Posts published in “Thailand”

As the calendar flips to April, a fresh chapter begins at the State Audit Office (SAO), aiming to elevate transparency and accountability to new heights. With April Fool’s Day as its launch date, one might be tempted to see this as a humorous twist of fate, but the matter at hand is anything but a joke. Meet the new brainchild of the State Audit Office: a specialized section dedicated to dissecting the anatomy of the government’s most colossal ventures. This groundbreaking move, orchestrated under the watchful eye of Mr. Prajuck Boonyoung, the SAO’s esteemed auditor-general, is poised to revolutionize the way megaprojects are audited within the kingdom. In an era where the dimensions of government projects boggle the mind, Mr. Prajuck and his team have encountered an Everest of challenges. Picture this: countless hours poring over mountains of financial documents, with the Herculean task of scrutinizing initiatives so vast they…

Welcome to the high-stakes world of Thai politics, where the phrase ‘triple prime ministers’ isn’t the plot of a political drama, but a scintillating tidbit of reality swirling around the corridors of power. It was on an unassuming day, February 22, to be precise, inside the stately confines of Government House, where Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, amidst the flash and fervor of eager reporters, shared his views on the swirling rumors with a nonchalance that could only be described as prime ministerial. The buzz? A potential “triple prime ministers” scenario – a concept so intriguing it could only arise in the complex tapestry of Thai politics. Yet, it was with a steady hand and a calm demeanor that Prime Minister Thavisin dismissed concerns, asserting his singular role at the helm of the country’s governance. Despite the whisperings and the weight of public opinion, Thavisin stood firm in his conviction that…

Embarking on an era of innovation and rapid connectivity, the breathtaking Fuxing Hao CR300, a marvel engineered by China’s CRRC, is set to redefine travel between the vibrant city of Bangkok and the charming Nakhon Ratchasima. This high-speed railway project, steeped in Thai-Chinese collaboration, promises to stitch these two locales closer than ever, yet it’s not without its share of dramatic twists and tales. As if straight out of a thrilling script, the construction saga of this monumental project now unfolds a new chapter – a plot twist, if you will. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) recently dropped a bombshell that could see the project’s timeline extending by a gripping two years with an additional 4 billion baht swelling the budget. At the heart of this unfolding drama is a significant alteration to a section of the track in Nakhon Ratchasima that has captured the collective attention. The curtain…

In the heart of Bangkok, a vibrant discussion is stirring as Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, a forward-thinking Member of Parliament representing the Move Forward Party, wields his influence, armed with bottles and cans adorned with ominous health warnings. These aren’t ordinary alcohol containers but a battle cry from the Craft Beer Association against a looming government regulation that seeks to revolutionize how alcohol is presented to the public. The Thai government, in collaboration with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee and the Department of Disease Control, is on the cusp of enforcing a regulation that could change the face of alcohol consumption in the country. Picture this: every bottle and can of alcoholic beverage you pick up comes plastered with graphic images and bold text, screaming the perils of drinking. Yes, akin to the grim warnings you’ve seen on cigarette packs, these are designed to make you think twice before taking that sip.…

In the heart of Bangkok, under the relentless rhythm of a city that never sleeps, a poignant story unfolds—a tale of determination, family, and the unyielding spirit of activism. Sommai Tuatulanon, a father draped in concern and love, steps into the fray, not with placards or slogans, but with a handwritten plea that carries the weight of a parent’s undying hope. It’s Monday, and the corridors of justice are buzzing with the usual cacophony of legal battles. Yet, amidst this legal labyrinth, Sommai, alongside the astute Kritsadang Nujarus from Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), presents a petition that seeks not just legal relief but a compassionate understanding from the Criminal Court—a request for bail for his daughter, Tantawan Tualanon, 22, and her staunch ally, Natthanon “Frank” Chaimahabut, 23. This plea comes in the wake of a stern denial of bail by the court, a decision that places both activists…

Welcome to the buzzing world of agricultural diplomacy, where the latest chapter unfolded under the dazzling skies of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, during the 43rd Cairns Group Ministerial Meeting. Picture this: a consortium of 20 vibrant nations, each with its unique charm and agricultural prowess, coming together with a shared vision. This coalition, affectionately known as “The Cairns”, boasts members from every corner of the globe – from the lush landscapes of Argentina and Australia to the vibrant fields of Vietnam and Ukraine, and beyond. With a collective agricultural export footprint covering nearly 30% of the global market, The Cairns are no small players in the realm of agricultural trade. Enter Thailand, a nation known not only for its breathtaking beauty and rich culture but also for its robust agricultural sector. Pimchanok, representing Thailand, stood up amidst this assembly of agricultural titans, pledging to spearhead efforts alongside Cairns…

Once upon a not so distant yesterday, amidst the bustling cityscape of Bangkok, a towering structure began to emerge above Rama II Road, promising to forever change the horizon. This was no ordinary construction project; it was an elevated road, a beacon of hope set to slice through the snarl of gridlock that has long plagued the path to a coastal paradise. The year was 2022, and the murmurs of anticipation could be felt far and wide. However, a shadow lurked over this grand ambition, cast by the very problem it sought to conquer. Traffic, as stubborn as the summer sun, continued to choke the arteries of Rama II Road, turning what should be joyful jaunts to the resort town of Hua Hin into wearisome treks. It was amidst this ongoing battle against the tyranny of congestion that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stepped into the fray, armored with determination and…

Picture this: the quiet early hours near Bangkok’s bustling Suvarnabhumi Airport became the scene of a grim discovery on a lazy Sunday – the lifeless, ink-adorned body of a Taiwanese man, concealed amidst the shadows of a forsaken food stall. This was not the starting plot of a mystery novel, but the tragic end of 44-year-old Shih Mou Chiang, whose journey had led him far from home, only to meet a dark fate in Samut Prakan province. Shih’s demise was the culmination of a chilling narrative that unfolded with cinematic precision. In a plot twist worthy of a noir thriller, a band of four Taiwanese men and a Thai woman embarked on a daring escape that whisked them from the scene of the crime to the glittering lights of a Poipet casino, and finally in the direction of Phnom Penh. The authorities, piecing together the puzzle, watched as the suspects,…

In the ever-buzzing world of X, formerly known as Twitter, a delightful revelation has come to light that is sure to set the stage for an enchanting development in the world of entertainment. The vibrant Phumtham Weerachon, with a vision as bold as the colors of a sunset, has pledged to embark on a captivating journey alongside Idol Factory, the illustrious producer behind some of the most heartwarming television dramas and web series that celebrate LGBTQ+ relationships. Imagine, if you will, a canvas where the brushstrokes paint tales of love between women—this is what Girls’ Love (GL), or Yuri, offers to its audience. A genre that dances gracefully between the lines of fiction, bathing its narratives in the soft glow of romance and affection between women. Recently, Yuri has blossomed like a flower in the morning sun, spreading its petals wider to embrace an array of stories, all the while…

In the heart of Bangkok, beneath the watchful gaze of a golden sun, a tapestry of culture, reverence, and unwavering admiration unfurled. The venue? A meticulously crafted pavilion at Sanam Luang, where the air was thick with anticipation and the grounds were alive with the excitement of those gathered to commemorate a day of significant cultural and spiritual import – Makha Bucha Day. This wasn’t just any ceremony. It was an event that brought together distinguished figures from across the nation. Among those in attendance was none other than Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a beacon of leadership; Culture Minister Sermsak Phongpanich, guardian of traditions; and Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, all distinguished by their dedication to preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage. However, the list of luminaries paled in comparison to the most anticipated guests of the day – the relics of Buddha’s two revered disciples, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana. The air…