In a fervent demonstration marking the third anniversary of the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, a protester passionately waves a flag outside the United Nations office in Bangkok, roaring out slogans of defiance. The air is thick with determination as people rally against the grim anniversary, underlining the continuous struggle faced by Myanmar’s civilian population. In response to the increasingly dire situation, Thailand has announced the formation of a dedicated task force aimed at bolstering the vigilance and monitoring capacities of its financial institutions. This move is designed to prevent banks from facilitating transactions that could lead to the purchase of arms and perpetuate human rights abuses in Myanmar, as confirmed by the Foreign Ministry. Amidst heightened concerns over financial transactions, the Thai government recently convened with commercial banks and state entities to scrutinize money flows following an alarming UN report. The report indicated a significant rise in funds channeled…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang has solidified Beijing’s position in supporting Thailand’s efforts to eliminate dubious Chinese businesses, while also emphasizing a commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and relations. Mr. Han’s remarks came during a seminar on Tuesday commemorating the 49th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand. This affirmation from Mr. Han came at a crucial time, coinciding with a controversy sparked by a Chinese-language billboard in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang area. The billboard boldly advertised a 30-day service for obtaining foreign passports or citizenship, drawing widespread attention over the weekend. Mr. Han shed light on the robust presence of Chinese enterprises in Thailand. “Over 2,400 Chinese companies are currently operating in Thailand, with about 1,400 of these having passed inspections by the Board of Investment (BoI). Most of these companies are thriving in the manufacturing and construction sectors,” he explained. These businesses are known to bring various benefits to…
Dr. Norathep Sriprasit (left) of Thonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital, and Richard Kua, brand general manager of Kiehl’s Thailand, spoke passionately on the panel titled “What do Allies Think?” at the Bangkok Post Pride Every Day forum, hosted on Wednesday at Lido Connect Hall in the iconic Siam Square. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) “Amplifying the voices of our LGBTQ+ colleagues creates a vibrant and inclusive working atmosphere that benefits employees not just financially, but also enriches their quality of life,” stated Richard Kua, brand general manager of Kiehl’s Thailand. He elaborated these points during his engaging presentation at the forum. Kiehl’s, a global skincare and beauty enterprise, operates in numerous countries worldwide, many of which have already legalized same-sex marriage. Mr. Kua passionately emphasized that Kiehl’s offers comprehensive benefits to all employees, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. This commitment extends to their partners, children, including adopted children, and encompasses insurance coverage. “We…
Speaking at a lively panel discussion on the next steps after the landmark marriage equality legislation, notable figures gathered at the Bangkok Post Pride Every Day forum in Lido Connect Hall to discuss the path forward. The panel included Natthineethiti Phinyapincha, founder of TransTalents Consulting Group, Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, Bangkok Pride Youth and Global Outreach Representative, and Nachale Boonyapisomparn, vice-president of the Foundation of Transgender Alliance for Human Rights. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard) As Thailand celebrates the passing of the marriage equality bill, Nachale Boonyapisomparn emphasized the necessity of updating various laws to align with this progressive legislation. “While the bill replaces ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ with ‘spouse’, it still uses ‘mother’ and ‘father’ in the family section,” Nachale pointed out. Drawing from her own experience as a transgender woman, she shared, “Under Thai law, if I want to have my own kid, I will still be labeled as a ‘father’. But…
Mark Gooding, the British Ambassador to Thailand, and Remco van Wijingaarden, the Netherlands Ambassador, share their experiences at the Bangkok Post Pride Every Day forum on Wednesday at Lido Connect. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard) Despite Thailand’s tremendous success in passing the same-sex marriage bill, the nation still needs to focus on other LGBTQ+ issues to ensure continuous equality and pride. This powerful message came from two ambassadors to Thailand — Mark Gooding of the United Kingdom and Remco van Wijingaarden of the Netherlands — during the Bangkok Post Pride Every Day forum. Both the UK and the Netherlands had enacted similar laws long before Thailand stepped up as a leader in Southeast Asia. At the forum held on Wednesday at Lido Connect Hall in Siam Square, the diplomats shared their insights and experiences. Both gentlemen agreed that while passing such bills is a great achievement, it is only a starting point.…
Natthineethiti Phinyapincha, founder of TransTalents Consulting Group, along with Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, Bangkok Pride Youth and Global Outreach Representative, and Nachale Boonyapisomparn, Vice President of The Foundation of Transgender Alliance for Human Rights, engaged in a vibrant panel discussion on the topic of “What after Thailand’s Marriage Equality,” during the Bangkok Post’s inaugural Pride event forum on Wednesday. The event was graced by the eloquence of captivating personalities, shedding light on the next steps post-marriage equality in Thailand. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard) Nachale Boonyapisomparn, a beacon of advocacy within the transgender community and vice president of the Foundation of Transgender Alliance for Human Rights, emphasized that some laws still warrant updates following the passing of the equal marriage bill. Reflecting on the panel discussion’s theme, Boonyapisomparn remarked how the landmark legislation is but the tip of the iceberg, necessitating a concerted effort to realign the legal mosaic and cultural tapestries with…
Amplifying the voice of LGBTQ+ individuals not only fosters a delightful working ambiance but also substantially benefits employees both financially and in terms of life quality, according to Richard Kua, Brand General Manager at Kiehl’s Thailand. Speaking on the panel titled “What do allies think?”, Mr. Kua highlighted that the company operates in numerous countries where same-sex marriage is legal, making inclusivity a cornerstone of its corporate philosophy. Emphasizing their comprehensive benefits package, Mr. Kua noted that the company extends support to all employees, irrespective of sexual orientation. These benefits cover partners, children or adopted children, and even include insurance provisions. “We’re very open about this because we spend eight to ten hours of our daily lives at work. You shouldn’t suffer in silence. Allowing everyone to express themselves openly is crucial. We strive for an environment where everyone can freely express their sexual orientation,” he explained, adding that such…
Media outlets in Thailand have reported a tragic incident involving Gwendoline Cretton, a 24-year-old Swiss passport holder, who was found dead at her residence in Bangkok’s Prawet district last Thursday night. The young fashion model, previously associated with the same agency that represented stars like Gaile Lok and Danielle Graham, met a devastating end under deeply suspicious circumstances. According to Thai media, Gwendoline was brutally stabbed nine times in what appeared to be a gruesome attack. Following the horrifying assault, three men—her partner and two neighbors—carried her lifeless body to a car. The neighbors had rushed to the scene after hearing cries for help but were unable to save her. Her husband, whose identity remains undisclosed, took her to the hospital, later claiming she had attempted suicide. However, the Thai police were skeptical, suspecting that he orchestrated the whole scene to cover up the murder. Gwendoline, an established model, had…
Her Royal Highness Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (centre) takes a photo with ministers and key partners of MHESI Fair’s partners from both public and private sectors, including Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Miss Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and Mr. Permsuk Sajjapiwat, Permanent Secretary to Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, together with Mr. Edison Xu, Board Director of Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd (standing 9th from right). Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd has teamed up with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI) to boost digital knowledge and foster high-quality digital talents in Thailand. This collaboration is set to elevate the nation’s digital prowess and align with its vision of becoming the digital economy hub of ASEAN. Presently, the collaboration between Huawei and MHESI is in full swing. Various agencies under the ministry, such as the…
One of the accused officers, Pol Sub-Lt Praderm Sarai, 54, then with the rank of police sergeant major, sings “ตำรวจจะมา (Police will come)”. (video capture from post by Police TV Facebook) In a bizarre and riveting tale that seems to step right out of a crime thriller, two policemen and three civilians are now facing charges of extorting 700,000 baht from two illegal Chinese nationals on the motorway leading to Pattaya. The story has all the elements of a gripping drama — a talented singing policeman, a daring highway apprehension, and a courtroom waiting to see justice served. The Pattaya Provincial Court on Tuesday gave the green light for arrest warrants against Pol Sgt Thitiwat Rujiwong, 30, of Provincial Police Region 2, and Pol Sub-Lt Praderm Sarai, 54, now a deputy inspector at the Central Investigation Bureau. The list of accusations reads like a laundry list of nefarious activities: abuse…