Posts published in “Thailand”

The Israeli Embassy recently shared that they lack any updates concerning the six Thai hostages who remain in Hamas’ control, following whispers about prospective hostage exchanges in the volatile region. “There is still no information about the Thai hostages,” divulged a source at the embassy earlier this week. This came to light after Reuters released a report on January 6, indicating that Hamas had tentatively approved a list of 34 hostages to be exchanged between themselves and Israel pending a successful ceasefire. However, details remain murky as the BBC reported uncertainty regarding how many of the individuals on this list are still alive. Notably, the list includes hostages taken after a harrowing attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the tragic loss of hundreds of lives. Spanning ages from a tender one year to a venerable 86 years, the hostages’ stories are heart-wrenching. Among them are children…

In the bustling heart of Bangkok, change is as constant as its vibrant street life, and the latest development rolling into town is the highly anticipated Orange Line electric railway. But with progress comes a few bumps on the road—or in this case, on the flyover! As of 10 PM last Monday, the flyover that majestically glides over Charan Sanitwong Road has been temporarily closed, setting the stage for the underground marvel that is the Bang Khun Non station. Imagine a giant underground construction pit, promising to transform daily commutes, nestled right under the intersection of Charan Sanitwong, Liap Thang Rotfai Taling Chan, and Sutthawat roads. But wait, dear motorists of Bangkok, before you feel the urge to grumble at the prospect of a two-year ‘no-flyover’ zone, let’s delve into the exciting details. First, let’s meet our project maestro, Kittikorn Tanpao, the Deputy Governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority…

In a progressive stride towards bridging the gap in educational opportunities, the Education Ministry has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative that promises to empower high school students with state-of-the-art tablets by June—just in time for the 2025 academic year. Imagine a future where learning is frictionless, mobile, and accessible anytime, anywhere. Well, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, the ever-enthusiastic assistant to the education minister, reveals that this future is right around the corner. With a focus on reducing educational inequality, the Ministry is taking deliberate steps to place these hi-tech devices into the eager hands of 600,000 students. The team is currently dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s on the terms of reference (ToR) for their procurement—a meticulous process that ensures these tablets aren’t just snazzy toys, but powerful educational tools. Mr. Siripong is optimistic that the ToR will be wrapped up by the end of this month, paving the way for…

The winds of political change are rustling through the nation’s capital, as the opposition gears up to ignite a heated censure debate against the prevailing coalition government. This fiery discourse is slated to potentially commence in late February or early March, as hinted by Pakornwut Udompipatskul, a notable list MP from the People’s Party (PP) and the head opposition whip. “We’re targeting a timeline no later than the second week of March,” Pakornwut confidently proclaimed, hinting at the impending political tempest. Central to this spirited debate will be a tapestry of grievances the opposition plans to unfurl, focusing sharp criticism on the government’s perceived mismanagement of public administration, alleged corruption, favoritism towards powerful conglomerates, and the mystifying manipulation of judicial processes seemingly bent to serve individual interests. Such accusations aren’t whispered rumors but long-debated issues the opposition has previously flagged to the public, with tantalizing hints of yet undisclosed controversies…

In a political twist rich with intrigue, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra finds herself at the center of a controversy surrounding Thailand’s newest alternative prison detention programme. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong recently clarified that Yingluck, who received a hotly-debated five-year sentence in 2017, won’t be eligible to partake in this programme if she decides to return to her homeland. The programme, governed by fresh regulations, imposes eligibility confines that permit only those with sentences of four years or less to be considered for this bougie form of lock-up, a point underscored by Pol Col Tawee and DoC director-general Sahakarn Phetnarin with the efficiency of synchronized swimmers. Yingluck, now gracefully embracing 57 years of life experience, was found guilty on a stage as grand as the Supreme Court for failing to defuse a dazzlingly costly corruption scandal tied to her government’s rice-pledging scheme—an epic misadventure that allegedly dwindled the state’s coffers…

The ever-turning wheel of academia has found itself in the midst of a rather peculiar saga, as the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) stands poised to unsheath legal swords against Siam University. All this swirls around an enigmatic figure—a Chinese executive—embroiled in organizing a volunteer police training program exclusively tailored for Chinese nationals. Surprisingly, this entire affair unspooled seemingly without the university’s nod of approval. Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi, with the resolute determination of a seasoned warrior, took the stage on a bustling Tuesday, insisting that the university had no inkling of the clandestine course using its distinguished emblem. This unauthorized usage, a clear breach of the Private Higher Education Institutions Act BE 2546 (2003), came to prominence when the narrative unfolded that Chinese participants had been tagged a hefty 38,000 baht each for the privilege of attendance. The plot further thickened last week, casting a spotlight…

As the bustling rhythms of Bangkok carry on, a curious debate is brewing in the halls of the Finance Ministry. Just a couple of months into its existence, the N3 lottery—envisioned as a crusade against the illegitimate lottery underworld—seems to have struck a sour note among the public. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat took to the podium recently, unveiling a saga of unmet expectations that could potentially send this initiative packing. Picture this: it’s November 1st, the start of a thrilling six-month “sandbox” venture, and the N3 lottery makes its grand debut. Each ticket, a tantalizing 20 baht, beckons hopeful buyers through 800 authorized sellers scattered across the vast expanse of the nation. The mission is clear and noble—lure the masses from the clutches of clandestine lotteries and exorbitantly-priced six-digit lottery tickets (known affectionately as L6). The goal? To trim the underground lottery scene by a bold 10-20% per year,…

In the vibrant district of Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani, an impressive operation unfolds as water flows through the renowned Chulalongkorn sluice gate. This meticulous orchestration, captured in Pattarapong Chatpattarasill’s evocative photograph from October 2022, depicts the Royal Irrigation Department’s proactive efforts in channeling excess water from the Klong Rangsit Prayurasak into the vast Chao Phraya River. With an eye toward the future and burgeoning challenges, the National Water Resources Committee has stepped forward with a formidable 95-billion-baht plan aimed at revamping the Chao Phraya River’s irrigation system, particularly benefiting areas like Ayutthaya and Phathum Thani. Enthusiastically endorsed by Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, who presides over the national water resources committee, this mega project promises to significantly bolster the river’s capacity to manage floods—a perennial concern, particularly during the tempestuous rainy season. The plan lays out an extensive blueprint to revitalize the network of 22 canals, spread over 462.80 kilometers, breathing…

Picture this: a sweeping gaze over a Bangkok wrapped in a sepia cloak of dust, captured from the elevated vantage point of the Samut Prakan City Observatory. The date was January 4, and despite the enchanting panorama, the view underscored a major environmental issue gripping the city — pollution, with PM2.5 particulates painting the skyline. This satirical reminder of urban realism has prompted a resonating call to action from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Stepping forward with a determined stride, Ms. Paetongtarn took the stage at Government House, laying down the gauntlet for reduced PM2.5 levels as a priority for her administration. During a press briefing that followed the weekly cabinet assembly, she shed light on escalating heat spots, all captured via satellite. The ominous increase in dust across several provinces was yet another siren urging immediate intervention. The focus, as decreed by the Prime Minister, centers around galvanizing all pertinent…

The diplomatic tango between Thailand and Myanmar has taken an unexpected twirl. Vice Minister Russ Jalichandra recently cast a cloud of concern over a proposed visit by members of Thailand’s opposition People’s Party (PP) to Myanmar. The mission? To check on four Thai trawler crew members unexpectedly caught up in a murky maritime melodrama. “Slow your roll,” cautioned Russ at a presser on Tuesday. He made it clear that, while Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn—a PP party-list MP and the brainchild behind the House’s Military Affairs Committee—could technically jet off to Myanmar, the journey must first pass through the labyrinthine lanes of diplomatic protocol. Russ worries that this trip could sour the already bittersweet soup of bilateral relations. According to him, the Myanmar government might misinterpret the PP’s visit as an attempt to apply undue pressure. A visit waved in their face might just throw a spanner into the works, complicating the release…