Posts published in “Thailand”

The Pheu Thai Party’s ambitious plan to construct a colossal seawall consisting of nine artificial islands in the Gulf of Thailand, extending from Bangkok’s Bang Khunthian district to Chon Buri, has sparked a wave of protests among critics. These project naysayers raise significant environmental concerns. Initially conceived by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his illustrious “Vision for Thailand 2024” dinner talk on August 22 in Bangkok, the project has been at the forefront of public debate ever since. Plodprasop Suraswadi, who once held the deputy prime minister position and now chairs Pheu Thai’s environment policy committee, supports the seawall’s potential to shield Bangkok and its surrounding Central Plains provinces from the ever-looming threat of rising sea levels. According to him, this project could serve as a vital lifeline, protecting the capital from devastating floods while simultaneously ushering in a new era of urban development. Envisioned as islands powered by…

Sondhi Limthongkul, a former leader of the yellow-shirt People’s Assembly for Democracy, has announced that he will keep a close eye on the government’s actions until early next year before making a decision on whether to initiate mass protests. (File photo) Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has urged Sondhi Limthongkul, the erstwhile protest leader, to reconsider his plans for a massive anti-government rally next year. Paetongtarn suggested that Sondhi, the once-co-leader of the now-defunct People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), should try resolving his grievances with the government first before going down the protest route. “I’ve only been in office for barely a month. Does he really want to oust me already?” she asked rhetorically, adding a touch of humor to an otherwise serious situation. On his recent YouTube program, Sondhi, the former media giant and founder of the Manager group, announced his contemplations to rekindle mass protests against the government. The…

The charred remains of a bus carrying 38 students and six teachers on what was supposed to be an educational field trip from Uthai Thani have cast a somber shadow over the highway in the Rangsit area of Pathum Thani on Tuesday. The tragedy has left the nation heartbroken. (Photo: Pongpat Wongyala) In a devastating turn of events, twenty students and three teachers lost their lives to a ferocious fire that engulfed their bus in Pathum Thani. As the smoke cleared, the fate of two others remained distressingly unclear. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit confirmed that sixteen students and three teachers were rushed to nearby hospitals, and an investigation into the cause of the accident is underway. Doctors at patRangsit Hospital reported that out of the three students admitted for burn treatment, two required ventilator support—a grim testament to the severity of their injuries. The bus driver, identified as Samarn Chankut,…

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra engaged with reporters at Government House on Tuesday amidst a flurry of questions and flashing cameras. The country’s political landscape was once again under the spotlight as the prolific activist, Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, raised a pivotal issue that could shake the foundations of the current administration. According to Mr. Ruangkrai, Ms. Paetongtarn should be ousted from her position for delaying the divestment of her shares in a well-known golf club until two weeks after assuming office. Addressing the Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday, Mr. Ruangkrai cited the law stating that a minister should not control more than a five percent stake in any company to ward off potential corruption. But Ms. Paetongtarn had a hefty 30% stake in Alpine Golf and Sports Club, only parting with the shares on September 3. She was elected prime minister by parliament on August 16 and received formal endorsement from His…

Since the beginning of September, the enchanting landscapes of northern Thailand, particularly the province of Chiang Rai, have been dramatically overshadowed by a devastating flash flood crisis. Torrential rains, propelled by a lingering depression, have unleashed heavy downpours, turning serene rivers into raging torrents that have wreaked havoc, claiming both lives and property. Amidst the cascading chaos, an inspiring wave of solidarity has emerged as various sectors, including government bodies, private organizations, and community groups, rally together to confront and conquer the calamity. One notable force in this collaborative effort is MBK Public Company Limited, under the leadership of Director and Executive Committee Member, Wichak Praditavanij. Wichak recently affirmed, “MBK is steadfast in its commitment to support flood victims in Chiang Rai. We’re collaborating across our businesses to provide substantial aid, including more than 4.2 tonnes of Mah Boonkrong rice and over 1,000 packs of MBK drinking water. These supplies…

In a captivating transition of leadership at IRPC Public Company Limited (IRPC), a new chapter unfolds as Mr. Terdkiat Prommool takes the helm as President and CEO. Stepping into this prestigious role on October 1, 2024, Mr. Terdkiat, who previously served as Senior Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy at PTT Public Co., Ltd. (PTT), becomes the 8th CEO of IRPC. The ceremonial handover, imbued with anticipation and enthusiasm, took place in the opulent Suan Son Room on the 6th floor of the Energy Complex Building B. The event echoed a harmonious blend of formality and forward-thinking vision as IRPC reiterated its commitment to “Innovating Material and Energy Solutions for a Balanced Life.” This transition is not just about changing the guard; it symbolizes a dynamic shift toward a brighter, more sustainable future. Mr. Terdkiat’s ascent to this position is marked by his profound expertise and visionary foresight. Having played…

In an extraordinary twist of events, the bustling streets of Bangkok buzzed with intrigue as the Central Investigation Bureau held a press conference on Tuesday, revealing a jaw-dropping bust. Highway police had seized a staggering 13 million methamphetamine (speed) pills, an operation that has sent shockwaves through the underworld. The nail-biting drama unfolded on a seemingly ordinary Monday in the serene Bang Saphan district of Prachuap Khiri Khan. It all began when law enforcement officers pulled over a mammoth 22-wheel trailer truck, proudly bearing a Songkhla license plate, at a checkpoint near kilometre marker 378 on Phetkasem Road. The truck, seemingly innocuous at first glance, was destined to be the pivotal piece in this riveting saga. As the tension mounted, officers embarked on a meticulous search, their eyes scanning the vehicle’s every corner. Suddenly, their diligence paid off. Hidden beneath a tactical camouflage of plastic baskets and a canvas tarpaulin…

Gen Prawit Wongsuwon flashed a broad smile as he showed off his ID badge, freshly minted after his registration as a newly elected list MP of the Palang Pracharath Party—a party he proudly leads. This scene, captured back in June last year, made headlines and symbolized a new chapter in his already illustrious career. Little did anyone know then that the story would take an unexpected twist. Fast forward to today, and the political landscape has shifted dramatically. The Palang Pracharath Party’s Secretary-General, Paiboon Nititawan, revealed some shocking news this Tuesday: Gen Prawit has announced he will no longer accept his MP salary and allowances owing to his frequent absences from parliament. Yes, you heard that right. Starting October 1, Gen Prawit has decided to forgo his salary and related perks. “He even requested a detailed report on his accumulated salary and allowances to return the money!” Mr. Paiboon shared,…

In a bustling Bangkok neighborhood, known for its eclectic mix of local and international influences, a storm was brewing. Health and anti-money laundering officials, hand-in-hand with local police, stormed 10 Chinese-owned minimarts in the vibrant Huai Khwang district this Tuesday. These operations followed rampant accusations from local businesses regarding the authorities’ sluggish response against an influx of contraband foreign goods saturating the market. The Network for Thai Entrepreneur Protection, a vigilant watchdog group, had filed the complaint that culminated in this sweeping action. According to their allegations, these convenience stores were not just selling legally questionable goods—they were peddling smuggled consumer items. These contraband goods had suspiciously low prices, throwing a wrench into the gears of fair market competition. What added fuel to the fire was the evidence the network produced. They showcased products bereft of Thai language labels and devoid of the official stamp from the Food and Drug…