On a nerve-racking Tuesday, the Constitutional Court set the stage for a political showdown by instructing all engaged parties in Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s intricate ethics case to present their evidence within a stringent 15-day window. With the court’s next session scheduled for July 10, the uncertainty looms, leaving the government anxiously awaiting its fate. The contentious case circles around the stormy appointment of politician Pichit Chuenban as a Minister in the PM’s Office during the latest cabinet reshuffle. This tempest was whipped up by a faction of 40 resolute senators who insisted that both Prime Minister Srettha and Pichit violated crucial cabinet minister ethics. The senators implored the court to judge whether the pair deserved to be ousted from their positions, citing Sections 160 (4) and (5) of the constitution, which govern ministers’ ethical conduct. The crux of their argument lay in Pichit’s controversial past. He had previously served…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
Members of the LGBTQ+ community reacted with anticipation and joy as they arrived ahead of the critical passing of the marriage equality bill during its second and third readings by the Senate on Tuesday. (Photo: Reuters) The Senate decisively passed the final reading of a groundbreaking marriage equality law on Tuesday, opening the door for the country to become the third territory in Asia to recognize same-sex unions, following the trailblazing paths of Nepal and Taiwan. The Senate’s overwhelming vote of 130-4, with 18 members abstaining, signals a resounding support for equality. This crucial legislation now awaits royal approval, and will take effect 120 days post-publication in the Royal Gazette. LGBTQ+ advocates heralded this move as a “monumental step forward,” positioning Thailand to become the first nation in Southeast Asia to adapt marriage equality laws. Thailand has long been celebrated for its vibrant LGBTQ+ culture and its inclusive and tolerant…
In a groundbreaking move, a new regulation has been put into effect, redefining the approach towards drug abusers by allowing them to possess a limited amount of methamphetamine without facing prosecution. Under this new directive, individuals with just one methamphetamine pill or merely 20 milligrams of crystal meth, commonly known as “ice,” now qualify for rehabilitation rather than criminal charges. The Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsuthin, announced the implementation of this regulation this past Monday. “If you’re caught with a single meth pill, you will indeed be detained, but you’ll also have the right to seek rehabilitation,” Minister Somsak elaborated. “However, there must be concrete proof that you are truly a drug addict, and this responsibility is in the hands of the police,” he explained. Emphasizing the importance of this regulation in combating drug abuse effectively, the minister pointed out that law enforcement must persuade apprehended drug offenders to disclose…
Thanakit Jitareerat, vice-minister for public health, right, engages in a conversation with Food and Drug Administration deputy secretary-general Weerachai Nalawachai at Tuesday’s press conference regarding the seizure of unregistered animal drugs. (Photo supplied/ Wassayos Ngamkham) In a dramatic crackdown on counterfeit animal medication, police seized fake drugs worth more than 84 million baht from two prominent gang networks during raids conducted in Nakhon Pathom and Samut Sakhon provinces. Officers from the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) alongside officials from the Food and Drug Administration uncovered 222,360 illegal items across four premises in these central provinces, as reported by Thanakit Jitareerat, vice-minister for public health, on Tuesday. The confiscated goods boasted a retail value of 84.84 million baht. Delving into the specifics, the operational sweep in Nakhon Pathom targeted three separate locations. One in tambon Huai Kwang of Kamphaeng Saen district was clandestinely producing these illicit medications. Within this makeshift factory,…
In a picturesque display of the intertwining of old and new faces in Thai politics, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was recently seen paying respects to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at Thaksin’s residence in Bangkok during the Songkran festival this past April. The image of reverence serves as a soft backdrop to a more turbulent political picture. The Constitutional Court announced on Tuesday that it will review an ethics case against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin come July 10. This decision is currently pending the collection of opinions from various involved parties and organizations. To aid in the deliberation, the court has meticulously assigned specific topics for relevant entities to provide written insights, all to be submitted within 15 days. The amassed feedback is set to play a crucial role in the court’s ultimate decision. Prime Minister Srettha had already submitted his defense to the Constitutional Court on June 7. The…
Senate candidates in Bangkok eagerly converged at the Centara Life Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre on Sunday, casting their votes for the provincial-level election. The excitement and anticipation filled the air as the groundwork was laid for the national round of voting, set to take center stage on June 26. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) The path to this pivotal moment had its bumps, but it got a unanimous green light from the Constitutional Court on Tuesday. All nine judges concurred that the Senate election did not trample on the charter. The claims made by six petitioners, five of whom were gunning for Senate seats, didn’t hold water. Specifically, four sections of the organic law on the Senate’s composition were deemed constitutionally sound. In light of the court’s undisputed ruling, the Election Commission (EC) swiftly reassured the public that the national-level Senate election will indeed kick off on June 26, just…
The constitutional tremors set off on a typical Tuesday by the Constitutional Court could decidedly reshape the political future of Thailand. Mark your calendars, folks. July 3 is D-Day for the Move Forward Party (MFP), as the Court gears up to adjudicate the highly controversial dissolution case against the prominent opposition party. This time, the stakes are as high as they get. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation. The Court has laid down the procedural gauntlet, prompting all parties involved to submit their facts and opinions within an electrifying span of just seven days. No time for hesitations; this accelerated timeline promises to keep the political adrenaline pumping. Now, the main players—MFP and the Election Commission—have their moment in the spotlight on July 9, presenting their heavy-hitting witnesses and potential game-changing evidence. Intrigue and secrecy hover around the specifics, as the Court has teased no additional details. But brace yourselves…
Culinary innovation meets sustainability as the Western Australian Beef & Lamb Competition by Aussie Meat Academy makes its grand debut in Thailand. Hosted by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) in collaboration with the Government of Western Australia (WA), this groundbreaking event, held at the prestigious Lenôtre Culinary Arts School, promises to showcase the very best of Australian beef and lamb while nurturing the culinary stars of tomorrow. The Western Australian Beef & Lamb Competition brought together ten exceptionally talented junior chefs from five luxurious Marriott, Okura Nikko, and IHG five-star hotels around bustling Bangkok. These rising stars were given a unique platform to unveil their creativity and skills. Split into two captivating challenges, five chefs competed in a tantalizing Thai culinary challenge, while the other five immersed themselves in a Western culinary challenge. Through this journey, participants not only honed their culinary craft but also gained invaluable insights into the…
On June 9, a gathering took place at the Narathiwat Islamic Religious Council where men and women were briefed on the prerequisites for a marriage ceremony. (Photo: Narathiwat Islamic Religious Council Facebook) In the scenic southern provinces of Thailand, an interesting phenomenon has emerged—Malaysian men are increasingly choosing these locales for their ceremonial polygamous marriages. According to the Bernama news agency, no less than 30 couples from Malaysia take part in this ceremony at the Narathiwat Islamic Religious Council every month. While most of these couples originate from the neighboring Malaysian states of Kelantan and Terengganu, it’s not uncommon for some to come from as far afield as Kuala Lumpur. This rising trend has piqued the curiosity of many. However, it’s far from a simple procedure. “Getting married in southern Thailand isn’t as straightforward as one might think. There are rigorous conditions to meet, including thorough background checks on the…
Ms. Woraphanit Ruayrungruang, the dynamic CEO of International Business at Reignwood Group, the visionary developers behind the illustrious Reignwood Park, has recently inked an exciting agreement that promises to elevate Thailand’s sporting scene. Partnering with Mr. Thomas Brookes, the innovative Founder & CEO of Icons Series, this collaboration is set to bring a groundbreaking sports event to Thailand. Icons Series is renowned for orchestrating thrilling golf tournaments that feature genuine global sports legends, and this upcoming event is sure to be nothing short of spectacular. The remarkable event will gather a constellation of elite athletes, all set to compete in a special match hosted at the stunning Robinswood Golf Club. This championship-standard, 18-hole golf course stretches an impressive 7,636 yards and boasts a design that not only challenges the best but also aligns seamlessly with other prestigious golf courses under the Reignwood umbrella. Think along the lines of the esteemed…