In a tale of distress and disappointment, a woman known only as Ae, 30, has brought to light a troubling narrative involving allegations of sexual harassment within the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Ae, who was a valued member of Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt’s team, has voiced her frustrations about the response to her plight. Ae stepped into the public eye through the media, claiming that she was subjected to unwanted advances by a senior executive of the BMA. Although a formal investigation was launched, it culminated in the governor merely asking the accused to step down from his role as assistant secretary-general on June 7, citing insufficient evidence. However, Ae contends that there was concrete proof in the form of Line messages that supported her claims. The accused had reportedly admitted his misconduct and apologized in these messages. Additionally, two deputy governors were present and witnessed the confession, according to…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a bold move against the government’s latest stance on cannabis, pro-cannabis groups are gearing up to stage a protest outside Government House tomorrow. This comes in response to the Public Health Ministry’s committee’s nod to reclassify both cannabis and hemp as narcotic drugs. The committee’s decision means that, except for their branches, leaves, roots, and seeds, cannabis and hemp will be labeled as narcotics. Moreover, cannabis buds and materials containing more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) will also fall under the narcotic category. With the majority in favor, this change is set to roll out on January 1 of the coming year, provided the Office of the Narcotics Control Board concurs. Prasitchai Nunual, the passionate secretary-general of the Writing Thai Cannabis’ Future pro-cannabis group, announced an upcoming rally outside Government House to oppose the move. He expressed that the committee’s decision doesn’t reflect public interest and may even constitute an…
The government is gearing up to set up drug-free zones across the country, drawing inspiration from the successful Roi Et and Nan models, aiming to complete this endeavor by September 30. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, during a recent mobile cabinet meeting, pledged to tackle the nation’s drug issues with an arsenal of support from various agencies. Addressing the gravity of the drug menace, Mr. Srettha announced a two-pronged approach: cracking down on drug dealers and providing treatment for addicts to aid their smooth reintegration into society. He called upon provincial governors, particularly in Nakhon Ratchasima, to implement the drug suppression strategies demonstrated in Roi Et and Nan within their jurisdictions. The Roi Et and Nan model is currently operational in Thawatchaburi district of Roi Et and Tha Wang Pha district of Nan. The core strategy involves designating high-drug-prevalence areas as no-tolerance zones. The Prime Minister emphasized the effectiveness of this…
The crescendo of excitement reverberating from the release of the “Rockstar” music video by Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal on June 28 has undeniably thrust Bangkok’s Yaowarat, better known as Chinatown, into the global spotlight. In a breathtaking display of star power, Lisa’s first solo single in three years shattered records, racking up a staggering 32.4 million views on YouTube within a mere 24 hours. This viral sensation filmed predominantly in Yaowarat, has transformed the bustling historic area into a mecca for fans and tourists eager to walk the same streets as the charismatic K-pop idol. Lisa’s magnetic influence on her homeland is not unprecedented. Back in September 2021, her solo debut album “Lalisa” not only topped charts but also showcased her in traditional Thai attire, with the exquisite Prasat Hin Phanom Rung ruins serving as a majestic backdrop. Even mundane items, like local street vendor meatballs and herbal inhalers beloved by…
The government has sought to assuage public concerns regarding its proposal to increase the foreign ownership quota for condominiums to 75% and extend the land leasehold terms to 99 years. Speaking on his Facebook page, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke emphasized that additional regulations could be introduced to mitigate any negative impacts on Thai citizens. According to the government’s plan, the foreign ownership limit for condo units in any given project would rise from the current 49% to 75%. Additionally, foreigners would be able to secure land leases for up to 99 years, up from the current 30 to 50 years under renewable lease contracts. While acknowledging the economic advantages this proposal could bring, Mr. Chai also stressed that the government is actively listening to all perspectives. He outlined four primary concerns that have emerged since the proposal captured public attention last week. The first worry is that these changes could…
On June 26, in Nonthaburi, the Election Commission (EC) chairman, Ittiporn Boonpracong, addressed reporters as the Senate election process neared its conclusion. With the election reaching its final stage, political analysts and newly elected senators are urging the EC to officially certify the results for the 200 winners, thus preventing the current appointed Senate from overstaying its welcome. The recommendation is to announce provisional certified results immediately and allow the new senators to assume office while ongoing investigations into potential irregularities continue. Experts at a forum hosted by the Thai Journalists Association emphasized that the EC still maintains the power to disqualify any candidates found guilty of electoral misconduct or running ineligibly. Time is of the essence for the caretaker Senate to step aside and let the elected senators take over. “This Senate election system is the most intricate we’ve ever had, yet it has performed the poorest in terms…
(Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) The bustling terminals of Suvarnabhumi airport have been livelier than ever, thanks to a significant uptick in air traffic between Thailand and China. It’s been a sky-high journey marked by an impressive rise to 55,000 flights in the last eight months, a 213% surge compared to the same period the previous year. This surge follows the signing of a mutual visa exemption agreement, injecting a fresh wind of travel enthusiasm among tourists from both countries, according to Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote. The Ministry of Transport envisages this trend continuing, predicting an astounding 86,150 flights between Thailand and China by the fiscal year-end on September 30. The skies above Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Samui, and Krabi airports have seen a vivid patchwork of crisscrossing flights, highlighting a substantial increase in connectivity. Especially noteworthy is the rise in flights from economic hubs like Chengdu in southwestern…
Imagine a sunny Saturday in the heart of Bangkok’s bustling Klong Toey slum community, where a unique initiative is sparking hope and dreams among children who had once drifted away from the conventional school system. This isn’t just any open house—it marks the official kick-off of the “Mobile School” project, a groundbreaking effort driven by the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) to reintegrate over a million school dropouts into the magic of learning. Patanapong Sukmadan, an assistant manager at EEF, passionately explains how the Mobile School project is meticulously designed to bridge educational gaps. With a focus on flexibility and accessibility, the project aims to ensure that even the most vulnerable children have the means to complete their education up to Matthayom 3 (Grade 9) in compliance with Thai educational law. The initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration, bringing together the private sector and various educational networks to…
Imagine waking up to a skyline pierced by towering condominium buildings just above the serene Chatuchak Park in Bangkok. Now, visualize the potential shift in ownership dynamics, sparking both excitement and concern. The Thai government’s proposal to elevate the foreign ownership quota for condominiums to a remarkable 75% and extend land leasehold terms to an impressive 99 years has stirred the pot, leading to a whirlwind of public debate. While initial reactions have been mixed, the government, through its spokesperson Chai Wacharonke, is striving to alleviate worries regarding potential adverse impacts. Mr. Chai, on his Facebook page, assured that any forthcoming issues could be tackled with regulations designed to safeguard Thai interests. The blueprint proposes to bump up the foreign ownership ceiling in condominiums from the current 49% of usable space to a larger 75%. Moreover, the land lease term cap for foreigners would leap from 30 and 50 years…
When Mongkutwattana Hospital was asked to shoulder the treatment costs for a severely injured worker, it wasn’t a decision taken lightly. According to the hospital’s director, the situation escalated after the employer flatly refused to cover the expenses. The Department of Employment swiftly responded by lodging a police complaint against the Thai employer. The worker in question was a migrant who had come into the country illegally, which compounded the already tense situation. This revelation surfaced when Maj Gen Dr. Rienthong Nanna, the esteemed director of Mongkutwattana Hospital, took to his Facebook page to shine a light on the injustice and to coax the employer into taking responsibility. In his compelling post, Dr. Rienthong shared a harrowing account of a migrant worker brought to their hospital, gravely injured. A sharp object had pierced through the worker’s left rib and diaphragm, coming dangerously close to the heart. It was a critical…