In the bustling heart of downtown Bangkok, under the cloak of night, a scene that seemed plucked right out of a political thriller unfolded. The protagonists? A determined band of activists, led by the unyielding Pichit Chaimongkol, from the ranks of the Students and the People’s Network for Thailand Reform. Their mission? To cast a watchful eye on the comings and goings of one of Thailand’s most enigmatic figures – Thaksin Shinawatra. The drama began to simmer as rumors swirled through the sultry air of Bangkok, alleging that Thaksin was grappling with a serious illness. Images of him discreetly exiting the hallowed grounds of the Police General Hospital in the early hours of Sunday added fuel to the speculative fire. The skeptics among the crowd, however, raised their eyebrows in doubt. In response to these suspicions, Pichit and his steadfast army of activists rallied. They converged in front of the…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a scene that felt more like a dramatic return than a mere shuffle out of hospital grounds, Thailand’s former premier, Thaksin Shinawatra, marked his comeback to familiar soils after a staggering 15-plus years of absence. This homecoming saga unwrapped early Sunday as Thaksin, accompanied by his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, bade farewell to the confines of the Police General Hospital in Bangkok. The sight of them departing together, captured amidst the hush of dawn, was nothing short of cinematic. Thaksin, now 74, had found himself in the grasp of serious illnesses, necessitating a prolonged six-month stay in the hospital. This stint came right on the heels of his return to Thailand on the brisk morning of August 22, 2023, poised to face the music for convictions that had spurred his lengthy exile. The judicial tops spinning the wheels of law found Thaksin ripe for parole, ticking all the boxes with…
Welcome to a whirlwind tour of the ever-evolving political landscape of Thailand as unveiled in the latest edition of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index for 2023. It seems Thailand has embarked on a somewhat bumpy journey down the democracy rankings, dropping eight places to comfortably sit at 63rd out of 167 countries and territories. Why the slide, you ask? Well, it’s a tale of governance, electoral quirks, and the ever-watchful eye of the unelected, shadowing the will of the voters. In a twist that would intrigue political enthusiasts and analysts alike, this beautiful nation, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, experienced a slight dent in its democratic credentials. Scoring 6.35 points, a nudge downward from the previous year’s 6.67, Thailand finds itself in the realm of ‘flawed democracies’, a space it shares with countries scoring between 6 and 8. These aren’t the full-fledged democracies boasting scores…
In an event that felt almost cinematic in its unfolding, Thailand’s landscape witnessed the return of a figure so prominent, it sent ripples across the nation’s collective consciousness. The early hours of Sunday morning saw the former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, a man whose political odyssey has kept both his allies and adversaries on the edge of their seats, make a departure that was anything but ordinary. He was not merely leaving a place; he was exiting a chapter of his life that had seen him grapple with ailments so severe, they warranted a six-month sanctuary at the prestigious Police General Hospital. The streets of Bangkok, already pulsating with the early murmurs of dawn, watched as Thaksin, flanked by his daughters, made a discreet yet resolute exit in a van. The air was thick with anticipation, not just for those who had closely followed his political and personal trials, but…
In an intriguing twist of fate, the deep blue waters off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan are set to become the stage for a remarkable demonstration of international cooperation and maritime prowess. This Thursday marks the beginning of an ambitious joint endeavor between the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and the United States Navy, as they set their sights on the challenging task of salvaging the HTMS Sukhothai. The unfortunate vessel met its demise about 35 kilometres from shore on December 18, 2022, after being ensnared by a tempestuous storm, plunging it into the ocean’s embrace. The Thai naval force is mobilizing an impressive contingent for this operation, including 40 dedicated officers aboard the HTMS Rattnakosin, accompanied by two agile mine-sweeper boats and a sturdy medium-seagoing watercraft. Meanwhile, the US is bringing its own formidable assets to the table, with the Ocean Valor and a team of 17 seasoned marines…
In the heart of Kamphaeng Phet’s lush landscapes, an unexpected visitor has caused quite the stir – a wild tiger, striking both awe and a wave of panic as it casually strolled into the quaint village of Kariang Namtok in the scenic Khlong Lan district. The scene was straight out of a thrilling adventure novel, with local residents and authorities on the edge of their seats. The Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP), ever vigilant in its duty to maintain harmony between Thailand’s rich wildlife and its inhabitants, promptly sent a skilled team of officials and veterinarians into the fray. Led by the intrepid Atthapol Charoenchansa, the DNP’s director-general, this unit embarked on an adrenaline-fueled mission to track down the wandering feline monarch of the forest. The discovery of the tiger last Friday evening, just as the sun dipped below the horizon, turning the sky into a…
Imagine a scene ripe with anticipation—a residence shimmering with the glow of welcome home banners, the air thick with expectation. This isn’t just any homecoming; this is the return of Thaksin Shinawatra, a figure whose life story could very well be the plot of a blockbuster movie. From the heights of political power as Thailand’s Prime Minister to the depths of a hospital bed as a convicted man, Thaksin’s journey has been nothing short of cinematic. This Sunday marks a pivotal chapter in the Shinawatra saga, as Thaksin is set to be released on parole, after a nearly six-month sojourn in the confines of the Police General Hospital (PGH). The release is the culmination of a sequence of events that began with Thaksin’s dramatic return to Thailand last August, after 15 years of self-imposed exile. It’s a moment Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has confirmed, although the exact timing of Thaksin’s…
In the heart of Bangkok’s Bang Phlat district, a large banner fluttering in the gentle breeze announces a significant homecoming. It’s not just any welcome sign; this one has been meticulously put up by the children and grandchildren of Thaksin Shinawatra at the gates of their ancestral home in Ban Chan Song La on the picturesque Charan Santiwong Soi 69. The occasion? The much-anticipated return of the convicted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a political saga that has captivated the nation and the world alike. As the sun sets on Saturday, the bustling metropolis of Bangkok is abuzz with the news confirmed by none other than Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin himself. Thaksin Shinawatra, the exiled statesman whose life story reads like a gripping political thriller, will embrace freedom once more on Sunday. His journey back to liberty has been nothing short of cinematic. After a dramatic return from 15 years…
In the sun-drenched land of Thailand, where golden temples meet bustling markets, a tale unfolds that is as intriguing as it is creamy. Yes, we’re talking about the legendary Thai school milk saga, where the stakes are as high as the nutritional value of milk. This story stars Naiyarit Jamlay, a hero in the dairy domain, who on a sunny Saturday declared a decree that would make any lactose lover leap for joy. He proclaimed, with the steadfastness of a knight, that milk shall be distributed freely to all Thai cherubs from the tender age of kindergarten through the bold age of sixth grade. But, dear readers, there’s a twist—as tantalizing as a swirl on your favorite milkshake: this milk is strictly not for sale. Nayirit, wearing his dairy defender cape, pointed out a nefarious act within the kingdom of curds and whey. Suppliers entrusted with delivering this nectar to…
Imagine a serene seascape, where the ocean meets the sky in a spectacular blaze of colors. This is the backdrop against which a tale of unexpected adventure unfolds, involving two boats, 31 intrepid souls, and the enchanting allure of Chicken Island. All of this set within the majestic confines of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, a place where nature tells its own stories. In this breathtaking corner of the world, a journey on the tranquil waters took a dramatic turn. Our protagonist, Apichart Kobtaisong, a 37-year-old seasoned boat operator, had promised his group of 10 adventurous foreigners an unforgettable island tour. As the sun began its descent, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, Apichart gracefully slowed his vessel. The tourists, enthralled by the natural splendor, readied their cameras to capture the moment. Chicken Island, known for its picturesque scenery, was the perfect subject for…