When Chaithawat Tulathon, the vibrant leader of the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), flanked by his resilient predecessor Pita Limjaroenrat, held a press conference at parliament on January 31, the air was thick with anticipation and concern. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) Several political analysts have gravely predicted that the MFP faces imminent dissolution when the Constitutional Court delivers its ruling on Wednesday. The tension stems from a damaging decision by the court earlier this year, where it was declared that the MFP’s efforts to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lese majeste law, reflected an intention to destabilize the constitutional monarchy. This previous ruling not only barred the MFP from attempting to amend Section 112 through non-legislative means but provided the Election Commission (EC) with grounds to seek the party’s dissolution for allegedly violating Section 92 of the organic law on political parties. This law empowers the…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Prosecutors have deferred bringing billionaire property mogul Anant Asavabhokhin to court due to his critical health condition following a kidney transplant, a well-placed source disclosed. The 73-year-old founder and erstwhile chairman of Land & Houses Plc, Anant Asavabhokhin, has reportedly slipped into a coma due to severe complications after undergoing a kidney transplant, the source, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed. This development has cast a dark shadow over his indictment for money laundering related to the notorious Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative (KCUC) embezzlement scandal. Initially, the case against Mr. Anant stagnated for years until he was formally charged on February 16 this year. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) had first recommended his prosecution in 2019, but the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) dismissed the investigation report, along with subsequent DSI petitions for reconsideration. Throughout this period, Mr. Anant was obligated to report to prosecutors every three months pending…
In the bustling Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok, it’s not just the aroma of street food and the vibrant sounds of city life that attract attention. This past Thursday, vendors were seen intently using their smartphones to sign up for the much-anticipated digital wallet programme through the Thang Rath app. This image particularly stood out, captured so poignantly by the adept photographer Apichart Jinakul. Amidst the excitement, there have been swirling rumours about the security of the Thang Rath application. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) has stepped forward with a staunch assurance: Your personal data, registered through this government-developed app, is impervious to cyber threats. Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong was quick to dispel any concerns, firmly stating that the app meets the gold standards set by the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC), ensuring user data is fully safeguarded against leaks. In response to the whispers of potential vulnerabilities,…
The recent surge in HIV infections among individuals aged 15-24 across many countries in the Asia Pacific region has become alarmingly widespread. Eamonn Murphy, the UNAIDS regional director for Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, referred to this trend as a “phenomenon.” Particularly concerning is Thailand, where nearly half (47%) of all new HIV infections last year were in this youthful age group. However, Thailand isn’t alone in this worrying trend. According to Murphy, several other countries in the region, including the Philippines, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Cambodia, are also witnessing a second wave of HIV infections among their youth. “If we look at the Philippines, the vast majority of new infections there are in this age group, especially among men having sex with men and transgender individuals,” Murphy stated, noting a staggering 500% increase in HIV infections in the Philippines since 2010. In a total regional context, an estimated…
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday at the bustling immigration checkpoint in Sungai Kolok district of Narathiwat, setting the stage for an engaging cross-border dialogue aimed at boosting trade and tourism. Their meeting wasn’t just any ordinary diplomatic exchange; it was a monumental step towards fortifying the bonds between these neighboring nations. One of the key topics on their agenda was the long-anticipated bilateral plan to construct a new bridge over the picturesque Golok River. This river gracefully meanders its way between Narathiwat province in Thailand and Kelantan state in Malaysia, standing as both a natural divider and a symbol of shared prosperity. The new bridge aims to connect Sungai Kolok with Rantau Panjang, seamlessly linking the two regions. The history of this bridge project is an intriguing story in itself. First greenlit in December 2009 by the Thai government, the proposal seemed to…
Immigration officers meticulously examined the documents of 160 migrant workers at a construction camp in Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri on July 25. To their dismay, 26 workers were discovered to be in violation of immigration laws, as reported by Chaiyot Pupattanapong. In a persistent effort to curb illegal employment, a series of rigorous crackdowns over the last two months have led to the detention of 1,179 migrant workers, announced the Department of Employment. These measures have also put a spotlight on the employers who, knowingly or unknowingly, hired them. According to Somchai Morakotsriwan, the director-general of the department, migrant workers found laboring in Thailand without proper permits, or those engaged in unauthorized jobs, face stern penalties. These include fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 baht, deportation, and a potential two-year ban from reapplying for work permission within the country. The repercussions for employers are equally severe. Any employer…
Saturday at Chiang Mai International Airport turned into an unexpected adventure when a section of the ceiling inside the terminal abruptly gave way. The incident occurred in the baggage claim area, where chunks of the ceiling crashed down, bringing an unwelcome surprise to two young travelers just starting their journey. At precisely 7:55 am, the ceiling collapsed, injuring a young Dutch boy and a Chinese child. The Dutch youngster endured minor injuries to his hand, while the Chinese traveler wasn’t as fortunate, sustaining a head wound. Swiftly, the airport’s medical team sprang into action, applying first aid to both children. The Dutch family, resilient and undeterred, continued their travels to Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, with local authorities ensuring their safe passage. The situation was a bit more complex for the injured Chinese passenger, who was whisked away to a private hospital for stitches to a noticeable five-centimeter gash. Despite…
A local official stood grimly at the scene, examining the colossal tree that had tragically toppled onto a cable-supported bridge, sending a Chinese couple plummeting a terrifying 15 metres to the ground. The tragic incident, which occurred at the popular Jungle Flight Chiang Mai in Doi Saket district, resulted in the sad loss of a woman’s life. (Photo: FM110cmu.com) In response to the accident, authorities have decided to close the zipline tourist attraction for a comprehensive inspection. The devastating event took place on a fateful Thursday, seizing the serenity of the Jungle Flight adventure and replacing it with heartache and chaos. It was a typical day of thrilling escapades until a mammoth tree succumbed to nature’s wrath, crushing the lifeline—literally—of two unsuspecting tourists. The deceased, Jing Chen, age 44, was found lifeless on the forest floor, her dreams abruptly halted by the fall. Her husband, Liu Yang, 46, was left…
In the quiet humdrums of Bang Khae district, Bangkok, a resonating silence was shattered on Saturday morning by the arrest of a 24-year-old, identified as Kantames, draped in a grey T-shirt. This particular day, however, would break the monotony of an otherwise ordinary neighborhood. Kantames, now steeped in controversy, found himself in handcuffs courtesy of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau. Emerging from the shadows of digital secrecy, he was seized on allegations far darker. His alleged web of child pornographic materials came to the forefront, prompted by a brave 17-year-old who dared to raise his voice. This teenager detailed the sinister threats that had loomed over him for years, presenting a narrative of unyielding blackmail where each refusal risked a social media nightmare, his past coerced images held as ransom. The boy’s haunting reality unraveled swiftly for the authorities. Armed with a warrant from Thonburi Criminal Court, the investigators traced…
A tranquil Saturday morning in Samut Sakhon turned into a scene of chaos and destruction when a light aircraft crash-landed into a house in the Muang district, setting the home ablaze and leaving behind a trail of devastation. The pilot, a 34-year-old named Phudit, tragically lost his life in the incident. Rescue workers rushed to the location at 10:50 AM, greeted by plumes of smoke billowing from the site where the aircraft had slammed into the roof of a modest home in tambon Khok Kam. According to initial reports, the plane was undergoing a maintenance test flight following previous engine troubles. Unfortunately, the aircraft lost altitude during this critical flight, ending in catastrophic failure. The scene was nothing short of a calamity. Flames licked the walls and roof while thick, acrid smoke filled the air, making visibility and breathability a challenge for the firefighters who arrived first on the scene.…