In the wake of an unspeakable tragedy, the city of Bangkok grapples with questions that cut to the heart of governance and public trust. On April 5, the scene was both chaotic and somber as excavators relentlessly combed through the rubble of the State Audit Office building in Chatuchak district. What began as a structural collapse has evolved into a complex inquiry laced with whispers of corruption and blame. Over fifty days have elapsed since the catastrophic event on March 28, which claimed close to a hundred lives and obliterated a substantial chunk of public funds—an estimated 2 billion baht. The shockwaves from this disaster extend beyond physical debris, shaking public confidence in the integrity and safety of state-run construction projects. “This isn’t just a structure lost; it’s a monumental breach of trust,” vocalized Mana Nimitmongkol, the stalwart secretary-general of the Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT). While 17 individuals have…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the bustling vibrant heart of Bangkok, right on the ever-bustling Khao San Road, there’s an eye-catching neon sign that many have come to associate with the city’s unusual, yet intriguing journey with cannabis—a glowing green leaf marking the legal gray area that is Thailand’s cannabis scene. Just as technicolors shine, it was at a recent gathering that Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin decided to add some fine print to this display. For nearly three years, since the blaze of legalization lit up the nation, the world has watched curiously as Thailand sauntered through the hazy details of cannabis regulation. But now, a new twist emerges in this green narrative as Somsak announced the introduction of a requirement for cannabis users—Thai and foreigners alike—to produce medical certificates before lighting up. Addressing the nation from a glittering press conference in Bangkok, Mr. Somsak outlined his commitment to keeping the reefer madness…
Strolling down the vibrant and bustling Khao San Road in Bangkok, one cannot help but notice the neon-lit cannabis displays that have become emblematic of the area’s recent cultural shift. These bright signs beckon both curious wanderers and seasoned users alike. Yet, amidst the glow of the neon, a new regulatory dawn is upon us, heralded by Thailand’s Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin. Minister Somsak, in a move poised to reshape the realm of cannabis use in Thailand, has announced his intention to fortify regulations surrounding this once-controversial plant. “I will improve regulations on cannabis use in Thailand,” he asserted at a press conference held on a lively Wednesday morning. His proposal? A simple yet stringent requirement: cannabis lovers, whether locals or tourists, will need to arm themselves with medical certificates, ensuring that cannabis remains tethered to its medical leash. As his voice echoed through the conference room, Mr. Somsak’s…
In the ever-volatile realm of Thai politics, it seems there’s always room for a captivating tale—a narrative weaving through the palatial halls of power and justice, picking apart every detail. Our story unfolds on the gleaming 14th floor of the Police General Hospital in vibrant Bangkok, where medical rooms might well double as luxury suites for those with bank vaults deep and connections unbreakable. There was a loud bang when Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, at the helm of the royalist Thai Pakdee Party, decided to stir the pot with some intriguing snapshots. These images painted a peculiar reality of the premium ward which recently hosted the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, for a lengthy residency stretching from August 2023 to February 2024. The photos suggested a conspicuous absence of life-saving gadgets, hinting that such rooms are for the leisurely ill — a playful wink towards health checkups rather than terminal care.…
Fancy catching the sunrise from the iconic Pha Nok Aen viewpoint at Phu Kradueng National Park? Well, by 2027, you might be able to do so in style—riding a cable car that whisks you up to this majestic location nestled in Loei province in northeastern Thailand. It’s been a marathon journey, more than four decades in the making, and despite the long-standing debate between conservationists and the government, the dream of a cable car is inching closer to reality! The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, determined to see this through, is confident that 2027 will be the year we see not just nature enthusiasts but also curious tourists hopping aboard the new cable car. Centered around the notion of blending accessibility with sustainability, the new transport will be able to move up to 5,000 folks daily. This careful cap is a number meticulously designed by the Department of National Parks,…
The colorful streets of Bangkok are never dull, especially in the lively district of Khao San. However, the usual buzz of street vendors recently encountered a bit of a hiccup. Imagine the scene: the alluring aroma of street food hangs in the air, the clatter of activity echoes through the alleys, and then, unexpectedly, a ripple of attention shifts towards an unfolding police scene. Welcome to the surprise episode of ‘Operation Clean Sweep’. In a bustling operation led by officers from Immigration Division 1 and Chanasongkram police station, the focus was firmly set on verifying the legality of foreign workers in the street food haven of Khao San and neighboring Rambuttri roads. Their mission? To ensure Bangkok’s thriving street food industry wasn’t being fueled by unlawful practices and to crack down on any potential ties to human trafficking or misuse of foreign labor. This dynamic sweep through the streets yielded…
As sunlight streamed through the towering windows of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, enthusiastic students bustled into the grand halls on May 10, 2025. They gathered for an illuminating job fair orchestrated by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, avidly exploring pathways to their future careers. The scene was a testament to the vibrant spirit of Bangkok’s young generation, all caught on camera by the astute Somchai Poomlard. Fast forward a few weeks on the calendar, the Ministry of Labour is set to break records with their own grand spectacle: Job Expo Thailand 2025. Running from June 6-8 at the very same convention center, this remarkable event promises an avalanche of over 600,000 job opportunities—500,000 domestic and another 100,000 abroad, ensuring that it’s not just a boon for local job seekers but for globetrotters aspiring to paint their careers on international canvases too. Labour Minister Phiphat…
In a tale much reminiscent of a political thriller, Thailand finds itself watching the intrigue and drama revolving around its former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. From his luxurious 14th-floor suite in the Police General Hospital to the unfolding investigation into his medical leave from prison, the saga has Thailand and the global community thoroughly captivated. Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, spearhead of the royalist Thai Pakdee Party, set the stage, illuminating discrepancies concerning the former leader’s hospital stay. His Facebook post unveiled the peculiar absence of medical paraphernalia in a space that should house those in not-so-critical conditions – casting the spotlight on Thaksin’s comfortable detention in what seemed more like a ritzy hotel floor than a hospital ward. As if coaxed by a mystery series plot twist, the saga deepens with Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin’s aide, Thanakrit Jitareerat, making a clarion call. He urged the Medical Council of Thailand to…
In the bustling city of Bangkok, a storm was brewing at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Picture this: Wednesday morning, an entourage of 50 taxi drivers, faces set with purpose, was positioned outside the iconic parliament building, just a stone’s throw from the Ministry of Education on the famed Ratchadamnoen Nok Road. Their mission? To fight tooth and nail against the formidable Grab ride-hailing service. At the heart of this rumpus was Waraphol Kaemkhunthod, the charismatic leader of the Thai Public Taxi Association. He stood at the forefront of the demonstration, rallying his fellow cabbies amid honks, banners, and the echoed chants of determination. Their grievances were clear; the arrival of Grab drivers setting up shop with pick-up and drop-off points inside the bustling Suvarnabhumi Airport had ruffled more than a few feathers. “We’re not asking for the moon,” Waraphol exclaimed, “Just fairness, balance, and the soul of our beloved taxi system back!”…
Pattaya’s vibrant and bustling dining scene, once a culinary paradise for both locals and jet-setters, now finds itself grappling with a turbulent gastronomic storm. The year 2025 appears to be overshadowing even the tumultuous Covid-19 era, as escalating costs sweep across the industry, leaving even the staunchest restaurateurs arguing it’s the toughest time they’ve ever faced. Soaring gas prices, sky-high raw material costs, labor shortages, and a noticeable dip in customer spending are creating what some colorful insiders are calling a “hamburger crisis” — and this isn’t the kind of sizzle anyone ordered. Sorrathep Steve, the eloquent President of the Restaurant Business Club and a seasoned advisor to the Hostel Association of Thailand, has rung the alarm bell. Like a culinary superhero in distress, he’s urging Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her economic cohorts to jump to the rescue before this beloved sector goes belly-up. “Restaurants are being squeezed from…