Posts published in “Thailand”

In a turn of events that seems ripped straight from the latest crime thriller, Sittra Biabungkerd, whose story is currently painting social media red with intrigue, has boldly stepped into the limelight as the voice of a shocking revelation. A seasoned lawyer, with the kind of courage that most of us only dream of wielding, Sittra isn’t just any ordinary man with a grievance. He’s a crusader on a mission, shaking the very foundations of corruption with a tale that sounds almost too cinematic to be true. This Tuesday, amidst the buzz of anticipation, Sittra took center stage at what would be a groundbreaking press conference by the People’s Lawyers Foundation. It wasn’t just any press conference, though. No, this was the kind of event that would make headlines, and rightly so. With the poise and conviction of a man who knew he was about to drop a bombshell, Sittra…

In a plot that could very well be the premise for a gripping crime drama, the tranquility of Don Mueang airport was shattered early one Tuesday morning. This wasn’t your average day at the airport, oh no. This was the day Karin Piyapornpaiboon, the adopted prodigy of a notorious Chinese pork-smuggling kingpin, was nabbed by the vigilant sleuths of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). The scene was almost cinematic. As the plane touched down at 7:40 AM, agents were already in position, ready to spring their carefully laid trap. Karin, a key figure in a sprawling criminal empire inherited from his adopted father, Li Sheng Jiao – or “Hia Kao” as he’s ominously known in the underworld – had barely set foot on Thai soil before he was whisked away to the DSI headquarters. Under the watchful eye of Pol Maj Nathapol Ditsayatham, the lead investigator with a nose…

Imagine a plot twist straight out of a crime thriller novel, but this time, it’s unfolding right before our eyes on the bustling streets of Bangkok. In the heart of the city, a legal battle ensues, drawing a narrative that’s as gripping as it is controversial. The story, a labyrinth of truth, deception, and the quest for justice, centers around the cataclysmic events following the harrowing hit-and-run incident of 2012 involving Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya. Our tale begins with Chainarong Saengthong-aram, a former high-flying prosecutor for the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG), launching a legal onslaught. The target? None other than Pol Col Thanasit Taengchan, a former forensic officer with the Office of Police Forensic Science, who inspected the crime scene in 2012. The twist? Chainarong accuses Thanasit of altering his statement to reduce the recorded speed of Vorayuth’s Ferrari from a jaw-dropping 177kph to a mere 79kph.…

In the enchanting realm of aerial defence, an intriguing dance of diplomacy and high-stakes negotiations plays out, underscored by the rhythmic hum of fighter jets slicing through the sky. At the heart of this narrative is Sweden’s defense juggernaut, Saab AB, which recently unfurled its ambitious blueprint to bolster the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) with its state-of-the-art Gripen fighter jets. This proposal isn’t just about augmenting Thailand’s aerial might; it’s a testament to Saab’s commitment to intertwine economic incentives with top-tier military hardware, promising to adhere to Thailand’s offset policy like a well-crafted symphony. Tucked away in the intricate tapestry of this deal is a staggering 19-billion-baht vision that the RTAF harbours for the forthcoming fiscal year, eyeing the acquisition of new aerial guardians. The offset policy, a critical pivot around which these negotiations swivel, demands that suppliers of military marvels to Thailand reciprocate with equal gusto, forging a…

Imagine waking up to a sky so smoggy, the sun’s rays barely penetrate the haze. This isn’t a scene from a dystopian novel; it’s a reality for the residents of Northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai, as they grapple with an escalating air pollution crisis. Despite the merciful respite of rain, the situation remains dire due to persistent wildfires. As of Monday, the scenic but now smoke-shrouded area of Mae Hong Son has reported a staggering 6,646 wildfires for the year. The lush landscapes of Muang Mae Hong Son district, Pai, and Mae Sariang have been the hardest hit. The resulting air pollution has propelled Mae Hong Son into a record nobody wants to break: exceeding safe levels of airborne particulates for 38 consecutive days. The grim leaderboard of pollution is topped by Mae Sariang district, where the air quality index scores a worrying 130.5 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³)…

Imagine sauntering through the bustling streets of Bangkok’s central business district, where the aroma of delicious Thai cuisine wafts through the air, enticing everyone from suited executives to hardworking construction workers. Speaking of whom, these workers often find a moment of solace and sustenance from their packed lunch boxes amidst the symphony of construction sounds. A quintessential scene, isn’t it? Now, let’s delve into something that’s creating quite the buzz across the Land of Smiles. This April, just in time for the revelry of the Songkran festival, there’s going to be an extra sprinkle of joy for many employees. The tripartite wage committee, a coalition of representatives from the government, employers, and employees, has just given the green light to a delightful wage hike, setting the new minimum wage at a cool 400 baht a day for lucky workers in select locales across 10 provinces. So, who’s on this merry…

On a remarkably intense day at the parliament, under the watchful eyes of Move Forward’s advisory chairman Pita Limjaroenrat and alongside the party leader Chaithawat Tulathon, the air buzzed with anticipation and a slice of uncertainty. This was no ordinary gathering; it was a pivotal moment following the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the party’s daring attempts to amend the lese-majeste law on January 31st. The image, captured in vivid detail by Nutthawat Wichieanbut, underscored the seriousness of the moment. Amid swirling rumors and media frenzy, Move Forward Party’s very own MP, Pakornwut Udompipatskul, stepped forward to clear the air. Shrouded in speculation was the notion of a refuge for Move Forward’s MPs, under the banner of a newly minted entity named “Kao Mai” – or New Step – poised to host MPs in the face of possible dissolution. Pakornwut addressed these assertions head-on, clarifying the confusion that last week’s meeting…

In an enchanting land where the hustle and bustle of daily life meld with the serene landscapes, a story unfolds that tugs at the heartstrings. It’s a tale not of folklore, but of hope, compassion, and the undying spirit of humanity. At the center of this narrative stands Varawut Silpa-archa, Thailand’s Social Development and Human Security Minister, who recently found himself addressing a matter that stirred the nation’s conscience. Imagine, if you will, a small group of 19 stateless children, their ages ranging from the tender age of 5 to the cusp of adulthood at 17, ensnared in circumstances beyond their control. These young souls found themselves in Lop Buri, a quaint district with stories lurking in its corners, trapped in a situation that should be alien to any child’s experience. Rescued during a monkhood ordination programme at the peaceful albeit mysterious Wat Sawang Ar-Rom, these children’s plight had caught…

In the bustling corridors of power at Government House, where the pulse of Thailand’s future infrastructure vibrates with anticipation, Transport Minister Suriya Juengrungreangkit dropped a tantalizing tidbit that has set tongues wagging and minds racing. In a serendipitous meeting infused with the promise of innovation and collaboration, an Italian company, known for its prowess in pushing the boundaries of railway technology, has cast its eyes toward the Land of Smiles, considering a leap into one of the country’s most ambitious projects—the Land Bridge mega project. The scent of rich Italian espresso seemed to linger in the air as Mr. Suriya recounted his dialogue with none other than the Italian ambassador Paolo Dionisi, alongside the trailblazers from the Mermec Group. Their conversations, steeped in the spirit of cooperation, explored the vibrant possibilities of melding Italian ingenuity with Thai visionary projects in public transport. Imagine, if you will, a project so bold,…

Imagine the excitement bubbling in the air as the streets became a sea of eager faces, all waiting for a moment that would be etched in the annals of political lore. It was a day unlike any other; the sun was shining a little brighter and the air felt a bit lighter, as the former leader and cherished patriarch of the Pheu Thai party, made his grand return from a self-imposed exile. The date was marked in every calendar – August 22, a day that would now be remembered for the homecoming of Thaksin Shinawatra. The very ground seemed to tremble with anticipation outside the party’s headquarters, as supporters from far and wide began congregating from the early hours of the morning. They wore their hopes like badges of honor, each person a testament to the unwavering spirit of the red-shirt movement. Their cheers filled the air, creating a symphony…