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…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Embark on a journey to the high seas with the tale of the noble HTMS Rattanakosin, a vessel of valor that has served the Royal Thai Navy with distinction. A ship not just of metal and might, but of history and heart, scheduled to bid farewell in 2025 after participating in a display of international cooperation with Australia back in 2013. Yet, as one chapter closes, a political squabble over the future of Thailand’s maritime defense unfolds on the homefront. The stage is set in the bustling halls of government where the Move Forward Party, armed with passion and patriotism, takes a firm stance against the government’s recent decision. This isn’t about mere numbers on a budget sheet – it’s about the nation’s safety, they argue. The bone of contention? A rejected plea for financial allocation to construct a new frigate, earmarked to be a piece of Thailand’s naval heritage,…
In an engaging dance of diplomacy and international camaraderie, Deputy Foreign Minister Jakkapong Sangmanee recently found himself in a high-stakes meeting with “high-level representatives” from the Japanese mission, under the watchful eye of the world (or at least, those keenly following the intricacies of Thai-Japanese relations). The atmosphere was tense yet hopeful; the issue at hand: safeguarding the beloved visa-free entry that has become the golden ticket for Thai nationals dreaming of cherry blossoms and sushi feasts. It was a Friday when these discussions unfolded, marking a crucial step after Japan raised a perfectly groomed eyebrow over concerns involving Thai tourists. The possibility of a policy overhaul loomed large, threatening the dreams of approximately 1 million Thai passport holders who had basked in the glow of Japan’s urban marvels and rural idylls just last year. With the visa-free privilege set to expire in early 2025 after a three-year run of…
In a twist that’s set to echo through the corridors of tech events across the globe, the much-anticipated “Microsoft Build: AI Day” in Bangkok has slipped off the calendar, for now. Originally marked for March 21, this day promised to meld minds and machines in a spectacular showcase. But as fate would have it, Microsoft Thailand, in a recent revelation that came as a curveball to many, announced the event’s indefinite postponement. A statement brimming with both regret and resolution was put forth last Friday, “We are doing our utmost in preparing to reschedule the event and will inform you of the details as soon as possible,” articulated a spokesperson from Microsoft Thailand. However, the curtains were drawn tight over the reasons necessitating this delay, shrouding it in mystery. Equally enigmatic was the possibility of Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s visionary chief, gracing the rescheduled event with his presence. Nadella, a man…
In an event that seemed more akin to an action movie than real life, the peaceful ambiance of the Sattahip naval base was shattered when the HTMS Khirirat found itself in an inferno of fire and smoke. This wasn’t due to an enemy onslaught but a startling mishap involving another Thai warship, the HTMS Chonburi. Imagine the sheer astonishment – there they were, docked side by side, bathed in the golden glow of the Thai sun, when suddenly, a gust of aggression disrupted their tranquility. The culprit? A misfired shot from the HTMS Chonburi’s formidable gun, a tool meant for defense, turned momentarily into an instrument of chaos on Thursday. Photographs capturing the moment depicted the fire engine and heroically brave firefighters in a desperate battle against the flames engulfing the HTMS Khirirat—an image that undoubtedly stirred the hearts of onlookers and readers alike. Yet, amidst the fiery tempest, there…
It was like a scene straight out of a heartwarming movie. Imagine the bustling streets of Waroros Market in Chiang Mai’s Muang district, where the air is filled with an electric expectancy. Then, picture Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister with a past as colorful as the market stalls, making a grand entrance. It’s Friday, and the atmosphere switches from excited whispers to full-blown adulation as the crowd bursts into chants of affection: “We love Thaksin. We love Thaksin.” Their voices ring out in unison, a testament to the enduring support for a man making his first trip back to his homeland in 17 years. The market, a legendary hotspot known for its vibrant offerings, swelled with an overwhelming crowd of supporters eager to catch a glimpse, share a word, or snap a selfie with Thaksin. Bodyguards worked overtime, parting the sea of people to carve a path for him,…
Imagine a scene straight out of a movie, where a former prime minister returns to his homeland, greeted by a legion of supporters and high-profile officials. This was not just any ordinary day at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep; this was the day Thaksin Shinawatra, the ex-leader of Thailand, made his grand return. The air buzzed with excitement as Jatuporn Buruspat, Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Chiang Mai’s governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn, and other dignitaries formed a welcome committee of sorts. But it wasn’t just the top brass in attendance; a sea of red-shirt supporters also made their presence felt, their placards shouting loud and clear: “Unshakable love for you”. The visit wasn’t merely ceremonial, as Thaksin was soon immersed in discussions about a major development project set to transform the Doi Suthep mountain area. His engagement and praise for the project heads, especially for the commendable efforts of Mr. Director-General, Atthaphon, highlighted his enduring…
In the bustling heart of Thailand, amidst a world teetering on the brink of monumental global challenges, a clarion call rings out for a bold leap towards sustainability. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill appeal for change, but a battle cry from Sue Allchurch, the UN Global Compact’s Outreach & Engagement maestro, who paints a vivid picture of a future that’s hanging by a thread. With the finesse of a seasoned storyteller, Ms. Allchurch shares her story, one that’s woven with threads of urgent ambition and a collective action yarn, spotlighting the United Nation’s sustainable development goals set for 2030. “We’re in a race,” she intimates, “not against each other, but against time.” Despite a global acknowledgment of the dire need for sustainable development, the pace towards these milestones is more a crawl than a sprint. The hurdles are numerous and towering; geopolitical quakes, economic tempests, the lingering shadows of a pandemic,…
Imagine the clear blue skies of Thailand being patrolled by the latest marvels of aviation technology. That’s the future the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) envisions as it gears up for an upgrade that could redefine its prowess in the skies. The air force chief, ACM Phanpakdee Pattanakul, amidst the grandeur of the RTAF headquarters, laid out a plan that’s as ambitious as it is critical. The choice? It’s between the sleek Swedish-built Gripen E-series jets, known for their nimble maneuvers and state-of-the-art technology, and the robust warrior of the skies, the US-made F-16 Block 70, a jet that boasts an illustrious lineage of air superiority. Now, picture this scenario. The initial dreams harbored fantasies of integrating US F-35s into the RTAF’s arsenal, but as twists would have it, that plan had to be gracefully set aside. Thus, the spotlight turned towards the Gripen E-series and the F-16 Block 70.…
On a sunny Thursday, the bustling streets of Muang district were suddenly alight with the presence of a high-profile visitor, none other than Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. His destination? The expansive warehouses of Poonpon Trading Ltd, nestled in the heart of Muang district, and later, the equally impressive premises of Kittichai Ltd in Prasat district. This was no casual visit; it was a mission of verification, an endeavor sparked by an invitation from the venerated Association of Thai Agricultural Product Surveyors. The air was thick with anticipation as the Association sought to dispel the clouds of suspicion that had gathered over its members, allegations accusing them of not safeguarding the sanctity and quality of rice stocks under the ambitious rice-pledging scheme. The scene was set, the players ready: warehouse owners with their keys gleaming, provincial commerce officials with their badges of authority, and the vigilant officials of…