The Election Commission (EC), led by its diligent secretary-general Sawang Boonmee, is making waves with their latest developments. Imagine them meticulously sorting through a staggering 577 reports of election infractions that popped up during last year’s Senate elections. Now, that’s a task that would make even the busiest of bees break a sweat! What’s happening in these Senate elections, you ask? Well, the whirlwind includes accusations as dramatic as a soap opera: bribery, dastardly vote-rigging, suspiciously pre-arranged voter lists, block voting tactics that would make a football huddle jealous, and candidates basking in abnormally high scores while others sulked with zeros. If you’re a fan of political intrigue, this is the story for you. But fear not, the EC is armed to the teeth with strategy and support. They’ve put together an advisory and coordination subcommittee to handle these snarled cases with surgical precision. Think of this team as the…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In an urgent move to address a burgeoning roadway safety issue, a Senate subcommittee focused on infrastructure and road vehicles has stepped forward with a clarion call for immediate measures aimed at curbing the alarming rate of road mishaps caused by towering double-decker buses. Spearheading this initiative is Surachai Liangboonlertchai, the dedicated chairman of the subcommittee, who convened a critical meeting yesterday, drawing together key sectors to delve into the unsettling findings of a preliminary probe into a recent calamitous incident. This tragedy, occurring along a stretch of Prachin Buri last Wednesday, claimed the lives of 19 individuals, leaving an additional 30 nursing injuries. The preliminary investigation strikingly pointed fingers towards the very design of these double-decker behemoths, citing it as the chief culprit in the accident. Surachai conveyed a consensus amongst experts, who are of the firm belief that these lofty giants are ill-fitted for the rigors of interprovincial…
Bangkok is taking a big leap toward a cleaner future, launching an inspiring initiative to manage city waste more efficiently and sustainably. Imagine a city where sorting rubbish is not just a good deed, but it saves you money! The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is encouraging residents to separate their organic waste from other types of garbage, and it’s not just an appeal; it’s tied to your wallet! The rules are simple yet impactful. Households that embrace the art of rubbish separation will enjoy the perk of continuing with the existing modest fee of 20 baht per month. But if you’re not sorting yet, brace yourself for a jump to 60 baht per month. These changes stem from the newly approved Bangkok Ordinance on the Fee for Waste Management Services. Agreed upon by the Bangkok Metropolitan Council and on the verge of debuting in the Royal Gazette, this law could…
With the upcoming Songkran festival just around the corner, speculation swirls once again about a potential homecoming for the former Prime Minister of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra. Unfortunately for those anticipating a dramatic return, it seems that the iconic water festival will come and go without her presence in Thailand, much to the satisfaction of her long-time adversary, Dr. Warong Detkitvikrom. Dr. Warong, a prominent figure in Thai politics and now the chairman of the Thai Pakdee Party, earned his moniker as a fierce “buster of rice pledging corruption” for his role in unveiling the infamous rice-pledging scandal under Yingluck’s administration. This scandal, which involved large-scale government interventions in the rice market, has left an indelible scar on Thailand’s economic history, not to mention its politics. The rice-pledging scheme, active from 2011 to 2014, saw the government purchasing rice from farmers at prices significantly above market rates, leading to a staggering…
The sun’s rays shimmered off the ceremonial guards as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stepped into the 3rd Infantry Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, King’s Guard. With an air of determined resolve, she gathered with high-ranking officials to delve into a topic as contemporary as it is critical – the suppression of call centre scams, an issue that’s been gnawing at the integrity of the nation. In the steamy precincts of Sa Kaeo province, a stone’s throw from the Cambodian border, the premier vowed to tighten the screws on these cyber criminals. Her visit wasn’t just a ceremonious gesture; it was a robust statement of intent to dismantle the nefarious networks operating just beyond Thailand’s doorstep. With Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong at her side, Paetongtarn chaired a meeting brimming with a sense of urgency and purpose. Each attendee, from Pol…
As of today, March 1, 2025, the buzz around Thailand’s groundbreaking Entertainment Complex Bill is reaching a crescendo, as the government solicits feedback from various agencies. This ambitious bill, crafted to augment the nation’s tourism appeal and fortify its economic landscape, recently passed through the amendment stage by the Council of State (CoS). With the finish line in sight, Suksit Srijomkwan, the prime minister’s deputy secretary-general for political affairs, announced the bill’s impending presentation to the cabinet set for March 11. The cabinet gave its initial nod to this audacious proposal on January 13, marking a significant milestone in Thailand’s journey toward becoming a premier entertainment and tourism hub. The bill is not just about adding a few more attractions; it’s a carefully calculated leap toward economic rejuvenation through tourism and entertainment. What sets this bill apart is its strategic allocation of space within these entertainment complexes. Casinos, while tantalizing…
On a radiant morning in Sattahip, nestled in the vibrant province of Chon Buri, an air of camaraderie and celebration enveloped the decks of the majestic RSS Endeavour. Draped in the warm hues of morning light, the Republic of Singapore Navy’s distinguished vessel became the grand stage for a spectacular reception held in honor of a momentous occasion—the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Thailand. Amidst the decor that seamlessly combined elegance with naval tradition, Singapore’s own dignified envoy to Thailand, Catherine Wong Siow Ping, stood in a cheerful ensemble of red, an embodiment of the spirited bond between the two nations. Her presence, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, lent an air of grandeur to the proceedings. But make no mistake; this was far more than a simple diplomatic gathering. It was a reunion of maritime cohorts united by tradition, shared objectives, and a profound…
The skyline of Bangkok, with its towering condominium buildings overlooking the scenic Chatuchak Park, paints a picture of modern living in the heart of Thailand’s bustling capital. Yet, beneath this cosmopolitan façade, a pressing issue has emerged that has caught the attention of both locals and government officials alike. With Friday’s announcement, Deputy Government Spokesman Anukul Prueksanusak made it clear that foreign nationals using condominium units as hotel rooms were, in fact, flouting Thai laws. The crux of this issue revolves around numerous reports of Chinese nationals renting out their condominium rooms to tourists through platforms like Airbnb. This practice has sparked a plethora of complaints from residents, particularly in the upscale Sukhumvit area. The grievances range from incessant noise and the unmistakable scent of cannabis to damages inflicted on shared property by these transient occupants. The complaints, which have been vocalized through online forums, reveal a disturbing pattern. Tourists,…
In a recent turn of events in the vibrant political theater of Thailand, the former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, seems to be unwittingly sharing the spotlight once more. Despite having no official role in the current cabinet, he’s become a focal point of intrigue, as evidenced by his recent visit to Narathiwat province on February 23, where he was warmly greeted with flowers from Muslim students. However, in the halls of political power, the real drama is unfolding elsewhere. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai took center stage, addressing the opposition with a plea to maintain a constructive debate. The brewing tension centers around the impending no-confidence motion aimed at current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This has naturally sparked a flurry of whispers and raised eyebrows about potential critiques targeting her father, Thaksin, who, despite his lack of official duties, remains a force with his political acumen and symbolic presence. Ms.…
It’s a bustling day in Phatthalung province, a place known for its serenity and picturesque landscapes, but today’s calm was abruptly interrupted by a dramatic collision that left a trail of chaos in its wake. Imagine the scene: an 18-wheeler thundering down the highway like a steel juggernaut, only to be met with a passenger van caught entirely off-guard. An unfortunate tango ensued, resulting in a cacophony of metal meeting metal, and the unmistakable symphony of sirens in the distance. On this fateful day of February 28, 2025, the Asian Highway became the stage for this vehicular drama. The players? A Toyota passenger van brandishing the license plate 1นช 7094 from the bustling streets of Bangkok, and a mighty 18-wheel truck piloted by the not-so-seasoned Jiraphon, all of 26 years old. The truck bore down on the van with a force that couldn’t be overlooked, nudging it into an unwelcome…