The world of Thai politics is no more the one-man show it once was. Anutin Charnvirakul, the animated chief of the Bhumjaithai Party, recently threw a spirited jab at Thaksin Shinawatra’s rally cry for voters to put their eggs in the Pheu Thai Party’s basket during the upcoming elections. This ex-Prime Minister, who’s been living overseas for a hefty 17 years, seems to think he can step back in and lead voters down a single-party path to power. Anutin, though, the interior minister and deputy premier cozy in the halls of the Pheu Thai-led government, might beg to differ. In a scene right out of a dramatic political soap opera, Anutin pointed out on a fine Friday that old Thaksin might just be a tad disconnected with the local political pulse, tossing around notions of governance not quite attuned to the current chorus of a multi-party government. “Gone are the…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In a dynamic and bold new maneuver to clear Thailand’s skies of smog, the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) has its eyes set on curbing PM2.5 pollution from cross-border agricultural escapades. Their daring strategy? Implementing strict regulations on corn imports that demand undeniable proof the corn kernels hail from non-burning cultivation zones. On the agenda for the Maize Policy and Management Committee is a proposal that’s got corn importers on their toes, requiring them to provide impeccable documentation—think an exporter certificate from a legitimate authority—verifying their corn’s eco-friendly origins. Imagine detailed maps and traceable systems, because subpar compliance simply won’t cut the corn. Import restrictions loom overhead for anyone daring to defy these rules, DFT Director General Arada Fuangtong cautioned. The move follows a crucial meeting on cross-border PM2.5 pollution, where Arada emphasized the need to exclude corn from fields notorious for burning, significant culprits in the region’s smog narrative.…
As the vibrant city of Chiang Mai braces itself for the Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) elections on February 1, the atmosphere is electrified by the impassioned words of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Making a triumphant return to his hometown, the 75-year-old charismatic political heavyweight delivered a spirited rally speech that reverberated with urgency and enthusiasm. Thaksin, ever the showman, implored his fervent followers to transform their dedication into decisive votes for Pichai Lertpongadisorn, the Pheu Thai candidate and sitting PAO president. The stakes have never been higher. The septuagenarian ex-premier, with his fiery rhetoric, challenged his supporters to gift him with precisely 700,000 votes. “Let’s make it decisive without hesitation,” he proclaimed, underlining the significance of the upcoming contest as a watershed moment for the Pheu Thai Party. For Thaksin, this election symbolizes a not-so-quiet quest for retribution and the reclamation of political power lost to the rival People’s…
In Thailand, the relentless pursuit of elusive lottery numbers is a national pastime, with the upcoming draw on February 1st causing a frenzy among avid players. An eclectic mix of sources fuels this quest: be it predictions from celebrities, whispered advice on social media, or the mystical allure of well-known advisors. Yet amidst this sea of speculation, the mythical charm of the Chinese calendar numbers prevails, casting its spell on hopeful lottery enthusiasts. This time around, a TikTok sensation, intriguingly identified by the username @nid8857, has emerged as the fortune-teller du jour. This enigmatic user has confidently posted not one, but four potential winning number sets from the revered Chinese calendar, sparking a whirl of interpretations among those daring enough to try their luck. As reported by Sanook, these numbers have become the focus of feverish speculation as players dream of riches in a game of chance where fate is…
In the southern province of Phetchaburi, a scene straight out of a suspense drama unfolded when a Russian man met with an unfortunate accident, driving straight into a stoic tree by the roadside. His grey sedan, now part of an unplanned tree unification, was seen lying askew beneath the stoic protector of shade, a place no car desires to settle down. The front bumper was a sorry sight, quite like someone who had a bad day at the demolition derby. This unexpected twist in the Russian’s journey was captured by Channel 8, a local news station that missed no beat in documenting the theatrical rescue mission led by local heroes – the police, residents, and fire brigade. Onlookers watched with bated breath as the star of the show, a 38-year-old unnamed Russian man, lay amidst the wreckage with a packet of mysterious white powder just casually lurking in his pocket,…
Exciting news buzzes through Bangkok’s bustling streets! Soon, the city’s commuters will experience a seamless journey with a single ticket granting access to all-electric train systems, public buses, and even the speedy Chao Phraya express boat services. This revolutionary change is expected to take off by mid-year, as announced by the ever-ambitious Transport Ministry. Why, you ask? Well, aside from sparking joy among the daily travelers, it aligns perfectly with the government’s mission for a more eco-conscious Bangkok, promising reduced greenhouse gas emissions and fresher air for future generations. Exactly how is this nifty idea unfolding? Enter Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri—our heroine in the tale of convenience meets innovation. Just the other day, Ms. Manaporn revealed that after hearty discussions, the parliament nodded in agreement to the Common Ticket System Management Act. With a special committee assembled like a team of superheroes, this act was passed with cheers and…
Ah, the fascinating world of Thai politics, where alliances twist like a mystery novel and old faces just can’t stay away. If you’re looking for drama, backdoor deals, and larger-than-life characters, then the political scene painted here might just rival the best of soap operas. Alternatively, consider it a high-stakes chess game featuring former premier Thaksin Shinawatra as the grandmaster, moving pawns on a decadent board in a quest that’s as riveting as it is strategic. Here’s the scoop: the delicate dance in government circles hinges not on the threats from the opposing wing, but internal squabbles within the camp itself. It’s the Pheu Thai Party, helmed with a nod from Thaksin, that finds itself in a love-hate tango with Bhumjaithai and United Thai Nation (UTN)—their two unlikely dance partners in governance. This alliance, a concoction drawn from what’s described as a “super deal” back in the heady days of…
Picture this: a city teeming with vibrant energy, where the scent of sizzling street food wafts through bustling alleys and beckons to even the pickiest of eaters. Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand’s dazzling capital, which has recently been catapulted to the number two spot in Time Out magazine’s prestigious 50 Best Cities in the World 2025 list, just narrowly edged out by the sensational city of Cape Town, South Africa. The accolade, based on a comprehensive survey drawing insights from 18,500 globetrotting aficionados, evaluated an array of alluring aspects. From cultural richness, tantalizing culinary experiences, and electrifying nightlife to the sheer happiness of its residents and the unbeatable value for money, Bangkok seemed to have cast a spell on everyone. If dining out could be described in a single word, it might just be “paradise”—a sentiment echoed by 84% of Bangkok’s own residents who claim that experiencing the city’s eclectic food…
In a bid to tackle the persistent haze shrouding Bangkok’s skyline, the charismatic city governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, has rolled out an audacious no-burn campaign aimed at curbing air pollution from fine particulate matter, particularly the notorious PM2.5. This bold initiative made its grand debut yesterday in the heart of the verdant Nong Chok district. It marks a significant step forward in managing Bangkok’s sprawling 80,000 rai of rice paddies and the collective efforts of 4,000 farming households spread across ten districts, including well-known areas like Nong Chok, Khlong Sam Wa, and Lat Krabang. Reflecting on the progress made over the last three years, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) proudly touted a series of effective measures designed to quell the rampant practice of rice field burning. Their efforts have borne tangible fruit, dramatically reducing the seared fields from a staggering 5,625 rai in 2022, to a more modest 1,582 rai in…
In the bustling city of Bangkok, a pivotal seminar unfolded at the Best Western Hotel, orchestrated by a consortium of esteemed institutions, including the Media for Health Foundation and the Centre for Alcohol Studies (CAS) at Prince of Songkla University’s Faculty of Medicine. With support from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), the gathering aimed to dissect the intricacies of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Bill, a topic poised to teeter the scales between economic prosperity and community welfare. Helming the opening ceremony, ThaiHealth board member, Wichet Pichairat, addressed the necessity of modernizing the bill, originally enacted back in 2008. His call was clear: to harmonize the bill with international developments while skillfully juggling the intricate juxtaposition of economic interests and social wellbeing. A novel addition to the updated version of the bill is the entrance of the Children and Youth Council of Thailand onto provincial alcohol policy committees. This move…