Posts published in “Thailand”

In the vivacious world of academia, Paul Chambers stands as a name etched with reverence, especially within circles that explore the complex weave of military influence on Thai politics. Stationed as a lecturer at Naresuan University in Phitsanulok, his breadth of research has cemented his stature as a beacon of knowledge, navigating the oft-turbulent seas of political discourse. Yet, the tides of controversy recently swept over him, marshalling charges of lese-majeste and computer crime against him. However, a remarkable twist in the tale unfurled as Thai prosecutors from the Office of the Attorney General suggested dropping these charges, a revelation that came through loud and clear on a recent Thursday. Sakkasem Nisaiyok, eloquent spokesperson for the Office of the Attorney General Region 6—which blankets Phitsanulok in its jurisdiction—unveiled that after a meticulous review of evidence in hand, brought forth by Muang district police, the stipulations of Section 112 of the…

The search continues at the tragic collapse site of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok’s bustling Chatuchak district, uncovering more heartbreaking news. On Thursday, five additional bodies were discovered amidst the rubble, bringing tears and a deep sense of loss to the scene. This somber update was provided by Suriyachai Rawiwan, the diligent Director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, as rescue efforts persist at the sprawling site. This under-construction architectural venture was a towering 30-storey testament to modern ambition, tragically halted on March 28 by nature’s unforgiving force—a cataclysmic 8.2-magnitude earthquake that rippled from Mandalay, Myanmar. The seismic shock was so powerful, it brought down the edifice, entombing over a hundred unsuspecting workers within its skeletal embrace. The disaster has taken a heavy toll, with the BMA’s reports confirming 103 victims affected by the catastrophe. Heartbreakingly, 68 souls have been confirmed lost,…

Yesterday, a significant legal twist unfolded as the Court of Appeal Region 6 granted Dr. Paul Chambers permission to shed his electronic monitoring (EM) bracelet, a device that had been his constant companion due to an ongoing legal battle. Dr. Chambers, a distinguished American lecturer, celebrated this win on April 30, marking a notable victory in his appeal against a prior court mandate, although he still has certain bail conditions to honor. The Human Rights Lawyers Centre was the first to break the news, joyfully announcing via their social media channels the decision favoring Chambers. Excitement rippled through the virtual community, echoing the lecturer’s relief at the favorable verdict after his appeal of the initial denial became successful. Rewind a bit to April 28 at the Phitsanulok Provincial Court—it was there that Dr. Chambers requested the removal of the EM device, which had been snugly, albeit inconveniently, clipped onto his…

In the tranquil yet exuberant ambiance of Wat Rat Pradit Wararam, nestled in the picturesque Phetchabun province, there unfolded an event that fused tradition, spiritual reverence, and an unexpected twist of suspense. It was the ceremonious casting of the illustrious Luang Pho Prasop Chok Buddha statue, an emblem of fortune and serenity crafted in the distinctive Chiang Rung style, measuring 21 inches across the lap and perched on a base standing 1.09 meters tall. As the clock struck 1:09 PM on April 30, the scene was set for the grand day. Porapat Tueangnoi, the ever-dedicated president of the Nam Chun subdistrict administrative organisation, lit the incense and candles, signifying the commencement of the sacred proceedings. A Brahmin, revered for his expertise in divine matters, voiced invocations to summon blessings from celestial realms. The air was rich with the aroma of incense, swirling together with incantations that seemed to dance upon…

In the stillness of the early morning hours on May 1, the 344 road in Chon Buri’s Nong Yai district bore witness to a heart-wrenching tragedy. Ploywarin Noenklang, a devoted 27-year-old mother, and her innocent six-year-old son, Thanawat Saothong, lost their lives in a horrific accident. This ill-fated event was captured by the unyielding lens of a CCTV camera, recording the moment a six-wheeled truck careened out of control and collided with a stationary trailer truck. The clock had barely struck 4am when police officers from the Nong Yai station, alongside dedicated rescue teams from the Sila Thammasamakom Association, hastened to the scene. What they encountered was a scene of devastation—a severely mangled six-wheeled truck, its registration number marked as 51-1694 Bangkok, lay at the epicenter of the chaos. Inside the twisted metal was a grim tableau of human suffering: four injured individuals, two adults, and two children. Among them,…

In a rather theatrical turn of events, Thailand’s People’s Party has thrown down the gauntlet to challenge the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, calling for an inquiry into the murky world of international study programs. These programs have allegedly become a hotbed for Chinese nationals securing student visas under false pretenses, only to engage in illegal work within Thailand’s inviting borders. The plot thickens with Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, the dashing deputy leader of the People’s Party, taking center stage. With a dramatic flair worthy of a courtroom drama, he alludes to the notorious collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building on March 28 as a case in point. This incident served as a glaring beacon, shining light on the nefarious workings of the zero-dollar business model, which has weaved its way into various sectors, casting a shadow over Thailand. Picture this: a model championed by non-native operators,…

Last night, April 30, at precisely 10:16 PM, the ordinarily serene region of Chaiyaphum province was startled awake by a harrowing incident. A hospital director, evidently oblivious to the dangers of mixing alcohol and driving, plowed his vehicle into two unsuspecting television photographers, causing severe injuries. The unfortunate event transpired as the pair were on a late-night quest for sustenance, a routine so commonplace it scarcely warranted a second thought—until tragedy struck. The chilling news reached Police Lieutenant Kanti Piansoongnern, the diligent Deputy Inspector at Mueang Chaiyaphum Police Station, who promptly sprung into action. Accompanied by a medical squad from Chaiyaphum Hospital and the swift-footed members of the Sawang Khunatham Chaiyaphum Rescue Unit, they arrived to find a scene of unexpected chaos. A white Toyota lay splayed on the pavement, having bulldozed its way into a tranquil restaurant, leaving its innards scattered across the floor like an overturned anthill. Within…

In a vibrant leap toward global culinary prominence, Thailand’s Commerce Minister, Phichai Naripthaphan, has unveiled a splendid enhancement to the Thai SELECT programme with the introduction of a striking Orchid Star symbol. Introduced in 1998, this initiative has long been the torchbearer for Thai cuisine, lighting up taste buds and ensuring the authenticity of flavors in an ever-eager, food-savvy world. Today, as you hop around the globe, you’ll stumble upon over 18,852 Thai restaurants, with 1,779 wearing the prestigious Thai SELECT badge like a badge of culinary honor. Even within Thailand’s borders, 496 dining establishments have earned this coveted recognition. The program also pulses life into the grocery aisles, with 965 Thai ready-to-eat products from 109 companies embracing certifications that reflect a robust international reputation. Minister Phichai emphasized to anyone with an ear for good taste that for over two decades, Thai SELECT has been akin to a flavor passport…

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports in Thailand has finally decided to tackle the growing chorus of grievances from foreign tourists, who have been loudly voicing their dismay over dual pricing, an issue that has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media. Nobody wants to feel like a walking wallet, right? On April 26, Sorawong Thienthong, the proactive minister, convened a spirited meeting with key tourism executives and representatives across various government bodies to roll up their sleeves and address these pressing matters head-on. The wake-up call came via a provocative social media post titled “Where Have Foreign Tourists Gone?”—a title evocative enough to rival the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle! Released on April 24, the post translated the heartfelt concerns of foreign tourists and expatriates in an exposé that first appeared in the Bangkok Post. The piece painted a rather alarming picture, depicting worries over personal safety, pesky…

In a thrilling operation reminiscent of a gutsy police drama, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) struck a massive blow against drug smuggling along the bustling Thai-Myanmar border. As of yesterday, April 30, the KNLA deftly intercepted and seized a staggering six million methamphetamine pills bound for Thailand. The scene unfolded in the picturesque yet perilous province of Hpa-An, Karen State, Myanmar, almost a whisper away from the tranquil Mae Sariang district in Thailand’s Mae Hong Son. The dramatic bust saw two suspects nabbed in a sting that could rival any Hollywood blockbuster. A source from the KNLA spilt the beans that this high-stakes game commenced on April 27. It was like a nail-biting play in a thriller novel when the vigilant eyes of the 7th Brigade of the Karen National Union (KNU) caught sight of a shady motorboat slicing through the upper Salween River, its belly brimming with forbidden…