The Royal Thai Army has firmly denied the explosive allegations hurled by the opposition People’s Party (PP) during the high-stakes parliamentary scrutiny of the national budget expenditure bill. At the crux of the controversy is the purchase of approximately 10,000 mess trays at allegedly exorbitant prices. During the recent budget review session, PP, spearheaded by outspoken MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, accused the army of spending an unjustifiably large portion of its budget on these mess trays. The claim is that the trays were procured at prices significantly higher than the market norm. Stepping up to the podium to defend the army, Col Richa Suksuwanon, the army’s deputy spokesman, insisted the food trays purchased were of an exceptional standard. These were no ordinary trays – they were made of SUS 304 food-grade stainless steel, each 0.8 millimeters thick, crafted for longevity and used thrice daily. The e-bidding process, which saw the army…
Posts published in “Thailand”
When Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister who just recently found freedom on parole, took the stage on August 22, you could almost hear the nation’s breath being held. A staggering 1,400 business titans and influencers crowded into the venue, all eager to hear his “vision” for Thailand. Among these high-profile attendees were multibillionaires Dhanin Chearavanont from the CP Group and Sarath Ratanavadi of Gulf Energy Development. (Photo: Reuters) The air was thick with anticipation and curiosity. During a captivating forum in Bangkok, it was revealed that the economic strategies of the Pheu Thai-led government are skewed toward benefiting large corporations rather than the general populace. An economics lecturer from Thammasat University illuminated the problem, noting that Thailand’s governments have long been cozy with big business. According to him, these big corporations leverage their government connections to rake in benefits. However, monopolies are toxic for the economy as they stifle…
An artist’s impression beautifully captures the future vision of the Pattaya monorail, a transformative project slated to commence construction in 2027. Pattaya City has greenlit the ambitious plan to develop an 11-kilometre monorail line. This sleek and modern transit system will stretch from the bustling Thap Phraya intersection on Pattaya’s west side, traversing the city, to Nong Mai Kaen in the east. The latest and final public hearing for the proposed Purple Line monorail system took place on Wednesday, and the level of engagement was palpable. Participants rallied behind the project’s format and blueprint, giving a nod of approval to the extensive environmental impact study conducted for the system’s second phase. The hearing was a pivotal moment, chaired by the ever-visionary Phutthaset Charoenphat, the director of the city’s traffic and transport division. The feasibility study presents a compelling case for the monorail, acknowledging its premium construction and maintenance costs. Yet,…
The peaceful tranquility of Karon Beach was shattered on a somber Tuesday morning when the lifeless body of a Russian man was discovered unceremoniously in a ditch near the iconic Naga statue. The picturesque shoreline, usually teeming with tourists soaking up the sun, became the backdrop for a troubling mystery that left locals and visitors alike reeling. (Photo: Achadthaya Chuenniran) Phuket’s police force, led by Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum, initially suspected foul play. The case of the deceased, initially presumed murdered, took an unexpected turn as new evidence suggested the possibility of suicide. The tragic victim was identified only as Ilia, a Russian national whose unsettling demise sent ripples through the community. Pol Maj Gen Sinlert revealed on Thursday that preliminary findings indicated Ilia had shown signs of psychotic behavior and marijuana use, potentially contributing to hallucinations, nervous symptoms, and other distressing behaviors that could lead to violence. This…
Dr. Thandao Chandam remains unwavering in her claim that Urs Fehr assaulted her on the night of February 24th, despite a court ruling that there was no clear evidence to support her case. The young doctor, just 26, expressed her disappointment on Thursday but has vowed to continue her fight for justice. Thanking the public for their overwhelming moral support, Dr. Thandao firmly reiterated her accusation of assault. On that fateful February evening, Dr. Thandao alleges she was kicked in the back by Urs Fehr, a 45-year-old Swiss national, while she and a friend sat on the beachfront steps near his rented villa on Yamu Beach. Fehr, who managed an elephant camp in Phuket, reportedly accused the doctor of trespassing on his property. It later surfaced that these steps, which led down to the beach, were not part of Fehr’s property and had been constructed illegally. These steps were eventually…
Urs Fehr and his Thai wife are present at the Phuket provincial hall on March 1. (Photo: Achadthaya Chuenniran) PHUKET: In a case that has captured the attention of the community, a Thai doctor who alleged she was kicked by a Swiss man, Urs Fehr, on the steps near his property on Yamu Beach in February, has vowed to continue her legal battle for justice after the Phuket Kwaeng Court acquitted the defendant this past week. The plaintiff, Dr. Thandao Chandam, 26, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she’s received from the public during the tumultuous court proceedings. “Thank you for standing by me,” Dr. Thandao said emotionally. “This isn’t the end; I will persist in seeking justice.” Dr. Thandao remains resolute, firmly upholding her version of events. She confirmed plans to file an appeal with the court, bolstered by the support and encouragement from her community. Her father,…
“The launch of the AI and Simulation Lab represents a bold step forward in our mission to drive innovation and excellence in AI,” proclaimed Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, President of AIT. “This state-of-the-art facility will empower both our students and faculty to develop industry-relevant products, engage in impactful research, and form meaningful partnerships with leading industry stakeholders.” The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has proudly inaugurated its groundbreaking AI and Simulation Lab (ASL), marking a pivotal moment in its unwavering commitment to advancing artificial intelligence research and innovation. Nestled within the School of Engineering and Technology, the lab is poised to become a central hub for pioneering AI research and development. ASL’s mission is to fuel multidisciplinary collaboration, bridging academia, industry, and government to tackle complex global challenges with innovative AI-driven solutions. Boasting the latest AI technology, the ASL is equipped with unparalleled resources for advanced simulations and diverse AI applications.…
At the construction sites of Khon Kaen, labourers sweat under the sun, laying the foundation for a nation on the brink of transformation (Photo: Chakkrapan Natanri). Beneath the South-East Asian sun, a seismic shift is underway in Thailand, driven by the unwavering labor policies of the Pheu Thai-led government. The spotlight is on an ambitious venture: raising the daily minimum wage to an assertive 400 baht across the nation. Caretaker Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stands resolute, affirming that this pivotal change is set to take effect on October 1, albeit with further specificities unveiled soon. Mr. Phiphat, in a confident address on Thursday, underscored that the increment is meticulously targeted, aimed at specific professions and areas. The national wage committee, presided over by the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Labour, is scheduled to convene twice to polish the final details. “The new wage rate will grace the announcement this…
Thamanat Prompow addressed reporters as he arrived at Government House on a Tuesday, exuding an air of determination. The announcement was a storm brewing in the political landscape of Thailand: Thamanat had stepped down as the secretary-general of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), taking with him five other key members of his group who resigned from their executive positions. “I have already informed the party of my decision to resign,” Thamanat declared on a notable Thursday, confirming that their collective resignation had been reported to the Election Commission, stirring the political cauldron. This move comes just before a critical party board meeting set to be chaired by none other than leader Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon on the upcoming Friday. Interestingly, Thamanat and his colleagues have maintained their PPRP memberships strategically, ensuring they don’t lose their crucial MP seats. Delving into legal maneuvers, Thamanat admitted he’s seeking ways for his allies and…
In the bustling city of Khon Kaen, construction workers are hard at work, flesh and bone clashing with concrete and steel, building the future one brick at a time. Captured through the lens of Chakkrapan Natanri, their efforts tell a poignant story of labor and aspiration. Meanwhile, in the political arena, the Pheu Thai Party-led government continues to assert its commitment to a groundbreaking labour policy. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has confirmed that the ambitious plan to elevate the daily minimum wage to 400 baht nationwide remains unaltered. Eyeing a rollout on October 1, Mr. Phiphat promises that more intricate details will soon see the light of day. A specialized wage committee, helmed by permanent secretary for labour Pairoj Chotikasathien, is slated to converge twice, hammering out the nitty-gritty before making a public announcement. “Expect the specifics of the new wage rate to be unveiled within this month,” says Mr.…