The province of Ayutthaya celebrated the annual National Elephant Day at the Elephant Royal Kraal Village on Wednesday (March 13). A merit-making and food-offering ceremony was held to honour these majestic creatures, which are a source of national pride and part of Thailand's cultural and historical identity.

Unsold Thai satellite orbit rights at risk of cancellationSatellite dishes at Thaicom's headquarters in Pathum Thani. (File photo)Thailand's right to use the satellite orbit at 50.5° East is at risk of being cancelled after the right expires in 2025, as it has long been vacant. According to an NBTC source who requested anonymity, Thailand's right to use the 50.5° E orbit slot will end next year after a certain extension period offered by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The NBTC board and management are drafting a new plan to award the unsold slots, aiming to prevent the slots being cancelled by the ITU. The source said the NBTC board is most likely to choose the auction method for the slot rights, requiring a low reserve price for winning bidders.

'Sukhothai' salvage operation ends, memorial plannedA team takes a photo with some of the items retrieved from the sunken HTMS 'Sukhothai'. The 19-day salvage operation between the Thai and US navies drew to a close on Tuesday. The salvage operation by the US Navy's Ocean Valor kicked off on Feb 22 as part of the US Navy's Cobra Gold joint military exercise. During the salvage operation, the navy established an Operation Centre at the Port Office. Four missions were conducted during the salvage operation, including finding the remains of five crew members, investigating the ship's mechanics, disarming weapons, and retrieving sentimental items.

Introducing the heritage of Thai gold jewellery with Tongthanim, a venture dedicated to preserving and revitalising its distinctive artistry and showcasing the skills of Thai artisans.

Thaksin Shinawatra is surrounded by supporters during a visit to Chiang Mai on Aug 14, 2006, just two months before his government was overthrown in a military coup. Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong said on Tuesday that the head of the Probation Department, Ruangsak Suwaree, had informed him about the former prime minister’s request to visit Chiang Mai from Thursday to Saturday. Some expressed a wish to travel to Chiang Mai to greet the party founder but Wisut Chainarun, the government whip in Parliament, put the brakes on that idea. The trip to Chiang Mai will be Thaksin’s first in 17 years. Worachai Hema, a red-shirt leader and adviser to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, said last week that red-shirt supporters in Chiang Mai and surrounding provinces remain loyal to and respect Thaksin.

An American man was sentenced to life in prison by a German court on Monday (March 11) for the rape and murder of a tourist and the attempted murder of her friend, both from the U.S., in a brutal attack near the country's most famous tourist destination.

Flooding and landslides in the Indonesian province of West Sumatra have killed at least 26 people with at least six missing, authorities said on Monday (March 11).

(Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)The Election Commission on Tuesday resolved to ask the Constitutional Court to dissolve the election-winning Move Forward Party, citing the court's recent finding against the party's policy on the lese majeste law. Based on the recent finding of the Constitutional Court, the EC argues that the MFP is in violation of Section 92 of the organic law on political parties. The section gives the Constitutional Court the power to dissolve any political party that is seen to threaten the constitutional monarchy. The court also said that Mr Pita and the party continued to call for the amendment of Section 112 during election campaigning last year. MFP won the May 14, 2023, general election, getting 14.4 million votes, but was unable to form a coalition government.

Oscar winners including best actress Emma Stone and best supporting actor Robert Downey Jr had their name plates placed on their Oscars immediately following the star-studded ceremony on Sunday (March 10).

Move Forward Party leader downplays dissolution effortMove Forward Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon speaks to party members and supporters in Mukdahan province on Sunday. (Photo: Move Forward Party)Move Forward Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon on Sunday downplayed speculation regarding the prospects of the MFP being dissolved over its stance against the lese-majeste law, saying the party is ready to deal with it. Responding to a party member who asked about the prospects of the party's disbandment, Mr Chaithawat tried to allay that concern. The [now-dissolved] Future Forward Party and the MFP have pushed for changes this far." It is also examining the Political Party Act, and the full court ruling to prepare a report for the EC.

Alarm sounded for tainted fruit, vegetable importsA vendor sells vegetables at a fresh market in Bangkok. "Thailand continues to import fruit and vegetables contaminated by chemicals banned in many countries," said Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the FTI. One option is to increase the number of inspection officials examining imports of fruit and vegetables, said Mr Kriengkrai, which would build greater confidence among consumers. In January of 2024, the value of imported fruit and vegetables increased by 8.4% year-on-year to 13.2 billion baht, according to the FTI. Some of these products require inspection as they may not meet the required safety and environmental standards, the FTI noted.

Preparations have ramped up on the Oscars red carpet in preparation for Hollywood’s biggest night on Sunday (March 10).

He said there is strong demand from Russians, Chinese, Eastern Europeans and North Americans seeking long stays in Phuket. WEAK STRUCTUREDespite booming private development, Phuket still lacks sufficient public infrastructure, as existing services have not caught up with the island's fast growth. "Phuket is no longer dependent on tourism, and that's probably a good thing, but we need infrastructure," Ms Prakaipeth said. Locals are awaiting airport development, as demand at Phuket airport outstrips capacity. "The government should support medical and wellness tourism in other provinces to boost the local economy," said Mr Kriengkrai.

Suvarnabhumi can shine againWhen it was opened to the public in 2006, Suvarnabhumi Airport reflected the mood and aspirations of the entire nation. Just four years after it was inaugurated, Suvarnabhumi was named one of the world's best airports, competing with the likes of Singapore's Changi, Doha's Hamad and Tokyo's Narita and Haneda airports. In fact, the combination of all these gripes has led to Suvarnabhumi Airport being awarded the distinction of being one of the region's worst airports by Business Financing -- a UK-based financial consultancy website. As recently as last week, the premier pledged to help Suvarnabhumi reclaim its status as one of the world's top airports within five years. Gates will need to be expanded, too, now that Suvarnabhumi has been adapted to accommodate Airbus A380s.

Teruko Yahata was eight when the first atomic bomb was dropped on her home city of Hiroshima, knocking her unconscious and levelling swathes of the Japanese city. Now 86, she is eager to be among the first to see the film "Oppenheimer" at its delayed opening in Japan on March 29, hoping the biopic of the scientist who led the development of the bomb will reinvigorate debate over nuclear weapons.