If you’ve ever been tangled in a web of financial deceit, you’ll understand the sharp sting of betrayal that 70 frustrated individuals in Thailand are facing. Spearheaded by the resolute social advocate, Pavena Hongsakula, these bewildered folks took a bold step on Wednesday. They walked into the offices of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), clutching their grievances like a lifeline. Together, they’ve weathered a staggering storm, collectively losing an eye-watering 3 billion baht after being lured into buying condominium units. Pavena, whose heart beats tirelessly for the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, navigated this crusade armed with the collective cries of around 200 affected souls. They came seeking refuge and justice after being ensnared by a debt-relief company’s siren call. This wasn’t an ordinary company. Oh no, this was a cunning corporation, promising the tantalizing relief of settled credit card debts. All potential buyers had to do was…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the bustling corridors of political power, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, accompanied by the astute Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the diligent Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, was met by a throng of reporters in Bangkok on an otherwise ordinary Wednesday. The air was charged with anticipation as the government, led by Shinawatra, navigated the stormy waters concerning the much-debated 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia. This agreement, touching on sensitive maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand, has stirred considerable intrigue and, indeed, a fair amount of controversy. While the chatter of a public forum buzzed around, Prime Minister Shinawatra calmly put those discussions to rest. “We encourage public feedback,” she noted, extending an olive branch to citizens eager to share their thoughts. However, she made it clear that a public forum sounded off the table for now, encouraging the civic-minded to funnel their concerns through well-established channels…
When Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa set foot in Adelaide, the sun-drenched coastal capital of South Australia, he wasn’t just basking in the illustrious Aussie sunshine. He was on a mission, carrying the weighty task of fostering ties between Thailand and Australia, charting an exciting course through agricultural technology, alternative energy, and education. With a spring in his step, Maris was ready to dive deep into discussions about collaboration with his Aussie counterparts. His arrival was marked with a warm embrace from none other than Penny Wong, Australia’s sentinel of foreign affairs, and the admirable Frances Adamson, the gubernatorial gem of South Australia. It was on a lively Wednesday that Mr. Maris reiterated a Thai trilogy—international cooperation in food, energy, and human security. Areas rich with promise, where Thailand and Australia could join forces like superheroes of innovation. Given South Australia’s prowess in crafting sustainable agricultural solutions, Minister Maris saw…
In an event that marked yet another milestone in international collaboration, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit warmly greeted Ernst Reichel, the German ambassador to Thailand, with a firm handshake. This friendly gesture was part of the signing ceremony that solidified the renewal of a noteworthy rail transport cooperation agreement between Thailand and Germany. The ceremony, held against a backdrop of bureaucratic grandeur at Thailand’s Ministry of Transport public relations office, reinforced the countries’ mutual dedication to advancing an efficient, sustainable rail transport system. This collaboration isn’t a new endeavor. In fact, it originally began on November 23, 2016, when both nations first inked their commitment to revolutionize rail development. Fast forward to the present, the agreement has been renewed for the third time, further underlining their long-term dedication to fostering a high-functioning, environmentally conscious rail infrastructure. On a vibrant Monday in bustling Bangkok, Mr. Suriya announced the extension of this agreement…
In the serene locale of Chon Buri, a tragic incident unfolded on a seemingly ordinary Tuesday night, leaving a family heartbroken and a community in disbelief. At the entrance of the Montra Garden Home housing estate in Sattahip district, a crime that no one ever anticipates during the naive days of adolescence was committed. It was here, at a seemingly innocent spot in front of a grocery store, that a young life was cruelly extinguished. The air was thick with an unspoken tension as police, alerted to the scene at approximately 8:30 PM, discovered the lifeless body of a 14-year-old boy, a student with a bright future now shrouded in darkness. The boy, whose name remained undisclosed, was a Mathayom Suksa 1 (Grade 7) student attending a private school locally. At the scene, a fruit knife lay abandoned on the pavement, a grim relic of the night’s violence, and a…
Ah, Phuket, a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and occasionally, stories that sound like they’re straight out of a wild vacation tale. This time, the spotlight shines on a Belarusian tourist, Siarhei Asychuk, who managed to turn a tranquil night near Karon Beach into an unforgettable mini-drama for all involved. In the wee hours of Wednesday morning, just when the moonlit waves should have been gently serenading a sleepy town, a different kind of excitement was brewing outside a hotel near Karon Beach. Enter Mr. Asychuk, who, clad in just a pair of underpants, was the unlikely star of a scene that would soon capture the attention of bystanders and the local law enforcement alike. Fueled possibly by more than just the beauty of the night, Mr. Asychuk was reportedly seen running amok, wildly weaving around the area, undoubtedly adding a dash of chaos to the…
Teachers, the unsung heroes of our time, are the architects of tomorrow, equipping our future leaders to face the hurdles of the 21st century. Acknowledging their instrumental role, SEAMEO STEM-ED (The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for STEM Education) has embarked on an ambitious journey. Fueled by Chevron funding, they’re rolling out the Southeast Asian Teacher Education Program (SEA-TEP) across Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia. The mission? To arm teachers with cutting-edge practices for delivering top-notch STEM education, setting a new standard for teacher education that echoes globally. Ample research has laid bare stark shortcomings in pre-service teacher programs, particularly in the realms of effective pedagogy and classroom practice. The SEA-TEP initiative was kickstarted in January 2023 to counter these deficiencies, offering a fresh take on teacher education through a STEM-centric lens. Created by a coalition of policymakers and educational institutions, the program presents both aspiring…
Imagine sipping your morning coffee, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province, as the sun peeks over the horizon. It’s a scene filled with serenity, and one that lures tourists from all corners of the globe to witness such natural grace. However, the recent events at this picturesque park have marred its peaceful reputation and sent waves of concern among visitors and officials alike. On an otherwise ordinary Tuesday, the park was jolted into chaos when a wild elephant tragically ended a life. Jeeranan, a 49-year-old woman from Chachoengsao province, met her untimely demise while she was walking along a trail from her campsite, heading towards the renowned Phen Phop Mai waterfall. The area, celebrated for its breathtaking red maple leaves that paint the landscape in vivid hues, now holds a more somber memory. At 9:47 AM, the unexpected tragedy struck. Fellow visitors, alarmed…
As the festive season graces the vibrant city of Bangkok, lebua Hotels & Resorts is stepping up to redefine luxury and celebration with an exhilarating lineup that promises to enchant both locals and travelers. This season, spanning December 16, 2024, to January 5, 2025, marks a period of extravagance that blends high-end cuisine, cutting-edge entertainment, and some of the most spectacular views you’ll find in the city. At the heart of this festive extravaganza are the iconic venues of lebua: Sirocco, Breeze, and the illustrious Chef’s Table and Mezzaluna, each bearing the proud badge of two Michelin stars. These dining establishments will feature exclusive Festive Menus, curated by some of the most talented chefs on the culinary stage. Each dish is meticulously crafted using premium ingredients to create flavors that are as memorable as they are unique, encapsulating the spirit of the season. Imagine relishing a meal where every bite…
In a courtroom drama that unfolded with the intensity of a thriller, Rukchanok Srinork, the charismatic People’s Party MP for Bangkok, emerged unscathed from a legal whirlwind aiming to clip her wings. On a chilly Wednesday, the Criminal Court decisively quashed a petition that sought to revoke her bail, allowing this tenacious politician to continue her political journey. The saga began in December last year when Ms. Rukchanok was dealt a hefty sentence of six years in prison, unsuspended, on charges stemming from lese-majeste and computer crimes. The whirlwind of controversy around Secretary 112, the lese-majeste law, began when the court found her guilty of posts critical of vaccine allocations, shared with provocative imagery of His Majesty the King. These posts, fired off from her Twitter account @nanaicez during the tumultuous summer of 2021, painted a picture of a government using pandemic pains as a PR parade for the monarchy.…