Posts published in “Thailand”

Imagine this: Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s ex-PM, a figure shrouded in as much controversy as acclaim, walks into the Pheu Thai Party headquarters in March 2024. The air is thick with anticipation, the energy palpable. Supporters, their voices a thunderous wave, welcome him back. The scene resembles a grand comeback of a protagonist in an epic saga, a moment captured eloquently by the lens of Varuth Hirunyatheb. But this is not just any day in the life of Thaksin Shinawatra; it’s the prologue to a legal battle that’s about to unfold. In a twist that feels like it’s straight out of a political thriller, the Attorney-General, with Prayut Phetcharakhun leading the announcement charge, declares an indictment against Thaksin. The charges? Lese majeste and computer crime, tied to an interview Thaksin gave in the distant lands of South Korea, way back in 2015. The drama escalates as we learn the specifics: Thaksin,…

In a heart-stopping incident that gripped Chiang Mai back in 2019, a scene straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster unfolded on a pedestrian bridge. A rescue worker, embodying the sheer audacity of a blockbuster hero, masqueraded as an unhinged man to coax a young individual back from the precipice—quite literally from the handrail of the bridge—to safety. This daring rescue goes to show that the line between madness and heroism is thinner than we think, and sometimes, it takes a walk on the wild side to pull someone back to solid ground. But this episode, as cinematic as it might be, peels back the curtain on a far more pressing narrative pervading Thailand—a country where the specter of mental health woes looms large. Picture this: a staggering 10 million souls wrestle with the demons of their mental wellbeing, with almost 11% teetering on the brink of suicide, as illuminated by…

Imagine stepping into a scene where political chess moves rival any prime-time thriller, introducing Wissanu Krea-ngam – a figure whose resume is as seasoned as it gets in Thai politics. This legal virtuoso, once donning the hat of Deputy Prime Minister, now finds himself in a novel role that’s more than just a whisper in the corridors of power. It’s official: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has pulled off a masterstroke by roping in Wissanu Krea-ngam, bringing him into the fold as an advisor to the Secretariat of the Cabinet. A move that turns heads not just for its high-profile appointment but for the finesse it adds to the government’s legal playbook. This comes after Wissanu’s departure from the limelight following the end of the Prayut Chan-o-cha government’s term, making his comeback a topic of riveting conversation. “The government’s legal affairs? I’m all in,” Wissanu might as well have said, according…

Imagine stepping into the vibrant, bustling world of ‘Thaifex — Anuga Asia 2024,’ where the aroma of exotic spices and the lively chatter of food enthusiasts fill the air. Among the sea of exhibitors, a booth stands out, manned by the dynamic Srichanok Wattanasiri, president of the illustrious Monty & Totco. As she proudly showcases an array of Thai delicacies, her passion for bringing the rich flavors of Thailand to the global stage is palpable. For Srichanok and her team at Monty & Totco, the journey of exporting the culinary treasures of Thailand under the brand ‘Thai Choice’ is one paved with flavors, innovation, and determination. Over four decades, this culinary powerhouse has introduced the world to the tastes of Thailand, from savory sauces and tantalizing snacks to luscious canned fruits and meticulously prepared ready-to-eat meal kits. With a footprint in 50 countries, their products have become a staple in…

In a spirited move set to revolutionize the Thai judicial landscape, the Justice Ministry is rolling out a plan so ingenious, it might just make the overcrowded prison scenes a thing of the past. Picture this: suspects, awaiting the slow grind of the court’s wheels, can now swap the grim bars of a cell for the comfort of their homes, all thanks to the magic of technology – the Electronic Ankle Monitoring (EM) bracelets. This isn’t just a leap into the future; it’s a giant bound towards humanity and practicality. Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, in a revelation that has sparked conversations far and wide, disclosed that Thailand’s prisons are bursting at the seams. With a staggering 280,000 individuals packed like sardines in spaces meant for 180,000, the situation is dire. It’s akin to packing into a concert hall for the biggest show on earth, only, far from music…

Amidst a flurry of camera flashes and the palpable buzz of anticipation, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made quite the comeback in Nakhon Ratchasima last Saturday. His presence not only turned heads but also reignited discussions far beyond the city limits, as all eyes now turn towards a pivotal decision pending this Wednesday. This isn’t your everyday political saga; this has the makings of a high-stakes drama worthy of its prime time slot. The spotlight is on the attorney-general, with the pressing question being whether Thaksin Shinawatra will face indictment for lese majeste. The air of suspense thickened back on April 10, when Attorney-General Amnat Chetcharoenrak decided to hit the pause button on this decision, signaling a need for a bit more detective work, in the form of an additional interrogation report from the police. The plot thickens as Prayut Phetcharakhun, the deputy spokesman of the Office of the Attorney-General…

In an electrifying incident back in 2019 in Chiang Mai, a daring rescue worker, masquerading as someone out of his wits, heroically saved a young man teetering on the edge of a pedestrian bridge. This captivating moment, caught on camera, throws into sharp relief the raging mental health storm that Thailand, a country of enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture, finds itself grappling with. Picture this: a nation where a staggering 10 million souls wrestle with the shadowy tendrils of mental health issues, and an alarming 11% of them flirt with the thought of suicide, as per the illuminative findings of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). The steamy and spirited streets of Thailand, known for their infectious energy and bustling life, hide an unseen crisis. Danucha Pichayanan, the sagacious secretary-general of NESDC, shed light on a rather daunting landscape in a striking disclosure from the agency’s first-quarter report…

In the bustling world of Thai politics, where legal expertise is as crucial as a steady hand at the helm, Wissanu Krea-ngam, an eminent figure with a history rich in governance and law, is stepping back into the limelight. The former deputy prime minister, known for his legal acumen, is poised to enter a new chapter as an adviser to the Secretariat of the Cabinet, tasked with navigating the complex legal terrain of the government’s affairs. His appointment, confirmed by none other than Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, marks a significant moment. Srettha, keen on bolstering his team with seasoned hands, turned to Wissanu, a decision that speaks volumes about the trust and confidence placed in Wissanu’s capabilities. This move comes after Wissanu’s tenure under the previous administration, led by Prayut Chan-o-cha, came to a close last year, a tenure that left a lasting imprint on Thailand’s legal landscape. Wissanu’s conversations…

In the vibrant heart of Phuket, amidst the buzz and murmur of a typical day, shopkeepers stationed at their cannabis emporiums wait with bated breath, their eyes wandering over empty aisles, anticipating the influx of customers. It’s September 2, 2023, and the air is thick not just with the tropical humidity but also with uncertainty, as a dramatic shift in cannabis legislation looms over Thailand, stirring a mix of concern and defiance among those whose livelihoods are intertwined with the once-decriminalized plant. Meanwhile, the hustle and bustle of Bangkok take on a different flavor, as it becomes the epicenter of a significant uproar. A formidable army comprising cannabis entrepreneurs, seasoned farmers, and fiery activists congregated in a powerful show of solidarity. Their battlefield? The forecourt of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, armed not with pitchforks and torches but with posters emblazoned with the…