Posts published by “Editorial Team”

In what seems like a political drama unfolding on a Tuesday morning under the parliamentary dome, People’s Party MP Pakamon Noon-anan laid her cards on the table, launching a spirited critique against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the censure debate. Armed with a multitude of quibbles, the opposition dove headfirst into questioning the PM’s grasp on affairs crucial to the nation’s health. While the ebb and flow of politics often sees criticism volleyed back and forth, this time it seemed more like an unchaperoned free-for-all. With the fervor of a seasoned stage actor, Pakamon wasted no time in highlighting perceived blind spots in Ms. Shinawatra’s understanding. Recalling a fateful day, September 24 of last year, Pakamon painted a picture of a perplexing interaction. When reporters inquired about the strategies for navigating a stronger baht, the PM had purportedly asserted that an appreciating baht would buoy Thai exports—a declaration that was…

In the whirlwind of political drama, there’s often an unexpected twist that captures the public’s attention – and this time, it’s all about gift tax. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, the notably outspoken deputy leader of the People’s Party, recently stirred the pot during the censure debate with allegations aimed squarely at none other than Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The prime accusation? Supposedly dodging a staggering 218.7 million baht gift tax! Quite the headline-grabber, don’t you think? But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s unravel the mystery of the gift tax. Picture it as a financial choreography that took center stage back on February 1, 2016. Its role? To ensure people didn’t outfox the system and sidestep inheritance tax. Essentially, if you’re on the receiving end of assets transferred by family—or those terrific friends who feel like family—you might just find yourself tangled in the gift tax net. Now, the next logical…

As March draws to a close, Thailand finds itself on the cusp of an adrenaline-packed encounter with Mother Nature. Picture this: clear blue skies, the sun playfully beaming down on the Land of Smiles, when out of the serenity strides a cold air mass, poised to play meteorological mischief. It’s a plot twist worthy of a summer blockbuster, promising a crescendo of mercurial weather, courtesy of none other than the Thai Meteorological Department. According to their latest theatrically charged forecast, the curtain will rise on March 29, setting the stage for a thrilling act across Thailand’s Northeastern region. While the locale serves as the dramatic lead, a supporting cast of nationwide provinces, including the star-studded Bangkok, will need to rehearse their contingency plans for a stormy performance. But let’s rewind slightly—enter, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), whose 15-day trailer reveals a tranquil prologue. Picture it: a scene…

In an ambitious crusade against the digital underworld of e-cigarettes, the Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) has successfully cut off more than 9,500 online routes in the past year alone. This proactive stance is a testament to the government’s dedication to stubbing out not only the online sales of e-cigarettes but also the smoke screens of illegal importation and smuggling. Deputy government spokeswoman Sasikarn Wattanachan conveyed the government’s stern message: if you’re trying to sneak these electronic puffs into cyberspace, you better watch out! From March 2024 up to the cusp of March 19, 2025, an outstanding total of 9,515 URL addresses met their digital demise. Among these casualties were 9,200 X accounts, each acting as a portal for vape enthusiasts, along with 235 websites, 28 Facebook accounts, 12 Instagram profiles, and 14 TikTok accounts. The grim reaper of online vapes also swung his scythe over 120 Facebook groups,…

The sun barely peeks over the horizon, and already Bangkok is enveloped in a misty dance of tiny particles swirling through the air. On this Tuesday morning, all 50 districts of Thailand’s vibrant capital have donned an unfortunate cloak of “orange,” a dubious color that signals that the air quality isn’t just less than ideal; it’s teetering on the edge of affecting the very air we breathe and the health we hope to maintain. The steadfast Air Quality Information Centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) rings out the call: Proceed with caution, dear city dwellers! As urbanites scurry about their morning routines, bleary-eyed but determined, they face an extra challenge today. The average PM2.5 concentration hovers at 51.2 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³), defying the nation’s friendly recommendation of keeping it below the delicate threshold of 37.5 µg/m³ over an average span of three rushed hours, cleverly disguised as…

In a world where financial headlines often read like a thriller novel, Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, the dynamic deputy leader of the People’s Party, has set tongues wagging with his latest revelation. During a fiery opening salvo at the censure debate, he accused Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of dodging taxes to the tune of a whopping 218.7 million baht. But let’s put the scandal aside for a moment and delve into the intricate web of gift tax regulations that have us all curious. Strap in, folks, this financial rollercoaster is about to set off! You see, in the fascinating realm of the tax code, there exists a little-known creature called the gift tax. It’s the financial guardian meant to thwart any sly attempts at skirting inheritance tax. Introduced on the scene on February 1, 2016, this tax casts a watchful eye over assets whisked from one lucky individual to another, be it…

Imagine a Phuket and Samui free from traffic chaos—where exploring pristine beaches and alluring cultural landmarks isn’t marred by the unpredictable mess of island traffic. Thanks to the visionary efforts of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat), this dream is moving closer to reality! Leading the charge, Exat governor Surachet Laopoolsuk recently shared with CU Radio of Chulalongkorn University his ambitious plan for new tollways that promise to alleviate traffic bottlenecks. The innovative solution for Phuket would significantly reduce accidents and ease traffic congestion, unfettering the island’s boundless potential. But let’s not get carried away; there are a few hurdles yet to clear. The proposed expressway still awaits the hallowed nod of cabinet approval. The go-ahead is anticipated later this year, primed for when pesky land issues with government entities have been ironed out. With these bureaucratic wrinkles smoothed, we can expect the ribbon cutting by 2030. Patience is a…

City streets can sometimes resemble a sort of vehicular graveyard, where cobweb-laden relics of old rides are left to gather dust beneath the buzzing rhythm of urban life. It’s a scene often forgotten, yet it’s one that Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is determined to change. Armed with the threat of fines and an unyielding commitment to city orderliness, the BMA has taken to the streets on a mission to evict these metal guests overstaying their welcome. The latest chapter in this endeavor unfolded yesterday in the bustling district of Bang Khen. Under the watchful eye of Deputy Governor Chakkapan Phewngam, city workers embarked on a tireless hunt for derelict cars, stirring sleepy streets and bringing attention to an often-overlooked issue. The clock was ticking and the world eager to see who would heed the call to tow away their wheeled burdens. Wind back to the scene in Soi Ram Intra…

In a perplexing case that’s bound to raise eyebrows and possibly tempers, a former girlfriend of a high-ranking police officer is not ready to let bygones be bygones. The 38-year-old woman, who deftly manages guest interactions as a hotel receptionist in the bustling precinct of Samut Prakan, has enlisted the legal prowess of attorney Nathatpong Boonkerd to help her secure justice. Her tale involves an alleged larceny to the tune of 500,000 baht by someone she once fondly called a partner—none other than a deputy superintendent stationed in the same locality. The enigma began unraveling in January 2022, when love was in the air, and the woman found herself smitten with the charming officer. Cupid appeared to have struck his arrow well, but alas, the relationship, initially blossoming with promises, took a sharp dive by the latter part of the year. She recounts how his demeanor slowly started to shift…

In a bid to fortify the future of waste management, a significant event unfurled at the Kasat Suek 2 Room on the 4th floor of The Twin Towers Hotel, nestled in the bustling Pathumwan district. This gathering was more than a mere meeting; it was a confluence of ideas, expertise, and a shared vision for a cleaner Bangkok. The Deputy Permanent Secretary took center stage, laying emphasis on the crucial role of the Environment Department in bolstering the prowess of personnel responsible for waste management. The aim? To elevate the efficiency of handling waste throughout all phases in Bangkok, with a keen eye on reducing potential impacts and enabling district offices to hit their waste management targets spot on. One cornerstone of the event was a cutting-edge training session designed to imbue BMA officials with insights from seasoned waste management virtuosos hailing from both Bangkok and the innovative city of…