Posts published in “Thailand”

Amidst the grandeur and tradition of the esteemed parliamentary chamber, People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut took a solemn moment to pay respect to a portrait of His Majesty the King. This poignant act marked the beginning of an extraordinary Tuesday morning ceremony in which Mr. Natthaphong was officially appointed the new opposition leader, an event captured with elegance by the discerning lens of Photojournalist Aekarach Sattaburuth. The atmosphere within the hallowed halls was charged with anticipation as Mr. Natthaphong, embraced by a wave of support from his fellow People’s Party MPs, stepped into his new role. Receiving royal endorsement, formally announced on September 25th, he became the 11th individual to assume the mantle of opposition leader in the Thai House of Representatives. The significance of this moment was not lost on anyone present, as the People’s Party stands prominently as the largest faction within the opposition benches. Notably, the positioning…

In a daring and impactful crackdown, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) unveiled a shocking find—crystal meth cleverly concealed within furniture cushions. The discovery, part of an ongoing battle against the dark world of drug trafficking, showcases just how creative criminals can get. But the NSB isn’t falling behind in this high-stakes game of hide and seek. The fiscal year of 2024 closed on a high note for the NSB, as they proudly reported the seizure of over 380 million methamphetamine pills, also known as ya ba. Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Khirisak Tantinvachai highlighted that this impressive haul exceeds the previous year’s seizures by 137 million pills—a staggering 56% increase. This sizable seizure forms about 41% of all meth pills confiscated by the Royal Thai Police throughout the fiscal year. Much of this success stems from strategic sting operations targeting over 100 notorious drug networks. These coordinated efforts resulted in the…

The Better Community Zone at Sustainability Expo 2024 (SX 2024) is a transformative space dedicated to fostering social, environmental, and economic sustainability. Designed to unite individuals, companies, and public organisations from around the globe, this dynamic zone showcases impactful initiatives that have successfully addressed community needs. Over 50 partners from various sectors are participating in this interactive exhibition, which highlights projects that have made meaningful contributions toward building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities. More than just a display of success stories, the Better Community Zone invites visitors to engage with hands-on workshops, thought-provoking discussions, and immersive activities. The zone is divided into four key areas: Learning Society, Caring City, Community Shapers, and Art-Driven City. Each of these zones explores a different facet of how communities can thrive through collaboration, innovation, and creativity. Visitors are also encouraged to participate in the Gathering Space, a vibrant area for small talks, artistic performances,…

Former Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit is making waves by bringing Gen Prawit Wongsuwon’s attendance—or lack thereof—into the spotlight. Prompong has approached the Immigration Bureau to release Gen Prawit Wongsuwon’s immigration records, aiming to verify the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader’s excuse for missing numerous House sessions. On Monday, Mr Prompong earnestly appealed to the IB to unveil Gen Prawit’s immigration clearance history, highlighting that as per the Official Information Act, he’s entitled to request such information as a citizen. This comes in the wake of Gen Prawit’s claims that his frequent absences were due to official duties abroad. Astonishingly, data from the House of Representatives’ secretariat reveals that Gen Prawit missed a staggering 84 out of 95 House meetings convened between July 3 last year and this month. The reasons cited? Either official trips overseas or health-related issues. However, Mr Prompong isn’t buying it on face value; he…

Both industry and manufacturing in Thailand are currently navigating through stormy waters. Recent data unveils a troubling trend of factory closures, with the gap between openings and closures narrowing alarmingly to under 100 factories per month on average. However, a silver lining exists; larger factory openings are on the rise, marking a notable 25.9% increase in new industrial establishments in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. As we move forward, it becomes paramount for all stakeholders to reflect on past experiences and collaborate, ensuring a sustainable trajectory for industrial development. Against a backdrop of challenging global economic conditions, one of Thailand’s key industrial initiatives, the Free Zone, demonstrates the nation’s potential as a manufacturing hub for global import and export businesses. Administered by The Customs Department, the Free Zone was designed to offer customs benefits for various industrial activities that bolster the country’s…

In the year 2019, Maurice Lacroix unveiled a true marvel of horology, the world’s first AIKON Mercury timepiece, birthed in their Manufacture in Saignelégier, serenely nestled in the heart of the Swiss Jura. At a casual glance, the AIKON Mercury might seem like an ordinary watch. But with a gentle tilt or the slightest movement of the wrist, something magical happens—the hour and minute hands shift, whimsically straying from the correct time. Raise your wrist to check the time, and as if by enchantment, the hands swiftly realign to display the precise time. It’s this captivating illusion, reminiscent of how time seems to slip away unnoticed, only to reappear when we need it most, that makes the AIKON Mercury so mesmerizing. This ingenious mechanism was three years in the making, blending Maurice Lacroix’s hallmark innovation with sleek, modern aesthetics. The AIKON Mercury is not just a timepiece; it’s a testament…

On 1 October 2024, Aviyana Hua Hin celebrated its grand opening with a ceremony that effortlessly blended opulence with nature. Nestled along the tranquil Cha-Am coastline, this luxurious resort is destined to become a top choice for corporate retreats, high-profile events, and upscale getaways. The opening event was graced by prominent industry leaders and distinguished guests who enjoyed a day brimming with unforgettable experiences. Leading the ceremony was Sumalee Khurana, Managing Director of Aviyana Hua Hin, who eloquently conveyed the resort’s mission: “Aviyana Hua Hin is more than just a place to stay; it’s a sanctuary where luxury meets tranquillity. We are excited to offer a space where business and pleasure converge seamlessly.” Following Khurana’s poignant words, Resort Manager Chanchai Preecha spoke about the resort’s unique market position, stating, “With our world-class facilities and commitment to personalised service, Aviyana Hua Hin is poised to set a new standard in corporate…

Senator Nantana Nantavaropas is rallying the Commerce Ministry to extend a lifeline to SMEs beleaguered by the influx of inexpensive, low-quality goods flooding the Thai market through e-commerce platforms. In a Senate session held yesterday, Sen. Nantana confronted Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan about the overpowering influence of multinational e-commerce giants on local businesses in Thailand. She emphasized the meteoric rise of platforms like Temu, which lure consumers with a smorgasbord of ultra-affordable items by sidestepping middlemen. However, Sen. Nantana warned that while these low prices might seem tantalizing, they often entail subpar quality. The goods delivered are sometimes unsafe, contaminated, or perilously close to expiration, only to end up as waste, she cautioned. The reverberations of this trend are being keenly felt by Thai merchants. More consumers are opting to purchase directly from Chinese manufacturers via these e-commerce channels, which has led to a swelling trade deficit between Thailand and…

Political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana says he will ask the Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday to investigate Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s ethical conduct over her shares in Alpine Golf and Sports Club. The company bought a controversial monastic plot in Pathum Thani, now home to the prestigious Alpine Golf Club and a residential complex. Mr. Ruangkrai announced on Monday his intent to request that the EC scrutinize whether Ms. Paetongtarn violated Section 160 (4) of the constitution, which mandates that cabinet ministers must be manifestly honest, and the ethical guidelines outlined in Section 8. The crux of his concern lies in Ms. Paetongtarn’s recent transfer of shares. According to Mr. Ruangkrai, Ms. Paetongtarn transferred her shares in the company to her mother, Khunying Potjaman Damapong, on September 3. He presented copies of documents from the Department of Business Development, revealing that the company held a shareholders’ meeting on April 30. During…

Former Pheu Thai Party spokesman, Prompong Nopparit, has officially requested that the Immigration Bureau release Prawit Wongsuwon’s travel records to substantiate the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader’s assertion that his frequent absences from House sessions were due to international trips. With the intention of upholding the transparency mandated by the Official Information Act, Mr. Prompong pressed for the public disclosure of these records. This call to action followed Gen Prawit’s claims that his inability to attend numerous House meetings was a result of his official duties abroad. According to the House of Representatives secretariat, Gen Prawit missed an astonishing 84 out of 95 House meetings from July 3rd last year to the present month, attributing his absences to either overseas duties or illness. Mr. Prompong emphasized the necessity of providing documentary evidence to support Gen Prawit’s explanations. “Which airlines did he use? Were the regulations regarding travel expense disbursement followed?”…