In recent developments that have stirred quite the public uproar, the Thai Parliament stands at the receiving end of stinging criticism after it rolled out a proposal seeking a hefty additional budget for the renovation of its premises. Amid the current economic turbulence afflicting many Thais, this proposal has been perceived as somewhat out of touch, like sipping a luxury latte while the bank account runs dry. At the heart of this fiscal cacophony is a demand for hundreds of millions of baht, earmarked for fancy projects that some critics have dubbed as exorbitant, if not frivolous. The budget, among other whims, aims to feature a swanky 4D cinema and a facelift for the rarely frequented Sala Kaeo pavilion. Imagine the irony – chrysanthemums of criticism blossoming in every corner, as even Members of Parliament from the People’s Party lend their voices to a chorus decrying the lavish plans. The…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the bustling heart of Bangkok’s shopping utopia, the Central Embassy, lies a delectable surprise for food enthusiasts — Kaithong Original, a renowned Thai restaurant. Recently, however, the serene culinary paradise was disrupted by an unusual heist. On April 29th, an audacious foreign couple reportedly swiped two cherished menu books from Kaithong, a theft that unfolded like a scene from a dramatic comedy. Imagine this: A CCTV camera captures a gentleman in a grey T-shirt silently clicking away at the menu spreads, as if trying to memorize each dish with the precision of a culinary savant. Meanwhile, his partner in crime, a woman with a knack for subterfuge, sneaks the menu books into her bag with the stealth of a seasoned spy. Little did they know, their antics would soon become the talk of the town — or rather, the shopping mall. Kaithong Original didn’t let this incident simmer under…
The vibrant streets of Bangkok recently became the backdrop for an extraordinary police operation that reads like an international spy thriller. The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) surged into action, conducting a meticulously planned raid that resulted in the confiscation of a staggering cache of counterfeit perfumes. This vast collection, seized from two bustling districts, Rat Burana and Bukkhalo, boasted a total of 34,806 imitation fragrances and carried a shocking valuation of over 4 million baht. The mastermind behind this sophisticated counterfeit operation ran an intricate web stretching from China to Thailand, using rented warehouses to cleverly conceal these faux fragrant contraband. Spearheaded by Commander Pattanasak Bupphasuwan, the strategic crackdown commenced on the evening of May 3, following a pivotal turning point: the arrest of a Thai national implicated in the illicit trade of perfumes and cosmetics. This arrest began unraveling the deceitful threads leading back to a well-financed Chinese…
In an unexpected turn of tides, the marine police made a significant catch on a sunny Sunday off the coast of Narathiwat province. However, this time, it wasn’t the usual creatures of the sea but rather a group of 15 Vietnamese fishermen who found themselves caught in the legal net. The episode unfolded as these fishermen were apprehended, accused of venturing into Thai waters uninvited, a move that ultimately led to the capture of their fishing vessels along with themselves. The routine patrol seemed just another day at sea for the marine police as they cruised the waters patrolling their jurisdiction until they happened upon something suspicious. Their attention was piqued 21 nautical miles east of the Bang Nara estuary. Upon a closer look, the officers found two Vietnamese fishing boats quietly going about their business, perhaps unknowingly drifting into a sea of trouble. As the morning sun sparkled over…
Nestled amidst the breathtaking wilderness of the Umphang district, a chilling mystery unfolds in the heart of the verdant Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary. This idyllic stretch of nature’s bounty, known for its lush greenery and exotic wildlife, has become the centre of an intensive search effort since last Saturday, captivating the collective attention of locals and authorities alike. At the crux of this unfolding saga is a missing tour guide from Phu Doi Resort. This modest, yet renowned haven for tourists seeking an authentic commune with nature, has suddenly found itself in the spotlight under distressing circumstances. The tour guide, an evidently adept navigator of these rugged terrains, mysteriously went off-grid at Doi Palatay mountain, a scenic peak that challenges even the most seasoned adventurers. As the sun began to set that fateful Saturday evening, the tour guide found himself separated from his group of fellow guides and enthusiastic tourists. The…
In the vibrant southern province of Surat Thani, the allure of forbidden online activities enthralled the young hearts, yet it met an abrupt end when a law enforcement swoop cracked down on a clandestine operation. Just a few days past on May 3, three young individuals found themselves under the glare of the justice spotlight, allegedly for orchestrating spirited online football wagering activities, particularly captivating the younger sphere. Like a scene from a gripping heist film, this melding of digital thrills and human folly led to the unraveling of secrecy in the bustling Mueang district. The minds behind this digital dalliance, Chanin Klangnarong, aged 26, and Oranit Chaniwet, a mere 20 years old, met their fate at a seemingly inconspicuous two-storey edifice in tambon Bang Kung. As the clock ticked, the police stormed through, confiscating 16 computers, 53 payment slips, and a modest 35,660 baht in cash—equal to about US$1,075.…
The Department of International Trade Promotion, under the vigilant umbrella of Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, has charted out a brilliant strategic plan to promote Muay Thai as a cultural soft powerhouse in the arenas of Europe and China. This ambitious initiative opens the doors to a treasure trove of economic opportunities by tapping into the global love affair with Muay Thai. The vision is vivid and confident: transform the sport’s global admiration into streams of revenue across multiple industries, painting a vibrant future for Thailand’s economy. This strategy isn’t just about spreading the word; it’s a full-fledged symphony composed across three movements: boosting the sport’s glow on the global stage, exporting a cornucopia of related products, and masterfully leveraging the art of soft power to amplify the allure of Muay Thai and products carrying the Thai signature. The result? Increased recognition, a surge in export opportunities, and a golden tide…
In an unusual twist of events in the bustling Bang Na-Trat area of Bangkok, police have apprehended a rather infamous figure known for causing chaos by hurling concrete debris at unsuspecting vehicles. The man in question, identified as 32-year-old Chalad, found himself in the custody of the Bang Na police led by Police Colonel Surapong Sukyaem. The charges? Attempted murder, no less. The dramatic arrest came after Chalad’s latest escapade was caught on security footage, and a warrant was swiftly issued by the Phra Khanong Criminal Court on May 2. On the scene of the crime, a most peculiar reconstruction took place. Picture it: Chalad, under the watchful eyes of the law, retracing his zany steps in a bid to aid the investigation. It was here that he first alighted from a bus near the housing flats on the inbound side of the Bang Na-Trat Road, casually picking up two…
Just when you thought politics couldn’t get more cinematic, here’s a twist: the new parliament house perched alongside the Chao Phraya River in sunny Bangkok is making waves with its rather curious budget request. While it may sound like a plot for a political thriller, the drama unfolds in everyday economic hardship faced by countless Thais juxtaposed against a hefty wish list for the legislature’s lavish refurbishments. In the spotlight are renovations that aren’t quite receiving standing ovations. The proposed spending spree, featuring a 4D cinema and a costly revamp of the seldom-used Sala Kaeo, known affectionately (or not) as the ‘Crystal Pavilion,’ calls for a whopping 113 million baht. This costly redo, critics claim, has more detractors than fans. Puangthong Pawakapan, an associate professor hailing from Chulalongkorn University, chimed in, echoing sentiments that the work is as redundant as a sequel to a box-office flop. After all, she humorously…
As the sun rose over the bustling streets of Bangkok early last month, the air buzzed with a mix of excitement and tension. Anti-casino demonstrators flocked to the city’s heart, marching towards Parliament, their banners fluttering like colorful birds in flight. At the center of the storm was Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a leader known for her tenacious spirit and ambitious visions. Taking the stage on the lively NBT’s Empowering Thais with PM Paetongtarn program, the Prime Minister did not mince words. She took on critics of the proposed casino entertainment complex with the vigor of a seasoned pugilist, accusing her political adversaries of stirring the cauldron of public confusion to brew opposition. She argued passionately that this controversial project, far from a burden, promised a cascade of foreign investment and economic opportunities, all without dipping a finger into the taxpayers’ collective pocket. “This investment isn’t leeching off the state…