In a bustling representation of civic spirit, on September 27, 2023, a vibrant crowd of coastal dwellers from Chumphon and Ranong provinces embarked on a heartfelt journey to Bangkok. These residents, clutching a petition endorsed by 700 passionate villagers, sought to voice their opposition against the government’s ambitious land bridge project. Their quest was not just a trip to the capital; it was a crusade for their homes and the natural beauty surrounding them. As the tension brews like a storm gathering strength over the ocean, a coalition of opponents to the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) and the Land Bridge megaproject has emerged, echoing their discontent across the nation. This contingent, under the fervent leadership of activist Prasitchai Nunuan and his SEC Watch group, pledged a dramatic protest slated for July 1 should the government plow ahead with the controversial plan. Picture, if you will, a blockade as formidable as…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
Picture yourself standing by the mighty Chao Phraya River in the captivating city of Bangkok, where the majestic silhouette of the principal prang of Wat Arun towers majestically into the sky. Just last month, this awe-inspiring scene captured the gaze of many as it marked a significant milestone in its journey, batting for a spot on the illustrious World Heritage Site list by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco). Indeed, the Phra Prang’s pathway to glory has been set in stone—literally and figuratively—by making its way onto the Tentative List. Chayanan Pakdeejit, the voice of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (Onep), couldn’t contain the excitement while announcing this grand development. Prang enthusiasts, brace yourselves for the exhilarating tale of Wat Arun’s crown jewel! This iconic chedi-like prang, with its exquisite detailing and rich cultural heritage, has earned its place on the Tentative…
The political landscape is a whirlwind of excitement and sometimes, let’s face it, a bit of a roller coaster. But on December 9, 2023, at the illustrious Miracle Grand Hotel, an air of renewed hope and strategic innovation floated through the ballroom. This is where Chalermchai Sri-on took the reins as the ninth leader of the venerable Democrat Party, sparking a new chapter with ambitions to transform a legacy steeped in nearly 80 years of political history. As he addressed members at the annual general meeting, Chalermchai, who also guards the nation’s natural treasures as the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, made it clear that change was no longer just an option—it was a necessity. The party, historically swinging through the gallant highs and challenging lows of Thai politics, found itself at a crossroads, holding a mere 25 seats in the current political architecture. “We’re not just facing a…
In the picturesque city of Chiang Mai, the air vibrated with political musings as former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra sat down to dispel swirling rumors about political tides in Thailand. The charismatic father of the current Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin seemed to take the speculations in stride, weaving through questions with an ease reminiscent of a man who has danced with power for decades. The much-discussed matter of a cabinet reshuffle had tongues wagging over steaming bowls of sticky rice and spicy green curry. Whispers suggested the Bhumjaithai Party might be shown the coalition’s back door to make way for the bold Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), but Thaksin firmly set the record straight. “Should there be a reshuffle, it would span the entire coalition, a grand reimagining rather than a solitary switch,” he asserted, with the assurance that the prime minister holds the reins firmly in hand. The idea…
Step right into the future at Bangkok’s International Trade & Exhibition Centre (Bitec), where a virtual reality machine charmingly stole the spotlight at the Ageing Thailand 2025 event last February. This showstopper posed a captivating question: How will Thailand, a society transitioning into a predominantly aged population, care for its elders without reliable pensions or income? Thailand’s national workforce has been steadily shrinking, and with individuals aged 60 and older now making up a significant chunk of 20-30% of the populace, it’s no surprise that the financial and welfare sectors are braving some stormy seas. According to Dr. Auschala Chalayonnavin, a knowledgeable public policy expert hailing from Thammasat University’s faculty of social administration, this socio-economic shift is a call to action. The thought of an increased responsibility for elderly care was apparent when Dr. Auschala pointed out how the old-age dependency ratio spiraled from 10.7% back in 1994 to a…
In the heart of Thailand’s pulsating transport advances, the high-speed railway project is blazing a trail between Saraburi and Kaeng Khoi. This ambitious venture, a fruit of Thai-Chinese camaraderie, recently received a nod for a 201-day extension from the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). The waters aren’t entirely smooth with structural impediments—chief among them is the quest for nods from the Royal Irrigation Department on land usage. However, the spirit of progress isn’t daunted! Veeris Ammarapala, holding the reins as the SRT governor, assured that this acclamation of the contract span opening is a masterstroke to synchronize Bangkok to Nong Khai. The plot twist? The construction of the illustrious Saraburi-Kaeng Khoi stretch will now have its curtains fall not on June 7, as once fated, but on a festive December 25. The blueprint reshuffle intends not only to dovetail with the date extension but also to ensure the coffers remain…
Staged against the backdrop of swirling international intrigue and the intricate dance of diplomacy, the drama of recent events in Thailand has cast an unexpected pause over crucial tariff discussions with the United States. Buffeted by the whirlwind of criminal investigations involving American citizens, these talks between the Thai and US governments were inevitably caught in the crossfire, delaying what many hoped would be a vital step forward in economic cooperation. At the center of this whirlwind is the enigmatic figure of Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s former prime minister and the uncrowned influencer of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Ever the master of the international chessboard, Thaksin had previously offered his services as an informal intermediary, leveraging his connections with allies close to the erstwhile US President Donald Trump. Yet, when interrogated about his pledge to smoothen these thorny negotiations, Thaksin revealed, “We have talked. But unfortunately, they [the US] are…
The captivating city of Pattaya is ready to face the annual deluge with a cutting-edge upgrade to its drainage system, tailored to tackle the perennial flooding woes that frequently submerge its bustling streets. On a sunny Thursday, April 24th, Mayor Poramet Ngampichet took it upon himself to lead the charge, as he personally inspected and tested Phase 1 of the newly minted Eastern Railway Parallel Road Drainage System. Ensuring the system’s preparedness for the impending torrents of rainfall, the project represents a leap forward in the city’s efforts to stay afloat. This ambitious drainage endeavor is a cornerstone of a grand strategy to address Pattaya’s chronic flooding conundrums. The initiative, which has long been under construction, encountered a few bumps in the road, primarily due to complications arising from the high-speed railway’s towering pillars. Yet, despite these hiccups, the project has surged ahead with a formidable system primed to take…
The enchanting province of Mukdahan, nestled along the Thai-Lao border, boasts a certain charm that is hard to resist. Yet, despite its allure, the aftermath of the Songkran festival has left the local tourism industry in a precarious state. The Mukdahan Hotel Association rings the alarm bells as accommodation bookings nosedive by a staggering 50%. This dip doesn’t only impact the hotels but sends shockwaves throughout the community, putting thousands of jobs at risk. Pramin Wongpralab, the astute chairman of the Mukdahan Hotel Association, expressed his concerns with a heavy heart. April’s economic malaise has cast a shadow over many businesses, with the tourism sector bearing the brunt. Post-Songkran, a time when Mukdahan typically revels in the presence of visitors, instead finds itself echoing with silence as tourists flock to beach-laden provinces, leaving this quaint secondary destination yearning for footfalls. True, Mukdahan may not be at the top of a…
In a spine-chilling episode that unfolded in the wee hours of April 25 in Chon Buri, an improbable sequence of events shook the tranquility of a community and rattled the nerves of a family, leading to an incident that seems to leap straight out of a thriller novel. As the clock’s long hand hovered close to 3 a.m., a group of daredevil youths embarked on a menacing spree, targeting the residence of the well-known boxing camp leader, Daeng. Lurking in the shadows of the night, the clique of ruffians revved up their motorcycles, their engines roaring and echoing through the quiet streets like a scene from an action flick. The cacophony was the harbinger of something sinister, shattering the stillness of Daeng’s home where the 51-year-old, his wife, and their six-year-old daughter were tucked cozy in slumber. Little did they know, their peaceful night was about to turn into a…