Posts published in “Thailand”

In a turn of events that’s shocked the serene province of Udon Thani, close to 200 tiny, innocent kindergarten students found themselves in a rush to Somdet Phra Yupparat Ban Dung Hospital, presenting symptoms that none of us would wish on our worst enemies—diarrhea and vomiting. The hospital’s emergency room, usually a place of quiet vigilance, found itself bustling and overflowing, causing quite a stir. These unfortunate events have set off an urgent investigation by dedicated medical professionals determined to unearth the ghost behind these ghastly symptoms. The symptoms began creeping in quietly, almost sinisterly, as the sun dipped below the horizon on May 29, turning a normal evening into a parent’s nightmare. Youngsters, fresh from the day’s school escapades, began feeling the wrath of what can only be likened to a gastrointestinal betrayal. The poor children, after what seemed like an innocuous school meal earlier, suddenly became victims of…

In a plot that seems straight out of a thrilling drama, three former officials from Thailand’s National Office of Buddhism (NOB) have landed themselves in hot water, accused of amassing fortunes in a most dubious manner. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has been hot on their trail, with accusations pointing towards an elaborate scheme where funds intended for temple support were allegedly diverted and misappropriated. Spearheading the investigation is Saroj Phuengrampan, the diligent secretary-general of the NACC, who has been meticulously examining complaints against these individuals. The narrative unfolded when whispers of embezzlement began swirling, leading the NACC to dig deeper into the suspicious activities of these former state officials. According to the findings, these three have been living the high life, funded by surreptitious dealings that have now come to light. The trio—their names now tainted by scandal—comprises Patthana Su-ammatmontri, who once held the esteemed position of senior expert…

In a spectacle that could only take place in the vibrant political theatre of Thailand, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a grand return. With a charismatic wave to a sea of eager faces, he stepped into the limelight at the Office of the Narcotics Control Board on an eventful Tuesday, poised to deliver a keynote address. Renowned for his charm and influence, Thaksin’s presence stirred the air like a monsoon wind, bringing both stormy controversy and fervent support in his wake. (Photo credit: Somchai Poomlard) Not far from this unfolding drama, the Medical Council of Thailand found itself in gridlock—a bureaucratic coup de théâtre. On June 12, all eyes would be on the council as it called an urgent conclave, a gathering of its 70 board members. The stage was set amidst a backdrop of political intrigue after its disciplinary action against three doctors linked with Thaksin had been…

In a dramatic and unnerving incident that unfolded on May 28, the Chanae Police Station in Narathiwat turned into a battleground. Over 10 armed assailants launched a brazen attack using two formidable M60 machine guns. This well-coordinated strike, as disclosed by the Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 9, left a harrowing mark on the station and its officers. Amidst the chaos, 30-year-old Sergeant Major Abdullor Makaseng showcased remarkable bravery as he responded to the sudden onslaught. Unfortunately, his courage cost him his life. His colleague, 33-year-old Police Lance Corporal Jesada Promrat, found himself severely injured after receiving a chest wound during the intense 15-minute exchange. Ultimately, the attackers retreated, but the scars of the confrontation lingered. The incident was a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who protect and serve. The following day, May 29, saw Police Lieutenant General Piyawat Chalermsri, the Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 9,…

In the lush realm of Thai politics, a dynamic scene is unfolding that has the tongues of citizens and politicians wagging alike. The stage is set at the House of Representatives where the spotlight falls on Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who faces sharp scrutiny over the proposed construction of a new Transport Ministry office building. As its cost soars to a staggering 3.83 billion baht, the budgetary extravagance has caught the discerning eyes of the People’s Party (PP), catapulting this debate to the forefront of public discourse. The leading protagonist in this drama is Surachet Pravinvongvuth, a vigilant PP list-MP whose rhetoric rings with pointed critique. Surachet recollects a historical anecdote involving the State Audit Office’s notorious 2.56 billion baht office project, which tumbled in the aftermath of an earthquake. This serves as a precursory caution to the Transport Ministry’s not-so-frugal plans. “But the Transport Ministry’s new building is even…

In the picturesque province of Buriram, Thailand, an unsuspecting morning turned into a riveting tale of crime and chaos. Picture this—May 29th, chirping birds, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves, and a 29-year-old man named Saharat preparing to embrace his day. But this wasn’t your typical start. For Saharat, it was the end of the line, and what a dramatic showdown it turned out to be! On that fateful day, Saharat was primed to cruise off on his trusty black Honda Wave motorcycle, an everyday departure that would have gone unnoticed if not for a twist of fate. As he was getting ready to leave his residence, police officers, acting on a tip-off regarding his sinister side hustle, swooped in and apprehended him. Nestled within a black bag beneath the motorcycle’s seat was not a mechanic’s kit or spare parts, but a contraband treasure: 1,050 methamphetamine pills, colloquially known as…

In a plot more twisted than any temple tale, the serene Wat Rai Khing in Nakhon Pathom is now embroiled in a scandal that could earn a spot in a Hollywood blockbuster. Who would have thought that beneath the idyllic, golden-cheeked Buddha statues, there was a storm of corruption swirling like dark clouds over an unsuspecting fair? This narrative, laden with betrayal, intrigue, and mind-boggling sums of money, unfolds like a modern-day epic. Meet Patcharaporn “Toey” and the notably navy-affiliated Chief Petty Officer First Class Chatchai Si-liang, who yesterday found themselves not in the sharks’ territory but rather at a Buddhist scout camp in Sam Phran district. Our diligent detectives from the Crime Suppression Division, backed by the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Police, swooped in on this unsuspecting duo presumably plotting their next caper. These are not your ordinary criminals; they are accused of siphoning over 2 billion baht through an…

Recently, the Constitution Drafting Network, famously known as Constitutional for All (Conforall), alongside the spirited campaigners at the Internet Law Reform Dialogue (iLaw), have shaken the political beehive. With a rallying cry of “Senators Must Stop,” they have demanded that the Senate hit the brakes on its power to select members of independent organizations. The activists insist that this pause is necessary until the murky waters surrounding vote-rigging allegations are clear as a sunlit mountain stream. Reportedly, a whopping ensemble of over 150 senators has been called to the carpet by both the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Election Commission (EC). These senators, who seemingly swaggered into their roles via the selection of their fellow senators rather than the people’s vote, now find themselves under the magnifying glass, and the image isn’t flattering. The air is congested with whispers of vote manipulation from last year’s Senate masquerade, I…

Thailand’s diplomatic dance with the US continues unabated, as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra remains unflustered by a recent US trade court ruling that thwarted President Donald Trump’s controversial tariffs on imports. The 38-year-old leader exuded pragmatism after Wednesday’s courtroom drama, calling it an internal American affair with an uncertain aftermath. Despite the suspenseful narrative unfolding across the Pacific, Thailand has no time for commercial conjecture—progress is the country’s middle name, and Paetongtarn is determined to keep the momentum alive. Reflecting on the fruitful ASEAN Summit rendezvous in Malaysia, she disclosed that the US’s hefty import levies were the hot topic steaming at the diplomatic round table. Every ASEAN nation, including the spirited Thailand, has thrown its hat in the ring with proposals, primed for the American response that would tee up formal talks. Paetongtarn doesn’t miss a beat, asserting that these dialogues pre-dated the court’s decision, and Thailand is vigilantly…

In the tranquil province of Chaiyaphum, where rolling hills and lush landscapes paint a serene picture, a heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded on May 29. A vibrant 13-year-old girl, whose laughter once echoed through school corridors, found herself swept away by the relentless currents of a village weir in Baan Nong Bua Noi, Kaset Sombun district. What began as a cheerful outing turned into an unfathomable sorrow as she slipped on treacherous algae, dissolving into the fast-moving waters while her friends stood frozen in shock. The urgency of the situation summoned the brave officers from Ban Duea station and the vigilant divers from Luang Siri Rescue and Mangorn Rescue units from the Nong Bua Daeng district. Like real-life superheros, they dove into the depths, driven by hope and duty, for a mere 30 minutes until they uncovered her submerged form—still clad in the uniform of a local secondary school—a somber symbol of…