In the heart of Bangkok’s bustling Chatuchak district, an imposing concrete structure now stands as a ghostly reminder of tragedy and shattered dreams. Enshrined in sorrow, the once-mighty headquarters of the State Audit Office (SAO) teeters on the edge of memory, adorned with colorful flower garlands that cling to its remnants – silent witnesses to the chaos that shook the city and the lives of those within its ominous shadow. It was here, amidst the haunting echoes of loss, that a poignant merit-making ceremony recently marked the solemn conclusion of a grueling six-week-long search and rescue operation. This monumental disaster, unexpected as a sudden tropical storm, erupted during the March 28 earthquake—Bangkok’s day of infamy. As the tremors subsided, only the SAO building, an intricate marvel of architectural ambition, had succumbed to the earth’s rumbling fury. Clinging to the wreckage of its ambitious 30-story skeleton, the city mourned the loss…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
At a pivotal press conference held at the illustrious Government House on Wednesday, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira stepped into the spotlight, unraveling Thailand’s strategic overtures in its trade dialogues with the US. Picture a chess game where each move has the potential to shift the balance. Thailand aims to counterbalance trade deficits and hopefully coax Washington into reducing its stifling tariffs imposed on Thai exports. Yet, nestled within the minister’s discourse was an update that has ignited domestic curiosity— the state of the government’s heralded digital wallet initiative. Now in its third phase, this project finds itself tiptoeing on a tightrope as the economic landscape, strained by US tariffs, beckons for reevaluation. Indeed, Minister Pichai affirmed that the distribution of the 10,000-baht handout is undergoing scrutiny, as the winds of trade turbulence ripple across the global economic waters. With admirable resolve, Thailand presented a set of proposals to Washington. The…
On a sunny day in May, members of the House committee, tasked with ensuring wise use of state funds, took a trip to Trang Airport. Their goal? To inspect the burgeoning new passenger terminal that locals have been eagerly anticipating. As they marveled at the model of the airport, it became clear that these large and ambitious development projects, worth a staggering 4.4 billion baht, were finally nearing reality. But there’s much more to this story than meets the eye. At the forefront of this scrutiny is the opposition’s People’s Party, who have committed to keeping a watchful eye on the ambitious development plans. The renovations at Trang airport, long overdue, are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, with at least one segment of the revamp slated for completion by next month. Bangkok MP Rukchanok Srinork, an integral part of the monitoring committee, took the high…
In the bustling town of Samut Prakan, where the clatter of daily life often swirls around like a whirlwind, an unsettling whisper wound its way through the community, leaving an echo that would not easily fade. Amidst the rhythmic hum of machinery and distant laughter of children playing in nearby alleys, a most disturbing discovery unfolded, casting a shadow of somber silence over the area. It all transpired in the quiet enclave of Bang Phli district, tucked behind the usually unassuming rows of workers’ housing—a patchwork of lives intersecting in the heart of this industrious settlement. It was here, amidst the loosely sprouted grass and rough edges of discarded life, that an unintended scene of nature’s stark reality set the stage. An unlikely participant had taken the spotlight; the kind rarely considered part of the suburban narrative—a monitor lizard. This large, scaly creature, generally more prone to shy wanderings along…
The Thai baht finds itself in a precarious dance against the US dollar once more, as the greenback gains momentum following a temporary lull in the ongoing US-China trade skirmish. Enthusiastic currency enthusiasts and analysts suggest the baht may weaken further, potentially hitting a low of 33.80 against the dollar in the coming days. This nervous anticipation persists despite a brief uptick in global market sentiment. Roong Sanguanruang, the Senior Vice President for Global Markets Planning at Bank of Ayudhya (popularly known as Krungsri), advises that the baht continues to feel the pressure from a cocktail of factors, prominently the reverberations of the recent ceasefire in the trade storm. “We estimate the baht will hover in the range of 33.00 to 33.80 this week. The horizon remains tumultuous, and the volatility is palpably high,” she remarks with the seasoned wisdom of a market veteran. The temporary truce hammered out between…
In the typically serene Mueang Suea subdistrict of Phayakkhaphum Phisai district, Maha Sarakham province, a deeply disturbing tale has unfolded that has left the community in shock. Picture this idyllic setting with lush countryside and friendly smiles—a stark contrast to what investigators uncovered in recent events. It all began when Thongsai, a local resident, stumbled upon a sight that would haunt him forever. While preparing to plow the fields, he noticed an unsettling swarm of flies hovering ominously above the family septic tank. Alarmed, he decided to investigate further and discovered that the situation was far graver than a sanitation issue. The body of his 84-year-old father, Boonram, lay dismembered within the murky depths of the tank. Adding a chilling layer to the macabre find, suspicion quickly fell on Thongsai’s half-brother, Sombat—a 41-year-old man known for his struggles with mental health and substance abuse. It was an emotional and tumultuous…
In a thrilling twist of events in Pathum Thani, a bustling province in Thailand, the Consumer Protection Police (CPP) made headlines with a dramatic raid on a fruit warehouse. This unexpected turn of agricultural detective work led to the arrest of a Vietnamese businessman known simply as Mr. Van, whose clandestine operations raised pertinent concerns over local agriculture security. Set against the backdrop of Soi Thep Kunchon 6, a location whispered among traders for its proximity to a major wholesale market in the lively Khlong Luang district, this operation was nothing short of a high-stakes drama. In collaboration with a special task force from the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry and the vigilant Customs Department, the CPP orchestrated a meticulous plan that led them to a stunning discovery. The saga began the previous week when astute officers intercepted a colossal shipment—approximately 40 tonnes—of smuggled avocados. This fruitful catch provided critical intelligence,…
In a captivating twist that seems to mirror the drama of a political thriller, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong now finds himself on the sidelines, suspended by the Constitutional Court as it navigates through allegations of political overreach. The crux of the matter? An audacious probe into alleged vote-rigging during the 2024 Senate election, a move that has undoubtedly ruffled some feathers amongst government ranks. On a particular February day, cameras flashed and reporters scribbled when Tawee, with an air of assertiveness, hinted at possibly dragging the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) into a thorny investigation—his words reverberated through the halls of decision-making bodies, causing a ripple of dissent from no less than a cadre of senators. Fast forward, and the very court that serves as the guardian of the constitution has momentarily clipped his wings, citing an abuse of authority. In a proclamation echoing through the corridors of power last…
In a world teetering on the edge of tension, the simmering trade war between the United States and China has caught a second wind—though popping open the bubbly might be premature. In an unexpected twist in a melodrama that has rocked global markets for months, both nations have now agreed to a temporary detente, suspending punitive tariffs on one another’s goods for 90 days. This ceasefire was brokered after an intense weekend of negotiations in Geneva, where the stakes were as high as a skyscraper. This hiatus is a momentary sigh of relief for investors and businesses caught in the crossfire, victims of months of retaliatory tariffs that felt impossible to dodge. US President Donald Trump, never one to shy away from the spotlight, addressed the nation via Fox News. His message was one of triumph, claiming that the deal lays the groundwork for a triumphant trade agreement and opens…
In the vibrant setting of Phuket’s Thalang District, recent undertakings have shone a spotlight on the delicate challenges facing migrant communities. A two-hour sweep through select labour camps led to unsettling revelations that have set the community abuzz. As the sun dipped below the horizon on May 13th, a coalition of diligent officials embarked on an operation to assure safety and compliance among migrant workers. The initiative was a combined effort, featuring the keen eyes and expertise of the Thalang District Office Special Operations Unit, Phuket Immigration Police, the Phuket Provincial Employment Office, Sakhu Police, public health afficionados, and earnest Tambon Sakhu local community leaders. This motley crew was tasked with painting a clearer picture of migrant life within the confines of two labour camps situated in Moo 3 and Moo 4 of Sakhu. These camps, primarily inhabited by about 90 foreign workers, underwent thorough scrutiny. Among the usual checks…