In a political spectacle that has all the makings of a dramatic courtroom series, Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga finds himself thrust into the limelight. All thanks to the relentless efforts of political activist Sonthiya Sawasdee, who is fighting tooth and nail to bring this matter to the Constitutional Court with the fervor of a TV detective on the trail of corruption. Mr. Sonthiya, brimming with determination, has formally appealed to the Office of the Attorney-General to probe deeper into Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s decision to appoint Mr. Pirapan as the Energy Minister. Armed with a petition as his weapon, Mr. Sonthiya believes that the waters run deeper, suggesting that there may have been some shady dealings involved. His call for action is emphatic, urging that this matter isn’t just swept under the rug but is delivered to the Constitutional Court to shine a light on the alleged constitutional breach. The…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The bustling metropolis of Bangkok is not only famous for its vibrant street life and cultural landmarks but also its skyline dotted with ever-reaching high-rise buildings. Recently, however, a rather unsettling revelation has shaken the city’s high-rise development scene. The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) has raised alarm bells about thirteen glittering skyscraper projects that may have strayed far from adhering to the city’s stringent construction laws. Spearheading the discovery is Saree Aongsomwang, the secretary-general of TCC. On a sunny Thursday morning, she shared the council’s concern, revealing that they had received a flurry of grievances from residents in eleven neighborhoods. These residents courageously voiced their worries over safety and regulatory oversights surrounding the high-rise constructions threatening their community respites. Upon diving deeper into these complaints, the TCC uncovered instances of alleged discrepancies. An astonishing thirteen construction projects were found to have veered off designated paths, showing deviations from their approved…
Imagine landing in a new country, your anticipation for adventure bouncing off the airport walls. But there’s a hurdle–a language barrier, a potential fare dispute, or worse yet, a driver looking to take advantage. This scenario doesn’t just make for a bad day; it taints the overall experience. With Thailand positioning itself as a tourism haven, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) has decidedly cracked down to ensure that public transport embodies the kingdom’s renowned hospitality. With the dynamic energy of Bangkok and the postcard-perfect beaches of Phuket, every corner of Thailand thrives on its vibrant tourism. Recognizing how public transport is the veins that keep this heart beating, the DLT steps in to transcend mere oversight. Seksom Akraphand, the deputy director-general, has set his sights on a vision where transport isn’t just a service but a warm welcome to the world. To transform this vision into reality, the DLT…
Thailand’s idyllic island of Phuket, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, was recently rocked by an unexpected ripple—a viral video capturing the reckless antics of youths firing guns into the sky at Surin Beach. The short but shocking 21-second clip, first shared on the Facebook page Phuket Exposed (แฉยับ ภูเก็ต), caught the attention of many as it circulated online under the hashtag #ThisIsPhuket. Although the video depicted young individuals discharging firearms without aiming at anyone, it ignited a widespread fear for tourist safety and raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement on this tourist haven. The sight of gunfire lighting up the night sky was no mere youthful prank; instead, it sparked a wave of indignation among locals and concerned internet users. While there were no reports of injuries from this so-called “gun practice,” the public’s alarm was palpable. Many warned of the potential threats such acts…
In a surprising twist of fate typically reserved for fiction, a well-intentioned Thai man’s admirable attempt to lend a helping hand to those in need turned into an unexpected spectacle of drama in the northern province of Nakhon Sawan. Picture the scene: a kind-hearted food vendor, offering sustenance to the less fortunate out of sheer goodwill, suddenly finds himself at the receiving end of an unprovoked punch from a homeless man. It’s a tale that is equal parts bewildering and eye-opening, one that caught the attention of many after a video of the incident went viral on social media just yesterday, May 29. The incident unraveled near a pedestrian bridge, where the homeless man, donning a red shirt reminiscent of a tropical sunset, unleashed his unexpected fury. His loud accusation, “You wanna fight me, huh? You’re so annoying!” echoed off the surrounding architecture as our kind-hearted vendor hastily retreated to…
In an exciting development for travelers seeking the picturesque allure of Cambodia’s southern coast, Air Cambodia has revived its direct connection between Sihanoukville and Bangkok. From the sun-drenched date of May 22, the airline has committed to twice-weekly flights, operating this highly anticipated route every Thursday and Sunday. Utilizing the reliable Airbus A320, which boasts a crisp seating capacity of 180, this venture undeniably enhances convenience for tourists and wanderers eager to explore Cambodia’s idyllic islands. Although Air Cambodia already ensures seamless connectivity with its daily services between Phnom Penh and Bangkok, it currently stands as the esteemed carrier uniquely linking Thailand’s buzzing capital with the serene Sihanoukville, acting as a vital portal to holiday havens such as the celebrated Koh Rong. This refreshing reinstatement of flights is destined to invigorate tourism and cultural interactions between these two vibrant nations, beckoning visitors to unravel Cambodia’s coastal treasures with greater ease…
As June breathes life into the heart of Thailand with its fervent festivities, the Department of Rural Roads (DRR) is planning a dazzling spectacle over the Chao Phraya River, set to paint the night sky with hues of admiration and loyalty. In a heartfelt homage to Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana’s birthday on June 3, 2025, this radiant event will illuminate the Bangkok skyline, transforming seven majestic bridges into glowing beacons of celebration and gratitude. The bridges, like strings of bright pearls adorning the Chao Phraya’s gentle flow, will light up from June 2-4. This luminous tribute will envelop: Maha Chesadabodindranusorn Bridge Krung Thon Bridge (Sang Hi) Memorial Bridge Phra Pok Klao Bridge King Taksin the Great Bridge Bhumibol 1 Bridge Bhumibol 2 Bridge From 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM on June 2 and 4, and extending to midnight on the illustrious June 3, these architectural marvels will not just…
In a whirlwind of political drama and intrigue, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra finds himself at the center of heated discussions once again. This time, the saga revolves around a controversial ruling by the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) against three doctors involved in Thaksin’s hospital stay, sparking debates over the fairness of the decision and the peculiar circumstances of his stay at Police General Hospital (PGH). Public Health Minister, Mr. Somsak Thepsutin, took a stand that partially contradicted the MCT’s ruling, raising eyebrows across the nation. As the honorary president of the MCT, Somsak’s comments carried significant weight, suggesting that the decision to penalize the doctors was not entirely justified. Critics, quick to jump on the narrative, accused Thaksin of receiving preferential treatment during his stay in the hospital’s uniquely furnished 14th-floor suite. Amidst the swirling opinions, Thaksin himself remained relatively evasive when pressed for his stance. “I…
In the vibrant theater of Thai politics, a fresh act has been orchestrated by a seasoned player, the indefatigable political activist, Sonthiya Sawasdee. On a relentless quest for justice, Mr. Sonthiya has tossed yet another pebble into the rippling pond of public discourse, this time by engaging the Office of the Attorney-General with a weighty request. His mission? To obtain a ruling from the Constitutional Court on a contentious appointment maneuvered by the current Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Reputed for her political acumen, Ms. Paetongtarn has maneuvered what some might consider a controversial chess piece across the board. She has positioned Pirapan Salirathavibhaga as the new Energy Minister, a move that Mr. Sonthiya argues might have crossed the constitutional line. According to him, this calculated appointment not only raises eyebrows but also raises questions about potential breaches akin to a political trapeze act without a safety net. Mr. Sonthiya’s petition,…
The recently passed Marriage Equality Bill is a monumental step forward for Thailand’s LGBTQ+ community, but it seems the journey is only just beginning. Experts are urging the nation to seize this opportunity during Pride Month to not only place the LGBTQ+ community on the global stage as harbingers of social progress but also as dynamic agents of economic vitality. This crucial conversation took center stage at the Bangkok Pride Forum—a vibrant, three-day symposium running from May 30 to June 1. It showcases a tapestry of dialogues spanning business, healthcare, education, human rights, and more. In one riveting session, the spotlight was on how Thailand can elevate its LGBTQ+ community, changing perceptions from diversity tokenism to recognizing them as pivotal players within its creative and cultural fields. The panelists unanimously agreed that while the Marriage Equality Law—which came into effect on January 23—offers robust legal validation, there’s a pressing need…