Posts published in “Thailand”

In the heart of Thailand’s pulsating political arena, a captivating drama unfolds as Chaithawat Tulathon, the charismatic leader of the Move Forward Party, prepares to step into the spotlight for an electrifying two-day general debate against the incumbent government, slated for April 3-4. This event, akin to a grand political theater’s opening night, has the nation on the edge of its seats, eagerly awaiting the performance of the opposition under Chaithawat’s seasoned direction. (Photo credit: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) However, the build-up to this political showdown paints a complex picture of public sentiment. According to a revealing Nida Poll, there’s a palpable sense of reservation among the populace, with many expressing the belief that the government, like a slow-blooming flower, deserves more time to unfurl its policies and enrich the nation with the fiscal nourishment of 2023’s budget. The data unveils that a significant 32.75% of respondents advocate for this patience, preferring…

On a crisp Saturday in the verdant forests of Chiang Mai, amidst the sounds of nature and the subtle whispers of the trees, Pita Limjaroenrat lent an attentive ear to the dedicated volunteer forest firefighters from the Mirror Foundation. But this was no ordinary visit. As the former leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), Pita’s presence in the northern province of Thailand was teeming with determination and an unyielding spirit, especially in the face of the Election Commission’s (EC) looming cloud of dissolution threats. The political air in Chiang Mai was particularly charged, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the ever-controversial former premier Thaksin Shinawatra also gracing the province with their visits. However, Pita was quick to clarify, his trip was far from a political maneuver. With the poise and clarity of a seasoned leader, he shared that his journey northward was propelled by a steadfast commitment to justice…

Imagine a world where the glass ceiling isn’t just cracked, but completely shattered. That world isn’t a figment of our collective imagination; it’s becoming a reality in some corners of the globe, with the Philippines leading the charge. In a groundbreaking survey released by Grant Thornton, a prestigious UK-based global accounting behemoth, an eye-opening discovery was made. A stunning 43% of the top executive positions in companies across the Philippines are occupied by women. In a world where the fight for gender equality in the workplace rages on, this statistic isn’t just impressive; it’s revolutionary. But the surprises don’t stop there. The survey, a meticulous endeavor that spanned Asia, Europe, and America, interviewed a whopping 4,891 medium-sized companies. These businesses, 90% of which boast a workforce ranging from 50 to 2,500 employees, revealed a trend that could very well redefine the corporate hierarchy as we know it. And while the…

On a balmy afternoon on August 27, 2023, amidst the hustle and bustle of a lively Phuket street, a certain allure draws passersby to the charming stalls laden with nature’s own green remedy – cannabis. The aroma fills the air, adding a layer of intrigue to the vibrant tapestry that is Thailand’s street scene. It’s a snapshot that epitomizes the country’s burgeoning relationship with recreational cannabis, a narrative of liberation, celebration, and now, a looming chapter of restriction. In the heart of Bangkok, a spirited congregation known as the “Green Party” brings together cannabis aficionados. Amidst puffs of smoke and laughter, Thodsapol Hongtong, a prominent figure in this green revolution, revels in the camaraderie. At 31, Thodsapol isn’t just another enthusiast; he’s an influencer and proprietor of a cannabis shop, championing the green cause through his platform, “Channel Weed Thailand.” For him, cannabis isn’t merely about the high; it’s about…

In the corridors of diplomacy and amid the bustling, interconnected world of international travel, a curious case emerges—one that might seem miniscule in the grand avalanche of daily news but signifies much more upon a closer look. This tale spins around the Land of Smiles, Thailand, and its samurai-spirit neighbor, Japan, entangled in a matter of overstaying visits, visa regulations, and the unceasing tick of the diplomatic clock. So, let’s delve into this narrative, shall we? The setting for our story unfolds within the esteemed walls of the Foreign Ministry of Thailand, where commitment isn’t just a word, but an action. The issue at hand? A significant increase in the number of Thai nationals who find the charm of Japan so irresistible they overstay their 15-day visas. Picture this: from the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the tranquil zen gardens of Kyoto, Japan unfurls its wonders, making time seem like…

Imagine immersing yourself in the verdant expanses of Finland’s forests, where the wild berries hang like jewels, ripe for the picking. For years, this idyllic scene has been a seasonal reality for Thai workers, making the arduous journey to the far reaches of Europe’s north, anticipating the sweet rewards of their labor. However, a recent development has cast a shadow over this picturesque endeavor. The Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has put a halt to the merry berry-picking saga, at least for the near future. In a move that has left bushes bristling with soon-to-be unpicked berries, the ministry announced a pause on the acceptance of visa applications from wild-berry pickers hailing from Thailand. This decision doesn’t only ripple across Thailand but also touches the lives of those in Cambodia and Myanmar, who fall under the jurisdiction of Finland’s embassy in Bangkok. For the summer of 2024, dreams of harvesting…

Amidst the picturesque expanse of Chiang Mai’s lush forests, a scene unfolded that seemed more like a plot from an enthralling political thriller than a routine public appearance. Pita Limjaroenrat, the enigmatic figure at the heart of the Move Forward Party (MFP), stood amidst volunteer forest firefighters from the Mirror Foundation, his presence marking a statement of resilience and resolve. This wasn’t just another day; this was a statement of defiance and a declaration of unwavering intent. The air in Chiang Mai was thick, not just with the smoky haze of seasonal fires but with political tension and anticipation. The MFP, under Pita’s former leadership, faced what many would call an existential threat. The Election Commission (EC), wielding the formidable sword of legal inquiry, had cast a shadow over the MFP with calls for its dissolution. The allegations? A bold move to amend a section of the Criminal Code that…

Welcome to a whirlwind visit that has captured the imagination and headlines alike: Thaksin Shinawatra, the former premier with a penchant for stirring the pot, made quite the splash in Chiang Mai, turning heads at Waroros Market. Ah, the spectacle unfurled on a fine Friday, not just any Friday, but one that heralded the return of a figure wrapped in controversy, charisma, and an undeniable knack for being at the heart of the narrative. Picture this: Thaksin Shinawatra, stepping onto the soil of his home province, a bastion of unyielding support amidst the lush landscapes of Chiang Mai. The air, thick with anticipation and the murmur of the crowds, seems to whisper tales of a homecoming long awaited. After a sojourn that saw him away from the realm of Thailand for a staggering 17 years, marked by a self-imposed exile, our protagonist finds himself back, navigating the tumultuous waters of…

It was a weekend of political intrigue and unexpected reunions in Chiang Mai, as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made headlines with his nuanced navigation of political waters, subtly brushing aside the whispers of a nation perplexed by the notion of “dual prime ministers”. Amidst the lush landscapes of this northeastern province, Prime Minister Thavisin’s engagement with none other than the charismatic and controversial figure, Thaksin Shinawatra, became the center of attention. On a serene Saturday, the air in Chiang Mai was thick with anticipation as Srettha, harmoniously blending the roles of a state leader and an inquisitive student, drew upon the economic wizardry of Thaksin. Their gathering wasn’t just a meeting; it was akin to a masterclass with Thaksin, whose stewardship once upon a time painted Thailand’s economic canvas with broad, ambitious strokes. Amidst sizzling delicacies and an ambiance filled with the spirit of camaraderie, their conversation meandered through the…