In a bold move that marks a significant shift in Thailand’s political landscape, the nation is gearing up for its first Senate election since the dramatic coup of 2014. This pivotal moment comes as the military-appointed Senate’s term came to an end last week, ushering in a new era of change and possible democratic reform. A decree from the government set the wheels in motion, presenting 200 coveted seats in parliament’s upper house. For a decade, this chamber has been the bastion of the pro-military and royalist factions, playing a crucial role in the dynamics of Thai politics. The Senate’s influence was unmistakably felt during the 2023 general elections when it controversially prevented the prime ministerial hopeful of the victorious reformist party from stepping into power. Utilizing a clause from the 2017 constitution, drafted under military auspices, the Senate was instrumental in appointing Srettha Thavisin from the Pheu Thai Party,…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine a tale so fantastic, it could only emerge from the heart of Thailand, a country renowned for its spiritual mysticism and enchanting folklore. At the center of this enthralling story is an eight-year-old boy named “Nong Nice,” who has captivated the nation with claims that he is no ordinary child, but the reincarnated son of the Lord Buddha himself, endowed with the mystical ability to weave minds together. On an intriguing Monday, the corridors of the Central Investigation Bureau buzzed with an unusual complaint. It wasn’t about counterfeit goods or cybercrime in the traditional sense, but about a boy with the supposed magical prowess to “connect people’s minds.” A consortium of social critics and legal eagles, led by the vigilant lawyer Ananchai Chaiyadet, clamored for justice against the backdrop of police shutters flashing. Among them were notable figures like Praiwal “Peary” Wannabut, Thankhun Jitt-itsara, and Khun Ton Or, a…
Welcome to the bustling world of back-to-school season in Thailand, a time when the air buzzes with anticipation, the streets thrum with the sound of school bells, and the acting national police chief, Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, springs into action with a mission so critical it could make or break the daily lives of thousands of students and their families. Yes, you’ve guessed it—it’s all about managing that beast known as traffic. With the 2024 academic year peeking around the corner, poised to leap into full swing, Pol Gen Kitrat has thrown down the gauntlet to traffic police across the land: Keep the traffic flowing smoothly around schools, or it’s off to the bureaucratic badlands with you. It’s a high-stakes game of traffic tetris where the stakes are nothing less than the safety and punctuality of our nation’s future leaders. In the twisty world of school precincts, where rogue vehicles…
With the buzz of back-to-school season right around the corner, acting national police chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet has set the stage for a smooth commute, ensuring that the journey to academia is as hiccup-free as possible. Kitrat has thrown down the gauntlet: traffic police must up their game or face the music, signaling a tough stance on those who let congestion clog up the school gates. Traffic snarls, often the bane of the morning routine, are under scrutiny as the 2024 academic year gears up. Pol Gen Kitrat is not just aiming for clear roads; he’s advocating for a safety net around our educational havens. In a move that underscores the urgency, officers are being nudged to work hand-in-hand with schools—a tandem effort to keep chaos at bay and safety in check. Why this sudden spotlight on school vicinities, you wonder? Well, the unruly beast of traffic jams, often…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, amidst the early morning hum of Banbangkapi School in the Bang Kapi district, a sight became an everyday normality, capturing the essence of our transformed lives. A teacher, standing vigilant at the gates, ensures that every pupil marching into the new term is greeted with a squirt of hand sanitizer, a potent weapon in our ongoing battle against Covid-19. This image, frozen in time since May last year, reflects a world united in a fight against an unseen adversary. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) But as we manoeuvre through these uncertain times, the spectre of Covid-19 morphs and twists into more formidable forms, drawing apprehensive whispers and sharpened focus from the global health community. The chatter of concern has intensified over recent weeks as health experts sound the alarm over the emergence of the new Omicron sub-variants, casting a shadow over our fleeting moments of respite.…
In a narrative that feels like it was ripped straight from the pages of a bestselling crime thriller, an investigation unfolded in Chon Buri, Thailand, revealing a chilling and sinister plot that seems almost implausible. Picture this: a serene reservoir, Map Prachan, usually the backdrop for picturesque landscapes in Bang Lamung district, transformed into the grim setting of a horrifying discovery. It was on a seemingly ordinary Saturday night that divers, navigating the still, dark waters, came upon a large black plastic barrel. But this was no ordinary debris. Encased within, entombed in concrete, lay a human body, setting off a whirlwind of investigative frenzy that would uncover a tale of abduction, demands for ransom, international intrigue, and unspeakable betrayal. Leading the charge on this bewildering case was Pol Maj Gen Noppasil Phoonsawat, alongside a cadre of determined detectives. They hypothesized the victim to be Roh Eui Jong, a 34-year-old…
In the bustling financial landscape of today, a beacon of hope shines brightly for those ensnared in the clutches of debt – the Debt Clinic, courtesy of the central bank. This groundbreaking initiative has seen an astonishing uptick in traffic, with a 43% surge in the number of retail borrowers eagerly knocking on its doors in the first quarter alone. This remarkable influx is a testament to the growing determination of individuals grappling with the shadows of non-performing loans (NPLs) to reclaim the reins of their financial futures. Spearheaded by the eminent Sukhumvit Asset Management (SAM), the second-largest asset management behemoth in the country, the Debt Clinic has emerged as a financial sanctuary for many. In this quarter, a staggering 20,267 souls sought solace in the programme’s promise of debt restructuring for unsecured debts – a 43% leap from the previous year’s figures. Out of this hopeful cohort, 14,311 were…
In a tale that reads more like a screenplay for a mystery thriller than a news article, a 31-year-old Thai woman’s journey of love took a tragic turn, culminating in her untimely death. The drama unfolded when she flew to Taiwan, eager to reunite with her boyfriend, only to meet a grim fate at the hands of her own sister. The serene backdrop of Ta Wulun in Keelung, known for its breathtaking views, became the scene of a somber discovery when the body of the young woman was found nestled in the bushes. Venture she did, across the seas on a tourist visa, her heart set on rekindling flames of affection, unaware of the darkness that awaited. The grim details emerged as the Taiwanese police pieced together the puzzle. The victim bore the marks of a violent struggle, with stab wounds adorning her wrists and feet, painting a picture of…
“` In a turn of events rippled with intrigue and political shuffles, the United Thai Nation (UTN) secretary-general, Akanat Promphan, recently found himself in the swirl of rumors and speculations. The buzz? Krisada Chinavicharana, erstwhile deputy finance minister, possibly waving goodbye to the party following his dramatic exit from the cabinet position last week. Amidst the whirlwind of guesswork, Mr. Akanat coolly played it down, admitting he was as much in the dark about Mr. Krisada’s next steps as everyone else. Picture the scene: a valued member of the party, possibly contending with the crossroads of his career. Mr. Krisada might well be eyeing a role demanding a flair for political neutrality, prompting a possible departure from UTN – a move we’ve witnessed before in the dramatic exit of Seksakol Atthawong, who traded party colors for a prestigious spot on the executive board of a state enterprise agency. Mr. Krisada’s…
In the bustling world of legal reform, a groundbreaking proposition has emerged from the Strategic Transformation Office (STO) that promises to reshape the landscape of employment within the government sector for those who have faced the tumultuous waters of bankruptcy. With a ray of hope on the horizon, this proposed metamorphosis of bankruptcy laws is setting the stage for a conversation that extends far beyond the confines of legal jargon, into the very heart of human compassion and understanding. As whispers of change circulate, the public has been invited to lend their voice to the dialogue until May 23rd, a testament to the democratic spirit in which these changes are being forged. At the core of this revolutionary proposal lies a belief that challenges the longstanding narrative surrounding bankruptcy – a belief that insists on the capacity for individuals to contribute valuably to their society, irrespective of their financial past.…