The heart of the Court is beating anew with the royally endorsed ascension of Prasitsak Meelarp, beginning his tenure as the president of the Supreme Administrative Court on October 1. This monumental change follows the conclusion of Vorapot Visrutpich’s distinguished career, as he bids farewell upon reaching the venerable age of 70, the mandatory retirement threshold. In a diligent and judicious selection process, Prasitsak Meelarp emerged as the top candidate, a choice marked by the unanimous approval from the Judicial Commission of the Administrative Courts. The Senate echoed this confidence, officially endorsing his nomination on September 3, preceding the royal assent that solidified this transition. Mr. Prasitsak’s journey to prominence is a tale of dedication and scholarly excellence. He holds a bachelor’s degree in law from the revered Ramkhamhaeng University and enriched his academic arsenal with a master’s degree in political science from the prestigious Thammasat University. Notably, he also…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The deafening crash echoed through the pre-dawn silence of Lat Krabang district in Bangkok, sending a shiver down the spines of nearby residents. It was early Sunday morning, around 2am to be precise, when a usually uneventful drive took a catastrophic turn for a family of three. Their pickup truck violently plunged off a 10-metre-high flyover still under construction on Lat Krabang Road, near Suk Saman intersection. The flyover, known as the Lat Krabang-Onnut flyover, remained draped in shadows, concealing the danger that lurked below. With no clear barricade in sight, the unsuspecting driver continued forward. In a heart-stopping instant, the truck pitched off the edge, hurtling towards the ground. When police and rescue workers arrived at the chaotic scene, they were met with a heart-wrenching sight: a heavily damaged Isuzu pickup resting perilously close to a behemoth 22-wheeled truck parked up against the flyover’s skeletal structure. The force of…
A network of anti-drunk driving groups is passionately urging recipients of the government’s 10,000-baht cash handout to steer clear of spending the funds on alcohol, aiming to mitigate accidents. Phattarabhandhu Krissana, the chairman of the Network of Victims Against Drunk Driving, emphatically highlighted that the grant is better utilized for essentials or investments. He cautioned that indulging in alcoholic beverages could lead to regrettable accidents and potentially serious disabilities, impacting not just the individuals but others around them. He elaborated that the network, alongside the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation, has advised its members who benefitted from the handout to allocate part of the funds for paying vehicle taxes. This strategy could enhance protection against accidents, fostering a safer community. Mr. Phattarabhandhu noted that many members of their 15,000-strong network are recipients of the handout, providing them a crucial financial breather during these economically challenging times. This collective plea arises as…
The recent appointment of Deputy Attorney General Phairach Pornsomboonsiri as the new Attorney General, succeeding the outgoing Attorney General Amnat Jedcharoenruk, has garnered royal endorsement, marking a significant transition for the Office of the Attorney General. According to a formal announcement published in the Royal Gazette on Friday, Mr. Phairach’s new role is set to take effect on October 1. Earlier this month, the Senate gave its overwhelming approval to Mr. Phairach’s appointment, with an impressive 184 votes in favor, only two against, and nine abstentions. This broad support reflects the confidence the legislative body has in his capabilities to uphold justice and lead the Attorney General’s office with integrity. Mr. Phairach, born on January 27, 1960, has had a distinguished career that speaks volumes about his dedication and expertise. He earned his bachelor’s degree in law with First Class Honours from Chulalongkorn University in 1980. Not one to rest…
Deputy police chief, Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, is stepping into the spotlight as he has been appointed the acting national police chief following the retirement of Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol at the end of this month. This significant move was made official in an order signed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, marking a new chapter for the Thai police force starting on October 1. The appointment of a new police chief is a process that can potentially commence after October 3, coinciding with the implementation of the Police Commission’s new regulations. As the anticipation builds, three remarkable candidates have emerged as frontrunners for the prestigious position: Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet: The most senior in line, boasting an illustrious career marked by dedication and expertise. Pol Gen Kraiboon Suadsong: The seasoned police inspector-general, known for his sharp insights and strategic mind. Pol Gen Thana Choowong: The dynamic deputy police chief, celebrated…
The Maeklong Railway Market in Samut Songkhram, affectionately known as Talad Rom Hub or the Flicked Umbrellas Market, is a bustling and unique experience for tourists. The market earned its nickname because vendors dramatically close their umbrellas and retract their stalls whenever trains pass through. It’s an exhilarating sight combined with the bustling energy of local commerce. Recently, however, not all the drama was limited to the approaching trains. SAMUT SONGKRAM found itself in the spotlight due to an incident involving a coffee shop owner at this popular destination located in the Mae Klong district. The vendor, now infamously known as Mr. Jame, found himself in hot water following a run-in with a Spanish tourist. This altercation, caught on camera, showed Mr. Jame pushing and yelling at the tourist, leading to significant backlash on social media. The video quickly went viral, sparking a public outcry and prompting immediate action. The…
As dawn’s first light kissed the Democracy Monument, a lone bird soared above, embodying the hope and freedom so deeply cherished in Bangkok. However, not all was as serene in the political landscape as this tranquil scene suggested. The Pheu Thai Party’s abrupt U-turn on their proposed charter amendment concerning the ethical standards for political officeholders has stirred significant debate. Initially, Pheu Thai set out to modify certain sections of the 2017 constitution, emphasizing Section 160 which charts out the criteria for anyone aspiring to be a minister. It insists on unblemished honesty and a clean ethical record. Yet, this proposal clashed headlong into robust opposition from coalition partners like Bhumjaithai and the United Thai Nation (UTN) parties. Sorawong Thienthong, Pheu Thai’s secretary-general, hinted that the bill might be withdrawn for further contemplation. The Bangkok Post reached out to analysts and political representatives to dissect whether such incremental amendments could…
Jakrapob Penkair, a former Prime Minister’s Office minister and a pivotal figure in the red shirt movement, made headlines upon his return to Thailand on March 28, ending his 15-year self-imposed exile. (Photo: Jakrapob Penkair Facebook) One of the hot-button issues Jakrapob addressed upon his return was the contentious topic of rewriting Thailand’s constitution. According to him, this should not be an immediate priority for the Paetongtarn Shinawatra government. Rather, it should be a deliberate, inclusive process that involves all political factions and the general public. “I believe that rewriting the entire constitution will take time. It is a long-term process, but allowing all parties and the public to participate in the process can begin immediately. Discussing it won’t hurt,” he emphasized. Jakrapob suggested that state-owned media could serve as a vital tool for informing the public about the strengths and weaknesses of the current constitution. He stressed the importance…
Picture this: eager faces lining up in front of gleaming ATMs, ready to receive their much-anticipated 10,000-baht cash handout from the government. The atmosphere buzzes with a mix of relief and hope, mirrored in the faces of those gathering outside a branch of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives in Buri Ram. Captured in a photograph by Surachai Piragsa, this scene tells only a part of the unfolding drama. Against this backdrop, anti-drunk driving campaigners are voicing their concerns. They’re urging recipients to channel this windfall thoughtfully, steering well clear of alcohol. “Invest in necessities or even smart investments,” pleads Phattarabhandhu Krissana, the passionate chairman of the Network of Victims Against Drunk Driving. His plea is poignant: avoid the slippery path of alcohol consumption which could lead to tragic accidents and lasting disabilities. Standing shoulder to shoulder with the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation, Phattarabhandhu advocates a sensible allocation of…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her cabinet waded through the flood-ravaged roads of Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai on Saturday. (Photo: Government House) Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra reassured the flood-stricken residents of Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai on Saturday, promising them that the North’s most affected area would see normalcy restored by November 1st. Wrapping up a two-day tour inspecting flood damage and recovery efforts, she also visited neighboring Chiang Mai province, where conditions showed signs of improvement. On arriving in Mae Sai, Ms. Paetongtarn was briefed by Royal Thai Army Engineering Department officials before touring two villages, Ban Ko Sai and Ban Pha Chom, to monitor reconstruction progress. Riding through the area, she told reporters she expected 24 major roads and the Sailom Joy Market, an essential border market severely impacted by the floods, to be fully repaired within 45 days. “This year’s seasonal floods destroyed 64…