In an unexpected twist, Thailand’s Transport Ministry has hit the brakes on its plan to transition Krabi, Udon Thani, and Buriram airports to the management of Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT). This surprising U-turn, revealed on March 6, springs from a cocktail of financial and operational worries. Instead of passing the baton to AOT, the ministry is now rolling up its sleeves to give a facelift to state-operated airports, aiming to create a slicker, more money-smart operation that won’t need to constantly mooch off government coffers. It’s not just about the money, honey: Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri shared the scoop, explaining why the promising proposal, greenlit by the Cabinet back in August 2022, has parked itself indefinitely. “These three bustling air hubs are more than just tarmac and terminals—they’re golden geese supplying steady income streams for the Department of Airports (DOA). We see them as benchmarks to turbocharge our…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In an unexpected twist of events, the bustling streets of Patong in Phuket recently witnessed a rather spicy arrest that left tongues wagging and eyebrows raised. A 33-year-old Turkish man found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, as officers from the Patong Police Station swooped in on what they described as an illegal cannabis operation that had the makings of a neighborhood sensation. His arrest, which took place on March 6 outside none other than the lightheartedly named “Weed Kebab” store on the infamous Bangla Road, was as dramatic as it sounds. It seems that the ingenuity of creatively peddling cannabis in a fashion reminiscent of a kebab joint caught the attention of local law enforcement — and not just the gaze of intrigued tourists. The Turkish man was accused of distributing cannabis without the necessary permits. Adding to his troubles, he was charged under the Foreigners’…
In the bustling corridors of Berlin, amid the whirl of the ITB 2025, a pivotal diplomatic call reverberated across Southeast Asia. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, with urgency woven into her voice, reached out to Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim. The clock struck 9 am in Berlin, a city bustling six hours behind Thailand, marking a crucial moment—a conversation aimed at steering the course of a cross-border relationship towards prosperity and sustainable solutions. At the heart of this diplomatic exchange lies the tempestuous Golok River. Its waters, while a lifeline to many, have also been a source of tumult, wreaking havoc on communities along the Thailand-Malaysia border. PM Paetongtarn, in her unyielding commitment, underscored Thailand’s determination to tame this destructive force. The key to unlocking this potential? Two critical Memorandums of Understanding with Malaysia. The first, a strategic pact focusing on Integrated River Basin Management, promises a new dawn of sustainable…
Amidst the bustling streets and vibrant energy of Bangkok, a gripping legal drama unfolds, capturing the imagination of the nation. At the heart of this intrigue is Soonthorn Vilawan, former chief of the Prachin Buri Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO), now ensnared in a web of allegations as he finds himself and seven of his associates at the center of a high-profile court trial. Their purported involvement in the chilling murder of Chaimet Sitsanitpong, affectionately known as “Sor Jor Tong,” has sent shockwaves throughout the community. The prosecution’s case—rich with intrigue and complex dynamics—features prominent figures. Sakkasem Nisaiyok, a poised spokesman for the Office of the Attorney-General, took center stage to provide an essential update on the progress of these weighty charges. The narrative is further colored by the identity of the other accused: Thanasarankorn Techathanatchot, Saksit Chinwong, Thanapat Songsang, Apisit Sodchuen, Sitthichai Sriphakdee, Phatthanon Boonchu, and Minyarat Phacharamarnkul, names now…
Imagine touching down in the bustling cityscape of Bangkok, where the vibrant mix of culture and modernity greets you at every turn. For jet-setters landing at the bustling Don Mueang Airport, a significant change is blowing in the wind, brought to you by the ever-dynamic Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA). They’ve shuffled around some pivotal bus stop locations to sprinkle a little magic on your travel experiences. For those keen on seamlessly transitioning from air to land, BMTA operates four key bus routes that act like arteries feeding into the heart of the city’s rhythm. There’s the trusty Route A1, whisking you off to the Mo Chit bus terminal 2 in the lively district of Chatuchak. This route is perfect for those looking to dive into the throbbing life of the city, or maybe sneak in a visit to the weekend market, which is a treasure trove of eclectic finds.…
Ah, the age-old tale of healthcare benefits—one that’s as tricky as a game of chess and sometimes as exhilarating as a footrace. Yesterday, sparks flew in a contentious meeting of the House Committee on Health, all centered around our very own Social Security Office (SSO). Now, what’s the buzz about? Well, it seems our dear SSO might be offering a bit of a “rights issue” buffet compared to the universal healthcare scheme, leaving folks wondering why their consistent contributions to the Social Security Fund (SSF) feel somewhat short-changed. The committee had quite the star-studded lineup, with various agencies answering the call to unravel the discrepancies between the coverage offered to SSF members and that managed under the universal healthcare scheme by the National Health Security Office (NHSO). Picture this scene with Chalermchai Kulalert, the sharp-tongued MP from Bangkok representing the People’s Party, playing the role of a probing detective. He…
In a dramatic display of fervor and fury, yesterday saw a throng of spirited protesters descending upon the auspices of authority, as they voiced staunch opposition to a contentious legislative gambit seeking to usher legalised casinos into Thailand’s vibrant tapestry. Spearheading this ardent crusade were three stalwart factions—namely, the Network of Students and People for Thailand’s Reform, the Dharma Army, and the Centre of People for Monarchy Protection—each armed with unyielding resolve and a will to challenge the saturnine shadow of gambling legislation. Brandishing their placards and their passion, these committed crusaders converged upon the Finance Ministry’s hallowed halls, demanding nothing short of a quash to what they dubbed the “entertainment complex bill.” At the bullseye of their sharp recriminations was none other than Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, whose role in orchestrating this legislative overture has rendered him the poster child of their ire. Rally leaders, undeterred by the…
In the small hours of the morning, a tragic accident unfolded on Highway 11 in Nakhon Sawan province, stealing away a young life and leaving a family in mourning. On March 7, at approximately 2:40 a.m., a Toyota pickup truck, under the sleepy control of a snooker table installer, collided catastrophically with a stationary 18-wheeler. This heart-rending incident occurred between kilometre markers 13 and 14 in the Phrom Nimitr subdistrict, swiftly drawing the attention of officers from the Takli Police Station and the heroic rescue team of the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. The ravages of fatigue took their grim toll upon the driver, who was returning to Sing Buri province from a job in Tak Fa district. Drowsiness overtook him, and in a fleeting moment of slumber, he drove into calamity. The pickup, which had been stuffed with an assortment of tools, lay in ruins by the roadside. The occupants of the…
Ah, Thailand! A country known for its beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and the occasional political hullaballoo. As it turns out, the latest theatrical plot twist in the Land of Smiles has little to do with sunbathing tourists and more to do with submarines, warships, and political paralysis. Currently, Thailand’s ambitious maritime dreams find themselves stuck in the political doldrums. With the Pheu Thai-led government effectively playing tug-of-war with key decisions, these naval projects are desperately floundering for traction. At the center of this hullabaloo is Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is bracing for a spectacularly heated censure debate scheduled later this month. Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Navy’s bold schematics, including a long-stalled submarine deal, hang in the balance. Let’s dive back to the beginning of this maritime soap opera, where in an initial act of trust, Thailand embraced China’s offer of an alluring S26T Yuan-class submarine. It came with a…
In a peculiar turn of events, a 24-hour laundrette nestled in Phuket’s bustling Kathu neighborhood became the unexpected stage for a curious caper. Around the witching hour on March 3, a mystery man, shrouded in shadows and presumably hailing from foreign shores, orchestrated a cloth pilfering heist that left locals scratching their heads. Little did he know, his escapade would be immortalized in a whirlwind of viral social media drama, as if lifted straight from a page of a noir thriller. The sly suspect was clandestinely captured on CCTV, motoring into the laundrette on a modest motorcycle. He surveyed the textile treasure troves of baskets and bags, communing briefly with the fabric gods before making his selection. His taste? Impeccable, if not borderline cliché, gravitating toward the likes of Adidas and Nike—a thief of refined sensibilities ready to make a speedy retreat into the night. The tale gained currency through…