Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took center stage at Government House on Tuesday, delivering an inspiring and forward-thinking speech that has everyone talking. Speaking to a room filled with representatives of the hospitality industry and tourism-related businesses, Mr. Srettha revealed a bold vision that could transform some of Thailand’s hidden gems into top travel destinations. In a move sure to excite culture enthusiasts and history buffs, the Prime Minister announced his support for turning the charming city of Lamphun into a city of museums. This concept, which originated from the younger generation in Lamphun, aims to spotlight the rich cultural heritage of this northern province. It’s an innovative idea that promises to breathe new life into the area, making it a must-visit for both local and international tourists. But that’s not all. Mr. Srettha also highlighted his aspirations to elevate Nan province to UNESCO World Heritage status. Given its historical ties…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently addressed business representatives at Government House, where he emphasized a crucial clarification regarding his top adviser, Kittiratt Na-Ranong. The media had been abuzz with speculation that Kittiratt might be in the running for the coveted position at the helm of the Bank of Thailand (BoT), a role currently occupied by Porametee Vimolsiri until September 2025. However, Srettha promptly quashed these rumors, stating unequivocally that Kittiratt is ineligible to vie for the BoT chairmanship. Delving into the intricacies of Thailand’s financial governance, Srettha explained that Kittiratt’s current role as chief adviser precludes him from even considering a bid for the BoT’s top seat unless he steps down for a minimum of one year. This revelation follows reports that Supawut Saichua, a former adviser to the ruling Pheu Thai Party, was also a potential candidate for the BoT chairmanship. The stakes around these appointments are high. Should…
The disbursement of the government’s investment budget in the third quarter of this fiscal year has soared to nearly 40%, almost doubling the original target. This remarkable surge is thanks to the quickened disbursement measures, according to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. After a pivotal meeting of the Budget Disbursement and Public Spending Acceleration Committee, which he chaired, Mr. Pichai revealed that the swift allocation of the government’s investment budget has allowed funds to move through the economy at a more rapid pace. In the remaining three months of this fiscal year, the goal is to expedite the disbursement process even further. Government agencies are diligently working to achieve the ambitious target of 70% of the 850 billion baht budget, he assured. The meeting, held yesterday at the Finance Ministry, saw participation from over 20 agencies, including the Comptroller General’s Department, the State Enterprise Policy Office (Sepo), and various other ministries.…
Firefighters hose down a pet shop in the fish and pet zone of the Sri Somrat market, following a fire that broke out early Tuesday morning in Chatuchak district of Bangkok. (Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya) Animal protection activists are urgently calling for reforms to the laws governing the sales of pets and exotic animals after a tragic fire at a pet market in Chatuchak district of Bangkok on Tuesday. The blaze roared through the Sri Somrat market, which sits behind the JJ Mall shopping centre on Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road. It erupted around 4:10 AM, and firefighters battled the inferno for a grueling 90 minutes before bringing it under control. Heartbreakingly, it’s believed that thousands of animals, housed in 118 pet shops spreading over 1,400 square meters, perished in the flames. This bleak list includes many rare and exotic species, adding to the tragedy. The following day, a coalition of 10…
Students gracefully stroll across a bridge, their eager footsteps bringing them closer to the lush, green expanse of mangrove forests at the Bangpu Nature Education Center in Samut Prakan. The center, a haven of biodiversity and nature’s splendor, recently took a significant step towards greater recognition. According to a Ministry of Defence report, the government has decided to nominate this verdant sanctuary as an ASEAN Heritage Park, a move that underscores its ecological significance and cultural importance. The Biodiversity Reservation and Applicant Committee has been tasked with guiding the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning to meticulously draft the nomination plan. This comprehensive plan will be assessed by experts from the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) before it is presented at the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment. The anticipation surrounding this process is palpable, as inclusion in the ASEAN Heritage Parks list is no small feat.…
Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa recently delivered a compelling statement at a notable meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. With the picturesque Russian city as the backdrop, Thailand’s aspirations took center stage. The occasion was marked by Minister Maris articulating Thailand’s ambitions to join the powerful BRICS bloc. “Thailand values our collaboration with BRICS and has consistently participated in all high-level BRICS meetings. Indeed, we seek to engage even more comprehensively within the BRICS framework in the future,” he emphasized with conviction. In his emphatic declaration, Mr. Maris expressed Thailand’s earnest desire to become a BRICS member at the earliest opportunity. The BRICS group, an acronym encapsulating the major emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was originally conceived in 2009 with the vision of countering Western dominance. The group has since expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, who…
In a ceremony filled with gravitas and admiration, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) bestowed an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree upon Masatsugu Asakawa, the illustrious President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This accolade recognizes his extraordinary contributions to bolstering the economic, social, and technological tapestry of Asia and the Pacific. AIT President Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto commended Mr. Asakawa’s unparalleled achievements and unwavering dedication to the region during the special conferment event on June 11. Notably, Mr. Asakawa joins the ranks of former ADB Presidents Masao Fujioka and Tadao Chino, who were similarly honored in 1988 and 2000, respectively. President Yamamoto couldn’t hold back his pride, stating, “AIT is honored to confer its highest recognition on President Asakawa, whose stellar leadership of the ADB has positively transformed countless lives across Asia and the Pacific.” Indeed, under Mr. Asakawa’s stewardship, ADB has made remarkable strides. Amid the pandemic, the bank…
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Bureau apprehended a rape suspect early Wednesday morning, who wore an orange taxi motorcyclist vest and was searched on Royal City Avenue in Bangkok. The man had been masquerading as a taxi motorcyclist, targeting inebriated women from various nightspots. Identified only as Thanapat, the 35-year-old suspect was arrested with his motorcycle around 5 AM in the Huai Khwang district. According to Pol Maj Gen Theeradet Thumsuthee, the investigative commander, a search of Thanapat’s mobile phone revealed shocking evidence: a video of his most recent victim urinating and vomiting while intoxicated in bed. Further investigation uncovered similar videos of five other women and other disturbing content related to child molestation. The arrest came after a Chinese woman filed a complaint at the Phaya Thai police station, stating she woke up naked next to a man in a motel, with clear signs of having been raped. She…
Amid the bright floodlights of Rajamangala National Stadium and the fervent cheers of countless fans, an air of pride and optimism enveloped the scene on Tuesday evening. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, along with Nualphan Lamsam, president of Thailand’s esteemed football association under Royal Patronage, and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, stood side by side in a photograph that marked a notable moment in Thai football history. This image, shared on Prime Minister Thavisin’s Facebook page, captured more than a celebration; it embodied a spirited commitment to elevating Thai football. Prime Minister Thavisin echoed the sentiments of many Thai football enthusiasts when he expressed his satisfaction with the national team’s performance. Despite the squad’s valiant 3-1 victory over Singapore in the second qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Thailand still fell short of advancing to the finals due to their head-to-head record against China. As Group C’s journey concluded, it…
The government has made a commendable move to retain price controls on a range of 51 products and services for another year, aiming to alleviate the burden of the rising cost of living for its citizens. This decision, executed under the authority of the Price of Goods and Services Act of 1999, was reached during a meeting led by Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Minister Phumtham elaborated that the products and services included in the price control list span a substantial array of essential goods. This comprehensive list covers fundamental items like food and various consumer products that are staples in everyday life. Additionally, farming supplies and equipment, such as fertilizers, pesticides, animal feed, tractors, and rice harvesters, are also under this protective measure. The list doesn’t stop there; construction materials, paper, petroleum, and medicines have also been deemed crucial enough to merit price control. One noteworthy adjustment is the cancellation…