In a splendid display of diplomatic camaraderie, the online world buzzed with excitement as images surfaced of Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, engaging in a hearty handshake with none other than the French President, Emmanuel Macron. This iconic meeting, set against the picturesque backdrop of France, was more than just pleasantries exchanged between two nations. It marked the beginning of a potential paradigm shift in the travel and trade corridors of Europe and Asia. The focal point of this meeting? Thailand’s daring venture to negotiate a visa-free travel agreement with the Schengen zone—a coalition of 27 European countries renowned for its passport-free travel bliss. Prime Minister Srettha, with an air of optimism, disclosed that France has pledged support for Thailand’s aspirations. One can almost hear the collective anticipation of travelers and business moguls alike, dreaming of seamless journeys between the vibrant streets of Bangkok and the romantic avenues of Paris.…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a tale that reads like a modern-day fable of politics, power, and pedagogy, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, progeny of the illustrious Thaksin Shinawatra—formidable ex-premier and telecommunications titan—stepped into a realm where the future leaders of Thailand are molded. Her acceptance into the “Mini NDC,” a defense-oriented curriculum at the heart of the National Defence College, is sparking conversations far and wide. The “Mini NDC” is an exclusive seminar where 150 participants, each a titan in their own right—be it in politics, the military, or the business sector—converge. In this melting pot of influence, it’s not just defense strategies that are studied but the subtle art of networking amongst Thailand’s elite. Observers, however, have raised their eyebrows. The program, they argue, might merely be a sophisticated rendezvous for Thailand’s high and mighty, offering them another avenue to knit their networks tighter rather than fostering tangible change in governance and societal equity. Indeed,…
In the serene and sun-drenched landscapes of Phuket, nestled within the verdant embrace of Thalang district, a tale most unsettling unfolds on a local farm. Here, amid the tranquil symphony of nature, an incident that blurs the lines between disbelief and distress came to light, involving a white mare whose peace was shattered by the actions of a young foreign visitor. The heart of this story beats in a stable managed by Chatroj Lek-arwut, 50, and Prapada Lek-arwut, his spouse, who pride themselves on the care and love they shower upon their equine family. However, tranquility was breached when an 18-year-old American tourist’s acts of bewildering cruelty surfaced, casting a shadow over the bucolic life of the farm. In an episode that seems ripped from the pages of a grim narrative, the teenager was caught on CCTV performing acts of molestation on at least two pregnant mares, with heartbreaking consequences.…
Imagine a world where the vibrant, water-splashing revelry of Songkran at Bangkok’s bustling CentralWorld shopping mall gets a new twist. Picture last April twelvemonth, the air filled with laughter, the sky ablaze with sunshine, and the streets awash with the spirit of festivities. However, this year, authorities are pressing the pause button on the usual infusion of alcohol into these jubilations. Yes, you heard it right – a blanket prohibition on the amber fluid at all Songkran celebrations across the nation, officials have declared with a firm tone this past Tuesday. The Songkran festival, a splash of tradition and fun, is known for its water fights that symbolize the washing away of one’s troubles and sins. Extending from the official public holiday span of April 13-17, the ‘World Songkran Festival’ will unfurl its colorful banner from April 1-21, aiming to sprinkle some extra joy into the tourism sector. But here’s…
Imagine strolling through the bustling streets of Thailand, a country not only rich in culture and history but also brimming with the promise of a digital future. Amid this vibrant backdrop, an announcement after a recent Cabinet meeting has set the financial and tech communities abuzz. The person at the center of this news? None other than Kulaya Tantitemit, the astute Revenue Department director-general, who shared insights into a groundbreaking legislative update that’s poised to redefine the investment landscape in Thailand. On a day just like any other, under the luminous glow of the afternoon sun, reporters gathered eagerly, hanging on to every word as Kulaya unveiled the government’s latest financial maneuver. With the precision of a chess master making their next game-winning move, the lawmakers gave their nod to a proposal that is nothing short of revolutionary — ushering in a flat 15% withholding tax specifically for the sale…
It was a Tuesday filled with the kind of political intrigue and speculation that fuels the endless machine of gossip in Thailand’s colorful political theatre. Somsak found himself compelled to address the swirling rumors – a testament to the never-dull narrative of Thai politics. At the heart of the drama? Yingluck Shinawatra, the country’s former Prime Minister, and whispers of her potential return, following in the controversial footsteps of her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra. Yingluck, a figure both polarizing and admired, left a void in 2017 after being tried and sentenced in absentia to five years in prison. The charge? Negligence over a rice subsidy scheme birthed during her tenure—a plan that aimed to boost the fortunes of Thailand’s rice farmers but instead ended in turmoil and accusations of gross mismanagement. However, the winds of fortune appeared to shift for Yingluck, stirring the cauldron of speculation further. She was miraculously cleared…
The bustling construction site in Nonthaburi’s Sai Noi district came to a sudden, eerie halt on a fateful Tuesday morning that will forever be etched in the memories of those who witnessed a tragic incident unfold. A scene that was once filled with the symphony of machines and workers in motion was silenced, overshadowed by a heart-wrenching event that claimed the life of a Cambodian worker in a most grievous manner. Sirens wailed as the police and emergency responders hurried to the condominium construction site after receiving alarming calls around 10 a.m. What they encountered was a sight no one could prepare for—a Cambodian woman, lying lifeless on the ground floor, her body bearing the brutal marks of the calamity that struck: severe injuries to her neck and chest. The identity of the fallen soul was confirmed as Boonharn Cherm, a young woman of just 28 years, whose dreams and…
In an era where international diplomacy and economic strategies go hand in hand, the narrative of PM Srettha Thavisin’s sojourns abroad unfolds like a masterclass in statecraft, tinged with a flair for the dramatic. Picture this: while a chorus of dissent echoed through the halls of power, with senators vociferously casting doubt on the effectiveness of these overseas voyages, Srettha’s globe-trotting escapades were, contrary to their assertions, not mere indulgences but strategic maneuvers that reaped a bountiful harvest of foreign investments and burgeoning interest. On a radiant Tuesday, Prommin, a steadfast ally of the premier, stepped into the limelight to debunk myths and set the record straight. With the poise of a seasoned orator, he painted a vivid picture of a government that hit the ground running from day one. Under Srettha’s stewardship, the twin specters of high oil and electricity prices were tamed, and a generous debt moratorium for…
Imagine the vibrant streets of Chiang Mai, buzzing with an anticipation so palpable it could light up the night sky. Thaksin Shinawatra, a figure of national intrigue, stands among a sea of supporters, their faces alight with excitement, on a sultry August day in 2006. Fast forward to today, and the whispers of his long-awaited return are stirring the northern breeze once again. After nearly two decades, Thaksin is poised to journey back to his roots, setting the stage for an event that feels part historical pilgrimage, part celebrity homecoming. In the heart of Chiang Mai, where the spirit of the Shinawatra ancestors permeates the air, a buzz is growing. Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong spills the beans about Thaksin’s three-day sojourn aimed at receiving alternative medical treatments and honoring his forebears. Yes, Thaksin, now 74 and fresh from a hospital stint, is enjoying the fresh breath of freedom under parole,…
In a remarkable unveiling that could drastically alter the entertainment and economic landscape of Thailand, the Pheu Thai Party’s Sorawong Thienthong, a name synonymous with progressive moves within the political sphere, brings to light the potential future of legalized casinos within the nation. This disclosure isn’t merely idle talk amongst the political elite; it’s a well-oiled machine set in motion, ready to revolutionize Thailand’s entertainment and revenue streams. Under the meticulous scrutiny of the House committee on casino legalization, spearheaded by the astute Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, an exhaustive study has been wrapped up. This isn’t just any report gathering dust; it’s a blueprint of possibility, complete with comprehensive insights on transforming Thailand’s entertainment landscape. The zest and zeal of the committee have brought them to the cusp of presenting their findings to the pulsating heart of Thailand’s legislative body, the parliament, sparking anticipation for its session next week.…