Posts published in “Thailand”

The upcoming elections for the Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) presidents set for February 1 have stirred the political pot, promising a spectacle but potentially leaving the flickering flame of decentralization burning faintly. Despite the anticipation surrounding the election, local politics remain tightly entwined with national figures, according to keen-eyed political analysts, suggesting that the decentralization dream isn’t within arm’s reach just yet. The presence of heavyweight political players in the local campaign arena, like seasoned veterans of national politics, indicates a game of strategic alliances. For example, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and progressive frontrunner Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit have cast significant influence, firmly rooting their party ideals in regional grounds. Pheu Thai and the Progressive Movement—the latter with historical links to the erstwhile-politically rattling Move Forward Party and the People’s Party (PP)—have emerged with their swords raised high, ready to clash in this local battleground. With fifty shades of politics, fervor,…

Amidst the cacophony of bustling streets and the rich tapestry of tradition and modernity that is Thailand, a new narrative began unfolding on the picturesque morning of September 19, 2024. About 50 members of the Anti-Casino Youth Network, brimming with fervor and determination, took a resolute stand, marching from the venerable Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge to the formidable gates of the Government House. Their mission? To voice their earnest dissent against the draft law that aims to transform Thailand’s landscape through the legalization of casinos. Captured dramatically by photographer Chanat Katanyu, this moment in time does not merely embody a protest but reflects a larger dialogue entangling the Thai society. According to a meticulous opinion survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), the populace’s sentiment is as colorful and diverse as the country itself. The NIDA Poll, an investigative pursuit conducted via telephone interviews on January 20-21, engaged…

In a recent disclosure that sheds light on the cross-border electricity dealings between Thailand and Myanmar, the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has reaffirmed its commitment to adhere to the established protocols between the two nations. PEA deputy governor, Prasit Junprasit, emphasized that electricity provision to Myanmar strictly follows these bilateral agreements and vowed to cease supply if any form of contract violation, often referred to as “contract bleaching,” is detected. PEA currently supplies electricity to five key areas in Myanmar, specifically targeting Payathonzu Town located in Karen State, two regions within Tachilek Town in Shan State, and two sites in Myawaddy town, Kayin State. The electricity flow, nonetheless, has faced interruptions at times, particularly when external factors come into play. In an intriguing development from 2023, PEA halted the flow of energy to two Myanmar regions following a direct appeal from the Myanmar Embassy in Thailand. This resulted in cutting…

In a move destined to strengthen international alliances and security measures within Southeast Asia, Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is embarking on a noteworthy mission this coming Sunday. Not only is Mr. Phumtham a vital cog in the ministry as the Defence Minister, but he also dons the hat of Deputy Prime Minister. This weekend, he’ll be leading a distinguished delegation to an impressive maritime marvel—the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, nestled amid the tranquil waves off the coast of Chon Buri in the Gulf of Thailand. Conveyed via helicopter, this high-octane visit is timed to perfection, set to commence at precisely 1 PM. What makes this mission even more exciting is the vessel they are to board—the majestic USS Carl Vinson, a titan of the sea. As a Nimitz-class supercarrier, this formidable ship boasts an overwhelming capacity to house up to 6,000 crew members. Talk about a floating city on…

In the vibrant setting of Si Sa Ket, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra captivated his audience this past Saturday, sparking enthusiasm among his loyal supporters. Rallying for Pheu Thai’s candidate, Wiwatchai Hotrawaisaya, in the Si Sa Ket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chief election, Thaksin chose the idyllic Wat Prang Ku School as the backdrop for his compelling discourse. Understandably, the crowd buzzed with anticipation as he unveiled enticing promises centering on economic revitalization and cutting-edge educational reforms. Reinvigorating the economic landscape formed the crux of Thaksin’s speech as he passionately vowed to wrap up the newest phases of the digital wallet scheme by the end of April. Fittingly, this timed perfectly with the third wave of financial payouts aimed at bolstering the economy. Excitement surged through the assembly as Thaksin disclosed that starting Monday, citizens over 60 years would be the first beneficiaries of the 10,000 baht cash prize, followed…

In a bizarre twist of fate that sounds like the plot of a Hollywood thriller, eight individuals, including a quartet of law enforcement officers and a paramilitary ranger, were nabbed for allegedly orchestrating the kidnapping of seven Chinese nationals. The scene of this audacious crime? A seemingly serene resort nestled in the Phibun Mangsahan district of Ubon Ratchathani, a picturesque province not typically known for high-octane drama. The unbelievable tale unfolded when the captured individuals, displaying an admirable mix of courage and quick thinking, managed to utilize a mobile phone—safeguarded from their captors—to relay the coordinates of their confinement to their family members. The victims’ relatives, who were stationed over in Laos, promptly reported the ordeal to the authorities, triggering a full-scale rescue mission led by the vigilant police force of Phibun Mangsahan. Upon breaching the resort, the police team swooped in like the calvary on a hot afternoon, pulling…

The forthcoming elections for Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) presidents on February 1 are set to be a grand spectacle, engaging and intense, but not necessarily synonymous with achieving true decentralisation. As political analysts have remarked, national politicians still cast long shadows over local politics, and the central government can’t seem to loosen its grip on the reins of power. The allure of decentralisation may be particularly tantalising, yet there stands the stubborn reality: several prominent figures from the pantheon of national politics are flexing their muscles in regional campaigns, treating the local political stage as an apprenticeship for grander schemes. Nothing short of a strategic masterclass by heavy-hitter former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his ilk, such as Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, chairman of the Progressive Movement, paints this political canvas. In fact, these PAO polls are not merely a trivia of local importance but a strategic chessboard for national ambitions, where…

All aboard the journey to cleaner air! As the city of Bangkok bustles forward, residents find themselves donning face masks while commuting, embracing the first day of complimentary public bus and electric train rides. This short-lived seven-day policy isn’t just a freebie bonanza; it’s an earnest endeavor by the government to tackle the notorious PM2.5 pollution clouding the urban skies. Snapshots capture this transformation in commuting norms, with commuters exuding an air of cautious optimism. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard) Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is taking bold steps to escalate the battle against PM2.5—from a concern within national borders to a call for regional solidarity with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Speaking with reporters, fresh from the frosty corridors of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, she declared, “This crisis has unfolded beyond our boundaries. It’s become imperative to unite with our neighbors who are also grappling with…

Amidst the sprawling digital networks of social media, a heartwarming tide of support has swelled for a brave young soul named Akin. Diagnosed with the exceedingly rare genetic disorder, Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADC Deficiency), Akin finds himself at the heart of a global wave of kindness that’s welding together minds and hearts from far and wide. With only about 130 individuals globally known to bear this condition, Akin’s story resonates deeply, echoing in the chambers of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in vibrant Bangkok, where he undergoes his vital treatment. Akin’s journey, steeped in both hope and adversity, has roused an online brigade eager to alleviate the daunting financial burden that his family faces. The specialized gene therapy, imperative for Akin’s health, carries a staggering cost of €3 million (a jaw-dropping 105 million baht). But this is no ordinary endeavor; it is a lifeline that holds the promise of…

Imagine stepping outside into the vibrant, bustling streets of Bangkok, city of limitless energy and adventure, only to find the air tinged with a barely visible menace—tiny, invisible dust particles. This isn’t a plot from a dystopian future; it’s the reality today, and it’s called PM2.5. These minuscule but mighty particles have recently caused quite the stir, prompting swift action from local authorities. BMA deputy permanent secretary, Sunthorn Sunthornchart, has noted a troubling rise in the levels of PM2.5 in Thailand’s capital, with these delicate dust specks tiptoeing over safety limits not once, but for several days in a row. Such persistence in the air has led to a notable surge in the number of people seeking medical help due to air pollution-related ailments. As one might imagine, when the very air becomes your adversary, sitting idle isn’t an option. With this in mind, City Hall is on the front…