The saga of former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra continues to unfold in riveting fashion, captivating both domestic and international observers. In the latest development, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) finds itself at the heart of swirling allegations and denials. The drama unfolds around claims that attempts were made to influence the commission’s handling of an investigation into Thaksin’s rather luxurious stint at the Police General Hospital (PGH) instead of behind the less opulent prison bars. NACC secretary-general, Sarote Phuengramphan, who doubles as the commission’s spokesperson, took center stage to firmly refute allegations of lobbying aimed at reshuffling the commissioner managing the case. The allegations, tempestuous as they are, emerged from a live session on Facebook hosted by outspoken activist and former red shirt leader, Jatuporn Prompan. On December 25, Jatuporn dropped the bombshell assertion that an underhand attempt was in play to persuade Commissioner Ekkawit Watchawanku to step aside, thereby…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Imagine a haven of natural beauty, crowning the heart of Loei, Thailand—a place so enchanting it draws in local tourists like flowers attract bees. Welcome to Phu Kradueng National Park, a beloved sanctuary where breathtaking landscapes meet the challenge of responsible tourism. From October 1 to December 27, visitors have generated over a staggering 4.5 tonnes of waste, according to park chief Adison Hemathanon. But don’t let this daunting figure blemish your imagination of this picturesque refuge, for there’s a proactive initiative in place to preserve its pristine allure. In a bid to keep the trails and verdant vistas as immaculate as ever, starting December 23 when the park reopened, authorities urge adventurers to become custodians of cleanliness—inviting them to whisk away any litter they find along their journey. This eco-conscious campaign has seen success, as hikers have claimed ownership of about 60.5 kilograms of waste. It may seem like…
Walking along the Yellow Line monorail tracks isn’t how we usually envision our daily commute, but for some passengers in Samut Prakan, it became an unexpected adventure. Picture this: just a few months after the Yellow Line monorail was launched in July 2023, a train decided to bid farewell to one of its wheels near Si Thepha station. What a dramatic way to mark the end of 2024 New Year celebrations! But worry not, the wheel landed on a taxi, and surprisingly, everyone walked away without a scratch. Phew! Who needs an action movie when you’ve got the Yellow Line monorail keeping everyone on their toes? Yet again, this raised a few eyebrows about the system’s safety. This wasn’t the first hiccup on Bangkok’s tracks. The Pink Line, a sibling of the Yellow, had its moment in the spotlight when part of its conductor rail decided to call it a…
Amid the bustling hub of Bangkok’s legal proceedings, a figure of political intrigue resurfaces: former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, whose controversial past continues to captivate the public’s attention. She last made headlines on a sultry August day in 2017, standing before the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions, delivering a closing statement on a much-debated rice-pledging case that seemed to weigh heavily on the nation’s conscience. In a surprising twist to this prolonged drama, the possibility arises that Yingluck, now a fugitive from justice, might soon find a way to live outside prison walls, thanks to Thailand’s evolving correctional policies. The Department of Corrections chief, Sahakarn Phetnarin, revealed on a tranquil Sunday morning that an innovative regulation could be introduced as soon as next month, allowing convicts like Yingluck, whose sentences do not exceed four years, the chance for out-of-prison detention. Yingluck’s complex saga includes a…
In the bustling corridors of Government House, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was seen amidst a congregation of notable coalition members last month. The image, captured beautifully by Chanat Katanyu, tells the tale of political harmony—or at least, the facade of it. The Pheu Thai Party, alongside its coalition ally, the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), are fervently endorsing the strength of their alliance, hoping to trivialize any underlying tensions that may be simmering beneath the surface. Bhumjaithai’s charismatic leader and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, insists that the government stands on a bedrock of stability, with no ominous clouds in the horizon. “In recent years, no administration boasted such a commanding presence in the House of Representatives as this one,” Anutin proudly declared. “Our Prime Minister, Paetontarn Shinawatra, has demonstrated stellar leadership and possesses the adeptness to navigate the ship of governance with finesse. The collaboration among the coalition members is not just…
In the aftermath of a catastrophic crash at Muan International Airport, South Korea, firefighters were met with the monumental task of salvaging what they could from the charred wreckage of an aircraft. The ill-fated Jeju Air flight, carrying 181 individuals from Thailand to South Korea, met a fiery demise as it barreled off the runway, collided with a barrier, and erupted in flames. The tragedy left nearly all onboard feared dead, including two Thai nationals whose lives were tragically cut short. The Thai ambassador to South Korea, Tanee Sangrat, confirmed the heartbreaking loss of Jongluk Doungmanee, 45, and Sirithon Chaue, 22. With heavy heart, Ambassador Tanee articulated his grief and extended his deepest condolences, “I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives or were injured in this unfortunate incident,” he expressed, resonating the collective sorrow felt by many. The…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok on August 1, 2017, Yingluck Shinawatra, Thailand’s former prime minister, stood before the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions. Clad in confidence, she delivered her closing statement on the widely scrutinized rice-pledging case—an event etched vividly in Thailand’s political history. Fast forward to the present, the narrative takes an intriguing turn as possibilities unfold for Yingluck, who has been living as a fugitive since her dramatic legal saga began. According to Thailand’s Department of Corrections Director-General, Sahakarn Phetnarin, a new regulation on out-of-prison detention might allow her some respite. Set to activate next month, this novel provision is poised to offer relief to convicts with sentences not exceeding four years. Although Yingluck’s sentence was originally five years, a commutation by one year could potentially make her eligible for out-of-prison detention. The prospect sounds tantalizingly close yet hinges intricately on legal nuances.…
Amid the glitzy celebrations and the anticipations of a fresh New Year, an unfortunate series of events unfolded on the bustling streets of Thailand. As partygoers busied themselves with resolutions and countdowns, rescue workers found themselves engaged in a daunting task of quelling a fire that erupted in a Honda Civic. The vehicle had violently encountered a power pole in Khon Kaen’s Phra Yuen district, yet miraculously, the driver emerged unscathed from the fiery ordeal. (Photo: Chakkrapan Natanri) The mist of exuberance for the holiday week cast a shadow over what was otherwise meant to be a time of joy and reunions. The Transport Ministry recorded a staggering 514 traffic accidents in merely the first two days of this promising new year. Amidst the clamor of horns and revving engines, 77 souls were lost in these tragic occurrences. A beacon of chaos shone brightly, revealing that a glaring offender had…
In the lively and bustling city of Pattaya, a heartbreaking incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning that sent ripples through the community. A tragic altercation led to the untimely death of a 27-year-old Japanese man, who found himself caught in a whirlwind of late-night drama that would sadly turn deadly. As dawn was just beginning to hint at its arrival, this unfortunate story began when the Japanese man, whose only intention was to step into the role of peacemaker, intervened in a heated argument. The commotion centered around a British-Thai man, aged 36, who was embroiled in a fiery dispute with his girlfriend alongside a busy roadside. Our Japanese protagonist, accompanied by a Thai compatriot, decided to take on the task of pacifying the irate suitor, steering him away from what was escalating into a very public scandal. However, as witnessed by bystanders, the situation turned volatile…
Ah, the delicate art of rewriting a constitution! It might sound like a breeze, especially with overwhelming support from the House of Representatives, but let me tell you, it’s anything but easy. The formidable hurdle standing in the way of success? The dreaded referendum. Yes, to authorize a wholesale change to the charter, the people must have their say. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that referendums are as unpredictable as they come. This year, we’ve witnessed some dramatic pushes, primarily by the feisty opposition People’s Party and the ruling Pheu Thai Party, eager to clear the referendum hurdle and dive headfirst into a constitutional redraft. Their rallying cry? The 20th constitution, promulgated back in 2017, is seen as a remnant of dictatorship, conceived and passed under the watchful eye of the National Council for Peace and Order, which swept the Prayut Chan-o-cha administrations into power like a…