Prompong Nopparit, once the articulate spokesman for Pheu Thai, is gearing up to shake the political landscape once more. Tomorrow, he will petition the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to thoroughly investigate Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Prawit Wongsuwon’s conspicuous string of absences from parliamentary sessions. Adding fuel to the fire, just yesterday, he lodged a similar complaint with House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, urging an ethics probe into Gen Prawit’s conduct. Prompong emphasized that his calls for these investigations are pure of intent and devoid of any bias or a desire to smear Gen Prawit. “It’s not about casting aspersions,” Prompong explained, “but Gen Prawit’s persistent no-shows are making it glaringly evident that he’s falling short in his duties as a Member of Parliament. Taxpayers fund his salary, yet he’s MIA during critical meetings.” Driven by a sense of civic responsibility, Prompong said he’s exercising his right to defend…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra brought an electrifying energy to Government House on Wednesday as she officially launched the much-anticipated 10,000-baht cash handout scheme. The grand ceremony marked the beginning of a substantial economic stimulus plan designed to give a significant financial boost to millions of Thais. With the roll-out of the first phase, funds are being distributed to 12.4 million state welfare cardholders and 2.1 million disability cardholders through PromptPay, which is linked to their national ID numbers. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) The atmosphere was charged with optimism as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed the government’s dedication to pushing through with the second and third phases of the economic stimulus scheme. “We are diligently working on developing the payment system for the following phases. The Finance Ministry will share more information soon,” she assured during her vibrant speech to mark the program’s commencement. “Today is a monumental day for Thailand,” she…
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, in a candid moment on Wednesday, brushed off inquiries from the media regarding the future of the ruling Pheu Thai Party’s proposal for amending the charter on ethical standards for political officeholders. This proposal hit a roadblock when coalition partners cooled to the idea. Phumtham remarked that the government’s priority was addressing pressing issues, chiefly the devastating floods affecting numerous provinces and kickstarting the economy. The latter began visibly with a 10,000 baht cash handout to 14.5 million economically vulnerable individuals on Wednesday. When queried about whether Pheu Thai would retract its charter amendment bill from parliament amidst growing criticism, Phumtham, a significant figure within the ruling party, was unequivocal that this was not under deliberation. Previously on Tuesday, Phumtham had shared that the party was in the process of arranging a confab with coalition partners to deliberate on the Pheu Thai-sponsored amendment bill. The…
On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai casually dismissed queries from the press about whether the ruling Pheu Thai Party plans to advance a controversial charter amendment aimed at redefining ethical standards for political officeholders. This comes after significant pushback from coalition partners, who seem less than enthused about the initiative. Instead, Phumtham emphasized that the government’s current priorities include addressing severe flooding that has inundated multiple provinces and stimulating the economy. Just yesterday, the government distributed 10,000 baht in cash to 14.5 million vulnerable individuals as part of their economic relief efforts. When pressed on whether Pheu Thai would retract its charter amendment bill amidst growing criticism, Phumtham, a prominent figure in the ruling party, firmly stated that the issue was not open for discussion. Earlier this week, he mentioned that the party was organizing a meeting with coalition partners to deliberate on their sponsored amendment bill aimed at…
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra officially inaugurated the much-anticipated 10,000-baht cash handout initiative with a grand ceremony on Wednesday. The launch saw the first wave of funds directed towards 12.4 million state welfare cardholders and 2.1 million disability cardholders through PromptPay, a system interconnected with their national ID numbers. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu) The government is steadfast in its commitment to roll out the second and third phases of this economic stimulus plan following the successful initiation of the first phase. “The logistics for the subsequent phases are currently under meticulous development. The Finance Ministry will divulge intricate details in due time,” declared Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the event marking the programme’s commencement at Government House on Wednesday. “Today, a financial lifeline reaches the hands of Thai citizens,” she asserted. “This 145 billion baht infusion is set to spark a formidable economic surge. The 10,000-baht grant will open up new avenues…
It’s a case that’s been brewing for over thirty years, and today the spotlight is on former finance minister Thanong Bidaya as the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases deliberated over his fate. On a rather tense Wednesday morning, Thanong, once a pivotal figure in Thailand’s financial landscape, was released on bail. His arraignment spurs from bribery allegations tied to a controversial deal involving Rolls-Royce engines for Thai Airways International (THAI) that dates back decades. The lawsuit, unfurled by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), charges that Thanong contravened the State Employees Offences Act during his tenure as both THAI chairman and the airline’s long-term investments adviser. Also standing in the courtroom was Kaweepan Ruengpaka, THAI’s former vice president for finances, facing similar accusations. Notably, the NACC proceeded when the Office of the Attorney General opted out, essentially tossing the legal ball back to the NACC’s court. In a terse…
Protesters with their hands bound behind their backs became the somber center of attention on October 25, 2004, when security forces cracked down on a protest rally at the Tak Bai police station in Narathiwat. The aftermath was tragic: hundreds were arrested, and a shocking 78 died during transportation to an army camp, packed tightly into overloaded army trucks. The event remains etched in the annals of history, a stark reminder of the dire consequences of mishandled demonstrations. (Bangkok Post file photo) Opposition MP Romadon Panjor is now urging Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to take decisive action. With the 20-year statute of limitations looming on October 25, Panjor emphasizes the urgency of bringing suspects involved in the 2004 Tak Bai massacre to trial. Shadows of the past threaten to fade into oblivion unless swift measures are taken, and Panjor calls on the public to rally with the main opposition party…
A police officer meticulously handed over a document, awaiting the signature of the suspect on a bustling Wednesday afternoon. This woman, along with two others—including a Chinese national—faced the ire of the law on Tuesday for their alleged roles in a vile human trafficking ring. This network heartlessly deceived Thai women into prostitution in the West African nation of Benin. (Photo courtesy of Wassayos Ngamkham) The chilling arrest involves two Thai women and one Chinese man, allegedly orchestrating a human trafficking syndicate that lured Thai women under false pretenses. Piyanutta Poowiangkaew, aged 39, found herself apprehended at a dormitory nestled in tambon Khlong Preng of Chachoengsao’s Muang district on that fateful Tuesday. In tandem, 35-year-old Wiyada Pahurat and her spouse, 41-year-old Chinese national Li Yong, were nabbed at Suvarnabhumi Airport while navigating through immigration, as revealed by Pol Maj Gen Saruti Kwaengsopa, commanding officer of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division.…
PHUKET – In a resonant call for action, Governor Sophon Suwannarat underscored the transformative power of sustainable tourism as a cornerstone for bolstering local communities, especially in the wake of climate-induced calamities like the floods and storms that have recently struck Phuket. Speaking on Wednesday at the prestigious 25th Inter-Islands Tourism Policy (Itop) Forum, held at the luxurious Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort, the Governor set the tone for a pivotal event. The forum has attracted over 150 global leaders and policymakers who have convened to chart the future of tourism amidst the looming specter of climate change. With a palpable urgency, Mr. Sophon highlighted the necessity for united efforts to confront these environmental challenges through sustainable tourism practices. In his poignant address, he also extended heartfelt condolences to the victims and families affected by recent natural disasters. The tragic landslide on August 23, which claimed 13 lives in Phuket,…
Prasit Artsai, 58, a disabled individual living in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Phimai district, gazed at his bank account with a sense of elation. The government’s digital wallet handout scheme had deposited 10,000 baht directly into his account on Wednesday, and the joy on his face was palpable. Despite his leg muscle atrophy—a condition that severely limits his mobility—Prasit immediately made his way to withdraw the much-needed funds. “This money means the world to me,” Prasit explained, his eyes welling with gratitude. Living with his younger sibling in tambon Nikhom, he relies heavily on the state’s meager monthly allowance for disabled individuals. Given the high cost of living, every baht counts. The 10,000 baht would allow him to buy essential food supplies, new clothes, and contribute to household expenses, alleviating some of the financial burden from his sibling. While the happiness was spread among many, the handout did not reach every eligible…