Posts published in “Thailand”

Two of Thailand’s beloved kitchenware brands, Zebra Group and Seagull, have set the culinary scene abuzz with their latest promotions, featuring stainless steel mess trays that mirror the Royal Thai Army’s specifications, while being significantly more wallet-friendly. These brands are riding a wave of public scrutiny following a heated parliamentary debate over the acquisition of 10,000 mess trays by the army, which an opposition MP claims came at a grossly inflated price. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a prominent figure from the People’s Party, first cast light on this contentious issue, questioning the Army Ordnance Department’s procurement methods. He pointed out that the army paid a whopping 520 baht per tray, a figure that seemed exorbitant when compared to similar options available in the market. Capitalizing on the ensuing uproar, Zebra Group took to social media last Friday, showcasing a six-compartment tray priced at a mere 355 baht. Praising its resilience and safety,…

In the tranquil province of Mae Hong Son, nestled away in Thailand’s picturesque north, an unexpected tragedy unfolded this past weekend. The serene district of Pai, known for its scenic beauty and laid-back vibes, turned into the focus of an intense search operation. Authorities were on a desperate hunt for 28-year-old Belgian tourist, Cloe Ferari, who had seemingly vanished without a trace. The alarm was raised on Friday when Cloe failed to return to her accommodation after setting out on a bicycle ride. Concerned for her safety, the Tourist Police quickly joined forces with local officers from the Pai station and a dedicated team of rescue workers. Their mission was clear—locate the missing tourist and bring her back safely. Local residents added a crucial piece to the puzzle by reporting the discovery of Cloe’s bicycle, abandoned along a trail leading towards the alluring Mae Yen waterfall, approximately 7 kilometers east…

In what could be a scene straight out of a high-stakes thriller, the highway police in Surat Thani made a jaw-dropping discovery when they intercepted a container truck filled with more than just fruits. Beneath baskets brimming with tropical delights lay fertiliser sacks concealing a whopping 250 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine! This audacious bust unfolded in Tha Chang district, turning a routine stop into a sensational news story. The clandestine cargo, valued at a staggering 100 million baht, was slated for overseas export, pointing to an extensive and sophisticated drug network. It was a nerve-wracking Friday around 4 p.m. when highway police, acting on a tip-off from drug suppression units, pulled over the six-wheel truck in tambon Khlong Sai. Little did they know, they were about to uncover a smuggling operation of epic proportions. The driver, soon to be infamous, didn’t mince words. He gestured towards a Toyota vehicle that…

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, radiant and poised, took to the podium after chairing a highly anticipated special cabinet meeting this past Saturday. This significant event was her first official address following the cabinet’s solemn oath-taking before His Majesty the King on Friday. The hallowed halls of Government House buzzed with anticipation as Ms. Paetongtarn outlined an ambitious to-do list for her ministers, each point reflecting her dedication and grand vision for Thailand’s future. With an air of reverence, she began by stressing the importance of heeding the invaluable advice bestowed by His Majesty the King, highlighting it as a source of unwavering encouragement and wisdom that would light the path forward for her government. The way she articulated this was nothing short of inspiring, setting the tone for the critical tasks ahead. The first word of business on her agenda was continuity—specifically, preserving the robust economic policies of her predecessor,…

The new cabinet is gearing up for a crucial special meeting this Saturday, aimed at crafting a comprehensive policy statement. This follows the official swearing-in of all 35 cabinet ministers on Friday. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra led the ministers to take their oaths before His Majesty the King at the majestic Ambara Villa in the Dusit Palace. Ms. Paetongtarn is set to unveil the new government’s policy in front of parliament on September 12-13. Her official duties will commence on September 16, with the first cabinet meeting slated for September 17. The government must present its policy statement to parliament as a prerequisite for beginning its work. Ms. Paetongtarn has been open to including policy suggestions from other coalition parties in the policy statement, aspiring to complete it by the end of the week. Front and center is the Pheu Thai Party’s notable digital wallet handout scheme, anticipated to be…

Ready for office: Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, centre front, poses with the new cabinet for a group photo at Government House yesterday afternoon before taking the oath of office in the presence of His Majesty the King yesterday evening. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) There’s a palpable buzz in the air as the new cabinet begins its journey, officially kicking off with a special meeting today. The objective? Crafting a comprehensive policy statement showcasing the government’s agenda. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took the lead yesterday, guiding her 35 ministers through their oath-taking ceremony in front of His Majesty the King at the illustrious Ambara Villa in Dusit Palace. The upcoming week is sure to be monumental. Starting September 12-13, Ms. Paetongtarn will present the new government’s policy statement before parliament, with her official role commencing on September 16. The inaugural cabinet meeting is slated for September 17, and everyone is eager to…

Picture this: tourists bustling through the Suvarnabhumi Airport passenger terminal. It’s a lively setting that reflects a country on the move. So, what’s next for one of Asia’s busiest aviation hubs? Airports of Thailand (AoT) has a master plan, and it’s nothing short of ambitious. They’re ramping up their six international airports to accommodate a whopping 210 million passengers by 2032. Let’s dive into the details, shall we? On a bright Friday morning, Kerati Kijmanawat, the AoT director, revealed the Ministry of Transport’s grand strategy for 2023-2027. It’s tailored to elevate Thailand into a premier regional aviation hub. Picture Suvarnabhumi International Airport as a mega gateway, aspiring to accommodate 120 million passengers by 2030. Don Mueang International Airport isn’t far behind, targeting 40 million. By 2032, Chiang Mai International Airport will cater to 20 million travelers, while Phuket International Airport braces for 18 million by 2028. Over at Mae Fah…

The People’s Movement for a Just Society (P-Move) recently laid out 10 forward-thinking policies, among them robust land management strategies for farmers, targeted at the new government led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This bold initiative saw a coalition of passionate P-Move members, fronted by their dynamic secretary-general Theeranet Chaisuwan, congregating at Shinawatra Tower 3 on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road early yesterday morning. Arriving subtly via an underground entrance to elude the growing assembly at the main entrance, Prime Minister Paetongtarn made her way into the building around 9am, an hour after the eager group had gathered. At around 9:20am, a Pheu Thai Party representative stepped forward to accept the pivotal proposal letter from the determined P-Move members. Reports indicate that Prime Minister Paetongtarn promptly delegated Somkid Chuakong, the deputy secretary-general to the prime minister, to initiate contact with P-Move. The objective? To carve out a schedule for discussions addressing the…

In a persistent whirlwind of controversy, Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) has once again fervently asserted its innocence regarding the notorious blackchin tilapia outbreak. Despite their ongoing efforts, critics remain unconvinced, largely because CPF has cited their internal investigation rather than an independent third-party review. This past Thursday, the situation escalated as local fishermen in the serene Samut Songkhram region filed a sweeping lawsuit with Bangkok South Civil Court. They are demanding a staggering 2.4 billion baht in compensation. The lawsuit alleges that CPF’s negligence unleashed the invasive blackchin tilapia into local waterways. A source indicated that these fish were initially imported from Ghana back in 2010 for breeding research at CPF’s development center in the picturesque Amphawa district. CPF, in a vigorous defense, revealed it had established a diligent fact-finding committee to delve into the matter. Scrutinizing everything from the inception of the idea in 2006 until the cessation of…

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has cast a spotlight on a high-profile scandal involving a former permanent secretary of the Ministry of Culture and more than 20 other individuals. They’ve been indicted for allegedly helping a firm secure a 485-million-baht contract to provide ceremonial materials for royally sponsored funerals back in 2020. This dramatic turn of events was unveiled yesterday, according to a source, shattering the cloak of secrecy surrounding the issue. The main character in this unfolding drama is none other than Kitsayapong Siri, the former permanent secretary of the Culture Ministry. Alongside him, a cast of over 20 other individuals, including top-ranking officials, members from both the Terms of Reference Committee and Procurement Committee, and personnel from private companies, have found themselves ensnared in the legal net. The plot thickens as we delve into the origins of the case, which saw the light of day after Isara News…