One of the most influential figures in present-day Thai politics, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit – the spearhead of the Progressive Movement and bold ally of the Move Forward Party (MFP) faced the media at the Thai Summit Tower on the 21st of January, 2021. His words at the press conference were in response to insinuations and queries aimed at shedding doubt on his negotiations with Thaksin Shinawatra, the unspoken head of the Pheu Thai Party. This intriguing speculation made rounds as lawyer and academic from Chiang Mai University, Assoc Prof Somchai Preechasinlapakun, called Thanathorn out on his silence. Assoc Prof Somchai, a proud MFP ticket bearer of the May 14 general election, provoked Thanathorn’s silence on this critical question. His adamant lack of transparency does no good for the MFP’s credibility. He believes Thanathorn owes the ever-growing MFP supporter-base a comprehensive disclosure. He argued, “As a Thai citizen, the drama of secret…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Held right at the heart of the bustling Saphan Sung district in Bangkok, the picture shows a glimpse into an ordinary day at an elderly care centre. DDC director-general Thares Krasanairawiwong and a cohort of senior health officials watch attentively as a nurse expertly administers a vaccine to a patient (Photo: Somchai Poomlard). In the light of the rising concern surrounding the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), the Department of Disease Control (DDC) in Thailand is stalwart in their assertion—Thailand remains untouched by CCHF. The World Health Organization (WHO) identified this viral haemorrhagic fever as a menace of a communicable disease that’s ravaging through eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and some parts of Asia, with a daunting fatality rate hovering between 30 to 40%, as DDC director-general clarified last Friday. Fortunately, no cases have seen the light of day in Thailand yet, he reassured. The tick-borne Nairovirus gives berth to…
Scandal has erupted in the serene settings of Phetchabun province, following the uncovering of several resorts illegally encroaching on the preserved forest reserve. The authority in charge of Khao Kho National Park finds himself reassigned abruptly to a less active role pending a thorough investigation. Last Thursday marked a notable day as a surprise inspection was conducted by the Internal Security Operations Command, with Khao Kho National Park’s head, Prasan Iadsang also participating. This special team was particularly interested in inspecting the zone renowned as Pha Hua Sing or ‘lion head cliff’, a beloved part of the national park’s ecosystem. Initial sightings confirmed their apprehensions when two resorts were discovered operating on park territory without authorisation. The first company found guilty was Phu Thap Boek Suansawan, cunningly nestled about 200 metres away from the peripheral border of Pha Hua Sing. The illicit resort, sprawling over a substantial 69-rai (or 110,400-square-metre)…
The forthcoming long holiday period commences this weekend – beginning on July 28, His Majesty the King’s birthday, and concludes on August 2, marking the inception of Buddhist Lent. This announcement came from the interim government last week, who chose to add an extra public holiday on Monday, July 31st. The intention behind this initiative was to allow the citizens of Thailand more time to return to their ancestral homes. Yuthasak Supasorn, the esteemed Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), acknowledged that with the last-minute addition of an extra holiday, Thai citizens are unlikely to arrange international getaways. Instead, he believes they will opt for local visits, boosting domestic tourism. In light of this upcoming long break, TAT anticipates around 4.96 million local trips will be made, resulting in an average hotel occupancy rate of 63%. Particularly, it estimates hotels in the eastern part of the country may…
Considered an authority in his field, Dr. Seri Suprathit, the esteemed director of Rangsit University’s Climate Change and Disaster Centre, argues passionately that extensive, profound changes are paramount in the bid to boost agricultural productivity, decrease water use, and put innovative survival solutions into practice. In a thought-provoking Facebook post, Dr. Seri meticulously breaks down four potential scenarios that could shape the immediate future for Thai farmers. 1. Standard scenario: Even when situations are predictable and the climate is calm, farmers in Thailand put in serious effort yet yield minimal profits. This is primarily attributed to the arrangement of rice prices and poor management, culminating in exceedingly low yields when compared to various other rice-growing nations around the globe. Although Thailand prides itself on being an exceptional rice exporter, it’s an illusive claim. The ‘top exporter’ status is drawn from the fact that a vast amount of land (approximately 27.67…
In the latest development concerning Thailand’s real estate sector, the developer and involved state agencies are faced with considerable liabilities due to damage inflicted by a construction project. These entities have been issued a two-week ultimatum to deliver solutions without resorting to the building’s demolition. This decision comes as the climax of a significant court case wherein the supreme administrative court backed the preceding court’s verdict to retract the construction permit of the Ashton Asoke-Rama 9 scheme. This construction project has been a subject of controversy, involving the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) as a party. The MRTA had foreseen the utilisation of the land as part of the first stage of a rail project. The land, initially defined for a plush condominium project, neighboured a public route, Asok-Montri Road. However, a fraction of it was later regained to house the project. WCP’s legal counsel, Pisit Detchaiyasak, highlighted…
Observing the tense activities near the Khun Yuam district, the central monitoring body reported that the Myanmar Army has been actively engaged in aerial surveillance along the border area. Furthermore, consistent sightings of military operations led by Myanmar soldiers have been noted in neighbouring territories such as Mueang and Mae Sariang districts, amplifying concerns over the escalating situation in the region. According to the information gathered, the number of Myanmar refugees seeking asylum has risen significantly. An estimated total of 8,852 individuals hailing from Myanmar have found temporary shelter within the boundaries of Mae Sariang, Khun Yuam, and Pang Moo districts. These refugees are housed across five different shelters, their lives disrupted by the ongoing conflict in their home country. Simultaneously, an insider from the Karenni Army shared grave updates about the increasing hostilities. As per the source, an attack was orchestrated by the Myanmar Army on three settlements located…
With the dazzling cityscape of Bangkok serving as the backdrop, industry specialists from disparate corners of the globe converged at an event of large scale earlier this week. The unique platform was designed to spark connections between global health and wellness representatives, and Thai entrepreneurs, thus empowering the latter to showcase their innovative health and wellness tourism products. Beyond product exhibitions, this pivotal gathering was also a crucible for intellectual exchange through informative seminars and critical business negotiations. The attendees represented a broad geography extending from the far reaches of the United States and distant Italy to nearby Australia and China. Delegates also arrived from Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Indonesia, and Cambodia, in what can only be described as a truly global gathering. Apichai Chatchalermkit, who holds the impressive title of TAT’s Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, opined that all attendees had…
There’s an exciting wave of digital transformation sweeping across Thailand, as the country’s Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) works tirelessly to expand its digital horizons. In a swift and strategic move, the ministry recently made an extension to the influential ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN). Having added three more Thai provinces – Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Rayong, the DES is propelling Thailand further into the digital age. The proud announcement was made by the esteemed DES chief, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, at the significant sixth annual ASCN assembly in Bali, Indonesia. With these new inductions, the network, which began with 26 cities, has now grown to encompass a total of 29 cities – a commendable expansion indeed. However, the ASEAN Smart Cities Network is not just about numbers. The mission behind ASCN is to fuse efforts of member cities in a synergistic collaboration with the private sector. The goal? To…
Thailand, a nation known for its lush landscapes, is currently battling against the ripple effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon. However, its Royal Irrigation Department (RID), which obsessively monitors water supply channels of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), assures of a continuous water supply regardless of the challenging climate conditions. These weather conditions, predicted to last through April next year, won’t be an obstacle, thanks to the RID’s proficient water management. The meticulous planning and execution of the RID have garnered much attention and respect. Its director-general, Prapit Chanma, reiterates this dedication, assuring that the Bureau of Water Management and the Hydrology and Irrigation Office 9 are guided to set a comprehensive water management plan into action. This detailed plan is poised to guarantee sufficient water to EEC-based industries even amidst the unpredictable trials brought on by the El Nino climate event. El Nino, notorious for bringing about a…