Local residents were seen energetically using fitness equipment at Wachirabenjathat Park, affectionately known as Suan Rod Fai, nestled in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. But while the community enjoys these facilities, a storm brews within the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). On Tuesday, City Hall revealed that at least 25 officials are suspected of collusive activities, leading to grossly inflated gym equipment purchases for seven projects, collectively costing 77.22 million baht. According to an emerging investigation, one of the implicated officials has already exited their post, while the remaining will be reassigned to inactive positions. This move precedes a deeper probe to establish whether their actions qualify as severe disciplinary misconduct. Nuthapong Disayabutr, a deputy city clerk and head of the BMA’s anti-corruption center, shared these findings. The initial results of this probe aren’t stopping at BMA’s desks—the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) will also review them as legal proceedings loom. Nuthapong emphasized the…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Document The political spotlight is currently fixed on Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who made a fervent plea for justice in his closing argument to the Constitutional Court this past Tuesday. Despite the swirling controversy over his appointment of the former convict Pichit Chuenban as PM’s Office Minister, Srettha stands resolute about his honesty and integrity in his service to the country. Drawing from sources within the Pheu Thai party, it appears the Prime Minister’s final submission treads familiar ground, echoing the comprehensive 32-page defense he presented back in June. Yet, this closing statement was anything but a simple rehash. It spotlighted several pivotal details designed to bolster the Prime Minister’s defense. Among the crucial points highlighted were provisions from Section 160 (4) and (5) of the Constitution, which dictate that cabinet ministers must hold themselves to the highest standards of moral integrity and refrain from any behavior that would violate…
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim couldn’t help but share a hearty laugh during their discussions at the Thai border in the Sadao district of Songkhla on November 27, 2023. As camaraderie thickened the air, the two leaders foresaw another rendezvous on Saturday, this time at the bustling Kelantan-Narathiwat border. The snapshot of their warm moment was proudly shared by Government House, capturing the essence of their mutual goals. Malaysia has pledged a hefty 100 million ringgit, equivalent to 770 million baht, to spruce up facilities across three states that hug the Thai border. This financial boost aims to bolster border security and enhance trade activity between the two neighboring nations. The announcement, which mirrored Malaysia’s burgeoning commitment, was made by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday. The funds will be funneled into the security landscapes of Kedah, Perlis, and Kelantan, states lying adjacent to the…
In the bustling Bang Kapi district of Bangkok, just outside the lively hub of The Mall Lifestore, a sight that evokes both empathy and concern unfolds on the night of July 28. A TikTok video, posted by Jeeraporn.ning, captures homeless individuals asleep at a bus stop, highlighting an issue that resonates deeply with city-dwellers and officials alike. Responding with urgency, welfare officials pledged to intensify inspections of Bangkok’s bus stops following the incident. This particular stop had become an unwelcome haven for five individuals—day laborers unable to afford lodging, former convicts trying to navigate life after incarceration, and elderly people abandoned by their families—all seeking refuge under the bus shelter. Intrigued by the viral video, which surfaced on Sunday night, authorities from the Human Security Emergency Management Centre (HuSEC) mobilized swiftly. The presence of the homeless at this bustling bus stop, directly outside one of the city’s major malls, spurred…
Red Line electric commuter trains gracefully glide into Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok, a symbol of progress and urban connectivity. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is laying the groundwork for an ambitious merger of two extensions of the Light Red Line mass transit project. This strategic move is designed to streamline operations and cut costs by addressing overlapping areas in the Taling Chan district, perched on the western frontier of Bangkok. SRT’s deputy governor, Anan Phonimdang, revealed that the Taling Chan-Salaya and Taling Chan-Siriraj sections would meld into a unified project, obliterating redundancy and bolstering efficiency. The merger, already rubber-stamped by the state enterprise’s board, stands to expedite not only the acquisition of necessary land but also the subsequent construction and system installations. The Taling Chan-Salaya route stretches 14.8 kilometers and is dotted with six stations: Phra Ram 6, Bang Kruai-Egat, Ban Chim Phli,…
Charoen Pokphand Foods Plc (CP Foods) has recently found itself entangled in a web of “misleading” images and allegations concerning the blackchin tilapia. These dubious claims, circulating widely across public forums, have generated a flurry of misunderstandings and have left a noticeable dent in the company’s reputation. “These false claims have been widely shared, resulting in significant damage to the company,” expressed Kobboon Srichai, head of corporate affairs at CP Foods, in a statement released on a crisp Tuesday morning. The controversy was initially sparked by online posts from the BioThai Foundation and further fueled by discussions at a recent seminar. The spotlight is on the invasive blackchin tilapia fish, which has allegedly spread to numerous provinces across Thailand. CP Foods has been at the heart of a whirlwind of accusations suggesting their involvement in the spread of blackchin tilapia. They have openly acknowledged importing the fish from Ghana for…
When it comes to ensuring the safety and preservation of our precious marine environment, few events garner as much attention and enthusiasm as the 13th Thailand Oil and Chemical Spill Response Exercise (TOC-Ex13). This high-stakes drill, organised by the Marine Department, saw the proactive participation of PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP) along with its subsidiary, PTTEP Energy Development Company Limited. Their unified goal? To fine-tune their ability to handle emergency situations with swiftness and precision. The grandeur of this exercise was amplified by the involvement of a myriad of esteemed government and private agencies. Notable among them were the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai-MECC), the Royal Thai Navy, the Department of Mineral Fuels, the Pollution Control Department, and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. The Oil Industry Environmental Safety Group Association (IESG) and roughly 20 other dedicated entities joined forces, showcasing a remarkable spirit of…
Get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure that tantalizes your senses with the luxurious and unmistakable scent, texture, and flavor of black truffle. This highly sought-after ingredient, cherished by chefs and food enthusiasts around the globe, has the magical ability to transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary masterpieces. Picture this: Executive Italian Chef Bruno Ferrari has curated an exclusive menu that marries creative recipes with the decadence of black truffle, offering a dining experience like no other. Indulge in a two-course menu for THB 800++ per adult, where every bite is designed to delight and surprise your taste buds. For a more extensive truffle experience, the three-course menu at THB 2,380++ per adult is guaranteed to take you on an epicurean journey. And for those who wish to completely immerse themselves in gourmet luxury, the five-course menu at THB 3,480++ per adult is an unparalleled feast for the senses.…
Picture this: oarsmen in regal escort boats glide seamlessly across the Chao Phraya River, practicing diligently under the golden sun for the grand Royal Barge Procession slated for October 27. These enchanting moments unfold in the stretch between the Pin Klao and Krung Thon bridges, with the harmonious rhythm of their oars echoing through the air on a serene afternoon on July 15. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) Fast-forward to next month, and you’ll find all other boats, including the busy ferry services, banned from navigating the iconic river during specific afternoons. That’s right—on four Thursdays in August, a royal decree (well, almost) will see the Chao Phraya River, from the Krung Thon Bridge to Memorial Bridge, closed to all but the royal crafts. The revered waters need their moments of stillness to allow for uninterrupted rehearsals of the majestic Royal Barge Procession. The Marine Department, as per a Tuesday announcement from…
Amid the shimmering waters of the Chao Phraya River, oarsmen in escort boats slice through the cool morning air, their synchronized strokes a testament to the meticulous preparation for the grand Royal Barge Procession. The iconic waterway, situated between the Pin Klao and Krung Thon bridges, transformed into a hive of activity on July 15, as these skillful rowers practiced for the majestic event set for October 27. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) To ensure nothing short of perfection on the big day, all boats, including the busy ferry services, will face a temporary ban from afternoon travel on the Chao Phraya River between the Krung Thon and Memorial bridges. This restriction will recapture the river’s serenity every Thursday afternoon next month. The Chao Phraya Express Boat Co confirmed on Tuesday that the Marine Department will close this river segment from 12:30 PM on August 1, 8, 15, and 22 to facilitate…