In a dramatic turn of events, the vibrant cityscape of Thailand once again finds itself as a backdrop to an intricate political drama. Thaksin Shinawatra, the charismatic former prime minister known for his bold maneuvers and controversial policies, has graced the national spotlight anew. Emerging from a period of seclusion, he was warmly received by an exuberant crowd upon his arrival at the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, where he delivered an impassioned keynote speech. Amidst cheers and waving hands, Thaksin stood at the crossroads of public admiration and political scrutiny. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard) Meanwhile, in the corridors of power and medicine, the Medical Council of Thailand finds itself at a pivotal juncture. All eyes are fixed on an impending meeting scheduled for June 12, a date that promises to be a decisive moment for the council and its 70 board members. This assembly arises in the aftermath of…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The bustling world of politics often leaves onlookers scratching their heads, and the recent saga concerning the 3.8-billion-baht budget allocation for the new Ministry of Transport headquarters in Thailand is no exception. The People’s Party, with MP Rukchanok Srinork leading a spirited House debate, slammed the government for convincing the nation to spend trillions on future fiscal plans. Yet, despite their criticisms, government officials are standing firm, advocating for what they claim is an absolute necessity. Such is the political theater set on the grand stage of the 2026 fiscal year budget bill debate. Stepping into the fray with a resolute stance, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit passionately depicted a picture of dire need rather than luxury when it comes to the proposed 22-storey edifice. “The current Ministry building is like a relic from a bygone era, echoing with the whispers of the past 71 years,” Suriya exclaimed, gesturing to its…
In the picturesque province of Krabi, Thailand, nature enthusiasts and marine biologists alike have been buzzing with excitement over the recent sighting of some rather special marine residents. Near the idyllic shores of Ao Nam Mao, nestled in the embrace of the Muang district, two new dugongs were spotted alongside a vibrant group of green turtles, painting an optimistic picture for local marine biodiversity. According to Saegsuree Songthong, the diligent chief of Nopparatthara and Phi Phi Island Park, these charming creatures were observed during a detailed survey aimed at assessing the presence of endangered species in the region. Thanks to the wonder of modern technology, a drone was deployed and it captured riveting footage of not one, but three majestic dugongs reveling in their natural habitat. Previously, only a single dugong was known to frequent these waters. However, the latest survey revealed the presence of two additional newcomers. Experts speculate…
The bustling thoroughfares of Bangkok, where traffic interweaves in a colorful tapestry of cars, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes, took center stage on July 14, 2025, when the city’s traffic police executed a rather unusual operation. Armed with saleng tricycles, they deftly collected various street-side impediments laid by shop owners along the bustling Bamrung Muang and Boriphat roads, marking a new chapter in urban management. Yet, this quirky scene was merely a curtain-raiser to a transformative campaign sweeping across Thailand. On June 1, the land of smiles saw the advent of the ambitious “Safe Roads Project.” This nationwide initiative set out to reform the way Thais—and throngs of curious visitors—interact with the country’s labyrinthine roads. At its heart lay a re-envisioned mandate: the mandatory wearing of helmets by motorcyclists and their companions. With elegance but firm resolve, Thai authorities have quadrupled the noncompliance penalty to a more wallet-unfriendly 2,000 baht. Indeed, the…
In a shocking turn of events at the normally serene Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium, an unsettling act of sexual harassment unfolded, leaving staff and visitors outraged. A Chinese tourist was audaciously caught on camera, groping a female intern as she diligently went about her duties feeding turtles. The incident, which occurred on today’s date, May 30, in the bustling Mueang district, not only offended the sensibilities of the onlookers but also prompted a swift reaction from law enforcement who are determined to bring the perpetrator to justice. The brazen act transpired in the blink of an eye as the unsuspecting young intern tended to her tasks on the walkway. The male tourist, approaching her with the stealth of a ninja, suddenly—and without provocation—grabbed her buttocks before sauntering away, presumably thinking he’d made a slick getaway. Little did he know, vigilant surveillance cameras had recorded every sordid second of the encounter,…
In a curious twist of fate befitting a high-stakes drama, the son of a once-influential, now-retired police official made an unexpected appearance at the Phra Khanong Police Station this past Wednesday, May 28. This reluctant protagonist, Kongla, stands accused of heinous acts against his former paramour, Bell, a renowned Thai actress whose tale of heartache and betrayal has gripped the nation’s heartstrings. The narrative began to unfold when Bell bravely stepped into the glaring spotlight last week. Her revelation was as shocking as it was tragic. Bell, in her quest for justice, shared harrowing stories of repeated aggression, pinning down Kongla as the villain of this somber saga. More shocking were Kongla’s purported boasts of his father’s power, claiming it would snuff out any attempt to seek justice, like a virulent secret that sits quietly in the dark. Nonetheless, Bell chose to break through this shadowy intimidation, stepping defiantly into…
Despite the dazzling slogans cascading from City Hall promising to “reinvent safety one step at a time,” seasoned foreign inhabitants of Pattaya seem to agree that such campaigns are nothing more than a slickly packaged illusion. While authorities proudly wave banners of newly installed CCTV cameras, an increased tourist police force, and freshly painted roads, the expatriate population contends that these surface-level changes are mere band-aids over far more profound, entrenched challenges besetting the bustling city. “The genie is out of the bottle now and casinos are probably not going to help,” one expatriate quipped online, casting a jaundiced eye over the latest public relations gambit. There’s a laundry list of grievances: precarious footpaths, perilous open drains, insidious scams, and constant street harassment. These are just some of the modern-day perils that the city’s smooth-talking officials often overlook. “‘Reinventing safety one step at a time’? One wrong step, and you’re…
In the heart of Thailand’s Chachoengsao province, a mystifying tale unfurled late last week. It all began on a balmy day, May 27, when a young 15-year-old Thai teenager, Krittapas, stumbled upon something out of the ordinary. As he jogged his usual route around a pond in the Saen Phu Dat sub-district, he made a discovery that was enough to make anyone’s blood run cold—a human skull complete with long red hair. Found in a roadside wooded area, the skull lay ominously alongside two black rubbish bags. Such a chilling find naturally sparked an investigation, helmed by the officers from the Saen Phu Dat Police Station. Their initial hunch was that the skull had been swaddled in those very bags, with local stray dogs likely having torn them open to expose the ghastly remains. The skull, presumed to belong to a woman given the luscious red locks, was whisked away…
Underneath the shimmering sunlit skies of southern Thailand, holidaymakers often find themselves gazing in awe at the sublime seascapes. But on the morning of May 30, 2025, nature decided to put on a different kind of show near Koh Khai Nok and Koh Khai Nai, straddling the picturesque border of the Phuket and Phang Nga provinces. A rare and mesmerizing waterspout spun into existence, pirouetting above the Andaman Sea for a heart-stopping 10 to 15 minutes, catching the eyes and sparking the imaginations of everyone from shore-side tourists to seasoned fishermen. The dramatic whirling vortex formed as if staging a private theatre of nature’s raw and untamable power. Those lucky enough to witness this grand performance reported that the waterspout cut a swift path across the sea’s mirror-like surface, a moving marvel that seemed both otherworldly and directly tied to Earth’s frantic weather whims. While its intensity was undoubtedly awe-inspiring,…
Imagine strolling through the storied halls of Harrods, an establishment that has magnetized global luxury seekers since 1905. An extravagant world where dreams are woven with the threads of elegance, luxury, and exceptional service. Now, for Thai shopaholics and global adventurers alike, an elevated experience awaits, thanks to a novel partnership that bridges the gap between the illustrious Harrods of the United Kingdom and Thailand’s own retail giant, The Mall Group. This landmark collaboration promises to be the ticket to a realm of exclusive benefits for discerning M Card members and Bangkok Bank M VISA cardholders. June 2025 heralds a new era, as M Card members, synonymous with luxury shopping, are graced with unprecedented privileges at Harrods in London, all gifted under the canopy of a strategic alliance. Ms. Voralak Tulaphorn, the visionary Chief Marketing Officer of The Mall Group Co., Ltd., shares, “Our collaboration with Harrods is a masterstroke…