In the heart of East Pattaya, the charming Nong Pla Lai subdistrict was experiencing a rather unnerving dilemma—a key road had been enshrouded in darkness for over a year. Imagine traversing a 1-kilometre stretch each day with nothing but shadows to accompany you. It sounds like the opening scene of a spine-tingling thriller, doesn’t it? But, fear not, for salvation is on the horizon, and it comes in the form of a not-so-unsung hero: Mayor Phinyo Homklun. Mayor Phinyo swooped in with the resolute determination of a protagonist in an action-packed blockbuster. His mission? To investigate and rectify the baffling streetlight conundrum that left over 100 households in the dark—literally. Equipped with a robust sense of civic duty, he ventured into the abyss (well, between Phon Thep 6 and Phon Thep 8 villages) to unravel the mystery shrouding those unlit lamps. It turned out the plot twist wasn’t as thrilling…
Posts published in “Thailand”
On March 11, against the backdrop of the bustling province of Nonthaburi, a scene unfolded at the Social Security Office that has since captivated the attention of financial sleuths and concerned citizens alike. People’s Party MP Rukchanok Srinork, standing amidst a sea of reporters, confidently addressed the pressing issues that had recently penetrated the walls of the Social Security Board (SSB) – the enigmatic decisions surrounding past investments of the Social Security Fund (SSF). As the sun settled over the cityscape, the pressing matter under scrutiny wasn’t simply a routine check but a deep dive into investments that had begun raising more than just an eyebrow. The SSF, an entity entrusted with the lifeblood resources of employers and employees across the region, found itself under the spotlight. The controversy du jour was centered around the SSF’s purchase of SKYY9, a prominent edifice in Bangkok. Allegations circulated that this acquisition occurred…
In a story that is both unsettling and shocking, the well-known page “Sai Mai Tong Rod” or “Sai Mai Must Survive” is bringing significant attention to a disturbing case that has shaken the community of Khon Kaen. The case involves a school janitor, who stands accused of committing egregious acts of sexual abuse against young girls, including a kindergartener. This distressing matter, which erupted about a month ago, has parents and concerned citizens worried that the investigation may lag or even come to an untimely halt as public scrutiny fizzles out. The founder of the webpage, Ekkapop Luengprasert, echoes these concerns and has taken assertive steps to ensure the case receives the continuous attention it truly deserves. According to news sources, Ekkapop has proactively liaised with key organizations, such as the Office of the Basic Education Commission, the Royal Thai Police, and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security,…
Step aside humdrum rides and say hello to the future of sightseeing in Phuket! The island is gearing up to welcome not one, but two spectacular, open-top EV buses, beautifully crafted to invigorate tourism while tackling environmental issues like a boss. Spearheading this green revolution is none other than Phuket’s own mayor, Saroj Angkanapilas. He envisions these buses not simply as eco-friendly chariots but as vibrant ambassadors of Phuket, rolling out the charm with mobile tourism like never before! These spiffy eight-wheeled marvels have been adorned with stunning illustrations of iconic Sino-European architecture, ensuring every ride is not just a journey, but a tale told on wheels. It’s a delightful nod to Phuket’s Old Town, weaving a visual narrative of the island’s rich cultural tapestry—a fascinating intersection where history meets innovation. Hats off to Electric Vehicles (Thailand) Plc for making this visionary dream a reality! But wait, there’s more to…
As Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn addressed the censure debate on Tuesday, he boldly promised an elevated minimum wage of 400 baht, slated to go into effect by May 1, just in time to greet Labour Day with a tad more in the pockets of hardworking Thai citizens. But with promises often come doubts. People’s Party (PP) MP Sirikanya Tansakul didn’t hold back her criticism, painting the picture of a government that whispered sweet words for political clout and gain. Accusations of an unfulfilled pledge reverberated through the chamber: “That promise was only a lie to the public for political gain,” Ms. Sirikanya hammered home. She laid bare some daunting statistics; businesses seemingly in retreat rather than expansion. Since the Adams of the Paetongtarn administration, business closures surged by an eye-catching 11%, while openings sheepishly bumped up a mere 4%. Workers, unfortunately, found themselves unceremoniously axed with scant compensation—a budgetary decision…
In the politically charged realms of Thailand’s vibrant democracy, a dramatic ruling has turned heads throughout the nation. The Supreme Court, on an impactful Wednesday decision, rendered Mukdawan Luengsinil, representing the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) as an MP for Nakhon Si Thammarat, ineligible to stand or vote in any election for an entire decade. This verdict was the consequence of a petition filed by the vigilant Election Commission (EC), determined to uphold electoral integrity. The judicial gavel came down hard following accusations of Ms. Mukdawan’s involvement in an unethical practice – vote-buying. The allegations stemmed from the 2023 general elections in Constituency 8 of the southern province, where she purportedly distributed 500 baht each to voters, culminating in a breezy 25,000 baht payout. This secretive attempt at securing electoral victory was seen as a blatant affront to the principles of fair play. Since July 5, Ms. Mukdawan’s parliamentary duties were on…
Anticipation is mounting in the digital realm as a crucial amendment to an executive decree addressing cybercrime is nearing completion. Within the next week, it’s expected that the finishing touches will be applied, all under the experienced eye of the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong. As Mr. Prasert reveals, the proposed legislation is currently under the critical review of the Council of State, standing as the government’s legal compass. But what’s the current hold-up, you ask? Well, a seemingly small legal hiccup has emerged, particularly concerning the legislation governing the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and its potential overlap with existing laws. Clearing this legal clutter will pave the way for the amendment’s journey into the Royal Gazette, bypassing the typical stop at the cabinet. This streamlined process represents an agile response to a persistent problem. The DES Ministry, in its proactive stance, presented this amendment to…
The scene at parliament was charged with anticipation. Cabinet ministers and Pheu Thai Party MPs radiated confidence as they waved to journalists after the much-anticipated censure debate. The event stretched over two days, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra standing prominently at the eye of the storm. It was a high-stakes political spectacle that had analysts in a whirl, each offering their varied takes on the proceedings. Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, with a track record as a former election commissioner, weighed in on Wednesday. In his view, the debate ended in a stalemate, a diplomatic draw where neither the government nor the opposition could claim a significant victory. He remarked that despite having a formidable team supporting her, Ms. Paetongtarn’s rebuttals were lacking in substance. The one exception was her detailed discourse on ultrafine dust pollution, which stood out amid a series of vaguer answers. Meanwhile, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, the opposition leader and the…
In the midst of a bustling parliamentary setting, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stood triumphant, flanked by various dignitaries including Opposition Leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and People’s Party MP Sirikanya Tansakul, who extended a cordial greeting after Ms. Paetongtarn successfully navigated a tense no-confidence motion. The premier emerged victorious with an impressive wave of support, cementing her political standing with an affirmation from the legislative assembly. With rumors swirling about potential cabinet reshuffles, Prime Minister Paetongtarn quickly dispelled the speculation, confirming that there would be no imminent changes to her executive team. Addressing the media after securing her confidence vote, she expressed contentment with her current cabinet’s performance, stating unequivocally, “The current cabinet lineup remains intact, and there are no reshuffle plans at present.” In a sprinkle of familial insight, she shared tidbits of a conversation with her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, a former prime minister himself and a polarizing figure in Thai…
In a dramatic turn of events, law enforcement officers swept across Bangkok in the early hours of Wednesday morning, arresting a retired colonel and a doctor implicated in a massive medical fraud scheme that allegedly funneled overprescribed medication worth a staggering 60 million baht. This intricate plot unfurled under the purview of the Veterans General Hospital, a sanctuary normally dedicated to healing, which instead bore witness to misdeeds worthy of a medical drama episode. The orchestrators of this audacious endeavor, Col Kanyarat Jitprasong, aged 59, and Dr. Barinda Ujawathee, found themselves at the center of a police crackdown that spanned 17 high-profile raids across Bangkok, Chon Buri, Lop Buri, and Prachin Buri. Designed with the precision of an intricate chess game, the sting arrested eight individuals, wrapping up a meticulous month-long investigation led by the razor-sharp Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). Col…