On a notably crisp Monday morning, the air in Thai politics was as charged as ever, featuring a riveting drama that felt almost Shakespearean. At the heart of this political theatre stood the Democrat Party’s very own spokesman, Rames Rattanachaweng, making headlines with his latest proclamation. It seems the plot thickens in the tale of whether the Democrats would entertain the notion of joining forces with their arch-nemesis, the Pheu Thai Party, in a coalition government. The intrigue deepened as Rames asserted, with the air of mystery befitting a seasoned diplomat, that the party’s high command had yet to convene over this tantalizing prospect. The decision-making, he affirmed, lay squarely in the hands of these upper echelons. This protocol meant that no solitary MP could, in a bout of maverick ambition, initiate talks or agreements. Individual heroics were off the table; this was a game for the collective. In an…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the heart of Bangkok, beneath the bustling skyline and amidst the vibrant celebrations of the Songkran water festival, a series of tragic events unfolded that captured the city’s attention. As the sun set on the Pratunam pier, rescue teams raced against time to recover the body of a tourist from the murky depths of the Saen Saep canal. This unfortunate soul, swept away by a momentary lapse in judgment, had leaped into the canal under the cloak of night to reclaim a water gun, marking a somber beginning to what should have been a night of revelry. The incident, captured by the lenses of the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of adventure. The city, however, knew no rest. Just a few hours after the canal’s quiet had been disturbed, another tale of woe was unfolding. This time, the scene was set against the backdrop…
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, marking the end of another vibrant Songkran holiday, the bustling streets of Bangkok began to witness a peculiar phenomenon. Despite the traditional Thai New Year stretching into Tuesday, a wave of early birds decided to cut their celebrations short, embarking on a journey back to the capital. Their mission was clear: to outsmart the inevitable gridlock that looms over the finale of this festive season. By Monday afternoon, the pulse of the city’s arteries began to quicken. Highways No 117, the lifeline connecting Nakhon Sawan to Phitsanulok, and No 122, the strategic Nakhon Sawan bypass, became the stages for an automotive ballet. It was a display of precision and patience as vehicles weaved and flowed, their drivers united by a common goal to return to the hum of city life. In the heart of Nakhon Sawan’s Muang district, the tempo of traffic…
Imagine the streets bustling as the city awakens to the familiar chaos of returning residents. The weekend has come to a close, and the exodus back to Bangkok and its urban siblings beckons, a migration that paints a bittersweet tableau of reunion and peril. This past Sunday, the drama unfolded with a staggering 317 accidents, weaving a tapestry of sorrow with 38 lives lost to fate and 311 souls left nursing their wounds. In the heart of this orchestrated pandemonium stands Pol Lt-General Kornchai Klaiklueng, the assistant national police chief, who on Monday painted a vivid picture of the nation’s resolve to tame the beast of road mayhem. With a determined tone, he announced a fortified strategy, one that sees the Traffic Police joining forces with their provincial brethren. Together, they vow to cast a wider net of vigilance, setting their sights on the nocturnal spectacle of event venues and…
Imagine this: a regular sunny Sunday transformed into an unexpected thriller for five passengers traveling from Mukdanah to Yasothon. As the clock struck 3.45pm, the van, a seemingly innocuous vehicle of transport, rolled into the Yasothon bus terminal. What should have been the end of a mundane journey became the beginning of a mysterious tale. The passengers, who moments before were chatting or lost in their thoughts, were found in a state that seemed straight out of a suspense novel – unconscious in their seats, with some showing signs of distress through vomiting. Mysteriously, the van’s driver, Somsak, aged 51, and his front-seat companion appeared to be untouched by the affliction that struck the others. How could such a divide appear amongst those sharing the same space? Four out of the five passengers soon found themselves in the clinical surroundings of Yasothon Hospital, leaving more questions than answers. Upon the…
Imagine stepping into the bustling heart of Thailand, where the anticipation of Songkran—the traditional Thai New Year—fills the air. In this vibrant setting, Premier Srettha gave a captivating interview to eager reporters, revealing ambitious plans that underscore his government’s drive, seven months into their term. It’s a storyline brimming with challenges and aspirations, and at its core is the daring mission to revamp the Customs Department. Why, you might ask, is the Customs Department in the spotlight? Srettha illuminated this by explaining that while it stands as a key pillar among the trio of tax-collecting agencies, contributing a modest 100 billion or merely 3% to the national revenue, it holds the potential to be a game-changer. Imagine, a department that’s fundamental in overseeing imports and battling contraband, yet only scratches the surface of its capabilities. The premier passionately argued that the Customs Department could significantly bolster Thai society. By eradicating…
Imagine a country where political sagas unfold like the plot of a thriller novel, and you’ve got a glimpse into the fascinating world of Thai politics. In a recent twist, former Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, made headlines with a heartwarming albeit politically tinged promise. He expressed his longing to celebrate Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, with his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, in 2024. Thaksin’s words painted a vivid picture of familial bonds intertwining with the threads of political aspirations, following his return from a self-imposed exile on a sunny day in August 2023. Thaksin’s homecoming after years of living abroad was nothing short of cinematic. His steps on Thai soil were cautious yet hopeful, as he emerged from the shadows of his self-imposed exile on August 22, 2023. Currently savoring the air of freedom on parole, Thaksin’s visit to his home province of Chiang Mai stirred emotions. Amidst the…
Imagine cruising along Rama II Road on a lazy Sunday afternoon in Samut Sakhon province, the sun playing peek-a-boo with the clouds, when suddenly the unexpected happens—a gigantic section of steel scaffolding decides to take a nosedive onto the highway. Yes, you read that right. An entire section of the construction skeleton that was supposed to stand tall and strong decided it had enough and came crashing down, creating a scene straight out of a blockbuster movie (minus the dramatic background score, of course). In response to this heart-stopping incident, Sarawut Songsivilai, the director-general of the Department of Highways, sprang into action faster than a superhero. He didn’t just call for an investigation faster than you can say “Oops” but also demanded a rigorous check-up of all steel scaffolding along the elevated Motorway 82 (M82) project. For those unfamiliar, this mammoth undertaking stretches like a steel serpent for 81 kilometres…
Amidst the hustle and bustle of London’s vibrant streets, a scene unfolds that feels delightfully out of place yet perfectly at home amidst the city’s eclectic tapestry. Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, with an air of nostalgia mixed with contemporary grace, is seen cradling mangoes with a smile that could light up the Thames, during a Songkran shopping spree at Khanom Krok Kuk. This little Thai shop, nestled in the heart of London, has become her sanctuary away from home, a place where the aromas and tastes transport her back to the familiar streets and warmth of Thailand. The photo capturing this moment, shared on her X account (@PouYingluck), portrays more than just a shopping trip; it’s a poignant snapshot of home, longing, and the enduring spirit of Songkran, halfway across the world. Meanwhile, back in the sun-kissed Hua Hun resort town of Thailand, amidst the Songkran festivities that engulf…
In an event that could easily be straight out of an action-packed blockbuster, a hulking piece of steel scaffolding took a nosedive onto the bustling Rama II Highway in Samut Sakhon province, not just interrupting the Sunday afternoon calm but also setting the stage for an urgent investigation ordered by none other than the top dog at the Department of Highways, Mr. Sarawut Songsivilai. Imagine, if you will, the scene: it’s a lazy afternoon, perhaps you’re musing over the gentle hum of your car’s engine or the latest catchy tune on the radio, when suddenly, out of nowhere, the sky darkens for a moment and down comes a giant lattice of steel, missing your car by mere inches. That was the reality for drivers on the Bangkok-bound side of Rama II Highway at 3.17pm on a day that will surely live long in their memories. But fear not, for Sarawut…