Under the radiant Bangkok sun, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, alongside an entourage of cabinet members, was seen gracefully navigating the expansive Government House grounds on the morning of March 27. Their mission was simple yet significant – to chair the pivotal weekly cabinet meeting. The scene was abuzz with anticipation, a reflection of the diligent work ahead. With an ambitious itinerary laid out for the week, Prime Minister Shinawatra is set to lead her cabinet on an important journey to the northeastern provinces of Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan on Monday. This expedition is not just a regular check of the administrative boxes; it’s a pivotal examination of key projects and the unique challenges these areas face. These efforts are in preparation for a crucial mobile cabinet meeting scheduled the following day in the vibrant locale of Nakhon Phanom. Ms. Shinawatra’s northeastern expedition has several focal points: improving cross-border…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
In a quaint village nestled within the Mae Chan district of Chiang Rai, an event unfolded yesterday that had residents buzzing with mixed emotions ranging from concern to bewilderment. Picture this: a seemingly average day takes a surreal turn when a man emerges from a hut on the village’s fringes, brandishing weapons and making grandiose claims of divine lineage. It was April 26, and what began as an ordinary day in Moo 9, Sri Kham, soon became anything but. As whispers of a man self-identifying as a mythical serpent deity spread through Moo 9, the head of the village knew action needed to be taken. Enter Police Major Sakkachai Re-in of Mae Chan Police Station, who, in partnership with border patrol officers from Unit 327 and a team of soldiers from Unit 31, set out to get to the bottom of this bizarre situation. Arriving on the scene, they were…
In the picturesque city of Chiang Mai, where the air is perpetually infused with the aroma of lemongrass and basil, and temples peek from every roadside, a storm of a different kind brews in the political arena. The ever-charismatic former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, recently dismissed swirling speculations that the Bhumjaithai Party might find itself axed from the coalition government amidst whisperings of a potential Cabinet reshuffle. The father of the current Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin made it abundantly clear to the media that while people may talk, the real decisions about the Cabinet’s fate rest solely in the Prime Minister’s capable hands. As he spoke, one could almost feel the weight of his words hanging in the air like a suspenseful pause in traditional Thai music. Thaksin reassured everyone that any Cabinet modification would be an elaborate affair encompassing all coalition parties, and not just a mere facelift…
The highly anticipated Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project has hit a bit of a roadblock, or perhaps a “track block,” if you will. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Board has graciously bestowed a 201-day extension on the project section connecting Saraburi to Kaeng Khoi. The amusingly slow progress is owed to some pesky structural constraints and land-use permissions from our friends at the Royal Irrigation Department (RID). SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala, ever the bearer of riveting news, revealed the board’s decision to extend the Bangkok-Nong Khai line, which Thailand and China are tackling together like an Olympic relay team. The original horizon for ribbon-cutting was bright and summery – June 7 to be exact. But alas, the train to punctuality has been delayed, pushing us headlong into the crisp embrace of December 25. Yes, it’s quite fitting really, a little Christmas gift in the form of infrastructure. Now, rest easy,…
Once upon a bustling February in 2024, the Thailand Mobile Expo was in full swing at the grand Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. A curious visitor paused at a stall, examining the latest handheld marvels encased in gleaming metal and glass. The air was abuzz with gadget enthusiasts and tech aficionados, eagerly navigating through a sea of innovation. Amidst this high-tech spectacle, a serious briefing was underway, catching the ears of anyone remotely connected to the world of mobile technology in Thailand. The Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, delivered a message that reverberated through both the shimmering entrance halls and the minds of attendees: a mighty verification initiative was on the horizon. A staggering 700,000 mobile numbers registered under foreign names since the dawn of 2022 were under scrutiny. Alongside these, another 1.8 million digits, seemingly adrift without rightful owners, stood at the crossroads…
In a dramatic turn of events in Rangsit, Pathum Thani, a raging inferno set over 100 rai of grassland ablaze, sending thick, ominous clouds of smoke spiraling into the sky. As the inferno gained strength, anxiety gripped the residents whose homes lie perilously close to the blaze. The proximity of the fire to a critical gas pipeline further fueled fears, creating an atmosphere of unease that seemed to hang as thickly as the smoke itself. The fire alarm resounded at the Rangsit Municipality Fire Radio Centre in Thanyaburi district, setting off a swift chain reaction. At the strike of 1 PM on April 26th, three valiant fire engines from the municipality were deployed, their sirens slicing through the otherwise serene landscape of Pathum Thani. The path led them to a sprawling field of grass and reeds near Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Soi 17 in the Prachatipat subdistrict, where the fire threatened to…
As the Democrat Party approaches its momentous 80th anniversary, the air hanging over the room at Bangkok’s Miracle Grand Hotel was thick with anticipation. Leading the charge at the annual general meeting was Chalermchai Sri-on, the formidable leader of the party, who endeared himself to many through his dual role as the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. His speech was as piercing as it was poignant, highlighting the political pantomime the party found itself embroiled in—a story of dwindling Parliamentary seats, now just a meek 25, amidst a backdrop that bespoke an epic saga of nearly eight decades of trials and tribulations. With the poise of a seasoned statesman, Chalermchai did not shy away from the harsh truths. The erosion of MP seats over the past fifteen years couldn’t be ignored—it wasn’t merely a crisis, it was a colossal shift in the societal ethos. The party must traverse untraveled…
An unusual weather event recently unfolded in the tranquil districts of Phimai and Prathai, nestled in the fascinating province of Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. On a seemingly ordinary Saturday, residents were taken aback as the skies erupted in a rare display of nature’s drama—a hailstorm followed by a raucous thunderstorm. This unexpected tango of hail and thunder has prompted officials to sweep in, evaluating the damage and offering assistance to those affected by this theatrical meteorological episode. The culprit behind this curtain of storms? None other than a potent high-pressure system from China currently making its presence known across Vietnam and the South China Sea. This meteorological force is ushering in a parade of southeasterly and southwesterly winds, forcefully sweeping over northern reaches of Thailand amidst an atmosphere dense with sweltering heat. But wait, there’s more! As the dates roll between April 28 and May 1, a dramatic westerly trough is…
Chiang Mai has been abuzz with speculation and whispers, thanks to a rather unexpected twist in international relations between Thailand and the United States. At the epicenter of this intrigue is none other than Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister and the so-called puppet master of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. And although the tale involves tariffs, a pinch of diplomacy, and a dash of suspense, let me assure you—it is anything but dry. In an attempt to assist in smoothing over trade negotiations with the US government, Thaksin had set his sights on working his well-known magic informally, aiming to charm President Donald Trump’s trusted coterie. But, like in any good drama, there’s always a plot twist. This time, it came courtesy of ongoing criminal investigations against certain Americans in Thailand. In a cloak-and-dagger manner, details remain as elusive as ever, with Thaksin giving nothing away. He cryptically remarked,…
On a brisk December day in 2023, Chalermchai Sri-on assumed the mantle as the ninth leader of the Democrat Party. His ascension was marked by both optimism and a deep awareness of the challenges looming ahead. As he took center stage at the bustling annual general meeting held within the grandiose walls of the Miracle Grand Hotel, his message was clear—change was not just a possibility but an imperative for survival. The party, verging on its 80th year, was grappling with a significant crisis, its parliamentary presence whittled down to a mere 25 seats. The history of the Democrat Party is a tapestry woven with threads of triumph and tribulation, much like any seasoned political entity. Yet, the persistent decline over the past decade and a half highlighted a crisis far deeper than fleeting electoral mishaps; it was a reflection of an evolving societal landscape. “Embrace reality,” Mr. Chalermchai urged,…