Imagine a serene morning in the picturesque, bustling community near U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport, disrupted only by the distant hum of development and progress. It’s here, amidst the echoes of modernity clashing with the tranquil life of the local residents, that a tale of expansion and environmental consideration unfolds like a saga. In the heart of Thailand’s ambitious Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) scheme, plans to construct a second runway at the U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport have caused a stir among the locals, sparking a narrative that’s as compelling as it’s contentious. Despite facing opposition from the community, officials have declared that the runway will indeed take shape, adhering strictly to the roadmap laid down by an intricate Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (EHIA). The plot thickens as the EEC conveys its intention to engage with the community, holding meetings from the 13th to the 20th of March at the Ban Chang District…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the lush, tropical haven of Surat Thani, known for its serene beaches and the legendary Full Moon Parties, a tale more befitting a cloak-and-dagger thriller unfolded in the calm dawn. The tranquility of Koh Phangan, a paradise island nestled in the southern part of Thailand, was briefly interrupted by the sound of authority as officials descended on an unsuspected location. But this was no ordinary raid; this was an operation to dismantle an illicit nursery hidden away under the guise of care and laughter. The mastermind behind this clandestine operation, a 56-year-old Israeli woman named Suli Shulamite Avraham, found herself in the grip of the law, accused of orchestrating this underground haven for foreign toddlers. Alongside her, four accomplices hailing from corners of the globe were caught in the net cast by the determined officials. The ensemble cast of this drama included Noppadol Khaomali, the intrepid chief of Koh…
Amid the swirling currents of Thai politics, a tale of restraint, intrigue, and survival unfolds, featuring the Move Forward Party (MFP) and the ruling Pheu Thai Party at its core. At the heart of this drama is Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, a figure who has navigated the choppy waters of political opposition with a tactician’s grace, leaving many to wonder – where does the opposition’s fire lie in the face of governance and controversy? Whispers of a clandestine accord between the leading opposition party, the MFP, and the monopolistic Pheu Thai Party have been floating around, igniting imaginations and conjuring images of shadowy backroom dealings. Could there be a hidden handshake agreement guiding the political dance between these two entities? The notion reeks of political drama worthy of a prime-time slot, yet the MFP has notably opted for a more subdued approach, preferring the route of a general debate over the explosive…
In the land of smiles and the realm of rich traditions, the former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra recently made headlines with a heartwarming venture back to his roots in the picturesque province of Chiang Mai. The occasion? A deeply personal pilgrimage to honor his ancestors, a tradition held dear during the vibrant festival of Songkran. This was not just any visit; it marked Thaksin’s emotional return after a 17-year hiatus, since he embarked on a self-exile journey only to return to his homeland last August. Now, at the grand age of 74, Thaksin received a nod of approval from the Probation Department, allowing this poignant trip to unfold. Chiang Mai greeted its once-leader with open arms and the warmth characteristic of this northern jewel of Thailand. Thaksin, navigating his journey under parole, given on accounts of age and health ailments, found himself stepping into the serene precincts of the Khru…
Amidst the bustling streets and vibrant culture of Thailand, a crucial conversation is happening, spearheaded by the country’s very own Consumer Council (TCC). In a bold move that resonates with the digital age, the TCC called upon the government to revamp a law that harkens back to the era of disco and bell-bottoms – the Consumer Protection Act, BE 2522 (1979). Why, you ask? The answer is as futuristic as it gets: Artificial Intelligence (AI). On an occasion that celebrated consumer rights globally, World Consumer Rights Day, the TCC didn’t just throw a party. Instead, they launched an ambitious campaign – “Responsible and Fair AI for Consumers.” This wasn’t about celebrating; it was about changing the game. The focus? Tackling the murky waters of consumer violations by AI-driven platforms. Picture being misled by a too-good-to-be-true online deal, having your private life leaked like an open book, or facing discrimination by…
In the picturesque but unassuming province of Ratchaburi, a tale seemingly straight out of a dark, twisty novel unfolded, leaving the locals and wider community utterly aghast. At the heart of this grim narrative stood Kornsasi Buayaem, a 46-year-old former police corporal with a chilling disregard for human dignity, and her co-conspirator, Komsit Jangpanich, 52, who together spun a web of deception, pain, and fear. On a day that seemed to promise justice, the Ratchaburi Provincial Court became the stage for the climax of this harrowing story. The air buzzed with anticipation as the judge declared Kornsasi and Komsit guilty – her for a litany of heinous acts overshadowing her career in law enforcement, him for aiding and abetting her terror. The sentence? Over eight years behind bars for Kornsasi and a year-plus for Komsit, a verdict that reverberated through the courtroom and beyond. The accusations were as varied as…
Imagine a scene right out of a high-powered political drama: former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, charismatic and wily, shares a table with the man currently at the helm, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, and then there’s former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, who not only shares a political lineage but is also Thaksin’s brother-in-law. They were spotted dining at the serene Ban Green Valley in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai, a setting so picturesque it could easily be mistaken for a film set. But make no mistake, this was no scripted event — this was Thai politics in its full, vibrant earnest. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, stepping into the spotlight, recently made a bold pledge that caught the attention of nearly three million civil servants. He vowed to tackle the Goliath of debts overshadowing these public sector workers, with a plan as audacious as it is critical — lowering interest rates to…
In an audacious sweep of strategic planning, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has thrown down the gauntlet, setting out to transform 2025 into an unprecedented spectacle of tourism for Thailand. This vision unfurled amidst the grandeur of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, where ideas flowed as freely as the Chaophraya river during a brainstorming extravaganza on a sunny Friday. The scene was set, and the stage was Thailand’s ambitious future under the banner of “Ignite Thailand: Tourism.” Imagine a year so filled with vibrancy that every corner of Thailand buzzes with the excitement of cultural festivals, heart-thumping concerts, tradition-steeped events, and the electrifying rush of Formula E races. This isn’t just a dream; it’s a meticulously crafted blueprint by the Thai government, spearheaded by none other than Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who also juggles the roles of visionary and finance minister. Under the glowing lights of international stages, Prime Minister…
Picture this: the sun is setting over Thailand’s breathtaking landscapes, the air is buzzing with the tantalizing scents of street food, and the nation is on the brink of a monumental metamorphosis in its tourism sector. This isn’t just any picturesque daydream; according to the Prime Minister, 2024 is slated to be an unprecedented year for Thailand’s tourism, catapulting it into an era of historic prosperity. During the vibrant “Ignite Thailand’s Tourism” gala, a beacon of hope and grandeur, the PM unveiled his riveting vision for the future, one where Thailand emerges as the jewel of global travel destinations. It’s clear the Thai government is not just daydreaming about grandeur; they’ve set the wheels in motion with initiatives like the free-visa policy that was introduced at the start of their term. Imagine stepping into the lush realms of Thailand without the hassle of visa paperwork – it’s no longer a…
On a sun-drenched Friday morning, the vibrant hues of Waroros Market in the heart of Chiang Mai seemed to come alive with an even more colorful presence. The air buzzed with anticipation until it erupted in joyous chants of “We love Thaksin. We love Thaksin,” as the man of the hour, Thaksin Shinawatra, stepped into the milieu. The scene was electric, an emotional homecoming for the former Prime Minister, making his first appearance in his beloved home province in a staggering 17 years. This was not just any visit; it was an event that underscored the deep connection and affection the local community holds for him. Thaksin’s whirlwind day in Chiang Mai was laden with poignant moments and symbolic gestures. Among these, his declaration of happiness being intertwined with family felt profoundly personal and universally relatable. “Happiness depends on family,” Thaksin remarked, his words echoing the sentiments of many who…