Posts published in “Thailand”

Discussions are heating up around the management of Thailand’s formidable 2.65 trillion baht Social Security Fund (SSF), sparking spirited calls for a clearer and more open approach. Concerns have been building due to alleged whopping expenditures by the Social Security Office (SSO). A growing chorus insists that the SSO could benefit from stepping out from under the Labour Ministry’s jurisdiction. This move, it’s argued, would free the organization from political meddling and hand over the reins to capable administrators who can handle the funds with dexterity. The SSF stands tall as Thailand’s financial guardian, offering both welfare and financial solidity to a staggering 24 million citizens. It’s the country’s largest public fund, undeniably a financial behemoth. Though the SSO highlights its thrifty disbursement, capped by the Social Security Act to a max of 10% of yearly contributions and boasting only a 3% allocation in 2024, skeptics point out that this…

Picture this: a serene day at the beautiful Hat Chao Mai beach in Trang, where the azure waters meet the horizon, and the tranquil atmosphere is punctuated by an unusual yet delightful sight. Yes, we’re talking about the remarkable encounter that occurred in September 2024, when marine conservationists and national park officials spotted a dugong, gently gliding through the coastal waves. (Photo: National Parks of Thailand). This gentle giant, a distant relative of the manatee, is a marine mammal cherished by many. However, recent findings from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) reveal a worrying trend that has left conservationists and animal lovers alike deeply concerned. Nearly 40% of the dugongs found stranded last year were alarmingly underweight. The reason? A shortfall of their primary food source, seagrass. In collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Thailand, the DMCR launched a comprehensive survey of the dugong crisis along…

On the vibrant occasion of International Women’s Day, the spotlight was cast on a hopeful vision for gender equality, as eloquently articulated by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. With fervent dedication, she addressed the nation, passionately advocating for an unwavering commitment to eradicate gender discrimination and foster a world brimming with equal rights and opportunities for all women. The event was graced by the significant presence of government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub, who echoed the government’s steadfast pledge to transform this vision into reality. The gusts of change are blowing through Thailand, a country standing tall among others in its pursuit of gender equality. Notably, Thailand proudly ranks as one of the 60 countries, and only 10 in Asia, to have had a woman leader. As the cherry on top, it stands third worldwide for the highest percentage of female CEOs, underscoring its vibrant commitment to shattering the glass ceiling. Ms. Paetongtarn,…

Amidst the intense political climate in Thailand, a wave of heated debates is making headlines in the corridors of power. The latest flashpoint revolves around the former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, and his unexpected cameo in a no-confidence motion that’s as thrilling as a political thriller. Thaksin recently received a warm welcome with flowers from his loyal supporters during a visit to Sichon district in Nakhon Si Thammarat on March 1st. This gesture seems like the calm before the storm, considering the tempest brewing in the political landscape. Interestingly, the narrative taking the spotlight does not involve Thaksin directly, but rather his imprint on the current administration, led by his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha is in a bit of a pickle with the opposition. Imagine receiving a no-confidence motion with Thaksin’s name emblazoned across it, like an unexpected plot twist in a novel…

In a perplexing turn of events, Pol Col Thitisan “Joe Ferrari” Utthanaphon, an infamous police officer embroiled in a notorious case of police brutality, has been found hanging in his cell at Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok. However, his family resolutely refuses to believe the official narrative of suicide, igniting a fervent quest for the truth behind his mysterious demise. Official statements from the Department of Corrections confirmed that prison officials found Thitisan lifeless at 8:50 pm on Friday, slumped against the cell door with a towel tightly wound around his neck. Yet, intriguingly, CCTV footage suggested no one had entered Thitisan’s cell, fueling suspicions and prompting an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death. Thitisan, who was serving a life sentence for his role in the brutal torture and murder of a drug suspect, received a visit from his wife just hours before his untimely end. Observers…

In the vibrant yet shadowy world of transnational crime, the saga of 21-year-old Buraphon Yodthu unfolded like a thriller novel, replete with intrigue, deception, and high-stake financial gymnastics. In the idyllic setting of Chiang Rai, far from the bustling urban scrimmages, this young man found himself at the center of a massive police operation. It all began with the meticulous efforts of officers from the Technology Crime Suppression Division, whose pursuit of justice eventually led them to Village Moo 6 in tambon Mae Salongnok, Mae Fa Luang district. The operation was as thrilling as it was disconcerting, the authorities closing in on Buraphon under the mission moniker “Lockdown the Cat.” The stakes were high: an arrest warrant from the Criminal Court had been hanging over Buraphon’s head since April 25 of the previous year. As the narrative took an international turn, details emerged of Buraphon’s suspected role in a sprawling…

In the heart of Muang district, Samut Sakhon, nestled just a stone’s throw from the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, stands a cluster of recycling plants—the alleged culprits of a recent environmental upheaval. Imagine waking up to the usually serene salt farms turned ominously black, a transformation fuelled by pollution woes echoing across the community. Residents of tambon Nakhok have voiced their dismay, and it seems the industry’s brass has finally heeded their plight, taking decisive action after these concerns seeped from whispers into a public outcry. Industry Minister Akanat Promphan has wielded his regulatory hammer, commanding a halt to these industrial operations—all four recycling plants must cease their activities immediately. It’s not just the aesthetics of salt farms at stake; they symbolize the lifeblood of local families, an economic staple now jeopardized by discolored salt fields reminiscent of a post-apocalyptic landscape. The chief offenders? Billowing soot and wayward wastewater, byproducts…

Perched majestically near the Thai-Cambodian border in the province of Surin, the timeless Prasat Ta Muean Thom stands as a relic of the illustrious Khmer Empire. Constructed in the 13th century, during the reign of the indomitable King Jayavarman VII, this ancient temple whispers tales of a bygone era when Khmer dominion reigned supreme. Recently, this historical marvel has welcomed back curious travelers, though with an important advisory: Enjoy its beauty, but steer clear of any provocative gestures. A spokesman for the Thai Ministry of Defence, Thanathip Sawangsaeng, emphasized that while the temple is accessible to visitors, maintaining peace and order is paramount—symbolic activities that could potentially stir discontent should be strictly avoided. This call for decorum echoes the recent decision of the Thailand-Cambodia Border Committee to reopen the temple, following a thorough review of an incident that cast a shadow over the serenity of this sanctuary. February 13 marked…

Pattaya, the buzzing city famous for its vibrant street life and bustling shopping havens, recently hosted a rather unusual spectacle that left both locals and tourists alike bewildered and amused. The center of this peculiar tale was a Mongolian tourist by the name of Byamba-Ochir Erdenebat, a 52-year-old who seemed to have taken a leaf out of a crime novel with his stealthy shenanigans, right out of a high-tension mystery plotline. Under the warm glow of Pattaya’s shopping centrality, nestled in the Bang Lamung district by the lively Pattaya beach, Mr. Erdenebat embarked on his ill-advised escapade. As he meandered through luxurious aisles of brand-name clothing and accessories, he aroused suspicion with his prolonged examination of the merchandise. Yet, he made no purchase, which would eventually set the stage for this eyebrow-raising incident. To the trained eyes of ever-watchful security, something didn’t add up—literally. Items displayed on the shelves slowly…

Pattaya City, known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling event scene, has found itself in the spotlight once again. However, this time the buzz isn’t all about the music or sandy shores, but rather a fierce and ongoing showdown between city officials and beachfront vendors. As the Pattaya Music Festival swings into gear, bringing throngs of music aficionados to this spirited coastal city, an effort to rein in the profusion of vendors has captured public attention, sparking debates and raising eyebrows. The city’s stance is straightforward: keep the footpaths obstruction-free during the festival to ensure safety and maintain order. But what sounds simple on paper has proven to be a logistical and political quagmire. As festival-goers eagerly converge on the area, officials have been tasked with the thankless job of physically removing vendors encroaching upon the regulated zones. The rationale? These vendors are allegedly in violation of city regulations, though…