Top National Thailand Stories From the Past Week: New Thai Prime Minister, and Much More

Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, Monday, August 12th, to Sunday, August 18th, 2024.

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. On August 12th of every year, Thailand is painted in blue as the nation comes together to celebrate two significant events, Thai Mother’s Day and the 92nd birthday of Her Royal Majesty Queen Sirikit.

TPN Media Wishes Thailand a Joyous Mothers Day and Happy 92nd Birthday to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit

This special day has been a national holiday since 1976, during the reign of His Royal Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX).

2. Thai business insiders reported that several local bus operators are facing severe financial difficulties, with rising costs and continued losses forcing many to consider selling their businesses.

Chinese Companies Eye Struggling Thai Bus and Restaurant Sectors for Expansion, Thai Business Owners Concerned

Thai Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai posted on social media addressing concerns over the potential impact of the Chinese e-commerce giant TEMU on Thailand’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Thai Commerce Minister Warns of New Inexpensive Chinese E-commerce Site Impact on Small Thai Businesses

3. In a groundbreaking development, the Thai Prime Minister, Mr. Srettha Thavisin, has been removed from his prime ministerial post by the Thai Constitutional Court.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin Removed From Office by Constitutional Court

Mr. Srettha has breached the constitution by appointing Mr. Pichit Chuenban as Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, said the Constitutional Court.

4. Justice Minister Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong addressed the recent Royal Decree granting amnesty in 2024, which includes former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, currently on a suspended sentence.

Thaksins Lese-Majeste Hearing Set for August 19th After Amnesty

The case, involving both Lèse-Majesté and the Computer Crimes Act, has seen Thaksin deny the charges, and his legal team is preparing for the upcoming evidence review hearing.

5. The Secretary-General of the House of Representatives Pol. SubLt. Apat Sukhanan presented a royal command at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters appointing Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Thailand’s 31st Prime Minister.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra Officially Appointed as Thailands 31st Prime Minister

Regarding her father, former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn dismissed concerns of political domination, asserting that while she values his advice, she and her family maintain independent thinking.

That’s all for this week, be safe!

The original version of this article appeared on our sister website, The TPN National News, owned by our parent company TPN media.

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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.