On a bustling Friday at Government House in Bangkok, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stood before an audience, addressing a topic that has lately stirred quite a pot – the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Thailand and Cambodia regarding maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand. With confidence and a sprinkle of wit, she assured the assembly that the government is fully prepared to shed light on its decision to back this contentious MoU, reaffirming the upcoming formation of a joint technical committee (JTC) within the month. The situation unfolded following a petition led by Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, the chief adviser of the Thai Pakdee Party, alongside a band of fervent nationalists. They were not here to mince words; they were calling for nothing short of scrapping the agreement altogether. Their petition, a document of staunch resistance, found itself in the hands of Sompas Nilphan, a management adviser to the PM’s…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
The buzz of anticipation hummed softly in the lavish ballroom of the Ritz Carlton in Bangkok. All eyes were on an intriguing figure at the podium—former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Here he was, at the prestigious 22nd Forbes Global CEO Conference, the gathering place for illustrious CEOs, business magnates, innovative entrepreneurs, savvy investors, and world-changing thought leaders. The rich aroma of a fine Gala Dinner filled the room, but it was Thaksin’s words that truly captured the audience’s attention. As part of a compelling one-on-one dialogue with Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media, Thaksin laid out his vision for Thailand’s economic future, with a mix of reform and preparation for seismic shifts in global geopolitics. The former prime minister didn’t hold back, critiquing the nation’s stagnant economic growth, stifled by what he saw as undue caution from the central bank. He argued that such wariness had shackled small…
In a dramatic twist that shook the tranquil community of Thepha district in Songkhla, a construction site destined to host a gigantic Guanyin statue became a target for violence on November 20, 2024. The explosion of grenades at this site has sparked widespread concern and discussions, particularly as the senator, Chaiyong Maneerungsakul, has pointed fingers at the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN) insurgency group, accusing them of trying to destabilize the region by sowing seeds of discord. The statue, when completed, promises to be a towering testament to peace and unity, standing at a staggering height of 136 meters. It aims to attract an influx of tourists both local and international, thereby breathing economic vigor into the southern border region. Yet, according to Sen. Chaiyong, the BRN’s actions threaten to unravel these efforts by stoking fears and mistrust among communities who have coexisted harmoniously. The implications of these attacks transcend…
Gather round, folks, as we take you on a whirlwind journey into the unfolding saga of Thailand’s former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. Now, we’re not talking your typical courtroom drama here; we’re diving into the nitty-gritty details of privileged detentions and a six-month hospital hiatus that would make any soap opera seem mundane. So grab your popcorn and let’s set the stage. Picture this: August 19, 2023. A sunny day in Bangkok, the high-profile Thaksin walks out of the Criminal Court, quite the visual as photographers click away capturing his departure post-hearing for the notorious lese majeste charges. Fast forward three days, and Thaksin finds himself shuffling from self-imposed exile right into prison with an eight-year sentence, trimmed down to a plucky single year thanks to some royal leniency. But here’s where things take a twist. Not a cinematic, clandestine escape, but rather a medical transfer that had everyone’s eyebrows…
In recent days, the cryptocurrency world has been buzzing with speculation, intrigue, and controversy. At the epicenter of this dramatic tale is one Ekkapop Luangprasert, who finds himself embroiled in a heated saga involving allegations of financial malfeasance and a high-profile arrest warrant. Ekkapop, the creative mind behind the Facebook page Sai Mai Tong Rod (or “Survive” to its faithful followers), has been thrust into a complex narrative involving The iCon Group, a direct sales entity under scrutiny for allegedly orchestrating a pyramid scheme. The crux of the matter lies in a provocative accusation by Ekkapop regarding a cryptocurrency transaction, supposedly linked to the iCon founder, Warathaphon “Boss Paul” Waratyaworrakul. According to Ekkapop’s assertions, a substantial sum—over 8 billion baht, to be precise—was suspiciously exchanged for Ethereum just an hour before Warathaphon’s arrest. These claims made waves, particularly on social media, where Ekkapop detailed what he saw as evidence of…
Immersed deeply within the vibrant scene of Vang Vieng, Laos, the Nana Backpacker Hostel stands out as a favored destination for adventurous young travelers. However, recent events have cast a somber shadow over the buzzing atmosphere of this popular spot. Tragically, the allure of this backpacker’s haven has been marred by a grievous incident. A second Australian teenager has succumbed to suspected methanol poisoning, increasing the grim tally of foreign tourists affected by tainted alcohol in Laos to six. The unfortunate passing of these young souls has sent shockwaves through the backpacking community and beyond. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), local authorities have detained the owner of the hostel, where the ill-fated Australians resided, for questioning in an effort to unravel the mystery surrounding these tragic events. Among the victims, Holly Bowles, a spirited 19-year-old from Australia, tragically met her end at Bangkok Hospital over a week after…
Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Ltd. has undoubtedly made waves in the Southeast Asian tech scene with its relentless pursuit and mastery of blockchain technology. Teaming up with ETHGlobal, a powerhouse in advancing Ethereum blockchain development worldwide, Bitkub has paved new pathways for innovation. This strategic alliance took center stage at DEVCON 7, a formidable gathering held from November 12-17, 2024, at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Drawing in a lively crowd of more than 20,000 developers, researchers, and blockchain enthusiasts from across the globe, this event was nothing short of a tech revolution. The collaboration didn’t just stop at DEVCON 7; it powered the much-anticipated ETHGlobal Bangkok Hackathon, a hallmark celebration of blockchain and Web3 ingenuity. The event magnetized a staggering 2,750 developers from every corner of the earth, fostering an environment bursting with creativity and innovation. These tech-savvy minds immersed themselves in an array of hands-on workshops led…
Imagine waking up one fine morning, ready to tackle a new day, only to be greeted by unexpected foot-deep floods right outside your door. Welcome to the unpredictable yet enchanting south of Thailand, where weather has a knack for keeping everyone on their toes. The serene province of Phatthalung recently switched gears from tranquility to outright aquatic gymnasium, as floodwaters claimed its streets and left both locals and curious onlookers treading carefully or, better yet, wading through the watery scene. This week’s heavy rains, a direct result of an increasingly vigorous northeasterly wind blowing across the Gulf of Thailand, have brought more than just cool breezes—they’ve delivered torrents, from Chumphon all the way down to Narathiwat, sparing not even Prachuap Khiri Khan. And hold your horses; as per the latest communiqué from the meteorological wizards, we’re not out of the woods just yet. Bring your umbrellas and maybe even a…
The Arthit Ourairat Institution (AOI) is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its fourth campus, SBS International Bangkok, strategically nestled in Lat Krabang, just a stone’s throw from the bustling Suvarnabhumi Airport. Leading this ambitious new venture is Neil Crossland, previously the Deputy Head of School at the renowned British International School Phuket (BISP). At SBS International Bangkok, students from kindergarten through Year 13 will embark on an enriching educational journey underpinned by a comprehensive British international curriculum. As a proud member of the illustrious AOI network—which includes esteemed institutions like the British International School Phuket, SBS International Rangsit, and SBS International Chiangmai—SBS International Bangkok is poised to deliver an academic experience like no other. Drawing from the proven success of its sister schools, the curriculum here is skillfully tailored to mesh the strengths and virtues of all AOI campuses. This approach ensures students receive a well-rounded education that…
Picture this: a magnificent cruise ship gliding gracefully under the golden hues of the sunset, arriving off the enchanting shores of Nathon Beach, Koh Samui. This Friday arrival, brilliantly captured by the lens of Apirat Maneewat, heralded not just one but a grand total of over 2,000 eager explorers ready to indulge in the island’s captivating charms. Two illustrious cruise liners dropped anchor at this tropical paradise in Surat Thani, with a schedule promising at least ten visits until the end of next month. Leading the parade was the impressive MS Noordam, operated under the esteemed banner of the US-based Holland America Line. As it docked at the picturesque Nathon Pier in tambon Ang Thong, it unloaded a hefty troop of 1,924 international adventurers, each ready to embark on their tantalizing day trip. The MS Seven Seas Explorer, another splendid vessel by the US-based Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, made its…