As the sun cast its golden rays over Bangkok, a photo emerged, causing a ripple across social media at the speed of light. It captured a seemingly innocuous moment: former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a significant figure in Thai politics, allegedly being wheeled from a specialized room at the Police General Hospital for a CT and MRI scan in October of 2023. Yet, this snapshot was more than just a routine medical check – it became the epicenter of a health-related controversy shaking the upper echelons of Thailand’s medical and political landscape. The Medical Council of Thailand, in a decisive move, announced the suspension of two doctors while issuing a stern warning to a third. This drastic action took center stage after thorough investigations allegedly revealed that Thaksin’s supposed critical illness, which had justified his serving prison time in a hospital, was not, in fact, critical. Prof Dr. Prasit Watanapa,…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Picture this: Former director-general of the Department of Rail Transport and Department of Highways, the esteemed Sarawut Songsivilai, becomes a potential new face of Thailand’s Constitutional Court. A photograph capturing his dignified presence recently emerged from the Transport Ministry, marking a significant moment in the selection process for new court judges. The wheels of Thailand’s judiciary system are in motion, as the committee entrusted with filling two vacant spots on the Constitutional Court has made its selections. These vacancies were left by none other than court president Nakharin Mektrairat and charter court judge Punya Udchachon, both of whom gracefully exited after their commendable seven-year terms. Presiding over this selection process with a firm yet fair hand was Supreme Court President Chanakarn Theeravechpolkul. So, who are the lucky (and perhaps not-so-lucky) nominees in this judicial saga? Enter Pol Capt Sutham Cheurprakobkit, a seasoned 62-year-old public administration professor from Mahidol University, and…
Imagine the nocturnal calm of Phuket’s idyllic Nai Yang Beach, when suddenly, the shadowy stillness is dramatically interrupted by an unexpected drug bust. This late-night operation, set against the tranquil backdrop of the Thai coastline, was part of a strategic endeavor spearheaded by Thalang District’s diligent Chief Siwat Rawangkun. On the evening of May 6th, under the mysterious glow of streetlamps, a checkpoint was established to curb the surging drug activity that had silently crept its way into this scenic sanctuary. The operation unfolded like a scene from a suspense thriller, running from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Law enforcement assembled on the road to Nai Yang Beach, just a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of Phuket International Airport. The atmosphere was electric, as 160 individuals were carefully selected for random urine tests. Tension hung in the air, the kind that makes your heart skip a beat,…
In an unsettling turn of events, a seemingly innocuous online gaming dispute spiraled into a real-world altercation in the bustling streets of Bangkok’s Bang Khen district. When pixels turned personal, the outcome was both shocking and baffling as a physical altercation erupted outside of a convenience store. Captured in a video that quickly went viral, the incident garnered immense attention on the Facebook page “อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6.” Over 2,200 users reacted to the footage, many expressing outrage and condemnation for the attackers. The victim, later identified as 20-year-old Luke, courageously stepped forward to share his side of the story with Amarin TV. According to Luke, the clash unfolded on April 29 near a convenience store in Soi Chaeng Watthana 4. An unfortunate twist of fate led to this incident, as Luke had once considered the attackers to be friends. The bond began, interestingly enough, on a mobile game platform,…
As the sun sets over the tropical paradise of Phuket, the island’s residents prepare for a weekend that promises to be unusually tranquil—or rather sober. Two significant events are set to place a cork in the merrymaking that usually resonates throughout Phuket: a municipal election and the revered Buddhist holiday, Visakha Bucha Day. Starting Saturday evening, May 10th and stretching into Sunday evening, May 11th, Phuket will witness a dual alcohol sales ban meant to uphold civic order and religious observance. Phuket Town, Ratsada, Wichit, Rawai, Chalong, Karon, Patong, Pa Khlok, and Kathu—these are just a few of the bustling areas where the booze will be on a 30-hour hiatus as part of the municipal elections. It’s not just about the polls; it’s about preserving fairness and decorum. Ah, but there’s a twist! Some areas like Kamala, Koh Kaew, and Mai Khao are rejoicing, untouched by the ban as they’re…
In a bustling corner of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, a pivotal meeting took place under the watchful eye of Deputy Minister Itti Sirilattayakarn. The agenda? A formidable endeavor: the creation of comprehensive labeling for agricultural products. Attendees included representatives from an array of pivotal departments: the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS), the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Livestock Development, the Rice Department, and the Department of Agriculture. The spotlight was brightly set upon developing labeling that equips consumers with crucial knowledge, like the origins of their food. Such enlightenment aims to empower consumers, guiding them toward informed purchasing decisions while ensuring their safety—a noble ambition in today’s intricate marketplace. The ACFS has been entrusted with a hefty task involving the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to scrutinize the potential for labeling imported agricultural goods. This proposal strides forward with a pursuit to eradicate…
In a groundbreaking development from the heart of Thailand, the Thai Union Group PCL has secured a monumental financing deal from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), marking its entry into uncharted waters with a US$150 million Blue Loan. What makes this loan especially noteworthy is that it’s the first of its kind in Thailand’s vibrant seafood sector—an industry that plays a crucial role in the economy and culture. The deal is more than just a financial triumph; it sets a new gold standard in sustainable finance within the aquaculture realm. Thai Union, known for its seafood prowess, is now doubling down on its dedication to responsible sourcing, sustainable seafood production, and fortifying climate resilience with this landmark funding. This isn’t just about seafood; it’s about setting the stage for an environmentally conscious business model that aspires to inspire others globally. The financing package is a smart blend of an ADB…
In what could easily be mistaken for the plot of a gripping novel, police have apprehended a 43-year-old woman, known as Yui, who found herself on the wrong side of the law in Bangkok’s bustling Min Buri district. The scene unfolded on May 7 when officers uncovered a clandestine stash of illegal substances in her possession, a stash that added a dark twist to her tale of desperation. Yui’s world took a dramatic turn when law enforcement, armed with a tip-off from an anonymous informant, zeroed in on her modest abode on Soi Ram Inthra 86. Their mission was clear: dismantle a small yet troubling cog in the city’s drug trade. At the helm of this operation was Police Colonel Siam Boonsom, whose efficient team executed the raid with precision. As the officers made their approach, Yui, seemingly anticipating their arrival, was spotted outside her home. The presentation of a…
In a twist of modern rivalry, two young men in Bang Khen found themselves at the center of a legal storm following a fierce gaming-related altercation. The duo, identified as 21-year-olds Kittinai, who goes by the nickname Frame, and Supawit, under the moniker Arm, have become unexpected social media sensations, albeit for all the wrong reasons. The saga unfolded at the ungodly hour of 3 a.m. on April 29, set against the unassuming backdrop of a convenience store on Chaeng Watthana Soi 4. The drama was first aired to the public through a viral social media post, sparking a wave of outrage and demands for justice. The post was accompanied by a video that chronicled the altercation and called vehemently for accountability. It painted a vivid picture of how a heated argument spiraled out of a virtual gaming environment into a real-world conflict. It turns out that the victim of…
In a move that seemed straight out of an edgy dramatic thriller, Thailand’s Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul took center stage to dismiss persistent claims of being blacklisted by the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC). The media was abuzz with speculation that Anutin had supposedly exploited the revered Thai monarchy for political gain—an allegation he promptly slashed through like a swordsman in a cinema swashbuckler. On a Tuesday that will undoubtedly go down in political history, May 6th was the day Anutin decided enough was enough. Standing firm, with a high-held banner of truth, he declared the accusations to be “false,” pointing the finger at certain members of the media for allegedly distributing misleading ‘fake news’. “The army and ISOC have already addressed the matter,” he asserted, his words like arrows aimed to pierce through the cascading tower of rumors. “I believe this matter is now over,” he said with an…