In the vibrant and bustling heart of Bangkok, amidst the towering structures of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the enigmatic figure of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra emerged once again. It was June 28, 2024, and the THACCA SPLASH – Soft Power Forum was underway, drawing a myriad of media eyes and an air of intrigue, as Thaksin addressed numerous inquisitive journalists eager to capture his every word. The spotlight, however, shifted dramatically on a recent Friday as Thailand’s Constitutional Court declared its decision to quash a daring petition against Thaksin. The petition, penned by the diligent lawyer Teerayut Suwankesorn, aimed to prevent the billionaire ex-premier from meddling with the ruling Pheu Thai Party, accusing him of clandestine plots to topple the cherished constitutional monarchy. Yet, all nine discerning judges turned down the motion, citing its failure to satisfy the stringent conditions necessary for a court consideration. Thaksin’s fans…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
Picture the scene—a bustling Thursday night in the vibrant city of Pattaya, where the neon lights dazzle and the energy is as palpable as a live wire. Amidst this lively backdrop, two young lads, Noppadol Phuphiphat and Phattraraphol Ngao-ngam, both tender-aged at 14, were wandering the lively area near CentralFestival Pattaya Beach. But little did they know, their ordinary evening stroll would soon turn into an episode that brings them a surprising wave of public admiration. Noppadol, from Bannernplubwan School, and Phattraraphol, from Watsuttawas School, were on an innocent jaunt with a friend’s older brother. As fate would have it, their eyes caught sight of a curious item glinting unnaturally in the dim light, peeking shyly from an ice bucket—yes, an ice bucket! The tantalizing find was none other than a wallet, plump with mystery and laden with the potential to change their night completely. What they did next was…
In a dazzling whirlwind of media attention, the charismatic former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, graced the THACCA SPLASH – Soft Power Forum 2024 at the prestigious Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Decked out in his trademark style, Thaksin charmed reporters on June 28, 2024, a day that seemed as bright as his notorious political past. (Photo credit: Reuters) Meanwhile, in the intricate world of Thai politics, the Constitutional Court made headlines this Friday by tossing aside a petition aimed at preventing the influential billionaire from meddling in the affairs of the ruling Pheu Thai party. Despite being a political titan, Thaksin, who is also the father of the current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has been adamant in his denial of exerting any clandestine authority over the party’s operations since his dramatic return in 2023 after 15 years living in self-imposed exile. Ah, the allure of power! It’s a tale as…
Imagine a place where the serene beauty of rivers meets the vibrant culture of festivals. Nakhon Phanom is rapidly becoming the talk of the town, and upbeat wings of Thai Lion Air are poised to soar in, turning this hidden gem into Thailand’s next big tourist hub. The latest snippet from the aviation industry hints at new horizons as Thai Lion Air casts an eager eye on this northeastern province, aligning beautifully with a grand vision set forth by the government to boost tourism in lesser-known locales. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri laid out a grand blueprint when she imparted the task to the Department of Airports (DoA) to seek ways to enhance flight connectivity to these emerging destinations. It was a nod to the “Transport for Thailand’s Opportunities” scheme, a strategy designed to give Thailand’s transport infrastructure a turbocharged lift, fueling not just economic growth but also sparking social…
The political landscape in Thailand is ablaze with controversy, as an intriguing scheme to distribute 10,000-baht handouts to the country’s elderly hangs in the balance. Former election commissioner, Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, stoked the flames of debate when he took to Facebook to issue a stern warning. He pointed out that the timing and nature of the initiative might teeter on the brink of legality, given its close proximity to the forthcoming elections for chiefs of provincial administrative organisations (PAOs). This grand financial gesture, scheduled to be rolled out just before the festivities of Chinese New Year, targets an impressive 4 million elderly citizens. Now, while on the surface this seems to be a benevolent move aimed at supporting those over 60 perceived as particularly vulnerable, the underlying motives have come into question. Somchai did not mince words, suggesting that the government might be using this broad-brush classification as a convenient excuse…
In Samut Sakhon, a scene unfolded that was both disheartening and all too familiar. Picture this: about a hundred hopeful Myanmar workers gathered in front of a factory in Muang district, full of anticipation and dreams of stable employment. However, their aspirations were dashed when they realized they had become the victims of a cruel scam. The workers had all paid between 3,000 to 7,000 baht each to Thai brokers who promised them secure jobs at the Index Interfurn Company, known for its sprawling Index Living Mall warehouse, situated along Ekachai Road in tambon Khok Kham. This rendezvous was supposed to mark the commencement of a new chapter in their lives. Yet, it unfolded into a bitter assembly of bewilderment and disappointment. Pol Col Somchai Khokha, the superintendent of Khok Kham police station, shed light on the backdrop of this unfortunate tale. When the workers, brimming with hope, approached the…
The Senate has emerged victorious in the intricate dance of negotiations concerning the referendum prerequisites needed to amend the Thai constitution. A climactic vote held by a harmonious yet occasionally contentious joint House-Senate committee leaned favorably towards the illustrious Senate’s stance, supporting the so-called “double majority” rule. This decisive outcome, sealed with a precise vote tally, secures the Senate’s preferred stipulation. However, as the dust settles, the political choreography is far from over. The prospect of seeing constitutional amendments through before the government’s term ceases in 2027 is now rather bleak, as if the idea itself were drifting into the realm of impossibility. The “double majority” requirement, a formidable agent enshrined within the revered pages of the Referendum Act, sets forth a dual mandate. For a referendum result to be binding, it mandates not only that more than half of the eligible voting populace must partake in the electoral festivity…
In a twist reminiscent of a spicy drama, the leisurely six-month vacation — ahem, I mean “stay” — of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra at Thailand’s Police General Hospital has by now stirred up quite a brouhaha. Imagine the scene: The hallowed halls of the hospital bustling not with regular hospital clamor but with whispers of political intrigue. Two fervent House committees are now hot on the heels of this perplexing affair. (Photo credit: Somchai Poomlard, capturing moments more elusive than Bigfoot atop a unicycle!) At the heart of these investigations is a hearty debate over whether the erstwhile prime minister was receiving an all-inclusive luxury healthcare package incognito under the guise of detention. State security, border affairs, national strategy, and reform—just another day in the office for the committee spearheaded by the valiant Rangsiman Rome, MP of the opposition People’s Party. This committee has extended invitations more widely than a…
As the sun sets majestically over Bang Bao Bay on the enchanting island of Koh Kut, the tranquil ambiance belies the simmering tension over an international disagreement rooted in an agreement sealed back in 2001. This picturesque scene, captured beautifully by Vyacheslav Argenberg, has inadvertently become a backdrop to a complex diplomatic dance between Thailand and Cambodia. While vacationers bask in the glory of the island’s natural beauty, a tug-of-war over sovereignty and undersea resources unfolds in the corridors of power far from the sandy beaches. The crux of this geopolitical tango lies in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) crafted at the turn of this century when the dynamic Thaksin Shinawatra steered the helm of Thailand. This well-intentioned document was crafted to lay down the pathway for resolving overlapping territorial claims over the coveted continental shelf shared by Thailand and its neighbor Cambodia. As the narrative unfolds, Russ Jalichandra, a…
In a bid to bolster connectivity and economic dynamism, a 11.8-kilometer stretch of Highway 3481 connecting Bangkok to the charming eastern provinces of Chachoengsao and Prachin Buri has undergone a significant makeover. Once a modest two-lane road, this highway section has been transformed into an impressive four-lane expressway, promising commuters a swifter and smoother journey between the bustling capital and the sunlit East. The Department of Highways, the mastermind behind this transformation, is jubilantly leading the charge to enhance transportation within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), according to the ever-enthusiastic deputy government spokesperson, Sasikarn Watthanachan. The upgrade is not merely about adding more lanes; it’s a strategic step towards accommodating burgeoning traffic volumes and ensuring safety and efficiency across this vital artery. Picture this: raised medians boldly dividing the lanes, robust concrete barriers standing as resolute sentinels, and the gentle glow of new lighting guiding travelers on their way. New…