Welcome to a curious moment in Thai politics where former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra turned Don Mueang airport into a bustling mini-festival of welcomes on his arrival on August 22, 2023. Not your regular Tuesday by any stretch of the imagination, especially for the swarm of supporters who gathered like bees around the proverbial honeypot. The return of Thaksin was a spectacle, captured beautifully by the lenses of Pattarapong Chatpattarasill and leaving the air thick with anticipation. The prodigal prime minister’s return has turned the political scene into something akin to a high-school reunion. Members of the Pheu Thai party are caught in a whirlwind of excitement, urged to balance the exhilarating possibility of a meet-and-greet with their less-than-thrilling—but critically important—parliamentary duties. You could cut the tension with a knife as lawmakers battle their internal struggle: to meet or not to meet Thaksin in Chiang Mai. Adding to this political…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the heart of Thailand, amidst the lush and vibrant terrain that houses the majestic Khao Yai National Park, a twist in the tale of land distribution unfolds, spearheaded by the vigilant Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC). The air is thick with anticipation as six businessmen find themselves on the cusp of receiving an unwelcome invitation from the PACC, suspected of a clandestine hoarding of land meant for the landless, a revelation brought forth by Thanadon Suwannarit, a luminary in the agricultural sphere and an adviser to none other than Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow. On a Tuesday that would mark the beginning of an unforeseen storm, Thanadon, accompanied by a cadre of officials versed in the arcane laws of land distribution, stepped into the hallowed halls of the PACC. Their mission? To serve as witnesses in a burgeoning investigation into allegations of land encroachment within…
In a tale that sounds like it’s straight out of a dramatic crime series, the Thai police force finds itself embroiled in a saga that involves allegations of money laundering, an illegal online gambling network, and high-ranking officers being under scrutiny. At the heart of this unfolding drama, stands a figure known for his prominence within the force – Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, also nicknamed “Big Joke”. While the name might evoke chuckles, the situation is anything but amusing. The plot thickens on a regular Tuesday, as Pol Maj Gen Thinnakorn Rangmat, the deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, steps up to declare a stirring development: warrants have been approved for the arrest of three police officers and a civilian. But that’s not all – there’s a twist. A high-ranking officer, a general no less, has been issued a summons over accusations that would make anyone’s head spin: money…
In the ever-evolving landscape of organizational dynamics, internal audit functions have been riding the waves of change, striving to fine-tune their strategies to deliver maximum impact. The IA 3.0 framework has been akin to a trusty compass for many of these functions, guiding them through the intricate journey of expanding their roles, remits, and sparking innovation in their methodologies. Deloitte, a beacon of insight in the realm of internal audit evolution, has pinpointed crucial learnings from the crème de la crème of internal audit functions. These pioneers have championed a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, setting new benchmarks in the field. Let’s dive into the distilled wisdom they’ve shared: Speed and agility aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the lifeblood of organizations aiming to stay ahead of the curve. Whether it’s responding to immediate crises or adapting to gradual shifts in the business landscape, a nimble approach is key. Big bang…
Imagine a bustling, vibrant hub where the air is thick with the tantalizing aromas of international cuisine, the shimmer of sleek dining equipments catching your eye at every turn, and a buzz of eager conversations filling the space as more than 15,000 attendees from around the globe converge in one grand celebration of the Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering (HoReCa) industry. This isn’t a figment of the imagination but a reality sculpted at the heart of Thailand, as the THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2024 soared beyond expectations, crafting a narrative of success and ambition that has reverberated throughout Asia and beyond. If the numbers speak for themselves, then the recent THAIFEX – HOREC ASIA 2024 event roared a resounding triumph, with a staggering 3.625 billion baht in estimated orders, effortlessly tripling the initial target set at a billion baht. The event, a first of its kind yet astonishing in its execution…
Imagine the streets of Bangkok transforming into a vibrant canvas of colors, culture, and jubilant celebrations, where the air is filled with the euphoria of anticipation and the spirit of community. Well, imagine no more, because the “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024” is set to make this a reality from the 11th to the 15th of April. Picture the iconic Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue and the historic grounds of Sanam Luang being the epicenter of an unparalleled celebration of Thai culture, tradition, and the indomitably cheerful spirit of Songkran. As a joint effort by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Interior, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), this festival is not just an event; it’s a grandiose canvas showcasing the rich tapestry of Thai soft power through visually stunning parades and heartwarming celebrations. The Culture Minister, Sermsak Pongpanit, couldn’t contain his pride…
Imagine a world where the hum of engines and the sleek designs of the latest automobiles ignite the senses, where innovation and technology meet the road, and where every turn unveils a new adventure. This world is not a figment of imagination but a reality at “The 45th Bangkok International Motor Show 2024”, set to revitalize the automotive scene with an incredible convergence of 49 of the world’s leading car and motorcycle brands from the corners of Europe, Japan, India, and Vietnam. At the helm of this automotive extravaganza is Prachin Eamlumnow, the visionary Chief Executive Officer of Grand Prix International, who, as the Chairman of this year’s show, has woven the theme of “The Mobility of Joyful Experiences” into the fabric of the event. This theme encapsulates a vision where the journey of automotive technology merges with the road of life, highlighting the role of creativity and innovation in…
In the sun-drenched paradise of Phuket, nestled along the picturesque confines of Nui Beach, a drama unfolds that pits the tranquil beauty of Thailand’s natural heritage against the audacity of human encroachment. It’s a narrative that has caught the keen eye of the Royal Forest Department (RFD), spearheading a crusade to reclaim the whispers of sand and sea from the clutches of unlawful occupation. It was a Tuesday cloaked in the determination of officials, as police officers united with the guardians of nature, descending upon a beachfront coliseum in Soi Laem Mum Nok, nestled within the vibrant community of tambon Karon in Muang district. The mission? To inspect the brazen fortifications that dared to defy the sanctity of reserved forest land. Leading this charge was Bannarak Sermthong, the deputy director-general of the RFD, a man whose resolve was as steadfast as the ancient trees guarding the coast. Spurred by directives…
In a splendid display of diplomatic camaraderie, the online world buzzed with excitement as images surfaced of Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, engaging in a hearty handshake with none other than the French President, Emmanuel Macron. This iconic meeting, set against the picturesque backdrop of France, was more than just pleasantries exchanged between two nations. It marked the beginning of a potential paradigm shift in the travel and trade corridors of Europe and Asia. The focal point of this meeting? Thailand’s daring venture to negotiate a visa-free travel agreement with the Schengen zone—a coalition of 27 European countries renowned for its passport-free travel bliss. Prime Minister Srettha, with an air of optimism, disclosed that France has pledged support for Thailand’s aspirations. One can almost hear the collective anticipation of travelers and business moguls alike, dreaming of seamless journeys between the vibrant streets of Bangkok and the romantic avenues of Paris.…
In a tale that reads like a modern-day fable of politics, power, and pedagogy, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, progeny of the illustrious Thaksin Shinawatra—formidable ex-premier and telecommunications titan—stepped into a realm where the future leaders of Thailand are molded. Her acceptance into the “Mini NDC,” a defense-oriented curriculum at the heart of the National Defence College, is sparking conversations far and wide. The “Mini NDC” is an exclusive seminar where 150 participants, each a titan in their own right—be it in politics, the military, or the business sector—converge. In this melting pot of influence, it’s not just defense strategies that are studied but the subtle art of networking amongst Thailand’s elite. Observers, however, have raised their eyebrows. The program, they argue, might merely be a sophisticated rendezvous for Thailand’s high and mighty, offering them another avenue to knit their networks tighter rather than fostering tangible change in governance and societal equity. Indeed,…