As the world anticipates the second term of US President Donald Trump, Thailand finds itself bracing for significant challenges. With Trump’s staunch “America First” trade policies threatening to impose exorbitant tariffs on imported goods, the implications for the global economy and specifically for Thai exports could be severe. The atmosphere is tense as nations worldwide, including Thailand, prepare for a potential reshuffling of international trade dynamics. During his campaign, President Trump vocalized plans to increase tariffs on imports, particularly targeting Chinese goods with levies that could surpass a whopping 60%. This ambitious approach is designed to reduce the United States’ trade and budget deficits while attracting increased local investment. As such, the Thai government and businesses are advised to keep a vigilant eye on US economic strategies, which hold the potential to disrupt Thailand’s economic landscape. The consequences of these policies could stretch far beyond superficial trade metrics. Experts express…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
On the steps of the illustrious Government House, Prime Minister Paetongtarn “Ung Ing” Shinawatra showcased an elegant piece of traditional Thai attire right before diving into yet another of her high-powered cabinet meetings on December 24, 2024. Caught in the flash of cameras, she exuded confidence, her choice of attire reflecting not only her personal style but her deep-rooted love for Thailand’s cultural heritage. But while her fashion sense may have stolen the show, it was her substantial fortune, co-owned with her husband, Pitaka Suksawat, that had tongues wagging. The National Anti-Corruption Commission’s (NACC) recent revelation took the nation by storm, outlining the impressive collective wealth of this power couple at a whopping 13.9 billion baht. The portfolio, as intriguing as it is diverse, includes a pair of pristine houses in the heart of London and two awe-inspiring land plots amidst the picturesque landscapes of Japan’s Hokkaido island. Yet, despite…
The political landscape is no stranger to intrigue, power plays, and the occasional scandal that leaves the public agog. In a tale that echoes the murmurings of clandestine politics, three former MPs have been spotlighted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for proxy voting—a move that seemingly defied the sanctity of democratic processes during a pivotal executive loan decree reading in the not-so-distant past of September 2013. The protagonists of this political drama are Chaiwut Pongpaew and Pirapol Laparojkit, bearing allegiance to the Democrat Party, and Saranwut Sarankate of the Pheu Thai faction. Imagine the surprise when records revealed triumphant votes cast in their names—votes that echoed through the halls despite the very real absence of these MPs during the critical session. One might envisage a scene akin to a Hogwarts-like ghostly intervention, but alas, it was merely the handiworks of their undoubtedly helpful colleagues. As whimsical as it sounds,…
In the world of aviation, where the skies give no quarter for errors and every decision can take flight or land with a thud, the happenings at Thai Airways International (THAI) have caught more than just the airline industry’s attention. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has unveiled a saga of intrigue, financial misadventure, and executive-level blunders that read like a gripping drama more than just a mundane scandal. Fasten your seatbelts, dear reader, as we taxi down the runway of this dramatic tale. Our story begins in the not-so-distant world of 2009, where Thai Airways entered into a seemingly straightforward deal with Southern Air Inc (SAI) that involved the leasing of cargo space. The Aircraft Block Space Agreement (BSA) had THAI reserving all available cargo quarters on two B777-200 long-range freighters—an arrangement described in corporate jargon that might make the layman wonder if they were securing space on a space…
In the lush province of Chiang Rai, known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage, political theatrics are reaching a crescendo. This weekend, an intriguing twist in the political saga unfolds as the enigmatic figure, Thaksin Shinawatra, the alleged de facto leader of the Pheu Thai party, makes an intriguing appearance. Thaksin is rumored to be venturing into Chiang Rai this Sunday, not for a leisurely escapade, but to pull the strings in the political theater, rallying support for a key candidate in the impending Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) election. The buzz around town is that Thaksin’s whirlwind visit is orchestrated to bolster the campaign of Salakjit Tiyapairat. She’s not just an ex-PAO chief of Chiang Rai; she’s also the better half of Yongyuth Tiyapairat, an erstwhile House Speaker and a close confidant to Thaksin in Northern Thailand’s political circles. Adding more spice to this political pot, she’s the…
In a twist of political intrigue and legislative maneuvering, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown in the Thai parliament, where a charter amendment bill seeks to establish a Charter Drafting Assembly (CDA). Yet, according to the astute observations of Nikorn Chamnong, the ever-vigilant secretary of the joint committee on the referendum bill, its fate may hang by a thread. As the clock strikes January 14-15, parliamentarians are gearing up to dissect an array of amendment bills with surgical precision. At the center of this political tempest stands the embattled Section 256 and its potential transformation into a gateway for the CDA. Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, the parliament’s president, signals his intent to place the bill — championed by the opposition People’s Party (PP) — front and center on the debating stage. But the road to charter reform is fraught with peril. The ghost of a 2021 Constitutional Court…
The sun had barely dipped below the horizon when a rather unconventional gathering began to take shape in the heart of Bangkok. Imagine a hotel, nestled in Watthana district, filled to the brim with over a hundred sprightly gentlemen, their party attire consisting of nothing more than some snug underwear. It was an exclusive fiesta, the kind that had tongues wagging long before, and even more so after, the fuzz decided to chime in. This was no ordinary shindig—it was a party that soon found itself under the critical eye of law enforcement. On December 8th, the tranquil hotel ambiance transformed into a flurry of activity as the police conducted a raid. Of the 124 revelers, a staggering number found their night taking an unexpected turn. More than half tested positive for substances that aren’t exactly celebrated in polite society, swiftly being whisked away to embark on an involuntary rehab…
In the tranquil waters of Tang Khen Bay, Phuket, a serene yet profound spectacle unfolded as a graceful group of dugongs emerged, captured by the watchful eyes of a drone from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. This moment of beauty takes place against a backdrop of urgency as recent measures are rolled out to safeguard these gentle sea creatures whose very existence teeters on a delicate balance. Recently, the gentle giants of the sea found themselves thrust into the spotlight, but not for the reasons they might wish. Several dugongs were discovered lifeless along the shores, prompting a proactive response from Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on. The primary culprit behind their plight? Declining seagrass meadows, which are essential to the diet of these herbivorous marine mammals, making them the only kind of their species dependent on seagrasses for sustenance. As the lush underwater pastures dwindle, dugongs…
Imagine sitting at home, a mere phone call away from booking your physical therapy appointments without the grueling hours spent waiting in hospital queues. That dream has become a delightful reality for patients across 67 provinces, thanks to the innovative strides of the National Health Security Office (NHSO). The program, spearheaded by NHSO’s visionary secretary-general, Jadej Thammatacharee, ensures that individuals in bustling metropolises like Bangkok, the tranquil streets of Chiang Mai, and the scenic spots of Songkhla can access top-notch physiotherapy clinics close to home. This groundbreaking initiative is part of the esteemed universal healthcare scheme, fondly known as the 30-baht gold card program. It opens the doors to private clinics, now bustling hubs of healing, offering a convenient escape from the traditional labyrinth of hospital systems. As Jadej succinctly puts it, “This allows patients quick access to physical therapy services at clinics near their homes. They don’t have to…
In the bustling academic corridors of Suranari University of Technology, an innovation has emerged that is poised to turn heads and possibly the entire gemstone market. Researchers have pushed the boundaries of traditional ceramic engineering to devise a novel method for creating exquisite ceramic gemstones from the unglamorous confines of agricultural waste, achieving a jaw-dropping price increase of 6,000 times over the original raw material. A feat that promises not only visual splendor but also a resounding environmental impact, courtesy of the creative minds of senior students at the School of Ceramic Engineering: Parnpailin Jaichuei, Chatcha Chuma, and Saowalak Boonpakdi. Ms. Saowalak enthusiastically states that their inspiration was deeply rooted in the fertile agricultural fields of Thailand. With rice and sugarcane as primary contributors to the country’s thriving agro-economy, the inevitable by-product is heaps of agricultural refuse – straw, husks, and most notably, bagasse. Typically, this waste faces a monotonous…