In a move set to revolutionize urban commuting, the Ministry of Transport is gearing up to unveil proposed amendments to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Act. This comes in tandem with the eagerly anticipated launch of the 20-baht flat fare policy for the electric railway system, penciled in for September. The buzz in transit circles is almost electric, as Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced on a bustling Tuesday morning that a draft is in its final stages of preparation. This proposal, destined for the special parliamentary session slated for May 28-30, will accompany the excitement of deliberating over the 2026 fiscal budget. The proposed amendments brim with provisions designed to set up a compensation fund aimed at rewarding private train operators. These operators, dazzled by the twinkle of the proposed flat rate, might now offer trips for a mere 20 baht. As if underscoring the importance of public voice,…
Posts published in “Thailand”
As the sun set on a normal Tuesday evening, darkness ushered in the tragic conclusion to a story that began with an everyday commute on Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon province. Yet, unbeknownst to Amnat, a 46-year-old native of Nakhon Sawan province, this day would lead him into the pages of an unexpected and heartbreaking narrative. The morning had not offered any hint of peril as Amnat drove along the familiar outbound lanes of Rama II Road, heading towards Muang district. But in the blink of an eye, the ordinary was shattered—literally—by the abrupt descent of two substantial concrete chunks. Each piece, roughly 30 centimeters wide and 50 centimeters long, hailed from the skies in a surprise attack that not even Amnat could have anticipated. Witnesses watched in horror as the concrete slabs, potentially dislodged from the aging Mahachai-Krathumbaen flyover overhead, struck Amnat’s pickup truck, initiating a chain of…
In an era marked by the persistent shadow of transnational crime, Thailand and Cambodia are stepping up their collaborative efforts to address these shared challenges. This July, the serene province of Sa Kaeo will serve as the backdrop for a critical mini joint cabinet meeting. The aim? To forge stronger ties and strategies in combating cross-border criminal activities. In the words of government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub, the agenda is packed with pressing issues that demand immediate attention. From the sophisticated operations of fraudulent call centers to the murky waters of drug and human trafficking and the pervasive menace of PM2.5 pollution, the breadth of topics underscores the complexity of the task at hand. Recent diplomatic engagements have set the stage for this initiative. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s visit to Cambodia laid the groundwork, with both governments expressing a resolute commitment to bolstering their joint efforts. Among the core strategies discussed…
The vibrant distinctiveness of Thailand’s economic initiatives is shining brightly as Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat gears up to present the much-anticipated third phase of the 10,000-baht money handout scheme. This exciting proposal is on the agenda for the upcoming cabinet meeting, promising a whirlwind of activity as the government plans its rollout within the next two months. Let’s delve into the intricate details of this ambitious economic stimulus journey. As the wheels of government approval turn, Mr. Julapun confidently assures that the timeline remains steady. “We’ve stayed true to our original plan, ensuring every cog in this complex machine is well-oiled and ready,” he proclaimed. With meticulous preparation, this phase complements an overarching strategy designed to jolt Thailand’s economy into a thriving, dynamic era. This third phase isn’t just about numbers on a balance sheet; it’s a personal touch aimed directly at 2.7 million vibrant souls aged 16-20. These…
In the vibrant world of Thai politics, where intricacies often rival even the most elaborate soap operas, a new saga unfolds starring none other than Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga. With his suave demeanor reminiscent of a seasoned diplomat, Pirapan finds himself under the scrutinizing gaze of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a political maestro in her own right, recently assured skeptics that Pirapan’s eligibility was meticulously vetted before he took his seat in the cabinet. Now, to set the scene: we’re diving into a petition that popped up on April 23, courtesy of diligent political activist Sonthiya Sawasdee. Sonthiya, who no doubt has Sherlock Holmes in their DNA, alleged that our friend Pirapan may still be reaping the rewards from four companies he previously held shares in. Though Pirapan had strategically transferred these shares to a legal entity—yes, a classic asset management sleight of hand—Sonthiya suggests…
The wheels of change are turning in the realm of public transport, and the Ministry of Transport is taking the driver’s seat with exciting proposals on the horizon! As the anticipation builds for the new 20-baht flat fare policy, set to simplify the electric railway system this September, the Ministry has some legislative gears to shift first. Enter the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Act amendments, a groundbreaking move set to be unveiled during a special session of the House of Representatives next month. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri, the formidable force leading this charge, announced on Tuesday that her team is diligently dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s on a draft amendment to the MRT Act. The anticipation surrounding this draft is palpable, as it is slated for submission and debate during a special parliamentary gathering from May 28-30, right in the heart of discussions for the 2026 fiscal…
On an eventful day in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, foreign ministers from across the globe gathered for the BRICS Meeting, capturing the moment with a camaraderie-filled family photo. As representatives from leading emerging market economies, these ministers assembled to forge bonds that might very well shape the future’s diplomatic landscape. On this noteworthy April 29, 2025, amidst the dazzling Brazilian backdrop, Thailand’s own Foreign Affairs Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, underscored Thailand’s ambitions to elevate its global partnerships while showcasing a culturally enticing form of soft power—Muay Thai. The minister’s attendance wasn’t merely ceremonial; it echoed a resounding commitment to future collaborations as part of the BRICS Partnership Session, a unique forum poised to extend Thailand’s reach far beyond its borders. Invited by Brazil’s Foreign Affairs dynamo, Mauro Vieira, Mr. Maris ventured into discussions themed around the economic and cultural connectivity of BRICS nations. The cluster, comprising 11 dynamic…
In a recent turn of events, the ambitious plan to erect a new headquarters for Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has been scrapped. The 2.6-billion-baht undertaking has been officially canceled, sparking a storm of criticism from Rukchanok Srinork, a People’s Party (PP) MP representing Bangkok. Through her outspoken stance, Ms. Rukchanok has accused the commission of reckless financial behavior and “incompetence,” pointing fingers at the leadership for their botched execution of the project. Originally scheduled to wrap up in 2022, the project hit an immovable wall following repeated requests for design changes and an unfortunate slowdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The saga began in 2013 with the conceptualization of the building, only for construction to finally commence in 2019. But according to Ms. Rukchanok, these ongoing revisions naturally spiraled costs upwards, ultimately leading to an additional expenditure of 100 million baht specifically earmarked for design and supervision.…
In a recent diplomatic gathering that promises to fortify international ties while enhancing public safety, Associate Professor Tavida Kamolvej, serving as the Deputy Governor of the vibrant city of Bangkok, graciously played host to two distinguished representatives from the Japanese embassy. The highly anticipated meetup saw the participation of Kajiwara Toru, the esteemed Minister and Chief of the Economic Section, and Nagai Kentaro, the diligent First Secretary. Together, they joined forces in a collaborative endeavor aimed at refining disaster management strategies and boosting awareness about the unpredictable nature of disaster risks. The heart of the meeting centered on an exchange of invaluable insights and ideas between the Bangkoks Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and Japanese officials, reflecting a spirit of cooperation and preparedness. The dialogue allowed for an engaging discussion, as Tavida showcased the BMA’s latest initiatives concerning Thailand’s earthquake challenges. Most notably, she highlighted their adept handling of the March tremor,…
In the bustling heart of Paris, where history and modernity entwine, an important meeting took place between the key executives of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and representatives from Syctom, the largest waste management titan in Europe. With the alluring backdrop of the City of Light, these discussions centered on masterminding a shift in Bangkok’s waste management strategies by drawing inspiration from Syctom’s innovative methodologies. In Paris, Syctom reigns supreme, skillfully orchestrating the waste management of over six million residents with the finesse of a maestro. Their relentless focus on sophisticated waste segregation, robust recycling processes, and energy recovery has set them apart as trailblazers. The BMA’s mission was unequivocal—to imbibe these cutting-edge techniques, thereby enhancing Bangkok’s own systems to become paragons of efficiency and environmental stewardship. As the sun dipped towards the horizon, the BMA delegation ventured into another meeting, this time with the visionaries at the Institut Paris…