Posts published in “Thailand”

In the vibrant heart of Phuket, amidst the buzz and murmur of a typical day, shopkeepers stationed at their cannabis emporiums wait with bated breath, their eyes wandering over empty aisles, anticipating the influx of customers. It’s September 2, 2023, and the air is thick not just with the tropical humidity but also with uncertainty, as a dramatic shift in cannabis legislation looms over Thailand, stirring a mix of concern and defiance among those whose livelihoods are intertwined with the once-decriminalized plant. Meanwhile, the hustle and bustle of Bangkok take on a different flavor, as it becomes the epicenter of a significant uproar. A formidable army comprising cannabis entrepreneurs, seasoned farmers, and fiery activists congregated in a powerful show of solidarity. Their battlefield? The forecourt of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, armed not with pitchforks and torches but with posters emblazoned with the…

In the heart of Bangkok, under the sweltering heat of a July morning in 2019, Sonthiyan Chuenruethainaitham, a man whose life had been interwoven with the fabric of political activism, made his way to the Criminal Court. His appearance, poised yet marked by the weight of history, caught the eyes of onlookers and press alike. Sonthiyan, once a stalwart member of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC)—an entity now whispered about in the past tense—stood at a pivotal juncture, not just for himself but for the narrative of democracy in Thailand. The Supreme Court of Thailand, on a day that will be etched in the chronicles of the country’s legal annals, delivered a verdict that seemed to tread a delicate line between condemnation and leniency. Sonthiyan, at the age of 62, faced the music alongside three other individuals, each a character in their own right, having played significant roles in…

On a day that was sharpened with anticipation and heavy with legal gravitas, the corridors of Thailand’s Criminal Court tingled with suspense on July 25, 2019. At the center of it all was Sonthiyan Chuenruethainaitham, a figure whose name had been synonymous with political activism, now poised at the threshold of judicial judgment. Sonthiyan, once a driving force in the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) – a coalition that had woven itself into the fabric of Thai political dynamics, found himself awaiting the Supreme Court’s verdict with bated breath. The court’s decision was both a turning point and a poignant reminder of the complex tapestry of Thai politics. Sonthiyan, alongside three other PDRC stalwarts, had been ensnared in legal wranglings for obstructing a general election in the heady days of 2014. The charges against them ranged from the dramatic – insurrection and criminal association, to the civic – obstructing an…

On a radiant day in Johannesburg, the bustling atmosphere of the Brics Summit was palpable, reaching its zenith on August 24, 2023. Amid the constellation of global leaders, two figures stood out prominently: Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Their presence, a testament to the strength and unity among Brics nations, underscored the final day of a summit that not only celebrated collaboration but also welcomed the future of international cooperation with open arms. Meanwhile, far from the immediate limelight of the summit, Thailand was making waves with a bold stride towards a broader global canvas. The Land of Smiles, known for its rich culture and breathtaking landscapes, announced its intention to join the burgeoning family of Brics nations, a coalition originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. In a move that married aspiration with ambition, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke revealed that the Thai…

In an episode that reads straight out of the darkest chapters of crime thrillers, the quiet town of Chachoengsao found itself the backdrop to a tale of unimaginable betrayal. The central character in this grim storyline is a 59-year-old man, Nukarn Phuangkaew, whose life choices have turned him from an ordinary citizen into a figure of controversy and outrage. Known in some circles as Ed Sai Mai, Nukarn’s journey from the streets of Sai Mai district in Bangkok to a nondescript car park at Thongchai Industrial Co has been nothing short of cinematic—albeit for all the wrong reasons. The Metropolitan Police Bureau in Bangkok, under the vigilant eye of Pol Maj Gen Theeradet Thumsuthee, announced the culmination of this saga with the arrest of Nukarn. Accused of subjecting his step-granddaughter to a decade of torment and sexual abuse, the allegations against him are as heart-wrenching as they are heinous. The…

Welcome to the grand international chessboard, where nations weave intricate strategies to elevate their global standings! In this fascinating realm of geopolitical maneuvers, the latest buzz is Thailand’s poised entry into the prestigious circle of BRICS. Yes, you heard it right—Thailand is set to hobnob with the giants: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. And when? Brace yourselves, this significant chapter will unfold in October, marking a pivotal moment in Thailand’s international diplomacy. Our tale begins with a cabinet meeting, a gathering brimming with anticipation and strategic foresight. The spotlight falls on government spokesman Chai Wacharonke, who unveils the draft of an official letter—a beacon announcing Thailand’s aspirations to the BRICS fraternity. The origins of this ambition trace back to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, epitomizing Thailand’s proactive approach to sculpting its global narrative. So, what exactly did this letter proclaim? It echoed Thailand’s deep-seated belief in the power of…

Imagine stepping into the bustling corridors of justice on a sultry July morning in 2019. The air is thick with anticipation and the whispers of spectators. Among the crowd, a notable figure makes his way – Sonthiyan Chuenruethainaitham, whose name has been etched into the annals of Thailand’s political saga. His destination? The daunting doors of the Criminal Court. As a former linchpin of the now-disbanded People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), Sonthiyan’s presence commands attention, drawing eyes like moths to a flame. The gavel falls, and the Supreme Court, the zenith of judicial authority, decrees an eight-month hiatus from freedom for Sonthiyan, entrapping him in the webs of law for obstructing the democratic heartbeat of the nation – a general election in 2014. Yet, this eight-month sentence hangs in the realm of the conditional, tethered by a two-year suspension, like a sword of Damocles over Sonthiyan’s head. This tale unfolds…

In the heart of Bangkok, nestled within the bustling streets of the Bang Kapi district, an event unfolded that captured the attention of the nation. The district office transformed into a beacon of political aspiration as it became one of the key venues for individuals aiming to secure their spot in the Senate race. With the registration curtain drawing to a close on May 24, an astounding number of 48,226 hopefuls had thrown their hats into the ring, all vying for one of the coveted 200 seats. The sheer volume of applicants underscored the palpable eagerness and ambition that thrummed through the city’s air. Amidst this whirlwind of political fervor, a voice of caution emerged. Komsan Pohkong, a legal luminary and deputy dean of the Faculty of Law at Rangsit University, raised concerns that were impossible to ignore. With the precision of an expert who has navigated the intricacies of…

Imagine stepping into the bustling heart of Bangkok, where the spirit of democracy pulses through the vibrant streets of Bang Kapi district. Here, amidst the cacophony of daily life, a unique event unfolded that captured the imagination of thousands. The district office became a beacon for aspirants, a stage where 48,226 individuals took their first step towards a coveted seat in the Senate. This marathon of democracy concluded its registration sprint on May 24, leaving behind tales of ambition and anticipation. However, not all was smooth in this democratic endeavor. A shadow of controversy loomed over the process as legal aficionados raised their brows at a pivotal decision by the Election Commission (EC). Komsan Pohkong, a legal luminary and the deputy dean of the Faculty of Law at Rangsit University, threw a spotlight on a contentious EC move. With an air of authority born from years immersed in the legalities…

Imagine walking into an ambiance where the air is filled with the promise of a culinary voyage, where each bite transports you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean and each sip is a toast to the French art de vivre. This is the experience that awaits at Blue by Alain Ducasse at ICONSIAM, a temple of gastronomy where the legendary chef Alain Ducasse’s vision of French contemporary cuisine comes to life against the breathtaking backdrop of the Chao Phraya River. At the heart of this culinary odyssey is the vibrant synergy between Executive Chef Wilfrid Hocquet and Executive Pastry Chef Christophe Grilo, who have masterfully curated new tasting menus that are as visually arresting as they are delectable. Each course is an homage to the freshness of spring, designed to surprise and delight even the most discerning palate. The journey begins with the Cuisine du Soleil, a series of…