Posts published in “Thailand”

In the picturesque rural landscapes of Thailand, an economic storm is brewing, endangering the livelihoods of hardworking farmers across the nation. As the calendar pages of 2025 turn, farmers from Phichit to Mae Hong Son are facing unprecedented challenges, driven by a stunning collapse in crop prices. The echo of their plight resonates through bustling markets and silent fields as communities deeply steeped in tradition grapple with modern economic realities. Amidst this unfolding drama, they are fervently calling for support, hoping for a lifeline from the government. In the fertile land of Phichit, watermelon farmers find themselves staring at fields teeming with unsold, luscious melons. Once, the lifeblood of their community thrived under a robust market with watermelons fetching 7 to 9 baht per kilogramme. Yet now, the haunting figures have plummeted to a disheartening 2 baht for the smaller, and even the largest, juiciest melons can only garner 5…

Imagine the scene: the splendid Chao Phraya River glistening under the gleaming Thai sun, while a state-of-the-art parliament building proudly stands on its banks. Construction aficionados and political watchers alike might expect this setting to host nothing but the most modest architectural masterpieces. However, in a narrative as riveting as a thriller, the People’s Party (PP) has lifted the veil on a project that is as hefty in cost as it is in ambition—a high-priced parking structure destined to make wallets weep. Leading the charge in this tale of public spending is Parit Wacharasindhu, a prominent member of the PP and chairman of a key parliamentary committee focused on political development and public communication. His revealing words echo across the chambers and beyond: it seems an eye-popping 104.5 million baht has been set aside just for the design phase of a futuristic car park on Sam Sen Road. This announcement,…

In the chronicle of geopolitical ballet, Tuesday marked another episode as Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai found himself reassuring the citizens of Kanchanaburi province. An unexpected visit by a Myanmar fighter jet near the border had stirred quite the buzz, but Mr. Phumtham was quick to clarify – no, the aircraft did not trespass into Thai airspace. The fast-moving jet, which flirted with the border’s imaginary line, was just a cameo in the skies and retreated soon after a cordial nudge from the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). “A minor incident,” Mr. Phumtham described, waving off concerns. In the realm of military flights, such near-miss scenarios are not uncommon, they’re akin to the thrill of seeing wildlife on a safari – a rush, yes, but safe under guided watch. The fighter jet in question displayed a moment’s curiosity, straying near enough to raise eyebrows but not venture…

In the bustling halls of Parliament, a wave of anticipation surged as the nation braced itself for the unveiling of a controversial casino-entertainment complex bill. This legislative endeavor, spearheaded by none other than Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, had been the subject of intense debate, igniting both fervent support and staunch opposition. Behind the scenes, a special Senate committee embarked on a meticulous journey to unravel the intricacies of this legislative proposal. At the helm of this committee was the esteemed Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, a distinguished figure known for his measured approach and commitment to transparency. Amidst the swirl of media speculation, Senator Veerapun sought to quell the rumors about the prime minister’s immediate involvement in their discussions, stating firmly, “I don’t know how the agenda for the meeting was leaked. The agenda has not been checked yet.” The first meeting of this committee had already transpired on a lively day…

In the heart of Yala’s Raman district, as the evening settled into its usual hush, a sudden explosion tore through the calm. Left in its wake was a gaping crater, a stark reminder of the region’s persistent tensions. Two soldiers found themselves injured, victims in yet another wave of violence that has long plagued this part of the world. In response to this unsettling event, a call for peace echoed from the halls of power, a joint appeal by Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and the revered Chularatchamontri, Sheikhul Islam, Arun Boonchom. It was a significant moment as the Defence Minister, who doubles as the Deputy Prime Minister, and the religious leader met in Bangkok, aiming to harmonize their efforts against the backdrop of unrest troubling Narathiwat, Yala, and Pattani. During their hour-long conversation at the Office of the Chularatchamontri, the focus was clear: dismantle the justification of violence under the…

In an unfolding drama that could rival a crime thriller, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) made headlines this week by apprehending a former police superintendent whose name had become synonymous with an elusive chase. Picture this: it’s 2020 in Pathum Thani, a bustling province just north of Bangkok, Thailand. A certain Pol Col Chaiwat, leading the Lat Lum Kaeo police station, found himself at the center of a web woven from the strands of authority and misconduct. The officer’s story took a sharp turn when he allegedly dipped into the budget meant for his diligent subordinates. The amount in question? A whopping 260,000 baht, earmarked as an allowance for those manning checkpoints at his behest. At first glance, the allocation of 283,176 baht seemed destined for distribution among officers who toiled tirelessly at these checkpoints. Yet, the officers would soon find themselves more than 260,000 baht short, thanks to orders…