Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a stalwart presence at Government House, is gearing up for an eventful journey to Vietnam on May 15-16. These dates aren’t merely circled on the calendar for diplomatic niceties — there’s a robust agenda on the cards. With a vow to elevate the camaraderie between Thailand and Vietnam to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership — the nonpareil echelon of diplomatic ties Vietnam offers — the visit promises to be a pivotal chapter in their shared history. Central to this visit will be the eagerly anticipated 4th Thailand-Vietnam Joint Cabinet Retreat (JCR). Here, Prime Minister Paetongtarn and Vietnam’s own Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will be sitting down for discussions that transcend pleasantries. Their ambitions are clear: fortify political trust, accelerate economic collaboration, and magnify regional security bonds. Adding grandeur to this diplomatic pageantry, a joint statement will be inked, crystallizing the alliance’s newfound status. This document will…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
Last September, the grand old halls of parliament witnessed a fierce debate over the 2025 Budget Bill, with the atmosphere charged with both anticipation and trepidation. Fast forward to today, and it looks like the political landscape is far from settling down. In a surprising turn of events, the Bhumjaithai Party recently quashed rumors of any rebellion against the upcoming 2026 fiscal year budget bill, asserting to the world that their MPs will stand by the government’s proposed budget. Party spokeswoman, Nan Boontida Somchai, confidently stated on Sunday, “Bhumjaithai is not just a participant but an integral part of the government coalition. We’re commingled in the fabric of governance through key roles in various ministries that have their hands in crafting the budget bill. This bill is a pivotal mechanism for nationwide problem-solving and progression, and we don’t see why any of our MPs should turn their backs on it.”…
The political landscape of Thailand took quite a spotlight this past Sunday as the Bhumjaithai Party made waves by confirming that its Members of Parliament will not be voting against the upcoming budget bill for the fiscal year of 2026. This crucial piece of legislation, anticipated for cabinet and House of Representatives approval later this month, has been swirling amidst a tempest of rumors suggesting internal dissent. Nan Boontida Somchai, the articulate spokesperson for the Bhumjaithai Party, emphasized the importance of unity within the governing coalition. “As pivotal actors in the coalition government, steering various ministerial responsibilities, our members are fundamentally involved in shaping the budget bill,” Nan stated on Sunday, exuding confidence. “Their backing is indispensable to resolving national issues and fuelling the developmental engine of the country.” This proclamation came looking to quash burgeoning whispers that certain Bhumjaithai MPs might shun the budget bill, retaliating against Pheu Thai’s…
In a recent development that has captured public attention, the Department of Corrections (DoC) found itself at the center of controversy regarding reports suggesting it was keen to challenge a decision made by the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT). This decision relates to disciplinary measures taken against three doctors who were involved in the highly debated hospital stay of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. However, the DoC has categorically dismissed these claims, stating that the news took them by surprise, much like it did everyone else, as they learned about the MCT’s decision through the media grapevine. The DoC emphasized the importance of accurately conveying their position to prevent misunderstandings that could arise from unclear media reports. They made it crystal clear that they have not initiated any legal action, and their stance remains poised as they await the public health minister’s formal approval of the MCT’s decision. In reinforcing…
In the ever-dramatic world of international politics, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is no stranger to both controversy and curiosity. Recently, an unexpected development has added yet another chapter to his already multifaceted story. The Appeal Court has upheld the previous decision by the Criminal Court, denying Thaksin’s request to embark on a journey to the exotic sands of Qatar. This announcement came from former senator Somchai Swangkarn, a voice of familiarity in Thailand’s justice system, via a lively social media update on Facebook. For those of us following this riveting saga, the rejection of Thaksin’s appeal was accompanied by compelling reasons, or so the lower court claims. According to Mr. Somchai, no credible evidence supports a grand rendezvous between Thaksin and the ever-bold former US President, Donald Trump, on Qatari soil. Rather inconveniently, the proposed travel dates would have Thaksin tapping his shoes back on Thai ground uncomfortably…
In the bustling district of Chatuchak, Bangkok, a chapter closed quietly under the shadows of skyscrapers—where tragedy met resilience and human spirit. The site of the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building is now cleared of all the mementos of that sorrowful day, leaving not just ruins behind, but stories untold. As the sun climbed over the scaffolding-clad landscape, Suriyachai Rawiwan, the Director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, confirmed the absence of any more bodies among the cleared debris. The operation, which had become a beacon of persistence and hope, was poised to wrap up by Monday, just a day before the official handover of the land to SAO on Thursday. Even as hope dwindled and search operations neared completion, the site buzzed with activity. Crews meticulously combed through the debris, their task as much about honoring the lost as it was about tidying…
Under the watchful eyes of towering ancient stupas, thirty-six Thai monks finally set foot on the sacred grounds of Borobudur Temple in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This monumental moment wasn’t just the end of a journey spanning over 2,500 kilometers, but a triumphant testament to unwavering faith and interfaith camaraderie. These intrepid monks embarked on this pilgrimage from Thailand, destinations etched in the heart as they celebrated Vesak Day, a festival honoring the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. The International Thudong 2025, a remarkable Buddhist pilgrimage that challenges both spirit and soles, saw its inception on February 6th at Bangkok’s Sanam Luang. Winding their way through Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, the monks persevered, their gazes fixed on Indonesia’s iconic Borobudur — a Unesco World Heritage site admired as the largest Mahayana Buddhist temple in the world. Supriyadi, the director general overseeing Buddhist Community Guidance within Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs,…
In a world where diplomacy is both a fine art and a pressing necessity, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is gearing up for a notable diplomatic mission. On May 15-16, she will shuffle off to Vietnam in a bid to bolster bilateral relations and push forward with a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the pinnacle of diplomatic status that Vietnam bestows upon its allies. Such a partnership promises a bouquet of benefits, as the two nations look to seal their camaraderie with more than just a metaphorical handshake and courteous nods. The visit showcases the much-anticipated 4th Thailand-Vietnam Joint Cabinet Retreat (JCR). Here, like-minded ministers from both sides, under the leadership of PM Paetongtarn and her Vietnamese counterpart, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, will engage in high-stakes conversations. These talks aim not only to cement political trust but also to explore vistas in economic collaboration and regional security. Among the flurry of…
Last November, a group of students embarked on a fascinating journey, visiting a workshop in Bangkok that shed light on the educational opportunities available for children with disabilities. This event was more than just a gathering; it represented a beacon of hope for many families striving to secure a brighter future for their children. The Senate sub-committee on the elderly, the disabled, and the underprivileged, led by the dedicated Sen Charnnarong Phanrungroj, is fervently pushing for legislative amendments to ensure that children with mental disabilities are never left behind in Thailand’s education system. At the heart of this mission lies the “Voices from Down Syndrome” forum, a platform where voices are amplified and change is catalyzed. Sen Charnnarong paints a vivid picture of the hurdles that children with disabilities face. He passionately conveys that education, a cornerstone for unlocking potential, remains out of reach for many due to various barriers.…
As the wind whips through the bustling northern city of Phitsanulok, a sense of somber stillness settles over a tragic scene that has captured the community’s attention. It was late on a Saturday night when the sound of police sirens echoed through the quiet streets, leading to an apartment where a grim re-enactment was about to unfold. The stark reality of a crime of passion had cast a pall over the town, drawing murmurs and whispers from curious onlookers. In the small yet vibrant province, a 30-year-old man stood accused of committing an unthinkable act—strangling his young girlfriend in a fit of rage. The suspect, Surasak Khamtanode, who had seemed an ordinary man working with racing car paints, suddenly found himself thrust into an extraordinary spotlight. A respected figure among the local racing community, he became the central figure in a tragic tale that was rapidly unfolding before everyone’s eyes.…