to refloat it soon.
Michael Jackson’s nephew to play ‘King of Pop’ in biopic
By AP and published by CTV News
The late pop star Michael Jackson’s 26-year-old nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will be portraying him in the biographical movie “Michael” to be directed by Antoine Fuqua.
Anutin-hyping roadside billboards may break election law: Rural Doctor Society
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
The Rural Doctor Society urged the polling agency to check whether billboards with a large image of Public Health Minister-cum-Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul put up outside hospitals violate the election law.
Huai Kwang police station chief transferred over extortion claims
Huai Kwang police station chief was transferred today (Jan. 30) after evidence emerged that policemen manning a checkpoint did extort 27,000 baht from a Taiwanese actress and her friends.
Dutchman petitions ministry over alleged swindle by female civil servant
A Dutchman went to the Interior Ministry today (Jan. 30) asking that a female official be investigated after allegedly swindling him out of almost 4 million baht.
Odds ‘very high’ of US military conflict with China, top Republican says
By Reuters and published by Swissinfo.ch
A top Republican said the odds of conflict with China over Taiwan “are very high” after a general said in a memo that the US would fight China in the next two years.
Prayut dared to join debate between contestants for PM
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Pheu Thai Party challenged Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to join an open debate between various contenders for premiership to help voters pick the national leader.
Protester dies during rally for release of political detainees
A demonstrator participating in a rally and the submission of a petition to the Criminal Court urging the release of detained political activists fainted and died in front of the complex this afternoon (Jan. 29).
Court rejects bail for 10 of 12 political activists despite rally
Despite a rally being held for temporary release of detained political activists, the Criminal Court rejected the bail request for 10 of 12 of them with the petition for the other two forwarded to the Appeal Court.
Pita prepared to become PM, vows to switch off ‘Sam Por’ powers
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat said he is ready to take the helm so as to halt the powers of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the other two in the “Sam Por” group.
Arrest warrants out for 3 DSI officers who raided former consul’s house
Arrest warrants have been issued for three DSI officers who raided the former consul of Republic of Nauru’s residence and then a little later a Chinese grey business suspect’s condo.
Mae Hong Son in dire condition – 135 fire hotspots so far
With as many as 135 fire hotspots having been detected in Mae Hong Son since the beginning of this year it is feared that there could be an increase in forest fires in this northern province this year.
Swedish man dies in crash just 5 days after meeting Thai girlfriend
A Swedish man who got together with Thai girlfriend in Roi Et just five days ago after two years of online romance tragically died in a motorcycle accident this afternoon.
Prawit becomes sole Palang Pracharath candidate for PM
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Palang Pracharath Party leader Prawit Wongsuwan has now been named the party’s sole candidate for premiership with Somkid Jatusripitak and his Si Kumarn clique too likely to return to his camp.
Seven dead in shooting outside East Jerusalem synagogue
By AFP and published by CNA
Seven people have been shot dead at a synagogue in East Jerusalem as violence escalates after a deadly raid in the West Bank a day earlier.
Ministry steps up protection of Koh Lipe coral reefs
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry moved to better protect coral reefs at Koh Lipe after tourists were spotted walking on them.
Taiwanese actress denies drinking alcohol, confirms payoff
The Taiwanese actress denied having drunk alcohol prior to being stopped at a checkpoint despite the cab driver saying she and her friends were intoxicated and rowdy.
Bangkok residents advised to stay indoors as air quality hits unhealthy levels
By Channel News Asia
As the air pollutant PM2.5 is forecast to reach unhealthy levels in Bangkok today and tomorrow (Jan. 27-28) residents are urged to avoid or reduce outdoor activities.
Thaksin’s homecoming, arrest-free desire questioned
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
A former MP is puzzled as to how former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra could return home without immediately being arrested with court verdict for some cases still pending.
Questioning of Prayut’s nephew urged over Chinese grey business links
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Move Forward Party urged the Office of Attorney-General and police to quiz Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s nephew over alleged links to Chinese grey businesses.
Huai Khwang police deny extorting money from Taiwanese actress
Huai Khwang policemen denied having taken a 27,000 baht bribe from a Taiwanese actress at a checkpoint set up during the New Year holidays.
Thai man embarks on 2,000km Valentine’s Day journey to propose to girlfriend
By Jerusalem Post and Thai Rath
A Thai man, a resident of Nakhon Nayok, will walk nearly 2,000km to “prove his love” to a woman he has never met before in Satun.
Thaksin in about-turn on homecoming bid – not seeking Pheu Thai’s help
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Making an about-turn is former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who now says he will not seek help from his own party’s rank and file over his avowed goal to return home.
Prayut angered when asked to respond to Thaksin’s comments
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha got annoyed when questioned about former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s observation on dissolution of the House of Representatives today (Jan. 25).
Police certain Tu Hao’s wife, other suspects intimidating witnesses
The policewoman wife of arrested Chinese grey business suspect and other accomplices have upon being bailed out intimidated witnesses, National Police Pol. Gen. Damrongsak Kittipraphat said.
Indian Ambassador marks independence hero’s birth anniversary
Indian Ambassador Nagesh Singh and Ret. Lt. General Ajay Kumar Singh Chandele joined Thai Bharat Cultural Lodge members in celebrating independence hero Subhas Chandra Bose’s 126th birth anniversary.
Tanks for Ukraine: Germany to send Leopard 2s and allow others to export – reports
By George Wright – BBC News
Following intense pressure from its allies Germany will now be sending high-tech Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and allow other countries to likewise do so, according to reports.
Prayut shrugs off criticism over Prawit’s scene-stealing visits
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha downplayed criticism of himself and Palang Pracharath leader Prawit Wongsuwan mounting scene-stealing visits to various provinces.
Move Forward resolved to push for amendment to lese majeste law
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat underscored a push to amend the lese majeste law and also visited two female activists on severe hunger strike in jail.
Buildings set ablaze in clash at Myanmar town near border
Fighting between Myanmar junta troops and likely fighters from Democratic Karen Buddhist Army raged in a border town till late last night with five buildings set ablaze.
Thailand and Cambodia spar over whether it’s ‘Muay Thai’ or ‘Kun Khmer’
Thailand and Cambodia are wrangling over the latter’s decision to change the name for kickboxing from Muay Thai to Kun Khmer at the 32nd SEA Games with Thai boxers boycotting the event amid dire warning.
Seven shot dead in another mass shooting in California
By Daniel Trotta – Reuters and published by Yahoo!News
Another mass shooting occurred in California with seven people being killed in two places and a suspect has already been arrested.
California police search shooter’s home seeking motive for Asian dance hall massacre
By Agencies – published by CNA and Denver Post
Police seeking the motive behind the mass shooting at a Los Angeles-area ballroom dance hall searched the gunman’s home while the death toll rose to 11.
Prayut urged to leave unpaid-for house in army barracks
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was urged to move out of the house provided by the army free of charge within the First Infantry Regiment compound now that he has become a full politician.
Policemen ‘using free time to escort Chinese tourist’
The three policemen who escorted a female Chinese tourist from the airport to the hotel were doing so in their free time and used personal vehicles modified to appear to be official ones.
Tu Hao and other suspects to fight drug trafficking, money laundering case
All 23 suspects in the Chinese grey business case pleaded not guilty to a string of charges including drug trafficking and money laundering today (Jan. 23).
112-hour standing in protest of detaining 21 political activists starts
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Some political activists started a 112-hour standing in protest of the detention of 21 political detainees and in support of two hunger strikers today (Jan. 22).
Insurgent badly hurt while placing bomb in Yala
An insurgent got seriously injured when an improvised explosive device he was placing at a Yala water pumping station went off beforehand.
Suspect in California mass shooting is dead; motive unclear
By AP and published by US News & World Report
The suspect in the killing of 10 people at a Los Angeles-area ballroom dance club during Lunar New Year celebrations has killed himself and authorities are now searching for a motive for the mass killing.
10 killed in shooting near Los Angeles during Lunar New Year event
By Andrew Dalton – AP, and published by Yahoo!News
Police are hunting for a gunman who killed 10 people and injured 10 others at a Los Angeles-area dance venue during Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations.
Three policemen escorting Chinese tourist transferred
Three policemen have been transferred to the headquarters after being seen providing police escort to a Chinese woman tourist in a video that has gone viral.
Police probing Chinese video clip claiming to hire Thai police escort
Thai police are investigating claims made in a video clip going viral in China that a police escort from the airplane to the hotel can be bought for only 6,000-7,000 baht.
Protest in front of court in support of fasting activists
A demonstration is continuing in front of the Criminal Court in support of political demands by two detained female activists who are on a severe hunger strike neither eating or drinking water.
Korat gold shops quiet amid sluggish demand this Chinese New Year
Korat gold shops have been hit by low demand for ornaments this Chinese New Year because the festival arrived early and purchasing power has not yet picked up.
AI tools can create new images, but who is the real artist?
By Matt O’Brien and Arijet Lajka – AP, and published by ABC News
While AI systems are using a vast collection of digitised artworks to produce new images that can appear in seconds, artists and photographers are now starting to fight back.
Chulalongkorn, Thammasat students push for freeing 21 political detainees
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Chulalongkorn and Thammasat university students today (Jan. 20) backed a call to free 21 detained political activists made by two women who have now gone on a severe hunger strike.
Prawit repeats scene-stealing trip prior to Prayut’s planned visit
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Palang Pracharath leader Prawit Wongsuman again outflanked Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha by visiting Nakhon Sawan 10 days before the latter’s scheduled trip.
Call centre scammers use voice cloning to fleece Thai man
A Thai man was tricked into sending 116,000 baht to call centre crooks who had used voice cloning to imitate his friend’s voice and sounded just like him.
Senior police officers being probed over payoff by Chinese grey capitalist gang
Police are investigating nine 191 policemen and two senior officers over taking a bribe to let a Chinese grey capitalist gang walk free during a raid of a downtown house.
Google parent Alphabet to lay off 12,000 workers as AI focus intensifies
By Reuters and published by CNA
Google announced on Friday (Jan. 20) that it is cutting about 12,000 jobs, joining other tech giants who are downsizing staff by the thousands amid fears of an oncoming recession.
Scoot flight takes off hours early, leaving 29 passengers behind
By The Straits Times and India.com
A Scoot Airlines flight took off four hours earlier than planned on Wednesday, leaving 29 passengers behind at an Indian airport.
Woman senator lashes at Prayut for doing nothing to combat corruption
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
A woman senator blasted Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for allegedly ignoring corruption scandals rocking the country involving senior officials and grey Chinese businesspersons.
Polling agency urged to probe Prayut-promoting event
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
The polling agency was asked to investigate whether the pro-Prayut party’s recent event at QSNCC in support of the Prime Minister had violated the law.
Tu Hao and 40 others hit with several charges, face death penalty
The Attorney-General filed a string of charges including drug trafficking which carries the death penalty against a key Chinese grey capitalist suspect and 40 others today (Jan. 19).
Over 900,000 foreign tourists came to Thailand during Jan. 1-15: TAT
Over 900,000 foreign tourists came to Thailand the first 15 days of this year with the five top source markets being Russia, Malaysia, South Korea, India and Laos, the Tourism Authority of Thailand said.
House meeting only spends 25 minutes due to usual lack of quorum
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
A meeting of the House of Representatives today (Jan.18) only lasted 25 minutes, a record short time, with a lack of quorum again to blame but there are no signs yet of its dissolution.
Singapore denies authorising transfer of arms, materials to Myanmar
By Channel News Asia
Singapore denied transferring arms or “items with potential military application” to Myanmar with a dealer in Thailand also mentioned in a report by experts.
2 Cambodians held for stealing Japanese passenger’s bag on arriving flight
Two Cambodian men were quickly caught after stealing a Japanese man’s bag on flight arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport from Phnom Penh today (Jan. 18).
Central Bank rules out scamming via phone chargers
The Central Bank today (Jan. 18) ruled out dodgy USB cables being used to steal money from mobile bank accounts, saying this was done by installing apps filled with malware.
Microsoft to cut 10,000 jobs as tech layoffs intensify
By Reuters and published by Euronews.com
Microsoft is laying off 10,000 workers amid economic uncertainty with this piling on to tens of thousands of job cuts across the technology sector.
Blinken to pay long-awaited China visit on Feb. 5-6
By AFP and published by CNA
US State Secretary Antony Blinken will visit China on Feb.5-6 despite Covid concern but no major breakthroughs are expected on key points of friction.
Oil tanker fire controlled but death toll rises to two
The big blaze that raged on an oil tanker since 9 a.m. this morning (Jan. 17) was finally brought under control at 3 p.m. with the death toll rising to two.
Oil tanker blaze still raging after three hours
A huge fire aboard an oil tanker carrying 20,000 litres of fuel oil and diesel was still raging three hours after it erupted this morning (Jan. 17) with one person dead and five injured.
Prawit steals the scene over Prayut’s planned visit to Ratchaburi
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Palang Pracharath Party leader Prawit Wongsuwan outmanoeuvred Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha by visiting Ratchaburi province a couple of days before the latter is scheduled to do so.
Thammanat’s clique of 11 MPs set to return to Prawit’s party
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Getting ready to return to Palang Pracharath Party is a clique of 11 MPs led by Thammanat Prompao who had left last year following allegations of a hush-hush censure debate plot.
80 Immigration police to be quizzed on links to Chinese grey capitalists
Pol. Lt. Gen. Surachate Hakparn said 80 Immigration police with three holding the rank of major general are to be questioned for allegedly receiving kickbacks from Chinese capitalists.
Singaporean Forex 3D Ponzi scheme mastermind arrested in Phuket
A Singaporean man suspected to have been the mastermind of a Ponzi scheme run under Forex-3D brokerage company was arrested at Phuket Airport today (Jan. 16).
Lottery company’s CEO gears up to launch new party
The CEO of a lottery company has taken steps to launch a new political party which will focus on lottery issues vendors and punters face.
Strong 6.2-magnitude earthquake shakes western Indonesia, no tsunami alert
By Agencies and published by CNA
A magnitude 6.2 earthquake shook western Indonesia this morning (Jan. 16) but there was no tsunami alert nor any immediate reports of serious damage or casualties.
Don’t rush to open a legal casino in Thailand: Academic
An academic warned against rushing to open a legal casino in the country as this should only be done after effective law enforcement and reforms have been implemented.
School footballers, coaches hurt after bus hits top of underpass
Thirteen school footballers and their coaches were injured when the bus they were travelling in hit the top of an underpass causing the roof to cave in.
One dead in restaurant shooting involving drunk cops
A shootout at a Songkhla night restaurant by some policemen and their friends and another group of customers left one dead and injured two others.
At least 40 killed in Nepal’s worst air crash in 30 years
By Reuters and published by The Business Standard
At least 40 people have been killed in an airplane crash in Nepal today (Jan. 15) with there being 72 people on the twin-engine ATR 72 aircraft run by Yeti Airlines.
Senators to pick candidate for PM in line with most MPs: Wanchai
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
A senator said most of his colleagues will back the contestant for premiership supported by MPs and not either Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha or Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan.
New Jersey deli scam suspect arrested in Phuket
By AFP and Harriet Alexander for Dailymail.com and Matichon
The third suspect in a stock-manipulation scheme involving a small-town New Jersey deli was arrested in Phuket by Thai police and US FBI today (Jan. 14).
Tangmo Nida’s mother gets cash from sale of her clothes
A friend of late actress Tangmo Nida who drowned in Chao Phraya river last February gave a large sum of money from the sale of her clothes to her mother today (Jan. 14).
Man injured in Koh Samui parking row
A parking dispute on Koh Samui turned violent after two brothers refused to reverse their pickup truck to allow another vehicle leave a shop leading to one of them being shot in the arm.
Biden, Kishida tout more muscular Japanese military role
By AFP and published by CNA
US President Joe Biden hailed Japan’s military build-up in talks with Japanese leader Fumio Kishida amid China pressure.
Prawit wishes Prayut success in pursuit of prolonged rule
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Palang Pracharath boss Prawit Wongsuwan opened his heart in a Facebook post wishing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha success in pursuit of sustained power.
Half the total of senators tipped to pick Prawit for PM
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Around half of the total 250 senators remain staunchly loyal to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and will vote for him to take the helm after the next election.
30 children rushed to hospital after eating free noodles
Around 30 kindergarten and primary school children were rushed to the hospital after being hit with food poisoning upon eating free noodles distributed to mark Children’s Day.
Driver dies, 5 tourists hurt as SUV drives off cliff in Chiang Rai
A vehicle carrying five Israeli tourists plunged down a cliff while on its way to a hilltribe village in Chiang Rai killing the driver and seriously injuring three holidaymakers.
Probe into Prayut’s nephew’s connection with grey business suspect hits snag
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
A Move Forward MP said investigation into a Chinese-born grey business suspect and a tour bus operator known to be Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s nephew had made little progress.
Prayut advised to not dodge censure debate by dissolving House
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
The opposition bloc advised Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to not dissolve the House next month so as to dodge censure debate.
Lawyer hits ex-deputy PM with false report charge
The lawyer of a man whose wife had an affair with a former deputy premier filed a false report charge against him for claiming to have lost over 20 million baht in dowry.
Navy wants to raise sunken warship for return to service
The navy is working on choosing one of 12 companies to urgently raise HTMS 442 Sukhothai with a key criterion being to maintain its condition so that it could return to service
‘Pro-democracy’ camps to get 300-plus MPs altogether: Thaksin
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra foresees major “pro-democracy” parties gaining a combined 300-plus MPs in the upcoming general election.
Thaksin’s daughter, real estate tycoon ‘unacceptable’ to most senators
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra and real estate tycoon Settha Taweesin are unlikely to win the support of most senators to take the helm after the election.
Ex-deputy premier ‘sues couple, parents for fraud’
An alleged police letter to a former deputy prime minister who had an affair with a married woman states that progress had been made on fraud charges he filed against her, her estranged husband and parents.
Malaysia to open special lanes for travellers from China amid Covid-19 concerns
By Agencies and published by CNA
Malaysia arranged special lanes for travellers from China at its international entry points while Beijing suspended issuing visas in Japan, South Korea to retaliate for Covid curbs
Prawit to be sole Palang Pracharath candidate for PM: Santi
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Palang Pracharth Party will likely name its leader Prawit Wongsuwan as the sole candidate for premiership with “fraternal” ties with pro-Prayut party ruled out.
Pheu Thai: Separate Chinese medical tourists from the others
The Pheu Thai Party urged the government to separate Chinese medical and leisure tourists to prevent another major Covid-19 outbreak in the country.
Cabinet approves additional holiday in May to spur economy
By TV Channel 7 and Reuters – published by CNA
The cabinet approved an extra holiday in May to make an additional long weekend for an economic boost while also approving a 3.35 trillion baht budget for fiscal 2024.
At last, Prayut becomes politician under Ruam Thai Sang Chart banners
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha finally became a politician today (Jan. 9) by registering as Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party thus joining the fray in an effort to prolong his rule.
Former deputy premier Yongyuth denies committing adultery
Former deputy prime minister Yongyuth Wichaidit denied having an affair with the wife of a well-known lawyer’s client with more details about what took place revealed.
Anutin holds talks with US Ambassador on Covid-19, politics
US Ambassador Robert Godec met Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul this afternoon (Jan. 9) with their talks focusing on Covid-19 and Thai politics after the election.
Flowers and face masks as Chinese tourists return to Thailand
By AFP and published by CNA
Chinese tourists flocked back to Thailand on Monday (Jan. 9) with visitors not required to show vaccination records or undergo tests after a U-turn by the authorities
Pheu Thai never planned to bring Thaksin back home: Chonlanan
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Pheu Thai leader Chonlanan Srikaew denied attempting to bring former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra back home with his camp’s main goal being to resolve economic problems.
Pheu Thai pushes Prayut to act on ministers with 2 wives
The Pheu Thai Party dared Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to take action on some ministers in his cabinet who have two wives or else face a no-confidence motion.
Three ministers to welcome Chinese tourists arriving tomorrow
Three ministers will be on hand to welcome the first group of Chinese tourists arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport tomorrow (Jan. 9) after Beijing lifted border restrictions today.
Many communities isolated in ‘record-breaking’ Western Australia floods
By Reuters and published by CNA
Record-breaking floods have isolated many communities in Australia’s northwest with this triggered by severe weather system Ellie, a former tropical cyclone that brought heavy rain.
Husband catches wife having an affair with a ‘former deputy prime minister’
Well-known lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd said one of clients was stunned to find out his wife is having an affair with a former deputy prime minister.
Police arrest Indian exec for urinating on plane passenger
By AFP and Reuters – published by DW
A sacked executive of US banking giant Wells Fargo accused of urinating on an elderly woman aboard an Air India flight from New York to Delhi has been arrested.
Dozens of cattle smuggled from Myanmar seized
Border Patrol Police seized a herd of 84 cattle smuggled across the border from Myanmar but three men driving them through managed to escape in the dark.
Former senior Pattaya official’s nephew surrenders after killing British engineer
The nephew of a former deputy mayor of Pattaya surrendered to police today (Jan. 7) after having killed a British engineer in a road rage row.
Prayut, Prawit more likely than anyone else to become next PM: Academic
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Both Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan are leading the race to take the helm after the next election with a Palang Pracharath-Pheu Thai tie-up also looming.
Pheu Thai MP deprived of MP status for attempted extortion
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
A Pheu Thai MP was found guilty of attempted extortion and immediately deprived of his MP status for 10 years by the Supreme Court today (Jan. 6).
Songkhla news editor among 3 nabbed for drugs
A news editor of a Songkhla newspaper was among three suspects arrested in this southern province on drug charges today (Jan. 6).
Alibaba founder Jack Ma visiting Thailand
Alibaba founder Jack Ma, who has been living in Japan for the past six months after a crackdown on tech companies by Beijing, is currently visiting Thailand.
After 23 years, the Gladiator sequel is finally happening
By Simon Boyle – The Sun and published by News.com.au
More than two decades after the original blew audiences around the world away, a sequel for Gladiator is finally happening.
Election Commission urged to follow Prayut’s popularity-wooing visits
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
The polling agency was urged to check whether Prime Minister Prayut Chan-co-cha’s “popularity-wooing” visits to the provinces violate the law with one trip scheduled for tomorrow.
Prayut’s nephew traced to providing 500 tour buses to grey businessman: Chuwit
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
A former MP said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s nephew was found to have provided 500 tour buses to an arrested Chinese-born grey businessman.
Thailand’s medical tourism likely to soar in 2023
TMBThanachart Bank (ttb) expects the medical tourism sector to generate 25 billion baht revenue in 2023 similar to the improvement of the overall tourism industry.
Woman stunned at being hit with 6.5 million baht parking fee at mall
A woman who parked her car at a shopping mall for a couple hours was stunned at being charged over 6.5 million baht by a faulty payment machine.
Official stats not reflecting true impact of Covid-19 wave in China: WHO
WHO said China’s “very narrow” definition of Covid-19 deaths has led to official statistics not showing the true impact of the outbreak.
Fed wants ‘flexibility’ on rates as inflation remains key focus, minutes show
By Reuters and published by US News & World Report
The Federal Reserve agreed to slow the pace of its aggressive interest rate increases at a meeting last month but is still focused on controlling inflation.
Prayut to become Ruam Thai Sang Chart member next Monday
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is set to become a member of Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party next Monday and will be introduced as such at an event taking place at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
Pheu Thai uninvolved in pre-election agreement on future coalition: Chonlanan
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Pheu Thai Party denied having in secret forged a coalition government with other parties ahead of the election saying it is sticking to its goal of scoring a landslide victory.
Phuket residents ask House panel to probe Interior Permanent Secretary
Phuket residents submitted a letter to a House committee calling for investigation and removal of Interior Permanent Secretary Suthipong Julcharoen today (Jan. 4).
Anutin denies being ‘heir apparent’ to premiership after Prayut
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul denied agreeing to wait in the wings to take the helm should Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha continue to run the country for two more years after the next election.
Palang Pracharath to get at least 150 MPs in next election: Santi
By Thai Newsroom Reporters
Palang Pracharath Party, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, foresees getting at least 150 MPs in the next election, up from the previous total of 115.
THAI’s shortage of shuttle buses left passengers waiting on plane for 2 hours
Passengers of two Thai Smile flights had to wait a couple of hours on the airplane for transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport terminal because of THAI’s shortage of drivers and shuttle buses.
Expert urges strict checking to keep new Covid variants at bay
A well-known health expert urged the authorities to impose strict Covid checking to delay the spreading of new Covid-19 strains here for as long as possible as travellers flock in.
Malaysia gears up to impose stricter border measures amid Covid outbreak in China
Malaysia is preparing to impose stricter border measures amid an increase in Covid-19 cases in China with travellers from China and other countries affected.
French mayor under fire for fighting Mont Blanc hikers
By AFP and published by CNA
A French activist mayor was blasted for filing a legal complaint against two hikers camping on Mont Blanc’s peak for defying a ban to protect the fragile mountain top.
Korn: Halt blacklisting of credit card defaulters
Chart Pattana Kla Party leader Korn Chatikavanij said blacklisting of credit card defaulters by the credit bureau should be halted as millions missed payments during the Covid pandemic.
Two suspects held in Narathiwat police flats car bombing
Two of nine suspects in the car bombing of police flats in southern Narathiwat province on Nov. 22, 2022 that killed one policeman and injured several others have been arrested
Drop in New Year weekend traffic accidents: Police chief
Police are pleased that traffic accidents during the New Year weekend dropped compared to last year while the exodus back to Bangkok has started.
Manila airport disruption: Nearly 270 flights cancelled
Thousands of people were affected after nearly 270 flights into or out of Manila were cancelled today (Jan. 1) due technical glitch and reported power outage.
Navy continues searching for last 5 missing sailors
The navy continued searching for the last five sailors missing in the sinking of HTMS 442 Sukhothai warship both yesterday, New Year’s Eve, and today, New Year’s Day.