“` The essence of identity and belonging profoundly resonates in the narrative of Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, the second-eldest progeny of Thailand’s royal lineage, whose tale unravels like an intricately woven tapestry. Standing in a quiet moment of reflection before the dignified portraits of his royal forebears at the esteemed ‘Bangkok Post,’ Vacharaesorn, or “Than Aon” as affectionately known by many, embarks on a journey of rediscovery and connection with his roots. Imagine spending nearly three decades away from your homeland, only to return as a bearer of its passport, a carrier of its identity card. The story of Vacharaesorn acquiring his first-ever Thai ID card is not merely administrative; it is a homecoming. “After living abroad for almost 30 years, holding my Thai passport, I felt a completion of my identity,” he muses during an exclusive interview, his voice tinged with emotion… In conversation, his sense of humor shines through. Picture…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the complex tapestry of modern Thai society, where tradition often clashes with the temptations of the modern world, a scandal has emerged, so sensational it seems ripped from the pages of a thriller novel. At the heart of this bewildering tale is Phra Ajarn Khom, formerly the abbot of the revered Wat Pa Dhammakiri in the picturesque district of Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima. Imagine, if you will, a story that intertwines faith, betrayal, and an astonishing sum of money almost too large to fathom – almost 300 million baht, to be exact. This is not just a story; it’s a saga of how the sacred was profaned, leading to a judicial decision as monumental as the amount in question. On one ordinary Wednesday, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases turned the page on this shocking chapter of ecclesiastical breach, sentencing Phra Ajarn Khom, or Khom Kongkaeowas…
In a landscape where the air is more toxic than an internet comment section, Chiang Mai finds itself in a haze of smog so thick, it could rival London’s infamous ‘pea-soupers.’ Enter Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Sitthithaworn, striding through the miasma with a plan so bold it could be straight out of a superhero comic. His proposition? An offer of 10,000 baht to any vigilant citizen who can bring about the conviction of forest fire felons. But, much like a tepid cup of tea, this plan has been met with lukewarm enthusiasm from those with their boots on the ground. One of these, Rungsrit Kanjanavanit, a cardiologist and lecturer from Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Medicine, shared his thoughts with the Bangkok Post, and spoiler alert: he’s not buying what the governor is selling. “In my opinion, 10,000 baht rewards could do very little,” he remarked. Let’s not forget, this…
Imagine the serene waters off Sattahip Naval Base in Chon Buri, Thailand, typically a hub of disciplined activity and naval precision. But on March 13, the base turned into a scene right out of a high-octane movie, albeit one the Navy would have preferred not to star in. The calm was shattered when HTMS Khirirat found itself on the receiving end of a fiery hello from its sister ship, HTMS Chonburi, thanks to an accidental shell firing. The resulting chaos was not your average workplace mishap; instead, it became a testament to the unpredictable thrill of naval operations—and the ensuing headache of damage control. The drama unfolded under the steely watch of the midday sun. HTMS Chonburi, fresh from a firing drill in the open sea, where its weapons had proven somewhat temperamental, returned to dock beside the unsuspecting HTMS Khirirat. It was here, amidst the tranquility of Sattahip district,…
Imagine a world where every voice echoes through the halls of power, where the digital realm intertwines with reality in both uplifting and divisive waves. This was the backdrop when Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin who doubles as the finance minister, stepped onto the virtual stage at the 3rd Summit for Democracy in Seoul. The air was charged with anticipation as he prepared to address the theme: “Democracy for Future Generations”, an invitation extended by none other than South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. The serene setting of a video conference belied the gravity of Thavisin’s message. Speaking from the heart and the helm of Thailand’s government, he laid bare the dual ghosts haunting modern democracy: rising inequality and the polarizing specter of social media. The premier didn’t just voice concerns; he represented a nation that, as freshly reaffirmed by last year’s general elections, robustly embraces democratic values. To navigate the…
In the bustling heart of Thailand’s political and police universe, a twist worthy of a prime-time drama unfolded, casting the nation’s top cops in a narrative of intrigue, transfers, and allegations that could easily rival the most gripping of television series. The central figures of this saga are none other than Pol General Torsak “Big Tor” Sukvimol, the National Police Chief, and his right-hand man, Pol General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, both of whom found their destinies taking a sharp turn after a pivotal meeting with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The stage was set on a Wednesday that would go down in the annals of Thai law enforcement history, as Srettha, acting with the gravity befitting his office, issued transfer orders for both Big Tor and Big Joke. The whispers and rumors that had been swirling reached a crescendo, indicating that Deputy RTP chief Pol General Kittirat “Big Tai” Phanphet…
In an unexpected twist that sounds more like the plot of a political thriller than a day at the office, the corridors of power in Thailand were buzzing when Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made a bold move. In an endeavour to quash a burgeoning storm within the Royal Thai Police Office, he transferred the national police chief Torsak Sukvimol and his deputy Surachate Hakparn straight to the PM’s Office on Wednesday. The atmosphere was charged as reporters swarmed National Police Chief Torsak Sukvimol for comments. Yet, amidst the flurry of microphones and flashing cameras, Torsak maintained a composed demeanor, hinting at the drama unfolding behind the scenes. The plot thickened earlier that day when, in a scene ripe for cinematic adaptation, Pol Gen Torsak and Pol Gen Surachate shared a vehicle, heading to what would be a fateful meeting with Mr. Srettha. Little did they know, their professional journey was…
In a spectacle that seemed torn right from the pages of a modern-day fairytale, a near-mythical creature embarked on an extraordinary journey to the prestigious Government House. This wasn’t just any creature, but a rare albino buffalo stud, nearly five years in the making of its own legend. Its mission? To capture the heart and imagination of none other than Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, in a bid to elevate the majestic Thai buffalo to a status of national treasure and a beacon of soft power. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a towering figure himself at 192cm, found himself eye-to-eye with the living emblem of beauty and strength. “I had no idea that there was ever such a beautiful buffalo before!” he exclaimed, a statement that echoed the sentiments of all who have been graced by its presence. This wasn’t merely a meeting; it was a dialogue between giants, both in stature…
Imagine a place where the line between bravery and sheer lunacy blurs – welcome to the enthralling spectacle at Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo. On an ordinary Wednesday, this haven for scale-covered behemoths turned into a theatre of the wild, extending an open invitation to media mavens to feast their eyes on an exhibition that flirts with danger. Here, you don’t merely spectate; you’re thrust into the heart of audacity as trained handlers dance at the edge of death, wrestling with crocodiles and daring to place their heads within the lethal embrace of these primordial giants’ open jaws. But why stop at crocodiles when you can witness the grace of elephants defying every ounce of their massive frames? These gentle giants here have mastered the art of entertainment, walking tightropes thinner than your patience on a Monday, dancing with a grace that would put seasoned ballerinas to shame, and…
In a tale that could rival the fables of old, nestled in the heart of Thailand’s verdant landscapes, Assoc Prof Dr Somporn Isvilanonda, a sage of agricultural lore and a senior fellow at the Knowledge Network Institute of Thailand, has cast a wary eye over a curious government initiative. This cautionary note unraveled in a narrative filled with commerce, rice, and the specter of corruption – ingredients ripe for an epic saga. Our story unfolds with Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai embarking on a journey to Surin province on a day marked by fate, March 14. His destination? Two ancient vaults of grain, the Poonpol Trading Co Ltd’s 4th warehouse in the Muang district and the legendary 2nd Kittichai warehouse in the Prasat district. These storied chambers held within them treasures of a bygone era – sacks of rice, 32,879 in one and a staggering 112,711 in…