Political theater can be a captivating spectacle, particularly when the spotlight shines on conflicts of ideology and ethics. A recent act in this ongoing drama involves 44 former MPs from Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP), disbanded in a political maelstrom, now facing the charge sheet of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for allegedly crossing lines of ethical behavior. Their stage? A controversial bid to amend the infamous Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese-majeste law – a topic that counts as heavy artillery in Thai political battles. Enter Rangsiman Rome, one of the principal players in this unfolding saga, who recently exchanged his MFP insignia for that of the People’s Party. With the NACC’s summons tucked under his arm, Rangsiman took to the virtual podium of Facebook to voice his perspective. The summons, endorsed by NACC commissioner Witthaya Akhompitak, head of the investigation committee, commands Rangsiman to explain himself…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the vibrant locale of Pattaya, where sun-soaked beaches typically steal the show, a fiery catastrophe turned heads and raised anxieties on February 13th, 2025. A blaze that erupted at a scrap yard in Soi Thung Klom Tan Man 17 became an unwelcome spectacle as billowing smoke and crackling flames disturbed the town’s usual serenity. The blaze, which is estimated to have caused a stunning 300,000 baht in damages, adds a significant chapter to the growing narrative of air pollution concerns in the region. The drama unfolded at precisely 2 p.m. when the Nong Prue Municipality’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department received urgent reports of the fire. With the immediacy of a well-rehearsed fire drill, firefighters from Nong Prue Police Station, along with dedicated volunteers from the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Foundation, scrambled to the scene. They dispatched five fire trucks to quench the hungry flames, but by the time the…
In an exciting turn of events, Pattaya, the dazzling gem of Thailand often known for its vibrant nightlife and stunning coastline, is now creating a buzz in the Middle East. The city’s charm was showcased by a group of city officials and prominent business leaders who traveled to Muscat, Oman. Their mission? To cast a spotlight on Pattaya’s unique blend of cultural experiences, adrenaline-pumping activities, and luxurious escapes. February 12 marked the day when the Sheraton Oman Hotel transformed into a miniature Pattaya at the Pattaya Roadshow to Muscat. The roadshow was a collaborative effort orchestrated by Pattaya City, the Chon Buri Provincial Administrative Organisation, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Pattaya Office. Leading this enthusiastic entourage was Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet along with City Council Chairperson Banlue Kullawanich. Backing them were 16 eager Pattaya-based business operators, ready to share their city’s treasures. More than 50 tour operators from Oman…
Ah, Valentine’s Day—the season of love, devotion, and for some, a drastic measure to impress their significant other with a daring heist that’s now the talk of Samut Prakan. The provincial police chief has boldly initiated a pursuit to apprehend the infamous gentleman who apparently decided that the perfect way to express his affection was by purloining a gold necklace, right under the authorities’ noses. The scene of this golden drama unfolded in a modest yet bustling gold shop, nestled within a market just behind Wat Nam Daeng, in the heart of Bang Phli Yai subdistrict, Bang Phli district. Responding urgently to the call of duty, Bang Kaew Station’s constables arrived to investigate this audacious theft. Spearheaded by none other than the venerable Police Major General Wichit Boonchinwuttikul, the investigation took its first steps into understanding the peculiar Valentine’s escapade. The shopkeeper, still reeling from the unexpected turn of events,…
In the ongoing saga surrounding the land title deed of a contentious golf course nestled in the scenic Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul finds himself navigating through the murky waters of land ownership rights. This bewildering saga, according to the Land Department’s guru, should rightfully fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), the initial issuer of the title deed, as confirmed by Pornpoth Penpas, the authoritative director-general of the Department of Lands (DoL). On a crisp Saturday morning, Mr. Pornpoth eloquently addressed swirling rumors suggesting that the land in question might be dabbling in intriguing overlaps with agricultural lands earmarked for reform. These assertions swirled in the air like persistent storm clouds. Stepping into the light, Mr. Anutin—a man known for his meticulous attention to business ventures—was eager to verify his comprehension of the complex labyrinth that is…
The tranquil landscape of Kamphaeng Phet was recently shaken by a chilling discovery that has since unraveled into a story fit for a crime drama. On a gloomy Friday evening, the local authorities cracked open a case involving the tragic murder of three family members whose bodies were discovered in a pickup truck—a grim scene hidden beneath a large canvas on an abandoned property. The deceased family, missing since January 11th, consisted of Wongsakorn Hongsakrai, a 37-year-old father; his wife, Nanthakarn Nachee, 35; and their young son, just seven years old. The condition in which they were found broke hearts across the community—each life violently taken by shots to the head. The murder weapon, unexpectedly, wasn’t the sort conventionally imagined in such horrific tales. Instead, the bullets that ended the lives were fired from a modified BB gun, as initial investigations by the Khlong Khlung police indicated. Soon enough, all…
In the typically tranquil Wang district of Narathiwat, the evening serenity was shattered with a dramatic explosion that echoed throughout the area like the climax of an action-packed blockbuster. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink on an otherwise ordinary Friday, the unexpected befell near a territorial defence unit. The audacious bomb attack, which rocked the community, originated from a seemingly innocent three-wheeled motorcycle—the kind you might see puttering along the streets amidst lively markets. But rather than groceries or goods, this vehicle concealed a sinister payload, detonating at approximately 7:10 PM and causing havoc. The explosion tore through the evening calm, sending a shower of debris skyward. It damaged a portion of the neighbouring wall and several parked motorcycles, leaving a visual testament to its destructive force. The once bustling area was quickly cordoned off by local authorities who sprang…
Indeed, change is in the air as a new wave of reform is on the horizon for the informal workforce in Thailand. According to Deputy Government Spokesman Karom Polpornklang, the winds of change are set to sweep through the lives of many workers currently sitting on the fringes of the social security system. The Social Security Office (SSO) has taken commendable steps, proposing the inclusion of three crucial worker groups into the fold, aiming to illuminate their paths with the beacon of healthcare access and an array of work-related benefits. If you’ve ever ventured into the verdant fields or dared to brave the choppy waters, you might have encountered the stalwart workers who toil in the agricultural, fisheries, forestry, and livestock sectors. As unsung heroes, these individuals often operate outside the comfort zone of formal employment. In an equally diligent realm, we find domestic helpers—the unswerving household maids, culinary wizards…
Picture a future where the humdrum of hospital waits and travel woes are whisked away by a groundbreaking healthcare initiative—enter the realm of the “Smart Health Cabin”! This visionary endeavor is helmed by none other than the trailblazing Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin, whose sights are set on revolutionizing Thailand’s already impactful 30-baht universal healthcare scheme. The date is February 16, 2025, and the stage is set for a healthcare paradigm shift that promises enhanced accessibility and seamless care for the people. Imagine walking into a sleek health check-up kiosk, strategically installed at Phra Nang Klao Hospital in Nonthaburi, and finding a world-class, all-in-one medical consultation at your fingertips. A peek into the future, unveiled just last week, these health check kiosks offer an innovative solution designed with a single unifying goal—to make the government’s “30-baht treatment anywhere” policy a reality. For residents in areas where hospitals and clinics are…
In a political landscape that’s often as tumultuous as a soap opera, the latest scene features the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) gearing up to indict 44 erstwhile MPs from the now-dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP). The charge? Breaching ethical standards by daring to sponsor a bill to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, commonly referred to as the lese-majeste law. Among the dramatis personae, we find Rangsiman Rome, one of the 44 former MFP MPs, who has been summoned by the NACC to face the music and elaborate on his role in proposing this amendment. Rangsiman Rome, who now wears the People’s Party badge, took to Facebook—his digital soapbox—after receiving an official letter signed by none other than NACC commissioner Witthaya Akhompitak, presiding as chair over the investigative committee. The missive demands his presence before the committee to address allegations of grave ethical misconduct for merely proposing amendments to…