Posts published in “Thailand”

Imagine the hallowed halls of Thailand’s Parliament humming with anticipation as another round of consequential decisions awaits. There’s a tangible buzz in the air—after all, we’re talking about the fate of the nation’s charter, the very DNA of Thai democracy. It’s August 22, and both MPs and senators are diving headfirst into a joint parliamentary meeting, a prelude to a much larger spectacle of political finesse and debate (see, there’s the photo by Chanat Katanyu to prove it wasn’t all a dream). Flash forward to December, and the plot thickens. The scene is set for a new act in this intricate political dance as parliament swings open its doors once more. Nikorn Chamnong, a maestro of referenda and head of a special sub-panel, steps into the limelight with news that’s going to get every lawmaker’s pen scribbling. He’s dispatching a missive to the podiums of House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor…

Scandal has struck the heart of Thailand’s agricultural sector with whispers of corruption resonating through the corridors of power. At the epicenter of this storm is a tantalizing audio recording, a voice mired in controversy demanding the hefty sum of 10 million baht – the price for freedom offered to a desperate pork smuggler. As the country listens with bated breath, the intrepid Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister, the enigmatic Capt Thamanat Prompow, embarks on a quest to unmask the identity of this mysterious official. Amid the plush settings of the Nattapon Grand Hotel, nestled in the province of Nong Bua Lam Phu, Capt Thamanat faced the media’s barrage of questions. It was here, in these opulent confines, that the whispered deal surfaced, revealing an insidious exchange – criminal charges dropped for a pile of cash. As though peeling the layers of an onion, Capt Thamanat alluded to the identity of…

It was a scene straight out of an action-packed crime thriller, but this was no Hollywood movie — this was the gritty reality on the shimmering waters beside the TNS Bangpakong jetty in Bang Pakong district of Chachoengsao. Under the cloak of night, the usually tranquil river morphed into the backdrop for a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, as authorities swooped in on the mighty tugboat Srimongkolsap in a dramatic raid that would unravel a plot fit for the silver screen. As the clock neared half-past nine on that fateful Monday evening, the murky ripples of the Bang Pakong river were disrupted by the frenetic activity of Marine and narcotics suppression units, acting on a tip-off of a smuggling operation so bold, it could send shockwaves across continents. With precision that would make any spy envious, the law enforcement agents descended upon the unsuspecting vessel, which sat bobbing innocuously…

On a serene Tuesday, as the soft hues of dawn caressed Bangkok’s skyline, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse stood respectfully before his revered grandfather’s monument. It was Father’s Day, a poignant moment etched in the collective memory of the Thai population, and there, in the lush tranquility of Chalerm Prakiart Park in Dusit district, the noble lineage and deep-rooted traditions of the kingdom were on full display. With a composed yet emotive gaze, affectionately known to the Thai people as “Than Aon,” Vacharaesorn marked the occasion with a touching tribute to his beloved grandfather, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose life and legacy continue to be a beacon of inspiration. The scene was immortalized in a photograph that would later adorn his Facebook page, accompanied by a heartfelt message tendering his admiration and devotion. The 42-year-old prince, a luminary with scholarly accolades that span the globe, had ventured back to his ancestral homeland…

Underneath the tranquil moonlit sky of Pattani’s Yaring district, an operation swathed in secrecy was about to take a dramatic and violent turn. Monday’s night had cloaked itself in an ordinary veil, but behind the scenes, a meticulously orchestrated police sting was setting the stage for a major drug bust and an unexpected shootout. The air carried a tinge of salt from the nearby Gulf of Thailand as two figures, undercover officers, played their parts flawlessly, veiling their nerves with a calm exterior. They had arranged what was supposed to be a simple transaction⁠—the purchase of a staggering 200,000 methamphetamine pills. The rendezvous had been decided: a nondescript stretch of Road 42 in tambon Manangyong, a place soon to witness a scene straight out of an action-packed crime thriller. As the pickup truck rolled to a stop, dust swirling around its tires, the two suspects had no inkling that their…

In the sun-soaked, vibrant streets of Pattaya, an instance not quite so bright has cast a long shadow over the idyllic image of Thailand’s bustling tourist hotspots. It was an ordinary day until the news cracked across the media landscape like a bolt of lightning: a tourist mired in scandal, entangled with the local authorities in what looks to be a dance with deception and corruption. Or is it? A report from Deutsche Welle, the German heavyweight in journalism, shone its spotlight on the unfolding drama. It posited that this hapless traveller found himself apprehended on the infamous date of September 11th, 2022. The allegations are as spicy as Thai cuisine itself—a sting operation had apparently snared the tourist, who was then ensnared further by the ritzy sum of 1 million baht, allegedly greasing the palms of those who wear the badge. Suddenly, Pattaya’s perpetual party came to a screeching…

Let’s face it, friends – our wallets are feeling a little lighter these days. It seems that almost everything is getting pricier, and our monthly bills are no exception. Well, that storm cloud isn’t going anywhere fast, and Mr. Srettha is pointing out the obvious: this spike in the cost of living could seriously rain on the government’s parade when it comes time for elections. Now, let’s talk turkey… or in this case, electricity. Imagine your electricity bill looking a little bloated. Thank the ERC’s decision for a 12.5% hike, taking the cost up from 4.20 baht to a rather plump 4.68 baht per unit. And while we wait with bated breath, the ERC will be reconvening in January, and the million-baht question is: Will they hit the brakes on this increase, or just ease the throttle a bit? Over at the Energy Ministry, spokesman Pongpol Yodmuangcharoen has been shedding…

Studying in Thailand’s prestigious universities is a dream for many, and the gatekeepers to that dream are none other than the pivotal TGAT-TPAT exams. Think of the TGAT as the keymaster of your general academic prowess, a multifaceted examination that evaluates your overall academic chops. Simultaneously, the TPAT plays the specialized wizard, conjuring up tests to assess your knowledge in particular subjects that pique your intellectual curiosity. Recently, the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), a respected guardian of Thai education, made a strategic maneuver in this chess game of academia. Faced with the echoes of concern rippling through the student community, OBEC foresaw a dilemma. Students were wrestling with a dual quest: excelling in day-to-day classes while also steeling themselves for the colossal battle of entrance exams. The verdict? Schools would embark on a temporary hiatus, ensuring that these young minds could marshal their forces and focus entirely…

On a brisk Monday morning, with the hands of the clock inching towards 9 am, Parnpree took on a sea of inquisitive reporters, poised and ready before the mobile Cabinet assembled in the verdant province of Nong Bua Lamphu. The air buzzed with anticipation over the latest updates regarding the predicament of Thai nationals captivated far from home. Parnpree, with a cautious tone threading through his words, admitted the line of communication with Hamas had been bespecked with conflicting reports. “As of recently, we received intel suggesting nine of our compatriots were under Hamas’ hold,” he shared, the morning light casting long shadows as he spoke. He paused, reflecting on the weight of his next words. “Yet, a whisper has come down the grapevine that the number may in fact be eight. As it stands, an air of uncertainty wraps around the true count of our brethren still awaiting freedom,”…

Imagine the scene: the sun-drenched fields of Northeast province, where the air buzzes with anticipation. This isn’t just any ordinary day; it’s the day the Prime Minister and his cadre of ministers grace the verdant pastures for a mobile Cabinet meeting – their inaugural one since the coalition took the reins of power back in the sultry days of August. But beyond the rigors of political machination, there’s the pulse-racing thrill of sport. In what unfolded as an exhibition of camaraderie and grassroots engagement, a friendly but fiercely contested match lit up the ground at Suwan Khuha primary school. Here, Srettha, the esteemed leader, swapped his suit for shorts and marshaled a team of Cabinet members, robust in spirit, alongside the stalwart staff of Government House. Their opponents? The eager, sprightly local youth team, the pride of Suwan Khuha district. The premier, a maestro with the ball at his feet,…