Posts published in “Thailand”

Imagine a scenario where political intrigue meets the riveting dynamics of a Thai drama – this is the current saga enveloping Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the charismatic leader of the Pheu Thai Party, and her unexpected role in the dance of political leadership. On May 3, amidst the buzz and fervor of a party meeting, Paetongtarn, the progeny of the controversial and yet highly influential Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister, took the stage. The spotlight wasn’t just on her lineage or her leadership, but on her potential ascendency to the role of prime minister, a position that weaves a complex tapestry of power and responsibility. The drama unfolds as the current prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, finds himself entangled in a legal labyrinth, all due to the appointment of a minister, Pichit Chuenban, whose past is marred by a prison record. The Constitutional Court’s gears are in motion, deliberating Srettha’s fate, while whispers…

Imagine a sunny day at Government House in December 2017, where Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, possibly more famous for his choice of accessories than his political maneuvers, finds himself squinting against the glare, not just from the sun but perhaps also from the flash of cameras. The reason? The man doesn’t just flaunt any timepiece; we’re talking luxury watches that could easily fund a small island vacation. This tale of timepieces takes a more intriguing turn with the involvement of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and activist Veera Somkwamkid, a man on a mission with the Anti-Corruption People’s Network. His quest: uncover the truth behind the glitter of Gen Prawit’s unreported wrist bling, leading us to a showdown that would rival any cinematic thriller, minus the popcorn. The NACC, perhaps in an attempt to keep the suspense alive, handed over a report to Mr. Veera, as ordered by the…

Welcome to the bustling, vibrant streets of Muang district in Khon Kaen, where the air buzzes with anticipation and the latest whispers about the Senate election—a pivotal moment that seems to have caught the eye of many, yet somehow drifted past others. Picture this: it’s Friday, the crescendo of the week, and individuals from all walks of life are making their way to the registration office, eager to etch their names into the annals of Thai political history. It’s a scene that photographer Chakkrapan Natanri captures brilliantly, portraying the palpable excitement of democracy in action. But here’s the twist in the tale: while this fervor is undeniable, a recent survey reveals a staggering reality. Despite the buzz and hustle, a surprising 23.5% of Thais, out of the 1,620 people aged 18 and above who were polled between May 7 and 18 by King Prajadhipok’s Institute, seem to be out of…

In the heart of Lop Buri city, an extraordinary event unfolded last Friday, one that might sound like a scene ripped straight out of a whimsical adventure book. Amidst the bustling streets and the historical allure that blankets the area, a team of determined workers embarked on a mission that was both crucial and captivating. Their task was none other than to set up intricate cages, their objective? To catch the city’s overly enthusiastic furry residents – the monkeys. With the precision of a meticulously orchestrated ballet, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), under the keen eye of Deputy Director-General Veera Kunchairuk, launched an ambitious operation. Their goal was clear: to address the monkey mayhem that had long been part of Lop Buri’s charm and challenge. The opening day was nothing short of successful, with a total of 73 monkeys skillfully captured, marking the first victory…

It was a sight to behold in the bustling heart of Muang District, Khon Kaen, as the local registration office became the stage for a flurry of last-minute hustle. Picture this: a diverse crowd, all gathered with a single purpose – to throw their hats into the ring for the Senate election. The scene, captured on the last application day, was nothing short of cinematic. With the tick-tock of the deadline echoing, the air was thick with ambition and anticipation. Yet, amidst this palpable enthusiasm, a surprising revelation came to light. It turns out, a staggering number of Thai citizens were blissfully unaware of the electoral drama unfolding around them. According to a study by King Prajadhipok’s Institute, conducted over a cozy fortnight in May amongst 1,620 individuals aged 18 and above, an eyebrow-raising 23.5% confessed to being in the dark about the upcoming Senate elections. But the twists in…

On a bright and lively Friday at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, a room brimmed with anticipation as a familiar, respected figure took the stage. Former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun, a name synonymous with wisdom and diplomacy, was there to pierce the silence on a pressing issue weighing heavily on the heart of Thailand – the stark inequalities in education. His audience? An engaged crowd gathered for “The Scenario of Thai Society Future” seminar, a significant event marking half a century of dedication by the Population and Community Development Association (PDA) to the nation’s growth and well-being. With the poise and clarity of a seasoned statesman, Mr. Anand embarked on a poignant narrative about Thailand’s youth – the very backbone of the nation’s future. These bright young minds, he observed, are increasingly looking beyond the country’s borders, driven by a profound sense of despair. Despondency, it seems, has cast…

Imagine boarding a flight thinking you’re about to embark on a routine journey, only to find yourself in the grip of such extreme turbulence that it becomes a story you’ll never forget. This was the chilling reality for passengers and crew aboard a Singapore Airlines flight on May 21, which turned an ordinary flight into an extraordinary battle with nature’s fury over Myanmar, culminating in an emergency landing in Bangkok. At the heart of this harrowing experience are twenty-two individuals, now grappling with the aftermath of spinal and spinal cord injuries, receiving care at the revered Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital in Bangkok. The turbulence didn’t just shake the plane; it shook lives, leaving some facing the daunting specter of paralysis. But the physical injuries were just the beginning. The legal ramifications began to unfold as discussions about compensation started to surface. With a lawyer mentioning “eight-figure” payouts, the financial aftermath of…

In a thrilling announcement that has set the archaeological world abuzz, the Fine Arts Department has unveiled the Khao Khom cave in the picturesque Satun province as Thailand’s newest window into its prehistoric past. Imagine stepping into a world where humans from as far back as 6,000 years ago once roamed. This isn’t just a cave; it’s a time capsule, hiding secrets of ancient civilizations waiting to be uncovered. Under the seasoned leadership of Phanombut Chantarachot, the director-general of the department, a riveting investigation unfolded within the hidden depths of Khao Khom cave. The discovery? Human skeletons and pottery that whisper tales from the Neolithic period, an era that spans from 3,000 to 6,000 years ago. It’s as if the cave itself has decided to share its stories with those willing to listen, revealing a chapter of human history previously untold. The intrigue deepens as Mr. Phanombut connects the dots…

Picture this: a bustling hotel lobby in Bangkok, a vibrant hive of activity where travelers from far and wide converge. Amid the hum of conversations and the clatter of suitcases, an intriguing scene unfolds – an immigration officer, armed with a chart as if it were a map to buried treasure, lays out the cunning escapades of a man whose story seems ripped from the pages of a gripping crime novel. This is no ordinary briefing; it’s the kind of tale that makes you lean in closer, your coffee forgotten as the plot thickens. Our protagonist, or perhaps antagonist, depending on your viewpoint, goes by the name Ming. A 42-year-old Chinese national with a knack for slipping through the cracks, Ming found himself the unwelcome guest of the Thai immigration authority, caught in the act in the very heart of Bangkok. The stage for his dramatic capture? None other than…

In the vibrant heart of Bangkok, a visual feast unfurled as ardent supporters of Pheu Thai banded together, brandishing an awe-invoking banner to herald the much-anticipated return of Thaksin Shinawatra. This grand event slated for March 26, set the stage for an even more electrifying occurrence anticipated to captivate the city of Nakhon Ratchasima. Come Saturday, an aura of devotion will sweep through the streets, as the red-shirted legion readies its most opulent welcome for a figure synonymous with both controversy and charisma: Thaksin Shinawatra. The air in Nakhon Ratchasima is thick with anticipation, as this marks Thaksin’s first sojourn back to the northeastern bastion in nearly two titanic decades. Among the throng of fervent admirers is Kowit Khorhenklang, a die-hard aficionado of the paroled former premier, who is buzzing with excitement. Kowit, with the passion of a true believer, estimates a gathering of no less than 3,000 souls at…