The drama at the Constitutional Court on Wednesday unfolded like a scene from a high-stakes legal thriller. It featured intrigue, power struggles, and constitutional conundrums. In the midst of this judicial limelight, the court firmly rejected a cabinet petition aimed at deciphering the enigmatic phrase, “a lack of clear honesty.” It was a request as complex as a Rubik’s cube but ultimately deemed unworthy of review due to its focus on legal interpretation, not an actual legal dispute. Primed for this constitutional showdown was Prime Minister’s Office Minister Chousak Sirinil, acting on the cabinet’s behalf, with the indomitable Section 160 of the constitution and the moral straightjacket that is Section 9 of the Holders of Political Positions Act. Let’s dissect what’s at play: Section 160 is the gatekeeper of cabinet minister qualifications, insisting on a portfolio of unblemished integrity and zero serious ethical misdemeanors. Meanwhile, Section 9 waves the banner…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Once upon a time, in the bustling heart of Bangkok, there stood a hulking edifice that witnessed the rise and fall of fortunes—a building that seemed to have nine lives, just like its name suggested. The SKYY9 Centre, positioned grandly on Rama IX Road, became a symbol of ambition and loss during the 1997 “Tom Yam Kung” financial crisis. This was a time when the Southeast Asian markets were caught in economic turbulence, leaving many developments like SKYY9 as skeletal reminders of dreams gone awry. Initially, the building belonged to a property developer who, unfortunately, found themselves sinking into the quicksand of non-performing loans. Like a hot potato, ownership of the building bounced from hand to hand, eventually landing with Bangkok Commercial Asset Management Plc. In an almost cinematic twist of fate, the SKYY9 Centre was given a new lease on life when it was sold to a consortium of…
In a tale reminiscent of a high-stakes detective thriller, all eyes are now on the Ministry of Labour as it gears up to uncover the truth behind what might be the most talked-about building purchase in recent Thai history. The story begins with the Social Security Office (SSO) allegedly spending a jaw-dropping 7 billion baht on the SKYY9 Centre, a famed edifice on Rama IX Road, which appraisal whispers suggest should have cost no more than 3 billion baht. As the intrigue unfurls, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stepped into the spotlight with a commitment to transparency. “The acquisition of SKYY9 is being prepared for a vortex of scrutiny,” declared Mr. Phiphat. Following his emphatic pledge, the Ministry has welcomed an inquiry committee ready to dissect every facet of this puzzling transaction. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra played her card on Tuesday, summoning Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to assemble a formidable panel…
Get ready for a fitness revolution, Thailand! As the sizzling summer sun rises, Jetts Fitness, proudly claiming the title of Thailand’s No. 1 gym and boasting an impressive network of over 52 branches nationwide, is shaking things up in a way that’s as refreshing as a cool breeze on a hot day. Say hello to the Jetts Lucky Truck—a cutting-edge mobile campaign designed to bring the action-packed gym experience directly to the nation’s doorstep. Whether you’re a seasoned fitness fanatic or a newcomer eager to embark on a healthier lifestyle, this innovative initiative makes getting fit fun and incredibly inviting. This summer, let the Jetts Lucky Truck be your personal escort to a world of vitality and vigor, offering you more than just a membership. Imagine this: rolling up to your neighborhood is a colorful, vibrant truck not just carrying fitness equipment, but also holding the promise of special gifts…
In the charming coastal town of Pattaya, tucked under the golden embrace of the Thai sun and a mere 150 kilometers from the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, there once hummed a school like no other. At the heart of Regents International School was the charismatic Adam Pickles, the head of English whose passion for literature was as vibrant as the colorful tapestries of his classrooms. Yet, in May of 2012, this vibrant paradise became the stage for a somber tale that would echo through time—a tale of resilience, justice, and unanswered questions. Adam, a man adored by students and respected by colleagues, fell victim to an unwarranted eruption of violence that left his life hanging in the balance. A road rage incident, of all mundane things, escalated to horror as he was mercilessly attacked with an iron bar. The brutality of that moment sent him into a year-long coma and…
In an electrifying series of events, the Central Investigation Bureau has thrown the book at crooks behind two major illegal operations in Thailand. In a dazzling bust, authorities have seized a whopping 520 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine—a jaw-dropping stash cleverly tucked away in freezers. This clandestine operation, aimed at distributing the goods in the southern reaches of Thailand, unraveled spectacularly with a cunning sting. But that’s not all; the long arm of the law also yanked the plug on a massive e-cigarette trade, corralling dozens of suspects and confiscating stacks of illicit goods. The saga unfolded dramatically on March 11, as Police Lieutenant General Surapol Prembutr, commander of the Provincial Police Region 1, along with his dashing deputy Police Major General Chokchai Ngamwong and other eagle-eyed officials, sounded the alarm on these significant seizures. Known for its logistical allure, the central region has unwittingly served as a haven for nefarious…
Amid a whirlwind of allegations and counterclaims, a 37-year-old Thai man finds himself at the center of a storm, rebuffing accusations of assaulting a woman he met through a dating app. Not only has he strongly denied these shocking allegations, but he’s also threatened to countersue his accuser as a form of protest. This isn’t the first such accusation against the man; a troubling history of offenses against several women adds layers to a story that has gripped the public’s attention. The 27-year-old woman, seeking support and a platform to voice her ordeal, turned to Hone Krasae, a popular news program on Channel 3. She shared her harrowing experience of allegedly being assaulted and threatened by the man she had been communicating with for a few weeks online. Their initial interactions seemed positive, filled with kind words and considerate gestures. Yet, the façade crumbled on March 1st, a day she…
With a touch of elegance and a breeze of curiosity in the air, the Dissemination Workshop kicked off precisely at 1:30 PM. Mr. Pornprom Vikitsreth, the illustrious Advisor to the Governor of Bangkok and the city’s diligent Chief Sustainability Officer, stood poised to inaugurate the event. He shared this spotlight with Ms. Insa Illegen, the dynamic Director of the Thai-German Cooperation on Energy, Mobility, and Climate (TGC EMC) project at GIZ, making for a formidable duo energizing the room. The grandeur of the venue—Grand Ballroom 2-3, situated on the opulent 6th floor of the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai—provided a fitting backdrop for such a significant occasion. Among the esteemed attendees were Ms. Sermsuk Nopphan, Director of the Air Quality and Noise Management Division from the Bangkok Environment Department, and a myriad of representatives. These ranged from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority to the Energy Regulatory Commission, spanning across business groups, installation…
In the bustling province of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, a seemingly routine journey to a local convenience store escalated into an incident that captured the attention of an entire nation. It involved a 14-year-old motorcyclist and a luxury car driver—an unlikely pair caught in a dramatic and tense exchange that has spurred widespread public discourse. This is the tale of a momentary lapse in traffic etiquette gone viral, set against the backdrop of a society where social standing often dictates the course of justice. In the heart of Phak Hai district, an incident unfolded like a scene from a high-tension drama. The story starred a 42-year-old man, known only as “A,” behind the wheel of his opulent chariot. Our young protagonist, on his two-wheeled steed, accidentally crossed paths with this road royalty during his innocuous errand, prompting a ripple of events that no one foresaw. The teenage motorcyclist, caught in…
In the vibrant yet sleepy streets of Nan City, Thailand, a peculiar episode unfolded under the cloak of darkness—one that could easily be mistaken for a scene from a comedy show. As the clock ticked past midnight on March 12, a 40-year-old Thai gentleman found himself at the heart of a quirky spectacle. The man, caught in the clutches of exhaustion, dozed off in his pickup truck, which idled nonchalantly at a red light since 11 PM. It was a bustling time in Nan City, and such a stationary act was bound to draw attention. Concerned locals gathered like moths to a flame, their collective curiosity piqued by the mysterious presence of the unmoving vehicle. Rescue workers soon joined the cluster, their mission clear: awaken the slumbering driver. They knocked on windows, raised their voices, and even shook the truck with the vigor of a child desperately trying to open…