Posts published in “Thailand”

In the bustling Senate election venue at Impact Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi, a poised figure stepped forth – Election Commission Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee. It was June 26, the final round of voting, and anticipation hung in the air like a thick fog. Fast forward to Wednesday, Boonmee announced the official certification of the results, bringing closure to a riveting electoral journey. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) As Thailand turns a new chapter with the induction of 200 fresh senators, a media frenzy ensues over the electoral process. These newly minted senators have been summoned to Parliament on Monday, while the Election Commission continues to unravel an intricate web of allegations concerning collusion and improper conduct during the elections. The poll body invited the senators to collect their certificates on Thursday and Friday, signaling a momentous step forward after finally ratifying the results of the three-phase vote that culminated on June 26.…

Park rangers conduct a patrol in Thap Lan National Park on June 10. (Photo: Thap Lan National Park) A House committee is gearing up for a significant discussion with local residents around Thap Lan National Park, aiming to tackle a highly controversial proposal that might see thousands of rai of parkland losing its protected status. The debate, charged with emotions, sees a clash of interests between long-time land residents and passionate conservationists. The contentious proposal, greenlit by the previous government on March 14 last year, has stirred the pot. On one side, locals who settled on the land before the park’s boundaries were drawn argue for lifting the protection on a whopping 265,286 rai. On the other, environmental advocates vehemently oppose any such move. Poonsak Chanchampee, a dedicated Move Forward Party MP at the helm of the House Committee on Land, Natural Resources, and the Environment, has set the stage…

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat recently addressed an enthusiastic rally at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters in Bangkok, championing the much-discussed digital wallet program. The event, held in October last year, also saw Paopoom Rojanasakul, another deputy finance minister, closely following the proceedings. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard) In an interesting twist this Wednesday, authorities declared that the recipients of the government’s 10,000-baht digital handout won’t be able to splash out on mobile phones, electrical appliances, or any electronic gadgets. According to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun, a government sub-committee had meticulously drafted a negative list of products that the digital cash couldn’t be spent on. The rationale behind this seemingly restrictive move is rather forward-thinking. Minister Julapun explained that the government aims to channel the funds towards small local shops rather than the imposing aisles of massive department stores. When quizzed about where the money for this generous handout was coming from,…

In the bustling Bang Kapi district of Bangkok, an intriguing case recently emerged, pulling the curtain back on the enigmatic world of social media fame. The protagonist? Kanok-orn Phengphut, a 24-year-old whose ascent to infamy on the platform X (formerly Twitter), has shaken the online community and attracted the attention of law enforcement. Kanok-orn, known to her over 100,000 followers as a daring content creator, was arrested on obscenity charges at her Lat Phrao Soi 101 residence. The details of the arrest, as shared by Pol Maj Gen Athip Pongsiwapai, commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), paint a riveting picture of modern-day notoriety. The search of her home was by no means a clandestine affair. Armed with a warrant, officers stormed the property, uncovering the tools of her trade—a mobile phone and various outfits she had worn in the creation of her explicit content. These were not just…

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat recently took the stage at a vibrant rally held in support of the digital wallet initiative at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters in Bangkok last October. Standing nearby was Paopoom Rojanasakul, another deputy finance minister, attentively observing the proceedings. (Photo credit: Somchai Poomlard) The Thai government is brimming with confidence about their financial prowess, assuring citizens that they have enough funds to bankroll the massive 500-billion-baht digital wallet program. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat unveiled this optimistic outlook during a press conference on Wednesday. Contrary to earlier plans, they might not even need to dip into the reserves of a state-owned bank for additional financial support. As part of its strategic planning, the Pheu Thai government has allocated a whopping 450 billion baht from the upcoming 2024 and 2025 fiscal budgets to back this initiative. Thus, the need to rely on the Bank for Agriculture…

In a significant move towards fostering public participation in the governance of Thailand’s volatile southern border provinces, the House of Representatives approved a bill aimed at abolishing a contentious coup-era order. This order, NCPO Order No.14/2016, was originally issued in April 2016 by the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), which had been established following the 2014 coup led by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. It effectively undermined the Southern Border Administration Act by rendering portions of it invalid. NCPO Order No.14/2016 severely disrupted the activities of the advisory council dedicated to Southern Border Administration and Development. This council, composed of members representing the residents of the far South, has long been an essential platform for addressing the region’s persistent sectarian unrest, which has festered for over two decades. The order also granted the Internal Security Operation Command undue influence over the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre (SBPAC), a key…

Last month, MPs gathered for a rigorous three-day debate over the budget proposal, engaging in intense discussions and negotiations. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) On Wednesday, the House of Representatives witnessed a significant legislative victory as a bill aimed at dismantling coup-makers’ restrictive orders on public participation in the administration of the restive Southern provinces smoothly sailed through. The notorious “14th/2016 NCPO” orders, issued by the now-dissolved National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) in April 2016, had effectively rendered parts of the Southern Border Administration Act obsolete. The NCPO’s draconian directives have long disrupted the crucial activities of the advisory council on Southern Border Administration and Development. This council, composed of representatives from the troubled far South, was designed to give a voice to the residents and include them in the decision-making processes affecting their lives. The controversial orders had also granted the Internal Security Operation Command undue influence over the…

Last month, Phuket came alive with vibrant colors and joy as people thronged to participate in the Pride Month celebrations. (Photo: Achathaya Chuenniran) Phuket authorities have confidently announced that the island is fully prepared to vie for the prestigious opportunity to host the 2025 InterPride World Conference. Governor Sophon Suwannarat took the lead in signing the Pride & Equality Phuket memorandum of understanding (MoU) alongside representatives from both the public and private sectors. This effort is aimed at promoting gender equality on the island. Governor Sophon emphasized that the MoU focuses on elevating awareness about gender inclusivity, providing protection for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, and minimizing gender discrimination across the island. Notably, Phuket’s bid will face competition from Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen. The InterPride World Conference is an annual five-day event that attracts around 700-800 participants from 70 different countries. This conference is a significant platform for discussing…

MPs Attend a Spirited Three-Day Debate on Budget Proposal (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) In a significant legislative session, the House of Representatives witnessed a compelling debate where a bill intended to abolish the controversial coup-era orders passed triumphantly. This legislative action unfolded as the House convened to consider amendments that promise to revive and recalibrate public participation in the administration of Thailand’s restive southern provinces. Specifically targeting the notorious “14th/2016 NCPO” orders, the bill aims to dismantle directives issued by the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) in April 2016. These orders had hitherto rendered sections of the Southern Border Administration Act partially inoperative, creating substantial barriers to effective governance in the region. By destabilizing the advisory council on Southern Border Administration and Development—an entity composed of representatives from the far South—the NCPO’s orders have long been seen as a hindrance to community-driven governance. Furthermore, these orders granted the…

Pilots from Royal Thai Air Force Wing 7 circled gracefully over the Andaman Sea in their sleek Gripen jets, capturing the stunning sight in a photo taken by Surapol Promsaka Na Sakolnakorn back in June 2011. Yet, it’s evident that the story of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) and their choice of aerial assets is one that has continued to evolve. Recently, a high-level dialogue ran abuzz with the news that the RTAF is inclined towards procuring Sweden’s Gripen fighter jets over the American-made F-16s. This revelation, stemming from a reliable air force source, has sparked conversations beyond just aircraft capabilities. Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Phanphakdee Phattanakul, the incumbent air force commander, has meticulously collated comparisons between the Swedish Gripen E/F jets and the U.S. F-16 Block 70 jets. These details have found their way to pivotal figures in the nation’s defense leadership – Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and…