Imagine, if you will, a bustling scene across Thailand, where the air buzzes not just with the swelter of the late spring but also with the whispers and chatter of political intrigue. The stage is set by a survey, a meticulous canvas stretching from the golden beaches of Phuket to the bustling streets of Bangkok. Orchestrated by the National Institute of Development Administration, famously known as NIDA Poll, this survey spanned three riveting days from April 9 to 11, weaving through the nation to capture the voices of 1,310 individuals, each aged 18 and older, each harboring a thought, an opinion, an inclination towards the future of their country. In the heart of this political drama stands an enigmatic figure, Thaksin Shinawatra, the patriarch looming over the Pheu Thai landscape, his shadow also stretching over the hopeful ambitions of his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the spirited leader of Pheu Thai. Picture…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Step into a journey through time and celebrate the grandeur of a city steeped in history, culture, and regal heritage. Welcome to the 242nd Anniversary of the Foundation of Rattanakosin, a dazzling festivity that honours the illustrious legacy of the Chakri Dynasty. From April 21 to 25, the heart of Bangkok transforms into a spectacle of cultural richness, hosted amidst the venerable walls of the National Museum and the majestic stage of the National Theater. As the twilight hues blend into the Bangkok sky, the museum grounds will come alive in a way you’ve never seen before. Prepare to be mesmerised by the Splendid Garden of Royal Tribute Light Exhibition, a visual symphony that pays homage to the city’s royal lineage. But that’s just the beginning. Imagine being surrounded by breathtaking cultural performances that tell tales of valor and tradition, tantalising your taste buds with authentic Thai cuisine that’s as…
Imagine stepping into a scene that rivals the chaotic aftermath of a tornado touching down. This is precisely what a Thai woman encountered upon visiting her Pattanakarn-Thonglor rental unit, previously occupied by a French tenant who seemingly had a unique interpretation of ‘home decor’. The tale of this disaster zone unfolded on her TikTok account, “gigminim”, throwing the online world into a frenzy of disbelief and morbid curiosity. Two days ago, she uploaded a series of 15 photos that showcased an astonishing variety of garbage strewn across the apartment. It wasn’t just the sheer volume but the diversity of items that turned heads. From the furniture to the sofa, dining table, kitchen shelves, and even the bed, no surface was spared. The bathroom and balcony didn’t fare any better, engulfed in a sea of trash that included everything from paper wraps and boxes to plastic bags, drink bottles, food containers,…
In the lush expanse of Pha Taem National Park, nestled within Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province, a tale that reads like a script from a heart-wrenching blockbuster movie unfolded. This story, however, carries the weight of reality—a reality where Wang Nan, a 37-year-old woman from China, found herself in a fight for her life and her unborn child’s future. The day was June 9, 2019, a day that started like any other tourist visit. Wang and her husband, Yu Xiaodong, were drawn to the breathtaking cliff near the Pha Taem Viewpoint, renowned for its ancient rock paintings and the promise of a mesmerizing sunrise. Little did she know, her husband had concocted a nefarious plan that would leave her fighting for survival. As they stood admiring the view, Yu’s actions turned sinister—he pushed his wife off the cliff. Plunging 34 meters (approximately 111 feet), Wang’s fall was mercifully broken by the…
Welcome to a tale of resilience, compassion, and international camaraderie right at the heart of Southeast Asia. At the epicenter of this story is Dr. Sopon Eiamsiritaworn, a distinguished figure whose title of inspector-general at Thailand’s Health Region 2 only just begins to describe his monumental role in a crisis teeming at the borders of Thailand and Myanmar. On a mission initiated by none other than Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the revered permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Sopon finds himself orchestrating a symphony of aid amidst the chaotic crescendo of refugees seeking solace from the relentless turmoil in their homeland. The cause? A surge in violent confrontations that has forced countless individuals to flee, seeking refuge across the Thai border. Under the stewardship of Dr. Sopon, a beacon of hope shines for these souls in distress. Grounded firmly on the principles of humanity, the response engineered by the tireless efforts…
In the vibrant, sun-soaked landscapes of Phuket, a tale as arresting as the island’s sunsets unfolded last Friday. Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Kathu district, a Canadian man found himself the lead character in a drama he likely never expected to star in. At 41 years young, this traveler’s journey took an unexpected turn within the walls of a local hotel on Thaweewong Road, a turn that would see the serene blues of the Andaman Sea replaced by the stark confines of a police station. The plot thickened when Pol Col Chalermchai Hernsawat, the astute chief of the Patong police station, alongside his team of eagle-eyed detectives, embarked on a sting operation that would unravel the Canadian’s unforeseen adventure. The operation was nothing short of cinematic, a masterclass in the art of stealth and precision that would make any Hollywood thriller proud. As the sun dipped below the horizon,…
Welcome to a world where your weekends just got a lot more exciting! Mark your calendars for April 26th, because that’s when the magic begins: toll-free travel over a splendid 51km stretch that promises to revolutionize your journeys to the western wonders of Thailand. Say hello to the Kanchanaburi Motorway, or as it’s officially known, Motorway No. 81 — Bang Yai – Kanchanaburi. This isn’t just any road; it’s your new gateway to adventure, history, and breathtaking landscapes. In a gracious move by the department, they’re rolling out the red carpet for travelers not once, but twice, having previously offered a toll-free pass to this very segment during the bustling New Year and vibrant Songkran Festival. It’s like Christmas came early, but instead of snow, you’re getting sunshine and seamless travel. But wait, there’s more! The department has unveiled that toll-free access isn’t just a fleeting fancy; it’s a weekend…
Imagine a Thailand where every family wields a unique form of cultural prowess – a culinary genius in every home, a filmmaker in every village, a fashion icon in every community. This isn’t a distant fantasy; it’s the vivid future envisioned by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the dynamic chairwoman of the National Committee on Soft Power Development and the spirited leader of the Pheu Thai Party. She’s spearheading the ambitious One Family One Soft Power (Ofos) project, set to transform Thailand into a global powerhouse of creativity and cultural influence. Launching in June, the Ofos initiative is more than just a project; it’s a national movement. With a bold promise to cultivate 20 million jobs, each offering a minimum annual bounty of 200,000 baht, it’s set to catapult the Thai populace from the confines of middle-income constraints to the lofty heights of high-income prosperity. The magic tool? A treasure trove of up-skilling…
In a move that could easily be mistaken for a plot twist in a political thriller, the Defence Council of Thailand has taken a significant step towards shoring up the ramparts of democracy. Under the watchful eye of Jamnong Chaimongkol, the sprightly Defence Vice Minister, a groundbreaking proposal has received the green light, essentially giving the Prime Minister the power to put the brakes on any top officer who might be getting a little too ambitious about rearranging the furniture in the government house. Imagine the scene: It’s April 19, an ordinary day transformed into a historic moment as Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang chairs a Defence Council meeting that would ink its way into the books. The agenda? A proposal that’s all about tightening the leash on potential coup plotters. This isn’t just about updating the wallpaper; it’s a full-on renovation of two pivotal laws – the administrative beats of…
In the high-stakes world of naval armaments and political maneuvering, Thailand’s journey from negotiating a submarine purchase in 2017 to potentially sailing towards a different horizon with offshore patrol vessels or a frigate is a saga that blends intrigue with international diplomacy. It’s a story that delves deep into the murky waters of defense procurement, showcasing the ebbs and flows of government decisions, spirited debates among political titans, and the intricate dance of international relations. The Thai Navy, with an unwavering resolve, had set its sights on augmenting its deep-sea capabilities with a submarine of significant prowess. However, the political landscape, speckled with the vibrant colors of opposition from the Pheu Thai Party, presented a formidable tide against this naval aspiration. The plot thickened when Sutin Klungsang, donning the cap of Defence Minister courtesy of Pheu Thai, decisively announced a pivot from the depths of submarine procurement towards the allure…