In the often tumultuous world of Thai politics, where the military and government powers frequently grapple for control, a new wave of reform is stirring. Pheu Thai lawmaker, Prayuth Siripanich, is at the heart of this political storm, pushing forward with his contentious “anti-coup bill”. The bill is designed to curb future military takeovers in a country historically fraught with coups. Despite the noble intentions, Siripanich’s bill encounters significant resistance, raising questions about its future. Siripanich, a seasoned Pheu Thai MP, recently announced that he would retract his anti-coup bill after fierce criticism, but not for long. His intention is to refine and eventually resubmit it with improved clauses to Parliament, maintaining his determination even amid skepticism. This withdrawal comes in accordance with Section 77 of the Thai Constitution, as Siripanich seeks a more fortified legal proposal. This legislative endeavor first took shape under the direction of Sutin Klungsang from…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the early, tranquil hours of Saturday morning, the picturesque backdrop of Jomtien Beach was marked by a heart-pounding incident that swiftly turned into a gripping tale of endurance and hope. Alamri Abdulrahman Mahdi, a young soul of 26 with determination etched on his face, emerged onto the sands of Chon Buri after enduring a harrowing ordeal at sea. But the story began on what started as an idyllic Friday evening. With the sun dipping below the horizon, Alamri and his wife, the beautiful and resilient Alamri Atheer Saeed, rented a Jet Ski to enjoy the gentle embrace of the ocean and the thrill of the ride. As the gleeful laughter echoed over the waves, they had no inkling of the adventure that lay ahead. The sea, in all its unpredictable glory, had other plans. As they ventured a few kilometers away from the safety of Jomtien Beach, the Jet…
On a bright and promising horizon, Thailand and South Korea are embarking on a journey of economic partnership that promises to reshape trade, services, and investment landscapes. Their mission? A cutting-edge Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan unveiled with palpable enthusiasm. Following an amiable tête-à-tête with Park Yongmin, South Korea’s amicable Ambassador to Thailand, the pieces are falling into place at the bustling ministry headquarters. The grand vision? The Thailand-South Korea Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) – a beacon of cooperation that doesn’t just settle on the laurels of past achievements but aims to catapult bilateral relations into the modern economic zeitgeist. It’s about transcending the well-trodden paths of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-South Korea Free Trade Agreement, and the venerable Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Minister Pichai, a fervent advocate of innovation, explained that the EPA stands to break new ground in fields like digital…
In the vibrant landscape of Thai politics, where drama unfolds like a live-action soap opera, Pheu Thai lawmaker Prayuth Siripanich finds himself at the center of a gripping saga. His quest to introduce an “anti-coup bill,” aimed at curbing the military’s power and preventing future coups, has been met with fierce resistance from critics. Yet, in a true plot twist, political analysts predict it’s quite unlikely to win parliament’s backing as the curtain rises on this tumultuous show. Despite the backlash, our protagonist, Mr. Prayuth, remains undeterred. With the steely resolve of a knight on a legislative quest, he plans to withdraw the bill, not in defeat, but for a strategic revision. This theatrical move promises a more polished version of the bill’s reappearance on the parliamentary stage, all in accordance with Section 77 of the constitution. It seems Mr. Prayuth believes in the art of patience and persistence, convinced…
In the bustling corridors of Thai politics, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra made headlines yet again on November 13, as he boarded a train to Prachuap Khiri Khan. Clad in charisma and commanding influence, Thaksin was on a mission to remind the ruling Pheu Thai Party of the importance of unity, even as some coalition parties played hooky from a significant cabinet meeting. This gathering in Hua Hin district was no ordinary seminar. It was a place where political heavyweights flexed their muscles, and Thaksin, known for his unyielding spirit, took the opportunity to express his discontent. The cabinet meeting in question was set to deliberate on two crucial executive decrees—one concerning the reform of juristic person tax and the other on boosting the country’s competitiveness. However, some ministers failed to grace the occasion with their presence. This left Thaksin less than impressed. “Where’s the ‘all for one and one for…
Picture this: a sunny day at Hua Hin Airport. This charming gateway, nestled in the vibrant heart of Thailand, might soon be welcoming globetrotters from all corners of the world as it blossoms into an international airport. This ambitious leap is courtesy of the Transport Ministry, with Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri at the helm, orchestrating a symphonic upgrade that promises to transform Hua Hin’s aviation scene. Manaporn Charoensri recently revealed plans to revamp the airport’s operations, collaborating with key players like the Department of Airports, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, and others. Their mission? To secure the coveted international airport certificate and cater to the swelling ranks of passengers eager to explore Hua Hin’s delights. This expansion is not just a win for convenience seekers; it’s a bonanza for the tourism sector and a catalyst for economic growth. The visionary behind this grand scheme, Danai Ruangsorn, director-general of the Department of…
The bustling city of Bangkok, renowned for its vibrant streets and cultural fusion, is about to witness a groundbreaking transformation. Aspiring homeowners are keenly eyeing the National Housing Authority in Bang Kapi district. This is where the government’s ambitious housing project for low-income earners began its journey back in 2015. Fast forward to today, the government is stepping up with an expansive vision, poised to change the game with the “Housing for Thais” initiative. Set to launch in January, this trailblazing housing programme is a key feature in Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s tapestry of economic rejuvenation. Unveiled on the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, the initiative promises 1 million affordable and fully-furnished homes. It offers a dazzling prospect of homeownership intertwined with the notion of community-driven growth. The objective is straightforward yet profound: provide 99-year leases for high-quality homes at jaw-droppingly affordable prices. The scheme includes a tantalizing offer of…
In a dramatic turn of events on Saturday evening, a concrete beam made an unexpected descent from the sky, or rather from a crane, onto Bangkok’s bustling Rama IV Road. This incident occurred amidst the chaotic comedy of the urban jungle, where the beam found itself misplaced amid the twilight hustle at the Lumpini intersection. Thankfully, even as three pickup trucks bore the brunt of its unceremonious fall, the accident left human lives unscathed, only ruffling a few steel feathers. The crunch of metal and screech of brakes reverberated through the urban expanse, turning heads and widening eyes. It was an act no one expected from Bangkok’s skyline – the ultimate party crasher. As confused spectators gathered, the atmosphere was electrified with a sense of relief that no one was hurt, coupled with the bemusement of how such a concrete monolith ended its journey on solid asphalt. Heads were soon…
In a dramatic turn of events, the picturesque southern provinces of Thailand, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat, found themselves under siege by an unrelenting wave of flooding this past Saturday. The constant deluge of rain, persisting since Thursday, reached a tipping point as swollen waterways overflowed, spilling their watery burden into serene villages and vibrant agricultural landscapes. The swelling waters have so far claimed two lives, underscoring the grave seriousness of the situation. In Surat Thani, the deluge swept through the three districts of Muang, Kanchanadit, and Don Sak. The sight was reminiscent of a biblical flood, with water levels imperiously invading homes and roads, sparing nothing in its path. An estimated 315 households over 42 villages found themselves entangled in the embrace of this watery chaos. At the heart of the tumult, Huai Dan Village Moo 6 in Kanchanadit lay shrouded under a precarious meter of water, prompting…
In an unexpected turn of events at the bustling Phuket International Airport, there unfolded a gripping drama that had all the makings of a suspense thriller. The serene, sun-kissed island destination of Phuket, often associated with its mesmerizing beaches and care-free holiday vibes, witnessed the dramatic arrest of a murder suspect, sparking intrigue and capturing the attention of both tourists and locals alike. Late night on the island known for its vibrant nightlife, a routine flight, Shanghai Airlines Flight FM 831, touched down on the warm tarmac, carrying a diverse mix of travelers eager to explore the tropical paradise. Among them was one passenger who drew the attention of international law enforcement: Qian Guofeng, a Chinese national whose postcard-perfect trip to Phuket was cut unexpectedly short. Qian, unbeknownst to his fellow passengers casually disembarking into the humid Thai air, was not your everyday tourist. The long arm of justice had…