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Posts published in “Thailand”

Bangkok Music Teacher’s Shocking Confession: Sexual Abuse of 15-Year-Old Student Uncovered

In a shocking revelation that has stirred the community, a music teacher at a prominent public school in Bangkok has confessed to sexually abusing a 15-year-old student for nearly two years. The alarm was raised after more than 100 video clips showcasing the heinous acts were discovered on his phone. Ekapop Luengprasert, an adviser to the interior minister and the mastermind behind the Sai Mai Tong Rod Facebook page, took swift action by escorting the victim and his mother to Thong Lor police station to formally press charges against the teacher. The mother, visibly distraught, recounted the nightmare that began unraveling last Thursday when her son confided in her about his prolonged ordeal. According to her, the abuse by the music teacher had commenced almost two years ago. The predator exerted a chilling grip over the boy, resorting to threats to ensure his silence. The depth of the mother’s trust…

Nonthaburi Senate Election Controversy: Allegations of Fraud and Vote Rigging Ignite Debate

With the evening sun dipping beneath the horizon, a wave of candidates who didn’t make the final cut for the Senate election ambled out of the polling place. The venue, Impact Muang Thong Thani, was abuzz on Wednesday night, culminating the search for 200 fresh faces in the Senate—a quest clouded by allegations of electoral misconduct. Official results? They’re set to be unveiled next Tuesday, and the Election Commission (EC) promises thorough investigations into the brewing storm of fraud accusations. The grand final saw 2,989 candidates who had triumphed in the previous provincial elections vie for a coveted spot, all under the same intra- and inter-group voting system, held at Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi. Beyond the chosen 200 senators, an additional 100 were put on standby, ready to step up in the event of disqualifications or other unforeseen circumstances. These 200 successful candidates hail from 20 diverse professional groups,…

Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn Stirs Controversy: Impeachment Campaign and Police Commission Battle

Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn is making headlines once again, this time by promoting his new website, hakparn.com, aimed at rallying support to impeach certain members of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The reason? Allegations of corruption and unexplained wealth that seem to plague these officials. This initiative gained momentum on May 16, as captured in a striking photo by Pornprom Satrabhaya. On the following Wednesday, the Police Commission, comprised of twelve members and chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, voted unanimously to back the decision of the acting national police chief to dismiss Pol Gen Surachate. The decision followed accusations linking the high-profile deputy chief to an online gambling syndicate. The commission spent a grueling three hours dissecting the situation before reaching the verdict. Pol Gen Surachate, known for his flamboyant self-promotion, has been at the center of several controversies. Recently, he and four of his subordinates were accused of money…

Thailand and Bhutan Strengthen Ties: PM Srettha Thavisin and Dasho Tshering Tobgay Sign Key Cooperation Agreements

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his Bhutanese counterpart Dasho Tshering Tobgay marked an auspicious occasion at Government House on Wednesday, celebrating the signing of not one, but two memoranda of understanding that signal a deepened cooperation between Thailand and Bhutan. The first memorandum focused on academic collaboration, paving the way for a symbiotic relationship between the Department of Medical Services at Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and Bhutan’s Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences. The second memorandum, a beacon for tourism, spotlighted the shared intent to enhance this vital economic sector for both nations. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke quoted Mr. Srettha, who expressed his profound honor at hosting Mr. Tobgay. The timing of this official visit is particularly significant, as it coincides with the 35th anniversary of Thailand-Bhutan diplomatic relations, solidifying the bond between the two countries witnessed by dignitaries and officials. “The two memoranda of understanding will serve as…

EquiStep Initiative: Novo Nordisk and Nanyang Unite for Improved Haemophilia Care in Thailand

In a groundbreaking alliance, Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare powerhouse, has teamed up with Nanyang, a prestigious Thai footwear manufacturer, and the Thai Haemophilia Patient Club to launch the pioneering “EquiStep” initiative. This multifaceted collaboration is set to revolutionize awareness, care access, and inclusivity for individuals living with haemophilia across Thailand. Haemophilia, a rare genetic bleeding disorder, affects approximately 320,000 individuals worldwide, according to the World Federation of Haemophilia. While Thailand is estimated to have around 5,750 cases, only 2,138—or 37%—are officially registered in the Thailand Haemophilia Registry. This under-registration leaves 62% of patients, particularly those with mild to moderate symptoms, without adequate care and effective treatments. Dr. Pantep Angchaisuksiri, Professor of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, and President of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH), sheds light on the intricate challenges haemophilia patients face: “Haemophilia is a genetic disorder that hinders blood clotting due to deficient…

Selangor International Business Summit 2024: A Grand Economic Extravaganza

Invest Selangor Berhad has set the stage for an extraordinary business extravaganza by launching the much-anticipated Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) 2024 on June 25 at the Sheraton Hotel in Petaling Jaya. Scheduled to transform the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre into a buzzing hub of economic activity, this annual event kicks off in July, championed by the Selangor State Government and meticulously orchestrated by Invest Selangor Berhad. It has steadily grown into one of the region’s premier marketplaces and networking arenas for exhibitors, investors, and industry heavyweights across Southeast Asia. SIBS 2024 promises a two-series spectacle: Series One: 25 – 27 July 2024 The first series is set to illuminate key investment themes through two marquee events: Selangor ASEAN Business Conference (SABC): This regional forum is a crucible for tackling investment challenges and unearthing opportunities within Southeast Asia. Featuring lauded speakers such as YAB Dato’ Menteri Besar Selangor and high-profile…

AIA Healthiest Schools Awards: Tessaban Schools Lead Thailand’s Charge for Healthier Education

On a vibrant June 25th morning, the SF World Cinema in CentralWorld, Bangkok, was bustling with excitement as AIA Thailand hosted the much-anticipated “AIA Healthiest Schools Award Ceremony” for the second consecutive year. Dignitaries, esteemed educators, and key representatives from the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) gathered to celebrate this unique initiative. Among the notable attendees was Police General Permpoon Chidchob, the Minister of Education, who presided over the event alongside Dr. Jakknit Kananurak, Vice President of the Digital Manpower Development Promotion Department. In its second year, the competition saw an impressive engagement, with over 600 schools participating. From this pool, 26 schools emerged victorious, celebrated for their commitment to promoting a healthier and more sustainable environment for students. This year’s program continues to focus on providing valuable learning materials centered on healthy eating, active lifestyles, mental wellbeing, and sustainability. Police General Permpoon Chidchob expressed his enthusiasm stating, “I am…

Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin’s Push to Reclassify Cannabis Ignites National Debate

Under the watchful eyes of law enforcers, passionate cannabis advocates gathered at Government House in a spirited protest against the proposed reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic. The scene on June 10 was both vibrant and tense, with palpable passion in the air. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) On a recent Wednesday, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced a rather eye-opening revelation. A comprehensive survey involving about 100,000 participants revealed an overwhelming majority’s desire to see cannabis recriminalised. Somsak, looking determined, didn’t shy away from stating that he would honor this public sentiment. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) dutifully conducted this extensive survey for the Public Health Ministry over a fortnight, from June 11 to June 25. An impressive sample size of nearly 100,000 respondents lent their voices to this crucial matter. And the numbers spoke volumes—about 80% supported cannabis’ return to the list of controlled substances. Somsak emphasised that although…

Thaksin Shinawatra’s Surprise Visit to Pheu Thai HQ Sparks Political Buzz

The vibrant energy at Pheu Thai headquarters took an unexpected turn last Tuesday when former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a surprise visit. As he entered, bathed in enthusiastic cheers and admiration, the day’s session with the party’s young MPs took on a new dimension of excitement. Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was conducting the session, quickly addressed the buzz around Thaksin’s arrival. She jested that her father had lightened the mood with a playful remark about becoming her assistant, adding a dash of humor to the proceedings. “He was just joking,” Ms. Paetongtarn reassured the reporters with a smile. The room filled with laughter when Thaksin casually mentioned his willingness to be her assistant, a suggestion that naturally drew attention from political analysts and enthusiasts alike. Paetongtarn laughed it off, emphasizing, “He has too many other ambitions and projects to focus on.” Yet, she left no room for…

UN Report by Tom Andrews Exposes Thailand’s Role in Myanmar’s Military Escalation

A fiery chaos erupted in Pazigyi village, nestled in Myanmar’s Sagaing Region, when an aerial attack by the Myanmar military tragically ended the lives of about 160 individuals, including 40 innocent children, in April 2023. Fast forward to the 2023-24 fiscal year, the value of weapons and related materials exported from Thailand to Myanmar soared to an astounding $120 million, doubling from the previous year, according to a report spearheaded by Tom Andrews, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar. His report, titled “Death Trade: How Banks and Governments Enable the Military Junta in Myanmar,” paints a vivid picture of how international efforts to cut off Myanmar’s ruling junta have seen mixed results. Although there have been significant strides in reducing shipments from Singapore-based companies, thanks to stringent measures from the city-state’s government, businesses in Thailand have filled in the void with alarming efficiency. Mr. Andrews spotlighted 16…