The intricate web of political drama continues to swirl around former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Recently, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong declared that the Department of Corrections (DoC) lacks the authority to demand CCTV footage from the Police General Hospital, where Thaksin was previously hospitalized. This statement followed a fiery dispute between the DoC’s director-general and Seri Ruam Thai Party leader Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves concerning whether Thaksin received preferential treatment during his time on the hospital’s elite 14th floor. Pol Col Tawee clarified that the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is currently investigating the matter. He detailed the protocol for determining the conditions of detention, specifying that the court could issue orders for confinement in one of three places: a prison, a hospital, or another approved facility. The Justice Minister elaborated that “other places of confinement” might include any secure location provided by a security agency, a measure necessitated by the…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Star Beach Property Co., Ltd. is ecstatic to unveil its most prestigious condominium project to date, “Pier22 @Bangtao Beach,” nestled in the breathtakingly beautiful locale of Bangtao Beach, Phuket. Exuding sheer elegance and ultimate relaxation, this new venture is encapsulated by the vivid slogan, “Coastal Charms Await,” promising residents an exquisite blend of seaside serenity and modern luxury. At the press conference, a beaming Woraphont Thanakornmetha, Deputy Managing Director of Star Beach Property Co., Ltd., couldn’t contain his excitement. He declared, “With over 20 years of prowess in real estate development, Star Beach Property Co., Ltd. has successfully launched condominium and apartment projects throughout Bangkok, boasting a combined value exceeding 3.5 billion THB under our subsidiary, Triple Co., Ltd. Recognizing the vast opportunities in Phuket, we’re thrilled to introduce the Pier22 @Bangtao Beach project.” Project Highlights Strategically perched near both Bangtao and Surin beaches, the luxury condominium development of Pier22…
On a vibrant Tuesday, Anutin Charnvirakul, the dynamic leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, radiated confidence as he anticipated the new government’s embrace of the party’s progressive pro-cannabis policy. Anutin is keen to resume implementing the policy from where former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin left off. In a notable twist back in July, a compromise was reached with Srettha regarding the cannabis issue; he directed the drafting of a bill regulating the plant specifically for medical, research, and development purposes. This marked a dramatic shift from the previous government’s push to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic drug. Determined and unwavering, Mr. Anutin emphasized the urgency in passing the cannabis control bill that aims to stringently regulate the use of cannabis, with the dual goals of promoting public health and fostering dutiful research. This proposal is one among six significant policies that Bhumjaithai is pitching to the ruling Pheu Thai Party, hoping…
In an era where innovative solutions are paramount, Caretaker Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow has called for a revamp of flood prevention strategies, urging relevant agencies to abandon the outdated Kaeng Suea Ten Dam project. According to Sitang Pilailar, the minister’s adviser, Thamanat emphasized during a recent ministry executive meeting that becoming fixated on the decades-old dam plan is not the best path forward. Instead, Thamanat recommends the ministry shift its focus to providing immediate relief to flood victims and preventing flooding in the Yom River basin, which includes the historically affected Sukhothai province. Ms. Sitang conveyed Capt. Thamanat’s concerns about the potential damage to local communities if the old dam plan were to proceed. This sentiment has prompted a reevaluation of water management projects, prioritizing less invasive and more effective flood prevention strategies. One of the contemporary solutions under review involves a comprehensive study of watershed lines aimed…
PHUKET: Old Phuket town, renowned for its quaint streets and vibrant atmosphere, finds itself among 49 locations flagged as vulnerable to flash floods or landslides, as revealed by the Mineral Resources Department on Tuesday. This stunning tourist gem is getting ready to face another bout of adverse weather. The department’s risk assessment includes the historic old quarter and the bustling Chartered Bank community, both nestled in Muang district. Leveraging a complex mathematical model and in-depth geographic data, the agency meticulously identified villages and communities facing the highest risks. Just a few weeks ago, on August 23, relentless rainfall triggered devastating landslides, claiming 13 lives, injuring 19, and inflicting damage on over 50 homes. Officials traced the catastrophe back to deforestation on Nak Koet hilltop, where clearance was undertaken to erect the colossal Big Buddha statue. With ominous forecasts predicting more torrential rains and turbulent seas continuing through Saturday, Phuket’s governor,…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra lit up the room during a spirited press conference at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters just moments after the royal endorsement ceremony on August 18. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) Drumroll, please! The highly anticipated lineup for Thailand’s new cabinet is expected to land on the desk of His Majesty the King for royal endorsement this Wednesday. According to inside sources within the Pheu Thai Party, the wait is nearly over. The Council of State, the government’s own team of legal eagles, has meticulously vetted the qualifications of each candidate vying for a cabinet position. The list is now back in the hands of the cabinet’s secretariat, awaiting a final nod from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra before it gets the royal green light. Once the new cabinet ministers take their solemn oath of office in front of His Majesty the King, the freshly minted government will swing into…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered a riveting address at the Pheu Thai party headquarters following the royal endorsement ceremony on August 18. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) Excitement buzzes as the Pheu Thai Party insiders reveal the impending submission of the new cabinet line-up for royal endorsement, expected this Wednesday. These highly anticipated appointments have already been scrutinized by the Council of State, the government’s legal arm, ensuring that every candidate meets the necessary qualifications. With the final list back in the hands of the cabinet secretariat, all eyes now turn to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for a final review before seeking royal approval. Once the new ministers take their solemn oaths of office before His Majesty the King, the new cabinet is slated for its debut meeting, aiming to iron out a comprehensive policy statement set for announcement between September 11-13. Ms. Paetongtarn confirmed on Tuesday that the cabinet list is…
Thai Airways International (THAI) stands firm amidst recent disruptions affecting other airlines, particularly Cathay Pacific. The president of THAI, Chai Eamsiri, confidently announced that their fleet of Airbus A350s continues to soar high without any engine troubles. In light of Cathay Pacific’s recent flight cancellations due to engine issues, Mr. Chai assured everyone that not a smidge of engine fault has been detected in THAI’s aircraft. This reassurance is built on a foundation of meticulous inspections and stringent maintenance routines, ensuring smooth and reliable operations. This steady performance by THAI comes at a time when passengers across Asia are facing a slew of cancelled flights. Cathay Pacific, according to Bloomberg News, faced a significant operational hiccup when they had to cancel nearly all their scheduled flights from Hong Kong to Singapore. The discovery of a defective engine component forced them to put several services on hold. Yesterday alone, Cathay Pacific…
In the ever-buzzing halls of parliament, Sirikanya Tansakun, a list MP from the opposition People’s Party, recently voiced her apprehensions regarding the ruling Pheu Thai Party’s latest endeavor—the digital wallet scheme. With an air of caution and a dash of skepticism, she posed crucial questions about how exactly this ambitious initiative will be funded. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) One of the prime concerns spotlighted by the opposition revolves around the involvement of five state-run banks. Ms. Sirikanya highlighted that the government’s plan to tap into funds from these banks—totaling a colossal 35 billion baht—lacks a clear framework for repayment. This move has set off alarm bells, with critics wary that these financial institutions may never see their money again. Let’s put the spotlight on the five banks in question: the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, the Export-Import Bank of Thailand, the…
As Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai strode into the resplendent halls of Government House in Bangkok on Tuesday, a slew of cameras flashed, capturing a pivotal moment. Arriving for a crucial cabinet meeting, Mr. Phumtham found himself at the center of a heated debate, one that catapulted him back to the tumultuous era of the 1970s. To the astonishment of some, Mr. Phumtham, who had temporarily stepped into the prime ministerial shoes after Srettha Thavisin’s dismissal by the Constitutional Court, faced allegations questioning his suitability for the role of defence minister. His detractors pointed fingers at his association with the Communist Party of Thailand (CPT) during the turbulent ’70s. Among them, former senator Gen Somjate Boonthanom voiced his concerns, creating ripples across social media platforms. “The government is poised to appoint a ‘big comrade,’ who retreated into the forests in October 1976, as defence minister overseeing military personnel,” Gen…