Posts published in “Thailand”

Imagine a scene right out of a glossy movie set in the vibrant heart of Bangkok, where the buzz of the city forms a compelling backdrop. At the fore of this vivid picture stands a solitary figure, a guard, at the entrance of the infamous Klong Prem Central Prison. This isn’t just any ordinary day; it’s the day when the wheels of justice and controversy spin wildly, triggered by a decision to grant parole to the former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. This decision has set the entire nation abuzz, murmuring in cafes, debating in the streets, and questioning in the halls of power. Enter the opposition Democrat Party, a band of lawmakers fueled by a resolve to challenge the status quo. They’re on a mission – a crusade, if you will – to change the very fabric of the Corrections Act of 2017. Their proposal? A daring shift to strip…

In the bustling heart of Bangkok, where the urban sprawl meets the echoes of history, stands the formidable Klong Prem Central Prison. Known to many as a place of redemption and reformation, it recently became the central stage for a drama that has gripped the nation. The silhouette of a guard, the steadfast sentinel, casts a shadow over the entrance, hinting at the tales of repentance and controversy that lie within its walls. In this latest chapter, the spotlight shines on the opposition Democrat Party, which has ignited a fiery discussion with its bold proposal. The Democrats, stirred by a sense of justice and a quest for transparency, are championing a legislative revolution. Their battle cry? A proposed bill that seeks to amend the Corrections Act of 2017, a move poised to redefine the landscape of prison sentence reductions and parole. In a daring shift from tradition, the party suggests…

Welcome to Thailand, the land of smiles, known for its breathtaking beaches, delectable cuisine, and – as the latest charts have shown – its intriguing position on the global democracy scoreboard. The annual Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Democracy Index has recently pegged Thailand at 63 out of 167 countries and territories reviewed last year, taking a slight tumble from 55 in 2022. But hey, in the world of democracy rankings, it’s a roller coaster, and Thailand is firmly strapped in for the ride. Professor Thitinan, a luminary at the Faculty of Political Science, wasn’t taken aback by this dip. In his chat with The Nation, he pointed to the series of suppressed protests over the last two decades as one of the culprits. Add to that, he mentioned, the rather liberal approach to arresting folks and keeping them from the comforting embrace of bail, not to mention the pair of…

Under the gilded dome of democracy, a narrative unfolds—one that encapsulates the dance of governance and the rhythm of statutes. It’s a tale not just of legal proceedings but of aspirations, influence, and political fervor. Step into the scene where Pita Limjaroenrat and Chaithawat Tulathon engage with the press, embodying the spirit of the Move Forward Party. Their dialogue with reporters, against the solemn backdrop of the parliament, is not just an exchange of words but a moment captured in the annals of political discourse. This was on a day that would imprint itself in the chronicles of Thai politics—January 31st, when the Constitutional Court laid down the gavel against their party’s advocacy to reform the lese-majeste law. Like a plot twist in a riveting political thriller, the full verdict of the Constitutional Court, challenging the very ideology of the Move Forward Party, found its way to the Election Commission’s…

In the quaint and seemingly serene district of Na Pho in Buri Ram, a heart-wrenching saga unfolds, touching the lives of a family torn apart by international conflict. Among the golden fields and under the expansive Thai sky, Mr. Wilas Tanna, a 64-year-old father, harbors an ocean of worry for his 36-year-old son, Pongsak Tanna, who has been engulfed in a nightmare thousands of miles away. On a fateful day, October 7 last year, the tranquility of life was shattered for the Tanna family when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel, spiraling Pongsak into an abyss of captivity that has now spanned nearly five agonizing months. The young Thai worker, who ventured abroad in search of a better life, found himself in a maelstorm of terror and unpredictability. As the sun rises and sets over the serene landscapes of Buri Ram, Mr. Wilas is haunted by the uncertainty surrounding…

In the lush and often surprising heart of Trang district, a tale unfolded that seemed straight out of a curious adventurer’s diary. Picture this: a young man stands, a macaque cradled in his arms, adjacent to a police officer. This is no ordinary day in the bustling district of Na Yong, Trang, but a moment captured in time, encapsulating the drama that ensued on a Wednesday that would be remembered for its unusual chain of events. The protagonist of our story, Wutthichai Tunrat, a 26-year-old with ambitions that tread into murky legal waters, found himself in the grips of the law. His crime? The sale of macaques through the digital expanse of Facebook, a platform where wildlife trade unexpectedly found a niche. The marketplace in question bore the name “Khon Rak Ling Kang Khuen Maphrao” translating to the enchanting ‘Macaques climbing coconut tree lovers,’ where each transaction saw these creatures…

Imagine a scene where the vibrant world of art meets the serene beauty of Chiang Rai, Thailand. This is where the illustrious Thailand Biennale Chiang Rai 2023 unfolds, creating a canvas so vast and colorful, it draws the attention of the global art community and diplomats from 40 countries for a memorable group snapshot in front of the esteemed Chiang Rai International Art Museum. This remarkable gathering, captured by the lens of Poramet Tangasathaporn, is just a prelude to the art extravaganza that awaits. In the heart of Chiang Rai, the Ministry of Culture devises a masterplan, leveraging art, the universal language, as a catalyst for tourism and economic growth. This strategy is not merely about showcasing stunning art pieces; it’s about weaving culture into the fabric of society to empower and enrich the lives of those who breathe life into the art world. Vice Minister Phonpoom Vipattipumiprates is at…

In a whirlwind of political maneuvering and environmental activism, the plot (quite literally) surrounding the luscious expanses of the Khao Yai forest transcended into a narrative more gripping than your favorite political thriller. At the heart of this saga stands Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Picture this: amidst an escalating uproar on social media and amongst the green hearts of environmentalists, it emerged that a staggering 2,900 rai (or 464 hectares for those metrically minded) of forested glory was, quite controversially, earmarked for the agricultural aspirations of farmers. The crescendo of discontent nudged Srettha into action, summoning an urgent assembly that could rival any high-stakes cinematic roundtable. This urgent call was to none other than the crème de la crème of Thailand’s land and environmental governance including the agricultural and environment ministers, among other prestigious titles. Imagine the scene — a buzz of anticipation as decisions of monumental consequence for Thailand’s…

In a turn of events that reads like a riveting crime drama, Deputy National Police Chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn finds himself entangled in a web of allegations and suspicion that sounds almost too thrilling to be true. Picture this: a high-ranking police officer, known for his knack for cracking high-profile cases, is now under the microscope for alleged involvement in an online gambling scandal, with ties to money laundering and more. Let’s dive a little deeper, shall we? The plot thickens with the involvement of a 25-year-old single mother, Suchanun Sucharitchinsri—affectionately known as Minnie—who’s allegedly the mastermind behind a sprawling online gambling network. Our story doesn’t stop there; alongside “Big Joke,” four other police officers have been marked as persons of interest in this cinematic unfolding of events. This drama unfolds further as Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew steps into the limelight to confirm the suspicions. Painted against the…

In a historic move that could only be described as a landslide decision, the halls of Thailand’s parliament echoed with the unanimous voice of change. The vote, standing at an astonishing 421:0, was not just a number—it was a deafening call for a new dawn. And at the forefront of this seismic shift was none other than Democrat MP for Pattani, Yunaidee Waba, together with his intrepid band of associates. On a Wednesday that would etch itself into the annals of Thai political history, a draft was proposed, aiming to do away with the NCPO order No 14/2016, a relic from a past era that seemed increasingly out of touch with the present and the dire needs of Thailand’s deep South. The deep South, a tapestry of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and parts of Songkhla, has weathered decades of unrest. This region, vibrant with culture and steeped in history, unfortunately, has…