In a tale that could rival the fables of old, nestled in the heart of Thailand’s verdant landscapes, Assoc Prof Dr Somporn Isvilanonda, a sage of agricultural lore and a senior fellow at the Knowledge Network Institute of Thailand, has cast a wary eye over a curious government initiative. This cautionary note unraveled in a narrative filled with commerce, rice, and the specter of corruption – ingredients ripe for an epic saga. Our story unfolds with Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai embarking on a journey to Surin province on a day marked by fate, March 14. His destination? Two ancient vaults of grain, the Poonpol Trading Co Ltd’s 4th warehouse in the Muang district and the legendary 2nd Kittichai warehouse in the Prasat district. These storied chambers held within them treasures of a bygone era – sacks of rice, 32,879 in one and a staggering 112,711 in…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine stepping onto a train, the doors whistling closed behind you as you swipe your pass, and – surprise! You’re not about to dent your wallet because, thanks to Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, a journey anywhere on the Red and Purple lines now costs a mere 20 baht. This isn’t a drill, nor is it the plot of a futuristic utopia novel. It’s the reality for commuters in Thailand, who’ve been reveling in this financial breath of fresh air since October 15. But what’s the real impact of this seemingly small change? Let’s dive into the world of trains, tickets, and tantalizing statistics. Upon flicking through the pages of the Rail Transport Department’s ledger, one can’t help but be struck by the seismic shift that occurred post-October 15. Before this wallet-friendly policy was introduced, the Red and Purple lines saw an average of 78,611 people per trip crisscrossing their networks.…
In the verdant, bustling heart of Thailand’s Government House, an encounter unfolded on Wednesday morning that was as surreal as it was symbolic. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, in a moment that felt like a scene plucked from a vibrant Thai tapestry, extended a cautious hand to touch the horn of Ko Muang Phet, the world’s largest white water buffalo. The scene was framed by the intrigued gazes of onlookers, including Jittanart Limthongkul, the proud owner of the magnificent beast and a prominent figure at Vanasuwan Farm Co. The air buzzed with an electric mix of anticipation and respect as the Prime Minister regarded the colossal animal before him. But this was no ordinary photo op. For Prime Minister Srettha, Ko Muang Phet symbolized something far greater: a unique opportunity to wield the serene majesty of the Thai water buffalo as a form of “soft power” on the international stage. The…
Imagine basking in the tropical paradise of Koh Phangan, where the air is filled with the scent of the sea, exotic fruits, and the promise of unforgettable adventures. This idyllic setting, however, was the backdrop for an event that sounds more like a scene from a soap opera than a day in paradise. Meet Alena, a 40-year-old Russian expat, whose apology was as unexpected as the incident itself. She found herself embroiled in a rather peculiar controversy that involved, of all things, a kick and a strict no-shoes policy. And then there’s Satika, a 34-year-old expectant mother and store owner, whose day took a turn for the surreal when she became the recipient of that unexpected kick. The story unfolded on the serene island of Koh Phangan, a place known more for its Full Moon Parties and laid-back vibe than for altercations. Satika, the entrepreneurial spirit behind a quaint shop…
Once upon a time, in the year 1988, a set of passenger cars came to life, destined to become part of the legendary Hamanasu Express train service. This service was no ordinary one; it was a bridge connecting the islands of Hokkaido and Honshu in Japan, whisking travelers on the final leg of their journey through Hokkaido with unforgettable grace until its final run on March 21, 2016. The Hamanasu passenger cars, named after Hokkaido’s emblematic Japanese rose, embarked on a new adventure last week, following an announcement by SRT Governor Nirut Maneepan. This announcement wasn’t just any news; it was the revelation of a grand plan to reincarnate the Hamanasu cars into the splendid “SRT Royal Blossom” tourist train. These cars, having made the long journey from Japan, were discovered in a deceptively serene retirement in Chonburi province, waiting for a new purpose. Despite their pristine condition, they encountered…
In the heart of Thailand’s bustling political arena, an intriguing drama worthy of a prime-time soap opera unfolds. The Charter Court, an esteemed guardian of the nation’s legal ethos, recently found itself at the center of a whirlwind. The Election Commission (EC), a body known for its gravitas and commitment to upholding democracy, was asked to do a bit of homework. They were gently nudged to resubmit a petition, but not without a friendly deadline. “Seven days, no more, no less,” said the court, adding a sprinkle of suspense to the ongoing saga. Now, let’s rewind to March 12, a day that will be etched in the annals of political drama. The EC, in a move that could rival the climax of a blockbuster movie, voted in perfect harmony to seek the dissolution of the most talk-of-the-town opposition party. And who spurred on this cinematic spectacle? Enter stage left: Ruangkrai…
In the shadowy underbelly of Nonthaburi’s Bang Yai district, a story unfolds that would rival the plot of a crime thriller. Picture this: a large, inconspicuous warehouse nestled in Soi Moo Ban Phra Pin, surrounded by a steel fortress of corrugated iron walls standing three meters tall. This is no ordinary warehouse, mind you, but the largest gambling den ever to be raided by the Provincial Administration Department’s (PAD) elite task force—a revelation that would send shockwaves through the corridors of power. The operation was cinematic in its execution. A fleet of 100 vehicles stood guard outside, a testament to the den’s allure. Inside, a gambler’s paradise: 12 baccarat tables poised for action and dice game sets waiting to decree the fates of those daring enough to roll. This was the scene that greeted the PAD’s task force as they burst through the gates, determined to put an end to…
Imagine a world where the sun’s golden rays and the wind’s gentle whispers could power our future. This vision is closer to reality in Thailand, thanks to a pivotal meeting that stirred the air in Phayao. Chai Wacharonke, with a voice calm yet filled with anticipation, revealed that during a mobile Cabinet meeting, Srettha, the nation’s prime minister, embarked on a groundbreaking path initiated by an international inquiry. The scene takes us back to a moment when the corridors of power echoed with discussions on renewable energy. Picture this: US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, leading a powerhouse delegation, lands in Thailand. Among the pleasantries and diplomatic exchanges, a critical conversation takes shape. Raimondo, with a vision of a greener future, inquires about a direct power purchase agreement (PPA). This isn’t just talk; it’s about making clean energy more accessible and enhancing sustainability efforts on a global scale. Srettha, understanding…
In a plot thickening narrative that could very well belong to one of those nail-biting political dramas, the heart of the Royal Thai Police headquarters in Bangkok became the stage for a captivating episode on Wednesday. Picture this: the national police chief, Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, donning his crisply ironed uniform, standing side by side with his deputy, the man with a moniker that reads straight out of a crime thriller – Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, affectionately known in the corridors of power and beyond, as Big Joke. The occasion? A press conference that was anything but usual. Pol Gen Torsak, taking the lead, rolled out a narrative that felt more like a strategic move in a chess game. With the calm confidence of a seasoned officer, he declared that all legal cases ensnaring his deputy were being handed over to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), a body as neutral…
In the stately halls of the Constitutional Court, a whirlwind of legal intrigue has unfolded, pulling the ever-daring Move Forward Party (MFP) into a complex dance of law and politics. Picture this: the court, adorned with the gravity of justice, has recently cast a spotlight on the MFP, demanding a cascade of additional documents. This demand comes hot on the heels of a contentious petition aiming to dissolve the audacious opposition party, spearheaded by none other than the Election Commission (EC). The heart of the matter traces back to the MFP’s bold endeavor to rewrite a piece of Thailand’s legal tapestry – the lese majeste law, codified under Section 112 of the Criminal Code. This law, veiled in controversy, has been the focal point of the MFP’s ambitions, sparking a legal odyssey that culminated in the EC’s dramatic request for dissolution after an earlier court decision in January painted the…