Thailand

Former MP urges action against a spiritual group led by a 9-year-old claiming to be Buddha’s son; Despite a court ban, followers continue worshipping him and authorities are investigating potential violations, including child rights and public deception

Samitivej Hospital, a regional medical leader, opened an expanded International Children’s Hospital for advanced pediatric care in Bangkok; a $59,4 million investment, it offers heart treatments, cancer care, specialized surgeries, and digital healthcare

A 5-years, €118 million climate-smart initiative for rice farming sustainability has been launched; it aims to assist 253.400 farmers across 21 provinces in adopting water management and laser land leveling to target a 2,44 million-ton CO₂ reduction

On 23 January, the first day of legal same-sex marriages following the introduction of the Marriage Equality Bill, mass weddings were held across the country, in a celebration of a historic date for Southeast Asia

Thailand may soon restart negotiations with Cambodia on overlapping claims in the Gulf of Thailand; the talks would aim to resolve disputes over resource-rich maritime areas, with both nations seeking mutual economic and diplomatic benefits

In Bangkok, public transport will be free for a week to try to counteract the heavy smog enveloping the city these days; pollution has also led the local government to close 352 of the 437 schools in the metropolitan city

Phuket faces a growing garbage crisis, with over 1.000 tonnes of daily waste overwhelming its landfill; authorities plan to cut waste by 15%, expand the landfill, and build an incinerator, stressing the need for better waste separation

e-cigarettes and e-baraku (electronic hookahs) have been added to prohibited items for students, like traditional cigarettes; Ministry of Education enforced penalties, including warnings, probation, and behavioral interventions, to curb rising student use

The BMA launched Sarawat Choey AI, an AI-upgraded traffic police figure to detect violations like illegal parking, helmetless riding, wrong-way driving; it records data for officer review and was first deployed near a major shopping mall in Bangkok

A recent meeting of Thailand’s tripartite wage committee failed to reach a quorum, delaying discussions on raising the daily minimum wage to 400 baht, or $12.15; the meeting has been rescheduled amid concerns about the impact on small and medium companies

Iconic Tom Yum Kung prawn soup is set to be recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, Thailand’s fourth such listing with Khon masked dance (2018), Nuad Thai massage (2019), and Nora dance (2021)

Event “Trip Nam Mai Arb”, literally Trip Without Shower, drew 6.000 motorcyclists to Phetchabun for a ride to Phu Thap Boek and Khao Kho National Park; police intervened to manage traffic congestion and ensure safety amid the overwhelming influx of riders

In a landmark move towards ending statelessness, Thailand’s cabinet has approved an accelerated pathway to permanent residency and nationality for nearly half a million stateless people, marking one of the region’s most significant citizenship initiatives