Imagine a world where the intricacies of Thai politics could rival the plot twists of a Shakespearean drama – this is precisely the tableau that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra paints as he wades back into the political arena, a space he’s been estranged from for nearly two decades. With the grace of a seasoned chess master, Thaksin dropped bombshells and hints with the nonchalance of someone discussing the weather. The stage? None other than Nakhon Ratchasima, marking his grand reentry after 17 long years. At the heart of this political saga is a controversial move spearheaded by 40 Senate stalwarts aimed squarely at Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Picture the scene: amidst a whirlwind of legal petitions, the highest legal authority in the land, the Constitutional Court, has thrust itself into a storyline thick with tension, agreeing to deliberate on whether Srettha’s appointment of Pichit Chuenban violates the sacred scriptures…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine strolling along the vibrant streets of Bangkok’s Old Town, where the air buzzes with an enchanting blend of tradition and innovation. That’s precisely what Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, envisions for this historic heart of the city by 2026. With the spirit of sustainable development guiding his ambitions, he urged local residents and officials in Samphanthawong district to reimagine their canalside communities as thriving hubs where tourism and local happiness harmonize. Last December, the joyful echoes of a festival held near Hua Lamphong railway station along Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem painted a picture of what’s possible in this area rich with waterways, including Khlong Ong Ang, Khlong Bang Lamphu, and others, ready to transform into more than just picturesque postcards of Bangkok’s past. Two years into his tenure, Chadchart’s vision for the neighborhoods of Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem, Talat Noi, and the bustling Yaowarat, among others, is ambitious. Envision closed-off…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, within the busy corridors of the Bang Kapi district office, a remarkable scene unfolded on May 20 as individuals from all walks of life congregated with a shared purpose – to throw their hats into the ring for a much-coveted seat in the Senate. The Election Commission, buzzing with activity, revealed an astonishing figure that captured the nation’s attention: over 48,000 spirited souls from across Thailand had stepped forward, eager to partake in a democratic marathon to claim one of the 200 seats at stake. This staggering number of Senate hopefuls wasn’t just a testament to the vibrancy of Thailand’s political landscape but also a narrative of individual ambition and collective aspirations. Sawaeng Boonmee, the meticulous secretary-general of the Election Commission, reported that by the close of registration on Friday, 48,226 hopefuls had formally expressed their intent to serve, a figure that, while impressive,…
In an episode that sounds like it was ripped right out of a crime thriller, the bustling Don Mueang airport was the scene of a high-stakes arrest not too long ago. Picture this: officers poised at immigration, eyes scanning the crowd for one man, Neo Ong, aged 42, a figure so entangled in the notorious 10-billion-baht UFun pyramid scheme that his name was etched on an arrest warrant issued way back on June 25, 2015. The allegations? Collusion to commit fraud, running an electronic money business sans permit, and links to a transnational crime syndicate. Talk about a triple threat of legal woes! Our protagonist, or rather antagonist, Mr. Ong, attempted to slip into Thailand, likely underestimating the reach of the Consumer Protection Police Division’s (CPPD) memory and resources. Little did he know, his plans were about to be unraveled. The officers, having caught wind of his travel itinerary for…
“` Imagine the sun-kissed shores of Phuket, where vibrant streets meet the tranquil ambiance of the Old Town. It’s a place where history and modernity dance in a harmonious Ballet of colors and sounds. This idyllic setting, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is on the verge of eclipsing a monumental milestone this year by garnering tourism revenue of over 400 billion baht. The streets, brimming with over 3.6 million tourists in just the first quarter, resonate with the promise of adventure and serenity. Lerdchai Wangtrakoondee, the accomplished director of the provincial TAT office, revealed with palpable excitement that Phuket has seen a jaw-dropping 30% increase in tourist footfall from January to March compared to the previous year. This surge has injected a robust 137 billion baht into the island’s economy, an upswing that has locals and business owners alike smiling all the way to the bank. While…
Imagine the vibrant streets of Phuket’s Old Town, pulsating with the rhythmic beat of life and bursting with colors so vivid you’d swear they were straight out of an artist’s palette. This picturesque scene is just one of the many reasons tourists from every corner of the globe flock to this island paradise. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is riding high on optimism, projecting tourism revenues in Phuket to soar past the 400 billion baht mark this year, a testament to the island’s magnetic allure. The first quarter alone saw Phuket welcoming over 3.6 million guests, a staggering 30% increase from the previous year. This influx of visitors has injected a whopping 137 billion baht into the local economy, painting a picture of a booming tourism sector that’s only going up. Lerdchai Wangtrakoondee, the savvy director of Phuket’s provincial TAT office, spilled the beans on a Saturday, dishing out…
Imagine you’re cruising at 35,000 feet, nestled in your seat, perhaps sipping on a glass of wine or engrossed in the latest blockbuster on the seatback screen in front of you. You’re en route from the historic grandeur of London to the futuristic skyline of Singapore, aboard a majestic Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER. Then, without warning, the tranquility is shattered by a bout of extreme turbulence, transforming the cabin into a scene of chaos. This was the harrowing reality for passengers and crew onboard Flight SG321 last Thursday—a journey they are unlikely to forget. In the wake of this unexpected upheaval, a staggering forty-three souls found their journey taking an unplanned detour, not to the anticipated modern marvels of Singapore, but to the medical facilities of Bangkok. Here, amidst the warmth and care of Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital and its affiliates, these individuals continue to recover from their ordeal, four days…
In a tale that feels like it’s been lifted straight from the pages of a gripping novel, the mystery surrounding the disappearance of 32-year-old Nantiwa “Noon” Saejiw, a Thai national, has reached a heartwarming conclusion. For those who’ve been on the edge of their seats, following every update and clinging to hope, the news brings a collective sigh of relief. Nantiwa, who had seemingly vanished into thin air nearly a month ago during a trip to Switzerland, has been found alive and in good health. This information comes straight from the authorities at the Thai embassy in Bern, Switzerland – the very heart of this bewildering saga. The story of Nantiwa’s disappearance is as mesmerizing as it is daunting. Imagine, a vibrant 32-year-old setting off on an adventure to Switzerland with her American boyfriend, a journey that was meant to be a joyous exploration of love and new horizons. The…
On a rather ordinary Saturday, the tranquil skies of Chalerm Phrakiat district in Nakhon Ratchasima were pierced by the sleek silhouette of a private jet. But this was no ordinary arrival. The aircraft carried none other than Thaksin Shinawatra, the paroled former Prime Minister of Thailand, marking his first touchdown in the region in 17 years. This momentous occasion was met with an outpouring of elation from the sea of red-shirt supporters who had gathered, their cheers of “We love Thaksin” filling the air, a heartwarming welcome for a figure deeply etched in their hearts. The buzz at the Nakhon Ratchasima airport that Saturday morning was palpable. Thaksin, accompanied by a retinue including his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, his son Panthongtae, and key party allies, was not just here on a political pilgrimage but for a deeply personal reason. This visit was to pay final…
On an ill-fated Friday night in Muang district of Chon Buri, a quaint beach town known for its vibrant nightlife and serene beaches, tragedy struck in the most unexpected manner. In an event that seemed to blur the lines between a routine traffic stop and a scene from a heart-wrenching movie, a police officer’s life was claimed in the line of duty, under the shimmering glow of streetlights and the watchful eyes of the stars. The serene night air was pierced by the sound of a catastrophic collision when a white MG sedan, bearing the insignia of Bangkok through its licence plates, made a fatal decision. The driver, attempting to navigate through a checkpoint with a recklessness that could only be fuelled by sheer intoxication, crashed into Pol Sen Sgt Maj Thanakorn Intharasuwan with a force that was both relentless and tragic. As the clock struck 10:30 pm, the accident…