Hat Karon: A mesmerizing beach facing changes. (Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand) PHUKET: In a bid to preserve the allure of Hat Karon, the second longest stretch of sand in Phuket, local authorities have initiated a comprehensive beach cleanup. The urgency stems from fears that unchecked commercialization could tarnish the area’s natural charm and, by extension, its attractiveness to tourists. Governed by the astute Sophon Suwannarat, a high-stakes meeting with the Joint Public and Private Sector Committee on Economic Development underscored the pressing need for regulating beach accessories like umbrellas and sunbeds at three iconic beaches—Hat Karon, Hat Kata, and Hat Patong. The directive calls for a significant reduction in the number of rental umbrellas and sunbeds clustered along these stunning coastlines. This initiative, supervised by an appointed deputy governor, aims to not only declutter the beaches but also enhance the visitor experience. It’s a bold move, championed by the…
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A woman holds a placard with the message “No matter how many times a dissolution is issued, I’ll still vote for Move Forward” as she and other party supporters gather at its head office in Bangkok to hear the Constitutional Court’s ruling on Wednesday. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) The United States and the European Union on Wednesday issued statements expressing serious concern about the Constitutional Court’s order dissolving the opposition Move Forward Party and its implications for democracy in Thailand. The US State Department said the decision “jeopardises Thailand’s democratic progress and runs counter to the aspirations of the Thai people for a strong, democratic future”. “The United States does not take a position in support of any political party, but as a close ally and friend with deep and enduring ties, we urge Thailand to take actions to ensure fully inclusive political participation, and to protect democracy and the freedoms…
An artist’s rendering vividly depicts a station on the soon-to-be-launched rail link that’ll connect three major airports in Thailand, including the prominent U-Tapao in the Eastern Economic Corridor. Exciting news is swirling around the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) high-speed rail system contract, with authorities buzzing that a decisive conclusion to its revision is expected next month. This ambitious high-speed rail project stands as a beacon of innovation, set to seamlessly connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports, revolutionizing travel in the region. Originally inked in 2019, the contract between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Asia Era One – a powerhouse consortium spearheaded by the Charoen Pokphand Group – promised new heights in transportation. Central to this collaboration was a concession agreement to operate the illustrious Airport Rail Link (ARL). But, like many grand plans, it faced unforeseen hurdles when the Covid-19 pandemic rolled in, with passenger numbers plummeting…
MPs attend a parliament session. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) In an unexpected turn of events, the House faced a fierce debate on Wednesday over a contentious bill proposed by the Move Forward Party. The bill, championed by Bangkok MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, aimed to legalize the adult entertainment industry and its associated products, including pornographic materials and sex toys. Despite the fervor and impassioned arguments from its proponents, the bill stumbled at its first reading. Taopiphop’s vision was to amend Section 287 of the Criminal Code, which currently enforces a blanket ban on all types of adult materials, covering everything from pornographic images to sex toys. His proposal, however, wasn’t a carte blanche endorsement for all adult content. The amendment sought to maintain strict prohibitions on any pornographic materials that involved sexual violence, rape, or paedophilia, ensuring a line was drawn to protect against exploitation. Furthermore, it put forth age restrictions, disallowing…
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin descended gracefully from his office at the illustrious Thai Khu Fah building at Government House, ready to face the throng of reporters assembled in anticipation. With the Constitutional Court’s decree to dissolve the opposition Move Forward Party fresh on everyone’s minds, the Prime Minister’s words carried unprecedented weight. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) On this pivotal Wednesday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin emphatically clarified that he had no knowledge of any cabinet ministers trying to entice MPs from the opposition Move Forward Party by dangling the hefty lure of 20-30 million baht. He stated with unwavering resolve that if such underhanded attempts were indeed afoot, it would be grossly inappropriate for any party to engage in such political skullduggery. Addressing the media ahead of the pivotal Constitutional Court ruling that ultimately led to the party’s dissolution, Mr. Srettha asserted, “If the Move Forward Party holds fast to its assertion…
Move Forward Party deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun addressed a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Bangkok on Wednesday evening following the court-ordered dissolution of the party earlier that day. Flanking her were now-banned party executives: Chaithawat Tulathon (left), chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat (second from left), and Amarat Chokepamitkul (right), as shown in an image from the Move Forward YouTube channel. Despite the shocking dissolution, MPs from the disbanded Move Forward Party (MFP) will find refuge in their “new home” come Friday, according to Sirikanya Tansakun, who is anticipated to spearhead this nascent political entity. Intriguingly, Ms. Sirikanya isn’t among the 11 party executives who were handed a 10-year political ban by the Constitutional Court on Wednesday. During the news conference, held at the party’s headquarters in the Hua Mak district of Bangkok, Sirikanya joined her fellow executives to deliberate on the court’s ruling and lay out their roadmap for…
Bangchak Sriracha Public Company Limited (BSRC) has unveiled an impressive performance report for the first half of 2024. The company boasts total revenue from sales and services amounting to THB 129,631 million, an EBITDA of THB 3,604 million, and a profit of THB 1,077 million, translating to an earnings per share of THB 0.31. The refinery business has reached a new pinnacle, setting a record with a high refining utilisation of 154,900 barrels per day in May, and averaging 152,200 barrels per day throughout the first half of the year. The total sales volume soared to an extraordinary 4,745 million litres, marking a 16% surge from the previous year. BSRC’s CEO, Bundit Hansapaiboon, shared that despite the turbulent energy prices, the company demonstrated remarkable success in both the Refinery and Marketing segments during the first half of 2024. Bundit emphasized that BSRC’s unwavering dedication to maximizing refining utilisation led to…
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement at New Clark City in the Philippines last Wednesday as four remarkable Thai students were lauded for their stellar performance at the inaugural International Nuclear Science Olympiad 2024 (INSO 2024). Held from July 31 to August 7, the competition aimed to fuel young minds with a profound understanding of nuclear sciences, inspiring them to become vanguards of the future and fostering an international network for nuclear energy enthusiasts. In a showdown that saw 55 brilliant young contenders from 14 Asia-Pacific nations vying for the top honors, the Thai team grabbed the spotlight. These twelfth-graders walked away with one glittering gold medal and three illustrious silver medals, proving their mettle and shining a light on Thailand’s burgeoning talent in the nuclear sciences. The crowning glory of the team was Nopparuj Sodsri from the renowned Kamnoetvidya Science Academy (KVIS), who clinched the coveted gold medal. Joining him…
In an electrifying turn of events on Wednesday, the Constitutional Court announced its decision to disband the Move Forward Party, finding it guilty of endangering the constitutional monarchy and compromising national security. The ruling, announced at 3 pm, sent shockwaves through the political landscape, as the court declared that the MFP’s persistent and profound campaigns aimed at amending Section 112 of the Criminal Code—better known as the lese-majeste law—constituted a severe threat to both the monarchy and the nation’s security. The court highlighted a series of actions by the MFP, starting with their proposal to amend the controversial law on March 25, 2021, followed by vigorous campaigns leading up to the May 14, 2023 election. The party also expressed its amendment intentions through numerous political avenues and channels, according to the court’s findings. “Their campaigns eroded the revered value of the royal institution and revealed an intent to leverage the…
Since 24 July 2024, a wave of discontent has surged along Sukhumvit Road, right in front of the Thaioil refinery nestled in the bustling Si Racha District of Chonburi Province. The heart of the discontent? A legion of workers, echoing their unresolved grievances due to non-payment by contractors. What started as a protest by employees of One Turn Ten Company Limited (“One Turn Ten”), EMCO LTD (Thailand) Company Limited (“EMCO”), and Thai Fong Engineering and Construction Company Limited (“Thai Fong”)—subcontractors of Sinopec Engineering Group (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (“Sinopec”)—soon saw a growing tide. The brigade expanded with more workers from Himmawan Engineering 2009 Co., Ltd. (“Himmawan”), Siwakrit Construction & Engineering Company Limited (“Siwakrit”), KUN Supply Construction Limited Partnership (“KUN”), and C.Y. Group Limited Partnership (“CY”). They, too, marched against the silence of their employers Siwakrit, KUN, CY—all subcontractors under SCI Siam Corea Industrial Company Limited (“SCI”). Now, here’s where the corporate…