Delving into the subject of expanding cooperation in trade and investment was one of the top-line items on last week’s meeting agenda. Thursday’s gathering saw both participants underline their dedication to their deep-rooted alliance and diplomatic relations, according to Busadee Santipitaks, Thailand’s deputy permanent secretary for foreign affairs. This year is particularly significant as Thailand commemorates the 190-year mark of its diplomatic associations with the United States. The meeting saw representatives from Thailand and the United States sharing insights on critical advancements occurring within the region. One particular area of focus was the topic of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), a cooperative initiative for which Thailand has the honour of hosting the forthcoming, weeklong fifth negotiation round in Bangkok, scheduled to commence this Sunday. The deputy permanent secretary went a step further in strengthening relations by urging the congressional delegation to take part in the recently formed US-Thai Alliance Caucus.…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
One cannot speak of global cuisines without mentioning Thailand, affectionately referred to as the “Kitchen of the World”. Its unique flavors, abundance of fresh ingredients, and diverse culinary techniques have accorded it this prestigious title. One prominent industry voice, Chris Aurand, the Open Innovation Leader of Thai Union Group, firmly believes that the nation stands a remarkable chance to bolster this reputation further whilst addressing essential sustainability issues regarding food. With the world’s growing demand for high-quality and nutritious products, Thailand’s potential to produce high-value byproducts is unmatched. This includes exploring the potential of converting insects into protein-dense foods or developing rice bran products with superior nutritional parameters. According to Aurand, numerous startups in Thailand are already partnering with sizeable manufacturers for such ventures, aiming to add greater value to byproducts, therefore amplifying their environmental and nutritional impact. Aurand conveyed these insights at a fascinating forum organized by the Israeli…
Yesterday marked an important day as Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, led a significant meeting of governors from various provinces around the country. The agenda of the meeting spotlighted the crucial objectives of the Interior Ministry, which primarily encompass loyalty to the highest institutions, enforcing anti-corruption measures, and extending support for Pheu Thai’s innovative 10,000 baht digital wallet initiative. The meeting, held at the Centara Grand at Central Plaza Lat Phrao in bustling Bangkok, saw active participation from noteworthy individuals such as the deputy interior ministers Songsak Thongsri and Chada Thaiset alongside provincial governors, and high-ranking officials from the ministry. During the event, Anutin amplified the significance of the digital wallet policy. This unique scheme provides individuals the luxury to purchase goods within a convenient four-kilometre radius from their registered domicile. Anutin encouraged the assembled governors to outline tactical strategies to bolster local production, sparking creativity and…
In the bustling city of Bangkok, a sanctuary exists where Vietnamese refugees can seek short-term relief from their harried existence, living in a constant state of fear over potential arrest or deportation. This is a product of Thailand’s absence from the UN Refugee Convention, which has left the country without a differentiated approach towards refugees and other immigrants. This lack of clarity has resulted in a multitude of people living somewhat invisibly, under constant threat. Nevertheless, a silver lining appears with the expected introduction of a revamped system, designed expressly to differentiate between individuals who would face peril if returned to their homeland and those who are residing in Thailand unlawfully. This, though, is met with apprehension by refugees and human rights activists who are wary it could be misused, or speed up deportations. Sung Seo Hoa, a Vietnamese pastor belonging to Vietnam’s Hmong minority, echoes these shared fears. Having…
In the heart of Nonthaburi, the local Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) has kindled a wave of discontent following the removal of countless towering trees in the well-loved Chaloem Kanchanaphisek Park. The rationale for such a move? They aim to cultivate homegrown durian breeds, a product that Thailand is globally renowned for. The lush and picturesque Chaloem Kanchanaphisek Park, a green oasis sprawling across 98 rai in the tambon Bang Sri Muang region of Muang Nonthaburi district is a favored spot amongst locals. Adding to its prestige, the park is nestled on land owned by none other than the Treasury Department. Underneath its canopies, tranquillity and natural beauty arise unparalleled. The public first shone a light on the matter when grievances began to flourish on social media platforms over the cutting down of the towering, majestic trees within the park. Among the tree species felled were aged ton thong lang, locally…
The picturesque island of Koh Samui became the setting for a high-stakes chase as a 60-year-old Swede, wanted on serious drug charges in the busy city of Bangkok, was finally arrested after eluding authorities for two years. Reino Pentti Olavi Martin was unexpectedly taken into custody in the parking lot of a rented house in the waterside community of tambon Bo Phut on Thursday afternoon. Mr. Martin was not an unfamiliar face to the Thai authorities. He was the subject of an arrest warrant put out by the Bangkok South Criminal Court on February 25, 2021, for his alleged involvement in the illegal possession and intent to sell methamphetamine. The beginnings of this intricately woven tale dates back to 2020 when Mr. Martin was first taken into custody in the bustling Thong Lor area of Bangkok. However, he eventually found a way to slip through the fingers of the law,…
Under interrogation by the Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok, Praween Chankhlai, a powerful local leader better known as Kamnan Nok, faced the music on Friday. (See police photo attached). Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, announced on Friday that he has directed his deputy, Chada Thaiset, and provincial governors nationwide to compile data on and blacklist local leaders involved in mafia-like organizations. His move came in the aftermath of a violent event that led to the tragic death of a highway patrol officer and left another seriously wounded at a dinner party hosted by Kamnan Nok in Nakhon Pathom’s Muang district on Wednesday evening, attended by a minimum of 25 police officials. The slain officer, Pol Maj Siwakorn Saibua, led Highway Police Station 1 of the Highway Police Sub-division 2. His deputy, Pol Lt Col Wasin Wanpee also sustained significant injuries in the shootout. The alleged shooter,…
Streets bustling with enthusiastic visitors and the rhythm of commerce in the heart of Phuket town is a common sight to behold. Recently, however, this lively scene has caught the attention of international media, instigating a whirlwind of discussions that seem to be staining the pristine reputation of this touristic haven. From accusations of Russian tourists monopolizing the local job market to alleged claims of illegal business operations, the Thai province of Phuket is under the global spotlight. The storm was spurred by an eye-opening report by Al Jazeera, which argues that Phuket is gradually being hijacked by a steady stream of Russian migrants. The report swept across social media platforms, causing a frenzy, highlighting issues such as the purported spike in land prices subsequent to increasing Russian investments in local real estate, and allegations of Russians replacing the Thais in jobs such as taxi services. Amidst these controversies, more…
The cutting-edge Pink Line mass-transit system, boasting a considerable length of 34.5 kilometers, is poised to commence offering complimentary rides to the public in November, as announced on the government’s “Thai Khu Fah” Facebook page. This update was originally released by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), lending authenticity to this thrilling news. According to them, the Pink Line, an advanced, elevated monorail train system, is currently in its testing phase. Up to this point, the period of testing has demonstrated that the Pink Line is performing admirably, without any disturbances or malfunction. The trial process is first being executed from the Min Buri station (PK30), located in eastern Bangkok, reaching up to the Government Complex station (PK12). This initial testing phase is set to conclude on October 22, ensuring a comprehensive appraisal of the system’s readiness. The second phase of trials is more exhaustive, covering all of…
In the luxurious residential landscape of Samut Prakan, visuals captured by security cameras revealed an alarmingly regular incidence – a pair of thieves infiltrating a home. These felons were part of a Colombian trio that has been recently detained. Unveiling the events at a media briefing was Pol Maj Gen Wallop Araemlar, head of the Samut Prakan law enforcement agency. He affirmed that Alexandro Giovan Cuellar Pulido, Henrry Yeferson Delgado Bogota, and Ms Maricela Cifuentes Hernandez were the Colombian citizens taken into custody. The arrest warrants against them were ratified by the Samut Prakan Provincial Court on charges of theft and conspiracy. The trio was tracked down and apprehended in the expansive Pathum Thani province. The law enforcement officials also recovered a Toyota Vios featuring Chon Buri plates, license plates from Prachuap Khiri Khan, various tool commonly used in break-ins, beanies, a sum of 32,700 baht, money in other currencies,…