As Thaksin Shinawatra made his grand entrance into the Pheu Thai headquarters in March, the air was electric. Supporters swarmed him, waving banners and shouting slogans, capturing a moment that seemed both jubilant and tense. Yet, just beneath the surface lies a web of political intrigue that threatens to unravel the very fabric of the ruling party. Fast forward to the present day, and the Pheu Thai party finds itself embroiled in yet another storm of controversy. The chairman of the Thai Pakdee Party, Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission (EC), claiming that Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, is pulling the strings from behind the curtain. The accusation? Allegedly, Thaksin holds an illegal sway over Pheu Thai, potentially violating the Organic Act on Political Parties, which explicitly prohibits non-members from influencing party affairs. On a Wednesday morning that buzzed with anticipation, Dr. Warong’s…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Residents in 48 provinces, including the bustling capital of Bangkok, have been put on high alert for possible heavy rain and subsequent flash floods expected from this Friday until September 18. The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) took to Facebook to issue this stern warning, saying that the northern monsoon trough will descend upon upper Thailand during this period. Simultaneously, the southwest monsoon is predicted to intensify, bringing more rainfall—and in some areas, very heavy downpours. If you live in flood-prone areas, it’s crucial to prepare for potential flooding and runoff during this timeframe. Flash floods are anticipated to impact 13 provinces in the North, including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, and Tak, among others. The same flooding threat looms over 13 provinces in the Northeast like Loei, Nong Khai, and Bueng Kan. Further down, 8 provinces in the Central Plain, including Bangkok and its nearby provinces,…
The serene Kok River transformed into a raging torrent, spilling over into Chiang Rai’s Muang district on a precarious Wednesday morning. (Photo: Public Relations Department) Relentless rainstorms have wreaked havoc across the upper North, triggering rivers to surge beyond their banks, unleashing devastating floods and landslides. Tragically, four souls have been lost, four have been injured, and five remain unaccounted for in the chaos. Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost province, finds itself in the throes of this deluge. Disaster mitigation teams reported severe flooding in tambon Mae Sai, tambon Wiang Pang Kham, and tambon Koh Chang of Mae Sai district. With water levels swelling to about a meter high and currents running strong, the situation looks dire. Residents in the flood-ravaged zones near the engorged Sai River in Mae Sai district have been forewarned, urging them to brace for possible evacuation. Over in Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Nong National Park, still…
TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited, also known simply as TOA, has shaken up the D.I.Y. market with the launch of ‘TOA Shield Expert.’ This cutting-edge, eco-friendly paint isn’t just any ordinary splash of color; it’s a 2-in-1 water-based emulsion that makes painting a breeze while promising a longevity of over 10 years. This product is a testament to TOA’s commitment to both home safety and environmental protection. ‘TOA Shield Expert’ has been given the thumbs up by some of the top property developers and can be found in modern trade outlets across the nation, pushing the move towards a more sustainable and low-carbon society. According to Mr. Jatuphat Tangkaravakoon, the Chief Executive Officer of TOA Paint (Thailand), ‘TOA Shield Expert’ reflects the construction industry’s future direction. “This paint, which is a combination of topcoat and primer, highlights the industry’s shift towards prioritizing health and safety, especially for the ageing…
Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong, Phuket, has rolled out an ambitious business plan designed to attract top-tier shoppers through innovative marketing strategies. By launching products, services, and activities that appeal to both local and international audiences, Jungceylon aims to set a new standard in retail. This plan is deeply rooted in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks. Prawit Janyasittikul, the CEO of Jungceylon, highlighted that for over 18 years, this shopping center has been a cornerstone in Phuket’s retail landscape. Spreading across a massive 200,000 square meters and attracting 45,000 to 50,000 visitors daily, Jungceylon is steadfastly focused on sustainability. The retail giant has adopted Circular Economy principles to steer growth and align with ESG strategies. To meet its environmental objectives, Jungceylon is implementing the 4R principles: Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle. They are also moving towards an “Upcycle” approach to magnify environmental impact. Efforts to reduce plastic bag usage…
The Thai silver jewellery industry, celebrated globally for its breathtaking craftsmanship and unparalleled quality, has long been an esteemed pillar of the export sector. Renowned for its meticulous handmade production processes, which beautifully blend creativity with traditional local skills passed down through generations, Thailand stands proudly as a frontrunner in the international silver jewellery market. According to Mr. Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, the Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Thailand’s silver jewellery industry continues to sparkle brilliantly on the global economic stage. From January to June 2024, Thai silver jewellery exports soared to an impressive $842.41 million, marking a staggering 19.51% increase compared to the same period last year. Major export destinations include the USA, Germany, England, and Australia. Despite rising competition from countries like China, Italy, and Turkey, Thailand holds significant advantages thanks to its meticulous craftsmanship, exceptional production standards, and versatile designs that align perfectly with…
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has stepped into his new role as the defence minister with a clear message: cooperation, not control. Emphasizing a collaborative approach, Phumtham asserts he will never attempt to impose the government’s executive power over the armed forces. Instead, he intends to work closely with them to ensure they serve the public effectively and in society’s best interests. Scheduled to officially assume his duties on Monday, after the government’s policy statement is delivered in parliament over the next two days, Phumtham is set to bring a fresh perspective to the Ministry of Defence. Phumtham’s ascension follows the departure of Sutin Klungsang, who was ousted during a recent cabinet reshuffle. Speaking on Tuesday, Phumtham shared his plans for his first official day: a meal meeting with the leaders of the armed forces. These gatherings are more than mere formalities; they are opportunities to build rapport and outline…
The U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport is setting the stage for a major transformation with the construction of its second runway slated to kick off this year. According to Chula Sukmanop, the secretary-general of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), efforts are underway to secure funding from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for this ambitious venture. Italian-Thai Development (ITD) has been selected as the project’s contractor, says Mr. Chula. What’s more, this monumental undertaking is set to unfold in collaboration with the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), according to EEC’s deputy secretary-general, Tharit Issarayangyun. The new runway, stretching a whopping 3,505 metres, will be strategically situated 1,140 metres away from the current one. Designed to accommodate large aircraft and anticipated to manage at least 70 flights an hour, this addition is poised to significantly enhance the airport’s capacity. All in all, the project investment hovers around an impressive 15.2 billion baht, Mr.…
The Transport Ministry is setting the wheels in motion for a groundbreaking initiative to lighten the financial load of Bangkok’s daily commuters. The visionary 20-baht flat fee for all electric rail services in Bangkok is set to be financed by an annual budget of 8 billion baht, confirmed Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit on Tuesday. A dedicated working group will be formed to accelerate the policy’s implementation, aiming to cap the maximum fare at just 20 baht by September 2025, significantly reducing the cost of living for the public. Since October 16 of last year, the ministry has already test-driven the scheme on two key lines: the Red Line commuter trains running between Bang Sue and Rangsit, as well as Bang Sue and Taling Chan, alongside the MRT Purple Line stretching from Tao Poon to Bang Yai. Both routes have seen an encouraging surge in passenger numbers, Minister Suriya pointed out.…
Thamanat Prompow, who recently resigned as agriculture minister to sidestep further legal entanglements for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, made a notable appearance at Government House on August 27. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) Former agriculture minister Thamanat Prompow is now embroiled in legal battles, suing three prominent public figures for defamation. The controversy stems from accusations that he meddled in his successor’s duties. Thamanat has enlisted Thanadon Suwannarit as his legal representative to file defamation claims against legal scholar Jade Donavanik, former Bangkok MP and social media host Boonyod Sukthinthai, and Thai Pakdee Party leader Warong Dechgitvigrom. Thanadon lodged the complaints with the Nang Loeng police in Bangkok on Tuesday. According to the lawyer, these three individuals made public comments suggesting Thamanat inappropriately interfered with Agriculture Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat’s responsibilities during her recent flood inspection tour in Chai Nat and Ayutthaya. Photographs surfaced showing Thamanat attending a meeting with officials who briefed…