In a recent spectacle that unfolded in the Senate, minority faction senators raised an uproar as senators from the majority bloc voted themselves into dominant positions on the committee assigned to evaluate the new Attorney-General’s qualifications. Monday’s Senate meeting devolved into chaos as members grappled over committee slots, replacing those from the previous Senate. Three camps—dubbed the “New Breed” and “White” groups—found themselves at loggerheads with the majority “Blue” bloc. The New Breed and White camps, representing minority factions, insisted that their members should be included in the committee mix. As the squabble over panelist selection heated up, Sen. Niran Yupakdi proposed that 15 senators, presumably from the Blue bloc, be appointed to the committee. The New Breed faction promptly nominated 10 of its own senators, while the White camp also forwarded its candidates into the fray. This led to a total of 33 candidates vying for seats on the…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow has recently advised the Department of Fisheries to refrain from releasing any more information regarding the hot-button issue of the blackchin tilapia fish. The situation has escalated into a significant legal matter currently under the purview of the Supreme Administrative Court. Minister Thamanat’s directive came during an event on Tuesday that spotlighted pla ra (fermented fish), notably made using blackchin tilapia. The Minister emphasized that the ministry would hold back from issuing any details to the public, including the outcomes of their investigations, until the ongoing legal processes conclude. He suggested that if the Fisheries Department does find it necessary to share information, they should proceed with extreme caution. However, Capt Thamanat did mention that they are currently awaiting crucial DNA test results from Ghana, which could potentially unravel the origins of the blackchin tilapia invasion across 17 Thai provinces. This blackchin tilapia, originally…
In the heart of bustling Bangkok, food vendors eagerly lined up to register for the much-anticipated digital money handout scheme in Phra Nakhon district on August 1. The atmosphere was abuzz with a blend of hope and skepticism as vendors pondered over the new initiative. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul) The move comes as part of an ambitious supplementary bill aiming to bolster the budget for the current fiscal year by a hefty 122 billion baht, partially to fund the government’s digital wallet handout scheme. This bill cruised through all three readings in the Upper House on Tuesday with a notable vote. Out of the total, 139 senators were in favor, 38 against, and 18 chose to abstain. However, the journey to approval was not without its share of controversies. In the debate preceding Tuesday’s decisive vote, a number of senators voiced their reservations about the efficacy of the digital handout scheme…
Participants gathered around a vibrant display, soaking in the myriad benefits of green public procurement (GPP) at the C asean Forum 2024 in Bangkok on a lively Tuesday. This forum, a key highlight of Asean Week 2024, celebrates the 57th anniversary of the regional bloc under the inspiring theme “Shaping the Future of Sustainable Asean”. The grand event, unfolding at the C asean Auditorium in CW Tower, Bangkok, buzzes with excitement as it continues until tomorrow. In a riveting session, experts underscored the importance of multi-sector collaboration to drive the successful implementation of GPP in Thailand. Chuttree Phurat, the dynamic director of the Green Label and Environmental Label program at the Thailand Environment Institute, shared insightful updates. She proudly announced that Thailand has rolled out a comprehensive National Action Plan for Green Public Procurement spanning from 2022 to 2027. “This plan is more than just a roadmap; it’s a beacon…
The cabinet on Tuesday approved the appointment of Ansit Samphantharat as the new permanent secretary of the Ministry of Interior, taking over from Suttipong Juljarern, who will retire on September 30th. Mr. Ansit is currently the director of the Department of Provincial Administration at the ministry. In a concurrent decision, the cabinet also approved Supachai Pathumnakul as the new permanent secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation. Mr. Supachai currently serves as the deputy permanent secretary. Interestingly, Mr. Ansit will not reach retirement age until 2031. This swift ascent has stirred some whispers, as it’s rather unusual in the Thai civil service for someone to reach the pinnacle of a ministry before they hit 58 or 59 years of age. Speculation aside, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul insists the selection of Mr. Ansit was purely merit-based. “We work together and respect each other. We will progressively work…
The Constitutional Court is gearing up for a critical moment as it prepares to read its ruling in the Move Forward Party dissolution case this Wednesday at 3 PM. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, addressing the nation on Tuesday, made it abundantly clear that the government will remain uninvolved in the judicial process. “The executive branch is in no position to interfere with the justice process,” Mr. Srettha emphasized. “We will not allow other countries to do so either. Thailand’s judicial process is independent and aligns with international standards.” Mr. Srettha also mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will hold a press conference on Wednesday to elaborate on the government’s stance post-ruling. This statement comes on the heels of a significant controversy involving Pita Limjaroenrat, the chief adviser to Move Forward, who met with diplomats from 18 nations. Adding fuel to the fire, Mr. Pita was also invited to pen…
Online crusader Guntouch Pongpaiboonwet has leaped into action once again, this time championing the cause of a 12-year-old rape victim. The young girl, who had fled to Nonthaburi to stay with a relative after the horrendous incident in Narathiwat, was brought to the Rattanathibet police station to file a complaint against her attackers. (Photo: Gun Jompalang Facebook) In a significant turn of events, five out of the 13 suspects involved in the heinous crime surrendered at the Tak Bai police station in Narathiwat on Tuesday. These individuals, aged between 16 and 24, were escorted by their parents to meet with Pol Col Suphachat Yeewangkong Na Phatthalung, the station’s superintendent. The charges against them are grave: raping a minor under the age of 13, abducting a minor for indecent acts, and taking a minor away from their parents. Due to the severity of the accusations, bail was denied, and the suspects…
The number of passengers riding the SRT Red Line has surged by 26% since the introduction of a capped 20-baht fare in October last year, according to the Department of Rail Transport. It’s clear that Bangkok’s residents are embracing this more affordable public transport option. The Bangkok Metropolitan Council is voicing strong support for extending the 20-baht fare to all electric railway systems. It’s anticipated that this fare policy could take effect within the next year. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, an adviser to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit, recently met with city councilors to hash out the policy, which aims to slash commuting costs and lure more people to use eco-friendly public transport, thereby helping reduce air pollution. In the latest report from the Department of Rail Transport, data shows a significant year-on-year increase in passengers on both the SRT Red Line and the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) Purple Line. The 20-baht maximum…
Narumon Pinyosinwat, a former key member of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), has categorically denied any connection between the little-known Kla Dharma Party, which recently elected her as its new leader, and her former political home. During an assembly held at a plush Bangkok hotel, Ms. Narumon succeeded Chawengsak Jaidam as the new leader of Kla Dharma. The Kla Dharma Party, translating to “Dharma Courage,” emerged from the remnants of the Setthakij Thai Party, a party which had some historical ties to the PPRP. This earlier party was primarily established to accommodate PPRP’s secretary-general, Capt Thamanat Prompow, and his loyal MPs after they clashed with the PPRP over a failed no-confidence vote against then-Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. Capt Thamanat and his followers eventually returned to the PPRP’s fold. However, Kla Dharma is charting its own course. The assembly saw an impressive turnout of over 250 members, who enthusiastically voted…
Step into the future of retail with Siam Piwat Group, a trailblazer in real estate and retail development, renowned for iconic destinations like Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok. In a groundbreaking collaboration, they’ve joined forces with the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) and SCBX Next Tech Ecosystem partners such as Microsoft (Thailand), Google Cloud, and Wisesight (Thailand). The result? An electrifying event, “AI Transformation in Retail,” held at SCBX Next Tech in Siam Paragon, aiming to revolutionize the retail sector with Artificial Intelligence. This event was a major highlight of Techsauce Global Summit 2024, the biggest tech fiesta in Southeast Asia, themed “The World of Tomorrow With AI” held from August 7–9, 2024, at the illustrious Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. For Siam Piwat Group, the leading voices at the event were Mr. Axel Winter, the dynamic Chief Digital Officer of Siam Piwat…