Top National Thailand Stories From the Past Week: Thai Workers Arrive Home from Israel, and more

Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from the last week, Monday, October 9th, 2023, to Sunday, October 15th, 2023.

They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.

Let’s get started and see what the top stories were!

  1. Thailand’s second earth observation satellite, known as THEOS-2, was launched into space on October 9th 2023 by a VEGA launch vehicle from the Guiana Space Centre launch pad in French Guiana, South America.

Previously, the satellite was scheduled for launch on October 7th, but there were systemic issues affecting certain components of the equipment. Therefore, the launch of the satellite was postponed.

2. The wanted former mayor of Pattaya and former Thai Minister of Culture Mr. Itthiphol Khunpluem was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport after arriving in Thailand from Cambodia.

Itthiphol is accused of alleged corruption related charges connected with the Waterfront Condo project in Pattaya, a long standing white elephant at Bali Hai Pier.

3. First group of Thai workers in Israel to return home.

More than 1,400 Thai individuals have expressed their intention to return home due to the war between Israel and Hamas.

4. A Swedish “businessman” was found with four guns and more than 200 bullets at a house on Samui Island, say Thai police.

The Surat Thani Immigration Chief Colonel Suppakorn Pankosol stated to the Thai press that many of the suspect’s online posts also seemed to threaten other foreigners.

5. This Friday, October 13th, marks the seven-year anniversary of the passing of His Royal Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) who passed away peacefully in 2016.

Events marking Nawamindra Maharaj Day or King Rama the 9th Memorial Day are being held throughout today, with a series of activities unfolded at Sanam Luang (สนามหลวง) ceremonial ground in Bangkok this morning.

The long weekend brought many tributes to The Great Rama IX.

6. One more casualty on the Siam Paragon shooting spree was reported after being in a coma in a hospital for 10 days.

Ms. Penpiwan Mitthampitak was one of the victims. Rest in peace.

That’s all for this week, as always thanks for your support!

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Goongnang Suksawat
Goong Nang is a News Translator who has worked professionally for multiple news organizations in Thailand for many years and has worked with The Pattaya News for five years. Specializes primarily in local news for Phuket, Pattaya, and also some national news, with emphasis on translation between Thai to English and working as an intermediary between reporters and English-speaking writers. Originally from Nakhon Si Thammarat, but lives in Phuket and Krabi except when commuting between the three.