In the heart of bustling Bangkok, where politics dances in the corridors of power, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently found herself at the epicenter of a swirling storm of speculation. The picturesque lawns in front of the Thai Khu Fa building, a place often bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun, witnessed another chapter in Thailand’s political saga. Just last September, a remarkable photo was snapped—a vivid tableau of Prime Minister Shinawatra flanked by her cabinet members. Yet, even as the image graced headlines across the nation, whispers filled the air, carrying tales of an impending cabinet reshuffle on a brisk breeze from the Chao Phraya River. Prime Minister Paetongtarn, in her characteristic composure, faced the music yesterday as she addressed the murmurs with a gentle smile. She deftly quashed these rumors, emphasizing that the delicate art of shuffling her cabinet was not currently on her agenda. “A…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the bustling and serene province of Nakhon Ratchasima, tales of tranquility have recently been marred by a chilling string of accusations. A dangerous hunt is underway as law enforcement officials pursue a man believed to have wrought havoc across several districts, leaving a path of devastation and fear in his wake. At the heart of this troubling narrative is an alleged spree against the elderly — a series of heinous acts that have outraged communities and urged officials into swift action. Pol Lt Gen Wattana Yijeen, a prominent figure leading the charge, has set the gears in motion, rallying police units from Nakhon Ratchasima and neighboring Buri Ram. Their mission is as urgent as it is daunting: apprehend the suspect responsible for numerous disturbing offenses in Non Daeng, Bua Yai, and Kaeng Sanam Nang districts. These regions, nestled near Buri Ram, find themselves uncomfortably in the spotlight, as shocking…
In the vibrant and bustling heart of Nakhon Ratchasima, the community has been gripped by a chilling and unsettling series of events. The serenity of this picturesque province, known for its lush landscapes and warm hospitality, has been shattered by a manhunt that has drawn attention far and wide. The Provincial Police Division 3, led by the resolute Pol Lt Gen Wattana Yijeen, has sprung into action with an unwavering determination to bring an alleged perpetrator to justice. This unfolding drama has been fueled by an alarming string of assaults targeting the most vulnerable members of society. Elderly individuals in Non Daeng, Bua Yai, and Kaeng Sanam Nang districts have fallen prey to heinous acts of violence and theft. Their close proximity to the neighboring province of Buri Ram has prompted a joint police effort, amplifying the urgency of the situation. The police believe that there may be many more…
The Israeli Embassy recently shared that they lack any updates concerning the six Thai hostages who remain in Hamas’ control, following whispers about prospective hostage exchanges in the volatile region. “There is still no information about the Thai hostages,” divulged a source at the embassy earlier this week. This came to light after Reuters released a report on January 6, indicating that Hamas had tentatively approved a list of 34 hostages to be exchanged between themselves and Israel pending a successful ceasefire. However, details remain murky as the BBC reported uncertainty regarding how many of the individuals on this list are still alive. Notably, the list includes hostages taken after a harrowing attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the tragic loss of hundreds of lives. Spanning ages from a tender one year to a venerable 86 years, the hostages’ stories are heart-wrenching. Among them are children…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, change is as constant as its vibrant street life, and the latest development rolling into town is the highly anticipated Orange Line electric railway. But with progress comes a few bumps on the road—or in this case, on the flyover! As of 10 PM last Monday, the flyover that majestically glides over Charan Sanitwong Road has been temporarily closed, setting the stage for the underground marvel that is the Bang Khun Non station. Imagine a giant underground construction pit, promising to transform daily commutes, nestled right under the intersection of Charan Sanitwong, Liap Thang Rotfai Taling Chan, and Sutthawat roads. But wait, dear motorists of Bangkok, before you feel the urge to grumble at the prospect of a two-year ‘no-flyover’ zone, let’s delve into the exciting details. First, let’s meet our project maestro, Kittikorn Tanpao, the Deputy Governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority…
In a progressive stride towards bridging the gap in educational opportunities, the Education Ministry has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative that promises to empower high school students with state-of-the-art tablets by June—just in time for the 2025 academic year. Imagine a future where learning is frictionless, mobile, and accessible anytime, anywhere. Well, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, the ever-enthusiastic assistant to the education minister, reveals that this future is right around the corner. With a focus on reducing educational inequality, the Ministry is taking deliberate steps to place these hi-tech devices into the eager hands of 600,000 students. The team is currently dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s on the terms of reference (ToR) for their procurement—a meticulous process that ensures these tablets aren’t just snazzy toys, but powerful educational tools. Mr. Siripong is optimistic that the ToR will be wrapped up by the end of this month, paving the way for…
The winds of political change are rustling through the nation’s capital, as the opposition gears up to ignite a heated censure debate against the prevailing coalition government. This fiery discourse is slated to potentially commence in late February or early March, as hinted by Pakornwut Udompipatskul, a notable list MP from the People’s Party (PP) and the head opposition whip. “We’re targeting a timeline no later than the second week of March,” Pakornwut confidently proclaimed, hinting at the impending political tempest. Central to this spirited debate will be a tapestry of grievances the opposition plans to unfurl, focusing sharp criticism on the government’s perceived mismanagement of public administration, alleged corruption, favoritism towards powerful conglomerates, and the mystifying manipulation of judicial processes seemingly bent to serve individual interests. Such accusations aren’t whispered rumors but long-debated issues the opposition has previously flagged to the public, with tantalizing hints of yet undisclosed controversies…
Yingluck Shinawatra and Thailand’s New Alternative Prison Detention Programme: Controversy Explained
In a political twist rich with intrigue, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra finds herself at the center of a controversy surrounding Thailand’s newest alternative prison detention programme. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong recently clarified that Yingluck, who received a hotly-debated five-year sentence in 2017, won’t be eligible to partake in this programme if she decides to return to her homeland. The programme, governed by fresh regulations, imposes eligibility confines that permit only those with sentences of four years or less to be considered for this bougie form of lock-up, a point underscored by Pol Col Tawee and DoC director-general Sahakarn Phetnarin with the efficiency of synchronized swimmers. Yingluck, now gracefully embracing 57 years of life experience, was found guilty on a stage as grand as the Supreme Court for failing to defuse a dazzlingly costly corruption scandal tied to her government’s rice-pledging scheme—an epic misadventure that allegedly dwindled the state’s coffers…
The ever-turning wheel of academia has found itself in the midst of a rather peculiar saga, as the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) stands poised to unsheath legal swords against Siam University. All this swirls around an enigmatic figure—a Chinese executive—embroiled in organizing a volunteer police training program exclusively tailored for Chinese nationals. Surprisingly, this entire affair unspooled seemingly without the university’s nod of approval. Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi, with the resolute determination of a seasoned warrior, took the stage on a bustling Tuesday, insisting that the university had no inkling of the clandestine course using its distinguished emblem. This unauthorized usage, a clear breach of the Private Higher Education Institutions Act BE 2546 (2003), came to prominence when the narrative unfolded that Chinese participants had been tagged a hefty 38,000 baht each for the privilege of attendance. The plot further thickened last week, casting a spotlight…
As the bustling rhythms of Bangkok carry on, a curious debate is brewing in the halls of the Finance Ministry. Just a couple of months into its existence, the N3 lottery—envisioned as a crusade against the illegitimate lottery underworld—seems to have struck a sour note among the public. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat took to the podium recently, unveiling a saga of unmet expectations that could potentially send this initiative packing. Picture this: it’s November 1st, the start of a thrilling six-month “sandbox” venture, and the N3 lottery makes its grand debut. Each ticket, a tantalizing 20 baht, beckons hopeful buyers through 800 authorized sellers scattered across the vast expanse of the nation. The mission is clear and noble—lure the masses from the clutches of clandestine lotteries and exorbitantly-priced six-digit lottery tickets (known affectionately as L6). The goal? To trim the underground lottery scene by a bold 10-20% per year,…