The sun-drenched province of Kanchanaburi is abuzz with conversation around a rather antique decree, a throwback to 1938, that has cast an oversized shadow over the lives of its residents. Stemming from a bygone era, this decree effectively marks off expansive tracts of land across four districts — Muang, Wang Khanai, Baan Tuan, and Wang Ka — simply to nurture a specific variety of bamboo meant for a now-defunct military-run paper manufacturing enterprise. Imagine that! More than eight decades later, this old decree still haunts the land ownership dreams of many locals. Enter Akaranun Khankittinan, the gallant Pheu Thai MP for the province, who is taking quite a stand against this archaic piece of legislation. Just last month, he bravely marched into the hallowed halls of the House with a petition in clutch, demanding a reconsideration of this outmoded decree. With society undergoing seismic shifts and local voices growing more…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The calendar reads 2025, yet the narrative of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) remains a fascinating chapter in the saga of regional cooperation. Born in 1967 amidst the tumultuous swirl of global ideologies, ASEAN stands as a testament to the power of unity among Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. These nations, emerging like phoenixes from the ashes of Cold War geopolitics, joined hands to carve a niche for themselves in the free world, wisely sidestepping the dreaded spiral of communism. The 1990s heralded a new dawn for ASEAN as it embraced all ten regional nations, transforming erstwhile adversaries into steadfast allies, signaling a new era of reconciliation. The ASEAN Charter’s enactment in 2008 symbolized the dawn of a unified community, bound by shared ideals and principles, a solid testament to regional perseverance and solidarity. ASEAN’s crowning jewel lies in its unique convening power, reminiscent of a…
In the heart of Southeast Asia lies a country known for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and picturesque landscapes—Thailand. But did you know that it’s also a burgeoning hub for online content creators? That’s right! The landscape of content creation in this beautiful nation is evolving faster than anyone anticipated. With a substantial leap from last year’s figures, a projected 3 million Thai influencers are set to make a splash on social media platforms this year. That’s about 5% of Thailand’s population, according to Pawat Ruangdejworachai, the astute president and CEO of Media Intelligence Group Co. But who are these influencers, you ask? Well, many of these digital trendsetters began their journeys as mere product sellers on the internet. They’ve since seized an exciting opportunity to leverage online advertising to maximize local and international brand visibility. By showcasing their products and their personalities, they’re attracting brands eager to sponsor product…
Liu Zhongyi’s Mission: Busting Scams, One Rescue at a Time In a world where deception often wears a digital face, Liu Zhongyi stands as a beacon of hope for many. This Sunday saw an unusual stir at Mae Sot airport in Tak province, as China’s stalwart Assistant Public Security Minister arrived. His mission? To safely return hundreds of previously duped Chinese nationals back to their homeland after being ensnared by nefarious call center gangs operating from the tangled web of Myanmar’s borders. Liu, not one to rest on mere laurels, took this opportunity to demand decisive action from Myanmar against these shadowy international scam syndicates and their reprehensible human trafficking partners. His call to arms resonates deep within the corridors of power as China ramps up its efforts to quash the notorious scam networks sprawling across the Thai-Myanmar border. Accompanied by a battalion of approximately 26 eager Chinese delegates, Liu…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra returned from Beijing with an enthusiastic glimmer of possibilities aglow in her eyes. Fresh from meeting with the notable Chinese leadership, she reported on her diplomatic journey with an air of assured optimism. It’s a visit she believes will spark a cascade of opportunities for Thailand, with a particular emphasis on enhancing security and trade relations with China. Appearing on the monthly TV broadcast “Opportunities for Thailand with Prime Minister Paetongtarn” (or Okat Thai Kap Nayok Paetongtarn in Thai), she unpacked her trip in detail. Hungrily watched and dissected by thousands of eager eyes on NBT HD2, here was a firsthand account of how a cross-border friendship celebrated 50 glorious years. From February 5 to 8, amidst the cultural tapestry that is the heart of Beijing, Paetongtarn hobnobbed with Chinese President Xi Jinping, National People’s Congress chair Zhao Leji, and Prime Minister Li Qiang. High on…
As the calendar flips to 2025, it seems young New Zealanders have discovered an alluring treasure on the world map: Thailand, affectionately dubbed the “Land of Smiles.” With its intoxicating blend of adventure, culture, and affordability, it’s no wonder this enchanting destination is quickly becoming a favorite among Kiwi travelers. Thailand isn’t just aiming, it’s soaring towards a goal of welcoming a record-breaking 40 million tourists by the end of this year, and young New Zealanders are a vibrant part of this wave. The latest Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples survey by the Asia New Zealand Foundation unveils Asia as a prime region attracting Kiwi holidaymakers. Amongst them, the trendsetters are undoubtedly the youthful souls, those fresh graduates from across the Pacific keen on etching their footprints in foreign sands. Thailand, in particular, has garnered a magnetic appeal for these ambitious explorers. Meet Max Weinstein, a sprightly 21-year-old who…
There’s a fresh breeze blowing through Thailand’s tourism industry, and it’s coming from an unexpected direction—senior citizens. As the government declares 2025 the year of “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports,” Thammasat University’s own Assoc Prof Saifon Suindramedhi has thrown a thought-provoking idea into the mix. Instead of solely pursuing the whirlwind of young travelers, she suggests turning the gaze towards older tourists—those mature globetrotters who relish stretching both their legs and budgets when they explore new places. This year, the Land of Smiles is gleaming with ambitious plans to draw 40 million international tourists and rake in a whopping 3 trillion baht. The buzz is all about amplifying world-class concerts, dazzling performances, and adrenaline-pumping sporting events. With partners from across various sectors jumping on board, Thailand is poised to solidify its standing as a global tourism powerhouse. While these grandiose ventures should indeed magnetize a youthful crowd, one can’t…
Pedestrian crosswalks, those seemingly simple painted lines on roads, are a crucial lifeline in bustling cities like Bangkok. Yet, the daily reality faced by those who traverse these zebra crossings is fraught with danger, and nowhere is this more concerning than outside schools and hospitals. A recent incident has reignited calls for bolstered safety measures to protect pedestrians in these high-risk zones. Chamaipan Santikarn, the proactive manager of ThaiHealth’s Social Mobilisation for Motorcycle Safety Project, has become an articulate advocate for addressing this pressing issue. Her call for action follows a distressing accident involving a 68-year-old South Korean tourist struck by a motorcycle while using a pedestrian crossing near the Kidney Institute Hospital on Phaya Thai Road, a location already marked by tragedy two years prior when an ophthalmologist was fatally hit by a motorcyclist. The recurrence of such accidents at the same spot underscores a glaring inadequacy in Thailand’s…
In the vibrant and unpredictable world of Thai politics, the Pheu Thai Party, steering the government ship, remains unfazed amidst tempestuous seas stirred by sweeping calls for a House dissolution from the spirited opposition People’s Party. These passionate appeals seem to stem from what the Pheu Thai perceives as a simple misunderstanding, where differing opinions on a proposed charter amendment were misinterpreted as a rift threatening the coalition’s core. “It’s all just another day at the office,” shrugged Pheu Thai MP Sutin Klungsang with an easy smile, brushing off any notion of a rocky coalition with the aplomb of a seasoned diplomat. Regardless of recent tumult—two aborted joint sittings fell on both Thursday and Friday like a comedic farce—Mr. Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the zealous leader of the opposition, passionately argued for the House’s dissolution. Yet, both sessions faltered due to a missing quorum, a head-scratching absence of MPs, which threw his…
Picture this: You’re rushing through the bustling streets of Bangkok, the sun bearing down as you juggle a tangled mix of train passes, bus tokens, and boat tickets. Sounds stressful, right? Well, fret no more! Enter the Common Ticketing System Management Bill—a game-changer that promises to simplify your city commutes by consolidating all your travel needs into one nifty ticket. The forward-thinking Thailand Consumers Council is leading the charge by organizing a public forum to discuss the bill that’s now under the scrutiny of the House special committee. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about reshaping public transport by lowering prices and boosting efficiency. A seamless, integrated system can make your daily commute as breezy as a stroll in the park. And who doesn’t want a bit more ease in their hustle-bustle day? The bill aims to tackle those pesky overlapping responsibilities among the various agencies handling ticket systems across Bangkok’s…