In a spectacle of legal drama worthy of a thrilling soap opera, Phuket’s top anti-corruption guardian has thrown sharp barbs at the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for their surprising move—or lack thereof—in the curious case of MaAnn Samran. MaAnn, once the big fish in the small pond of Cherng Talay Tambon Administration, where the beaches are sunny and the politics, apparently, are just as heated, found himself in quite the pickle. Once convicted for his allegedly shady dealings and unsanctioned appointments, MaAnn’s two-year prison sentence was upended when the Court of Appeal decided to throw a judicial rescue line his way. Flashback to 2019, where this whirlwind of governmental intrigue began. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) sniffed out what they called a stinker—MaAnn’s alleged violation of the Criminal Code and the Anti-Corruption Act. With charges plastered on him like unwanted beach sand, MaAnn initially was sentenced. However, like…
Posts published in “Thailand”
The blistering heat of Bangkok proved to be a formidable opponent for Mexican actress Eiza González during the filming of the latest action-packed blockbuster, “Fountain of Youth.” In a lively Zoom chat with The Star, González, a dynamo on the cinematic stage thanks to iconic appearances in “Baby Driver,” “Alita: Battle Angel,” and “Ambulance,” described her grueling encounters with the blazing Thai sun as some of the most challenging hurdles on set. “When you’re lost in the magic of movies, you’re not really pondering the weather or the ambiance,” González candidly shared. “Yet, for us actors, those very elements are game changers—there’s no remote to control them, so adaptability is your best tool.” At 35, González’s prowess in handling diverse roles now includes skillfully managing a smothering climate, especially when draped in a full-body suit for high-octane action sequences. Recounting one particularly fiery day, Gonzalez said, “I remember feeling like…
Breaking new ground in the realm of military communications, Col Dr. Dangjai Souvannakitti has been appointed the Defence Ministry’s first female spokeswoman, marking an unprecedented moment in the ministry’s history. This appointment, officiated by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on a bustling Tuesday, represents a significant stride towards gender equality in sectors traditionally dominated by men. She steps into the role following the tenure of Maj Gen Thanathip Sawangsaeng, a leader known for his precision and strategic acumen. Col Dr. Dangjai, an assistant professor with expertise in physiology, is no stranger to the intricate dance of military communications. Her impressive repertoire includes serving as a vital component of the spokesperson team during Sutin Klungsang’s period as defence minister. Moreover, her experience as a deputy spokesperson under Maj Gen Thanathip fortified her with the skills and insight necessary to navigate the complex landscape of defense communications. Her capability…
In a glittering assembly of diplomatic minds at the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stole the spotlight with her dynamic vision for economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and human resource development. The summit, hosted in the vibrant heart of Malaysia, was a blend of cultural confluence and strategic dialogue, aiming to fortify ties and usher in a new era of cooperation. Standing at the podium amidst a rapt audience, Prime Minister Shinawatra eloquently articulated her proposals. She skillfully intertwined themes of sustainable growth and human connectivity, capturing the essence of what is needed to propel both regions forward. Her words were more than just a call to action; they were a blueprint for change, inspired by the pressing need for collaboration in today’s interconnected world. A highlight of her address was a heartfelt plea for peace and reconciliation concerning the Gaza conflict. She urged all parties…
In a bold move to enhance the welfare of seafarers navigating the high seas under the Thai flag, the cabinet has given a nod in principle to a proposed amendment to the Maritime Labour Act. This decision, warmly welcomed across the maritime community, is set to align Thai legislation more closely with international standards established by the International Labour Organization’s Maritime Labour Convention 2006. This forward-thinking proposal, championed by the Ministry of Labour with the persuasive Deputy Government Spokesperson Karom Phonphonklang leading the charge, was given the green light on a sunny Tuesday afternoon. The amendment aims to breathe new life into the Maritime Labour Act B.E. 2558 (2015), ushering in an era where the rights and protections for seafarers are not just theoretical but tangible and impactful. So, what’s the catch? Well, shipowners and their crews will soon find themselves operating under a new banner of regulation, one that…
As the curtain rises on another political spectacle in the Senate, anticipation mingles with controversy in a dance as old as politics itself. Senators are gearing up for a pivotal review session this Friday, focused on confirming nominees for some of the most envied seats in independent organizations. Positions like election commissioners, esteemed judges of the Constitutional Court, the distinguished Attorney General, and vigilant members of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) hang in the balance. At the heart of this task lies the Senate’s solemn duty to scrutinize the credentials and character of these nominees. According to Senator Phisit Apivatanapong, the dapper spokesman with a sharp eye for detail and a reputation for savvy in Senate whip affairs, this consideration has been etched in stone on this week’s agenda. “We have a job to do,” Phisit declared with the gravitas of a seasoned statesman. “And yes, this includes the senators…
In the buzzing heart of Bangkok, a press conference became the stage for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to set the record straight. Clad in his usual charismatic aura, he dismissed any whispers of discord within the ruling coalition. As the calendar confidently marked another Tuesday, Thaksin stood before the crowd at the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, adamant that the parliamentary boat was far from capsizing. With an air of reassurance that only political veterans can muster, the former leader assured the public that the Pheu Thai Party and its key ally, the Bhumjaithai Party, were glued together like two peas in a political pod. The Pheu Thai’s de facto head responded to speculative chatter suggesting parliamentary dissolution loomed due to discordant tones between the coalition partners. His voice echoed steadiness; “There has been no such widening rift which is shaking the coalition’s stability,” he stated, his words…
On a bustling Tuesday at the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand, stepped up to the podium to deliver a passionate lecture that held the audience spellbound. As the weight of his words filled the room, he mapped out an urgent plea for the government to intensify its fight against the drug empire operated by the United Wa State Army (UWSA), ominously known as the Red Wa, within the borders of Myanmar. The day was marked by the third meeting of the committee dedicated to monitoring, accelerating, and executing drug prevention and suppression initiatives. Under the spotlight, Thaksin’s keynote address was titled “Drugs and Transnational Crime: Perspectives and Challenges for Sustainable Solutions,” a subject that resonates deeply with him. “Drug abuse is not just a haunting specter; it is a present and escalating peril that relentlessly preys on our children and…
In an essential move toward environmental betterment, Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong of Thailand has taken the initiative to confront a pressing issue affecting the Kok River’s otherworldly beauty and the livelihood of its neighboring communities. His focus is firmly set on tackling the suspected arsenic and heavy metal pollution contaminating this pristine waterway, all eyes turned to a gold mine located further upstream, pointing their proverbial fingers at it for this aquatic conundrum. Gathered within the stately confines of the Chiang Rai Provincial Town Hall, a strategic meeting unfolded under Mr. Prasert’s oversight. As the head of a dedicated subcommittee intent on the Herculean task of surface water quality improvement, he underscored the Thai government’s unwavering dedication to unraveling the mysteries behind the river’s current predicament. The Kok River, a visual symphony of flowing water, navigates through the verdant landscapes of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, embodying a splendid…
Under the sweltering Bangkok sun, a poignant scene unfolded as Yingluck Shinawatra, exuding a mixture of grace and resilience, was greeted with roses from her supporters at the Supreme Court. It was a day etched in memory, August 1, 2017, when Yingluck delivered her impassioned closing statement concerning the controversial rice scheme that had, over time, become a tangled web of political strife and legal maneuvers. In the wings, steadfast support was provided by her brother, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Ever the shadowed architect of influence, Thaksin stood by Yingluck as she navigated the turbulent legal waters in her quest to seek a retrial. Her pursuit centered around the baffling compensation amounting to 35.7 billion baht, levied against her administration for the embroiled rice pledging program. Yet, the days stretched with uncertainty, Thaksin reassured that Yingluck still retained a window of 90 days to make her case for a…