Posts published by “Editorial Team”

The whispers of controversy are bustling through the idyllic terrains of Saraburi, as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) sharpens its investigative prowess, poised to uncover any shadows of state involvement in an alleged land encroachment scandal. At the heart of this unfolding drama is the charming, yet controversially situated Phu Nub Dao Cafe & Farm. Nestled amid verdant hills in Muak Lek district, the cafe’s enchanting setting might just hide more than its breathtaking views. NACC acting chairman, the diligent and ever-watchful Witthaya Arkhompitak, stands ready to peel back the layers of this unfolding mystery. His target? The Phu Nub Dao Cafe & Farm, which is under scrutiny for allegedly constructing its charming edifices within the confines of Sor Por Kor land—a space meant strictly for agricultural reform. But here’s the plot twist: This story isn’t just about illegal structures rising amidst the bucolic backdrop; it’s about potential governmental actors…

In a twist that could only be concocted in the ever-dramatic world of politics and business scandals, the tale of Apichart Jansakulporn—more famously known as Sia Piang—has taken yet another unexpected turn. Apichart, once a key player in the rice-pledging saga who found himself buried beneath a 48-year prison sentence for corruption, has seen the prison bars part after serving a mere seven years. The Department of Corrections (DoC) verified his release on October 9, pointing to severe health issues that apparently necessitated his freedom. Now, he’s trading the confines of prison for the sterile walls of Ramathibodi Hospital, with nary an electronic monitor in sight. Initially put behind bars in 2015, Apichart’s case revolved around a fiasco concerning government-to-government rice sale deals laden with corruption. His daunting sentence was whittled down to just over 12 years thanks to multiple royal pardons—a gesture that undoubtedly adds a juicy layer of…

It’s a sunny day in the corridors of power, and the buzz is all about an impending “cooling off” period that threatens to put the brakes on a high-stakes political ballet: the quest to revamp the referendum bill. The air’s thick with anticipation as the clock ticks away on the current government’s tenure, and Nikorn Chamnong, the articulate secretary of the Senate-MP joint committee, steps up to the podium with news that could sizzle or fizzle. In a press conference that had more attendees than a blockbuster movie premiere, Mr. Nikorn, like a seasoned maestro, shared the resolution of the joint panel—a diplomatic enclave designed to smooth out the rough edges between the House and Senate on the thorny issue of referendum rules. It’s a debate as divisive as pineapple on pizza, with the House championing a single-majority rule while the Senate clutches its double-majority pearls like a worried mother.…

In the vibrant coastal paradise of Phuket, excitement reaches a fever pitch as Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana steps aboard to join the spirited Vayu team for the 36th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta. The local populace of this island gem eagerly anticipates her arrival, thrilled to witness the Queen lending her regal presence to this prestigious international sailing competition. Marking her second consecutive year of participation, Her Majesty’s involvement signals a royal endorsement of both the sport and the cultural significance of this maritime gathering. As the regatta unfolds from November 30th to December 6th, an impressive flotilla of nearly 200 boats sets the stage, painting Phuket’s picturesque coastline with sails and the echoes of nautical fervor. This grand event, rooted in a tribute to commemorate His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great’s 60th birthday back in 1987, has matured into Asia’s premier sailing spectacle. Not only does it celebrate…

In a world increasingly fraught with the untamed forces of climate change, nations must rally together, particularly those like Thailand, which find themselves at the mercy of shifting tides and temperature spikes. At the helm of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, Mr. Phirun Saiyasitpanich has called for a more vigorous campaign to seize financial aid, specifically through the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG). This initiative, championed by economically robust nations, is designed to aid poorer or developing countries embroiled in the climate crisis. During the recent UN Climate Change Conference, COP29, held in Azerbaijan, world leaders with enlightened persistence proposed an increase in the funds developed nations are urged to contribute. This proposal is truly revolutionary, urging contributions of at least US$300 billion annually to developing countries by 2035, a stark rise from the $100 billion annual target set for 2025. Mr. Phirun underscores that…

In a bustling Bangkok bank, a teller counts crisp Thai banknotes, emblematic of an economy poised on the verge of a potential tax overhaul. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra finds herself amidst a whirlwind of criticism and concern, as the Finance Ministry toys with the notion of doubling the nation’s value-added tax (VAT) from its long-standing rate of 7%. A murmured proposal of a 15% hike has stirred significant public unrest, prompting the Prime Minister to express, “I understand the plight of the people if VAT were to be raised.” Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, who also carries the responsibilities of a deputy prime minister, assured that more details would soon emerge regarding the proposal. On an ordinary Wednesday, Mr. Pichai stated, “We are merely studying the possibility, considering global tax trends, and weighing potential pros and cons to ensure public favor.” VAT, since its inception in 1992, has steadfastly remained at…

For fifty years, the vision of harnessing nuclear power in this region has been more of a persistent dream than an actionable reality. But hold on to your hats, folks, because we’re teetering on the brink of a nuclear-powered breakthrough like never before! This month is poised to be a seminal moment as the Energy Regulatory Committee (ERC), our national energy watchdog, is gearing up to strike an MOU (that’s Memorandum of Understanding for us non-bureaucrats) with the Office of Atoms for Peace. Their mission? To figure out the nuts and bolts of regulations essential for kickstarting a nuclear power project. Forget those monstrous old-school reactors; this plan revolves around sleek, high-tech small modular reactors (SMRs). You know what they say about small packages and great things, right? The mighty SMRs are the centerpiece of the “Power Development Plan 2024”, a visionary strategy to weave atomic energy into our energy…

In the vibrant district of Hat Yai, located in the charming province of Songkhla, a heartfelt gathering took place at the Na Khuan water gate at the mouth of the Bhuminathdamri canal. This gathering was not just a simple assembly, but a poignant tribute, an expression of profound respect and unwavering loyalty to the memory of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. The occasion? A dual celebration marking the late king’s birthday and National Father’s Day, which gracefully occurred on the past Thursday. The air was filled with reverence, and the aura of the place was captured beautifully in a photograph taken by Assawin Pakkawan. Across the length and breadth of Thailand, on this special day, there was a nationwide outpouring of respect and commemoration for the beloved monarch. Thai people, radiating warmth and gratitude, came together to make merit and honor the legacy of His Majesty King Bhumibol,…

In a delightful celebration of cultural richness, the kebaya, a stunning traditional garment that has adorned women in Southeast Asia for generations, has been bestowed with an exceptional honor. Unesco has declared the kebaya an intangible cultural heritage item, a recognition that not only highlights its beauty but also its profound cultural significance. The announcement came during a gathering of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in the vibrant city of Asuncion, Paraguay. With Thailand’s Culture Minister, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, proudly sharing the news, this accolade reflects a collaborative effort between five countries: Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. The formal declaration of “Kebaya: knowledge, skills, tradition, and practices” as a cultural treasure by the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization isn’t just a nod to its elegance; it is an acknowledgement of a shared cultural tapestry. The kebaya, a beautifully tailored garment, fuses intricate embroidery…

In a dramatic turn of events, police officers, committed to unravel the depths of a disturbing underworld, have brought to light an intricate operation allegedly involving two young women and a series of unsettling crimes. These women, Nalatporn, 22, and Panida, 21, who until now have navigated their lives perhaps under an unnoticed veneer of normalcy, find themselves at the epicenter of a serious human trafficking scandal. It’s a narrative chilling in its implications, tracing grim paths from the serene rolling hills of northern Thailand to the bustling, neon-lit avenues of Bangkok. The story unfolds like a dark thriller. The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD), perhaps acting on a tip or following the shadowy trails left by unscrupulous acts, swooped down on Nalatporn at a massage parlor in the heart of Suphan Buri province. Meanwhile, Panida was cornered in the mirrored corridors of a Bangkok condominium. Arrest warrants had been…