Unsafe smog levels in North, Northeast, parts of Central Plains, East

Thick smog blankets the northeastern province of Nakhon Phanom and the adjacent Mekong River on Wednesday. (Photo: Pattanapong Sripiachai)
On Wednesday, heavy dust covers the northern province of Nakhon Phanom and the nearby Mekong River. ( Photo: Pattanapong Sripiachai )

As of Thursday morning, residents of the North, the Northeast, and parts of the Central Plains and East had hazardous levels of ultrafine dust, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency ( Gistda ).

19 provinces in the northern and northeastern regions were affected by red levels ( hazardous to health ) of particulate matter ( PM2.5 ), with concentrations ranging from 75.3 to 122.5 microgrammes per cubic meter of air over the course of 24 hours. The government’s secure level for PM2.5 is 37.5µg/m³.

Mae Hong Boy was followed by Bueng Kan, Nan, Trat, Lamphun, Phrae, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Nong Khai, Chiang Mai, Uttaradit, Nakhon Phanom, Udon Thani, Loei, Amnat Charoen, Sukhothai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Ubon Ratchathani, and Mae Hong Son for the highest degree at 122.5 g/m3.

On average, in 36 counties, PM2.5 amounts ranged from 37.7 to 73.7 g/m3, which starts to affect health. They included Sa Kaeo, Samut Prakan, Phetchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phetchaburi, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Samut Prakan, and Surin.

Air quality in Bangkok and 16 other provinces was moderate, with PM2.5 levels ranging from 25.3 % to 37.5 % g/m3. In terms of intensity, these counties included Satun, Pattani, Pattani, Nakhon Pathom, Ayutthaya, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Phuket, Ang Thong, Surat Thani, Phangnga, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattani, Ranong, Chumphon, and Prachuap Khiri Khan.

The air quality in the southern regions of Narathiwat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Trang, and Yala was fine, with PM2.5 amounts between 18.1 and 23.8 g/m3.

Red and orange levels of PM2.5 are prominent on the Gistda image, which are prevalent in the North and Northeast.

Red and orange levels of PM2.5 are prominent on the Gistda image, which are prevalent in the North and Northeast.

Thai officials that manage the rain have announced plans to take a number of steps to reduce air pollution, including using water spray to remove debris and using cloud seeding techniques to increase precipitation.

According to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, some substances have been imported from other nations, so it should be discussed with Asean companions.

The government will continue to do its job, she said, adding that everyone has a duty for air pollution control.

The Interior Ministry reported over 133 prosecutions for waste violations in the past three decades.

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Task force to probe Social Security Fund investment record

Board kept informed about a particular project.

People's Party MP Rukchanok Srinork speaks to reporters at the Social Security Office in Nonthaburi province on March 11. (Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya)
On March 11, Rukchanok Srinork, a member of the People’s Party, addresses investigators at the Social Security Office in Nonthaburi state. ( Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya )

Following the purchase of a building allegedly for an inflated price, the Social Security Board ( SSB ) will establish a task force to review previous Social Security Fund ( SSF ) investments.

The panel, which includes both employers and employees who contribute to the fund, discussed subsequent controversy involving the office’s budget management and investments at its Tuesday meeting.

A task force was established at the table meeting to study the fund’s investment history.

Opposition MP Rukchanok Srinork made the decision after the fund discovered abnormalities in the bank’s purchase of SKYY9, a building in Bangkok, supposedly for an inflated price in the name of a particular politician.

According to Montree Tirakothai, an SSB part representing companies, “in the past, neither the SSB nor the investment committee was involved in investment selections.”

The table is just informed about basic investment categories, such as domestic or international investments, he said.

The committee is aware of investment returns, but it is unaware of any particular project details or costs, according to Mr. Montree.

He said,” We would be asking if there ever was another investment like the purchase of SKYY9 in the past.”

Prior to the total SSB conference on April 10, the task force’s preliminary inquiry with the SSF’s expense department is scheduled for April 8.

Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the SSF’s secretary of labor, refuted rumors that it was having financial difficulties.

He claimed that the SSF’s investment returns increased from 3.1 % in 2023 to 5.3 % last year, which was the intended target.

He claimed it was difficult to keep a 5 % return on average for the next three decades, but it would also extend SSF’s life by 55 years.

He claimed that because he is also working with international researchers to find ways to keep the SSF running for 12 years, it might also be running on a 6 trillion ringgit budget.

The SSF and the professionals of the labor minister “would not abuse the insured’s money.”

Instead, he said,” We will look after it and increase revenue to increase perks like paying for medical expenses and increasing retiree retirement,” he said.

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Minimum wage rise by May 1: Phiphat

Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn
Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the secretary of labor,

Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the minister of labor, has promised a 400-baht wage increase by May 1 along with support plans for small and medium-sized ( SME) businesses.

People’s Party ( PP ) MP Sirikanya Tansakul criticized the government for failing to implement the 400-baht wage policy that the premier had earlier promised during the debate on Tuesday. The MP claimed that” that promise was merely a lie to the electorate for democratic gain.”

Since the beginning of the Paetongtarn presidency, there have been 11 % more business shutdowns, according to Ms. Sirikanya, compared to 4 % of new business opportunities. When the primary minister and the government were in charge of the payment budget, several workers were laid off with little to no pay.

The permanent secretary for labor, who presides the pay commission, did meet before the Songkran event on Wednesday to discuss the upcoming ways for a national income revision in time for May 1st, Labour Day. Mr. Phiphat responded on Wednesday. He claimed that pay increases had already been implemented in Koh Samui, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chachoengsao, and Phuket.

The labor minister said that 5.8 million workers and 500,000 employers in the SME business, which is the backbone of the economy, could be affected by wage changes. He claimed that a flat base salary could lead to the resignation of some 1.9 million SME employees, or 30 % of them.

According to Mr. Phiphat, the government’s 3 % rise destination will also be taken into account, leading to various wage increases in some industries that might help to lessen the impact on the economy. The minister even touched on the issue of foreign staff, focusing on Foreign citizens who might have been working illegally in Thailand. He claimed that the condition has been repressing foreign nominees to encourage local workers ‘ jobs, particularly in the Eastern Economic Corridor region.

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Labour minister aims for nationwide B400 minimum wage by May 1

Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn says the national wage committee will meet before Songkran to determine the next steps in the minimum-wage increase.
The federal pay committee will convene before Songkran, according to Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, to decide the minimum-wage increase’s next steps.

Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the minister of labor, has committed to increase the daily minimum wage to 400 baht by May 1 and to support initiatives for small and medium businesses ( SMEs ).

Women’s Party MP Sirikanya Tansakul criticized the government for not fully implementing the 400-baht income promised by the Pheu Thai Party during the 2023 vote campaign during the condemnation conversation in parliament on Tuesday.

She claimed that” that promise was only a rest to the people for political gain.”

Business closures increased by 11 % since the start of the Paetongtarn administration, according to Ms. Sirikanya, compared to the only increase in new business registrations of 4 %. She continued, noting that some workers have received little payment after being laid off.

Mr. Phiphat responded on Wednesday, saying that the federal pay commission would convene before the Songkran event to decide the future ways for a national income adjustment in time for Labor Day on May 1.

In Phuket, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chachoengsao, and Koh Samui, the 400-baht minimal income was implemented earlier this year. Depending on the state, rates range from 337 to 380 ringgit abroad. Employers have argued that because socioeconomic conditions vary across the nation, a single national rate is insufficiently practical.

According to Mr. Phiphat, salary changes may influence 5.8 million workers and 500,000 employers in the SME field, which is the backbone of the market. &nbsp,

He acknowledged that some small businesses could not afford a significant increase in the bottom income, so the government is looking into ways to help mitigate the effect. &nbsp,

According to Mr. Phiphat, the government’s 3 % economic growth goal will also be taken into account, leading to the possibility that some businesses may experience different wage increases to lessen the impact on the economy.

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Phuket gets two open-top EV buses

Photo: Phuket municipal office
Photo: Metropolitan office in Phuket

To encourage hospitality, Phuket does introduce two 18-seat open-top Vehicle cars.

According to Saroj Angkanapilas, governor of Phuket, the EV buses will not only help solve climate problems like waste or PM2.5 dirt particles in Phuket, but they will also serve as portable tourism promotion vehicles.

He claimed that the buses have been newly painted with images of classic Sino-European architecture to encourage the Old Town’s personality and cultural history. Electric Vehicles ( Thailand ) Plc provided the city tour buses.

Additional development projects are also in the works, including more security cameras at 26 roads and in 33 areas, to improve health. Around the clock, the island’s order area did receive data from the Camera cameras. This will increase the reputation of the province, safeguard the belongings of locals and visitors, and raise the island’s overall standard of living.

Phuket’s Saphan Hin Sports Centre is getting ready to number two significant global sporting competitions this year. The FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025 may be held at Gymnasium 1 from August 22 through August 27 while the annual global basketball rivals Toyota Phuket International Series 2025 will take place there from April 1 through April 1.

The events may enhance local incomes, increase Phuket’s tourism, and encourage sports hospitality in the province. The 400-seat school will be the main venue for both activities. Saphan Hin Sports Centre will eventually undergo upgrades, so it will be closed to the public starting in June.

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BJT sees 2nd MP hit with 10-year ban

The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that Mukdawan Luengsinil, the BJT MP for Nakhon Si Thammarat, may run for office or vote in an election for the following ten years as retribution for breaking the election laws.

The Election Commission (EC ) petitioned the court to punish her, and the decision was made.

The EC claimed that there was ample proof that the MP colluded with electoral process 8 in the southern state during the 2023 public vote.

According to the decision, this engaged paying voters 500 baht per vote for a full of 25, 000 baht.

Ms. Mukdawan may also face criminal charges after being fully ordered to hear the EC’s petition on July 5. She has been working as an MP for the past five years.

Suwanna Kumphiro, who won the 2023 election and was disqualified and subjected to a related restrictions by the court next month, is now the second BJT MP to be banned from politics for ten years.

Following Wednesday’s decision, the EC may request a royal order from the government in order to hold a by-election in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Constituency 8 in 45 times.

Ms. Mukdawan must cover the poll-related expenses, which are estimated to cost$ 8 million.

This by-election is anticipated to be very aggressive, according to a cause.

The rival Democratic Party has made it clear that it will subject former MP Chinnaworn Boonyakiat in this southeastern district, despite having four strong prospects to choose from.

Kongkiat Ketsombat, a native politician and Mr. Chinnaworn’s son-in-law, is even thought to be thinking about running for president under the name of the Kla Dharma Party.

A few months ago, Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ) defectors took control of Kla Dharma, which was led by Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat. Before being expelled from the partnership, the PPRP was once run by the Pheu Thai Party. Kla Dharma has since joined the Paetongtarn Shinawatra authorities and is regarded as having political control in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Komdej Matchimwong, a former PPRP participant in the province’s district 7, is expected to win the election for Constituency 8, according to the source.

Mukdawan: By-election costs may be covered.

Mukdawan: By-election costs may be covered.

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Another Bhumjaithai MP hit with 10-year ban

As a result of the Supreme Court’s ruling on Wednesday, Mukdawan Luengsinil, the Bhumjaithai Party ( BJT) MP for Nakhon Si Thammarat, will be unable to run in or participate in elections for the following ten years as a result of the ruling.

The Election Commission (EC ) petitioned the court to punish her, and the decision was made.

The EC claimed that there was ample proof that the MP colluded with electoral process 8 in the southern state during the 2023 public vote.

According to the decision, this involved paying 500 ringgit per vote for a total of 25, 000 ringgit.

Ms. Mukdawan may also face criminal charges after being fully ordered to discover the EC’s petition on July 5. She has been working as an MP for the past five years.

Suwanna Kumphiro, who won the 2023 election and was disqualified and subjected to a similar ban by the court next month, is now the second BJT MP to be banned from politics for ten years.

Following Wednesday’s decision, the EC may request a royal order from the government in order to hold a by-election in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Constituency 8 in 45 times.

The polling costs, which are thought to cost eight million rmb, may be borne by Ms Mukdawan.

According to a source, this by-election is expected to be very economical.

The foe Democrat Party has made it clear it will subject Chinnaworn Boonyakiat, a previous MP, in this southern district, despite having up to four strong prospects to choose from, according to the source.

Kongkiat Ketsombat, a native politician and Mr. Chinnaworn’s son-in-law, is even thought to be thinking about running for president under the name of the Kla Dharma Party.

A few months ago, the Kla Dharma, under the leadership of Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat, was taken over by Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ) defectors. Before being kicked out of the partnership, the PPRP was once under the Pheu Thai Party-led state. Kla Dharma has since joined the Paetongtarn Shinawatra authorities and is regarded as having political control in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Komdej Matchimwong, a former PPRP participant in the province’s district 7, is expected to win the election for Constituency 8, according to the source.

Mukdawan: By-election costs may be paid.

Mukdawan: By-election costs may be paid.

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Cyber law revamp nears finish

SEC has a “minor problem” with it.

According to Digital Economy and Society ( DES ) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, a proposed amendment to an executive decree preventing and stifling cybercrime is expected to be finalized in a week.

The Council of State, the government’s legal assistant, is reviewing the document policy, according to Mr. Prasert.

He claimed there is a minor legal problem with the Securities and Exchange Commission ( SEC ) law and potential overlap with other laws.

The article, which aims to improve measures to combat cybercrime and virtual fraud, may be published in the Royal Gazette once finalized, according to Mr. Prasert without needing cabinet approval.

On January 28, a DES Ministry-sponsored act was proposed to the cabinet to help combat rising cybercrime and quicken compensation for victims of fraud.

Over 400, 000 crime cases were reported between October 2023 and November 2024, according to the DES Ministry, resulting in damage worth more than 42 billion ringgit. According to the government, authorities urgently required a legal instrument to better safeguard the public and the business.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission ( NBTC ) or telecom operators may temporarily suspend phone numbers with suspected links to cybercrime as per the proposed amendment.

Peer-to-peer ( P2P ) lending services, which are governed by the law, forbid the trading of digital assets in secret. Service providers are required to halt operations to feared e-wallets.

A financial transaction commission has the power to make sure the returns of resources to victims of fraud are made right away, without having to wait for their circumstances to be settled by a court order. Eventually, the change imposes severe fines and harsher penalties on those engaged in illegal behavior.

These include a one-year prison term and/or a fine of one million baht for using online trading platforms to dirty money, a five-year jail term and/or a fine of one million baht for unlawful online gambling, and a five-year jail term and/or a five million baht for the unlawful trading of private data.

Financial corporations and telecommunication providers are also required to accept responsibility for loss suffered by victims of fraud.

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Political experts split on censure outcome

Cabinet ministers and Pheu Thai Party MPs wave at journalists after the vote on the censure debate at parliament Wednesday morning. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)
After the ballot on Wednesday morning’s censure debate in parliament, Pheu Thai Party members wave at journalists. ( Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut )

Social analysts had a combined opinion of the two-day condemnation debate, in which only Paetongtarn Shinawatra was the target.

Former poll director Somchai Srisutthiyakorn claimed on Wednesday that no significant changes were anticipated as a result of the debate’s link between the government and the criticism.

Ms. Paetongtarn’s responses, despite having a capable copy team, were no instructive, and she only provided specific details regarding the issue of fine dust pollution, he claimed.

Mr. Somchai claimed that Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the opposition chief, who presented the censure activity, failed to present a clear picture and draw attention to the audience during his opening discussion. He claimed that Mr. Natthaphong missed an opportunity to show the government’s and the leader’s shortcomings when making the closing statement and rather gave just a summary of the discussion.

However, Mr. Natthaphong was credited with having developed a well-organized debate strategy by Phichai Ratnatilaka Na Bhuket, a political science lecturer at the National Institute of Development Administration ( Nida ). He claimed that the opposition made the case that the Pheu Thai Party and the conservative camp worked together to oust past leading Thaksin Shinawatra and Ms. Paetongtarn’s parents at the cost of changes and the interests of the country.

The opposition’s claims about Ms. Paetongtarn’s purchase of shares from her family also raised questions about social standards, he said, adding that kids often buy shares from their parents and that the purchase was made in an effort to avoid paying taxes.

He claimed that Ms. Paetongtarn’s strengths were her incisive and satirical use of language to rebut queries, but it backfired as a result because she used it when she should have rather offered up simple answers.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University professor Yutthaporn Issarachai expressed sorrow with the lack of comprehensive information, claiming memes overshadowed the program. He claimed that despite the excellent handling of the conversation, the prime minister’s responses were not accurate and verifiable. He claimed that the opponent’s performance was disappointing in comparison to the year before.

Mr. Yutthaporn claimed that the opposition may have chosen the incorrect approach by focusing on the prime minister, which allowed the coalition colleagues to squabble.

Assoc Prof Pornamarin Phromkert, a professor at Khon Kaen University’s humanities and social sciences university, claimed that many issues, including Ms. Paetongtarn’s order of stock from her home, caught the attention of the general public.

The opposition, he said, was able to demonstrate that the prime minister was the president’s weak point by focusing only on her, noting that she lost credibility when she used sarcasm to respond to questions.

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PM rules out cabinet reshuffle

Paitongtarn thinks the alliance is still united despite the criticism discussion

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (centre) stands next to Opposition Leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, who went to greet her after the premier survived Wednesday’s no-confidence motion. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)
Opposition Leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, who was standing next to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (centre ), who greeted her after the premier overcame Wednesday’s no-confidence motion. ( Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut )

After she sailed through a no-confidence activity, prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed a case change is not on the cards, gaining overwhelmingly support from lawmakers in parliament on Wednesday.

She claimed that she had no intentions to change the government anytime soon after winning the vote by 319 to 162 to 7 nays.

When coalition parties lobbied her father and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra for a government shake-up, she said she was willing to hear their ideas.

Before the condemnation conversation, Ms. Paetongtarn added that she had informed her father that she would not be reshuffle the cabinet, which he later said was acceptable.

According to her, the coalition government is operating smoothly, adding that extra information will be made obtainable on social media platforms to understand the details she presented during the criticism conversation.

The criticism People’s Party leader, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, said the details presented during the conversation would be used as proof to obtain inquiries by independent bodies like the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

The opposition’s home will likely pay their taxes properly, he said,” we hope the prime minister’s community will do so after the opposition has presented this information.”

On Monday and Tuesday, Mr. Natthaphong opened the program by accusing the prime minister of lacked the ability to manage, evaded taxes, and allowed her father to impose political influence.

Prior to the discussion, it was agreed that Thaksin’s name wouldn’t be mentioned, so there were numerous references to” a family member” and” an outsider.”

Opposition MPs claimed that the Paetongtarn authorities had continued to implement its cheap money handout plan despite warnings it would not effectively stimulate the economy and had neglected to address pressing issues like high energy costs and small farm prices.

The opposition even cited instances in which they claimed the prime minister had lied or misrepresented his answers to investigators and investigators. Ms. Paetongtarn’s assertion that a solid baht would boost Thai export is one. She is also said to have avoided bringing up important financial troubles.

Opposition MPs claimed that an unidentified person had unwarranted influence on her partnership state. They also questioned whether the primary secretary had misled the public about the health of her father.

Instead of serving his prison sentence, Thaksin was declared critically ill and given the option of staying in a secret hospital at Police General Hospital. The mother’s ownership of land, including the luxurious Khao Yai hotel and Alpine golf resort, was also raised by the opposition.

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