In a riveting twist of fate, the gears of justice are once again set in motion as the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) edges closer to unraveling the enigmatic circumstances surrounding the catastrophic collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok. With an air of steadfast determination, DSI officials meticulously gathered evidence from the scene on a fateful day in late April, capturing the interest of the nation with their relentless pursuit of the truth. In an attempt to illuminate the shadowy transactions and potential misconduct at play, the DSI triumphantly submitted an exhaustive case file to the venerable Office of the Attorney General’s Department of Special Litigation. This formidable tome, a collection of staggering proportions, spans 46 files bursting with 17,620 sheets of incriminating exposition. At the heart of this legal maelstrom lies China Railway No.10 (Thailand) Co Ltd, a prominent contractor of the ill-fated structure. The…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The bustling Suvarnabhumi Airport saw its share of drama when an audacious threat by local taxi drivers to block road access backfired spectacularly. The unrest stemmed from the Airports of Thailand (AoT) decision to welcome ride-hailing giant Grab into its leafy precincts, fanning the flames of discontent among traditional cabbies who felt shuffled aside as they were corralled into designated parking areas, their freedom to compete stifled. Alas, this ploy to reclaim the roads went awry, exposing the cabbies to both criticism and ridicule, and played out like a B-list melodrama on social media platforms. Disgruntled passengers took to the digital airwaves to lambast their experiences with these taxi drivers. From having to fork out an additional 50 baht for the privilege of airport pick-up to enduring the aromatic charm of vintage vehicles and surly drivers who seemed to favor foreigners over locals, the grievances were many. These tales of…
In the vibrant heart of Pattaya, a city known for its bustling nightlife and rich cultural tapestry, an unexpected tale unfolded involving a Thai transwoman and an Indian tourist that seems straight out of a dramatic thriller. It all began in a hotel room on Sai Song Soi 12, where Hemant Bhoj, aged 41, found himself tangled in a web of chaos and misunderstanding. The story took a dark turn when Hemant, after hiring a Thai transwoman for a consensual rendezvous, discovered his possessions mysteriously missing. Frustrated and panicked, he dashed to the reception area, waving a photograph of the night’s companion in a bid to rally support for his plight. His hope? To catch the alleged thief before she vanished into the vibrant streets of Pattaya. The hotel’s receptionist, Jamjan, was the first to learn of the chaos upstairs. Despite reaching out to the local patrol police for assistance,…
In the heart of Southeast Asia, where the exotic aroma of durian is as common as the bustling streets, decisive measures are taking place to ensure that Thailand’s cherished “King of Fruits” maintains its royal standing. Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat has rolled up her sleeves, determined to leave no durian unturned. Under her watchful guidance, there is a new decree: frozen durians entering Thailand must be as pure as the first monsoon rain. The stakes are high. With its thorny exterior and custard-like center, the durian is not just a fruit; it’s a cultural emblem and a culinary fascination. Narumon has commissioned the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS), along with the Department of Agriculture, to scrutinize every nook and cranny of facilities importing frozen durian. These rigorous inspections have revealed that, thus far, the imports adhere to Thailand’s strict regulations. What’s their ammo? The…
In a display of diplomatic grandeur, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra graced the stage of international politics at the 46th ASEAN Summit, a gathering that unfolded with much pomp and circumstance on May 25, 2025. Hosted within the illustrious halls of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia, this annual summit marked another chapter of unity among Southeast Asia’s prominent leaders. Nine member states, including powerhouses such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, were represented, alongside the keen observation of Timor-Leste, marking its eager anticipation as it inch closer to full ASEAN membership. As the conference commenced, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim extended a warm, heartfelt welcome to his esteemed counterparts, setting an amiable tone as shutters clicked in a traditional group photo—an icon of regional solidarity. The summit revolved around the pressing theme of “Inclusive Participation and Sustainability,” a clarion call resonating amid the cacophonous whispers of global uncertainty. Paetongtarn took…
In a drama fit for the silver screens of Hollywood, a saga unfolded in the bustling Samut Prakan province, situated a stone’s throw away from the Thai capital. Three Thai nationals, embroiled in a spree of pilfering from convenience stores, have been brought to justice. Among the trio were two young women, who dance under the glimmering lights of Bangkok’s nightlife as coyote performers—Nicha and Parichat, both vibrant 20-year-olds, found themselves spotlighted for reasons far from glamorous on the fateful May evening between the 16th and 17th. Motivated perhaps by more than just the rhythm of the night, these women embarked on a somewhat unconventional shopping trip, albeit without the customary exchange of cash. Security cameras captured their escapades with striking clarity, prompting a swift response from employees who promptly reported the theft to the wary officers of Phra Samut Chedi Police Station. Unmasked and cornered, May 25 marked the…
Amidst a bevy of rose-bearing supporters gathered outside the hallowed halls of Thailand’s Supreme Court in 2017, former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra once delivered an earnest closing statement in the rice-pledging trial. Her supporters’ presence was more than just a floral affair—it was a testament to a divisive yet fervently loyal following. Fast forward to the current date, May 26, 2025, where the saga of Yingluck’s rice-pledging scheme is still unfolding with an air of uncertainty and political intrigue. The Administrative Court has been placed in the crossfire, grappling with a hefty compensation order aimed at Yingluck. However, in a recent statement, the court has signaled that it stands impotent against the backdrop of demands for a 10 billion baht recompense for the allegedly failed rice-pledging scheme. The crisis of jurisdiction, it seems, pervades the court’s corridors, leaving the task to more authoritative entities. This financial conundrum was triggered by…
Once upon a time, in the vibrant land of Thailand, politics and rice collided in a saga that gripped the nation. It was a warm day back in 2017 when former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, gracefully poised, stepped into the spotlight at the Supreme Court. Supporters, ever loyal, gathered in throngs, presenting her with roses, a floral testament to their unwavering support during her trying rice-pledging trial. Fast forward to the present, May 26, 2025, and the ghost of the rice-pledging scheme still casts a shadow. A recent twist in the tale emerged when the Administrative Court penned a chapter of clarification, spelling out its inability to press Yingluck for a staggering 10 billion baht in compensation—a vivid reminder of the scheme’s controversial legacy. The court’s narrative began with a Finance Ministry order, a heftier sum of 35.7 billion baht, that painted Yingluck into a corner financially. This wasn’t a…
In a swirl of controversy reminiscent of a political thriller, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a fiery figurehead known for his polarizing “war on drugs,” is set to take center stage once again. The unexpected rendezvous is slated for Tuesday at the hallowed halls of the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), where Thaksin will deliver a special lecture that has already got tongues wagging. The theme? “Narcotics and Transnational Crime: Perspectives and Challenges.” Yet, with a history as colorful as it is contentious, Thaksin’s impending monologue is about as welcome in some quarters as a bull in a china shop. Rumblings of dissent were swift, like a whirlpool of skepticism that pulled in everyone from rights activists to seasoned political commentators. These defenders of the moral high ground have been quick to point out Thaksin’s checkered past when it comes to drug suppression. Back in 2003, his no-holds-barred crackdown…
In a whirlwind of political intrigue and nail-biting suspense, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s recent expeditions to the United Kingdom and the glamorous boulevards of Monaco find themselves under a critical spotlight. Standing proudly at Wing 6 of the Royal Thai Air Force Base in Don Mueang, Bangkok, the 37-year-old leader greeted a flurry of questions and speculations with the finesse of a seasoned diplomat. Her resolve was unshakeable as she quashed swirling rumors suggesting that her journeys were selfish adventures, luxuriously bankrolled by taxpayer money. Amid swirling speculation, Paetongtarn chuckled through questions about a certain online photograph juxtaposing her hairstyle with her current look. Her witticism was as sharp as ever, poking fun at the notion, “If I part my hair the same way every time, does that prove anything? Thankfully, there’s no nose job for social media detectives to dissect!” This effortless dose of humor highlighted her adaptability and…