In the ongoing saga surrounding the land title deed of a contentious golf course nestled in the scenic Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul finds himself navigating through the murky waters of land ownership rights. This bewildering saga, according to the Land Department’s guru, should rightfully fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), the initial issuer of the title deed, as confirmed by Pornpoth Penpas, the authoritative director-general of the Department of Lands (DoL). On a crisp Saturday morning, Mr. Pornpoth eloquently addressed swirling rumors suggesting that the land in question might be dabbling in intriguing overlaps with agricultural lands earmarked for reform. These assertions swirled in the air like persistent storm clouds. Stepping into the light, Mr. Anutin—a man known for his meticulous attention to business ventures—was eager to verify his comprehension of the complex labyrinth that is…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The tranquil landscape of Kamphaeng Phet was recently shaken by a chilling discovery that has since unraveled into a story fit for a crime drama. On a gloomy Friday evening, the local authorities cracked open a case involving the tragic murder of three family members whose bodies were discovered in a pickup truck—a grim scene hidden beneath a large canvas on an abandoned property. The deceased family, missing since January 11th, consisted of Wongsakorn Hongsakrai, a 37-year-old father; his wife, Nanthakarn Nachee, 35; and their young son, just seven years old. The condition in which they were found broke hearts across the community—each life violently taken by shots to the head. The murder weapon, unexpectedly, wasn’t the sort conventionally imagined in such horrific tales. Instead, the bullets that ended the lives were fired from a modified BB gun, as initial investigations by the Khlong Khlung police indicated. Soon enough, all…
In the typically tranquil Wang district of Narathiwat, the evening serenity was shattered with a dramatic explosion that echoed throughout the area like the climax of an action-packed blockbuster. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink on an otherwise ordinary Friday, the unexpected befell near a territorial defence unit. The audacious bomb attack, which rocked the community, originated from a seemingly innocent three-wheeled motorcycle—the kind you might see puttering along the streets amidst lively markets. But rather than groceries or goods, this vehicle concealed a sinister payload, detonating at approximately 7:10 PM and causing havoc. The explosion tore through the evening calm, sending a shower of debris skyward. It damaged a portion of the neighbouring wall and several parked motorcycles, leaving a visual testament to its destructive force. The once bustling area was quickly cordoned off by local authorities who sprang…
Indeed, change is in the air as a new wave of reform is on the horizon for the informal workforce in Thailand. According to Deputy Government Spokesman Karom Polpornklang, the winds of change are set to sweep through the lives of many workers currently sitting on the fringes of the social security system. The Social Security Office (SSO) has taken commendable steps, proposing the inclusion of three crucial worker groups into the fold, aiming to illuminate their paths with the beacon of healthcare access and an array of work-related benefits. If you’ve ever ventured into the verdant fields or dared to brave the choppy waters, you might have encountered the stalwart workers who toil in the agricultural, fisheries, forestry, and livestock sectors. As unsung heroes, these individuals often operate outside the comfort zone of formal employment. In an equally diligent realm, we find domestic helpers—the unswerving household maids, culinary wizards…
Picture a future where the humdrum of hospital waits and travel woes are whisked away by a groundbreaking healthcare initiative—enter the realm of the “Smart Health Cabin”! This visionary endeavor is helmed by none other than the trailblazing Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin, whose sights are set on revolutionizing Thailand’s already impactful 30-baht universal healthcare scheme. The date is February 16, 2025, and the stage is set for a healthcare paradigm shift that promises enhanced accessibility and seamless care for the people. Imagine walking into a sleek health check-up kiosk, strategically installed at Phra Nang Klao Hospital in Nonthaburi, and finding a world-class, all-in-one medical consultation at your fingertips. A peek into the future, unveiled just last week, these health check kiosks offer an innovative solution designed with a single unifying goal—to make the government’s “30-baht treatment anywhere” policy a reality. For residents in areas where hospitals and clinics are…
In a political landscape that’s often as tumultuous as a soap opera, the latest scene features the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) gearing up to indict 44 erstwhile MPs from the now-dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP). The charge? Breaching ethical standards by daring to sponsor a bill to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, commonly referred to as the lese-majeste law. Among the dramatis personae, we find Rangsiman Rome, one of the 44 former MFP MPs, who has been summoned by the NACC to face the music and elaborate on his role in proposing this amendment. Rangsiman Rome, who now wears the People’s Party badge, took to Facebook—his digital soapbox—after receiving an official letter signed by none other than NACC commissioner Witthaya Akhompitak, presiding as chair over the investigative committee. The missive demands his presence before the committee to address allegations of grave ethical misconduct for merely proposing amendments to…
The rich tapestry of cultural and spiritual connection between Thailand and China was once again woven together with the enshrining of the revered Buddha’s tooth relic at Sanam Luang. This unique and auspicious event marked the sixth cycle birthday of His Majesty the King, celebrated with an array of ceremonial activities that left both locals and visitors in a state of awestruck reverence. The Buddha’s tooth relic – a treasured icon of spiritual significance – was graciously on loan from the Lingguang Temple in Beijing. This loan commemorated not only His Majesty the King’s auspicious birthday but also marked the golden milestone of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. It was enshrined at Sanam Luang, a site that radiates historical and religious importance, where it remained for a full 73 days, offering devotees and curious minds alike the rare opportunity to pay homage to this sacred…
In recent political discourse, the charismatic and often tumultuous stage of Thai politics was once again illuminated with lively debates and strategic maneuvers. At the heart of this political saga were passionate discussions about constitutional changes, aptly led by the ruling Pheu Thai Party and their main counterparts, the People’s Party (PP). The intentions were clear, yet the path ahead seemed fraught with challenges akin to a tightly knit thriller plot, where the end remains tantalizingly elusive. One could almost hear a collective sigh of exasperation as yet another attempt to amend the meticulously guarded 2017 constitution made little headway. For days, political knights from parliament immersed themselves in the clamor of debates, delving into the depths of proposed adjustments to Section 256, which were aimed at setting the stage for a charter drafting assembly (CDA). However, like a seasoned jockey curbing a restless horse, progress was held back by…
The hustle and bustle of immigration lines are no stranger to the Tak Immigration Office in Mae Sot district, nestled within the heart of Thailand. Here, hopeful workers from Myanmar line up to process their visa applications, each carrying with them dreams of a better future across borders. However, recent developments have stirred the emotions of many, casting uncertainty on their aspirations. News echoes from the grapevine that the military junta in Myanmar has hit the pause button on sending migrant workers to Thailand, albeit only through official channels. This unexpected halt has been confirmed by whispers and private nods from overseas employment agencies. The Irrawaddy, a beacon of independent journalism, shares this unfolding story with the world: while journeys to other countries come with their own sets of challenges, Thailand has been placed on a temporary blacklist as of last Friday. The junta, notorious for its secretive operations, delivered…
As Valentine’s Day arrived with the sweet anticipation of love and surprises, Bangkok’s bustling city life paused for a moment of romance on wheels. Imagine a train ride that transcends the ordinary—where the usual din transforms into the harmonious symphony of vows as couples say “I do” aboard the SRT Red Line train in an event aptly named, Love in the Sky 2025. This extraordinary celebration symbolized love soaring to new heights, as 24 couples embraced a lifetime of marital bliss amidst panoramic city views and relishing glimpses of Don Mueang International Airport. The brainchild behind this remarkable affair was none other than Dr Wantanee Wattana, the esteemed Permanent Secretary for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), who inaugurated this year’s Valentine celebration with elegance and flair. This whimsical occasion unfolded within the impressive confines of the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok’s vibrant Chatuchak district. A collaborative masterpiece between…