Wednesday at the Election Commission’s headquarters was a scene straight out of a political drama, imbuing the atmosphere with an electrifying mix of defiance and demand. Leading the charge was Pol Maj Gen Chattrawat Saengphet, a prominent figure rallying senators to call for the immediate suspension of an inquiry panel. This panel was delving into allegations of election-rigging in last year’s Senate election, a case that’s shaking the political ground with accusations of vote collusion. The tension was palpable as the seasoned General and his entourage stepped forth, their purpose clear: to shield the senators from what they profess to be a prejudiced investigation. In the heart of this controversy is the Election Commission (EC), the body entrusted with ensuring fair play in the electoral process. Yet, they now find themselves embroiled in a thorny situation where their integrity and impartiality are being questioned. Itthiporn Boonpracong, the EC’s chairman, received…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a political saga that has all the makings of a high-stakes drama, a group of determined senators is rallying to halt the selection of members for independent organizations during the Senate’s session on May 29-30. Their call for action comes amid swirling allegations of vote rigging involving several members of the Upper House during last year’s Senate election. The shadow of suspicion lingers heavily as the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Election Commission (EC) delve into this murky affair. While the DSI picks apart accusations of money laundering and seedy collusion from the June poll of the previous year, the EC meticulously scrutinizes breaches of Senate election law. The air is thick with anticipation as over 140 individuals have already been summoned by the EC, with more to follow. Amidst this whirlwind of inquiries, the minority senators are not standing idly by. Esteemed figures like Premsak Piayura…
As the nation braces itself for a pivotal moment in its fiscal journey, the weighty 3.78-trillion-baht budget bill for the 2026 fiscal year is set to undergo rigorous scrutiny. In a display of democratic negotiation, 20 hours have been evenly divided between the government and the opposition to debate this monumental financial proposal, as informed by the ever-diligent chief government whip, Wisut Chainarun. The serene atmosphere of consensus unfolded after a joint meeting between government and opposition whips. It seems that the elusive spirit of cooperation finally graced the legislative halls, with both camps harmoniously agreeing on the time allocation for the upcoming debates, set to ignite the House from May 28 to May 31. With a confident nod, Mr. Wisut assured the nation, “There was no conflict on the time allotment for the debate.” On the kickoff day, May 28, the House will first tackle two bills alongside the…
In a surprising twist that has everything to do with mucky temple politics and a hint of fiscal intrigue, recent developments at the revered Wat Rai Khing have become the talk of the town. The story unfolds with Yaem Inkrungkao, once the esteemed abbot of the temple, surrendering to authorities on a crisp mid-May morning in what has the makings of a drama fit for the big screen. Things took a darker turn when whispers of missing donations surfaced. The much-lauded Mettapracharak Hospital, located in Nakhon Pathom and founded by the late Phra Ubali Kunoopamajarn, is at the heart of this unfolding story. While it has warmed the hearts of locals with its healthcare services since 1989, the hospital revealed a rather discouraging fact: it’s been over three years since they last received any financial aid from Wat Rai Khing. This revelation comes despite the ever-present donation boxes at the…
In a tale that seems plucked straight from a political thriller, veteran politician Kusumalwati Sirikomut has become the center of a storm that’s reverberating through Thai political corridors. At 62, hailing from the province of Maha Sarakham, Kusumalwati’s life reads like an epic saga, with the latest chapter shining a glaring spotlight on the often murky waters of political power plays. Despite not making it to the final roster of the 200 senators in last year’s highly competitive three-stage election ordeal, Kusumalwati’s name still graces the reserve senators list, a nod to her enduring influence and tenacity. With a dramatic flourish worthy of a seasoned political gladiator, she recently petitioned the Election Commission to request the Constitutional Court to dissolve the Bhumjaithai Party, alleging they meddled in the Senate elections. The plot thickens as she accuses none other than the party’s charismatic leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, along with the equally enigmatic…
In the wake of an unspeakable tragedy, the city of Bangkok grapples with questions that cut to the heart of governance and public trust. On April 5, the scene was both chaotic and somber as excavators relentlessly combed through the rubble of the State Audit Office building in Chatuchak district. What began as a structural collapse has evolved into a complex inquiry laced with whispers of corruption and blame. Over fifty days have elapsed since the catastrophic event on March 28, which claimed close to a hundred lives and obliterated a substantial chunk of public funds—an estimated 2 billion baht. The shockwaves from this disaster extend beyond physical debris, shaking public confidence in the integrity and safety of state-run construction projects. “This isn’t just a structure lost; it’s a monumental breach of trust,” vocalized Mana Nimitmongkol, the stalwart secretary-general of the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT). While 17 individuals have…
In the bustling vibrant heart of Bangkok, right on the ever-bustling Khao San Road, there’s an eye-catching neon sign that many have come to associate with the city’s unusual, yet intriguing journey with cannabis—a glowing green leaf marking the legal gray area that is Thailand’s cannabis scene. Just as technicolors shine, it was at a recent gathering that Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin decided to add some fine print to this display. For nearly three years, since the blaze of legalization lit up the nation, the world has watched curiously as Thailand sauntered through the hazy details of cannabis regulation. But now, a new twist emerges in this green narrative as Somsak announced the introduction of a requirement for cannabis users—Thai and foreigners alike—to produce medical certificates before lighting up. Addressing the nation from a glittering press conference in Bangkok, Mr. Somsak outlined his commitment to keeping the reefer madness…
Strolling down the vibrant and bustling Khao San Road in Bangkok, one cannot help but notice the neon-lit cannabis displays that have become emblematic of the area’s recent cultural shift. These bright signs beckon both curious wanderers and seasoned users alike. Yet, amidst the glow of the neon, a new regulatory dawn is upon us, heralded by Thailand’s Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin. Minister Somsak, in a move poised to reshape the realm of cannabis use in Thailand, has announced his intention to fortify regulations surrounding this once-controversial plant. “I will improve regulations on cannabis use in Thailand,” he asserted at a press conference held on a lively Wednesday morning. His proposal? A simple yet stringent requirement: cannabis lovers, whether locals or tourists, will need to arm themselves with medical certificates, ensuring that cannabis remains tethered to its medical leash. As his voice echoed through the conference room, Mr. Somsak’s…
In the ever-volatile realm of Thai politics, it seems there’s always room for a captivating tale—a narrative weaving through the palatial halls of power and justice, picking apart every detail. Our story unfolds on the gleaming 14th floor of the Police General Hospital in vibrant Bangkok, where medical rooms might well double as luxury suites for those with bank vaults deep and connections unbreakable. There was a loud bang when Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, at the helm of the royalist Thai Pakdee Party, decided to stir the pot with some intriguing snapshots. These images painted a peculiar reality of the premium ward which recently hosted the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, for a lengthy residency stretching from August 2023 to February 2024. The photos suggested a conspicuous absence of life-saving gadgets, hinting that such rooms are for the leisurely ill — a playful wink towards health checkups rather than terminal care.…
Fancy catching the sunrise from the iconic Pha Nok Aen viewpoint at Phu Kradueng National Park? Well, by 2027, you might be able to do so in style—riding a cable car that whisks you up to this majestic location nestled in Loei province in northeastern Thailand. It’s been a marathon journey, more than four decades in the making, and despite the long-standing debate between conservationists and the government, the dream of a cable car is inching closer to reality! The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, determined to see this through, is confident that 2027 will be the year we see not just nature enthusiasts but also curious tourists hopping aboard the new cable car. Centered around the notion of blending accessibility with sustainability, the new transport will be able to move up to 5,000 folks daily. This careful cap is a number meticulously designed by the Department of National Parks,…