Posts published in “Thailand”

Yesterday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin addressed the ongoing deliberation regarding the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) new fighter jet procurement project, clarifying that no final decision has been made between the Swedish-made Gripen and the US-made F-16 jets. According to the Prime Minister, the government is still awaiting critical details of the required offset policy from both Saab AB (the manufacturer of the Gripen E/F) and Lockheed Martin (the manufacturer of the F-16 Block 70/72). The offset policy is a significant factor in determining the final decision, as it encompasses the reciprocal benefits that these companies can offer Thailand as part of the procurement program. “This policy is non-negotiable; it’s integral to how we will evaluate each offer,” Mr. Srettha explained. “We need to ensure that whatever deal we strike, it’s in the best interest of the Thai public.” This isn’t just a straightforward purchase; it involves large sums of…

An Iranian man and his Thai wife were tragically discovered murdered at their charming Iranian restaurant in Pattaya yesterday. The mystery surrounding their untimely demise took a captivating twist as the prime suspect was none other than a missing employee from Myanmar. Called to the scene around noon, Pattaya police were tasked with opening the shuttered Banoo Iranian Restaurant, located in the bustling heart of South Pattaya. The restaurant had remained locked for over a week, and concern mounted as the owners had seemingly vanished into thin air. Inside the three-storey property, the police unearthed a chilling scene in a second-floor bedroom. The bodies of Mojtaba Ghanbariazad, 64, and his wife, Thanaporn Poonprakhon, 49, lay there, lifeless. The discovery sent shivers down the spine of those close to the couple. Kritporn Ajinkit, 27, a close friend, recounted to the police an alarming incident from the previous Thursday. He had overheard…

Amidst the palpable excitement, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has issued a high-priority directive to the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT), urging comprehensive improvements at Ranong Port. The increased port activity stems from an unexpected source—Myanmar’s pivot towards maritime shipping due to its ongoing civil unrest, which has effectively stymied cross-border trade routes. As Myanmar faces the tumult of war, traditional land routes for exporting goods to Thailand through Tak’s Mae Sot district have come to a virtual standstill. Entrepreneurs, in a swift response to these unpredictable circumstances, have taken to the waters, dispatching their cargo via barges to Ranong Port. Ms. Manaporn anticipates that this influx will not only resuscitate Thailand’s cross-border trade but also provide an opportune moment to spotlight the government’s ambitious Land Bridge project. “This surge in port activity is a golden opportunity to reactivate and invigorate our maritime trade routes,” Ms. Manaporn enthusiastically shared. “It…

The Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) is ardently setting the stage to materialize Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s bold vision of eradicating drugs and their trafficking in Thailand’s 25 most afflicted provinces, all within a whirlwind three months. This ambitious goal, communicated to the cabinet on May 7, underscores that tackling illegal drugs is not just a priority but a national imperative. In a spirited conversation with the Bangkok Post, NSB commissioner Pol Lt Gen Khirisak Tantinvachai expressed unwavering confidence in achieving the prime minister’s target. “I’m confident the NSB will be able to accomplish the prime minister’s goal by the deadline,” he declared, with a determined gleam in his eye. “I believe in the possibility of the plan, with impressive results expected every 90 days.” Pol Lt Gen Khirisak emphasized that setting such deadlines is standard operating procedure for NSB officers, who are persistently at the forefront of drug crackdowns. “Our…

The Agriculture Ministry of Thailand is on a mission to make the eradication of blackchin tilapia a top national priority. These invasive fish, native to West Africa, are considered predators that pose a significant risk to underwater biodiversity. Minister Thammanat Prompow emphasized on Tuesday that the ministry is diligently working to eliminate this species, with various methods being studied to control their breeding. According to Minister Thammanat, thorough research is being conducted to determine if sterilization might alter the fish’s chromosomes and potentially mutate the species. While these studies are in progress, immediate steps are being taken to get rid of the blackchin tilapia. Interestingly, the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) has been tasked with establishing a fund to purchase the fish to use as fertilizer for rubber plantations, highlighting the multifaceted approach the ministry is taking. Despite the ongoing efforts, the exact time and manner of the blackchin tilapia’s…

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, with a heart full of love for his nation, is steadfast in his mission to provide equal educational opportunities for Thai youth. Recognizing education as the linchpin of national growth, in 2009, when he was still Crown Prince, he initiated the Crown Prince Scholarship. This initiative eventually blossomed into a full-fledged foundation, orchestrating scholarships for underprivileged youth. His Majesty himself presides over the foundation, demonstrating his deep commitment to its cause. Privy Councillor General Dapong Ratanasuwan, in a heartfelt speech titled “Good Teachers: Power of the Nation” on January 16, highlighted the King’s profound dedication and knowledge in the realm of education, far surpassing what many might have anticipated. The King has entrusted privy councillors with the crucial task of carrying forward more than 4,000 projects initiated by his revered father, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great. According to General Dapong, this…

In the bustling heart of Bangkok, a tragic and shocking scene unfolded on a seemingly regular Tuesday evening. The usually lively Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel in the vibrant Pathum Wan district became the center of a heart-wrenching incident, capturing the attention of authorities and the public alike. Around 5:30 PM, Lumpini police were summoned to the luxurious hotel, where they discovered a deeply unsettling sight. Inside one of the rooms, they found the lifeless bodies of three men and three women. The scene was eerily calm, with no visible signs of a struggle. The victims’ luggage was poignantly placed near the front door, a silent testament to lives abruptly cut short. As part of their thorough investigation, the police immediately turned to the hotel’s extensive closed-circuit television (CCTV) network, meticulously combing through footage for any possible clues. Simultaneously, they began interviewing witnesses, hoping their accounts might shed light on the…

Wissanu Krea-ngam, the prime minister’s legal adviser, hinted at a perhaps surprising possibility that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra might contribute to the government, but just not in a political capacity, once he completes his jail term next month. Yes, you heard that right! Speaking candidly on Tuesday, Wissanu responded to reporters’ inquiries about Thaksin’s potential involvement post-release, scheduled for August 22. “If the government seeks Thaksin’s assistance, he can certainly offer his expertise,” Wissanu noted. “The bottom line is, Thaksin can occupy any government position that isn’t constitutionally barred, such as a ministerial role. He’s still got plenty to offer in other capacities.” Ah, but there’s a twist! While Thaksin can’t be a trade representative, he’s free to serve as an adviser to the prime minister or take on a special representative role, albeit temporarily. Those aren’t just hypothetical limits; they are very specific roles in the intriguing game…

The Immigration Bureau (IB) is gearing up to streamline immigration control at airports, aiming to process each traveler in under 45 seconds. This initiative is a pivotal part of the government’s extended visa-free scheme, which was officially activated on Monday. On Tuesday, Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nutchanart, the IB’s deputy chief, declared the bureau’s readiness to adhere to the government’s policies. To tackle long lines during peak hours, the number of immigration officers will be notably increased, ensuring smoother processing times at airport check-in booths. “We’re committed to making sure that every incoming passenger spends no more than 45 seconds at immigration,” emphasized Pol Maj Gen Phanthana. Adding to this efficiency drive, airports are also embracing advanced biometric technology to thwart transnational criminals. Furthermore, Section 38 of the Immigration Act empowers immigration authorities to monitor foreigners residing in the country. According to Pol Maj Gen Phanthana, this section mandates that…

The Immigration Bureau, under the keen watch of Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nutchanart, has ramped up efforts to streamline immigration procedures in sync with the government’s freshly expanded visa-free scheme for foreign tourists. Determined to uphold efficiency, the bureau aims to reduce the average processing time at airport immigration control to no more than a brisk 45 seconds per traveler. In a bid to support this ambitious target, the number of immigration officers is set to increase significantly, ensuring smoother and faster passage through check-in booths, especially during peak travel hours when passenger traffic tends to surge. “Our goal is for each arriving passenger to process through immigration eagerly and efficiently, spending no more than 45 seconds at our counters,” assured Pol Maj Gen Phanthana. To further enhance security and expedite check-ins, airports are deploying cutting-edge biometric technology designed to deter transnational crime. Utilizing facial recognition and other advanced identification…