Posts published in “Thailand”

Political tensions in Thailand reached a fever pitch on Thursday night when former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra delivered his first public address since returning from 17 years of self-imposed exile. The event did not go unnoticed, and his sharpest critics did not hold back. One of the most vocal detractors was Jatuporn Prompan, a former leader of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) and now a key political ally of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Jatuporn took Thaksin to task, claiming the ex-premier acted as if the entire country had been handed over to him on a silver platter. Thaksin’s return last August was a dramatic moment, colored by his admission of corruption and subsequent petition for a royal pardon. According to Jatuporn, Thaksin has done little to prove his claims of wanting to come back solely to care for his grandchildren. “The first day he returned,…

Looking over their shoulder, an air of uncertainty has surrounded the People’s Party (PP) barely two days since it became the rescue vessel for MPs from the dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP). Analysts are speculating on how many parties they will have to move to before they reach the next general election three years from now. Dissolution is no stranger to these MPs, and the PP could be standing on shaky ground despite having formally accepted former MFP MPs into its fold on Aug 9. More than 140 migrated to their new home and declared outright that despite the MFP’s demise, its MPs have shrugged their shoulders and will soldier on. This statement adopted as an informal PP slogan embodies these MPs’ defiant spirit in the face of adversity. Before the MFP, its predecessor, the Future Forward Party (FFP), was disbanded by the Constitutional Court in February 2020 over an…

In a recent announcement, the government has decided to push back the upcoming Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit until further notice. This comes as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed yesterday that the event, originally scheduled to be held in Bangkok on September 3-4, required postponement due to the ongoing formation of a new government in the country. According to the ministry, the extended time needed to establish the new government and complete the related parliamentary and legal procedures necessitates this delay. “In order to ensure Thailand is fully prepared to advance this initiative for the utmost benefit of both the Thai people and the member countries of BIMSTEC,” they said, “we have made the difficult decision to reschedule the summit and its related visits.” New dates for the 6th BIMSTEC summit will be announced at the earliest possible opportunity, the ministry assured.…

The State Railway Workers’ Union of Thailand is now pushing for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to settle a hefty debt of 672 million baht. This debt stems from overdue lease fees at Chatuchak Market dating back from 2018 to 2022. Sarawut Saranwong, who chairs the union, shared these details with the media yesterday. He mentioned that the union filed a petition with Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, last Thursday regarding the unpaid dues for using the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) land for the bustling Chatuchak Market. Mr. Sarawut elaborated that the union is acting on this issue following a 2018 cabinet resolution. According to this resolution, the BMA could continue to manage Chatuchak Market until 2028. However, it required the BMA to pay the SRT around 169 million baht annually in leasing fees. Moreover, it stipulated that the lease terms be reviewed every three years. A crucial part of…

The political atmosphere in Thailand is abuzz as the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), a significant coalition partner, has thrown its hat into the ring by nominating four seasoned MPs to serve as ministers in the new Pheu Thai-led cabinet. Curiously, these nominees are all familiar faces from the previous government. If any of the four nominees are deemed ineligible by the ruling Pheu Thai party, the PPRP has assured that they will promptly find suitable replacements. The decision came after a majority vote during PPRP’s executive meeting, which took place yesterday. The spotlight is now on the four nominated lawmakers: caretaker Natural Resources and Environment Minister Pol Gen Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, caretaker Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Capt Thamanat Prompow, caretaker Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, and caretaker Deputy Public Health Minister Santi Promphat. The executive meeting on Friday was chaired by none other than Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, the leader…

Rescue workers meticulously combed through the remnants of a small aircraft, which tragically crashed a day earlier, carrying five Chinese tourists and four Thai nationals, including two pilots. All nine onboard were presumed dead in the incident that occurred in Bang Pakong, Chachoengsao province on Friday. (Photo: Reuters) The government has pledged to collaborate closely with aviation experts to unearth the cause of this devastating accident that took place in the mangrove forests of Chachoengsao on Thursday. The grim confirmation that all nine people perished, including five Chinese nationals, has shaken the community. Acting Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the media after visiting the crash site, revealing that approximately 40% of the aircraft’s wreckage had been recovered. Anutin explained that all recovered pieces would be meticulously reassembled for a thorough examination by both local experts and specialists from the aircraft’s manufacturer. Witness testimonies will play a crucial role in…

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra brushed aside criticism that her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is wielding control over her and the new government. On Friday, she spoke following her father’s appearance at the “Vision for Thailand 2024” event the previous day, which drew a mixed audience of politicians, diplomats, and investors. During the event, Thaksin floated several suggestions aimed at rejuvenating the country’s sluggish economy. When queried whether Thaksin’s proposals mirror the new government’s policy direction, Ms. Paetongtarn clarified that they do not represent official government policies. She emphasized, “He was not declaring the government’s policy. He only expressed his vision. What he said was partly drawn from Pheu Thai’s policy.” Addressing criticism that Thaksin might be pulling the strings behind her administration, the Prime Minister was forthright. “I insist he is not trying to dominate. I can think for myself,” she stated confidently. Despite his lack of formal…

A landslide caused by heavy rain struck the Kata area in Phuket on Friday morning. (Photo: Phuket Info Center Facebook) PHUKET – In a devastating series of events, heavy rains triggered landslides across Phuket, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 10 lives, including eight foreigners. The disaster also caused extensive damage to over 50 homes, according to local authorities. Starting at 1 am on Friday, torrential downpours led to flash floods and landslides in multiple areas across this island paradise, said an official from the provincial office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. The downpours didn’t discriminate, affecting both local and tourist communities alike. The hardest-hit regions were tambons Chalong and Karon in the Muang district, impacting approximately 250 households. The most catastrophic landslide struck Soi Patak 2 in tambon Karon, engulfing numerous properties, including a luxurious villa and a campsite for migrant workers. “It’s been…

In a bold move to combat intellectual property (IP) infringement, Thai authorities took a decisive step on Friday by destroying 1.2 million items of counterfeit goods, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting intellectual property rights. The event, a high-profile operation, took place at the Army Air Defence Command base in the Don Muang district of Bangkok. At the helm of this significant initiative was Phumtham Wechayachai, the caretaker Commerce Minister, who presided over the destruction ceremony. Flanked by a cadre of senior ministry officials, ambassadors from various nations, and representatives of international organizations, Mr. Phumtham showcased Thailand’s relentless drive to put an end to IP violations. “We pay attention to preventing intellectual property infringement,” declared Mr. Phumtham, emphasizing the government’s proactive stance. The obliterated items had an estimated market value exceeding 325 million baht, a staggering amount testifying to the scale of the operation. This destruction isn’t just a…

Many areas in Nan province have been severely impacted by floods, with the mayor of Nan municipality declaring them the worst seen in a century. The Nan Provincial Public Relations Office has highlighted the extent of the devastation. In response, the Fine Arts Department has unveiled measures to shield Sukhothai Historical Park from the rising waters. They also confirmed that the renowned mural painting at Wat Phumin in Nan remains unharmed. The department’s Chiang Mai office staff have been diligently overseeing the flood situation at various historical sites throughout the northern region, especially in Nan province. The flooding has deluged several parts of Nan, notably the Muang district, home to numerous temples and significant historical landmarks. Affected sites include Wat Phumin, Wat Phra That Chang Kham Worawihan, Wat Hua Khuang, Wat Ming Muang, Nan City Weekend Night Market, Khum Chao Ratchabut, and Wat Ku Kham, according to department sources. Despite…