Posts published by “Editorial Team”

In a vibrant symphony of business acumen and global camaraderie, the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos saw Thailand strategically positioning itself on the international stage. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, with a vision as clear as the Swiss alpine air, met with high-caliber executives from global titans like Coca-Cola, Bayer, and Nestle, garnering interest in potentially lucrative ventures in Thailand. Jirayu Houngsub, the government spokesperson, painted a picture of bustling meetings where the Prime Minister engaged with some of the world’s foremost leaders at the prestigious 55th WEF held in the serene township of Davos, Switzerland. One stalwart of the corporate world who graced these meetings was none other than Stefan Oelrich, a key figure on Bayer AG’s board of management as the head of its pharmaceuticals division. Ms. Paetongtarn artfully laid out Thailand’s roadmap towards the modernization of agriculture and public healthcare. With a forward-thinking mindset, she highlighted avenues…

In a spirited debate over the Sanakham hydropower project—a run-of-river dam—concerns bubbled up like a geyser at a recent forum. Its potential impact on Thai communities downstream is about as welcome as a flat tire in a marathon. Participants worried that this colossal undertaking could wreak havoc on local ecosystems and communities nestled along the Mekong River. At the heart of the controversy are the dam’s 12 turbines, which have been predicted to send the water levels on a rollercoaster ride of 1.2 meters up and 1.5 meters down. That’s right—a staggering 2.7 meters of daily fluctuation! This isn’t just a mathematical model’s way of flexing its computational muscles; these projections were presented by the Mekong River Commission Secretariat (MRCS) to highlight the volatility impact on the downstream areas. The ramifications of such fluctuations are serious. They threaten the natural sediment accumulation process crucial to the Mekong, putting at risk…

In an invigorating stride toward progress, the cabinet has waved the green flag for the new Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) bill, an exciting development that grants PAT the ability to establish subsidiaries as part of its ambitious port development agenda. This exhilarating announcement was made by none other than Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri yesterday, setting the stage for what promises to be a transformative era for Thailand’s ports. The newly minted bill marks a substantial amendment to the venerable PAT Act of 1951, thus empowering the PAT to engage in a variety of activities that align seamlessly with its overarching objectives. Minister Manaporn, with a hint of anticipation, described this legislative shift as a key enabler for PAT to dive into the creation of limited or public limited companies, whether on home soil or internationally. These efforts, she emphasized, mesh brilliantly with the Ministry of Transport’s mission to…

In the midst of a rapidly evolving demographic landscape, the spotlight is firmly on the vibrant yet intricate tapestry of Thailand’s aging population. As the calendar flips to the year 2030, the echoes of an urgent call to action reverberate through the nation’s halls of policy and healthcare. Imagining a future where the elderly do not merely exist but thrive, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin unleashed a cascade of ideas at the prestigious 5th Thailand Elderly Health Service Forum in Nonthaburi, painting a vivid portrait of hope, challenge, and innovation. Buoyed by the energy of over a thousand attendees—an eclectic mix of health officials, academics, and visionaries—the forum became a melting pot of ideas tackling the conundrums poised by Thailand’s aging populace. In a nation where 21% of the individuals, equating to a significant 14 million people, proudly wear the crown of elderhood, the country is indeed undergoing a paradigm…

What happens when a forward-thinking transport minister and the bustling Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) join forces with the dynamic City of Yokohama in Japan? Well, the answer is a promising collaboration aimed at transforming port infrastructure into a beacon of green innovation and economic prowess. That’s precisely what unfolded recently as the Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, exchanged warm smiles and gifts over the signing of an agreement that marks a significant leap in the development of ports between these two regions. Celebrating a decade of camaraderie, the PAT and Yokohama have taken their relationship to new heights. Deputy Prime Minister Suriya proudly announced that this agreement is more than just ink on paper—it’s a commitment to revolutionize Bangkok Port into a haven for sustainability and a bustling community nexus. In an age where environmental responsibility is paramount, such initiatives aren’t merely lofty aspirations; they’re essential transformations the world eagerly…

As the Chinese New Year approaches, a bustling wave of travelers is set to sweep through Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi airport, echoing last year’s celebrations. This time around, the Department of Airport (DoA) has rolled up its sleeves, gearing up for a vibrant influx of passengers, particularly to tier-two cities. According to government anticipations announced on Wednesday, there’s a projected leap of at least 14.3% in visitor numbers over last year’s figures. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri expressed that preparations are in full swing. She emphasized that the ministry has directed the DoA to conduct comprehensive service assessments and safety inspections across all airports under its domain to ensure a seamless travel experience during the Lunar New Year festivities, peaking on January 29. Adding more sparkle to the festival, airports nestled in secondary cities such as Lampang, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Sakhon Nakorn, and Surat Thani are set to host grand celebrations.…

In a turn of events that could have significant reverberations across Thailand’s political landscape, Sawang Boonmee, the esteemed secretary-general of the Election Commission (EC), finds himself at the center of a legal maelstrom. The seasoned official is facing a court petition filed by lawyer Pattharapong Supaksorn with the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases—a bold move set against the backdrop of a contentious political climate. The crux of the issue lies in Mr. Sawang’s decision to refrain from recommending the dissolution of the Bhumjaithai Party amid swirling allegations of unlawful donations. This decision has been interpreted by some, particularly Mr. Pattharapong, as a dereliction of duty, prompting the legal challenge. The case unfolds like a thrilling political drama, rife with intrigue and suspense. The saga’s origins trace back to the EC’s announcement on December 28, 2024. Following a comprehensive review, the EC opted not to pursue the dissolution…

It was an eventful Wednesday in Chumphon’s Muang district when local police officers flagged down a pickup truck at a bustling checkpoint next to a petrol station. In what seemed like just another routine stop, the officers made a startling discovery that put them in the middle of an international wildlife smuggling saga. The vehicle, driven by 63-year-old Winai, with Kalaya, 45, comfortably seated in the passenger seat, was carrying some extraordinary—and highly illegal—cargo. Nestled inside large baskets were three orangutans, rare and majestic creatures that are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). While the police only got to know their first names, Winai and Kalaya are now part of an unfolding scandal that’s bigger than anything they could have possibly packed into a truck bed. As the officers inspected the truck, they discovered not only the orangutans but a veritable Noah’s Ark of wildlife.…

In a remarkable stride toward achieving marital equality, the cabinet has officially recognized significant modifications in the phrasing of the Civil and Commercial Code, paving the way for equal compensation claims arising from acts of adultery. Deputy government spokesman Anukul Prueksanusak revealed that the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday acknowledged these legislative changes, harmonizing with a monumental Constitutional Court ruling. This legislative amendment underscores an important transformation in paragraph two of Section 1523 of the Civil and Commercial Code, which governs claims for damages arising from adulterous conduct. Notably, a compelling research paper penned by Nattwat Baibua, the esteemed vice presiding judge of the Surat Thani Provincial Court, highlights a rather archaic stipulation within the section. It states that “the husband is entitled to claim compensation from the person who has wrongfully taken liberties with his wife in an adulterous manner and the wife is entitled to claim compensation from…

As the dawn breaks over the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, a thick layer of smog casts an ominous blanket over the city. This Wednesday morning, the usual vibrancy of the Thai capital is stifled under a shroud of microdust pollution. With every breath, the city’s millions of inhabitants experience the unwelcome sting of airborne particulates. The crisis, which is anticipated to persist until Friday, has ignited a fervent war of words between the government and opposition parties. The dispute took shape when Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the opposition leader, took to Facebook to unleash a torrent of sarcasm aimed at Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. In a cheeky missive, he implored the Prime Minister to offer Thai citizens a semblance of fresh air before jetting off to Switzerland in search of fresh opportunities for the nation. As he put it, “While the PM breathes deeply in the crisp ambiance of Davos, Switzerland, striving…