In a turn of events that could be plucked straight from a suspenseful drama script, a furry feline managed to steal the limelight from the human actors of the Thai period series, “The Empress of Ayodhaya.” Directed by Sant Srikaewlaw, the show stirred controversy when a scene depicted a black cat having a medical emergency after allegedly being drugged. However, the plot thickens as it turns out, this kitty was safe and sound all along! Director Sant Srikaewlaw, who helmed the series set during the historic Ayutthaya period, recently took to his Facebook page to assure fans that the cat is doing just fine. In an attempt to calm the storm brewing over social media, he posted videos of the boisterous black cat post-drama, looking not just alive but friskier than a kid in a candy shop. The director confirmed that the cat was given anesthetic under the watchful eyes…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In an ongoing saga of diplomatic chess and historical tension, the 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Thailand and Cambodia remains a hot topic. At the heart of this contentious agreement is the overlapping claim area (OCA), a whopping 26,000 square kilometers in the Gulf of Thailand, rumored to be overflowing with lucrative fossil energy resources. The MoU aims at setting maritime boundaries and cooperation for resource exploitation, all bundled into one ‘indivisible package’. However, the road has been rocky, with disagreements regarding territorial claims halting progress since its inception. Thailand’s Pheu Thai-led government, under the guidance of Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, has shown a keen interest in rekindling these negotiations. Yet, skepticism looms large due to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s close ties with Cambodia’s ex-leader, Hun Sen, and their fabulously synchronized political tango. After Hun Sen’s recent trip to Bangkok, eyebrows were raised and…
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) is gearing up to sign an exciting Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) next year regarding the arrival of two pandas from China, according to the permanent secretary, Jatuporn Buruspat. In a recent update, Mr. Jatuporn shared the latest developments on negotiations with Chinese authorities about transferring these beloved bears from China to the lush surroundings of Chiang Mai Zoo. The steady progress of the MNRE’s efforts is largely thanks to support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jatuporn noted. The anticipation is palpable as the ministry rolls out plans to create a bigger and better habitat for these pandas—a grand new living space, far larger than their previous 6,250-square-metre air-conditioned abode. The blueprint for this panda paradise will soon make its way to Chinese officials for their approval, ensuring a comfy and state-of-the-art environment for our furry friends. As it stands, the…
In the vibrant world of Formula 1 racing, a thrilling chapter is set to unfold, as Thailand prepares to join the prestigious ranks of F1 host nations. Just as George Russell dominated the track at the Brazilian Grand Prix, the Thai government, led by the dynamic Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is accelerating its drive to bring an F1 spectacle to the Kingdom, a move that promises to be a turbocharged boon for tourism and economic growth. Picture this: the roar of engines echoing against the backdrop of Thailand’s breathtaking landscapes, drawing fans and adrenaline seekers from across the globe. It’s not just about tire-screeching entertainment; it’s a strategic megaproject designed to put Thailand on the global map as a premier destination, blending the thrill of speed with the alluring charm of Thai culture. Prime Minister Shinawatra has committed to fervently pursuing this vision, highlighting the transformational potential such an event…
In the heart of Thailand’s lush green landscape, a contentious debate is unfolding. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) is poised to present two groundbreaking draft laws to the cabinet. However, this initiative has ignited a firestorm of opposition from the People’s Movement for a Just Society (P-Move), a vocal advocacy group that fears the laws could jeopardize local communities’ ancestral land rights. DNP’s chief, Attapon Charoenchansa, an ardent advocate for protecting Thailand’s natural wonders, revealed that these bills aim to bolster the conservation and protection of national parks and wildlife reserves. The drafts echo the principles enshrined in the National Park Act and the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act, setting strict regulations for activities within these precious areas. Mr. Attapon articulates a vision where the very essence of these bills is to safeguard people’s rights who reside in forested areas, promising their right to live…
The anticipation is brewing, and we’re all on the edge of our seats as we await the next chapter in the panda saga at Chiang Mai Zoo. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) is gearing up to take a significant step forward. Slated for next year, they’re planning to ink a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bring not one, but two adorable pandas from China straight to Thailand. Who spilled the beans, you ask? That would be Jatuporn Buruspat, the ever-busy permanent secretary, sharing updates on the ongoing panda talks with the Chinese authorities. The steady progress made by the MNRE, with a little help from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is nothing short of remarkable. In a world where diplomacy often moves at a glacial pace, this is indeed exciting news for panda enthusiasts everywhere. And oh, what plans they have! To welcome these furry treasures, the…
The sun was peeking through the dense canopy of Thailand’s national parks, casting playful shadows on the forest floor, just as the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) prepared to unveil a pair of groundbreaking proposals. Set to be submitted to the cabinet next week, these draft laws have stirred quite the controversy, igniting resistance from the People’s Movement for a Just Society (P-Move), who fear these changes could uproot the very communities entwined with their ancestral lands. Masterminded by DNP chief Attapon Charoenchansa, the new bills aim to cultivate a harmonious balance between safeguarding precious natural resources and preserving the rights of those dwelling in these verdant paradises. Crafted under the watchful eyes of the National Park Act and Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act, these legislative efforts are like a tightrope walk across a canyon of competing interests. “We’re sowing the seeds of protection,” Mr. Attapon…
The bustling energy at the recent press conference was palpable as Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stepped forward to address the curious media. The serene backdrop of Koh Kut was a stark contrast to the turbulent waves of politics that he was about to dive into. With the sun casting a warm glow, Phumtham took the mic, ready to tackle the elephant in the room—the enduring shadow of the controversial 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia. This MoU has been a hotbed of debates, drawing lines not just across maps but fracturing political landscapes as well. At its core, it proposed a joint venture between Thailand and Cambodia to develop parts of an overlapping claim area (OCA) in the Gulf of Thailand, a region speculated to be a treasure trove of fossil energy. However, there’s no denying that what glitters in the sea might also glimmer…
A recent visit to the beautiful island of Koh Kut by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai turned what should have been a serene survey into a diplomatic drama involving an old, seemingly never-ending, maritime dispute. On that sunny Saturday, Phumtham and his entourage boarded a ship to inspect the historically contentious waters in Trat province. While there, he sought to reassure all Thais, both on the island and off, that the sovereignty of Koh Kut remains firmly under Thailand’s jurisdiction, despite old treaties and rival claims that seem to resurface like a tenacious seaweed. The drama unfolds around a 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed under the Thaksin Shinawatra administration. Designed to be a simple mechanism to address overlapping maritime claims between Thailand and Cambodia, this MoU has become a hot potato in political circles. Many believe it consigned part of Thailand’s sovereignty to oblivion, a claim Phumtham vehemently dismisses.…
Imagine the scene: a luxury house nestled in Bangkok’s chic Taling Chan district, its exterior whispering tales of opulence and charm. Yet, on an otherwise ordinary Thursday, this spectacle of luxury becomes the hub of heightened activity. Officers swarm the premises, their attention zeroed in on the lavish confines. The reason? The renowned attorney, Sittra Biabungkerd, and his wife find themselves embroiled in a web of fraud charges. The Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo), like a hawk keeping a close eye, has been in rigorous discussions with the police investigators. Their mission is as clear as day: unravel the intricate money trail and unfurl the assets linked to the Biabungkerds. Amlo, working hand-in-glove with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) of the police, has its sights set on dissecting the couple’s financial transactions. As of Saturday, Amlo spokesperson Witthaya Neetitham had confirmed that no assets had been seized, yet. Last week’s search…