Politics can be a tricky game, often resembling a high-stakes chess match where every move counts. In Thailand’s political landscape, Bhumjaithai’s increasing sophistication and strategic maneuvering could be positioning the party to dethrone Pheu Thai as the ruling force in the next election. However, for Anutin Charnvirakul, the leader of Bhumjaithai, proving he has what it takes to be the next prime minister is no small feat. Bhumjaithai, currently the third-largest party in parliament and the second-largest in the government, has been turning heads with its savvy political moves. A political insider reveals that despite Bhumjaithai’s current alliance with Pheu Thai, the two parties are quietly jousting for dominance as they seek to expand their political territories ahead of the next election, now three years away. If the Paethongtarn administration manages to last that long, the competition will be fierce. Pheu Thai is burning the midnight oil to rebuild its…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is gearing up for her debut international journey since ascending office, as she prepares to attend the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit in Doha, Qatar, from October 2-4. This diplomatic event promises to be a riveting chapter in her tenure, offering her a platform to foster new alliances and invigorate existing ones. Get ready to witness Paetongtarn’s eloquence as she delivers a statement that resonates with the forum’s ambitious goals and engages in bilateral talks with the leaders of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia. It’s a prime opportunity to bolster cooperation and deepen ties across a spectrum of critical areas. Her itinerary doesn’t stop there. Once the ACD concludes, she’s slated to shed light on the intertwined fates of Southeast Asian nations by partaking in a series of Asean-related summits in the charming city of Vientiane, Laos, from October 8-11. The…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra appeared to face some conflicting ideas with her deputy finance minister yesterday, following rumors that the government intends to halve its 10,000-baht cash handout scheme during its second phase next year. Despite the circulating gossip that financial constraints might force the payout down to just 5,000 baht per eligible person, Ms. Paetongtarn assured the media that participants would receive the full sum as initially planned. “People will definitely receive all the money,” she affirmed, adding that responsible agencies would provide more details after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Sirikanya Tansakul, an MP from the main opposition People’s Party, mentioned that while her party favored the scheme aimed at aiding vulnerable groups first, she doubted it would have the sweeping impact the government claimed, dismissing the idea of it creating an economic “whirlwind.” Initially, the handout was planned for 45 million recipients but was later scaled down…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has officially launched a significant expansion of the 30-baht universal healthcare coverage scheme, delighting Bangkok residents with the promise of more accessible healthcare. Speaking at the celebratory launch ceremony, Ms. Paetongtarn reflected on the scheme’s evolution since its inception by her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, during his time as Prime Minister. “The time has come to take this transformative healthcare initiative to new heights,” she declared. The program is evolving from “30-baht treatment for all diseases” to an even more inclusive “30-baht treatment at all locations.” Initially rolled out in four pilot provinces on January 7, the scheme’s updated version has now reached the bustling metropolis of Bangkok. Presently, it spans 46 provinces across Thailand, including the capital city. The expanded coverage means that cardholders in Bangkok can now access minor medical care at various local healthcare units near their homes—ranging from pharmacies and primary clinics to…
House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has signaled the start of an intriguing investigation, granting the go-ahead for the House Ethics Committee to delve into the frequent absences of Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Prawit Wongsuwon. This move comes on the heels of a petition filed earlier this week by Prompong Nopparit, a former spokesman for Pheu Thai, who has raised robust concerns over Gen Prawit’s habitual no-shows at parliamentary sessions. The petition outlines a rather shocking attendance record: since July 3 of last year, Gen Prawit has graced only 11 out of 95 parliamentary sessions with his presence. He has submitted personal leave requests 83 times and has taken one sick day—bringing his tally to a whopping 84 absences. In the wake of these revelations, the House Speaker has committed to an ethical review, though he acknowledges the complexities involved. “It’s a tangled web we must unweave,” Wan Noor…
In a recent development that has sent ripples through the community, the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) have launched a thorough investigation into the food quality at Rajaprajanugroh 47 School in Phetchaburi. This probe follows the widespread circulation of photos online, depicting meals that many have deemed substandard and potentially unsafe. Acting Sub Lt Thanu Wongjinda, the secretary-general of Obec, announced on Friday that a fact-finding mission had been promptly initiated. The trigger for this investigation was a series of shocking images shared by the Facebook page “Watch Dog.” These images showcased the boarding school’s breakfast and lunch meals, which quickly garnered the attention and concern of the community. One particular photo that drew significant criticism showed a rather disheartening breakfast consisting of plain rice and deep-fried cocktail-sized sausages. What was even more alarming was the revelation that some of these sausages…
The Public Health Ministry is gearing up for an aggressive campaign to combat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) by offering enticing tax incentives to individuals. Minister Somsak Thepsutin emphasized that prevention is far more impactful than treatment. “Our mission is clear: drive the prevention of NCDs. Education is key, and an informed public is less likely to develop these chronic illnesses,” said Mr. Somsak. According to the ministry’s alarming statistics, around 400,000 people succumb to NCDs in Thailand each year. For those new to the term, NCDs are chronic diseases that include devastating conditions like cancer, cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. The World Health Organization (WHO) attributes the increasing NCD mortality rates to several lifestyle factors, including tobacco use, physical inactivity, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and even rampant air pollution. To tackle this pressing issue, Minister…
Help is on the way! Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently chaired a crucial meeting to roll out a relief plan for flood victims in Chiang Rai. This key assembly took place at the bustling Mae Fa Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport on Friday, showcasing the government’s commitment to tackle the disaster head-on (Photo: Government House). Good news followed suit as the government initiated the first round of compensation for more than 3,600 households, who found themselves severely affected by the relentless flooding in Chiang Rai. Speaking on behalf of the Interior Ministry, spokeswoman Traisulee Taisaranakul revealed that the cabinet had given the green light on September 17 to allocate a substantial budget of 3.04 billion baht for nationwide flood victim compensation. The responsibility of distributing these funds has fallen to the Interior Ministry. Chaiwat Junthiraphong, the director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, announced that compensation payments were successfully…
The grand ballroom erupted in applause as Thanphuying Putrie Viravaidya, chairperson of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, gracefully accepted the prestigious SX Shaper Award from Sumet Tantivejkul, secretary-general of the Chaipattana Foundation. It was the opening ceremony of the Sustainable Expo 2024, a momentous occasion punctuated with pride and joy. Photos captured by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill and Somchai Poomlard immortalized the event, every frame brimming with celebration and achievement. This year, the Mae Fah Luang Foundation clinched the SX Shaper Award, a testament to its unrivaled efforts in driving large-scale changes that both nurture the environment and empower communities. This accolade celebrates individuals or organizations that have made significant strides toward sustainability, and the Mae Fah Luang Foundation fits this bill impeccably. Thanphuying Putrie couldn’t contain her gratitude as she acknowledged the award. “This recognition is a reflection of the diligence and dedication of our staff,” she noted with a radiant…
Immediate action must be taken to achieve sustainability, or the world may suffer the consequences in the long term, according to Sumet Tantivejkul, Secretary-General of the Chaipattana Foundation, who delivered his speech at the opening ceremony of Sustainable Expo 2024 (SX2024) last Friday. During his compelling keynote speech, Mr. Sumet expounded on the sufficiency economy theory of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, King Rama IX, highlighting the vital keyword of “change.” At the time of its inception, many believed the sufficiency economy theory was solely tied to economic change because an economic crisis had recently ravaged the nation. However, as the country grappled with the Covid-19 pandemic and the escalating climate crisis, the concept of “change” took on a broader, more profound meaning. According to this principle, not only should people be prepared for economic shifts, but they should also engage in self-evaluation, logical planning, and risk management…