In the bustling heart of Thailand, under the ornate rooftops of the Government House, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin inked his vision for a future where prosperity beams from the palm of every citizen’s hand. It was November last year when he first enthralled the nation with tales of a digital wallet handout project. Amidst a backdrop of heritage and hope, his announcement promised to usher in a financial revolution. However, like any grand tale, our story encountered its twist. Scheduled for a dazzling launch in May, the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme hit an unforeseen snag. A study by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) cast a shadow of legal jeopardy over the ambitious plan. Nonetheless, our protagonist, who also wears the hat of the finance minister, stood undeterred. Srettha Thavisin revealed on a sunny Saturday that he plans to expedite discussions with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, plotting a course through…
Posts published in “Thailand”
On a crisp and bustling Friday in the heart of Brussels, Belgium, a pivotal scene was unfolding at the 24th Asean-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) that could very well have the makings of a dynamic shift in international relations as we know them. At the core of these discussions, with the picturesque backdrop of European charm, was Thailand’s very own Foreign Minister, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, steering conversations towards a topic that could not be more pressing—the Myanmar crisis. Now, for those of you not in the loop, the situation in Myanmar is a complex web of humanitarian, political, and social challenges that have been garnering international concern. In a bold move, Minister Parnpree didn’t just bring it to the table—he sought the camaraderie and support of the European Union (EU) in an appeal that was both earnest and forward-thinking. Because, let’s face it, in the chess game of global diplomacy, unity can…
Imagine a world where tranquility and camaraderie bloom along the borders, where the crisp air isn’t tainted by the specter of disputes or the haze of pollution. That world is not a far-off dream, but a vision that the Ministry of Defence of Thailand is ardently working to bring into reality. With an eye on fostering peace and resolving issues that linger like the morning fog over the majestic landscapes separating Thailand and Cambodia, a series of proposals are being meticulously crafted for discussions that promise to pave the way for an era of harmony and mutual prosperity. At the heart of this noble quest is the upcoming official visit of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to Thailand this Wednesday. Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang, a man of both vision and action, has expressed his ministry’s unwavering support for the government’s policy aimed at not just enhancing economic activities along the…
Imagine the sun setting over Thailand’s lush landscapes, the air buzzing with anticipation and the distant roar of military might gearing up for what’s set to be an unparalleled display of international cooperation and prowess. Welcome to Cobra Gold 2024, where the shores of this vibrant country will play host to one of the largest joint military exercises on the global stage, carving a slice of history from Feb 26 to March 8. At the heart of this monumental event, the USS Somerset and USS Miguel Keith stand ready, giants of the sea bringing together more than 4,000 personnel from the corners of the earth. The air around these vessels vibrates with the energy of those who serve, preparing to join forces in an exercise that transcends boundaries and cements alliances. This gathering of heroes, under the watchful eye of Gen Thitichai Tiantong, Chief of Joint Staff of the Royal…
In the hallowed halls of Government House, under the watchful gaze of a gallery of past leaders immortalized in oil paint, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took to the stage last November. With a flair that only a seasoned politician can muster, he announced a digital revolution that had the power to transform the economic landscape of the nation—a 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme that promised to put a spark back into the economy. Yet, as the sunlight filters through the grand windows of the Government House, casting long shadows on the corridors of power, Prime Minister Srettha finds himself in a high-stakes race against time. The initial excitement that greeted his announcement has been tempered by caution, as a formidable obstacle emerged from the shadows. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), with its piercing gaze, warned that the path to this digital Eldorado was fraught with potential legal pitfalls. Undeterred, our protagonist,…
On a day that buzzed with the excitement of new beginnings and cultural camaraderie, Suvarnabhumi airport was a scene straight out of a vibrant festival. Amid the hustle and bustle, a Chinese tourist, armed with a smartphone and a wide grin, captured a moment that was more than just a selfie; it was a snapshot of history in the making. Standing side-by-side with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, they commemorated the launch of a groundbreaking visa-free entry scheme on September 25, 2023, marking a significant chapter in the thickening friendship between China and Thailand. The air was electric with anticipation and the spirit of mutual admiration, as captured in the photograph by Wichan Charoenkiatpakul. It’s an era dawning on the horizons of the Thai-Chinese Cultural Relationship Council (TCCRC) and buoyed further by the optimism of the Chinese ambassador to Thailand. There’s a palpable sense of excitement about the mutual visa exemption…
In the tranquility of a bustling Bangkok suburb, a place of education and hopes, Matthayom Naknawaupatham school, nestled in the Suan Luang district, found itself at the heart of a profound tragedy. On the 29th of January, a scene not meant for the innocent corridors of learning unfolded—a 14-year-old student resorted to a violence spawned not out of malice but desperation, fatally stabbing a peer alleged to have bullied him. It’s a chilling narrative that rings an alarm on the corridors we consider sanctuaries for our young minds—schools are not immune to the dark tendrils of bullying and violence. The attack, cloaked in the shadows of adolescent turmoil, isn’t an isolated echo. It’s a stark reminder that the gentle streams of youth can turn turbulent. Only weeks prior to the devastating turn of events, the young assailant found himself at the receiving end of relentless harassment, marking a breaking point…
In the vibrant heart of Thailand, a debate simmers that could reshape the afternoons of locals and visitors alike. Picture this: The sun hangs high in the sky, the air buzzes with the sounds of bustling streets and laughter, and the government is stirring the pot with a proposal that could transform the tourism landscape even further. At the helm of this change is none other than Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew. Minister Cholnan isn’t just any figure; he’s a man on a mission, seeking to revitalize Thailand’s allure by tackling an issue as potent as the country’s famed spicy cuisine—the afternoon alcohol ban. The rule, forbidding the sale of spirits between the hours of 2pm and 5pm, has long been like a sleeping guard dog, hardly noticed until you accidentally step too close. But now, with the help of the Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association (Tabba), there’s a movement…
On a crisp, lively Friday in Brussels, the heart of Belgium, an event unfolded that seemed to echo the beating drums of geopolitical shifts and economic tides – the 3rd EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum (IPMF). Imagine a room, not merely filled, but vibrant with the intellectual fervour and diplomatic gusto of individuals whose decisions sculpt the very world we inhabit. This wasn’t just any gathering; it was a pivotal juncture aimed at navigating the uncharted waters of our global future. The minister, a figure of stature and insight, took the stage, not just to speak, but to illuminate the strategic masterpiece that is the Indo-Pacific region. This isn’t just any region; it’s the spinning wheel at the heart of the global economy and new world order. He wasn’t merely outlining facts; he was painting the picture of a world teetering on the edge of monumental shifts, with the Indo-Pacific as…
In the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, a city that never sleeps and where stories unfold at every corner, a British man finds himself entangled in a narrative he wishes he could escape. Meet James Alexander Oldfield, 35, a name now associated with a tale of caution and controversy. Oldfield’s story began unraveling in the serene Sathon district, but its roots trace back to the picturesque town of Hua Hin, known for its pristine beaches and a darker underside that came into the spotlight last August. It was a regular Saturday in Bangkok’s Thung Mahamek area when the tranquility of Yen Akat Road was pierced by the actions of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD). The officers, on a mission to cleanse the shadows of the city, apprehended Oldfield, a Briton whose past activities had finally caught up with him. This arrest wasn’t a random act but the result of diligent…