In the labyrinthine corridors of power that shape Thailand’s foreign policy, the winds of change are blowing with the force of a monsoon storm. The unexpected resignation of Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, a stalwart in the realm of international affairs, has set the stage for a narrative rich with intrigue and diplomacy. Enter Maris Sangiampongsa, a figure whose career has been as illustrious as it has been intimately linked with the Shinawatra political dynasty. Maris, a former career diplomat with a resume that reads like a diplomat’s dream, has been whispered as the likely successor to the now-vacant post of foreign minister. His journey has spanned continents, from the rugged landscapes of Nepal to the political halls of Canada, where he served as Thailand’s ambassador, crafting policy and forging alliances. But it’s not just his official roles that make Maris a character of interest; it’s his longstanding relationship with the Shinawatra family,…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine living in a place where the simple luxury of turning on a tap and having water flow out is just that, a luxury. This is the stark reality for around 300 households scattered across three quaint villages in the Muang district of Buri Ram. The old and new Ban Nong Makhuea neighbourhoods, along with their neighbor Ban Nong Hua Ling, have been ensnared in a parched grip owing to a relentless drought that has sucked their groundwater sources dry. Despite their picturesque setting near the Huai Jorakhe Mak reservoir – a lifeline for the Muang district – these communities find themselves in a dire situation. The irony is as palpable as the dryness of the soil; water abounds nearby, yet they cannot tap into it. For years, these resilient villagers have depended on the mercy of the rainy season to replenish their wells and sustain them through the drier…
In an audacious dance of logistics and environmental stewardship, the saga of Tak’s unwanted inheritance has taken a critical turn. With precision and dedication reminiscent of an eco-espionage thriller, the first batch of mislaid toxic treasures—cadmium and zinc tailings steeped in controversy—began their journey back to righteousness yesterday. This marked the start of an ambitious cleanup operation that has caught the eye of the nation, with expectations high for its conclusion this June, as whispered by an insider at the Industry Ministry. The tale of this toxic exodus began in the bustling industrial heartlands of Samut Sakhon and Bangkok, where J&B Metal and LLT Metal Co Ltd, once silent guardians of these hazardous remnants, began their day with a significant task. With 270 tonnes of the staggering 13,000 tonnes discovered, their cargo is but the first step in a monumental effort to restore ecological balance. Breaking away from the shackles…
In the heart of Thailand’s bustling capital, a drama worthy of a cinematic blockbuster unfolds within the hallowed halls of the Royal Thai Police. At the center of this gripping tale is none other than Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, a name that not only commands respect but also whispers of intrigue and controversy. Alongside him, four other officers find themselves under the glaring spotlight of a disciplinary probe panel, a twist in their careers they surely didn’t see coming. Deputy National Chief Pol Gen Sarawut Kanpanich, a man tasked with the weighty role of chairing this tumultuous probe, steps into the fray. His mission? To unravel the connections these five officers allegedly have with the shadowy BNK Master gambling website. This directive came straight from the top, passed down by Acting National Police Chief Pol Gen Kitrat Panphet on the very same day Pol…
In a tale that feels plucked from the pages of a high-seas adventure, the Royal Thai Navy stands ready, a guardian watching over the tumultuous waters of the Andaman Sea. Their mission? A potential rescue operation of cinematic proportions, prepared to whisk Thais away from the escalating turmoil in Myanmar. At the helm of this operation is none other than Navy chief Adm Adung Pan-Iam, a name now synonymous with vigilance and preparedness. He’s directed the Region 3 commander, the custodian of the Andaman coast’s safety, to ready a quartet of vessels for a mission of hope. Leading this maritime brigade are two frigates, the HTMS Saiburi and HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan, flanked by a pair of landing ships, the HTMS Mannok and HTMS Mattaphon. Like knights of the sea, these four vessels stand by, their engines humming with anticipation, ready to dart into action. Their goal? To ensure the…
Gather around, ladies and gentlemen, for a tale not just of politics, but of ambition, innovation, and a vision for a future brighter than a Thai festival in full swing. This Friday, the Pheu Thai Party, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the charismatic party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is set to roll out the red carpet in an event dubbed “10 Months Without Waiting, Moving Forward to Achieve 10 out of 10.” It’s not just a catchphrase; it’s a pledge, a glimpse into a future crafted by the hands of those who dare to dream big. At the heart of this gala, a galaxy of key Pheu Thai figures will take the stage, among them PM Srettha and Ms Paetongtarn themselves, ready to unveil their grand blueprint for Thailand’s tomorrow. Imagine the anticipation, the collective breath held by a nation eager for progress, as these visionaries…
“` Imagine soaring above the vibrant cityscape of Chiang Mai, only to find your view obscured by an unyielding gray haze. This isn’t the opening scene of a dystopian novel but the current reality as a smog blanket enshrouds Thailand’s beloved northern jewel. Through the eyes of an aerial photographer, what should have been a breathtaking landscape has morphed into a cloud of pollution, a somber reminder of nature’s lament. In recent days, Chiang Mai has been grappling with escalating air pollution levels, a direct fallout of rampant wildfires scorching across the province. This environmental ordeal has catapulted the city into an undesirable spotlight, positioning it among the globe’s most polluted destinations. The picturesque downtown, once teeming with life, now lies subdued beneath a persistent smog, a month-long siege that shows no signs of abating. On a grim note, the province’s Wildfire and Pollution Control Command Centre shed light on…
Imagine a scene straight out of a grand historical epic: His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah alongside His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei, greeted by an impressive honour guard, being led by none other than Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to the majestic premises of Government House on a sunlit Monday. This tableau, captured perfectly in a snapshot, was more than just ceremonial pomp; it was a prelude to a momentous occasion steeped in diplomacy and bilateral camaraderie. (Photo courtesy of Government House) On this remarkable day, the air buzzed with the promise of strengthened ties between Brunei and Thailand, as they inked two significant memorandums of understanding centered on trade and tourism cooperation. The first memorandum bridged Thailand’s Government Pension Fund (GPF) with the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA), marking a pioneering move toward mutual financial prosperity. Meanwhile, the second was a vibrant tapestry woven between…
Welcome to the riveting world of Thai politics, where twists and turns are as common as the delicious street food lining the bustling streets of Bangkok. In the latest episode of “Democracy in Action”, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the charismatic chairman of the Progressive Movement, finds himself in a tug-of-war with the Election Commission (EC). Picture this: a young, dynamic leader with eyes set on a more inclusive political horizon, embroiled in a drama that’s nothing short of cinematic. It’s Monday, and Thanathorn is not just any Monday’s protagonist. He’s the hero who decides to stand up against the EC’s stern warning about his group’s innovative campaign. This isn’t about promoting a new line of trendy sneakers. Oh no! It’s about encouraging the good people of Thailand to take a leap into the political arena and run in the Senate race. Thanathorn’s goal? To sprinkle the upcoming election with a dose of…
Step into the bewitching world of Labubu, a whimsical creature that has conquered the hearts of art enthusiasts and social media users alike. But who is the maestro wielding the brush behind this beloved character? Enter Kasing Lung, the brilliant mind whose imaginative prowess birthed Labubu into existence. Born from a fusion of folklore and a boundless childhood imagination, Kasing’s creations transport us into realms filled with color, mischief, and a touch of mystery. A Glimpse into Kasing Lung’s Enchanted Journey Born under the neon glow of Hong Kong in 1972, Kasing Lung’s adventure began. However, it was in the verdant landscapes of the Netherlands that his imagination truly took flight. Enchanted by the tales of faeries and elves that danced through Nordic folklore, Kasing’s childhood was steeped in a world where magic lingered in the air and mythical creatures were companions of ink and paper. In an intimate share…