All eyes are set for the highly anticipated first meeting of the new Senate on July 23, a spectacle that promises to be a cornerstone event in the ongoing political drama unfolding in Thailand. With photo ops by Chanat Katanyu capturing the essence of the anticipation, this gathering will mark a key milestone for the Upper House, taking on a pivotal role in charter amendments and the intricate power dynamics among the coalition parties within the government. Political pundits are buzzing about the overwhelming dominance of senators rumored to have strong alliances with Bhumjaithai, the third-largest political party in Thailand. The recent election of the Senate Speaker and a Deputy Senate Speaker, both perceived to be affiliated with Bhumjaithai, solidifies this theory. This influential “blue” bloc, as it’s commonly referred to, is speculated to be the largest contingent within the Senate, heightening Bhumjaithai’s political influence like never before. Observers estimate…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Tourists wading through floodwaters after a dramatic rescue from a swiftly rising stream in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand’s Prachin Buri province, on Sunday. (Photo by Manit Sanubboon) This weekend, numerous travelers faced the fury of Mother Nature, finding themselves trapped by a sudden surge of water at Khao Yai National Park in Thailand’s Prachin Buri province. Simultaneously, nearby Trat province grappled with its worst flooding in three decades, painting a picture of a region under siege by relentless rains. In a nail-biting rescue operation, ten tourists were left stranded when a powerful runoff trapped them on one side of a stream connecting to the scenic Sao Noi waterfall in tambon Pho Ngam, Prachantakham district. With the stream’s water turning a menacing brown, it signaled imminent danger as it surged with unstoppable force. Rescue workers, showcasing their bravery and skill, managed to secure a robust rope across the volatile stream,…
The Phu Phra Bat Historical Park in Udon Thani has proudly become Thailand’s eighth Unesco World Heritage site, according to government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. The announcement of this incredible accomplishment was made during the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee in India yesterday. This recognition isn’t just a feather in the cap for Thailand; it acknowledges the park as a key cultural heritage site, making it Thailand’s fifth such accolade, said Wacharonke. In his enthusiastic speech, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin underlined the deep historical roots of the Sima stone tradition, harking back to approximately the 8th century. “The park showcases the world’s largest collection of Sima stones,” he noted. “Today’s induction of Phu Phra Bat into the World Heritage List is monumental for Thailand and future generations. This milestone will pave the way for enhanced conservation, restoration, and protection efforts, as well as contribute to academic research that benefits…
The newly elected Senate Speaker, Mongkol Surasajja, and his two deputies were sworn in yesterday. However, the speaker remained silent on his stance regarding the parliament’s ongoing push for constitutional amendments. Mr. Mongkol, along with his deputies—Gen Kriangkrai Srirak and Boonsong Noisophon—received a royal command that formally inaugurated them into their roles during a ceremony held in the parliament. The ceremony was graced by the presence of numerous senators and high-ranking officials, who were there to witness the royal command delivered by Natjaree Anantasilp, the cabinet secretary-general. Ms. Natjaree read out the command, officially appointing Mr. Mongkol, a former Buri Ram governor, as the new Senate speaker. Gen Kriangkrai, formerly an advisor to Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, was named the first deputy speaker, while Mr. Boonsong, previously an election commissioner, was designated as the second deputy speaker. This swearing-in ceremony marked the official commencement of their duties. Last week,…
Pita Limjaroenrat, the charismatic chief advisor of the Move Forward Party and its former front-runner, greeted his supporters with unwavering enthusiasm after holding a press conference at the parliament. The atmosphere was electric as the Constitutional Court had recently ruled against the party’s controversial stance to reform the lese majeste law, challenging the protection of the monarchy from criticism. This decision, delivered on January 31st, might have marked a significant setback, but it hasn’t dimmed the spirits of the ardent followers. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) Thailand’s political landscape is as dynamic as ever, with the Move Forward Party embodying a beacon of resilience and hope. Despite the looming threat of the party’s potential dissolution, fueled by the court’s pending decision on August 7th, the party’s core ideology and indomitable spirit remain steadfast. In a recent video shared on the party’s Facebook account, Sirikanya Tansakul, the passionate deputy leader, assured supporters that…
The Army has rolled out its latest strategic vision with the release of a white paper for 2024, showcasing an ambitious plan to procure various cutting-edge weaponry. With a keen eye on the upcoming three years, this document undeniably sends a message: the nation’s defense capabilities must meet an evolving array of security challenges. Released to the public on Sunday, the white paper is more than just a wish list; it’s a clarion call for modernization. It keenly argues, in no uncertain terms, that the army requires advanced weaponry to shield the nation from diverse threats. The document provides a broad-brush overview of the desired weaponry and associated equipment. However, if you were hoping for intricate details, you might be left wanting. It steers clear of the granular specifics, opting instead for a wide-angle view. So, what exactly is on the army’s wishlist? Well, it’s quite the shopping cart! Picture…
Buddhists in Nakhon Si Thammarat gathered in joyous reverence at the Hae Pha Khuen That celebration held on Makha Bucha Day at the illustrious Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan. This significant event took place in February 2019 and stands as a testament to the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Photo: Nujaree Raekrun In an exhilarating development, five cultural sites across Thailand have been added to a tentative Unesco list of potential new world heritage sites, a government spokesperson announced on Sunday. The latest addition, the fifth in line, is a historic cluster of towns and adjacent areas all connected to the serene and picturesque Songkhla Lake, situated in the southern province of Songkhla. The approval for Songkhla town clusters arrived during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi on Saturday. This is the very same day Unesco inscribed Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, located in…
On a splendid Sunday morning, the majestic Amarindra Winitchai Hall in the Grand Palace of Bangkok bore witness to a momentous event. His Majesty the King, celebrating his illustrious sixth-cycle birthday, addressed a session brimming with leaders of national institutions, emanating a majestic aura befitting the occasion. The atmosphere was imbued with a sense of reverence and stately importance as the King imparted his profound vision for the nation. His Majesty the King, in a speech that echoed like a clarion call, emphasized the necessity for all prominent position-holders in Thailand to align with the loftiest goals. His words, like a guiding light, stressed the imperative of sustainable prosperity and holistic development of the country. The grandeur of the setting was only matched by the grandeur of his vision – a vision where Thailand bloomed into a beacon of true happiness, advanced development, and unwavering security. Responding gracefully to the…
Mongkol Surasajja triumphant in parliament, waving with a beaming smile after securing a landslide victory to become the new Senate Speaker on July 23. The former governor of Buri Ram clinched an impressive 159 out of 200 votes. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) On a ceremonious Saturday, newly minted Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja, alongside his two deputies, took their oaths, but the speaker kept mum on the hot-button issue of constitutional amendments buzzing in parliament. Mr. Mongkol, decked out in his sharpest attire, accompanied by deputies Gen Kriangkrai Srirak and Boonsong Noisophon, received a royal command that officially installed them into their prestigious roles during a grand ceremony held in the hallowed halls of parliament. The ceremony, dripping with pageantry, saw the attendance of senators and high-ranking officials, all present to witness the delivering of the royal command by Natjaree Anantasilp, the cabinet secretary-general. Ms. Natjaree solemnly read out the proclamation, introducing…
The buzz is real, folks! With HM the King’s 72nd birthday on the horizon, the government is pulling out all the stops, urging everyone to deck themselves in yellow and dive headfirst into a month-long celebration. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin couldn’t contain his excitement as he took to X on Saturday, giving a shoutout to the public, inviting them to don their best yellow shirts. It’s all in the name of showing some serious love and loyalty to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua on this extra-special sixth cycle birthday. “Mark your calendars!” Mr. Srettha practically hollered through his post, planting a big thumbtack on Sunday and Monday. Why, you ask? Because Sanam Luang in Phra Nakhon district is going to be the epicenter of all things festive from 6am to 7:19pm. Oh, and this isn’t just some one-town-show; provincial shindigs will be popping up thanks to local administrative…