In the sun-kissed yet sometimes mystifying province of Krabi, an unsettling story has emerged involving a Turkish national who seems to have slipped through the fingers of justice—not once, but twice. This tale of misadventure kicks off with a Thai scuba diving trainer, who, puzzled and frustrated, turned to Channel 7 for help after her complaints went seemingly unheard by the authorities at Ao Nang Police Station. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First, dive with me into the murky depths of this peculiar narrative. Picture this: it’s a serene day in Krabi on February 12 when a 33-year-old Turkish man, who shall remain nameless for now, decides to shake things up a bit. Our protagonist—if you can call him that—was caught red-handed by the lenses of modern technology. A video shows him picking up a rock, crossing a seemingly innocuous road, and launching it at the parked car…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the scenic backdrop of a bustling metropolis, a constellation of dignitaries gathered yesterday for an illuminating forum titled “Wellness for Ramadan: The Science of Wellness and Ramadan, the Balance of Faith and Health,” curated by none other than Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS). Present were some of the leading minds from various domains of wellness and diplomacy, including BDMS President Dr. Poramaporn Prasarttong-Osoth, Saudi Arabian Ambassador Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Alsuhaibani, Vice President of the Central Islamic Council Prasan Sricharoen, and House Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, not forgetting the venerated roles of Sheikhul Islam Arun Boonchum and Indonesian Ambassador Rachmat Budiman. Of course, at the helm was the BDMS Wellness Clinic CEO, Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun. The allure of Ramadan, with its intricate dance of mind training and body temperance, is more than just a spiritual exercise; it is an opportunity to coax the body into a harmonious state of health.…
As the curtains rise on a new chapter of diplomacy, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone embarks on a momentous journey to Thailand this Thursday, signaling a bold stride to fortify the bonds between these two neighboring nations. With anticipation high, this official visit, glowing under the spotlight of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, unfurls as a tapestry of collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth. Prime Minister Sonexay’s acceptance of an invitation from his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, marks a significant milestone in his tenure. Both nations find themselves at a unique juncture where shared aspirations and challenges converge, making this visit a crucible for crafting a future of strengthened bilateral relations. It’s more than a mere ceremonial tour; it’s an expression of unity aimed at fostering ground-breaking initiatives in trade, connectivity, and heartening interaction among their peoples. At the crux of their dialogue will be pivotal discussions on tackling familiar…
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is buzzing with confidence as Thai durians continue to captivate the taste buds of China. Following a meticulous tightening of food safety and contamination screening processes, Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat is optimistic that these aromatic fruits will maintain their cherished status. Her recent rendezvous with Sun Meijun, the illustrious Minister of The General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), set the stage for crunchy discussions on the future of Thai fruit imports. Thailand, the reigning champion of fruit exporters to China, proudly holds the crown with Thai durians capturing a mighty 57% slice of the market. According to Minister Narumon, this aroma-laden wonder contributes between 130 to 140 billion baht annually, with forecasts predicting even bolder figures in 2025. Amid whispers and murmurs about possible contamination with Basic Yellow 2 (BY2), a sneaky carcinogenic food coloring, in Thai durians headed for China, Minister Narumon has…
In what has become a heated exchange over how taxpayer money is being handled, the People’s Party (PP), a formidable opposition force, has levied serious allegations against the Social Security Office (SSO) regarding lavish expenditures. At the core of their claims lies a question of accountability and the necessity for the SSO’s outsized spending on overseas trips, training initiatives, and flashy public relations campaigns. Ratchanok Srinok, a notable Bangkok Member of Parliament, donned her detective hat and went public with her discoveries following a spirited “Hack the SSO Budget” forum held this past Saturday. In her pointed social media statement, she outlined six major points of contention, shedding light on the ballooning budgets the SSO has been wielding over the last few years. The financial trajectory she presented shows a steep ascent: from a relatively modest sum of 4 billion baht in 2020, soaring to a hefty 6.61 billion baht…
Rama II Road, renowned as Highway 35, is set to outshine its previous self with a construction renaissance that promises commuters a swifter, seamless journey. In a dynamic move, the Transport Ministry is making waves with its pledge to wrap up these pivotal projects before we bid adieu to this year. Under the meticulous eye of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat), the first major undertaking—the Rama III-Dao Khanong-Western Outer Ring Road expressway—has impressively reached the 87% completion mark. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, with an air of optimism, declared on Monday that we’re on track to see the finishing touches applied by November. As the hammers and drills hum along ahead of schedule, there’s an extra dash of urgency in the air. The Transport Ministry, like a maestro conducting a symphony, is orchestrating the construction crescendo to ensure an on-time finale by year’s end. But hold onto your hard hats,…
In a heartwarming and bustling visit, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra found herself amidst the serene waters of Thale Noi in the Khuan Khanun district of Phatthalung. There, with a cheerful sparkle in her eyes, she couldn’t resist the chance to engage with the local wildlife, feeding a buffalo as if greeting an old friend. This delightful escapade was part of her mission to assess the water management schemes destined for the iconic Songkhla Lake—a visit under the watchful eye of many smiling locals. The journey wasn’t just about buffaloes and water, though. Prime Minister Shinawatra voiced the government’s unwavering commitment: to unlock the bountiful potential of Thailand’s South. With grand ambitions laid out, she rallied support from a comprehensive cabinet assembly set to convene in Songkhla. Reports rolling out of Government House, courtesy of spokesman Jirayu Houngsub, unveiled an impressive financial strategy to bolster the Southern provinces straddling both the…
In the latest bout of political drama to transpire in Thailand’s coalition government, the focus has turned towards a picturesque golf course in the lush landscapes of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pak Chong district. The setting is serene, yet beneath its green veneer, a storm is brewing over allegations of public land encroachment. At the heart of this controversy is a high-profile figure, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, whose affiliation with the disputed land has raised eyebrows and questions. Phumtham Wechayachai, the Deputy Prime Minister, stood firm in his recent declaration that the government must launch an investigation into these claims, a stance that he asserts will not fracture the ties within this fragile political alliance. He emphasized the separation of governance from judicial proceedings, underscoring the necessity of pursuing the probe without causing cracks in coalition solidarity, especially amid looming no-confidence debates. In the statement, Mr. Phumtham expressed that, “Governance must be…
In the fast-evolving landscape of landmarks and legislation, the Office of Council of State (OCS) has taken a significant step by amending the Entertainment Complex Bill. While the redrafting process has only just been completed, an online public hearing is set to take place, running until March 1st. It’s a golden opportunity for citizens to chime in with their thoughts before the bill officially takes root. As with any bill that threads the delicate line between entertainment and social responsibility, concerns are swirling like leaves in a whirlwind. Atavit Suwanpakdee, a knowledgeable force and chairman of an advisory board to the Industry Minister, can’t help but raise an eyebrow over the finer points of the revamped bill. According to him, the new version has sharpened the focus with minute technicalities, one being that a mere sliver, only 10%, of an entertainment venue may be graced with the glitzy allure of…
The enchanting dance of regulatory proposals and public opinion is at it again, with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) meticulously orchestrating its next move. The stage is set for a riveting showdown as SRT gears up to propose the resurgence of alcohol sales on trains at the upcoming Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee meeting, according to a well-placed source. In an unexpected plot twist during the last meeting, the Public Health Ministry’s committee took the dramatic step of declining a similar request, citing potential pitfalls that overshadow potential benefits. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, who plays the role of committee chair, eloquently stated the decision not to embrace the proposal was anchored in a recent study. The analysis paints a picture of potential perils overshadowing any perceived advantages. Undeterred and brimming with determination, the SRT is set to reintroduce the proposal in an impassioned plea this Friday. The SRT, like…