Posts published by “Editorial Team”

In a political landscape that rarely sleeps, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has stirred a pot of mixed reactions with a controversial bill proposal focused on reforming Thailand’s Defence Ministry Administration Act. Promising not to interfere overtly with military matters, she articulates a stance that balances delicate diplomacy with a firm resolve to usher in regulatory changes. The proposed legislation, brought to life by Pheu Thai MP Prayuth Siripanich, embarks on a revolutionary path to inoculate the nation against the ailment of military coups by offering civilian oversight of military appointments. While the concept is simple enough—end military takeovers—the execution is proving as complicated as nailing jelly to a wall. The proposal not only aims to reposition the cabinet at the heart of general appointments but also seeks endorsement from an all-star committee ensemble including the defence minister and chiefs of the armed forces. It’s like asking cats and dogs to…

As tension lingered in the air, the Royal Thai Navy stirred the pot with a Facebook post that painted a grim picture—a photo of their crew members, highlighted in a red square, who found themselves in an unwanted predicament on the sun-kissed shores of Myanmar. The four, who hail from Thailand, had been swept up in a diplomatic tango, waiting in anticipation for their release. With the New Year bells poised to ring and revelry in sight, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stepped into the limelight with reassuring words for the nation. In a press briefing on a crisp Wednesday, she projected a palpable sense of optimism, indicating the likelihood of the quartet’s release shortly post-New Year, sticky Myanmar legal proceedings notwithstanding. She added with an air of assurance, “Presently, their safety remains uncompromised.” Her remarks painted a picture of intricate diplomatic choreography, hinting at a meeting on December 19 between…

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, ever composed and graceful, acknowledged the press with a wave as she, flanked by her team of dedicated cabinet members, arrived at the iconic Government House this past Wednesday. The day was filled with anticipation as the premier outlined her readiness to dive into the forthcoming House general session slated for Thursday. With poise and conviction, Prime Minister Paetongtarn made it clear that she would articulate the government’s diligent 90-day accomplishments and cast a promising vision for the policies earmarked for next year once the parliament resumed. However, despite the palpable tension in the air, she deftly sidestepped the opportunity to indulge in a face-off with the opposition members just yet. In a tactful yet strategic move, she disclosed that those queries from her political adversaries would be more suitably handled by her capable deputy prime ministers or the ministers directly involved in the issues at…

If you’ve ever been tangled in a web of financial deceit, you’ll understand the sharp sting of betrayal that 70 frustrated individuals in Thailand are facing. Spearheaded by the resolute social advocate, Pavena Hongsakula, these bewildered folks took a bold step on Wednesday. They walked into the offices of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), clutching their grievances like a lifeline. Together, they’ve weathered a staggering storm, collectively losing an eye-watering 3 billion baht after being lured into buying condominium units. Pavena, whose heart beats tirelessly for the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, navigated this crusade armed with the collective cries of around 200 affected souls. They came seeking refuge and justice after being ensnared by a debt-relief company’s siren call. This wasn’t an ordinary company. Oh no, this was a cunning corporation, promising the tantalizing relief of settled credit card debts. All potential buyers had to do was…

In the bustling corridors of political power, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, accompanied by the astute Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the diligent Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, was met by a throng of reporters in Bangkok on an otherwise ordinary Wednesday. The air was charged with anticipation as the government, led by Shinawatra, navigated the stormy waters concerning the much-debated 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia. This agreement, touching on sensitive maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand, has stirred considerable intrigue and, indeed, a fair amount of controversy. While the chatter of a public forum buzzed around, Prime Minister Shinawatra calmly put those discussions to rest. “We encourage public feedback,” she noted, extending an olive branch to citizens eager to share their thoughts. However, she made it clear that a public forum sounded off the table for now, encouraging the civic-minded to funnel their concerns through well-established channels…

When Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa set foot in Adelaide, the sun-drenched coastal capital of South Australia, he wasn’t just basking in the illustrious Aussie sunshine. He was on a mission, carrying the weighty task of fostering ties between Thailand and Australia, charting an exciting course through agricultural technology, alternative energy, and education. With a spring in his step, Maris was ready to dive deep into discussions about collaboration with his Aussie counterparts. His arrival was marked with a warm embrace from none other than Penny Wong, Australia’s sentinel of foreign affairs, and the admirable Frances Adamson, the gubernatorial gem of South Australia. It was on a lively Wednesday that Mr. Maris reiterated a Thai trilogy—international cooperation in food, energy, and human security. Areas rich with promise, where Thailand and Australia could join forces like superheroes of innovation. Given South Australia’s prowess in crafting sustainable agricultural solutions, Minister Maris saw…

In an event that marked yet another milestone in international collaboration, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit warmly greeted Ernst Reichel, the German ambassador to Thailand, with a firm handshake. This friendly gesture was part of the signing ceremony that solidified the renewal of a noteworthy rail transport cooperation agreement between Thailand and Germany. The ceremony, held against a backdrop of bureaucratic grandeur at Thailand’s Ministry of Transport public relations office, reinforced the countries’ mutual dedication to advancing an efficient, sustainable rail transport system. This collaboration isn’t a new endeavor. In fact, it originally began on November 23, 2016, when both nations first inked their commitment to revolutionize rail development. Fast forward to the present, the agreement has been renewed for the third time, further underlining their long-term dedication to fostering a high-functioning, environmentally conscious rail infrastructure. On a vibrant Monday in bustling Bangkok, Mr. Suriya announced the extension of this agreement…

In the serene locale of Chon Buri, a tragic incident unfolded on a seemingly ordinary Tuesday night, leaving a family heartbroken and a community in disbelief. At the entrance of the Montra Garden Home housing estate in Sattahip district, a crime that no one ever anticipates during the naive days of adolescence was committed. It was here, at a seemingly innocent spot in front of a grocery store, that a young life was cruelly extinguished. The air was thick with an unspoken tension as police, alerted to the scene at approximately 8:30 PM, discovered the lifeless body of a 14-year-old boy, a student with a bright future now shrouded in darkness. The boy, whose name remained undisclosed, was a Mathayom Suksa 1 (Grade 7) student attending a private school locally. At the scene, a fruit knife lay abandoned on the pavement, a grim relic of the night’s violence, and a…

Ah, Phuket, a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and occasionally, stories that sound like they’re straight out of a wild vacation tale. This time, the spotlight shines on a Belarusian tourist, Siarhei Asychuk, who managed to turn a tranquil night near Karon Beach into an unforgettable mini-drama for all involved. In the wee hours of Wednesday morning, just when the moonlit waves should have been gently serenading a sleepy town, a different kind of excitement was brewing outside a hotel near Karon Beach. Enter Mr. Asychuk, who, clad in just a pair of underpants, was the unlikely star of a scene that would soon capture the attention of bystanders and the local law enforcement alike. Fueled possibly by more than just the beauty of the night, Mr. Asychuk was reportedly seen running amok, wildly weaving around the area, undoubtedly adding a dash of chaos to the…

Teachers, the unsung heroes of our time, are the architects of tomorrow, equipping our future leaders to face the hurdles of the 21st century. Acknowledging their instrumental role, SEAMEO STEM-ED (The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for STEM Education) has embarked on an ambitious journey. Fueled by Chevron funding, they’re rolling out the Southeast Asian Teacher Education Program (SEA-TEP) across Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia. The mission? To arm teachers with cutting-edge practices for delivering top-notch STEM education, setting a new standard for teacher education that echoes globally. Ample research has laid bare stark shortcomings in pre-service teacher programs, particularly in the realms of effective pedagogy and classroom practice. The SEA-TEP initiative was kickstarted in January 2023 to counter these deficiencies, offering a fresh take on teacher education through a STEM-centric lens. Created by a coalition of policymakers and educational institutions, the program presents both aspiring…