Picture this: a bustling Tuesday morning at the Social Security Office, abuzz with chatter and anticipation. There, amid the hustle and bustle, stands the indefatigable People’s Party MP, Rukchanok Srinork, eager to glean the latest from the office’s much-discussed new pension calculation method. This revamped approach promises to enhance pension payouts for the majority of its subscribers starting January, a ray of hope glistening through the financial forecast. However, underneath this optimistic surface, MP Rukchanok finds herself wrestling with concerns simmering beneath the surface—concerns involving the Social Security Fund’s (SSF) newfound enthusiasm for dramatically ramping up off-market investments. According to her revelations and insights as a distinguished member of the Bangkok legislative body, the SSF aims to catapult its off-market investment portfolio from a modest 10 billion baht to a whopping 130 billion, a leap that’s turning heads faster than a roller coaster during peak hours. But why this sudden…
Posts published in “Thailand”

Bangkok Emergency Services Overhaul Led by Assoc. Prof. Tavida Kamolvej: A New Era for Public Health
In the heart of bustling Nonthaburi province, high-ranking officials with gravitas gathered in the esteemed confines of the Buntarik Meeting Room (A601), poised on the sixth floor of the regal NIEM headquarters. This particular assembly boasted an illustrious lineup of BMA executives—the crème de la crème of Bangkok’s administration. Among them was the erudite Assoc. Prof. Tavida Kamolvej, whose role as Deputy Governor of Bangkok is emblematic of her commitment to the city’s welfare. Alongside her, Pol. Gen. Adis Ngamchitsuksri, a venerable Adviser to the Governor, lent his seasoned perspective to the discussions, while Dr. Petchpong Kamjikakarn, wielding the mantle of Deputy Director-General of the Medical Service Department, infused the meeting with his profound medical insight. Additionally, critical representatives from the Traffic and Transportation Department and the City Law Enforcement Department punctuated the assembly with their vital strategic viewpoints. Presiding over this confluence of minds was the ever-diplomatic NIEM Secretary-General,…
Amidst the flurry of protests and vocal dissent that echo across the bustling streets of Bangkok, a contentious draft law is causing quite the stir. Just a couple of days ago, a large crowd of determined protesters gathered outside Government House, passionately rallying against the government’s proposal to establish casino entertainment complexes. The scene was a mixture of placards waving in the air and fervent chants calling for change, all under the watchful eyes of passersby and media personnel, reminiscent of a scene pulled straight from a socio-political drama. The focal point of this fervor is the special committee steering the entertainment complex project. At the helm is Vice-Chairman Nikom Boonwiset, a prominent figure within the ruling Pheu Thai Party. He recently disclosed in a lively press statement that four glittering tourist hotspots are being earmarked to host these grandiose complexes: the ever-thriving Bangkok, the bustling shores of Chon Buri,…
At the heart of Bangkok, a city that pulses with the energy of its diverse citizens, an illuminating forum unfolded at Samyan Mitrtown. The Women Vision 2025 event hosted an array of inspiring figures, including the newly crowned Miss Global, Nguyen Dinh Nhu Van, and Ann ‘Waaddao’ Chumaporn, the accomplished co-founder of Bangkok Pride. Amidst the discussions and camaraderie, both women offered insights that left the audience buoyed with hope and determination. Nguyen Dinh Nhu Van, standing resplendent in her newfound Miss Global 2025 title, hails from a humble mountain village in Vietnam. Her journey is not just a pageant fairy tale, but a testament to resilience. At 17, she found herself pregnant, a moment she had initially thought would eclipse her dreams. “I thought that was the end of my dreams; that it was all about surviving,” she recounted, her voice a mix of strength and vulnerability. But rather…
When it comes to embracing the marvels of motherhood and safeguarding reproductive health, women have an impressive advocate in Dr. Chalomkwan Prayoonwech. As the esteemed Director of the Fertility and Women Wellness Clinic and a renowned Specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the BDMS Wellness Clinic, Dr. Chalomkwan is a luminary in her field. Her insights, shared during the engaging “Women Vision: Her Story Our Story” seminar by the Bangkok Post, spotlight a pivotal aspect of women’s wellness: regular consultations with healthcare professionals. While it’s a well-known fact that periodic check-ups are a staple for people of all genders, Dr. Chalomkwan emphasizes a compelling consideration for women, whose unique biological journey demands a tad more vigilance. “Each stage of a woman’s life is special and requires specific planning,” she thoughtfully remarked, capturing the essence of a holistic approach to women’s health. For women contemplating the joyous plunge into motherhood,…
Model and activist Cindy Sirinya Bishop, standing resolutely to the left of the stage, shared her compelling narrative alongside the dynamic actress and advocate Surisa Suzana Renaud, radiant and optimistic on the far left. Completing this quartet of inspiration were the insightful model and influencer Kanticha Chumma, standing second from the right, and the engaging moderator Risa Honghiran, positioned to the right. This event, captured beautifully by Pattarapong Chatpattarsill’s photograph, was more than just a meeting—it was a powerful gathering of minds at the Bangkok Post’s Women Vision event, an awe-inspiring testament to the resilience and determination of Thailand’s prominent feminists. These remarkable women took center stage on a Thursday, discussing their relentless advocacy for women’s rights, menstrual health, and their staunch opposition to sexual violence. Cindy Sirinya Bishop, a household name in Thailand—a multi-talented actress, model, and one of the nation’s most passionate activists—captivated the audience with her evolution…
In a political landscape where drama often takes center stage, the upcoming no-confidence debate against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra promises its fair share of intrigue, suspense, and a little touch of theatrical flair. Scheduled to take place on March 24, the debate will tackle allegations against Ms. Paetongtarn’s leadership. Yet, the true spotlight may just fall on the elephant in the room—or rather, the absent figure—former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. In a move that has everyone buzzing, the opposition People’s Party (PP), after much deliberation, decided that Thaksin’s name—the titan of Thai politics—won’t be directly mentioned throughout the proceedings. This decision, negotiated during a spirited meeting on Thursday with government and opposition whips, also included bigwigs like Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha and the charismatic opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut. Post-meeting, Natthaphong, with a twinkle in his eye, revealed that while Thaksin won’t be directly named, the opposition has plenty…
In a bustling metropolis like Bangkok, managing commercial areas can be as tricky as navigating a tuk-tuk through narrow alleyways. Yet, that’s exactly the challenge the Deputy Governor of Bangkok has taken on, focusing on the management of trading zones on Rachini and Maha Chai roads. With the calendar set to flip to 2025, the Phra Nakhon District Office is gearing up to suspend trading activities in these areas. Talk about a change of pace for the city’s street vendors! The numbers tell the story: 11 vendors have made Rachini Road their business hub, while 18 have laid claim to spots on Maha Chai Road. The district office has been tasked with ensuring that commercial activities align with the established trading rules and regulations throughout 2024. Vendors are encouraged to keep sidewalks clear and refrain from setting up their stalls in places already earmarked for suspension. Pedestrian pathways, often the…
The picturesque island of Koh Phangan, renowned for its moonlit beach parties and serene getaways, found itself amidst a rather peculiar media spotlight recently. A Hungarian national, Laszlo Meszaros, aged 40, became the unlikely headline after police raided his rented abode on this idyllic island in Surat Thani, much to the dismay of the laid-back atmosphere typically enjoyed here. Meszaros, despite the idyllic setting, found himself at odds with Thai law by venturing into a business niche reserved strictly for locals. Running a motorcycle rental business, the Hungarian had made the island his home and seemingly carved out a niche for himself among the many tourists looking to explore the terrain on two wheels. However, his entrepreneurial endeavor came to a screeching halt when local authorities, accompanied by immigration officers, decided to pay him a visit. The scene played out something like a detective noir, as Pol Col Apichart Chansamret,…
Amidst a sea of empowered voices and fervent aspirations, Prime Minister’s Office Minister, Jiraporn Sindhuprai, took center stage at the Bangkok Post’s Women Vision forum. Her keynote address, delivered in honor of International Women’s Day, served as both a rallying cry and a testament to the evolving role of women in Thailand – a land rich in culture and tradition yet ready to break away from the chains of convention. In a society where young girls have long been conditioned to aspire to roles like nurturing nurses, courageous doctors, or inspiring teachers, Ms. Jiraporn highlighted a stark contrast. Boys, without hesitation, dream of the political arena – a reflection of historical gender norms. Politics, seen as a male bastion, has historically deterred ambitious young girls, whispering that leadership is a man’s game. “Politics is for men,” the narrative went, as women in power were a rarity in Thailand’s political tapestry.…