Posts published by “Editorial Team”

Picture this: It was a day brimming with suspense and political drama as a venerable political party, steeped in history and tradition, convened to nominate its helmsman for the foreseeable future. The rendezvous was set for a Saturday, when members would gather to cast their vote and anoint their new leader, following a protracted period of leadership limbo. As the clock struck ten in the morning, the assembly hall buzzed with a palpable sense of expectation. With the requisite quorum of 250 members now present, the session commenced. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation and intrigue. One could hardly ignore the illustrious presence of the esteemed former prime minister, Chuan Leekpai – a political titan in his own right – taking the stage to endorse none other than Abhisit for the leadership mantle. With a wave of approval sweeping across the hall, Abhisit stood before his peers to unfurl his…

Imagine the vibrancy of colors, the rhythm of drumbeats, and a parade that ushers in a time of unparalleled joy – welcome to the 37th year of Patong’s illustrious annual carnival! As the sunset gave way to an electric evening, the shores of Patong Beach were alight with anticipation and radiant smiles for the opening ceremony, fittingly themed “Time of Happiness”. With the shimmering sea as the backdrop, Phuket’s deputy governor, the esteemed Amnuay Pinsuwan, alongside the charismatic Patong mayor, Chalermsak Maneesri, ignited the festivities that promised a feast for the senses. This extravaganza wasn’t just any celebration; it was an invitation. An invitation for revelers to partake in a grand parade that wound through the heart of the resort island’s bustling streets. But what is a parade without spectacle and splendor? The Jungceylon shopping centre, Central Patong shopping centre, the enchanting Phuket FantaSea, the thrilling Carnival Magic, the spectacular…

Welcome to a thrilling Saturday within the hallowed halls of political decision-making, where the venerable Democrat Party was abuzz with the energy of choosing their new captain to steer the ship through turbulent seas. As the morning sun pierced the Bangkok skyline, reaching high noon, an air of expectancy settled over the assembly, where four stalwarts stood, poised to claim the mantle of leadership. Amidst the fervent whispers and sharp suits, a familiar face was seen, that of former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, whose name resonated with history and experience. Joining him in this political ballet were the interim maestro, Chalermchai Sri-on, the military’s own Lt-Colonel Thita Rangsitpol Manitkul, and the dynamic Watanya—spearheading the party’s innovative future. Imagine the scene as a chorus of hands lifted in support for Watanya, the political luminary, whose candidacy, championed by maverick Kayan Wipromchai, a former MP with a sharp eye for talent, earned…

Welcome to the intricate world of global ethics, where Thailand dances with diligence on the tightrope of integrity. As one of the proud signatories of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), Thailand has been donning the mantle of an anti-graft crusader, vowing to cleanse both the public and private sectors of their corrupt elements. The kingdom, adorned with breathtaking landscapes and a cultural tapestry rich in history, strives diligently to cut through the murky waters of malfeasance. Hold your applause, however, as the journey is fraught with perception challenges. The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) – the esteemed global barometer of venality – still casts a shadow of suspicion over Thailand’s ostensibly noble battles. Indeed, the 2022 CPI report released to the world stage in January 2023, ranked Thailand 101st out of 180 nations. A stark portrayal that even amidst arduous efforts, the aroma of corruption still lingers stubbornly in…

Welcome to the underbelly of the idyllic Chiang Rai, where a tale as old as time gets a dose of the digital age with a dash of hay – quite literally. Amid the peaceful twilight shimmering above Thailand’s northern crown, the city’s serenity was pierced by the wail of sirens on an otherwise tranquil Friday night. Unbeknownst to the innocent hay, its rustic charm was about to turn not-so-innocent when police intercepted a curious vehicle tiptoeing into Rob Wiang’s inner sanctum. The scene begins with the local constabulary, perched like hawks, swooping in as our not-so-lucky protagonists, Mr. Krit and Mr. Phab (aliases provided to thicken our plot), eased their truck silently through the shadows. Yet it wasn’t the horsepower that piqued the officers’ interest. No, it was the stowaways within: 2 million methamphetamine tablets, audaciously masquerading as 10 sack-backpackers on a hayride to infamy. You see, Krit, the Lampang…

In a captivating development that’s caught the eye of the nation, Srettha made a remarkable stand on Saturday, asserting his intention to cast a resounding “no” when the issue of minimum wage hikes lands upon the Cabinet’s desk for approval. While the air of anticipation hangs heavy over whether this proposal will grace the Cabinet’s next gathering on Tuesday, the premier’s voice is clear – we need to take it back to the drawing board and scrutinize these “appropriate” wage tunes once more. As the week waned, the tripartite wage-setting saga took an intriguing turn, with the committee reaching a consensus to pitch minimum daily wages up a notch – somewhere in the 330 to 370 baht ballpark, depending on your provincial playground, starting the new year. This modest bump from the current 328 to 354 baht scale isn’t just pocket change; it’s a palpable pulse in the livelihood of…

In the grand theater of political chess, a Saturday morning meeting turned into a decisive moment for Thailand’s seasoned Democrats. As the hands of the clock strode past 10 am, the stage was set with four prestigious personalities eyeing the coveted chair of the party leader. The battlefield was laid out with the likes of the astute former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, the distinguished Lt-Colonel Thita Rangsitpol Manitkul, the shrewd Watanya Bunnag, and the formidable Chalermchai. The plot took a dramatic twist when acting deputy leader Dech-it Kaothong threw Chalermchai’s name into the ring, a move that cascaded into an impressive victory, capturing a staggering 88.5% of votes cast. It seemed the party’s fervor coalesced into unanimous consensus as he emerged the solitary champion standing. The drama intensified when Abhisit, in a move that sent ripples across the political spectrum, gracefully bowed out, leaving the reins of his party allegiance…

Under the ornate ceilings of Government House, on a day so brisk it carried the whispers of November’s zest, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew stood firm amidst a maelstrom of media reports. It was November 14, and cameras captured his every move, journalists clung to his every word—all regarding the startling claims that hospitals in the plucky Northeast were teetering on the edge of financial ruin, on the cusp of shutting down units necessary to the health of the community. But the Minister, a seasoned navigator of public concern, quelled the rising tides of alarm with a steady gaze and a fact-laden rebuttal. Speaking with a clarity undimmed by the challenges at hand, Dr Cholnan reached into the issue with the precision of a skilled surgeon, asserting that these reports were nothing but a misleading fog. “In the hallowed spaces where health and wellbeing are kept sacred, no units have…

Picture this: the air is thick with anticipation, a spirited crowd buzzes with excitement, and the scent of competition lingers. Underneath the dazzling lights of the Ratchadamnoen boxing stadium in bustling Bangkok, two international titans step into the ring. On October 29, Muay Thai virtuoso Sombat “Buakaw” Banchamek and Japanese pugilist Yoshihiro Sato poised themselves, ready to etch their names into the annals of martial arts history. The battle that ensued was one for the ages—a true testament to the cultural magnetism of Muay Thai. Speaking of cultural magnetism, the Thai government has a vision—a vision where the resilient spirit and the electrifying energy of Muay Thai transcend beyond the borders of Thailand. It’s a strategic move, one that could see Muay Thai shaping up to become the poster child of Thailand’s soft power. Yes, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is on a charm offensive. And who better to brainstorm this…

Imagine strolling under the neon glow of Bangkok’s bustling nightlife, where the city’s pulse beats with the rhythm of countless stories unfolding. But one story, in particular, caught the eye of netizens around the world—a tale woven by a Chinese voyager, Zi Yu Wang, who cast a spotlight on the shadows of Bangkok’s nights through the lens of her TikTok fame. Our protagonist is a 28-year-old adventuress who, with a phone in hand, navigated the infamous Soi Nana’s alleys—a place where the clink of glasses and the whispers of the night conspire. On that fateful December evening, as the clock teased 11:30 pm, Ms. Wang’s TikTok video went viral for all the wrong reasons. Her narrative, a mosaic of concern and caution, challenged the carefree tapestry of Thailand’s tourism. With a mix of fear and bravery, her voice cut through the clamor of the city’s nocturnal symphony, whispering tales of…