Posts published in “Thailand”

In an unexpected yet welcoming move, Thai workers residing illegally in South Korea have now found themselves granted a unique lifeline. Authorities are encouraging them to step forward and seize the opportunity presented by a voluntary return program—a golden ticket allowing them to dodge hefty fines and avoid other legal entanglements. The Thai embassy in Seoul has publicly announced this initiative, urging its citizens to visit the immigration office and make use of the amnesty before time runs out on January 31 of next year. For those who heed this call and report by the set deadline, there’s a significant reward waiting in the wings. No fines for overstaying will be imposed—a substantial relief for those caught in the web of undocumented life—the message resounds loud and clear across the embassy’s Facebook page, offering a beacon of hope for many. As highlighted in a revealing report by the Korea Times…

In a tale that has all the makings of a suspense thriller, the fate of the Thai crewmembers detained in Myanmar hangs in the balance. Last week, an incident off the coast of Ranong ignited a diplomatic conundrum, leaving the government of Thailand at the mercy of Nay Pyi Taw’s deliberations. Local authorities are at a standstill, unable to act without the green light from their neighbors across the border. Enter Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who on Monday expressed both resolve and restraint. The wheels of negotiation are turning, albeit slowly, as the Thai side has formally requested visitation rights to their compatriots, now held in Myanmar. It’s a situation that calls for tact, as Phumtham reminded everyone that a labyrinth of procedures and legal intricacies must be navigated with care. A ray of hope flickered when plans were made to initiate talks with the Thai-Myanmar Township Border Committee (TBC),…

The anticipation is palpable as the spotlight shifts to the forthcoming meeting of a newly formed tripartite wage committee. This gathering is poised to be a deciding factor in the government’s considerable plan to raise the national daily minimum wage to an impressive 400 baht, taking effect from the start of the new year, January 1, 2025. The initiative is being framed as a generous New Year’s gift to the hard-working populace and stands as one of the marquee policies of the governing Pheu Thai Party. Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the Labour Permanent Secretary, conveyed that the 15-member tripartite committee is geared up and ready for the crucial meeting scheduled for Thursday. Interestingly, the cabinet has been active, recently appointing two new members to occupy previously empty seats, ensuring that all stations at the committee table are filled. This committee, a melting pot of diverse perspectives, includes representatives from the government, employers,…

Anutin Charnvirakul’s Resounding Opposition to a Bold Military Amendment Bill The political landscape of Thailand is as vibrant and compelling as ever, and recent events have taken center stage, captivating the attention of the nation. At the heart of this riveting drama is none other than Anutin Charnvirakul, the dynamic leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, known for his sharp wit and unyielding principles. The ruling Pheu Thai Party’s audacious proposal to amend the Defence Ministry Administration Act, aiming to mitigate the military’s propensity for coup d’etats, has set the stage for a political showdown of epic proportions. With all the charisma and eloquence one might expect from a seasoned politician, Anutin addressed the proverbial elephant in the room on a Monday bustling with media frenzy. He asserted with a knowing smile that passing such a bill might not deter the military’s coup ambitions. Instead, he emphasized, “Politicians should steer clear…

In a chilling turn of events, the serene township of Lom Sak in Thailand’s northern Phetchabun province woke up to an unsettling mystery on Monday evening. Known for its picturesque landscapes and delightful local cuisine, this town now grapples with a tragedy that unfolded within the confines of an unsuspecting fermented fish plant. At the heart of this somber tale stands a fish fermentation tank, traditionally a bastion of culinary delight, now transformed into the tragic scene where five men were discovered lifeless. This was not just any ordinary Monday evening. It was a day that would cast a long shadow over the community, bringing forth grief and intrigue in equal measure. The initial alarm was raised by a concerned 66-year-old woman, a close confidante of the plant owner, who, in a bout of worry, reached out to the police through the emergency hotline, 191. The cause of her concern?…

In the otherwise peaceful town of Lom Sak, nestled in the lush province of Phetchabun, Thailand, an unsettling incident unfolded that not only gripped the local community but piqued the curiosity of many beyond its borders. This picturesque area, known for its serene landscapes and tranquil pace, was abruptly disrupted by a grim discovery at a local fermented fish plant, a place usually associated with the pungent, yet beloved culinary delicacy of pla ra. On what was supposed to be an ordinary Monday evening, police in Lom Sak received an alarming report shortly after 5 PM. The call came from a concerned 66-year-old woman who, being a close acquaintance of the plant owner, noticed something was amiss. She alerted authorities after the owner was unable to reach his son-in-law and the workers assigned to labor at the plant nestled in tambon Nong Khwai. Curious and somewhat uneasy, a police patrol…

In the quaint town of Lom Sak, nestled in the northern reaches of Phetchabun province, an ordinary day took a turn for the macabre as tragedy unfolded at a well-known fermented fish plant. What started as a routine maintenance task spiraled into a grim discovery on Monday evening that sent shockwaves through the local community. The heart of this unsettling story lies in the humble surroundings of a fish fermentation pond, a place that typically doesn’t command much attention. Yet, on this fateful afternoon, it became the unlikely center of a chilling mystery. By 5 p.m., local authorities had converged upon the site in response to an urgent call. What they discovered would eventually unravel into a scene that nobody was prepared for. Among the still waters of the pond lay the lifeless bodies of five men. Identified only by their first names or intimate monikers, they were: Lam, aged…

In a dramatic turn of events at Trang Airport, the unfolding saga of the new passenger terminal construction has taken the spotlight, much like a gripping plot twist in a suspense novel. This thrilling chapter of infrastructure drama began when the Airport Department, under the watchful eye of Director Danai Ruangsorn, took the audacious leap to terminate the construction contract. The abandoned terminal project, a victim of more than six months of inactivity, was left stranded by the now-infamous contractor, Port and Marine Cooperation (PAM). The legal eagles are soaring into action, as the department swoops in with lawsuits against PAM. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking with Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri’s directive to speed up, gear up, and get that terminal up and running by March 2025. With the promise of turbocharging tourism and giving the local economy a much-needed shot in the arm, this is one infrastructure assignment not…

In a colorful and determined show of solidarity, members of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand took to the streets in a spirited anti-corruption parade. This lively event, which took place in September 2023, was not just about waving banners and blowing whistles (though there was plenty of that); it was a marching manifestation of Thailand’s resolve to rid itself of corruption once and for all—a commitment celebrated in a stunning photograph captured by Varuth Hirunyatheb. Set against the backdrop of International Anti-Corruption Day, the Thai government made a promising pledge—they’re not just aiming to tackle corruption head-on, but to boost the country’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score from a lackluster 35 to an ambitious over 50 out of 100. This bold vow was proclaimed at a ceremony orchestrated by a triad of anti-corruption titans: the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Public Sector Anti-Corruption…

In the vibrant heart of Bangkok, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was at the helm, launching the much-anticipated 10,000-baht handouts at a ceremony inside the historic Government House on a sunny September 25th. This moment, captured vividly by Chanat Katanyu’s lens, was more than just a typical day in the capital—it was a game changer in the landscape of socioeconomic support. However, in the midst of celebration, controversy was brewing. Activist Sonthiya Sawasdee was making waves with a new set of documents, reinforcing his petition to the Constitutional Court against the Pheu Thai Party’s handling (or, as he claims, mishandling) of their bold election promise—a 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. His argument? The current handouts might help the marginalized and vulnerable, but they miss the digital mark promised during the heated election campaigns. Let’s rewind to last year’s high-stakes campaign drama, where the Pheu Thai Party raised eyebrows and hopes by proposing…