Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra seems to have developed a rather fascinating relationship with her trusty iPad. Wherever the winds of duty may blow her, her digital companion remains firmly by her side. More than just a trendy gadget, the iPad has become a symbol of her unique approach to leadership—sometimes cheekily dubbed “iPad diplomacy.” But what does all this mean for the youngest prime minister in Thailand’s history as she navigates through the turbulent waters of governance? Paetongtarn’s entourage isn’t just technological; she also benefits from insights provided by seasoned advisors from her father’s era—Thaksin Shinawatra’s leadership between 2001 and 2006. Even as critics scratch their heads over how she balances the counsel from her advisors with the digital wisdom of her iPad without relinquishing control over crucial decisions, Paetongtarn strides onward, etching her path in modern governance. As she stepped into office, Paetongtarn was met with a dramatic welcome:…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the latest chapter of regional geopolitics, the picturesque Koh Kut island, nestled in the emerald waters of the Gulf of Thailand, has become the epicenter of a heated debate. Allegations have surfaced claiming that Thailand’s grasp on this tranquil isle is slipping away. However, Noppadon Pattama, the Pheu Thai Party list MP, is having none of it. “Koh Kut still belongs to Thailand. That’s a fact,” declares Mr. Noppadon with unwavering determination. The former foreign minister is quick to squash rumors suggesting that under a memorandum signed with Cambodia in 2001, Thailand ceded this treasured island jewel. He dismisses these claims, emphasizing that “no one has ceded the island to Cambodia,” and firmly warns against the spread of such “blatant falsehoods”. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) in question, inked by then-foreign minister Surakiart Sathirathai, was intended to provide a diplomatic framework for negotiations over disputed maritime areas in the…
In a regal celebration fit for royalty, Her Majesty the Queen is set to lead a highly anticipated Thai army parade on December 3rd at the Royal Plaza, located in the historic Dusit Palace. This grand event is a tribute to honor His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, a milestone reached this past July. According to Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) spokesman, Major General Vithai Laithomya, this parade isn’t just any ordinary assembly of troops. It promises to be a grandiose military spectacle coupled with a solemn oath-taking ceremony, all in reverence to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. The event will commence with Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana at the helm, orchestrating the Royal Guard’s parade with the grace and command of a skilled leader. As the Commander of the Royal Guard’s Combined Forces, Queen Suthida will undoubtedly infuse the ceremony with her dignified presence and poise. Adding…
The Thai government has made a firm stand against granting citizenship to foreigners involved in unsavory businesses, even as it gears up to bestow Thai nationality upon over 480,000 ethnic people. As part of this new initiative, Jirayu Houngsub, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, recently announced that the cabinet had endorsed the National Security Council’s (NSC) proposal to simplify the process for awarding Thai citizenship to approximately 483,000 individuals. The focus of this plan is crystal clear: the aim is to facilitate those applicants who have been part of the state’s database for over three decades, instead of extending citizenship to foreigners entangled in dubious enterprises or transnational criminal activities. Over the span between 1992 and 2023, approximately 825,000 individuals applied for Thai citizenship. Among these applicants, 324,000 received citizenship, but a substantial number—about 483,000—found themselves waiting indefinitely, while many, tragically, passed away during the lengthy security verification process.…
In a surprising twist of cultural and conservation interests colliding, the Zoological Park Organization has taken a firm stance against a Buddhist monastery’s latest venture: the crafting of Moo Deng talismans. Now, if you haven’t yet heard of Moo Deng, let me illuminate you. This delightful creature, a pygmy hippo with a flair for social media fame, has captured the hearts of countless fans. However, not everyone is pleased with how this hippo’s likeness is being used. Mr. Attapon Srihayrun, who spearheads the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, recently stepped into the fray, addressing what can only be described as a nationwide hoopla. The monastery’s creation of “Moo Deng, the wealth-blessing hippo” talismans, though perhaps well-intentioned, has sparked a fair bit of bewilderment. The controversy stems from the belief held by some in the mystical powers of the Moo Deng amulets, as if this charming hippo had suddenly donned the…
Amidst the sweltering hustle and bustle of Thailand, a transformative venture is quietly gaining momentum, combating the ominous threat of climate change. In an ambitious partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Thailand has initiated a groundbreaking project titled “Increasing Resilience to Climate Change Impacts in Marine and Coastal Areas along the Gulf of Thailand.” With a generous investment of US$3 million (an impressive 101.2 million baht), courtesy of the Green Climate Fund, this four-year initiative, which launched in August 2020, aims to pioneer solutions addressing Thailand’s environmental vulnerabilities. The picturesque provinces of Rayong, Phetchaburi, Surat Thani, and Songkhla have been handpicked as the project sites. Central to this mission are key governmental bedrocks, including the Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE) and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, both falling under the guardianship of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Spearheading these efforts is Phirun…
Exciting news is coming from the Education Ministry that’s bound to add a spring to the step of students and teachers alike! A fresh regulation is about to be unveiled, granting kids the option to ditch those traditional scout uniforms and opt for something a bit more, let’s say, everyday chic for scout events. Education Minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob, donning his cap of innovation and foresight, has announced that the National Scout Executive Committee is diligently drafting a pivotal ministerial regulation. This initiative will offer schools the flexibility to choose between two types of scout attires: the dependable regular uniform and a more laid-back, casual version. This certainly sounds like a fantastic way to bring a fresh flair to what could be a humdrum Thursday scout meet-up! The vision here is as forward-thinking as the materials proposed for these uniforms. They will boast fabric that’s both flexible and durable,…
In the bustling metropolis of Thailand, where the hustle and bustle of urban life ensures that everyone is always on the move, there’s a lifeline that weaves through the city like a trusty old friend—the Purple Line of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). This railway line, with its striking violet hue, has not only served as a reliable mode of transportation for the people of Bangkok but has also become a key player in reducing travel expenses for the city’s residents. As the clock ticks towards the end of another year, there’s a buzz of excitement and anticipation. The MRTA has a grand plan in mind—a proposal to extend the flat rate fare of 20 baht for the Purple Line for an additional year beyond its expected expiration. Spearheading this endeavor is Wittaya Phanmongkol, the diligent and insightful deputy and acting governor of MRTA. With a gleam…
In a bold stride towards a future brimming with technological sophistication, the Department of Skill Development (DSD) in Thailand is poised to equip more than five million Thai workers with essential skills by 2025. This ambitious endeavor, proudly heralded by senior labour official Decha Pruekphathanarak, pivots on harnessing the power of digital technology to bolster industrial expansion and prosperity. Mr. Decha, serving as the deputy permanent secretary for labour, elucidated the strategic vision behind this initiative. It’s a plan intricately woven into the fabric of the 2025 policy guidelines, ingeniously crafted by the government and championed by Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. In their eyes, the ministry is envisioned as a crucial catalyst in propelling the nation’s economic engine into high gear. The core of these policy directives focuses on transforming the workforce to seamlessly cater to the needs of Thailand’s booming industries. Whether it’s the automotive sector that’s humming with…
In an exciting bid to transform Phatthalung into a vital logistics hub for Thailand’s southern region, authorities and local tourism sector enthusiasts are embarking on an ambitious project to build an airport. This strategic plan is not just about adding another dot on the map; it’s about propelling Phatthalung into the future with wings of progress and economic development. The blueprint is all set to be presented to the cabinet, marking a significant step towards achieving the government’s larger economic ambitions. On the bustling day of September 30, the Phatthalung governor made a decisive move by submitting a pivotal letter to the permanent secretary of the Transport Ministry. This was no ordinary correspondence but a crucial proposition seeking cabinet approval. It was fortified with a comprehensive feasibility study, a deep dive into public-private coordination dynamics, and insights from meetings orchestrated by the joint committee on Phatthalung Economic Development, among various…