The Election Commission (EC) has been tasked with delving into the qualifications of the candidate who clinched the most votes in the recent Senate election. Sonthiya Sawatdee, a former advisor to the House committee on law, justice, and human rights, submitted a formal petition last Friday, urging the EC to scrutinize the eligibility of Senator Keskamol Pleansamai for her senatorial position. According to Sonthiya, he acquired a document used by Senator Keskamol to promote her academic credentials before the election. The document, he alleges, may contain falsified educational qualifications. He thus called on the EC to assess whether Keskamol meets the criteria delineated by the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) and whether she provided false information to government officials. Sonthiya referenced the organic law on Senate elections, emphasizing that it is illegal for candidates to present misleading educational evidence to other candidates. In her defense, Dr. Keskamol firmly…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The debate intensified as the special House committee, charged with examining an amnesty bill for political prisoners, clashed over whether to include offences under Section 112, the lese majeste law, and Section 110 of the Criminal Code. Section 110 pertains to acts of violence or attempts thereof against the Queen, the heir-apparent, or the regent. Nikorn Chamnong, the committee’s secretary, revealed that no firm decision came from this week’s meeting due to the deeply divided opinions among members. Consequently, the committee chose to defer the issue for now. However, Mr. Nikorn emphasized that the perspectives of each committee member will be included in a comprehensive study report to be submitted to the House of Representatives. “Opinions are split into three distinct camps,” Mr. Nikorn explained. “One camp advocates for the exclusion of these offences, another supports their inclusion, and the third group wants these offences included but with special conditions.”…
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai recently led reporters on an intriguing visit to inspect old rice stocks in the picturesque province of Surin this past May. This field trip has shed light on the government’s effort to conclude the sale of a significant leftover rice stockpile—around 15,000 tonnes—from former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s rice-pledging scheme. The intent behind this expedition was clear: transparency and progress in resolving this lingering agricultural conundrum. Fast-forward to the present: the Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) has been directed to expedite discussions with the remaining trio of bidders. The urgency comes as three other bidders were disqualified due to their affiliations with companies that have faced legal troubles linked to earlier PWO auctions. Among the disqualified entities are V8 Intertrading Co, Thanasan Rice Co, and SSMR Karnkaset Plc. According to insider information, while these companies did not directly inflict harm on the PWO,…
Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke announced on Friday a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing Thailand’s agricultural sector. The project, known as “One Tambon One Digital,” envisions providing each tambon (a local governmental unit) with a drone designed specifically for farming. This ambitious endeavor aims to boost crop yields while cutting down on farming costs, creating a win-win scenario for farmers across the nation. This innovative scheme is the brainchild of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who sees it as a cornerstone for developing a new digital ecosystem in Thailand’s agricultural landscape. “The aim is to generate more income from higher crop yields and lower production costs,” says Chai. By integrating advanced technology into traditional farming practices, this plan could usher in a new era of agricultural prosperity. Importantly, the drones must be locally produced, ensuring that the initiative not only benefits farmers but also supports local manufacturing industries. From monitoring crop health…
A remarkable turn of events has taken place as a brave female court stenographer has come forward with shocking allegations against a senior judge, claiming she was molested during a professional trip. Deciding to take matters into her own hands and seek justice, she lodged a formal complaint with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) to bring the accused to account. According to an insider’s report, the courageous stenographer officially filed her lawsuit with CSD’s subdivision 4 on Wednesday. The case has sparked significant interest within law enforcement circles. Spearheading the inquiry is Pol Col Ekkasit Panseetha, the superintendent of the CSD’s sub-division 4. Initial probing into the incident began when he and his team questioned the complainant, subsequently relaying his findings to his superior, CSD commander Pol Maj Gen Montri Thetkhan. The allegations are as distressing as they are serious. The stenographer recounted that on June 1, during a personnel…
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin (right) inspects the seizure of 90 tonnes of toluene, a controlled substance, at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri on Friday. The chemical was shipped to Thailand without a permit from Busan and was bound for Yangon. (Photo: Government House) CHON BURI: A colossal seizure rocked Laem Chabang Port in the Si Racha district on Friday as 90 tonnes of toluene were intercepted before its illicit voyage to Myanmar could commence. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin spearheaded a press conference at the port, shedding light on this monumental drug suppression operation. Flanked by high-ranking officials, including Pol Lt Gen Samran Nualma and Pol Lt Gen Panurat Lakboon, the scene was set for an update brimming with significance. Mr. Srettha underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating narcotics as part of their national agenda. Heaped with praise were the Royal Thai Police, ONCB, the Customs Department, the Department…
The Election Commission (EC) has been prompted to scrutinize the qualifications of the top vote-getter in the latest Senate election. On Friday, Sonthiya Sawatdee, a previous advisor to the House committee on law, justice, and human rights, submitted a petition urging the EC to probe into the eligibility of Senator Keskamol Pleansamai. According to Sonthiya, he had acquired a document used by the senator to showcase her credentials before the election, suggesting that her educational background might have been fabricated. Mr. Sonthiya’s concerns revolve around whether Dr. Keskamol satisfies the criteria established by the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) and whether she provided false information to government authorities. He referenced the organic law on the Senate election, which deems it unlawful for candidates to present misleading educational evidence to other candidates. Dr. Keskamol, appearing confident, steadfastly defended the validity of her academic accomplishments. “I earned my degrees; I…
In a vibrant rally at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters in Bangkok, a woman proudly holds up a sign supporting the government’s ambitious 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme. Taken last October, the photograph captures the enthusiasm and anticipation enveloping this bold initiative. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard) This past Friday, the government reaffirmed its commitment to allocate 43 billion baht from the central budget to partially fund the digital wallet program—a move they insist will not compromise their efforts to alleviate the struggles of the Thai people. Prime Minister’s Office Minister Chakkraphong Saengmanee, who oversees the Budget Bureau, addressed rising concerns head-on. The hefty sum, anticipated to balloon to at least 450 billion baht, won’t, according to Mr. Chakkraphong, strip the government of its ability to provide for those in need. Voiced by Sirikanya Tansakul, deputy leader of the main opposition Move Forward Party, these concerns came to a head during a heated…
Yan Ruimin, 38, was last heard from on June 30, according to her friend. She was last seen getting into a car in Bangkok on July 1, and her phone signal was last detected in Chachoengsao two days later. (Photo: Metropolitan Police Bureau) Thai police are intensifying their efforts to locate and rescue Yan Ruimin, a Chinese woman believed to have been kidnapped and held for ransom by a compatriot in Thailand. Cau Boxuan, a Chinese national, reported her disappearance to officers at the Bang Rak police station on Friday, expressing deep concern for her safety. Yan Ruimin had last contacted him on June 30, informing him of her upcoming trip to Phuket on July 2. Per a police source, Yan’s relatives, distraught over her prolonged silence, traveled to Thailand and sought assistance from the Chinese embassy. Shortly thereafter, a suspect contacted them, demanding a ransom of 1 million yuan…
In today’s digital age, brands must differentiate and deliver value to capture attention. Embracing human connection, brands are transforming from logos to meaningful entities that resonate with consumers. A key marketing strategy for the second half of 2024, BEARRUNRUN, a cutting-edge digital agency, identifies ‘Humanising Brand’, also known as fostering deep customer connections, as a pivotal digital marketing trend for the latter half of 2024. This trend emphasizes presenting brands as human, approachable, and socially responsible entities. Supporting this notion, a 2024 Deloitte survey revealed that 80% of senior executives consider Humanising the Brand to be their organization’s most critical marketing strategy. Furthermore, 75% believe it can boost sales and profits. Apple, Nike, and numerous global brands exemplify the success of this strategy. Mr. Nipon Saengtiraphanij, Chief Executive Officer of BEARRUNRUN, believes that “brands” are about relationships, not just selling products. BEARRUNRUN aims to foster genuine love and connection between…