In the bustling corridors of Bangkok’s Government House, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stood poised before a swarm of reporters in November 2024. With an air of confidence, she addressed the nation against the backdrop of a regal portrait depicting her predecessor and sister, the illustrious former premier Yingluck Shinawatra. A poignant moment, to say the least, especially given the recent judicial upheaval that had rattled the Shinawatra name. Fast-forward to a rather dramatic Thursday, as Yingluck Shinawatra herself took to the digital stage of social media, where her followers awaited eagerly like an audience at a royal court. With a flick of her thumb, she fired off a message that would reverberate across Thailand: a response to the Supreme Administrative Court’s command that she pay over a staggering 10 billion baht. Her alleged transgression? The infamous downfall of her administration’s ambitious rice-pledging scheme. On her official Facebook page, a platform…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Thailand finds itself reflecting on its tumultuous past while cautiously eyeing the future. It’s a hot and humid day in May 2025, an appropriate setting to delve into the tangled vines of history as Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai addresses a room full of eager reporters. The subject that captures everyone’s attention is the delicate topic of military coups in Thailand. Responding with the wisdom of a seasoned statesman, Mr. Phumtham talks about the 11th anniversary of the 2014 coup orchestrated by the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), a shadow still looming in the collective Thai memory. Yet, despite the heavy history, there is a shimmer of hope in his words—a seed of progress within the heart of democracy. Mr. Phumtham, with the poise of a mindful philosopher, adeptly weaves historical insights with the present day, urging the nation to cultivate patience. Strengthening Thailand’s democratic institutions isn’t an…
The stretch of sky along Rama II Road shimmered with the promise of progress, as the new elevated Chalerm Maha Nakhon expressway was poised to redefine commuting in Bangkok. However, on a fateful day in mid-March, this vision was momentarily eclipsed by a shadow of tragedy—a colossal beam tumbled from the under-construction Rama III–Dao Khanong–Outer Ring Road Expressway on March 15, spilling chaos onto the asphalt. The Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) found itself in the eye of a storm, as the casualty count unfurled in grim detail—five lives lost, 22 individuals injured, and countless more had their daily rhythms knocked askew. The calamity struck near the Dao Khanong toll plaza on the Contract 3 section, part of a grander five-kilometer stretch from Bangpakok 9 International Hospital to the toll plaza. This grand endeavor, woven together by the skilled hands of Italian-Thai Development Plc and Vichitbhan Construction Co, stood as…
As the warm and bustling air of Bangkok surrounds the ornate walls of Government House, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stands amidst a flurry of reporters. It’s a moment steeped in history, as in the backdrop, a portrait of Yingluck Shinawatra peers solemnly, watching the drama unfold with the wisdom of years past. The vibrant scene harkens back to a political narrative as woven and complex as the city itself. Yingluck Shinawatra, once Thailand’s helm-bearer, has taken to the digital realm to share her fiery rebuttal against the Supreme Administrative Court’s decision. The ruling, summoning a jaw-dropping fine of over 10 billion baht, has left her reeling. As a testament to the unpredictable tides of politics, she finds herself facing a financial maelstrom for the rice-pledging scheme—a program from her time in office aimed at rejuvenating Thailand’s agrarian heart. In her heartfelt Facebook post, shared fittingly on the 11th anniversary of…
In the picturesque coastal city of Pattaya, a transformative wave is sweeping through its sunlit streets and sandy shores. At the helm of this initiative is none other than Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, whose vision for a “Better Pattaya” is more than just a catchy slogan—it’s a rallying cry for a sustainable metamorphosis. Speaking fervently at the annual Pattaya-Chon Buri Business and Tourism Association (PCBTA) meeting, staged at the elegant Sabai Sabana Hotel, Poramet painted a future where environmental responsibility is as vibrant as the city’s nightlife. In attendance were city officials, eager stakeholders, and an array of private sector representatives, all converging to assess past strides and chart a course for economic and tourism renewal. As PCBTA’s chief advisor, Poramet reaffirmed his dedication to championing progressive discourse with the local business community, underpinning sustainable development and addressing pressing challenges. The day’s discussions, presided over by the PCBTA President, buzzed with…
In a dazzling display of international unity and futuristic ambition, China has pledged its unwavering support for Phuket’s quest to transform into a low-carbon paradise for tourists. This groundbreaking move follows a diplomatic rendezvous that captivated the island’s attention. On May 21, the Chinese Consul General in Songkhla, Wang Zhijian, graced Phuket with his presence, meeting Governor Sophon Suwannarat at the Phuket Provincial Hall. This meeting was far more than a mere exchange of pleasantries. Instead, it was a powerful reaffirmation of a shared vision between Thailand and China, one that revolves around tourism, infrastructure, and the sustainable evolution of urban landscapes. Distinguished local dignitaries graced the occasion, including Phuket Provincial Police Commander, Police Major General Sinlert Sukhum, and Tourist Police Division 3 Superintendent, Police Colonel Naraphon Wattanagornthawi. Their presence was complemented by representatives from Phuket Immigration, the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, and TAT Phuket, making it a formidable assembly…
In the serene Isaan province of Khon Kaen, an unassuming spa known as the “Secret Club” was thrust into the spotlight on May 21 in a surprising turn of events. What was thought to be a haven of relaxation turned out to be something entirely different. Known for its tranquil ambiance, Phimanchon Village in the Phralub sub-district became the epicenter of an undercover operation led by the Khon Kaen Provincial Immigration Bureau. After receiving an intriguing tip-off, authorities zeroed in on the spa amidst whispers of illicit activities far removed from their advertised wellness services. The “Secret Club” was reportedly more secretive than its name suggested, as it had transformed into a bustling hub for illegal prostitution services targeting gay clients, particularly foreign nationals. Despite being under the radar for nearly three months, the establishment’s clandestine operations were not so private—thanks to conspicuous advertisements floating across social media platforms. Responding…
In the dynamic world of real estate, nothing ever stays still for long. Thailand’s hotel market, which shone bright in 2024, now finds itself entering a calmer but no less intriguing phase in 2025. Despite a perceived cooling in the volume of property deals, there’s a new, smarter game afoot—one that promises exciting opportunities for those with an eye on innovative and sustainable investments. According to the latest insights from global real estate heavyweight JLL, Thailand’s hotel market is experiencing a ‘normalisation’ period. After a whirlwind 22 billion baht in hotel transactions last year, this season’s projected figures hover around 13 billion baht. While some might initially feel this dip signals a market slump, JLL urges investors to look deeper. The narrative isn’t of decline, but of strategic refinement—a pivot from quantity to quality. Bangkok continues to be the investment magnet, capturing 60% of the total nationwide transaction value. However,…
In a harrowing and shocking event that has left a quiet Thai community in the central region of Nakhon Sawan reeling, the father of a young woman’s ex-boyfriend was viciously attacked in the early hours of Tuesday, May 20. The focus of this tragic tale is Sudarat, a 19-year-old woman who found herself turning to social media for help after a terrifying experience involving her 35-year-old former partner, Narate. Sudarat recounts the nightmare moment when Narate, driven by rage and possibly drugs, stormed into her life yet again. The relationship had ended long ago, primarily due to Narate’s descent into drug use and his abusive nature. Despite the breakup, Narate’s presence lingered like an unwelcome guest, his harassment a constant shadow. The repeated assaults post-breakup—over ten times, as Sudarat courageously revealed—were moments of fear she tried to forgive, hoping for closure. But forgiveness wears thin when violence escalates to an…
Yesterday, the vibrant world of social media witnessed a resolute voice, a voice of a former leader passionately defending her honor. Yingluck Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, stepped into the digital spotlight via her official Facebook page, confronting a heavy judgment cast by the Supreme Administrative Court. This ruling demands a staggering sum of over 10 billion baht from her, in damages attributed to her administration’s ambitious yet tumultuous rice-pledging scheme. Curiously, she was never formally named as a defendant in this legal saga. With a tone both indignant and reflective, Yingluck labeled the judgment “deeply unjust.” Her sentiments draw sharp contrast to the verdict of a lower court that had previously absolved her of financial culpability. Yet now, she finds herself singularly blamed for the financial fallout, despite the scheme’s execution lying in the hands of agencies she argues were beyond her control. “10 billion baht –…