The political arena in Thailand is heating up as the opposition People’s Party (PP) gears up for the much-anticipated first reading of the budget bill for the 2026 fiscal year. The PP is putting its best foot forward, determined to dissect fund allocations spanned across all ministries with a fine-toothed comb. The aim? To lay bare the alleged political gains lurking beneath the budget’s surface. Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, a dynamic Bangkok MP representing the PP, announced that the party’s strategy for the upcoming debate, scheduled for May 29 to 31, is locked and loaded. With a formidable team of about 50 MPs at the ready, they are poised to examine every nuance of funding—whether it’s a staggering sum or a seemingly insignificant allocation. According to Mr. Nattacha, the current budget framework falls dismally short of what the Thai economy demands, especially amidst the pressures mounting from the US tariff hike. “It’s…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Embarking on a significant diplomatic mission, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will be heading to Kuala Lumpur this Sunday to attend the much-anticipated 46th Asean Summit. With the central theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” the summit promises to be an engaging forum, setting the course for the region’s future. According to Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub, the Prime Minister’s schedule is tight: her flight departs at 6:30 PM, ensuring her arrival in the Malaysian capital by 9:50 PM. On Monday and Tuesday, Kuala Lumpur will be abuzz with activity, as it plays host to this pivotal event organized by the Malaysian government. Prime Minister Shinawatra has her agenda packed, with plans to immerse herself in seven crucial Asean sessions. Additionally, she will be an active participant at the 16th Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Leaders’ Summit, which marks the year’s first major congregation of Asean leaders. With leaders from the nine Asean countries…
In the vibrant port city of Chon Buri, the formidable ‘Xue Long 2’ icebreaker cast a towering presence as it docked at Chuk Samet port on May 19. The scene was a testament to the remarkable thawing of alliance layers between Thailand and China, as they embarked on bold joint ventures in the enigmatic realms of polar research. Scientists, researchers, and diplomats recently converged at a symposium in the prestigious halls of Chulalongkorn University, witnessing this budding partnership in scientific glory. Amidst the backdrop of this scholarly exchange, China flaunted its jewel in the crown of polar exploration—the Xue Long 2. This vessel, a mammoth of 13,990 tonnes in displacement, joined the ranks of China’s elite polar fleet, its predecessors being the acclaimed Xiang Yang Hong 10, Jidi, and Xue Long vessels. Armed with scientific fortitude, it has taken on the valorous task of climate monitoring and oceanic studies in…
In the vibrant tapestry of Thailand’s bustling tourist landscape, where the charm of heritage mingles effortlessly with the pulse of modernity, Bangkok’s renowned Khao San Road serves as a microcosm of the most exhilarating experiences. Recently, during the colorful Songkran festival, the world’s eyes found a captivating point of interest on a row of TV screens displaying footage from the omnipresent surveillance cameras dotting these lively streets. What initially seemed to be a high-tech nod to the future was, in fact, a glimpse into a sophisticated strategy designed to ensure safety, spearheaded by the nation’s Tourism Police. Pol Lt Gen Saksira Phueakum of the Tourist Police Bureau has been instrumental in this cutting-edge initiative, which aligns with the National Police Chief, Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch’s visionary directive to usher in a new era of crime prevention and safety assurance. With robust enforcement measures supplemented by Artificial Intelligence, these surveillance systems…
Picture this: a room buzzing with energy as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra shares a light-hearted moment with Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, stealing a rare breath of camaraderie before diving back into the political fray. Welcome to the ever-unpredictable world of Thai politics, where alliances are as delicate as a soufflé and as unpredictable as the weather. The political tango between the ruling Pheu Thai Party and their coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, has been serving plenty of drama. It’s a tale of intrigue, rife with whispers of dissolution and plots thicker than a bowl of Tom Yum Goong. The scandalous whispers began when the blue faction came under fire with accusations of vote-fixing during the Senate elections of 2024. Rumor has it that storm clouds may be gathering around the budget bill for 2026, with speculation that Bhumjaithai might just slam the breaks on their support. Such a move…
On May 17, Aranyawan Wangthapan found herself navigating the confines of police custody, a turn of events that no psychic could have foreseen in the tarot cards. It would seem that her crystal ball had a crack in it when it came to outrunning the law. The unfolding saga at Wat Rai Khing has taken on the allure of a crime-thriller you just can’t put down—with every page turn revealing more about an astonishing embezzlement case cloaked in opulence and secrecy. Leading the charge in this gripping investigation is Pol Maj Gen Prasong Chalermpan, commander of the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD), whose resolve could make Sherlock Holmes look like a rank amateur. Under his scrupulous eye, an intricate tapestry of financial discrepancies is steadily coming to light. The investigation delves into every corner of the temple’s operations—bank accounts, income statements, and even the shadowy files of related foundations—all emerging into the…
In a roaring revelation of turbocharged excitement, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has sent shockwaves through the world of motorsport enthusiasts, hinting at a promising development that could see Thailand steering into the fast lane of Formula 1 racing. On a sun-drenched Saturday at the glitzy Monaco Grand Prix, Shinawatra huddled with Stefano Domenicali, the suave mastermind behind Formula One Group, to crank up discussions about hosting an adrenaline-pumping F1 street circuit in the land of smiles. The luxurious Monte Carlo circuit witnessed these pivotal talks at precisely 4.30 PM local time—or, for those keeping track in tuktuk-taxis across Bangkok, 9.30 PM. The PM, with all the poise of a driver navigating tight corners, mingled with the racing elite, spectating on high-octane practice laps and fueling hopes back home. Later, as the golden Monaco night drew in, Shinawatra took to her X account, sharing that the encounter had revved up as…
Nestled in the bustling heart of Bangkok, a saga of deception and intrigue came to a decisive climax as authorities apprehended a notorious fugitive known in the underworld of financial trickery as “Madam Ngo.” Ngo Thi Theu, a 30-year-old Vietnamese national, alongside her sturdy bodyguards, was captured in a sleek operation at a hotel in Watthana district, drawing the curtain on an intricate web spun with the promise of cryptic fortunes and elusive returns. The alleged architect behind a grandiose cryptocurrency and forex scam, Madam Ngo stands accused of masterfully defrauding more than 2,600 Vietnamese investors, resulting in harrowing losses totaling approximately $300 million. Her capture was remarkable; like a thrilling novel unfolding in real life, the narrative brimmed with international stakeouts, high-stakes dramas, and a network so wide-reaching, it stretched from Vietnam to Thailand and beyond. Madam Ngo and her associates, orchestrating their scheme with the ease of seasoned…
An image from a widely circulated video on social media captures a troubling moment in Chachoengsao where a daycare teacher presses down on the head of a young child. This unsettling footage, which rapidly went viral, has triggered a wave of outrage and calls for an in-depth investigation by concerned parents. The video, initially brought to light via a Facebook post, depicts a disconcerting scene. A teacher at a seemingly innocuous childcare facility is seen forcibly pushing down the head of a lively two-and-a-half-year-old attempting to sit up. The clip has sparked fury among the community, especially from the child’s mother, who was horrified upon receiving the video from an acquaintance’s digital omnipresence. As a result, she now feels a mix of anger and determination to uncover the truth. The child’s mother, referred to as Ms. Sarunporn (last name withheld for privacy), shared her shock and growing concern. With the…
The serene allure of Chiang Rai’s riverside has always been a beacon for tourists seeking a slice of tranquility coupled with delectable Thai cuisine. Yet, as of late, the area once vibrant with laughter and the clinking of glasses has met with an eerie quietude that hangs over its picturesque landscape as if time has pressed pause. At Ban Pang Ngiu in the Mueang district, the familiar clatter of cutlery and the fragrant aromas wafting along the Kok River have all but disappeared. A feared contagion seems to plague the water itself, though not by any biological means—it’s arsenic. Concerns over contamination have erased the bustling crowds, leaving behind only echoes of better days. For Buayloei Srichot, a stalwart in the riverside dining scene since 1992, these changes have been nothing short of a personal tempest. At the age of 72, she has weathered many a storm, but the aftermath…