As pressure continues to build on the operators of Bangkok’s Green and Yellow lines, calls for the construction of a vital 2.6-kilometer link between the two electric train systems are growing louder. This missing link would significantly simplify the commuting experience for passengers wishing to change lines at Ratchayothin and Lat Phrao stations. Set to begin operations later this year, the Yellow Line monorail will serve as a crucial mass-transit connection for commuters residing in Bangkok’s northern and eastern suburbs. Currently, without the missing link in place, passengers must reroute their journeys through the Blue Line to transfer from the Green Line to the Yellow Line, which subsequently increases their travel expenses. A proposal for the construction of the missing link between these lines, which had already been approved in an environmental impact assessment (EIA) six years prior, has seemingly stalled. As per the proposal, the missing segment would span…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat recently held a press conference and shed light on the ongoing developments of his party, particularly on the matter of the House Speaker post. He emphasized that the Move Forward Party and Pheu Thai Party will exclusively address this issue. “Regarding the House Speaker, the Pheu Thai Party and Move Forward Party will engage in discussions, with the shared understanding that it will not impede the formation of the government,” Mr Pita stated. The remarks followed a meeting among seven coalition partners to discuss ministry quotas at the Prachachart Party meeting room. Although the House Speaker issue was scheduled, it was not discussed during the gathering. Mr Pita explained that the primary focus of the coalition partners is to ensure that they are well-prepared to govern the country and act in the best interests of the people. As the Election Commission (EC) has…
The Department of Healthcare Services has expanded its coverage to include 50 items, up from the previous 30, with updated rates effective from June 1st. This decision was made in response to the significant advancements in medical practices, as explained by Kulaya Tantitemit, the department director-general. The aim is to ensure that eligible individuals and their families have access to necessary and appropriate medical services, in line with recent developments in the healthcare sector. The updated coverage mainly affects Category 8, which pertains to diagnostic imaging and radiation treatment services. A working committee, comprising representatives from various healthcare organizations in Thailand, is currently tasked with the responsibility of reviewing and updating the list and rates for healthcare services eligible for reimbursement under the government officials’ healthcare benefits program. As part of the updated coverage, the number of eligible radiation treatment services will be increased from 30 to 50 items. This…
Kirati Ratchano, the Permanent Secretary at the Commerce Ministry, recently shared details about Thailand’s trade scenario at a press conference. According to him, the country witnessed a decrease in the import of goods, totaling $23.195 billion (797.37 billion baht), a 7.3% YoY decline. In April, Thailand recorded a trade deficit of $1.471 billion (59.584 billion baht). Between January and April, the nation had export revenues of $92.002 billion (3.11 trillion baht), which marked a 5.2% YoY decrease. Meanwhile, the value of imports reached $96.519 billion (3.305 trillion baht), resulting in a 2.2% drop. Consequently, during the first four months, Thailand experienced a trade deficit of $4.516 billion (194.786 billion baht). The Permanent Secretary also highlighted that the export value of industrial goods in April dropped by 11.2%, marking the seventh consecutive month of contraction. Products experiencing a significant drop in export values included oil-related products, computers and components, machinery and…
On Monday, an accident involving a monk driving a pickup truck served as a reminder of the existing driving ban for monks in the northern provinces, imposed by the Northern Sangha Administration. Chiang Mai Office of Buddhism director, Monthian Khammee, reiterated the directive on Tuesday, following an incident in which a monk mistakenly put his vehicle in reverse and damaged several vehicles behind him. The monk involved in the accident was identified as Phrakhru Pornchai Piyawanno, 56, the abbot of Wat Phra Phutthabat Siroy in tambon Saluang of Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim district. While the Supreme Sangha Council does not explicitly forbid monks from driving, the Northern Sangha Administration has implemented its own regulations in which monks are not allowed to take the wheel. Director Monthian stated that an investigation would determine if Phrakhru Pornchai had any valid reasons for violating the driving ban. As a result of the incident,…
A tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon in the Thanyaburi district of Pathum Thani when a woman who had recently purchased a house from a bank was shot dead by the enraged previous owner, who had refused to move out. The shocking event took place at a housing estate on Thanyaburi’s Khlong 11 in tambon Bueng Namrak. When police received the distressing call around 3 pm, they quickly arrived at the horrific scene where the woman, identified primarily as Kamolporn, was lying lifeless on the road just outside the house. Legal authorities promptly surrounded the residence, where the 65-year-old former owner who carried out the ambush had retreated. A tense negotiation to get the assailant to surrender ensued. The former owner, known simply as Decha, was in possession of the house until it was confiscated by the bank and then put up for sale. Kamolporn, the unfortunate victim, became the…
On Tuesday, TrueVisions subscribers who tuned into the BBC channel to watch a profile of Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat were met with a blocking message, prompting concerns about media freedom in Thailand. During a press conference following a meeting with eight coalition parties, Limjaroenrat expressed his worry about the state of press freedom in the country, emphasizing the importance of “direct and transparent presentation of information” in a democratic society. Limjaroenrat revealed that at least three foreign news media outlets have faced censorship when reporting on Thailand, and self-censorship is often practiced by Thai media, particularly regarding the country’s royal defamation law. Under this law, anyone can file a complaint, and the interpretation of what constitutes an insult is highly unpredictable. This uncertainty leads to pay-TV providers such as TrueVisions blocking sensitive content about Thailand produced by foreign media outlets, sometimes censoring entire reports for mentioning the subject…
A new coalition of eight Thai political parties has come together to make a stand on important national issues and support the transition of power. During discussions at the Prachachat Party headquarters in Bangkok, the group resolved to create a coordinating committee in the midst of the transitional period, as well as seven working groups to tackle vital topics that affect the nation. Both the House speaker position and the allocation of cabinet positions, which are the subject of much speculation, were set aside and will be addressed separately. Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward party, reassured attendees that the speaker issue will not interfere with government formation. Prime ministerial finalist Mr. Pita added that government agencies have already been in touch with the Move Forward party to explore concerns regarding the incoming administration. Representing the coalition’s concerted effort to find solutions and establish policies, the seven working groups…
Chalermchai Sri-on, the current Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has announced his decision to resign as secretary-general of the Democrat Party when a new leader and executives are chosen on July 13. While it remains uncertain whether the party will select a younger leader, that decision will be made by a party committee during the upcoming general assembly. Jurin Laksanawisit previously announced his departure from the role following the May 14 election, where the Democrat Party, the country’s oldest existing party, won a mere 25 House seats. This was a significant decrease from the 53 seats they held in 2019 and much lower than expected. Regarding the possibility of the Democrats forming an alliance with the Pheu Thai Party if the Move Forward-led coalition falls apart, Chalermchai stated that any such agreement would require the support of a formal party resolution. Once he steps down as secretary-general, Chalermchai plans to…
Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), has been under investigation by the Election Commission (EC) due to the alleged holding of 42,000 shares in a media company, which is prohibited for electoral candidates by the constitution. Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam stated that if the Constitutional Court accepts the case, it might suspend Mr. Pita until a decision is reached. According to Mr. Wissanu, the case may either close if the EC rules in Mr. Pita’s favor and endorses him as a list-MP or escalate to the Constitutional Court if they rule against him. The EC can investigate the complaint at any stage, before or after the election results are officially announced. As a reference, the Deputy Prime Minister cites the case against Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the former leader of the now-dissolved Future Forward Party (FFP). Mr. Thanathorn faced similar accusations of violating the share-holding rule, and the…