Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is once again at the center of a political maelstrom. As the Supreme Court takes the rare step of scrutinizing the enforcement of Thaksin’s prison term, the tumult threatens to ripple through governmental agencies involved in his case. Casting a shadow over proceedings is the gnawing possibility of Thaksin spending time in an actual prison rather than a cozy hospital ward. The Supreme Court’s involvement stems from a petition by ex-Democrat Party MP Charnchai Issarasenarak, accusing the Department of Corrections (DoC) and the Police General Hospital (PGH) of contravening legal norms by allowing Thaksin to receive treatment at the latter facility. Thaksin was moved to PGH due to alleged severe health problems immediately after serving only a brief time in prison post-returning from self-imposed exile on August 22, 2023, to begin an eight-year sentence. This extended hospital stay has drawn public ire, viewed by…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a whirlwind of political intrigue, House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has found himself at the center of a stormy debate over the Senate selection process. Recently, a petition landed on his desk with a thud—a petition imploring the Constitutional Court to intervene and suspend several senators allegedly involved in clandestine operations that would make even the most stoic Westminster figure arch an eyebrow. The drama, as it unfolds, has all the makings of a political thriller, but with more gravity, as it involves no less than the integrity of Thailand’s democratic institutions. Mr. Wan, ever the cautious statesman, acknowledged this rather prickly petition addressed to him. The document demands decisive action: suspend those senators until a transparent investigation can reveal whether there truly is smoke beneath that suspicious smoke screen. The allegations swirling about like so much perfumed scandal involve backroom dealings, manipulations, and, apparently, an attempt to…
In the serene and stunning landscapes of northern Thailand, a heated debate simmers beneath the surface, centering around a proposal that has stirred passions and aroused concerns in equal measure. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has planted the seeds of contention by proposing the construction of check dams aimed at cleansing the rivers choked with heavy metals. It’s a vision that aspires to silence the whispers of pollution, but one that has ignited a storm of dissent among civil groups who argue it’s a smokescreen that sidesteps the heart of the matter. Mr. Phumtham, with his dual hats as Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, has amplified the urgency of the issue, especially during a pivotal meeting at the Flood, Storm, and Landslide Disaster Relief Operations Center. His directive is as clear as the rivers he wishes to purify; the Kok, Sai, and Mekong rivers must be freed from the toxic…
In the ever-evolving world of politics, few stories capture the public’s attention quite like that of a high-profile trial. Yingluck Shinawatra, a name once resonant in Thailand’s political sphere, finds herself at the center of such a narrative. With the Supreme Administrative Court’s recent ruling, a historical precedent is being set that could send ripples through the fabric of governmental policy-making for years to come. Rewinding a decade, the charismatic Yingluck, then serving as Thailand’s prime minister, introduced the rice-pledging program—a scheme she believed would bolster the nation’s agricultural core. Fast forward to the present, and this same program has cost her a staggering 10 billion baht, with the court demanding compensation for the alleged failures that transpired under her governance. This ruling supplements an earlier five-year prison sentence she’s been handed by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, marking her supposed negligence in curbing corruption…
In a world drifting further away from the tactile towards the digital, the Social Security Office (SSO) finds itself at an unusual crossroads. Imagine clinging onto a relic of the past—a calendar—while trying to navigate the swift waters of public opinion and technological advancement. Despite a strong wave of resistance from members and employers who advocate for completely eliminating the calendar, the SSO charges forward, calendar block in hand, as if readying for the year’s final hurdle race. So, what’s the fuss about this old-school paper product? A new survey conducted on May 8 uncovered some curious findings. A surprising 68.99% of 20,569 respondents claimed they have never set eyes on an SSO calendar. And an even more astonishing 83.78% of those said they didn’t give a fig leaf for one. It seems the calendar’s charm is akin to that of a wilting houseplant to most folks. On the public…
The recent saga at the construction site of Bangkok’s Orange Line rail project has drawn the eyes of many, spinning a tale ensnared with danger, hope, and resilience. Over a span of five tense days, the relentless quest to find Sarawut Chanthason, a 33-year-old construction worker from Si Sa Ket, ended in solemnity but also with the knowledge that efforts were not spared. Sarawut had met misfortune on May 19, tumbling into a deep excavation hole at Lan Luang station, a key juncture on the Orange Line extension connecting Bang Khun Non to the buzzing hub of the Thailand Cultural Centre. The backdrop to this drama unfolded in the heart of Bangkok, precisely at Soi Lan Luang 8 in Pomprap Sattruphai district. It was here that the city’s vibrant energy faced a pause, and hearts held their breath with collective anticipation. According to the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department, the…
In a significant stride to curb a pressing issue in Thailand’s real estate market, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Interior have joined forces with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This pivotal alliance, forged between the Department of Business Development (DBD) and the Department of Lands, seeks to bring an end to the crafty antics of foreign nationals using Thai nominees to snare land unlawfully. The MoU, inked with a flourish on Thursday, is not just a piece of paper but a beacon of hope to close the gaping legal loopholes. It mandates a cooperative strategy where both entities will pool their resources to zero in on companies suspected of being foreign interests’ fronts, as stated by Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisanpang. Responding to an escalating wave of foreign incursions into sectors traditionally earmarked for Thai citizens—think agriculture, real estate, and hospitality—Srisanpang voiced the underlying concerns. “Such clandestine…
The air of uncertainty surrounding the Thanyaburi municipal election results lingers as the Election Commission (EC) remains vigilant in its efforts to ensure electoral integrity. While the Pathum Thani EC office director, Sanga Thathong, has reassured the public that there were no discrepancies involving missing or surplus ballots in Thanyaburi, the certification of the election has hit a snag due to several lodged complaints, triggering ongoing investigations into alleged breaches of electoral law. At the heart of this electoral drama is Yupayao Leenawarat, the poised and determined wife of former mayor Krissada Leenawarat. She has emerged as the frontrunner in the mayoral race, capturing the attention and support of many. Her rise in local politics is complemented by the electoral success of her son, Smitthiphat, who has secured a position as a municipal councillor. In stark contrast, their competitor, Somchart Khatancharoen, who is backed by the formidable Pol Gen Kamronwit…
Amidst the tropical humdrum of Thailand’s vibrant streets, an extraordinary buzz has overshadowed the usual hustle. On March 27, anti-gambling protesters stood staunchly at Government House, their voices rising like a crescendo against the backdrop of a major legislative proposal. As the government paves a potentially glittering path toward establishing casino-entertainment complexes, the country’s policy plate simmers with anticipation. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, a stalwart figure amid stormy debates, revealed a priority-setting maneuver poised to shake Thai parliament come July. The pièce de résistance of this legislative symphony? A bill to legalize and regulate entertainment complexes akin to glamorous wonderlands, complete with casinos, across the Land of Smiles. What sparked this legislative inferno? An influx of interest from industry titans, that’s what! In pulsating meetings that might as well be the stuff of cinema, representatives from Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts—the colossuses of integrated resort ingenuity and casino grandeur—leaned…
The sunny province of Songkhla has found itself engulfed in a gripping saga that’s riveted the attention of both local residents and thrill-seekers from across the nation. The story centers on a clandestine online gambling operation, a tale where the stakes are high, the money is colossal, and the intrigue is nothing short of cinematic. In a spectacle that could rival any blockbuster thriller, the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), along with the adept Region 4 Border Patrol Police unit, embarked on a mission of stealth and precision. Their objective? To unravel an insidious online gambling network rooted in the heart of Songkhla province. However, what made this operation more compelling was its mysterious connection to a local political figure, promising a narrative of power, deception, and ultimate justice. The operation was spearheaded by Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwphan, whose resolve and determination carried the weight of the investigation. At…