In the tranquil province of Ratchaburi, a storm brewed around former MP Pareena Kraikupt that reached its climax with a court ruling as dramatic as a scene from a blockbuster movie. The Ratchaburi Provincial Court, in a decision that made headlines on March 11, handed down an order that would make anyone’s wallet wince. They ordered Pareena, the erstwhile MP from the robust Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), to cough up a whopping 7.6 million baht. Why? To cover the expenses of the by-election triggered by her disqualification, a political twist no one saw coming. But this is not your average debt repayment scenario. Pareena has to pay the substantial sum, bolstered with interest, to the Election Commission for the by-election held on May 21, 2022. This came after the Supreme Court found Pareena straying from the path of political ethics, leading to her disqualification from holding her parliamentary seat –…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a riveting expose that reads like a gripping thriller, but alas, is the harsh reality of our times, the issue of corruption weaving its tendrils through the use of state-owned lands has been thrust into the limelight. Published with fervor on the NACC’s (National Anti-Corruption Commission) esteemed digital platform this past Monday, the article uncovers a narrative that seems straight out of a shadowy underworld saga. Picture this: a picturesque landscape, state lands stretching across lush forests, rolling mountains, pristine beaches. Now picture a dark shadow cast over this idyllic scene by the hands of unscrupulous land officials, their tendrils of corruption slowly encroaching and claiming what isn’t rightfully theirs. The article elucidates on how this menace has only burgeoned in recent years, painting a grim picture of our guardians turned predators. But fear not, for within this gloomy narrative, a beacon of hope shines through, proposing a cavalry…
In the ever-buzzing island of Phuket, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, picturesque beaches, and vibrant nightlife, a rather extraordinary incident unfolded, shaking the usually peaceful coexistence of locals and tourists. This story takes us to the bustling streets of Phuket, where tranquility was momentarily disrupted by an act so unexpected, it prompted the island’s governor to step in. It was a typical sunny afternoon when Pol Sen Sgt Maj Somsak Noo-iad from the Chalong station found himself in an unusual predicament—a roadside scuffle that would soon draw widespread attention. Our tale revolves around two brothers from New Zealand, whose holiday took a turn for the worse, spiraling into an event that left the local authorities and international community in disbelief. Phuket’s governor, Sophon Suwannarat, in a stance of unwavering determination, publicly condemned the actions of these two brothers. With a tone of disbelief and concern, he addressed the media, stating,…
Imagine stepping into a world where the pulse of economic growth beats in tandem with the rising temperatures, painting a picture of a country on the brink of transformation. This is the vibrant stage set by Veerapat Kiatfuengfoo, the visionary director-general of Thailand’s Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO), under the auspices of the Energy Ministry. On a bustling Monday that felt like the prelude to an economic symphony, Veerapat revealed insights that could very well script the future of Thailand’s energy and economic landscape. With the precision of a seasoned conductor, Veerapat shared the National Economic and Social Development Council’s latest crescendo: a forecast that places Thailand on a promising trajectory of 2.2-3.2% economic growth this year. This prediction isn’t just a number; it’s a beacon of hope, a testament to the resilience and potential of the Thai economy in the grand global narrative. But, as in all great…
Welcome to the vibrant city of Osaka, a bustling metropolis that seamlessly marries the ancient with the ultra-modern, and where the aroma of sizzling street food fills the air. Among the city’s myriad attractions lies the Kuromon Ichiba Fish Market, a veritable paradise for food lovers. Picture this: rows upon rows of fresh seafood on ice, vendors calling out their daily specials, and amidst this lively scene, both tourists and locals rub shoulders, each on a quest to snag the freshest catch. It’s a sight to behold, captured perfectly in a snapshot by Pattarawadee Saengmanee, which shows the vibrant intermingling of cultures and cuisines. However, amidst the culinary delights and scenic wonders that Osaka has to offer, there’s a whisper of caution in the air for those hailing from the Land of Smiles. Thais, whether just stopping by or those who’ve found a second home in this Japanese haven, are…
Imagine waking up to the news that a vibrant, bustling first-tier province might just materialize in the northern reaches of Thailand. The heart of this transformation? A state-of-the-art airport envisioned to paint the skies of Phayao, a hidden gem in the northern tapestry of Thailand, waiting for its moment in the sun. This tale begins on a rather unassuming Monday, as Srettha, an influential figure, gathers the press, under the whispering shadows of the potential site for this monumental project in Phayao’s Dok Kham Tai district. “Patience is a virtue,” Srettha articulates with a visionary glint in his eye, addressing the eager residents of Phayao. “Anticipation is brewing, and the blueprint of your future is being meticulously crafted.” He unveils the ongoing saga of the much-discussed airport, now in the throes of a feasibility study. This isn’t just any construction project; it’s a beacon of hope, promising to elevate Phayao…
On a bustling Monday, under the warm embrace of the Thai sun, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew unveiled a groundbreaking initiative that promises to redefine healthcare accessibility in the Land of Smiles. Dubbed as the “health rider” service, this novel approach to medicine delivery was introduced amidst the pomp and ceremony of the annual Day of Village Public Health Volunteers, held at the esteemed Pua School within the serene landscapes of Nan’s Pua district. The initiative is ingeniously woven into the fabric of the 30-baht plus healthcare scheme—a visionary program that empowers Thai nationals with the simple presentation of their national identity card to seek medical treatment far and wide, with just a nominal fee of 30 baht. Although its wings currently stretch across 32 provinces, the whispers of its expansion to a nationwide embrace are already on the breeze, with Bangkok patiently awaiting its turn. Among the distinguished guests…
In an unfolding drama that could easily be the plot of a gripping crime thriller, Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, known as much for his impeccable service as for his nickname “Big Joke,” finds himself in the eye of a tempest. The scene at the Royal Thai Police Office, captured on March 13, hints at an impending storm. With the air tinged with suspense, Pol Gen Torsak Suvimol, the chief at the helm of the National Police, dropped a bombshell on Monday that has left the nation riveted. The crux of the matter lies in allegations swirling around Surachate’s possible entanglements with the shadowy realms of online gambling. Specifically, his name has been linked with the BNK Master network, an intricate web of gambling websites. In a turn of events that reads like a meticulously crafted plot twist, Surachate, the man once seen as the paragon of…
In the buzzing heart of Phuket, under the sweltering Thai sun, a tale of unexpected adventure and high-speed drama unfolded along the bustling Chao Fah Tawan Ok Road. Senior Pol. Sgt.-Maj. Somsak Nooiad, a seasoned officer known for his commitment to the safety of his community, set the stage for an unforgettable turn of events that would soon grip the streets of Mueang District. It was just another day in paradise, or so it seemed, until the tranquility of the morning was shattered by the roar of two motorcycles. Zooming past shops and startled pedestrians, two foreign men, blissfully unaware of the chase they were about to ignite, rode with a fervor that drew the immediate attention of Sgt.-Maj. Somsak. Determined to uphold the law, he signaled them to halt. Yet, like characters in an action-packed movie, they defied the call to stop and sped off, plunging the officer into…
In the heart of Ratchaburi, a tale more entwined with drama and intrigue than any soap opera unfolded, casting the spotlight on Pareena Kraikupt, a figure as controversial as she was once influential in Thailand’s political landscape. On a seemingly ordinary day, March 11, the gavel came down in the Ratchaburi Provincial Court like a thunderclap, sealing Pareena’s financial fate. The court’s decree? A staggering sum of 7.673 million baht was to be relinquished by Pareena to the Office of the Election Commission, with a 5% interest rate per annum as the cherry on top. The roots of this monetary avalanche trace back to the EC Office’s lawsuit, ignited by the fiery ordeal of having to conduct a by-election in Ratchaburi’s Constituency 3. Pareena’s exit from her MP pedestal had the Election Commission scrambling, their fingers pointing at a bill of 7.251 million baht—the cost of reinstating democratic order in…