Posts published in “Thailand”

In an unexpected twist, former justice minister Pongthep Thepkanjana has stepped up to take the reins from Pichai Nilthongkham as the head of the government’s elite task force studying the baffling multi-billion-baht Stark share scandal. Pichai decided to step down, as revealed by the Ministry of Justice. There’s more to this shakeup than meets the eye. The reshuffling also saw the inclusion of heavyweights like the secretary-general of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), the president of the Thailand Federation of Accounting Professions (TFAC), and the president of the Thai Investors Association (TIA), all joining forces under an order signed off on Tuesday by Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. Somboon Muangklam, an adviser to the minister, dished out the details and it’s becoming quite the saga. This high-powered working group has been charged with dissecting the convoluted lessons learned from the dramatic Stark Corp share fraud, a scandal so profound it’s…

Deep within the enigmatic allure of the Tham Thalu cave in Satun province, a hidden gem has surprised the scientific world. Unveiling its secrets, a research team from Chiang Mai University discovered a new species of the illustrious Ylang Ylang tree, locally known as Cananga, adding an adventurous twist to botanical exploration. This remarkable find, named “Chalermprakiat,” honors His Majesty’s 72nd birthday, encapsulating a blend of nature’s marvel and royal commemoration. The discovery site, nestled in the La-ngu district’s sinkhole, forms part of the illustrious Satun Geopark, Thailand’s premier global geopark celebrated by Unesco. This place, renowned for its geological grandeur, now serves as the birthplace of a species that has captivated both botanical enthusiasts and conservationists alike, thanks to the diligent work of the research team supported by the Office of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, along with the mighty engines of the Thailand Science…

The atmosphere was charged in parliament on Thursday as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin faced a rigorous cross-examination by opposition members, marking his inaugural skirmish defending the government’s headline policy—the digital wallet handout scheme. Sirikanya Tansakul, the incisive deputy leader of the Move Forward Party, did not hold back as she interrogated the prime minister about the evolving nature of the digital wallet program and the broader economic strategies employed by the administration. “I must extend my gratitude to the prime minister for his presence here in parliament; it signifies his acknowledgement of its importance. This marks the first instance of the prime minister facing questions from the opposition, and [I hope] it shan’t be the last,” she articulated with poignant clarity. Tansakul expressed concerns regarding the inconsistency in the government’s announcements, pointing out the reduction in the number of eligible recipients from 50 million to 45 million. This adjustment, she…

In a splendid tribute to His Majesty the King on the occasion of his 72nd birthday on July 28, a remarkable collection of 72 fossil samples, encompassing 56 distinct species, has been meticulously curated from the National Registered Fossils list. This curation is part of a special book project highlighting the kingdom’s rich geological heritage. (Photo: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Facebook page) The Department of Mineral Resources has embarked on an ambitious endeavor to catalog these extraordinary fossils in an exquisite book, produced to honour His Majesty. The book features an impressive array of prehistoric life: 23 species (39 samples) of reptiles, 21 species (21 samples) of mammals, and 12 species (12 samples) of fish. This literary treasure aims to educate the public by being available in both Thai and English, offering insights into the world of fossils and shedding light on royal contributions to natural history. Thalerngsak…

In an unexpected twist that seems straight out of a legal thriller, the Supreme Court on Thursday cleared former deputy prime minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong of all charges in a high-stakes rice sale scandal that dates back to 2011. The veteran politician, now acting as chief adviser to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, was relieved in 2021 after the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) believed there was a case against him. However, justice took a different turn. Sporting a calm demeanor, Mr. Kittiratt emerged from the courtroom with a confident smile. “I’ve always strived to execute my duties with utmost care and honesty. The verdict today from the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions simply reaffirms that commitment,” he declared. And what a declaration it was! He assured everyone that he’s more invested than ever in his role. “I will continue working to the fullest of my ability as chief…

STR8FIRE, an Intellectual Property (IP) startup revolutionizing Web2 IP integration on the blockchain, has joined forces with T&B Media Global, a prominent Thai entertainment and IP management firm boasting a portfolio of over 5,000 global IP assets. This groundbreaking partnership will see STR8FIRE infuse T&B’s IP assets into its ever-growing ecosystem. Renowned across Asia, T&B Media Global has captivated audiences through theatrical releases and streaming platforms worldwide. Their animated film, “Out of the Nest,” recently garnered a prestigious placement in the “Annecy Presents” category at the esteemed Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France. The partnership’s initial spotlight shines on Mittaria, a T&B property envisioned as a blockchain-based, intergenerational entertainment hub. This digital haven unites enthusiasts of animation, movies, music, and games, offering an immersive and dynamic experience. STR8FIRE’s collaboration with T&B Media Global unfolds in a two-pronged approach. In Phase One, the companies will amplify their social media presence…

Kittiratt Na-Ranong, chief adviser to the prime minister, took a brisk walk towards a pivotal meeting at Government House on April 2, 2024. His stride was confident, a subtle testament to the significant news that had just emerged. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) The former deputy prime minister and commerce minister, Kittiratt Na-Ranong, found himself in the spotlight again, albeit for a more favorable reason this time. On Thursday, he was acquitted by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions in a malfeasance case that had dogged him for years. The case was intricately tied to the Yingluck Shinawatra government’s sale of milled rice to Indonesia’s food procurement agency, Perum Bulog, back in 2011. Mr. Kittiratt, who now serves as the chief adviser to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, was initially indicted in 2021 following allegations by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). They believed there were sufficient grounds for malfeasance…

Phuket is determined to avoid a disastrous repeat of the severe flooding that occurred on June 30, as the island’s residents prepare for potentially heavy downpours from Saturday to Wednesday. (Photo: Achadthaya Chuenniran) All agencies on Phuket island are on high alert after weather forecasters issued a warning of possible torrential rain along the Andaman Coast, which could lead to strong winds, floods, and rough seas. Phuket’s Deputy Governor, Srattha Thongkham, circulated an urgent notice on Thursday, directing all districts and local administrative organizations to be vigilant for incoming storms that could bring significant damage to the resort island. The instruction, marked “very urgent,” emphasized the need to closely monitor conditions and keep residents informed. There are concerns that the downpours could trigger flash floods, mudslides, and landslides, with the risk of reservoirs overflowing. This proactive measure follows a warning issued by the Meteorological Department office on the Andaman coast…

Mukdawan Luengsinil, a vibrant figure in the Bhumjaithai party and MP for Nakhon Si Thammarat, finds herself at the heart of a scandal that has sent ripples through Thai politics. Accusations of vote-buying and incentivizing rally attendance have landed her in hot water, casting a shadow over her impressive campaign from last year. The turning point came recently when House Speaker Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, with a stern expression that bespoke the gravity of the situation, announced her suspension right before the weekly House meeting. The room buzzed with hushed conversations and raised eyebrows—political drama at its peak. The intrigue deepened last December when the Nakhon Si Thammarat office of the Election Commission dropped a bombshell. They disqualified Ms. Mukdawan, asserting that she had crossed ethical boundaries by offering monetary incentives for votes and to boost rally numbers—not exactly the grassroots activism one might hope for. The allegations swiftly evolved…

In a high-stakes drama fit for an action movie, authorities in Chiang Rai made a jaw-dropping discovery early Thursday morning. Tucked away in sixteen sacks inside one of three hastily abandoned pickup trucks were a staggering 3.2 million speed pills. These vehicles were deserted by smugglers who bolted after a gunfire skirmish with security officers. The incident occurred in the early hours—around 6 AM—when the border patrol police and soldiers from the Thap Chao Tak special unit of the Pha Muang task force noticed three suspicious pickup trucks navigating the Den Ha-Dong Mada road in tambon Mae Korn, Muang district. Trusting their instincts, the officers signaled for the vehicles to stop. However, rather than complying, the occupants of the trucks unleashed a barrage of gunfire, escalating the situation into an intense shootout. For a brief yet profoundly intense 10 minutes, bullets ricocheted through the air as the two sides exchanged…