Posts published in “Thailand”

As the Halloween season creeps ever closer, it’s not just ghosts and goblins that traders and investors should be wary of. This year, the financial markets are dressing up with a unique blend of eerie excitement brought about by the convergence of two potent forces: the infamous Halloween Effect and the ever-volatile U.S. Presidential Election. Each of these events, notorious in its own right, threatens to send ripples through the investment world, creating a heady mix of opportunity and risk. Let’s pull back the cobwebs and explore how these forces interact—and how you can emerge unscathed and triumphant from the fray. The Halloween Effect, affectionately known in trading circles as the “Sell in May and go away” strategy, is a curious market trend. It suggests that the span from the end of October to the start of May historically yields better returns for stock investors compared to the somewhat languid…

In a delightful merging of innovative design and fervent love for the planet, Crystal Home—Thailand’s premier distributor of elite bathroom products—played host to an illuminating design talk. The gathering, a nod to sustainability, was orchestrated alongside the esteemed Villeroy & Boch and art4d. It showcased the creative dexterity of Kaschkasch, the German design maestros behind the mesmerizing Antao collection, and Sher Maker, the spirited architect from Chiang Mai renowned for the Aesop Signature Store in Thonglor. Together, they embarked on an exploratory voyage themed, ‘In Touch with Nature: Crafting Sustainable Design’, delighting their audience with robust discussions. Mrs. Suthipa Svasti-Xuto, the visionary Director of Crystal Home, couldn’t hide her enthusiasm for the burgeoning trend of eco-conscious living. She passionately highlighted an uplifting shift in design philosophy where homes are crafted to coalesce seamlessly with nature, infusing them with both serenity and life-affirming positivity. As sustainability gets comfortably snuggled into the…

As the crisp air of autumn settles over Tokyo, whispers of an international pursuit rustle through the vibrant city streets—a pursuit that branches from the humid climes of Thailand to the orderly avenues of Japan. At the heart of this unfolding drama is General Pisal Wattanawongkiri, a once-prominent figure in Thailand’s political arena, now cloaked in notoriety linked to the decade-old Tak Bai massacre. An arrest warrant looms over him like a shadow, pending resolution as the clock ticks towards October 25, 2024, when the curtain closes on the statute of limitations. The story of General Pisal, a former Pheu Thai Party list MP, weaves a tale riddled with complex legal and ethical threads. Thailand’s Prime Minister, the indefatigable Paetongtarn Shinawatra, stands resolute in her mission to ensure that justice is served. Even amidst her hectic schedule leading the Pheu Thai Party, she assures the public that the wheels of…

The dynamic political stage of Thailand is abuzz once again as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra finds herself amidst the whirlwind of political petitions. The latest petition brought forth seeks her removal from office, igniting a heated debate over her recent decision to appoint Nattawut Saikua as an adviser. Nattawut, once the director of the Pheu Thai family, now stands as a focal point of this political drama. It was a bustling day when activist Nopparut Worachitwutthikul, previously the voice of the Pirabkhao 2006 group, marched assertively to the Election Commission (EC) with a petition in hand. His steps were heavy with purpose as he accused Prime Minister Paetongtarn of breaking administrative protocols and laws by choosing Nattawut Saikua as her confidant and adviser. Delving into the past, Nopparut’s petition referenced a time when Nattawut was at the epicenter of controversy. Back on a humid July day in 2007, he was…

The financial world is abuzz with the recent developments concerning The iCon Group, a direct sales powerhouse with a scandal that’s more tangled than a cat’s playtime ball of yarn. Step in Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira from the Finance Ministry, who’s now flexing his bureaucratic muscles, ready to delve into this murky saga. His mission? To determine whether this company’s antics warrant a cozy three-year vacation behind bars or a few thousand baht lighter pocket pursuant to Section 341 of the Criminal Code. In the labyrinth that is legal jargon, Section 342 ups the ante, addressing offenders who more brazenly waffle through life, impersonating others or exploiting gullible folks like a cunning chameleon in a jellybean jar. Such culprits could face up to five years contemplating their crimes in a not-so-luxurious cell accompanied by a potential 10,000 baht fine. Mr. Pichai seems like a man with a plan, patiently waiting for…

If you thought Thailand couldn’t get any more appealing to globetrotters and music aficionados, think again! Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is on a mission to catapult the Land of Smiles to new dazzling heights on the tourism stage. Her master plan? Secure an exclusive concert deal with a top-tier artist. And who can blame her? Who wouldn’t want their country humming to the tune of global acclaim with spice-infused concert vibes and sun-kissed beaches? Dubbed the “Thailand Music Campaign,” this audacious plan is more than a mere melody. It’s a symphony orchestrated by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in tandem with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) — all under the baton of Maestra Paetongtarn herself, as announced by Jirayu Huangsab, the ever-enthusiastic spokesperson from the Prime Minister’s Office. Reflecting on earlier flabbergasting feats in the region, Singapore stole headlines steamrolling ahead with an exclusive Taylor Swift gig during…

In what might come as a thrilling development for those who eagerly follow infrastructure progress, the high-speed rail project connecting Thailand’s three major airports is gearing up for some notable changes. Brace yourself as Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, who also heads the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, announced the excitement in the air. The recent committee meeting saw them giving a thumbs-up to proposed revisions, and with bated breath, they await feedback from relevant agencies. As this process usually takes about a fortnight, one can almost feel the anticipation of the matter being presented to the cabinet. This incredible high-speed rail system, a crown jewel of the EEC, is poised to link Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports in a sleek, seamless fashion that promises to revolutionize travel. The original contract, penned back in 2019, was a collaboration between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Asia Era One,…

In the ever-evolving political tapestry of Thailand, another intriguing chapter unfolds as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra finds herself at the center of a new political tempest. The storm has been whipped up by none other than a fresh petition demanding her removal from office, and the catalyst for this controversy is her decision to appoint Nattawut Saikua, a former director of the Pheu Thai family, as her adviser. The petition came from activist Nopparut Worachitwutthikul, a former leader of the defiant Pirabkhao 2006 group, who lodged the complaint with the Election Commission (EC) against Ms. Paetongtarn. He alleges that the prime minister overstepped legal bounds by welcoming someone with Nattawut’s checkered past into her circle of advisers. The episode harks back to July 22, 2007, when Nattawut was involved in a fiery red-shirt protest outside the home of the late Privy Council president, Prem Tinsulanonda. The aftermath of this protest…

In a diplomatic ballet that could rival any intricate waltz, Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Vice Minister, Ras Chalee Chan, eloquently laid out the nation’s stance on the simmering situation in Myanmar. In a realm where international politics often resembles a high-stakes chess game, Mr. Ras assured observers that Thailand’s initiatives are embraced by all members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Scratching the surface of recent events, Mr. Ras delved into Thailand’s participation at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly unfolding in the picturesque city of Geneva. Amidst swirling concerns about Thailand’s intention to orchestrate an informal December get-together for Asean nations regarding Myanmar, he was quick to quell any whispers of meddling in Myanmar’s internal matters. And how masterfully he did so! Unfurling the timeline a tad, Mr. Ras recalled that on the second day of October, the MFA was courteously summoned to share its insights…

In the bustling heart of Bangkok, where the aroma of street food mingles with the persistent hum of traffic, something far less pleasant was brewing. Behind the Bangkok Bus Terminal, charmingly known as Mo Chit 2, heaps of trash had turned an otherwise ordinary parking area into a mess that could rival a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, a figure known for his typically calm demeanor, was anything but pleased. With the escalating situation unfolding in the Chatuchak district, his patience wore thin as he took a firm stand, threatening to withdraw public bus operating permits should such unsightly scenes persist. The unfolding drama caught the attention of Suphanat Meenchainan, a spirited member of the People’s Party MP for Chatuchak, Bang Khen, and Lak Si. Taking matters into his own savvy hands, he let loose a digital alarm by sharing a startling snapshot of these waste…