Cast out into the chilly waters of political turmoil, it has become starkly apparent who Pheu Thai deems more expendable between the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) and the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party. Despite both swimming in the same political river, their distinct origins have ultimately determined their fate. In an unprecedented move, the newly formed cabinet welcomed only a fractional party into the government, specifically the beleaguered and fractured PPRP. Once the most formidable force in the Prayut Chan-o-cha administrations, the PPRP has dwindled down to a medium-sized party with a mere 40 MPs in the last general election. The formation of the Paetongtarn cabinet was marred by the PPRP’s deepest internal rift yet, climaxing in a 20-MP faction’s split, led by former party secretary-general, Capt Thamanat Prompow. This significant schism saw Capt Thamanat breaking ties with PPRP leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, a figure he once profoundly respected. The…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) is once again in the hot seat following a mix-up in the announcement of the winning candidates for teaching positions in Sa Kaeo. If you’re envisioning a scene with magnifying glasses and dramatic outbursts, you’re not too far off. A forensic twist has jolted this otherwise routine recruitment process straight into the realm of a whodunit mystery. Authorities at Obec, led by the ever-unflappable secretary-general Thanu Wongjinda, confessed they had to send those embattled test papers to the Police Forensic Science Office for further examination. Yup, fingerprints might be involved, but try not to let your imagination run wild with visions of DNA swabs and shadowy figures lurking in exam halls. This whole probing saga got its kickstart from a spurned candidate, known to us only as Khru Ben. Picture this: one day, she’s celebrating, popping the metaphorical champagne after seeing her…
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is preparing to indict three state officials for allegedly misusing public resources, such as vehicles and fuel reimbursements, for personal purposes. The officials in question are Pokpong Umyoo, the former director of the Rayong Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Centre; Kitchai Kulsamrit, a former Uthai Thani provincial local administration officer; and Chakrawut Yangsantia, also known as Chaiyan Petaipaiwan, the permanent secretary for the Na Kham Tambon Administrative Organisation, as the NACC announced yesterday. Mr. Pokpong allegedly utilized the centre’s car and pickup truck to transport materials to the site of his house under construction and conducted inspections during work hours for a period of 5 to 6 months in 2019. Moreover, he reportedly assigned 11 staff members from the centre to assist in relocating two trees, valued at approximately 4,000 baht, from the centre to his residence. These employees were also instructed to help with…
A group of construction workers commute to work on a songthaew in the bustling Rama IV area of Bangkok. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul) The eagerly anticipated nationwide daily minimum wage hike to 400 baht has hit yet another snag. Initially slated for October 1, the increase has been postponed due to insufficient attendance at the wage committee meeting. This committee, comprising employees, government officials, and employer representatives, requires at least ten members present to form a quorum. Unfortunately, only nine showed up, leaving crucial decisions in limbo. Permanent Secretary for Labour Pairoj Chotikasathien voiced his disappointment after Friday’s meeting. “We couldn’t proceed with the vote due to the lack of a quorum,” said Mr. Pairoj, explaining that without the necessary two-thirds of members present, they couldn’t finalize the wage rise matter. The discussions veered instead towards the potential impacts of the proposed wage hike, leaving crucial decisions still hanging in the…
A couple jubilantly holds a mockup of a marriage registration alongside a vibrant rainbow flag in support of the Marriage Equality Bill at the bustling Bangkok Arts and Cultural Centre on Friday. The photo, captured by Somchai Poomlard, symbolizes a beacon of hope and progress for many. Civil society groups are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the Marriage Equality Bill in the Royal Gazette by October 2, with plans for enforcement starting in January next year. Waaddao Anne Chumaporn, the passionate founder of Bangkok Pride, said on Friday that the bill had successfully passed the Senate on June 18 this year. Additionally, former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin submitted it for His Majesty the King’s endorsement on July 4. In Thailand, a bill must gain royal endorsement and be documented in the Royal Gazette within 90 days. Hence, activists are optimistic that this critical milestone will be met by October 2.…
Imagine a world where every second counts and heroes in high-vis uniforms race against the clock to save lives amidst natural disasters. This isn’t just a plot from a heart-pounding action movie; it’s the everyday reality for courageous rescue volunteers across Thailand. On a fateful Friday, at the “Joining Force, Joining Hearts” event held at the historic Santi Maitri Building in Government House, an inspiring proposal was put forth that could revolutionize the way rescue missions are conducted. Presided over by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the event was brimming with shared aspirations and heartfelt discussions. Notable attendees included Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, key ministers, rescue volunteers, and private sector representatives—all united by a common goal: to improve rescue operations and safeguard lives more effectively. The gathering was a tapestry of selflessness and solidarity, woven with stories and suggestions aimed at refining the nation’s disaster response framework. Prime Minister Shinawatra took…
At Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, the pygmy hippo named Moo Deng has become an unexpected superstar. But recently, controversy erupted after a foreign TikToker accused the zoo of imprisoning the lovable animal, sparking a wave of online debate. The zoo’s director, Narongwit Chodchoy, quickly responded to these allegations, standing firm on the zoo’s reputation and practices. He stressed that Khao Kheow Open Zoo maintains four core missions aimed at conserving animal species, conducting vital research, providing educational opportunities, and ensuring a relaxing experience for all visitors. Indeed, Khao Kheow Open Zoo is more than just a place to see exotic animals. It’s an institution dedicated to the conservation and reintegration of wildlife. Director Chodchoy highlighted the zoo’s successful breeding programs, which aim to return animals to their natural habitats. Recently, the zoo released sarus cranes, banteng, and black-necked storks back into the wild, signaling their commitment to…
In a heart-wrenching turn of events igniting the quiet streets of Pak Khat district in Bueng Kan province, local officials rallied in support of a grieving family on Friday. The previous night had seen an unnerving episode—one that ended in cold-hearted tragedy. A 14-year-old schoolboy was fatally shot by a 15-year-old peer from the same institution, sending shockwaves through the community. Nestled in the serene northeast, this incident shattered the tranquillity usually associated with Bueng Kan. The distress call came in around 7:35 PM, pulling Deputy Inspector Pol Capt Theerawisit Jinjanda and his team into action. Armed with crime scene investigators, forensic specialists, and a dedicated doctor from Pak Khat Hospital, they rushed to the site along with the empathic volunteers from the Sawang Siwilai Rescue Unit. Arriving at the scene, they beheld a sorrowful tableau—a young boy’s lifeless form lying on the grass by a modest house. The boy,…
On a bustling Monday morning, the gates of the Ministry of Education became the stage for an unfolding drama, as lawyer Ronnarong Kaewphet, alongside his client “Khru Ben,” brought forth a complaint shrouded in controversy. The issue at hand? The mysterious removal of Khru Ben’s name from a list of victorious candidates for teaching positions in Sa Kaeo province. The press eagerly flocked to capture the tale, which was beginning to sound like a suspense novel full of twists and turns. To get to the bottom of this puzzling predicament, the education ministry officials have called in an elite team of police forensic experts. Their mission: to untangle the web of questions surrounding the handling of the teachers’ exam in Sa Kaeo. The intrigue began when a wide-eyed young teacher claimed that her name initially topped the list of successful candidates, only to find it vanish into thin air just…
Officials are keeping a watchful eye on the flooded roads of Trat province this Friday, as around 50 provinces brace themselves for the persistent downpour courtesy of the weakened Storm Soulik. Despite the storm losing some of its ferocity, forecasters assure that it will continue to drench vast swathes of Thailand throughout the weekend. The Meteorological Department’s latest advisory, released on Friday evening, indicates that areas including the bustling metropolis of Bangkok should prepare for either rain or heavy rain through Monday due to Soulik’s lingering presence. Additionally, the forecast predicts high seas and formidable winds along the Andaman coast during this period. Storm Soulik made its grand entrance into Thailand via Nakhon Phanom in the Northeast around 10am on Friday, transitioning into a low-pressure system as it progressed. Though downgraded, Soulik hasn’t abandoned its potential to disrupt; it continues its westward journey, influencing the northern and northeastern regions significantly.…