In an unexpected twist of diplomacy and discussions of the digital age, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra found himself shaking hands with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in a meeting that seemed to have a bit of everything on the agenda. The rendezvous took place in Malaysia on a laid-back Sunday, adding flavor and flair to the typically predictable political scene. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his casual Facebook post dated February 2, shed light, albeit briefly, on their tête-à-tête. The cryptic message suggested that Myanmar’s ongoing turmoil and the enigmatic world of cryptocurrencies were on the conversation menu. Alas, the post, much like an appetizer without the main course, left us guessing the juicy details. A picture painted a thousand words though, depicting the duo in amiable spirits, and Anwar deemed their discourse as “productive.” Taking the intrigue up a notch, former Singaporean Foreign Minister George Yeo graced…
Posts published in “Thailand”
As Valentine’s Day draws near, a significant initiative is underway in the heart of Thailand that is more than just flowers and chocolates. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is stepping up their game with a campaign tailored to shed light on the silent but serious issue of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among the youth of Bangkok. Spearheaded by the dynamic Acting Director of the BMA Health Department, Pawinee Rungtonkit, this campaign comes as a response to alarming statistics regarding STDs in the vibrant capital city. According to a recent report, a staggering 10,879 individuals in the bustling metropolis of Bangkok have been diagnosed with an STD. To put this into perspective: 96.87 out of every 100,000 people are affected, compared to the 47.35 per 100,000 recorded in 2016. This signals a concerning uptick that cannot be ignored. Syphilis, surprisingly leading the pack, affects about 3,677 individuals, calculated to be 60…
Phew! What a whirlwind of political excitement we’ve been witnessing! The ever-charismatic Narumon Pinyosinwat has once again charmed her way to securing a second term as the fearless leader of the Kla Dharma Party. It’s no small feat managing to captivate a party that stands firm by not being anyone’s yes-man. In the colorful kaleidoscope of Thai politics, such loyalty to principles is as rare as a mystical unicorn sighting! Setting the stage with an air of anticipation, the annual Kla Dharma assembly burst into action yesterday. With a passionate display of unity, they elected Ms. Narumon as their leader alongside the dynamic Phai Lik, MP for Kamphaeng Phet, who steps in as the new party secretary-general. Meanwhile, the legendary Capt Thammanat Prompow, with his rich political heritage, has taken up the mantle of chief adviser, ensuring the party walks a path paved with wisdom and intrigue. I mean, who…
In a bold move to curb cybercrime and shield its unsuspecting victims, a rather groundbreaking amendment to an executive decree is causing a buzz. Expected to make its way into the Royal Gazette this month, this initiative is spearheaded by the unrelenting Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister, Prasert Jantararuangtong. As he passionately addressed the Senate, Mr. Prasert shone a light on the spiraling menace of online fraud and its devastating financial repercussions, underscoring the intensifying crusade against technology-driven crime. The heart of this plan resides in a draft amendment, meticulously scrutinized by the Council of State, poised to equip authorities with new arsenals to tackle the growing tech menace and extend a helpful hand to those ensnared in its web. If all goes as planned, banking giants, telecom operators, and social media barons would be held to account. Should they exhibit negligence or recklessness leading to call center scams,…
In a bold move to tackle the pervasive criminal activities infiltrating Myanmar’s border regions, the government has announced a significant reduction in electricity supplies to places suspected of housing illicit operations. Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai unveiled the decision on a recent Monday, amidst ongoing efforts to clamp down on syndicates that exploit these areas for their nefarious deeds. This strategic action followed a meeting facilitated by the National Security Council (NSC). Key officials from the Interior Ministry and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) gathered to deliberate on cutting power to sectors linked with illegal enterprises. The timing of this power curtailment plan appears to target several notorious towns along the Myanmar boundary, notably Shwe Kokko in the Myawaddy area, which lies opposite Thailand’s Tak province—a hotspot allegedly thriving with online scam operations. Mr. Phumtham, holding dual roles as both a Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, confirmed that Myanmar would…
If you’ve ever visited Phuket in December, you’d know that the airport buzzes with energy, as travelers from across the globe flock to this stunning tourist haven. But with great demand often comes skyrocketing airfares, particularly during Thailand’s festive periods. Enter the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), which is stepping up to ensure that your savings aren’t just left in the overhead compartment. This past Monday, they unveiled a detailed strategy to tackle soaring flight prices during peak travel seasons, like the Songkran festival, much to the delight of budget travelers. CAAT’s fearless leader, Suttipong Kongpool, made it clear that this initiative didn’t just spring up overnight. In fact, it was a directive right from the top, courtesy of Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit. The goal? To control airfares and make flying a more reasonable option for everyone looking to explore the Land of Smiles. To…
In a poignant display of international diplomacy, Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, recently met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The purpose? To extend Thailand’s heartfelt gratitude for Israel’s pivotal role in the safe return of Thai hostages once held by the militant group Hamas. This diplomatic exchange underscores the intricate web of international relationships, where nations must work hand in glove to resolve crises that tug at the heartstrings of humanity. Among the hostages released, five brave souls emerged from captivity, spirits unbroken. Pongsak Thaenna, born and raised in the serene province of Buri Ram, likened his experience to a macabre rebirth. “It felt like I came back from the dead. A second chance in life. I’m happy to be alive, and that’s enough for me,” he revealed with a smile that spoke volumes about human resilience. During his harrowing stay in Gaza, Pongsak found himself cloistered from the…
In a riveting turn of events, law enforcement’s diligence has once again triumphed over deception. Picture this: a bustling 18-storey edifice in Poipet, a place oblivious to its ominous 13th floor, home to a sophisticated call scam operation that left many victims in its wake. Among those ensnared by the intricate web of deceit was none other than Charlotte Austin, a Thai-British beauty queen whose dreams were dampened by a loss of 4 million baht. The caper was thwarted on an otherwise uneventful Sunday, painting the usually serene landscapes of Thailand’s Sa Kaeo with shades of high drama. There, police nabbed Ramil Pantawong, a 31-year-old whose actions upended the lives of many unsuspecting individuals. Not too far away, in the coastal town of Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, his alleged collaborator, 28-year-old Thanawut Kanyaphan, also found himself in handcuffs. The charge? Being key players in a call scam syndicate that…
In the heart of Bangkok’s bustling Bang Phlat area, the jovial laughter of kindergarten students fills the air at Wat Wimuttayaram School, where learning takes a step forward in classrooms uniquely equipped with air purifiers. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere, a serious endeavor unfolds as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) embarks on a mission to champion the creation of “dust-free classrooms” throughout its school network. Recently, during a dynamic community inspection in the Watthana district, Bangkok’s charismatic governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, galvanized attention towards a paramount priority: public health intertwined with environmental action. With a gesture akin to a maestro guiding an orchestra, he announced that out of 1,966 classrooms spread across 437 BMA-run schools, a significant 744 are destined for transformation into oases of dust-free tranquility. By the year’s end, a metamorphosis is promised, with every BMA-run school—where 429 out of the 437 schools also nurture kindergartens—benefiting from air-conditioned and air-purified…
The buzz around Thailand’s railway system is reaching new heights as the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) makes strides towards improving its infrastructure. With a vision to revolutionize connectivity, the SRT has set its sights on constructing a new double-track railway that promises to connect Hat Yai in Songkhla with Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat. This ambitious project, pegged at a staggering 34.59 billion baht, complements Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s policy aimed at boosting railway efficiency, strengthening links across Thailand and neighboring countries, and turbocharging the southern provinces’ economic and tourism sectors. With Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit spearheading the initiative, the SRT is currently requesting an 80-million-baht budget to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study. Marking the starting point of this grand vision, the study is anticipated to wrap up by 2026. But that’s just the beginning! Taking a deeper dive into the timeline, once the feasibility study…