Top National Thailand Stories From the Past Week: Songkran Festival Plans, 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, November 27th, 2023, to Sunday, December 3rd, 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. Thai and Chinese officials recently met to address concerns stemming from a Chinese film that negatively depicted Thailand, causing worry among Chinese tourists.

Ambassador Han Zhiqiang responded positively, assuring that Thailand remains a popular destination for Chinese tourists and expressing confidence that this incident would not affect their trust.

2. Thai investigation officers launched a search operation at a large illegal gambling den in a hotel in the Ngamwongwan area, Nonthaburi, according to the criminal court warrant.

Investigation officers took hold of 26 Chinese nationals and 23 Thai employees of the gambling den before being escorted to the Rattanathibet police station.

3. His Royal Majesty King Vajiralongkorn appointed a former Prime Minister of Thailand, Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, as a new privy councilor effective as of today.

Gen. Prayut is currently the 19th chosen privy councilor of Thailand.

4. Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the Thai Minister of Transport, publicly revealed the first day of the new 20 baht electric train ride policy on Purple and Red lines using EMV cards to reduce cross-platform transportation fares.

The fares are set at 20 baht on the connecting lines between the MRT Purple Line: Tao Poon – Khlong Bang Phai, and Red Line: Bang Sue-Rangsit and Bang Sue-Taling Chan.

5. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the leader of the current majority Thai government party, Pheu Thai, revealed a plan today, December 1st, 2023 as the head of Thailand’s Soft Power Development Committee to make Songkran a month long festival across Thailand from 2024.

The plan, called World Water Festival, would move the celebrations from officially only three days to the entire month. However, she later clarified this would mean cultural celebrations and decorations, not a month long water war. The events would be staggered across all provinces but for the most part water days would remain only three days in most areas.

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